Final update on top 100 music videos

This is the last addition of music videos that we analysed in class. The several the stood out to me were:

The Verve- "Bitter Sweet Symphony"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3m4e45bTo

This video is an imitation of the Massive Attack video where there is one whole continuous shot all the way through but there is a huge contrast in the style between them. Originally called "Unfinished Sympathy", and shot in LA, the video features the lead vocalist Shara Nelson walking along the sidewalk, unaware of her surroundings which include drunks, gangs and bikers. However the way she sings and walks is done with such emotion to show how much she cares about her surroundings. Whereas The verve gives a more British/ rock twist whereby Ashcroft is lip-syncing as he is striding down a busy London sidewalk; basically walking with purpose, with attitude. He is determined not to break this pace and is oblivious to what is going on around him. This is a perfect example to show where we come from dictates how we act!

Madonna- "Like a Prayer"



This is a very controversial video in which Madonna associates religion with sexual Ecstasy- "cleavage with crucifix" to many people dismay. Despite this however there is a message behind it; to show how children should behave and what is right from wrong. The story line is basically an innocent man (assumed by many to be Jesus) being charged with rape and Madonna being a witness to him being wrongly accused. She then goes to church to seek help and finally finds the answer which sets the man free.

Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody

When this video was released it became hugely popular with its many creative techniques in a sense of it being in the style of a stream-of-consciousness nightmare that has unusual song structure. It is more akin to a classical rhapsody than popular music. Although it is lyrically impossible to understand, it just goes to show the video aspect of things is what made it such a commercial success!

Aha- "Take On Me"



This video begins with a story of a girl leading an ordinary life; shes in a cafe reading a motorcycle magazine which comic drawings of the motorcycle models. However she's thrown into this extra ordinary situation when a man (who is the lead vocalist of the band) from the magazine comes alive and reaches out to the woman to join him in his fantasy world. When the song was originally released it sanked without a trace however when it was re-released with the video it sold millions which just goes to show a video can really add value to the song.