Videos That Do Justice To The Songs... And Perhaps Make You Think & Feel
Plus a Figurative Lobotomy, (here and there...)
There is a lot to be said about the crafting of a good music videos as both a source of entertainment and an effective marking tool to promote an artist’s music.
Please note the minor disclaimers, including: these are purely musings of the author (c'est moi), a figurative lobotomy (piece of my mind, lol, get it?) of sorts, and may not necessarily reflect those of the artists listed. I am, after all, a teacher (and student), not just in the school environs… but life in general.
But I digress: whether the videos be humorous, thought-provoking or aesthetically-appealing; music videos have become an art form in their own right. As an English teacher, and educator in general, I think they can be a valuable actual teaching tool, as well as a life-teaching tool, and can provide insight into the greater scheme of things.
So, if you happen to be an ESL teacher, there are a few nuggets embedded herein. I post from time to time on ISL Collective and other sites. Even though I know choosing to be a teacher, operative word 'choosing', I have a clear disdain and feel abhorrence to the proverb, "Those who can, do. Those who can't... teach". I maintain my love for teaching and deem it an important and necessary entity. Sure you can pretty much learn everything you may want to electronically these days, but, you may call me out for being old-school, nothing beats face-to-face learning and teaching.
If you are not a teacher, no worries, I hope you still enjoy this selection – it is meant for everyone and anyone.
The criteria for this list are admittedly very subjective – they’re videos that appeal to my specific tastes in music, which usually reflect an alternative, slightly less-than-commercial proclivity.
The choices listed are varied: I like unusual, sometimes slightly dark themes. At other times, I appreciate more light-hearted themes – we all need a good laugh from time-to-time. However, (Nige, if you're reading this, I'm doing an "Infamous Nigel Pregnant Pause", lol! Love you mate!) I always appreciate the artistry, creativity sheer talent displayed.
Controversial topics are sometimes addressed, which reflect fundamental and universal themes of the human experience: thoughts on sex and sexuality, love, loss, security, childhood, geo-politics, the human psyche and condition, to name but a few. Go research the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, if you wish, or just check out this dinky diagram for a summary re: human needs and wants:
Don’t worry, I only go on a few tangents and try to remain on-point, despite my inner-*squirrel* propensity. Click here if you don’t get or need to be reminded of that particular reference… In case you're wondering: Nope, I'm not a so-called Furry... WTF is this shit?
And if you still didn’t get the reference to *squirrel*, just watch the movie Up, it’s gorgeous; even though it’s animated and primarily aimed at children, I simply loved it.
Plus, I love animals, I sometimes... often... think they're far kinder and nicer than humans... Usually, a lot, OK, always.
This all be part of the Figurative Lobotomy, I'm afraid, you were fore-warned... lol... forgive my sardonic sense of humour from time to time... But this blog ain't called a Soap Box for nothing...
As usual, I digress - ya know - *squirrel*. Videos produced by, for example the so-called King of Pop, Michael Jackson, don't quite fit into my personal music taste. Even though credit is given for their originality, at the time of the 1980's. To me, it is just nah... because...
During the research for this blog, I came across an article which listed the most expensive music videos of all-time. Reading through this was pretty eye-opening and gave me pause for thought. Hence my comments on the Sarah McLaughlin music video below. No, this is not virtue-signalling, merely pointing out stuff and raising awareness.
No surprises, the videos which were the most expensive to produce were all for big name artists like Michael Jackson, Will Smith and the like. Here is the link, and somewhat proves my point on why we should subscribe to listening to more independent artists.
Visual appeal of music videos aside, the actual music mentioned herein is awesome! Included under some of the listings are suggestions and links for further listening. The actual music videos may not be particularly mind-blowing, but the music certainly is.
Amongst the other minor disclaimers: take it or leave it, we are all entitled to our opinions. I will, however, state that this post is intended for an older and more mature audience, recommended for audiences 16+. YouTube has 'kindly' censored several of my choices... "You're such a child, how will you handle this..."? FFS... Like I said: it’s intended for the adults in the room... To quote a YouTuber (whose name escapes me), "If you're a children, piss off", lol!
I’m really not a mean-spirited person, and generally pretty laid back and accepting of all people, regardless of sexuality, race, political-leaning etc. Guess I’m just rather sick and tired of the infantilization and division of people in general, so I am not particularly PC, but I am always honest and try to live as consciously as I can.
The selection is based on merit, on what I subjectively enjoy, and not in order to fulfill a quota... I find this personally patronizing and insulting to everyone of talent. If you're talented and good, why not showcase this? Through one's actions, work through the bullshit... which is what my intention in creating this article is all about: merit – give credit where credit is due!
I may consider tweeting this article to some of the artists listed, perhaps rack up an interview or two, who knows (hint, hint if you are the artist reading this – DM me). Forgive me… always a big picture thinker… Force of habit!
For the full YouTube playlist, click here. Without further ado, here is the selection of music videos I have appreciated and been entertained by over the past few years, accompanied by the occasional inner-musing, in no particular order:
There is something sublime about watching old-fashioned stop animation, with its simplicity and artistry, no bells and whistles or CGI effects.
Humans are used in stop animation, and the result is an interesting story depicted. Here is a peak into the ‘behind the scenes’ video. If I weren’t a teacher, a career choice of music video maker, fireman or journalist would’ve been serious considerations. I don’t know about the latter #1, but here’s my attempt at the latter #2 :)
Granted, this pick is on the slightly more commercial scene. Call me slightly twisty and a-romantic, but the controversial and unexpected ending of this video made me laugh out loud, purely because it was the antithesis of a “happily ever-after ending”. You’ll have to watch to the end of the video to see what I mean… Yeah, slightly dark and twisty…
From the ironic Man Bun, to the Porn-stache of some of the ridiculous characters depicted, you have to give it these guys – it’s an amusing music video.
There are so many other great music videos, a few other honourable mentions include, but certainly not limited to:
- Icarus
Teachers: for ESL materials, you may want to check out my channel on ISL Collective, particularly the one based on Flaws by Bastille, and a video activity based on Edgar The Dragon’s Christmas.
From the iconic and legendary Johnny Cash and cameo appearances by Iggy Pop, Kanye West, Johnny Depp, to name but a few, who pay tribute to this artist three years after his passing.
My inner-nerd dares you to watch the video first before you continue reading and see how many recognizable faces you see… Just out of interest sake. Answers below.
This music video, directed by Tony Kaye, was made in late 2006. It features a number of celebrities, including (in order of appearance): Rick Rubin, Iggy Pop, Kanye West, Chris Martin, Kris Kristofferson, Patti Smith, Terence Howard, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Q-Tip, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Chris Rock, Justin Timberlake, Kate Moss, Sir Peter Blake (Sgt Peppers Artist), Sheryl Crow, Denis Hopper, Woody Harrelson, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Tommy Lee, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, Martie Maguire (Dixie Chicks), Mick Jones, Sharon Stone, Bono, Shelby Lynne, Anthony Kiedis, Travis Barker, Lisa Marie Presley, Kid Rock, Jay Z, Keith Richards, Billy Gibbons, Corinne Bailey Rae, Johnny Depp, Graham Nash, Brian Wilson, Rick Rubin and Owen Wilson. The video finishes with Rick Rubin traveling to a seaside cliff with friend Owen Wilson to throw a bouquet of flowers up in the air.
Special mention also ought to be given to Cash’s cover of the NIN song Hurt. I’ll probably do a separate blog on entitled something along the lines of “Best Covers You May Not Have Heard” at a later stage. Watch this space! Perhaps if enough people buy me a coffee*, I’ll consider pursuing this option soon :)
I love this music video for its artistic appeal, particularly the use of split-screen techniques. There are definitely many other videos that are worthy of mention, which include:
- Just (what did he actually say at the end??! Perhaps a question I can pose to Thom Yorke at some stage…)
Just like Just by Radiohead, sometimes, we all just want to lie down on a busy street some days. I also have a great love for his stripped down acoustic versions, including Mountain Song. This is a song that makes one yearn for simpler times.
Initially banned in the 1990's, for being ‘too disturbing’, presumably because of a slightly scary and gory depiction of a man breaking though a body, it ought to be given merit for its artistry. This one is also good, albeit slightly more commercial, viewing: Take On Me.
In 1997, psychologist Arthur Aron conducted an experiment to see if strangers could fall in love. Strangers were arranged in pairs and asked to work through 36 questions and then stare into each other’s eyes for four minutes. Aron’s experiment worked. Six months later two of his participants were married. This music video is a 2015 recreation of this experiment.
For a transcript of the initial questions the strangers were given, click here. It’s worth a read.
PS. I loved the concept of this so much, I developed an ESL worksheet based on this idea. For a free copy of this worksheet, click here. Should this link not work, you can find details on my blog.
My inner-nerd solutes these guys and their creative music videos. Special mention must absolutely be given to their other music videos, as these are on a par with the above-mentioned one, namely:
- End Love
Should you possess an inner-nerd like me, check out the ‘behind the scenes’ videos of the above-mentioned videos in YouTube. Here is the playlist.
They also present an interesting TED talk on creativity entitled How To Find A Wonderful Idea. Watch here:
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I tend to have like 20 tabs open in my browser at any given time and sometimes forget about the others *squirrel*… and old age… perhaps…
Granted, this can be viewed as a very dark, degenerate music video, but it’s interesting, nonetheless. Another one depicted in this vain: High As A Kite – Someone Who’ll Get It. Sometimes we need to embrace the dark, in order to appreciate the light. A Prozac-induced society doesn’t do anyone well. A well-balanced, thinking, feeling and being society does.
This was just amusing due to all the characters and rather silly storyline. I do appreciate it when artists don’t take themselves too seriously. Click here for a nice summary of some of their other great music videos, which includes the following tracks:
- Breakout
- Walk
A relatively new artist, but quickly becoming a firm favourite. My inner-nerd simply adores this particular music video! Other worthy mentions include:
Be sure to check out the stripped down and acoustic versions of his songs. BTW: he’s very active on Twitter, and seems like a wonderfully down-to-earth guy.
As with Someone To You by Banners, this music video tickles me, due to an affinity with underdogs.
15. Dorothy – Raise Hell
This is clearly my little inner-rebel that thoroughly enjoys raising a little hell from time to time…
A little South African flavour… Yes, we know A Clockwork Orange, despite it being banned in SA for many years… BTW: I am South African, for those who didn't know this :)
The iconic and original Lady Björk. BTW: Do yourself a favour and watch the movie Dancer in the Dark if you haven't yet.
Actors Ed Helms, Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte take on the roles of Markus Mumford et. al. in a hilariously silly music video. Here’s an article on the inner-workings of the director, Jones and how he shot this video.
An ‘oldie’, but a goodie. Who can’t resist seeing iconic actor Christopher Walken showing off his best dance moves in this music video? Also, check out Right Here, Right Now.
An interesting little visual mini story. Be sure to check out I Will Fall For You. Due to a love for theatre, ballet and the arts in general, I’m a sucker for beautifully-choreographed videos, as depicted in the next pick. Other note-worthy mentions include:
- Iron
21. Hozier – Take Me To Church (Sergei Polunin version)
As much as I appreciate the official music video as I think it sends a very strong message, I simply love watching this man perform ballet in all its perfection! Sheer poetry in motion… with abs to-boot! Hey, I don’t condone objectifying people, but give credit where credit is due… Sergei Polunin is a gorgeous and interesting man, no denying it.
This is one of favourite bands of all time. They usually sing about far more serious things than depicted in this music video, but this video is simply amusing for its tongue-in-cheek, yet on-point, stance on politics. Also worth a listen, but not necessarily for the music video:
Inspired by the surreal artwork of Tim Cantor, this is a visual feast. Such incredible talent. Other music videos that have been appreciated by this band are: Demons, On Top Of The World (note the Stanley Kubrick Easter eggs…) and Radioactive (which, yet again, reflects my penchant for supporting the underdog).
One of those music videos that perfectly reflects the noir mood and tone of the song. London Grammar also do some great covers which are worth looking into. I'll publish a Soap Box on some great covers soon.
25. John Grant – Glacier
Thank gawd we’ve come along a very far way in the past few decades. Even though, as an aside, I am not a full supporter of SJW madness that has engulfed many aspects of our society (this is an entirely different Soap Box blog which I won’t delve into today). Having said this, I do think that most people have good intentions, albeit a wee misguided. I am, however, an avid supporter of all consenting adults who wish to love whom they want to. GMF is also a great track, if you’re not offended by a few swear words.
Unfortunately, this could not be added to the YouTube playlist, so here’s the link to Vimeo instead. I’m sure he has his own reasons for not being on the YT, as I’m also starting to wean myself off using Silicon Valley-controlled companies lately. Another Soap Box for a different day, methinks. Believe me, I have plenty of Soap Boxes, but, as promised, I would not go off on a tangent. *squirrel* needs to be kept in check...
27. Bear’s Den – Crow
Yes, your author can be a bit of a sap sometimes… mainly due to a mix of life experiences and human empathy. This one purely touched me because of my step-daughter, M, who I helped co-parent and raise since she was 2.5 years old. But after getting addicted to certain substances, she rejected me wholly, to my disappointment, grief, and general sadness… but that’s my cross to bear, figuratively… Such is life, we do what we can in life.
There are many other noteworthy songs can be listed for this band, including:
- Agape
- Elysium
Might be a pretty boring music video, and not particularly spectacular. Sometimes my love for the song overrides my love for the music video! I’m sure there’s a deeper story and more profound themes depicted in this video, but aside from the obvious ones (fatherly love, parental abandonment, perhaps?), I am yet to discover the exact stories and themes… Or maybe I should just take this at face value... Tracks worthy of a mention that are great to listen to, but have rather boring videos, include:
- You Sigh & Answers (live and unplugged)
29. VNV Nation – Illusion
A video with interesting CGI effects and has a strong message about physical appearance and the commodification of beauty.
Another music video from a fellow South African. It’s not that I’m particularly patriotic, I consider myself pretty neutral regarding this, considering I’ve been living abroad for the past 5+ years. I just enjoyed the music video, with a tinge of nostalgia for my country of birth.
31. LP – Other People
One of the more unique voices of the past ten years, and loaded full of talent is Laura Pergolizzi (who goes by the moniker LP). Other great tracks include:
- Lost On You (live version)
- Recovery
Her vibrato and vocal range are stunning, and I particularly found the evolution of her voice over the past few years interesting. A video analysis on her voice:
Here’s the biggie: this video is thought-provoking, as the irony does not escape me how much I enjoy and appreciate music videos, but she shows how money could be better spent, perhaps… Even if it may appear to be virtue-signaling, it still offers pause for thought, and thus worthy of a mention.
(Wee) Soap Box Aside: this not obfuscate my views, quite to the contrary: I think visual literacy is of vital importance, particularly in the days when there are many other vested interests involved. Popular music videos, such as WAP or Anaconda, or any Lady Gaga crap, come to mind. Yes, I have deliberately not included links to these because they are overrated, puffed-up hype and not worthy of giving too much airtime and lip-service to.
Please note: this is by no means virtue-signaling or an attempt to lecture. To think, discuss, create awareness… yes… An über (not the driver-company, the actual word…) understanding of visual literacy is of importance, from the past, present and future… Plus the understanding of language and the power of language. All of these as both a literal and philosophical human experience.
33. Muse – The Handler
Once considered a tinfoil hat, batshit crazy conspiracy theory, subsequent FOIA requests have revealed incontrovertible proof of the MK Ultra programme’s existence in the US, Canada and several other countries.
For an analysis on this video, see ODD TV’s take on this interesting nugget of a music video:
This pair, Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser, are incredibly talented cellists. They are classically-trained, but bring the cello to new, interesting heights, by covering contemporary rock and pop songs and movie soundtracks. Their live concerts are also most definitely worth listening to; they have an incredible stage presence.
Also worthy of mention, here are a few more:
- Thunderstruck (ACDC cover)
- Wake Me Up (Avicci cover)
- May It Be (Enya cover)
An unmistakably catchy tune, with beautiful, vibrant visuals (how do they manage to get such bright colours?), even if a tad more commercial, I give credit to them.
Teachers (and possible students): for a copy of the ESL worksheet, which addresses future forms (Future Simple vs. Future Continuous) follow this link to ISL Collective. Side - to my fellow teachers - who might be reading this: should you want more comprehensive activities and suggestions on teaching the future forms, more info is available in this blog post.
Without a doubt, another very strong message portrayed in this video regarding human-trafficking, particularly child-trafficking – a societal problem, that I feel very strongly about, as both a human and an educator. Barring mosquitoes (who serve very little purpose in the greater scheme of things, prove me wrong…), I hate seeing animals, humans, even plants; generally those unable to defend themselves, hurt by others, particularly by those in a position of power…
Note: Whereas I certainly don’t advocate violence, it is certainly an understandable reaction, yet not, necessarily, condoned, as depicted in this particular music video, and across the world in RL – an unspeakable reality to some.
This music video denotes poetic justice, of sorts, and whereas the desperation depicted is understood, perhaps as a last resort; education and creating awareness, is of greater value. Violence frequently begets violence. Please forgive the mini Soap Box…
Thankfully, more awareness has been raised over the past few years. If we can look past the salacious headlines, and get to the source, we may be surprised, horrified, and downright disgusted at what the so-called representatives of a ‘democracy’ are doing on our behalf… Sorry, soapboxing again… Eyes are wide shut in our society a lot of the time, sometimes not even sure which rabbit hole was jumped down… But there are plenty, DM me if you want…
Sublime, a little strange, but an inexplicably beautiful song and music video.
Sometimes, too little credit is given to contemporary composers. Ludovico Einaudi is one of these understated and underrated composers.
Just to keep the flow of this playlist, another favourite contemporary composer and a beautifully-crafted music video. From beautiful slow motion takes, to overhead shots, to the gorgeous contrast of it being shot in black and white, and then at times, in muted colour palette, this purely puts one in a dream state.
My inner-hipster is revealed through this pick, lol. From a photography and videography stance, I really want to know how they position them in the exact same place in each frame, any fellow nerds who could shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated! Similar techniques are used in Matthew Mole’s Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine and the next pick: Barns Courtney – Fire.
41. Barns Courtney – Fire
A great song to walk or drive to!
42. Simply Three – Rain
A beautifully sublime song, less high octane than the previous one.
This video has a slightly David Lynch-esk feel to it and is really beautiful.
Bird has unmistakable talent and his live intimate shows are just as awesome as the studio versions of his songs.
Yeah, you can't help but to love the rhythm of this wonderful song…
46. Roo Panes – Warrior
Not a particularly remarkable video, but it does send a strong message re: human-trafficking. Roo Panes is an artist who possesses a rare combination of extreme good looks – and ladies and gents, I mean... Seriously, he's just beautiful to look at – yet he has awesome talent. Again, I really don’t like to objectify, but wow, he’s very easy on the eyes. Also be sure to check out Lullaby Love.
47. Kodaline – Ready
It always amazes and inspires me how people manage to overcome hardships, and with enough hard work and determination, show greatness. The power of not playing victim!
A flamenco-trained musician who produces these songs which give me all the feels… Be sure to check out his live sessions.
Technically not a music video, but more of a short film, with a very hard-hitting message about our current geo-political and social climate. It may come across as rather dystopian, but has a wonderfully enlightening and hopeful message at the end.
I wanted to end this blog on a more light-hearted note. This music video is just enjoyed for both its catchy sound and interesting visuals… Also check out the video for One Minute More for the same reasons.
In Summary
*Thanks for taking the time to read this, it is much appreciated. For as little as $5, please think about visiting Buy Me A Coffee if you’d like to show your appreciation. I don’t like asking for compensation, but compiling a list like this takes time, consideration and effort to ensure all t's are dotted and i's are crossed, lol, it's seriously a labour of love. It’s always a nice gesture to pay it forward, so even if this doesn't result in much monetarily; liking and sharing this article may incentivize me to continue in this vain.Consider joining my membership for more articles similar to this one.
Universal love, peace and light, Di
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