Music videos have an interesting role in today's manic music scene. Sometimes artists use them as artistic statements. 80% of rappers use them as opportunity to stand next to exotic cars with their crew, or to see how many models they can fit into a pool party scene. Many performers like to walk down a street and sing straight into the camera, and some seem to like singing during slow motion parties.
More recently, we have these crazy kids who go out of their way to be interesting and avoid any sort of formula. You've seen examples of this on this very blog, "ONE" (below), "Little Secrets", "The Reeling", "Giving Up the Gun". Maybe they're just trying to get publicity, but it's cool enough that I'm happy to give them my own bit of attention. Here are a few more that have been fit the anti-formula and make for great entertainment. Some are more
Animal Collective - "My Girls"
An appropriately trippy, underwatery video for this contemporary classic.
MGMT - "Flash Delirium"
A brand new song that really gives a good look at the direction MGMT are taking their music in with their new album Congratulations. Look for a review from tableau in the next two issues.
Gorillaz - "Stylo"
Bobby Womack and Mos Def guest feature on the vocals, and Bruce Willis makes an appearance in the video as an emotional father figure. Just kidding, he's a badass in a muscle car here.
Kanye West - "Flashing Lights"
Even if you hate Kanye, it's hard not to respect him for pushing mainstream hip-hop in a fresher, if not more artistic, direction. This video is one of the more interesting departures from your typical rap video format.
Erykah Badu - "Window Seat"
You can watch this one on her official site. Badu gets dressed in reverse in this NSFW video filmed in Dallas, in the same plaza where JFK was shot. Yeah, there's a lot to chew on with this one.