BY MIKEY MIGO
Whether you consider this a new decade or next year or if you're just tired of the argument all together, the past ten years haven't been all that bad. The classic rock of the 60's and 70's is past us, grunge is over, and all we've really had were emos and douchebags. Really, that's how it seems unless you put a little thought into it. There has been plenty of great videos from a lot of great performers. The art of the music video is on a youtube life support, but it's still hanging in there. Here are nine videos that stand out to me from this recent era.
9.
Song: "I Cut Like a Buffalo"
Band: The Dead Weather
Director: Jack White
This one is really new, but it's also really bad ass. Jack White will be on the list again and could easily have a list of Top 10 Jack White Videos, but that'll be saved for a future column. This one is special because he directs it. If you're a fan of the use of color then this is for you. It's almost like if James Bond took some really good acid. It's surreal, well done, and gives a modern twist on "trippy". Time will tell if this will be a classic or not, but as of now it's high on my list.
8.
Song: "The Pretender"
Band: Foo Fighters
Director: Sam Brown
I'm normally one to rag on "band rocks out in a empty space" videos, but this one tricks you. There are pretty much standing in what looks like an airplane hanger, but then out of nowhere a swat team looking group come in and lineup. The tension then builds as this riot squad runs at the band. Then boom! The wall behind the band explodes and takes out the military mob. This one could be argued with. The Foos had TONS of great videos in the past ten years. It's really hard to pick. I went with this because it's one of my favorite tracks by the band the video maintains their creative side, but has a more mature style to it. They've set the bar pretty high for themselves by owning rock music right now. This could very well be their peak. I hope even better is to come, but if this was the peak of the band then that's very respectable.
7.
Song: "99 Problems"
Band: Jay-Z
Director: Mark Romanek
Jay-Z was just about a household name when this single hit. When "99 Problems" was released it made its way around. I remember hearing it on just about every radio station out there, including most rock channels. The video is a beautifully shot black and white portrait of Jay-Z's New York. It's hova and Rick Rubin just going around and doing their thing. Romanek's style completes the package of one of the most popular tracks of the decade.
6.
Song: "Scar Tissue"
Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Director: Stephane Sednaoui
I've never fully been on board with the Peppers, but probably more of a "casual fan". I'd even go as far as saying that I like Flea the actor more than the band. This song is my favorite of their entire discography. I enjoy their radio hits and most of what I hear of theirs, but it's never been something I'd wait in line for. After seeing this video I did go out and buy a copy of Californication. The video is simple, but looks remarkable and is so well done that I have to stop and watch it whenever it crosses my eyes.
5.
Song: "Knights of Cydonia"
Band: Muse
Director: Joseph Kahn
This album was one of the first I got to review for 411mania a few years ago. I remember seeing the video and being amazed by it. It treats a music video as a short film, but does it with as much gusto as any other high energy video that's been released. We don't even get lyrics until 2:06 into the video and things really pick up from there. A futuristic spaghetti western? Yeah, that's going to stick with you for awhile. I love this song, but whenever I hear it I have to literally stop myself from fake galloping. I think the current trend of overly using the word "epic" lessens the impact of me saying it's epic, but there's really no other valid way to describe this.
4.
Song: "Clint Eastwood"
Band: Gorillaz
Director: Jamie Hewlett and Pete Candeland
"Feel Good Inc" was probably a bigger hit than this in the long run, but this is what got this once considered "side project" out there. The music is something that someone can hang out to, dance to, or pretty much just enjoy in many environments. I think that's a main appeal of Gorillaz, but their visual package is what gives the concept its identity. It's an animated band that has somehow been accepted as legitimately cool. This video was that first eye opener and with proper reason. The artwork is anime, but not in the overbearing "Dragon Poke V" or whatever the kids like. It's got a comforting "Scoopy Doo" atmosphere and works perfectly to get your Zombie-like attention.
3.
Song: "Hey Ya!"
Band: Outkast
Director: Bryan Barber
The song was catchy and became a pop culture phenomenon for one good summer stint. I do kind of feel bad that this is really just an Andre 3000 single because as a duo he and Big Boi are most likely the best hip hop group out there right now. With the monster hits they've put out before and since, this really isn't an issue nor should it be. We get eight Andre clones all taking part in a performance on an old school Ed Sullivan type of show. I think what really makes this video is the character work in the performance of Andre. The song "Hey Ya!" itself was popular, but I don't think it would have had half the success without this Bryan Barber directed music video.
2.
Song: "Fell in Love with a Girl"
Band: The White Stripes
Director: Michel Gondry
This video was masterfully done entirely with lego-like building blocks. It's almost too much to take at times. The explosion of motion and color is breathtaking. The time and creativity here is something to be respected. Bands and artists can always capitalize on modern technology, but to actually come up with a concept that could of very well of been done twenty or even thirty years ago is outstanding. Why didn't anyone else come up with this idea? This is what makes Gondry one of the best music video directors of the past decade, but also one helluva filmmaker. Then to top that off, this is the song and video that opened the floodgates of The White Stripes' awesomeness to the masses? You really can't argue with this one.
1.
Song: "Weapon of Choice"
Band: Fatboy Slim
Director: Spike Jonze
This video doesn't feature cool graphics, overly thought out concepts, or even the artist. What we have here is some very well choreographed dance moves by the iconic personality that is Christopher Walken. Walken dances all around a hotel with tons of grace and pimptacular moves. Spike Jonze does awesome here in capturing the subtly of this seemingly normal event in this man's life. Sure he flys in the end, but that cannot be considered CGI when the one flying is Christopher Walken. I do have to get this out of my system though. If there's one thing this video needed it was "more cowbell". There, I said it.
What are some of YOUR favorite videos from 2000-2009?
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