The Automatic - 'Monster' (2006)
directed by Up There Resolution
Some music videos don't necessarily need to have a deep meaning, a stunning location or tell a story, but are still good fun. One such video is 'Monster' by The Automatic.
I first heard this song about 3 years ago when I living in Dublin. The chorus almost immediately got caught in my head, then when I finally saw the video, I thought, now that's different.
It's a doco-style music clip, which actually works incredibly well for this song. The first shot pans from these bare trees to this beaten up van parked next to a lake and establishes the scene quite well. The montage of newspaper clippings detailing the 'unknowns' like Big Foot, UFOs and lake monster sightings, which all moves in sync with the beat of the drums. It does create a good foundation for this video.
Then you see the band rocking out inside the van, with limited light, it is definitely a unique location to film a music video, but works so well with the overall composition of the clip. The point where they all break out of the van dressed like some Monkees rip off, makes me laugh every time. I thinks this is well done, and above all fun.
You just have to appreciate a film clip that gets the Loch Ness Monster and Big Foot dancing, classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr8fRmhUF5A&feature=related
It's good to not only appreciate the million dollar videos, but also the ones that have a bit of heart. I think this clip is a lot of fun and matches the lyrics in the song so well.
Enjoy!
13 April 2009
The Ultimate 'it' Factor
Foo Fighters - 'The Pretender' (2007)
directed by Sam Brown
Foo Fighters have always been known for their inventive and memorable music videos. They are the kind of band that relish in pushing the old boundaries and having fun while doing it.
'The Pretender' is another example of the Foo's ability push it even further and with exacting success. There are a few key points in this film clip which I think are worth discussing further.
Angles
Determining how a music video is shot is just as important as remembering to get a crew to work on it. This clip focuses on fast movement at both high and low angles. Filming a clip like this can express several things: point of view, status and space, which leads me to the next point...
Use of Space
Just like Blind Melon's 'No Rain' clip, 'The Pretender' makes excellent use of the minimal set and the vastness of the location. The first shots of Dave from behind singing and staring into the black nothingness is very powerful, it creates a bit of tension, a bit of unknowing - that in and of itself can keep an audience glued to the screen. It is expertly executed here.
Use of Colour
Black, white and red is a very popular colour combination found pretty much everywhere these days, particularly in fashion. The minimalistic use of the colour in the beginning to the explosive ending is well, nicely done. Throughout the video, the red colour draws you to it, whether subconsciously or not, you know it's got some part to play in the clip other than for just the contrast. With a band like the Foo Fighters I've learned to expect the unexpected and more times than not they manage to provide that. Colour used with some thought, can often be incredibly effective. It is something that can easily be achieved on a minimal budget and have outstanding results.
Build Up
As I mentioned before, the black space that Dave looks into creates a tension that progresses throughout the entirety of the clip. When you see Dave wrapping his hand with the bandage and stepping up to the mic, you know he means business. The fact that you have the opposing colours of the vibrant red and the ominous black, forces once again an unknowing tension that hooks you in. The Foo Fighters performance as a whole is top-notch as they are as a band. The anger in Dave's face, the close-ups of the riot police's batons, helmets and boots really emphaises that a fight is on the way and the Foo are not going to stand down.
Similarly when you see the wide shot of the one riot officer, then out of the shadows comes 20+ more you find yourself moving to the edge of your seat in anticipation of what's going to happen. Brilliant.
I do think that this is one of the music videos that in the past 5 or so years that has been able to tick every box and get it so right. How great would it see more clips like this, by artists that actually have the talent, as a band, to pull it off as well as the Foo? I for one would love it!
directed by Sam Brown
Foo Fighters have always been known for their inventive and memorable music videos. They are the kind of band that relish in pushing the old boundaries and having fun while doing it.
'The Pretender' is another example of the Foo's ability push it even further and with exacting success. There are a few key points in this film clip which I think are worth discussing further.
Angles
Determining how a music video is shot is just as important as remembering to get a crew to work on it. This clip focuses on fast movement at both high and low angles. Filming a clip like this can express several things: point of view, status and space, which leads me to the next point...
Use of Space
Just like Blind Melon's 'No Rain' clip, 'The Pretender' makes excellent use of the minimal set and the vastness of the location. The first shots of Dave from behind singing and staring into the black nothingness is very powerful, it creates a bit of tension, a bit of unknowing - that in and of itself can keep an audience glued to the screen. It is expertly executed here.
Use of Colour
Black, white and red is a very popular colour combination found pretty much everywhere these days, particularly in fashion. The minimalistic use of the colour in the beginning to the explosive ending is well, nicely done. Throughout the video, the red colour draws you to it, whether subconsciously or not, you know it's got some part to play in the clip other than for just the contrast. With a band like the Foo Fighters I've learned to expect the unexpected and more times than not they manage to provide that. Colour used with some thought, can often be incredibly effective. It is something that can easily be achieved on a minimal budget and have outstanding results.
Build Up
As I mentioned before, the black space that Dave looks into creates a tension that progresses throughout the entirety of the clip. When you see Dave wrapping his hand with the bandage and stepping up to the mic, you know he means business. The fact that you have the opposing colours of the vibrant red and the ominous black, forces once again an unknowing tension that hooks you in. The Foo Fighters performance as a whole is top-notch as they are as a band. The anger in Dave's face, the close-ups of the riot police's batons, helmets and boots really emphaises that a fight is on the way and the Foo are not going to stand down.
Similarly when you see the wide shot of the one riot officer, then out of the shadows comes 20+ more you find yourself moving to the edge of your seat in anticipation of what's going to happen. Brilliant.
I do think that this is one of the music videos that in the past 5 or so years that has been able to tick every box and get it so right. How great would it see more clips like this, by artists that actually have the talent, as a band, to pull it off as well as the Foo? I for one would love it!
09 April 2009
Location, Location, Location
INXS - 'Never Tear Us Apart' (1987)
directed by Richard Lowenstein
Sometimes the one thing that makes a music video so lasting and plants such an impression, is where the video is filmed, its location. I cannot think of a better example, than INXS' Never Tear Us Apart, which was set in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic.
A place that has seen many wars, it still carries some of the scars of those battles. Nevertheless beautiful and magical, Prague boasts a certain mystique and vast emotion, that the song itself expresses.
I was lucky enough the make the journey to Prague a few years back and it was truly humbling. To walk on the Charles Bridge and visit the Jewish Cemetery and follow in the footsteps of Michael Hutchence, it was an incredible journey and one that I will never forget.
At the end of the video there is powerful and moving scene where all the boys of INXS branch out and walk separate ways across the Old Town Square. You watch them walk away and disappear into the crowds. It is symbolic of the end and so moving.
INXS' 'Never Tear Us Apart', a great song and a stunning video.
directed by Richard Lowenstein
Sometimes the one thing that makes a music video so lasting and plants such an impression, is where the video is filmed, its location. I cannot think of a better example, than INXS' Never Tear Us Apart, which was set in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic.
A place that has seen many wars, it still carries some of the scars of those battles. Nevertheless beautiful and magical, Prague boasts a certain mystique and vast emotion, that the song itself expresses.
I was lucky enough the make the journey to Prague a few years back and it was truly humbling. To walk on the Charles Bridge and visit the Jewish Cemetery and follow in the footsteps of Michael Hutchence, it was an incredible journey and one that I will never forget.
At the end of the video there is powerful and moving scene where all the boys of INXS branch out and walk separate ways across the Old Town Square. You watch them walk away and disappear into the crowds. It is symbolic of the end and so moving.
INXS' 'Never Tear Us Apart', a great song and a stunning video.
08 April 2009
The 'it' Factor
Guns 'N' Roses - 'Sweet Child O' Mine' (1988)
directed by Nigel Dick
This is a classic.
Guns 'N' Roses were a brilliant band back in the day, and their songs were built on pure genius, however diminished the band later became. If you've ever heard that saying, I'm not sure where it originated, but it's goes 'some people just have it.' And everyone always tries to define what 'it' actually is, but I've found that two words can easily define it, Axel Rose.
Although this video itself is fairly simple in it's construction, simple shots, basic location and set-up, Axel's performance and Slash's riff, are nothing but outstanding. Their on-screen presence easily catapults this video into nearly every 'Top 10' countdown that's around these days.
There is not much more one can say about a song, video and band of such mammoth status as Guns 'N' Roses.
Enjoy!
directed by Nigel Dick
This is a classic.
Guns 'N' Roses were a brilliant band back in the day, and their songs were built on pure genius, however diminished the band later became. If you've ever heard that saying, I'm not sure where it originated, but it's goes 'some people just have it.' And everyone always tries to define what 'it' actually is, but I've found that two words can easily define it, Axel Rose.
Although this video itself is fairly simple in it's construction, simple shots, basic location and set-up, Axel's performance and Slash's riff, are nothing but outstanding. Their on-screen presence easily catapults this video into nearly every 'Top 10' countdown that's around these days.
There is not much more one can say about a song, video and band of such mammoth status as Guns 'N' Roses.
Enjoy!
The Storytelling Music Video
Blind Melon - 'No Rain' (1993)
directed by Samuel Bayer
Blind Melon, though only around for a short time, managed to leave their mark. Everyone knows the lyrics to No Rain and everyone knows the Bee Girl.
But why? This video does several things brilliantly to make it so effective as an iconic music video.
Use of space
The way a shot is set-up is so important to the flow of the music video. The use of space in 'No Rain' is subtle, but effective. Take the scene where the Bee Girl is dancing in front of a torn down, empty industrial landscape. You see Bee Girl in the foreground with wide open space behind. The shot directly after is that of Blind Melon, singing and dancing in an open field. Although in completely different settings, showing different emotions, the use of space helps to maintain the continuity of the video.
directed by Samuel Bayer
Blind Melon, though only around for a short time, managed to leave their mark. Everyone knows the lyrics to No Rain and everyone knows the Bee Girl.
But why? This video does several things brilliantly to make it so effective as an iconic music video.
Use of space
The way a shot is set-up is so important to the flow of the music video. The use of space in 'No Rain' is subtle, but effective. Take the scene where the Bee Girl is dancing in front of a torn down, empty industrial landscape. You see Bee Girl in the foreground with wide open space behind. The shot directly after is that of Blind Melon, singing and dancing in an open field. Although in completely different settings, showing different emotions, the use of space helps to maintain the continuity of the video.
Bee Girl, Blind Melon 'No Rain' 1993
Evokes emotion without being literal
Although I am big fan of the 'literal music video,' I love and appreciate how this video can evoke such emotion and passion without being literal. It tells a powerful story that expresses the emotion of what Shannon is singing about and is beautifully executed.
Use of colour
Notice how the colours yellow, blue and green are used in this video. They are present in the costumes, scenery, backdrops and props. It is unbelievable how effective something as simple as colour can help to thread a video. If we refer back to previous shot comparison, between Bee Girl in the industrial landscape and Blind Melon in the field. It provokes muted colours and a dirty, chaotic feel.The colours are bright and joyful, the guys provoke a natural, earthy feel.
Storytelling
It highlights how by adding one thing into a music video, it remains a constant reminder of the band and the song. It is important to have a simple theme in a music video, however quirky or deep in thought it may be. The Bee Girl acts as a mind trigger. When you think of the Bee Girl you automatically think of Blind Melon. That is exactly what makes it gold!
Enjoy Blind Melon's, 'No Rain' it is music video that has stood the test of time, and rightly so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmVn6b7DdpA&feature=related
Although I am big fan of the 'literal music video,' I love and appreciate how this video can evoke such emotion and passion without being literal. It tells a powerful story that expresses the emotion of what Shannon is singing about and is beautifully executed.
Use of colour
Notice how the colours yellow, blue and green are used in this video. They are present in the costumes, scenery, backdrops and props. It is unbelievable how effective something as simple as colour can help to thread a video. If we refer back to previous shot comparison, between Bee Girl in the industrial landscape and Blind Melon in the field. It provokes muted colours and a dirty, chaotic feel.The colours are bright and joyful, the guys provoke a natural, earthy feel.
Storytelling
It highlights how by adding one thing into a music video, it remains a constant reminder of the band and the song. It is important to have a simple theme in a music video, however quirky or deep in thought it may be. The Bee Girl acts as a mind trigger. When you think of the Bee Girl you automatically think of Blind Melon. That is exactly what makes it gold!
Enjoy Blind Melon's, 'No Rain' it is music video that has stood the test of time, and rightly so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmVn6b7DdpA&feature=related
06 April 2009
The Ultimate Live Performance Video
Pearl Jam - 'Alive' (1991)
directed by Danny Clinch
Pearl Jam are one of the most influential bands to ever grace the stage, and a personal favourite. They seem to value the art of music, the passion, the emotion and not the hype of 'being an artist' which consumes so many today. A perfect example of this is their 1991 anthem 'Alive' off Ten. This video is a standard performance video with one exceptional difference, it is live.
The band recorded the video while actually performing the song, the music on the video is really Eddie Vedder and the boys rocking out, not some synthetic back beat with lip syncing. It is the ultimate live performance video.
directed by Danny Clinch
Pearl Jam are one of the most influential bands to ever grace the stage, and a personal favourite. They seem to value the art of music, the passion, the emotion and not the hype of 'being an artist' which consumes so many today. A perfect example of this is their 1991 anthem 'Alive' off Ten. This video is a standard performance video with one exceptional difference, it is live.
The band recorded the video while actually performing the song, the music on the video is really Eddie Vedder and the boys rocking out, not some synthetic back beat with lip syncing. It is the ultimate live performance video.
A must see for anyone interested in the roots of live performance film clips. Pearl Jam's 'Alive' is a real music video, by a talented band. Not to mention a song, that still sends shivers down my spine.
Hope you enjoy Pearl Jam's 'Alive,' pay close attention to how the video is filmed, the movement, quick cuts, it highlights Pearl Jam's incredible performance even more.
04 April 2009
The 'live performance' video
INXS - 'Everything' (1997)
Produced by Simon Askew
Although this video is a bit of an older one, it is still one of my favourites. I think that it brilliantly executes simplicity in a music video while at the same time provoking the energy and excitement of seeing a band like INXS live.
The band are so natural in this video. A simple, powerful 'live performance' style video, that makes you want to take part in the experience. It highlights the band and the song. Notice the lack of flashy lights and half naked girls shaking their booties in front of the camera. There is no need for smoke and mirrors, it is INXS at their best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oe1JaPwK8Q
You can tell the guys and the fans enjoyed making it and I think that is exactly how a music video should be done.
Produced by Simon Askew
Although this video is a bit of an older one, it is still one of my favourites. I think that it brilliantly executes simplicity in a music video while at the same time provoking the energy and excitement of seeing a band like INXS live.
The band are so natural in this video. A simple, powerful 'live performance' style video, that makes you want to take part in the experience. It highlights the band and the song. Notice the lack of flashy lights and half naked girls shaking their booties in front of the camera. There is no need for smoke and mirrors, it is INXS at their best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oe1JaPwK8Q
You can tell the guys and the fans enjoyed making it and I think that is exactly how a music video should be done.
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