Title: FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEOS 2007 Artist: Various Director: Various Year Released: 2007
[So... better late than never... right?]
During the past few years, there has been a revival of sorts within the music video industry. Of course, much credit is due to our friendly billionaires Chad Hurley and Steve Chen (YouTube co-founders). Though record labels can't quite make up their mind if they love or hate the scene (sister sites included), the "one-click-away" audience continues to be the motivation for directors, artist, and amateurs. As a result, both creativity and artistry have only increased in recent years - a move away the over-the-top promotional scene that we all experienced midst the 80s and 90s.
Keeping in step with our other year-end lists (film , music , books, surprises ) and last year's MV favorites, we have compiled a collection of music videos that we believe fit the "wonder" criteria. Again... "We aren't making a ‘Best of 2007' list in the sense that this is an exhaustive list of all things good - it is simply what we happened to engage with in 2007 that has caused us to think more about what is going on in this world, in our lives and what's behind it all."
The following are separated into two sections: "MVs of Wonder" and "Other Favorites" (fall just outside the wonder realm - but still worth the time). Each video was release in 2007. Don't forget to share your favorite.
Enjoy.
Cat Power - Where is My Love?
Directors: Josh & Xander
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If there was "a" favorite of the year, it would be this one. What is real? How do you/we see the real? Original write-up here.
Although we typically shy away from performance videos, it is used appropriately here. Lyrical and visual juxtaposition drives this piece. Original write-up here...
Created for Fatcat Record's "Disown, delete" single, which features the vocals of Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power) and the amateur videography of Rich Horodner's 30 years of storm (hurricane) chasing. Again... juxtaposition.
"Officially" this is not a music video, but I'm not sure "wonder" bleeds through more than this "mash-up" of sorts. Original write-up here...
UNKLE - Burn My Shadow
Director: Miguel Sapochnik
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The sparse "narrative" year didn't seem to deter UNKLE from stirring things up again. This collaboration features Ian Astbury (from The Cult) on vocals. Anything remind you of another UNKLE video?
Arcade Fire - My Body is a Cage (Unofficial) Editor: J. Tyler Helms
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YouTube saw a surge of "mashups" this year and Arcade Fire seemed to be a favorite.... this one was a a "wonderful" idea. Featured also here...
Familjen - Det Snurrar I Min Skalle
Editor/Director: Johan Söderberg
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Not sure if you've heard the news... Swedes were "in" in 2007. This one undoubtedly competes for "the" favorite video of the year. Mashing THIS music with THIS stock footage is simply brilliant. You can't listen without dancing, can you? Original write-up here...
Dizee Rascal - Sirens
Director: W.I.Z.
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A powerful commentary on urban life - the "hunt" and the "hunter". Big production. If you liked this one, check out this one...
The Bees - Listening Man
Director: Dominic Leung
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Who said wonder must always be deep and abstract? Can't it be cute too? Ladies and Gentlemen... Introducing Mr. Listening Man:
Cornelius - Like a Rolling Stone
Directed by Koichiro Tsujikawa
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Stop animation made a splash in 2006, and here it is again. A commentary on.......?
Clark - Herr Bar
Director: Finbar Mallon
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Ever wondered about the psychological trauma water experiences in evaporation? Finbar Mallon has. This was a finalist for the music video competeition at Radar Festival this year. The winner can be found here.
+++++++OTHER REDNOW FAVORITES+++++++
++++++VIA CATEGORIES++++++
PERFORMANCE
Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothin'
Director: Michael Blieden
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The concept of Kanye's "Version 2" Of Can't Tell me Nothin' is "nothing" but genius. Featuring Zach Galifianakis and Will Oldham (a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy), absurdity is taken on at a whole new level. Another "competitor" for the top video fo the year. Original write-up here...
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible Direoctor: Vincent Morisett
Site: BeOnlineB.com ----------
Technology continues drive the progress of music videos and yes, this is "another" Arcade Fire video (of sorts). What can we say... Canadians know how to innovate. Originally write-up here...
ANIMATION
Mika - Lollipop
Director: Bonzom (Passion Pictures)
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A favorite in the "animation" scene this year. This is like a pleasant liste your first few go arounds, then, well... you'll eventually hate us for it. But, come on? Incredible animation. Well done Passion (who also did the latest Bravia AD ).
Bat for Lashes - What's a Girl to Do?
Director: Dougal Wilson
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Dark. Eerie. Creative. A highly acclaimed video where Donnie Darko meets Rad.(Come on, annyone claiming to have seen Rad?)
RJD2 - Work it Out
Director: Joey Garfield
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A performance art piece featuring Bill Shannon who has "bilateral hip deformity". Unbelievable. Original write-up here...
Michael Jackson (Sort of) - Thriller
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A YouTube phenomenon this year. The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (in the Philippines) performs the classic Thriller music video. Absurd. Bizarre. Brilliant.
Feist - 1, 2, 3, 4
Director: Patrick Daughters
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Of course, the beauty of this video was practically killed by Apple in the new Nano launch. But hey, it's still got it in my opinion. Original write-up here...
Sonny J - Can't Stop Moving
Directors: Good Times
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Tuk - Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through
Director: Kurt d'Haeseleer
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Music videos as "art" is nothing new and many represented above would certainly fall under this category. This said, there are few that create visual art without boundaries. Don't think it's a bad connection when you listen... all part of the experience.
Bob - this page is an absolute gem. The stuff you guys have gathered to share with the rest of us here is sheer joy. Before I knew it 40 minutes went by, as I sat there mesmerized by some of these. Thank you!
We apologize as we are currently experiencing a few technical problems (registration and some sections). The good news is these problems are the pre-cursor to a new site we are working on (both in design and philosophy). In the short term, we hope to fix these problems soon. Thanks for your patience.
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