2010 Round-Up

There's a lot of available lists of people's 'best' of 2010 stuff, including music videos. I feel there's a lot of repetition, LOL, but I don't think my list is that different either.

Ones I don't include that I saw on a lot of lists - Vampire Weekend's "Giving Up The Gun" - because it's basically only good because there's so many cameos (and Ezra K is a hottie, call me!). Other than that, it's not all that exciting. But did I like it? Yes. Weird tennis and JakeyG and RZA, these are all good things. (Aside: Tennis, like skiing, makes me think of the 80s. Is it the headbands?)


And LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls - which is a good concept and executed perfectly, however I find the menacing panda thing to be rather terrifying.

And Die Antwoord - Enter the Ninja - which is not a good video, except that it's so terrible. But it was a clear internet sensation and the song may worm its way into your head, whether you like it or not. (And their 'Evil Boy' video is like super creepy, and full of penises. I do not even know what is going on... it's just... odd.)


Nor do I include Kanye's (epic) Runaway and all that... that's not just a video, it's a movie. It should be it's own post, really. My favorite part is when he's at dinner being asked about whether he's realized his girlfriend is a bird. Also, Power is visually striking as well. So yeah he's having a great year, LOL. But they're not exactly the kind of thing you want to just watch and watch. At least not to me. I like how he goes just over-the-top with absolutely everything, but it is different than your average entertaining video. He seems to be going for 'art' with these, not fun/watch-ability? Again, this could and probably should be an entire post and argument of its own.



Anyways, so not really in any order - just the videos I liked the best. Of course this is just the stuff I can remember, and I am certain I am leaving things out, I really need to keep a running list of ones I love during the year (also should do that with books) but never do... A sad failing, but since only like 3 people read this, if that, I am not too concerned =)


Dan Black - Symphonies (ft. Kid Cudi) - Love the song, and love that they throw in words and it's all very cinematic and cutesy, but without trying too hard.





Cee Lo Green - F*ck You -  One of the year's best, no list should skip this.







OK Go - This Too Shall Pass  - Still wow.






Janelle Monáe - Tightrope - Just so good. Great music, dancing, fun, visually striking. All good.





Broken Bells - The Ghost Inside  - Tells its story in a lovely, moving, and atmospheric way.








And I think those were all posted by me during the year in some form. The one I missed which is fantastic and I kept meaning to post about but never did, and should definitely be included, is this gem:


Hot Chip - I Feel Better (directed by Peter Serafinowicz, who is hilarious). Boy bands and aliens(?) and mayhem. Fantastic!





Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Earworm: She & Him

In The Sun - She & Him - It's just so sunny and happy. Though the video is just a touch too sweet, maybe? I still like it. I'm a sucker for dancing and cute clothes. So adorable.

Merry Christmas

(In my Christmas playlist, there is a whole lot of Sufjan Stevens.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!





These next two aren't real videos, but at least you can hear his lovely voice enfold you all Christmas-y...






And of course a Happy Holidays to everyone who celebrates anything else, or nothing! Either way, we can all spend the day eating cookies and missing/resenting our families :)

Sweeter than a Swisher

I generally like videos where people dress up, but I have some issues with this:
1) This is not really rock (duh)
2) This is basically just derivative of RHCP's Dani California  where they progress through the ages (which I adore, I think it's a great video)
3) A cigar (Swisher Sweets) reference?  Really? LOL.
4) I love the earlier looks featured in this video, she looks super fantastic so I guess I shouldn't complain too much.
Verdict: The song is very repetitive and my attention can't be held by all the costume changes. Even though I love the beginning (and the nod to TLC). She is gorgeous but the ego trip is not that exciting.


"Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson"





But it is annoyingly cheery, and I fear that it may get stuck in my head sometime... That would be bad. Because Knock You Down  (ft. Kanye & Ne-Yo) always gets stuck in my head, possibly because I love the line "I used to be commander in chief of my pimp ship flying high."   (Love that line so hard.)





Also, as pretty as she is (she totally is), I feel anyone who sings about how gorgeous they are... that's some ego. Can you imagine how making the video above with Kanye was? LOL. So much ego in one room.  People who think they are hot - there's a fine line between it being attractive (confidence) and being totally annoying and unattractive. Or maybe I take it too seriously?


To quote The Streets -


"But there's just one little thing that really really,
Really really annoying me about you you see,
Yeah yeah like I said you are really fit
But my gosh don't you just know it"

"Fit But You Know It - The Streets"

Happy Hanukkah!

Haven't posted for a while, the end of the year just seems to get so busy so fast. Went on a Thanksgiving mini trip with my cousin, and we did not die in the snow, so that was something to give thanks for! It was fun. Now, though, it's back to work and trying to meet work deadlines by the end of the year and who even knows, LOL, December is always Crazy. Capital C Crazy.

Anyways, this year Hanukkah started on the first which is super-early. So in honor of that, some videos for Hanukkah. This is tricky because there aren't many, other than traditional music and Adam Sandler.

So people, you need to get out there and write some new stuff!! It's a holiday about freedom from oppression, rededication, miracles and light - surely there are some more things to be said! And make some good videos, because we don't have very many.



Miracle - Matisyahu: The song is catchy, but I feel the video is trying a little too hard. However, it does also have a hockey fight, and that's something I can get behind. Muscially, props to Matisyahu for continuing to make songs that are totally fresh, hip, modern - but still deeply spiritual.





Candlelight - The Maccabeats:  This song is based on a version of Taio Cruz's "Dynamite," adapted with some Hanukkah lyrics. Super fun, but I feel the video has a conspicuous lack of girls? Very earnest and happy performance, love that they just went for this, tin-foil shields and all!





Oh Hanukkah - Gods of Fire: Metal version of the traditional Hanukkah song!




Hanukkah Flash Mob: To a Hanukkah version of Hey-Ya




And here is Light em Up - Birthright Israel - from Matisyahu's Hanukkah YouTube Channel,

Hard to be soft, tough to be tender

To set the scene, today has been too long, and it's cold and rainy and the wind is like freakkkky right now... It's just one of those terrible November days, and my lights keep flickering, if my power goes out I will be very sad. Did I mention the insane winds buffeting the house? Despite this, and my tiredness, and despite a rather depressing text message exchange with a friend (remind me to stay single), I am actually feeling rather upbeat.

Current song stuck in my head - "Help I'm Alive" - Metric:



They are just so good.

99 Problems? Try Hugo

OMG so I was out getting drinks with the coworkers (and I am mildly tipsy, wheee) but I heard this cover of the Jay-Z song '99 Problems' and I was instantly smitten!! Best cover I have heard in a lonnnnng time!!!

(The video is kind of just random and pointlessly slasher-vibed(?) though, IMHO. Song/banjo = super!)



See how excited I get when I drink?!

Toast!

If you didn't see it when I RT'd the link, here's the OK Go video that is adorably, fantastically, entirely made of toast and win:


Last Leaf

OK Go | Myspace Music Videos

Yay Conan!

Because Conan triumphantly returned to the air last night - The Denial Twist - The White Stripes (featuring a Conan cameo). It's really cute that they're buddies, and it makes perfect sense for them to be the first musical guests on his new venture. The song is great too.


The white stripes - the denial twist
Uploaded by popefucker. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Good mix day

So this morning on the drive to and from church, the music on 107.7 The End (Seattle) was pretty great.  Because the first thing I heard when I started the car? The Dresden Dolls! "Sing." Which is a fantastic song, and  shows the station has decent taste, LOL. Then they played some Bush, which is just awesomesauce. It was the station's Unplugged show, so it was all nice and acoustic.  The mix on the drive back was also good.
Some days, you just luck out on what is playing. Also good: when the shuffle on your mp3 player is working well and the right songs just flow into each other... soooo satisfying.
I am not usually a big fan of radio stations, but their mix has been impressing me lately - the generous amount of 90's music doesn't hurt, I like to sing along to things. A lot. If I can sing along badly to every song on a car ride, I count it as a personal victory. Today was pretty close. Here is a selection and 1 other song I thought of:


Sing - The Dresden Dolls - Amanda Palmer is certainly never boring! She is always artful, and her projects generally all include striking visuals.






Glycerine - Bush - I know not everyone likes them, but I have always been a fan. Also, in case you wondered, yes, I find Gavin really attractive. Other than that, the video is pretty simple, nothing too exciting or new. The main reason I like the song is that I really enjoy the use of classical strings in rock music - the cello in this song just kills me! Love love love it. I will have to post my epic 'Strings' mix here someday.




Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers - This is my favorite RHCP song, by far, and one of my favorite songs in the universe. From the lonely lyrics to the chorus of ladies breaking in at the end, it's all around a winner. I think the video is kind of a classic, really - walking around, shirtlessness, backgrounds, stars and lights and clouds, running... very dated, but once you've seen him wander around and make arm motions - it sticks with you, LOL.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - New Music - More Music Videos

Somebody Told Me - The Killers -  I haven't heard this song in a while, and that's too bad because it holds up so well. The video, not so much. They take the boring concept of 'stand around and play' in a video to a new height by standing around in front of a background of themselves standing around.





But thankfully, their videos have GREATLY improved, on the whole. For example, that song made me think of this video, which would probably also have been appropriate for Halloween. So much more fun.Their more recent videos have been pretty solidly entertaining, I think, I will have to devote a post to them in the future. In the meantime, content yourself with the fantastic good times and skeletons of - Bones - The Killers:





And that wraps it up for me. I am also making a pathetic half-hearted attempt at NaNoWriMo and I am already several thousand words behind, hahahaha. So sad. Which is why I this evening I am sitting around watching videos and baking cookies and not at all being productive. Yay!

Hackysack THAT

To start your Monday off right (here it is pouring rain, as usual), enjoy this fantastic video from Jack Johnson, featuring the Lonely Island boys. I would say Jack Johnson is not known for very edgy or even all that entertaining music videos, but this one is a positive delight. Bravo! Genius. Bonus points for use of a fork.



Happy Monday everyone! Don't die this week.

Happy Halloween!

I'm actually not a big Halloween person (no costumes here), but I do love candy and seeing other people's outfits. I blame my unfun parents. And the fact that most of my friends don't really do anything for it either, other than drink. Also I am getting old. On the other hand, I really dig Neil Gaiman's idea of All Hallow's Read. That's more my style. Anything with books is a good idea for me.

I would do a themed post, but honestly, I am still fighting a lingering cold and basically tonight I plan on hunkering down with chocolate and beer and watching something nice and tacky like The Vampire Diaries (it's super fun, people, don't judge). Currently I am watching Dexter and hoping that it starts raining to keep kids away. No luck yet!

So I have no energy to look for very many videos. (And yes, I know there is a much wider selection of Halloween music out there than my rather narrow scope, whole genres of more 'scary' stuff. This is just a few things off the top of my head, and none of my posts are meant to be exhaustive descriptive studies. Merely a taste.)


First song that came to my mind - "I'm a Vampire" - Future Bible Heroes - but of course there's no video for it.  Here is a link to the track (YouTube). Digression: The Magnetic Fields and all related acts really need to make music videos, in my opinion. They have the best music, and based on their lyrics, they're clearly very imaginative and well read and theatrical... And I'd just love to be able to post a constant stream of what I imagine would be very weird and delightful videos for my friends.

The 2nd song that came to my mind was "Zombie Me" - No More Kings, but again, I can't find a real video for it, so here's just a link to a performance.

And the third was "Vampire Blues" - Mercury Rev. This is actually a cover of a Neil Young song. I just love his whiney voice (both artists, LOL). Again, no real video - here is a link to the Mercury Rev song version with a nice vampire picture. And here's a link to the Neil Young track.



So after striking out three times, here is one actual Halloween song.

"Do They Know it's Hallowe'en?" - North American Hallowe'en Prevention Initiative" (NAHPI) - this is is a satire and also a charity song, in case you were wondering. See the Wikipedia article here. A wide variety of talented people are involved. So many! Arcade Fire, Beck, the list goes on and on and on. The video is good too, nice and weird.











And I almost forgot, but here's a (Halloween suitable) hilarious random song which my sister played for me once back in the day, which has an equally hilarious and random video - "Move Your Dead Bones" - Dr. Reanimator







I hope everyone who has a life has a safe and happy Halloween! Enjoy yourselves, and stay away from my house (or my black cat will put the evil eye on you). 


Feel free to share your favorite Halloween-y music suggestions in the comments, all 2 people who read this =)

Dreamy & Delicate

I have been so sleepy today! It has been raining by the bucketful for a few days, and quite cold. This morning for some horrible unknown reason I was completely awake at 5am (way too early) and that was sad, although it did ensure I was at work on time. And I have been busy and fairly productive at work, but I still feel kind of blurry. Now, as far as music choice goes, that could mean going for energetic to clear the mental haze, snap one awake, at least try to infuse some vigor - or one can go airy and delicate for the prolonged enjoyment your dazed state. Conducive to reverie.

Today at least, this my vote: enjoy the drear with a little dreamy Kings of Convenience. 

"Toxic Girl" - One of my favorite songs, even though I have never been in love with a toxic girl. Delightful. The video is quiet and not wildly amusing or spectacular (nothing happens), but I think for a song of this mood it is acceptable - introspective, cinematic, a little reserved.





Kings of Convenience - Toxic Girl
Uploaded by francoois. - Arts and animation videos.

"I'd Rather Dance With You" - Even though I'd usually never endorse a song with the lyric 'I haven't read a single book for years', this is another great song, and has a ridiculously cute video to go along with it. (Nothing is cuter than dorky guys dancing. Nothing.)





Kings of Convenience - I’d rather dance with you
Uploaded by NextBuzz. - See the latest featured music videos.

Thank you, Norway! 

We can live like Jack and Sally

Since I have been home sick for several days now with a horrid cold, with absolutely nothing to do and no energy to do anything anyways, I have been watching a lot more TV than I usually do. Being sick means I can't read as much either, so it's been doubly stultifying. So I've been catching up on my usual shows, plus filling the hours with random things such as "Law & Order: UK" (Confession: I'll watch just about anything on BBCA. Originally caught it cause I find the Bamber very pretty thanks to BSG, even though I didn't really love Apollo; but it's a nice mindless background for reading which is important to me, the accents are soothing, and also I'm kinda digging Ben Daniels).

And then I watched a few eps of "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus" which I started watching out of a bit of morbid curiosity - a music show hosted by the guy from Blink? Could be a trainwreck, right? Despite blogging about music, I don't really like shows where people talk about music too much - I can find my own stuff (thank you, Internet) and I have my own taste. But I concede that it can be fun to hear interviews with artists, and watch them perform. Also, Mark Hoppus turns out to be a great host because he can work a "I'm perpetually a 17 y.o. skater punk" thing, borderline annoying, cheery faux enthusiasm, cute crooked mouth, etc. Rather charming.

So this of course is all just a lot of introduction for the fact that as a person of a certain age who grew up in Southern California - Blink 182 will always have a special place in my heart. Their stuff was starting when I was like 14 or 15, and getting big when I was like 16. They're from San Diego (my hometown) and SD had a lot of Blink-182 music buzz and t-shirts going around during those years... even I had one! I remember wearing it and getting a thumbs up from a guy in a parking lot at the grocery store. One of my earliest music-related thrills. (I think I gave it away though, that's kind of sad. I should have saved it for the epic band t-shirt quilt I am planning to make some day when I am old.)

And I had just recently discussed them with my friend Michael the other day when I was visiting because she had seen Tom DeLonge somewhere? Something like that (sorry, Michael, I'm sick and can't remember the story, did he come in to your work?). But yeah, it's a time/place thing - as I am not actually a huge fan, I just happen to be more familiar with them and their work because of when/where they started. This fits in with my "get 'em while they're young" theory of life, as these things just stick with you. I do still like them, and their hits are still in my large shuffle playlists for occasional listening, but I don't usually think of them otherwise.

I don't know how I feel about them recording their new album, it's a hard endeavor - if they sound too much like their old stuff, what's the point of a new 2011 album? But if they sound too different, what's the point of being Blink-182? Ahhh the burden of cranky aging fans expectations... LOL. For example, just think about how much Green Day has changed from Dookie (simple and fabulous) to their most recent efforts (political rock operas). Relax, I am not comparing their musical talent, people, just the possible future paths for maturing punk bands! I would imagine Blink has to go kinda indie, right? Not that my own listening trajectory post-high-school would be the right route for everyone, but it's kind of a natural progression for some (think college radio). And based on the few eps of the show I have seen, and the guests, Hoppus has some decent taste. And based on both older (Adam's Song) and newer work (I Miss You) we know they can still have a hit even when the themes are darker and their chords are slower.


Video selections from the greatest hits:

Dammit - Classic song. Iconic. Has to rank as one of the top songs of the 90s. I have little to no actual music talent other than appreciation, but I got my brother to teach me a little of this on the guitar & bass. Like just about everything else I learned in high school, however, I have now tragically forgotten it. The video is pretty juvenile, but understandably so.






All the Small Things - this video is possibly one of my favorites, because they play it all so perfectly - the outfits, the dancing, the fans. Super funny. A little hard to watch because you have to cringe a little at the 90s and the whole boy band thing we all had to live through, but a pretty legit parody.





What's My Age Again - another good video. Short and to the point, hee. I actually think I didn't like this that much when it came out, cause I thought it was silly. Clearly, I hadn't watched enough music videos at that point to realize that cheap joyous nudity is actually far more entertaining than say, a video where everyone just stands there doing nothing, or the dreaded 'party/club' video. Now I am thankful this exists, LOL.





Josie - The one with Alyssa Milano.




Man Overboard - They dream of little people versions of their videos. Also a very catchy song.





I Miss You - slightly more recent, and you can tell - the music is less frantic, and the video is more polished than the last few, with an attempt at a gothy artsy vibe. Which works, if a little heavy-handedly. But let's face it, the real reason everyone likes this song is that it references The Nightmare Before Christmas. They know their fanbase. (Also I am kind of a sucker for the nail polish and the upright bass, and by how much better they all look dressed up nicely. So cute. Also I would take all the ladies clothing shown in the video.)







Looking at the hits, I have to say I pretty solidly like most of their videos. And, with the exception of the more recent 'I Miss You', they all have a quality of wild cheerfulness, which I really like. Yes, they come off a little douchey, but it's late 90s pop skate punk, that's the whole point! A little youthful insouciance can be endearing. Now several years later, do I think they will be able to carry that over into the future? I don't know, it remains to be seen. But I definitely look forward to seeing the videos; here's hoping they retain some of the exuberance of their earlier works.

And wow, did I just reveal WAY too much about myself by devoting this much wordage to Blink-182.

I'm going to say this like more than two people actually read this - what bands did you see get famous? Who got you young? What bands define your hometown's mood when you were in high school?

He's an X-box, and I'm more Atari

I have been home sick for a few days with a terrible cold. I dragged myself into work for a few hours this morning then gave up and came back home. Luckily, it's a Friday (a lot less people) so hopefully I didn't spread the germs too much, hehe. Yeah, so my head's not in the game. But I have watched a lot of music videos from the couch.

And this one is fabulous anyways, I probably should have posted it the second it came out. A delightfully catchy song, and the video is super entertaining as well. I also liked the trailer version for this that came out earlier that was just the words. Very cool vibe, love the outfits and backup singers, the whole thing is just fab. It has a sense of style and of humor, which is a rare combo. I think everyone can identify with the sentiment = masterpiece.

If you are offended by 'language' you might want to skip this one, also might be mildly NSFW for the same reasons, LOL.

"Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green

Earworm: Home

This is a damn catchy song that I woke up with ringing through my head. Not sure why it chose today to get in there, but I really like the song (who couldn't??) so it is fine. Also, since I am home for a visit with the fam and feel both at home but completely not... it's a mildly amusing choice.


"Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Fiona Apple

I love Fiona Apple. I think she is extremely talented, and I am surprised that she is not more famous. Once, when I was living in Los Angeles, I attended a benefit concert and I actually walked past her and her date in a hallway. It made my night. I think she is beautiful and wistful, and her songs just have that tang of truth and delight/bitterness that make them so often something special.

And let's face it -When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You'll Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You Know That You're Right  -  was both a ballsy choice, to use your own poem, and possibly the greatest album name ever.

"Criminal" happens to be both an amazing song and a memorable music video. I know that there was/is controversy about it - being exploitative and such (also that she is too skinny, etc.) But regardless of the critical reception, it is one of those videos that you can't look away from when you first see, and sticks out even with several viewings. It is not your usual happy sexy party video. Again, more real and tinged with sadness.  It's not surprising, then, how much airplay it got when it first came out. I was watching some stupid countdown show just a few months ago, and they had this listed as one of the "Sexiest" music videos ever. Now, when I view this, yeah she's pretty and scantily clad and all that, but I think the whole "drug-fueled Valtrex-needing revel amongst the 70s decor" thing comes off as rather more depressing, especially coupled with the song. That said, it's still a fantastic video that conveys a lot of emotion, even though it shows some skin.

I think I actually like most of her videos, they have a very cinematic quality - partially because the songs themselves tend to be unhurried, her voice is so outstanding, and I think she has a very arresting face and quality about her, both very real and very otherworldly. So here are a few of my favorites:

Starting with the classic "Criminal" - I still want those sparkly blue socks she wears.


And here is "Paper Bag" - which is less well known, and I think with the gown and the dancing could have come off very silly if someone else had done it - but she is so stately and radiant in it - and that voice...



"Fast As You Can"


From the more recent stuff there is - "O, Sailor" - which is simple and literal, but comes off still serious and theatrical without being silly. 




And of course, "Not About Love" which features Zack Galifianakis (from a few years back so pre-current fame level) - I like that they are apparently buddies, and she in turn appears on one of his joke tracks. I really like this one. It's quirky and funny and his dancing is well juxtaposed with the more somber tone of the lyrics, so it doesn't come off as just a stunt, despite having him and his dancing in it - a fine line to walk.



And lastly, even her covers are good:


"Across The Universe" [The Beatles]


And "I Want You"  [Elvis Costello] - which is one of my favorite songs in the world, so there aren't a lot of changes I would have accepted, much less liked!

Vacation, again. And wedding stuff.

So I was on vacation again - one of my best friends got married, and I was the maid of honor and had to go down to LA and do that. Threw my first bachelorette party (I think it turned out pretty great - it was small but fun!) at the Mission Inn hotel - which since it is historic and amazing, and I am poor and have zero fancy-hotel-staying experience - happens to be the most fab hotel I have ever stayed in. We did tapas and sangria for dinner, then we retired to our suite where I had made some mini-cupcake bites and a slightly more graphic cake for afterwards. We did presents, a game and even a champagne toast, it was really fun and low-key and hilarious to hear people's stories and reminisce about the bride.

Detail: Mission Inn Hotel 

After that, then we did the whole wedding thing - rehearsal dinner (taco truck FTW!), making our own bouquets, bride curling iron drama, etc. The usual =) It was great, and it was also great to have fellow friend Miss Michael be one of the bridesmaids (the friend that got married is the same friend who introduced us, yay!) so it was a ton of fun just to hang out, even when we were stressed. We tend to have a really good have time (I hope she agrees, LOL).

 Understatement of the week: Weddings are a lot of work, and a whirlwind of drama, high emotions, and stress. 

But important, because we typically are involved in the weddings of people we love. Whether or not we like the concept of marriage, or all the elements of the wedding,  or all the people involved, or even despite fears that we will end up alone in a house with 42 cats - we do it for the people we love, because it's important to them. And when we see them happy and satisfied, it's worth it. (Note: I'm not saying those all apply to me, hahah, but we've all sat through some terrible weddings, right? That's my point - we endure a lot for people. This particular one wasn't terrible!)

We made these!

And it was worth it. I am still kind of exhausted by the whole thing though. Especially because my trip back home to the Pacific Northwest was fraught with travel delays and mechanical issues and not getting to have my luggage for a day... too much drama for one week. I am ready for some nice soothing boring routine living! But I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.

So here's a musical taste of my vacation week.

First, I was in San Diego, where I spent a few days with my parents, and got to hang out with my friends from high school, who are hilarious nerds. On Friday night we even watched one of the guys' Tekken movie FANVID. Not kidding. It was rather epic. I wish I had a copy of it to post, it's that terrible and wonderful. But I mainly tried to get in time with my friend A (source of hilarious quotes like "the taller his hair gets, the more of a douchebag he becomes"), who I love and miss a lot. I try to see her as much as possible when I am home. We are very different people and we do not like the same music at all - she once characterized my taste as being for "sad & depressing" or something along those lines. She is more upbeat - hip-hop, rap, pop, dance-able club stuff.  But the one thing we do agree on is that we like Adam Lambert. There are very few men in this world that I think could pull of the top-hat look he rocks in the video below (also: the white pants, the sparkly eye-shadow, the whole I-wannabe-Bowie glamboots look in general), but he is one of them. (And you know the White Town song I posted about earlier? Couldn't you just see a super over-the-top version of that done by this fine fellow?  I could.)

"If I Had You - Adam Lambert" - Yeah, it's basically just him frolicking through a weird folksy goth glitter forest debauch, but what did you expect? I would like him to go even bigger, personally, but if you're going to do a party video (usually I find them dull), at least this is pretty colorful. 

Secondly, during the pre-wedding days, for one of the days the bride had this song stuck in her head for some unknown reason, and then when I took her to lunch on the big day, this song played, and she was very happy about it, it's kind of a good omen when your current earworm plays? IDK. But it was fun that it came on during her last meal as a single lady. (I would say it made her day, but I think getting married a little later did that, hee.) Apologies for the poor video quality. 

"Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes"

Naked Eyes - Always Something There to Remind Me
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It was also kind of fun and nostalgic, because quite honestly, this song makes me think of the mid/late-90s version by The Hippos - which makes me think of high-school, and also the summers I spent with the bride back in the day as teenagers, and also one of her first boyfriends who we hung out with at summer camp. And  while I couldn't find a video of the Hippos cover of that one (which I like better than the Naked Eyes version), I did find the video for their other song that takes me back to those times.

"Wasting My Life - The Hippos" - Ohhhhh the 90s. I happen to love this video, because they aren't really cute, and his fantasy involving a pink furry amoeba lady. COME ON. You have to love that! Genius. I also love that it's filmed at a school - was this filmed at their school? That's kind of the authentic vibe that I get, hehe (a cursory Google didn't answer that, sorry). And  I love the clothes - especially towards the end when everyone is dancing, and there's like the kid in the Black Flag shirt, and then also a girl in unflattering 90s khakis and so on and so forth. 

And finally, to end this on a more sweet note, the bride walked down the aisle to the following (piano-only, played by her talented cousin). While I'm not really a Beyonce fan, I have to say that I do think she is super talented, not to mention exceedingly beautiful.

"Halo - Beyonce"  - which sounds amazingly lovely as just piano, very nice for a wedding:

Awesomesauce

I hope you all try this one out (if you haven't already) - from (the generally brilliant) The Arcade Fire - interactive music video - you're supposed to watch it in Chrome, I believe, and it's processor intensive so they ask you to close your other tabs, etc.

I love it! It is a fantastic use of technology to make it the experience dynamic and also deeply personal and moving. It's not super interactive, and the part you see is not even all that complex - but it's the depth of thought that went into it, the programming/choreography of words/music/windows -  the results are lovely and elegant.

"We Used to Wait - The Arcade Fire"


GO HERE NOW: http://thewildernessdowntown.com/

Earworm: 1997 comes a'callin

For some reason, this song has been stuck in my head. Luckily, I actually like this song, and I remember loving it when I first heard it on the radio back in the day.

I have this theory, descriptively entitled "get 'em young" - I think a lot of things imprint on us quite young - e.g. when did I first see Star Wars (young) and how long did I think Harrison Ford was the hottest thing ever (a long time)... and the same applies for music, of course. I was raised by parents with a classical musical only policy, so I started exploring my own tastes in music later... so while music is important in most teenagers life/self-identity-formation, for me it was doubly or trebly so, because I had a lot to catch up on, and a lot to discover. I started with classic rock, and moved on from there.  So 90s radio rock will always have a special place in my heart. I'm sure lots of other people in my generation who were teenagers in 90s have the same feelings about a lot of songs, even the one-hit wonders like this. Sometime around then the internet was also getting big, and from there I discovered even more amazing music, older, deeper tracks, the wide world of streaming college radio stations and indie music... etc. But the music on the radio then (I listened to a lot of 91X back then, LOL, shoutout, San Diego!) definitely imprinted on my heart. I think a lot of songs we listen to in our early teens stick with us; and carry the emotional weight of those years, whether they are actually good songs or not (consider then, what kids now will carry around with them! Miley? Bieber? *shudder*).

I actually think this song holds up quite well. The video - I think it almost might have to be filed under 'trying too hard' - while I really like the silent movie vibe, the sign posts are a little heavy-handed!  But overall, I do still like it, it's an interesting attempt, and who doesn't love a girl making a good choice in the end?


"Your Woman - White Town" -


White Town - Your Woman
Uploaded by djoik. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.


I realized I don't think I've ever listened to any other song by this guy, so I looked for another video - here is the video for another one "Undressed - White Town" - I like the song, but it's nowhere near as catchy. The video I find similar to the other one - tight focus on very few characters. Very literal interpretation!

Memories/Summers

Of late I have been feeling a little old, since my best friend from summer camp (we met at I think, 15) is getting married in two weeks (I am the maid of honor)... so today I was thinking about what I am supposed to say in the toast/speech which I haven't yet written, and thinking back about the times we spent, and so on and so forth. The really terrible overly-dramatic high school crushes, the first few boyfriends... (and the last few boyfriends, LOL). Anyways.

Thinking of those things led to thinking of other people and places later on. I even remembered, completely off-topic, a really hot picture I saw of a former coworker. I think he was doing cosplay? That or bondage. Ahhhhh, memories. It's funny sometimes when you remember people you haven't seen in years, even those who were only minor characters in your life. How these things come up, I don't know. Yes, this story has nothing really to do with the other memories, just that I've been unusually reminiscent.

This rambling doesn't really pinpoint the weird nostalgic/smushy emotions I have about the whole wedding. I am sincerely happy for her, but wow, getting married. Weren't we just 16 and laying in the middle of a mountain road looking at the stars and talking about "boys"?

So in honor of this, a video I actually really like because it's just cute and fun and appropriate to the sunny song - with, you guessed it, a summer camp theme. Now, the camp at which I met my friend was Bible camp, so while we did have all the same hooking up, we just did it in slightly longer shorts than featured in this video.


"Here in Your Arms" - Hellogoodbye:



Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)
Uploaded by yafs1925. - See the latest featured music videos.



And then a song featuring clips from the movie The Last Summer. A piece about the video had the following amazing comment on it (from Stereogum):

"Comments (1)

1. 
   

   rskva  |   Posted on Mar 5th OG Summercamp’s video reminds me of an awesome ’90s video cliche I miss: earnest dudes with hair in their face being earnest

"
Good work, internet person. A delightful comment.

Here is the video "Ghost Train" - Summer Camp - nice and ethereal poppy song:

Summer Camp - Ghost Train (viral) from Paddy Power on Vimeo.




And finally, one of my favorite songs of all time, and a fitting closing to a post about summer/endings/beginnings - "Summer Song" - Chad & Jeremy (just a recording of a performance):

O Valencia

Story songs can be tough, because you still want the video to be unique, not necessarily just a literal, visual rehash of the story in the song, but you don't want there to be a total mismatch either.

Walking this line would be something like O Valencia - The Decemberists - where the story in the video is not exactly the same, but ends up the same. I adore this song, and while I don't love the video as much, I do think the video does a good job of mixing things up a little but not too much. And I like the use of titles.

FOB

Today I picked 4lbs of blueberries! I got pretty muddy, but it was worth it. Made a giant vat of blueberry syrup, and froze a bunch of berries too. Turned out nicely. This weekend has had more stuff going on than I would like. But so far, so good.


***


Fall Out Boy time. I'm not really a FOB fan, but the songs were played non-stop and the videos got pretty heavy rotation for a while, so they kind of grow on you. They are currently not-together or on hiatus or something something blah blah and I don't know how many people really care (although judging by some of the YouTube comments, there are still some passionate FOB fans). 


For some reason, the video for Sugar, We're Goin Down randomly popped into my head the other day, and so I figured it could be a post. Looking at more of their videos, I have to say I think they actually do quite well overall -  they throw a lot of random stuff in, and there's usually dancing or at least they flail around a lot when they play. I generally enjoy their videos (and I do like most of their silly long titles).

Sugar, We're Goin Down:  I find this video actually quite charming. But every time I see it I can't help but wonder is the kid related to the old man then, or does everyone in this town have random deer parts? And either way it's amusing/creepy. (I don't think it's supposed to imply this, maybe rather just that girls have daddy issues? Or we hate/love others as we/hate love ourselves?)




Dance, Dance:



And the one with the monkey director, also amusing - (but stupid name "Thnks fr th Mmrs, ugghhh)


But then they try to get serious with I'm Like a Lawyer With The Way I'm Always Trying To Get You Off (Me & You): Can't fault them for caring about the issues, but I think it makes a super boring video. Certainly not cheery. Not that everything has to be cheery, things can try to be thought-provoking - but this one just seems heavy-handed and falls flat to me. Trying too hard?

More covers - Eef Barzelay / Clem Snide

This is insanely good. Plus whistling!


Clem Snide covers Journey


I could listen to him sing anything, but besides that, he just imbues his performances with so much soul - it can be a cheese-laden Journey song and coming from his lips it sounds heartfelt, longing, and tender... that takes talent. (Although I contend that a ukulele also lends earnestness and character to any song; e.g."Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead On Her Magical Ukulele" - highly recommended.)

 He is exceptional live as well. If you need any more convincing, here are two other Clem Snide versions -


Here is his version of "Beautiful" - Christina Aguilera: He starts this performance with a story about pee, then proceeds to rock this song.




And here is his version of "I'll Be Your Mirror" - Velvet Underground: this video is just pictures. But you can soak up the song. I love this version, hard. Powerful, sweet, and wistful.

VMA nominations

Here's the list, and I have to say I think it's mostly blah. But this is MTV, and they stick to the common garden variety popular stuff - so it's really not all that interesting. I will bold the ones I like and comment.

BEST COLLABORATION
B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams — “Airplanes”
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga — “Video Phone (Extended Remix)”
Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé — “Telephone”  
3OH!3 featuring Ke$ha — “My First Kiss”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys — “Empire State of Mind”

I like the song "Airplanes" but I think the video is not that exciting. "Empire State of Mind" is more elegant since it's B&W, but I think his "Young Forever" is actually more visually striking, though not nominated. 3OH!3 tries too hard and always comes off as pointless. Beyoncé gets second place, and for me, Gaga is the one telling a whole, crazy, entertaining story.


BEST FEMALE VIDEO

Lady Gaga — “Bad Romance”
Ke$ha — “TiK ToK”
Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg — “California Gurls”
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga — “Video Phone (Extended Remix)”
Taylor Swift — “Fifteen”

Again, Lady Gaga is the winner for me because "Bad Romance" is weirdly riveting and ends in ashes - a lot goes on. TikTok is funny, but nothing exciting she just walks around and there's an ugly man... Snoop Dogg adds some style to Katy Perry but that video is just a hot candyland mess. Fifteen? It's OK, mildly pretty but wholly uninteresting (much like her). Analysis: Bad Romance - just wanting fame? (Or one can go with the wacky internet conspiracy/freemason/occult theory if you desire.) Good times either way.

Bad Romance:

BEST MALE VIDEO -
Eminem — “Not Afraid”
Usher featuring Will.i.am — “OMG”
B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams — “Airplanes”
Drake — “Find Your Love”
Jason Derulo — “In My Head”

I think this might be the least exciting category. They basically just walk around? Drake has a bit of story going, so that's in his favor, but it's kind of slow and the titles/etc make it a little heavy-handed. Usher wins for me because the man can dance... but mainly my feelings are just overwhelmingly meh.


BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams — “Airplanes”
Eminem — “Not Afraid”
Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem — “Forever”
Jay-Z & Swizz Beats — “On to the Next One”
Kid Cudi featuring MGMT & Ratatat — “Pursuit of Happiness”

Again, this should be a much more entertaining category, and it's not. These songs are alright, but the videos don't do anything. On to the Next One tries way too hard to be "arty" or something, and I find it personally extremely annoying. Pursuit of Happiness is actually a really good solid video - not very cheery in the end, but it communicates a message, and I think it's quite smart. Also I just like Kid Cudi - see following video of the "Symphonies" - Dan Black (original version is nominated for SFX scroll to bottom) - this is the Remix ft. Kid Cudi (I love this song and adore the videos both original and the remix):



BEST NEW ARTIST
Ke$ha — “TiK ToK”
Jason Derulo — “In My Head”
Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris — “Baby”
Nicki Minaj featuring Sean Garrett — “Massive Attack"
Broken Bells — “The Ghost Inside”

By. A. Landslide. I won't even address the others. Gorgeous, atmospheric, wistful, nightmarish, Christina Hendricks, space... Presented below for your enjoyment -





BEST POP VIDEO
Lady Gaga — “Bad Romance”
Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dog — “California Gurls”
Ke$ha — “TiK ToK”
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga — “Video Phone (Extended Remix)”
B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars — “Nothing on You”

A nod to B.o.B though, as Nothing on You was stuck in my head last week for several days, and the video is cute.

BEST ROCK VIDEO
30 Seconds To Mars — “Kings and Queens”
Muse — “Uprising”
Paramore — “Ignorance”
Florence + the Machine — “Dog Days Are Over”
MGMT — “Flash Delirium”

No surprise I like the most songs in this block. Here I could go for any of these three -

Here is Flash Delirium - Possibly the most disturbing video I've seen all year. Not for the easily squicked out. Creepy, quirky, I really am not quite sure what is going on... but it's interesting, arresting, and draws you in - what is the story, what is going, what happens, etc. Not the greatest video ever, but certainly not boring.



Here is Uprising: Creepy Teddy Bears. Really. Again, not the most thrilling, but the pitch of the video with chaos and rising bears perfectly matches the rising of the song.




Here is Dog Days Are Over: Crazy, and a lot going on - which is good, and entertaining - but I feel like they just shook out a costume box and a box of body paint and were like "ok it all goes in! go!" But definitely entertaining and memorable. It has spirit, and it has drama, even if it is just a lot of theatrical flailing about.





BEST DANCE MUSIC VIDEO
Lady Gaga — “Bad Romance”
Enrique Iglesias featuring Pitbull — “I Like It”
Cascada — “Evacuate The Dancefloor”
David Guetta featuring Akon — “Sexy Chick”
Usher featuring Will.i.am — “OMG”


VIDEO OF THE YEAR -
Either Gaga is fine with me, as she consistently brings the crazy, spectacle, drama!

Lady Gaga — “Bad Romance”
Florence + The Machine — “Dog Days Are Over”
30 Seconds To Mars — “King to Queens”Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé — “Telephone”
Eminem — “Not Afraid”
B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams — “Airplanes”


BEST CHOREOGRAPHY:
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé - Telephone
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)
Usher featuring Will.i.am - OMG
Janelle Monáe featuring Big Boi - Tightrope

Again, landslide. Tightrope is so fresh and exuberant and original, she deserves this even more than Gaga/Beyonce.


BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Eminem - Not Afraid
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance  
Mumford and Sons - Little Lion Man
Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

I do like the lighting in Little Lion Man, it adds a lot. Empire State of Mind and Not Afraid both have that kind of epic sweeping shots of cities thing going on... but I don't know. Take your pick on this one.

BEST DIRECTION
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
Eminem - Not Afraid
P!nk - Funhouse
30 Seconds To Mars - Kings and Queens


BEST EDITING - anything but Rude Boy, as I think that's her worst video to date.
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
Eminem - Not Afraid
Rihanna - Rude Boy
Pink - Funhouse
Miike Snow - Animal


BEST SFX (SPECIAL EFFECTS)
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
Eminem - Not Afraid
MUSE - Uprising
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Dan Black - Symphonies

Again, I adore this video. Very glad it got nominated for something! Very cinematic, love the titles/font thing, loved the vibe. Different and slightly twee, but not painfully so. Love it.


BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO
Dan Black - Symphonies
Gorillaz featuring Bobby Womack & Mos Def - Stylo
The Black Keys - Tighten Up
Coldplay - Strawberry Swing

I actually like all the videos in this section, so I would be happy with most - although I think Coldplay is far too old and established to be having any "breakthroughs"...? 


The selection/scope of MTV is limited, and that's reflected in the nominations - most of these videos are just people dancing, partying, standing around, etc. Which is sad, as it's an award for the VIDEO - not the song, not the popularity of the song (which it ends up as?) - but there you have it. I do agree with the frequent nomination of Lady Gaga at least partially, because love her or hate her, she makes great videos - lots of skin and dancing, but lots of style and mood to go along with it, always theatrical and over the top. I think the motto "Go Big or Go Home" is one to live by, LOL, and she really goes big.

However, I think there were probably A LOT more videos made that were more innovative, creative, and more exciting than these same like 5 popular ones. Disappointing, but not surprising.