Battle of the Music Videos

[Spinal]

If you have not been following this thread so far, it began here (http://www.match-cut.org/showthread.php?t=2543) with a nomination process. I have moved the thread to The Kitchen Sink in the hopes that it will appeal to those who do not normally visit the Music Forum.

This thread will pit all of your very favorite music videos against each other in a totally pointless, but hopefully entertaining battle royale.

32 videos have already been entered into a tournament-style bracket because they received the highest number of nominations (3 or more). Eventually there will be 128 videos in this field. The current bracket is in the second post.

Please remember that this process involves a lot of arbitrary decisions. Mostly, I have tried to arrange for compelling potential match-ups and make sure two videos by the same artist don't meet up too early. Ultimately, your votes will be the factor that matters most.

This leaves a large group of videos that received fewer than 3 nominations fighting to get the final 96 slots. To decide which videos get those slots, we are going to have a series of three-way play-in match-ups. I will also be adding various wild card entries in an attempt to cover notable videos that did not get nominated for whatever reason. If you have a wild card suggestion (a video you think was unfairly ignored) you can PM me and I will add it at my discretion.

Before voting, it is strongly recommended that you watch all the nominated videos all the way through. Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

The rest should be self-explanatory. We'll begin soon.

[Spinal]

Thus far, the bracket looks like this:

Martha Quinn Bracket:
#1 Daft Punk – Around the World
#4 Regina Spektor - Us
#3 Radiohead - Just
#2 Jamiriquai – Virtual Insanity

Kurt Loder Bracket:
#1 Bjork – It’s Oh So Quiet
#4 The Prodigy – Smack My Bitch Up
#3 Outkast – Hey Ya
#2 Feist – My Moon My Man

Nina Blackwood Bracket:
#1 Johnny Cash – Hurt
#4 The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
#3 Blur – Coffee and TV
#2 Fiona Apple – Criminal

Kennedy Bracket:
#1 Michael Jackson – Thriller
#4 The Red Hot Chili Peppers - Otherside
#3 Sigur Ros - Glosoli
#2 The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight, Tonight

Mark Goodman Bracket:
#1 Fatboy Slim – Weapon of Choice
#4 Kate Bush – Babooshka
#3 Talking Heads – And She Was
#2 The White Stripes – Fell in Love with a Girl

Alan Hunter Bracket:
#1 A-ha – Take on Me
#4 Jay Z – 99 Problems
#3 The Chemical Brothers – Star Guitar
#2 Feist – 1234

J.J. Jackson Bracket:
#1 Bjork – All is Full of Love
#4 Depeche Mode – Wrong
#3 UNKLE/Thom Yorke – Rabbit in Your Headlights
#2 Kylie Minogue – Come Into My World

Ed Lover Bracket:
#1 Nine Inch Nails – Closer
#4 Weezer – Buddy Holly
#3 Michael Jackson/Janet Jackson - Scream
#2 Radiohead – Karma Police

The following videos will also be added to the field of 128:
The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be
Metallica - One
The Knife - Pass It On
Bjork - Big Time Sensuality
Bat for Lashes - What's a Girl to Do?
Aphex Twin - Come to Daddy
The Cars - You Might Think
Queen - I Want to Break Free
Chris Issak - Wicked Game
DJ Format - We Know Something You Don't
Mr. Oizo - Flat Beat
Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Squirrel Nut Zippers - Ghost of Stephen Foster
Genesis - Land of Confusion
Madonna - Oh Father
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
The Pharcyde - Drop
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
The Cranberries - Zombie
Annie Lennox - No More I Love Yous
Cibo Matto - Sugar Water
Queens of the Stone Age - No One Knows
REM - Everybody Hurts
Lucas - Lucas with the Lid Off
Blind Melon - No Rain
Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart
Violent Femmes - American Music
Los Lobos - Kiko and the Lavender Moon
Bjork - Triumph of a Heart
Vitalic - Poney Pt. 1
TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me
St. Vincent - Marrow
Fatlip - What's Up Fatlip
Passion Pit - The Reeling
Pulp - This is Hardcore
Kashmir - Surfing the Warm Industry
Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
Missy Elliott - Lose Control
Dethklok - Hatred Copter
Falco - Rock Me Amadeus
Sinead O' Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
DJ Format - The Hit Song
Dead Can Dance - The Carnival is Over
Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla
Janet Jackson - Got Till It's Gone
eels - Last Stop: This Town
Weird Al Yankovic - Fat
The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star
Fiona Apple - Across the Universe
Nine Inch Nails - The Perfect Drug
Röyksopp - Remind Me
Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
N.A.S.A. - A Volta
INXS - Need You Tonight/Mediate
Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
David Bowie and Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy
Wolf Parade - Modern World
Herbie Hancock - Rockit
Les Rita Mitsouko - C'est Comme Ça
Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime
DJ Shadow - Six Days
We Are Scientists - Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt
Garbage - Stupid Girl
Grizzly Bear - Knife
Bjork - Hyperballad
Radiohead - Pyramid Song
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
The White Stripes - The Denial Twist
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
The Avalanches - Frontier Psychiatrist
Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer
Van Halen - Hot for Teacher
Run-DMC/Aerosmith - Walk This Way
Devo - Beautiful World
Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet
Bjork - Human Behaviour
Beirut - Nantes
Radiohead - No Surprises
Weezer - Island in the Sun
Madonna - Ray of Light
Suspekt - Amore Infelice
The Chemical Brothers - The Boxer
OK Go - Here It Goes Again
Toni Basil - Mickey
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
Hole - Violet
Malk De Koijn - Fågt Op I Skalle
My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
DJ Format - 3 Feet Deep
Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me
Devo - Whip It
Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored By Destiny

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Big Time Sensuality (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gug6MxOJTIA)

Artist: Björk

Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter, composer, actress and music producer, whose work includes seven solo albums and two film soundtracks. She is best known for her expressive vocals, broad soprano vocal range, and a diverse and eclectic musical style, which incorporates influences from many different genres, including pop, alternative rock, jazz, ambient, electronic, classical, folk and trip hop, as well as her eccentric costumes and music videos. She has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards (including one for acting). For her performance in Dancer in the Dark. She won the Best Actress Award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.

VS.

Breaker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmo7tyrtGW0)

Artist: Low

Low is an American indie rock group from Duluth, Minnesota, formed in 1993. As of 2008, the group is composed of Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals) and Mimi Parker (drums and vocals), both founding members, and Steve Garrington (bass guitar). Their music is commonly described as "slowcore," a rock subgenre characterised by slow tempos and minimalist arrangements. Though Low's members disapprove of the term slowcore, the band is among the earliest to adopt and popularize the style, making them considerable contributors to the slowcore movement. Parker and Sparhawk's striking vocal harmonies represent perhaps the group's most distinctive element; critic Denise Sullivan writes that their shared vocals are "as chilling as anything Gram and Emmylou ever conspired on -- though that's not to say it's country-tinged, just straight from the heart."

VS.

Konichiwa Bitches (http://www.myvideo.de/watch/5513338/Robyn_Konichiwa_Bitches)

Artist: Robyn

Robin Miriam Carlsson, better known by her stage name Robyn is a Grammy Award-nominated Swedish pop singer-songwriter. Robyn was known in the late nineties for her dance-pop hits "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)". Robyn entered Melodifestivalen 1997 as songwriter with the entry "Du gör mig hel igen". She has since started to gain mainstream success worldwide owing to the popularity of her No 1 hit single "With Every Heartbeat" and subsequent album release. In January, 2009 Robyn won a Swedish Grammis award for Best Live Act 2008.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Let Forever Be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmpxsk3dHaA)

Artist: The Chemical Brothers

The Chemical Brothers are the English electronic music duo Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons (occasionally referred to as Chemical Tom and Chemical Ed). Known for their live sets, they are pioneers of the big beat electronic dance genre which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. Chemical Brothers are credited as being one of the few truly arena-sized electronic acts. Their live acts comprise large screens displaying psychedelic images, strobe lights and lasers that project over the crowd. The Brothers have also played at many major festivals, from Glastonbury to the Reading, the HFStival, and Leeds festival.

VS.

The Kill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPIKNbvMuFg)

Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars

30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band features actor Jared Leto as vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter. On November 1, 2007, the band won the MTV Europe Music Award for "Rock Out", one of the two categories they were nominated in. On August 2, 2008, 30 Seconds to Mars won the "Video Star" awards for "A Beautiful Lie" music video at MTV Asia Awards 2008, in Genting, Malaysia. On October 16 2008 they won "Best International Rock Artist" at the Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2008.

VS.

Pon De Floor (http://www.vimeo.com/5942589)

Artist: Major Lazer

Major Lazer is a fictional animated character, who (according to press releases) fought as a Jamaican commando and lost his arm in a secret zombie war in 1984. He fights vampires and various monsters, parties hard, and has a rocket-powered hoverboard. Made up of DJs Diplo and Switch, the two were introduced after working with M.I.A.. The duo's first album, Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do was released on June 16, 2009 on Downtown Records. It was recorded in Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios. Vocalists such as Santigold, Vybz Kartel, Ward 21, Busy Signal, Nina Sky, Amanda Blank, Mr. Vegas, Turbulence, Mapei, T.O.K, Prince Zimboo, Leftside and others contribute guest vocals to the album, as well as additional production from Afrojack and Crookers.

[Ivan Drago]

The Kill

[Winston*]

Robyn for sure.

Konichiwa Bitches, from Beijing to Saigon

Um...

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzgGTTtR0kc)

Artist: Metallica

Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. Founded when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement in a local newspaper, Metallica's line-up has primarily consisted of Ulrich, rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, while going through a number of bassists. Currently, the spot is held by Robert Trujillo. Metallica's early releases included fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship that placed them as one of the "big four" of the thrash metal subgenre alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax during the genre's development into a popular style. The band achieved substantial commercial success with Metallica (1991), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

VS.

Galaxy in the Groove (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTkwNDkyNA==.html)

Artist: Rip Slyme

RIP SLYME is a Japanese hip hop group. It is composed of 4 MCs; Ryo-Z, Ilmari, Pes & Su, and 1 DJ, Fumiya. Their sound derives its influences from old school hip hop and other Hip Hop such as The Pharcyde, De La Soul, Public Enemy, Jurassic 5, the Beastie Boys, DJ Premier, Leaders of the New School. In 2002 they received MTV Video Music Awards Japan for "Best Newcomer" and "Best Hip-hop Group". The same year they released a big-budget album "Tokyo Classic", which became Japan's first million-selling hip-hop album, with a sound compared to James Brown's soul and funk.

VS.

Sic Transit Gloria … Glory Fades (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKDc2lkt_mE)

Artist: Brand New

Brand New is an American alternative rock band from Long Island, New York. Formed in 2000, the band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Jesse Lacey, guitarist Vincent Accardi, bassist Garrett Tierney, drummer Brian Lane, and guitarist/keyboardist Derrick Sherman. In the late 1990s, Jesse Lacey, Garrett Tierney, Brian Lane were all members of the band The Rookie Lot. They eventually split off from the other members of the group, and in 2000 formed Brand New in Merrick, New York. The band signed to Triple Crown Records and in 2001 released their debut studio album, Your Favorite Weapon, a pop punk record. Their fourth album, Daisy, was released in 2009 and became their highest charting album in the US, reaching number six on the Billboard 200.

[Winston*]

Clearly Chemical Brothers.

Got to give Major Lazer some credit for coming up with one of the stupidest things I've ever seen though. 30 Seconds to Mars gets no credit, not for lame Shining pastiche, not for Jared Leto's eyeliner, not for anything ever.

[B-side]

That Major Lazer song is beyond awful, but the video is hilarious.

My vote goes to the Chemical Brothers.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Portable Airport (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT1K7gWvNGE)

Artist: capsule

Capsule is a Japanese electronic music duo consisting of vocalist Toshiko Koshijima and producer Yasutaka Nakata. Capsule formed in November 1997, after Nakata Yasutaka and Koshijima Toshiko met at the TEENS'MUSIC FESTIVAL in the Hokuriku area convention when they were 17 years old. Capsule are frequently referred to as "neo-Shibuya-kei" due to their stylistic similarities, both aesthetically and musically, to acts from the Shibuya-kei movement of the '90's, most notably Pizzicato Five. Their music contains elements of bossa nova, lounge, breakbeat, and most recently electro.

VS.

Boys Don't Cry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCVRtzKLslQ)

Artist: The Cure

The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976 by Robert Smith, Lawrence Tolhurst and Michael Dempsey. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member. The Cure first began releasing music in the late 1970s with their debut album Three Imaginary Boys; this, along with several early singles, placed the band as part of the post-punk and New Wave movements that had sprung up in the wake of the punk rock revolution in the United Kingdom. During the early 1980s, the band's increasingly dark and tormented music helped form the gothic rock genre. By the start of the 1990s, The Cure were one of the most popular alternative rock bands in the world.

VS.

Pass This On (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKhjaGRhIYU)

Artist: The Knife

The Knife are an electro pop duo from Sweden that formed in 1999. They consist of siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer. One of the group's distinguishing characteristics is their unwillingness to cooperate with the media or the mainstream music scene. The group rarely makes public appearances, most of their promotional photos feature the members wearing masks and until recently, they refused to perform live concerts. The Knife won a Grammis award as best pop group of the year 2003, but they boycotted the ceremony by sending two representatives of another artist group dressed as gorillas with the number 50 written on their costumes as a protest against male dominance in the music industry.

[Spinal]

I apologize if I pit any two of your nominations against each other. It's hard to avoid. Nothing personal.

[B-side]

I don't think it gets much worse vocally than the whole of Rip Slyme singing together. Or on their own, really. Just terrible MCs.

My vote goes to Brand New.

[Thirdmango]

I gotta go with Robyn.

I liked the idea of the Low one but it didn't appeal overall.

[Watashi]

Low, I guess.

[Thirdmango]

Though I love Gondry with all my heart I'm going to vote for The Kill.

Wow Major Lazer is bad.

[Winston*]

Rip Slyme

[Watashi]

Metallica

[B-side]

Gotta go with "Portable Airport".

[Spinal]

I find eating challenges unbearable.

Robyn video has a drumming monkey and very amusing lyrics. Very fun stuff.

Bjork video just has too many classic moments for me to vote against it this early. I love that the form of the video matches the title. It is intimate because Bjork delivers everything directly to us and yet it is public. It is sensual. It is big time. The whispering finale is especially humorous. This is just between me and you and the hundreds of people on the street around us.

Bjork

[Stay Puft]

Björk.

Not one of my favorite Björk videos, but still better than the other two. It's cute. Robyn's video is playful but a little too garish for me.

[Watashi]

That Major Lazer video is hysterical. It's like Pee Wee's Playhouse meets House Party.

I have to vote for it.

[Watashi]

I'll be letting Spinal know that I'll probably be voting against every Bjork video in this tournament. I just don't see the appeal. At all.

[Thirdmango]

That Rip Slyme video is one of the greatest things I've ever seen in my life.

[Stay Puft]

Yeah, I have to vote for Major Lazer, too. Goddamn if I didn't laugh out loud from start to finish, good or bad.

Gondry has always been hit or miss for me, and while "Let Forever Be" has a couple clever moments, it is far and away my least favorite of his work nominated in this tournament. I second Winston's reaction to the 30 Second to Mars video.

[Winston*]

Portable Airport

[Thirdmango]

I really liked the overall feel of creepiness and yet not quite that. It was hard to explain but I just liked Pass It On.

[Spinal]

30 Seconds to Mars: Jared's eyeliner is hot. If I were a 16-year old girl (or at least had two beers in me) ... The video doesn't really go anywhere though.

Major Lazer: It's not nice to play practical jokes on the thread host.

Chemical Brothers: Great song matched with near continuous visual surprise.

Chemical Brothers

[Stay Puft]

RIP Slyme.

In memory of Buffaluffasaurus.

[Spinal]

Rip Slyme video is like something you would see on Nick Jr. Oh wait, I did. It was called Oobi.

Brand New video makes me want to use the word "whippersnapper".

One is Metallica's finest hour. Chilling. Provocative. Beautifully shot and masterfully edited.

Metallica

[B-side]

Brand New video makes me want to use the word "whippersnapper".

I don't know what this means.

[Spinal]

I don't know what this means.

It's ok. Others will.

[chrisnu]

Robyn.

[jenniferofthejungle]

Bjork.

[Spinal]

The Cure: One kind of nifty moment. The rest was fairly tedious.

capsule: Liked the look of the animation at the beginning, but I quickly grew disinterested. Didn't leave a lasting impression.

The Knife: Not sure what to make of this, but it has a vaguely Hedwig feel to it that I like. Amused me in spots. Liked the music. Kept my attention throughout.

The Knife

[B-side]

It's ok. Others will.

http://assetbar.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/2-face.jpg

[chrisnu]

Metallica.

Is that door at the beginning of the Brand New video the Axxon N. door?

EDIT: No. But similar.

[chrisnu]

Chemical Brothers.

Although Major Lazer got the biggest WTF!?!?! reaction from me in quite some time.

[chrisnu]

The Knife.

[ledfloyd]

I'll be letting Spinal know that I'll probably be voting against every Bjork video in this tournament. I just don't see the appeal. At all.
like her music or no, many of her videos are great. big time sensuality isn't one of my favorites, but it's better than the other two options.

Bjork

[ledfloyd]

The Knife quite easily. couldn't make it to the end of the other two.

[ledfloyd]

Chemical Brothers

had not seen this before. gondry is a genius.

[Stay Puft]

The Knife.

"Pass This On" is my favorite video from this group, and one of my favorite videos period. It is smart, playful and simply fills me with joy. As far as videos that focus solely on the performers singing and dancing go, it is beyond.

Agree with Spinal about The Cure's video, and I also nominated the capsule video but that's tough for capsule.

[ledfloyd]

Metallica

the brand new video would be better with better music.

[B-side]

the brand new video would be better with better music.

Die.

[B-side]

Actually, I'm changing my vote. I hated the Robyn and Low videos. I was voting for the Robyn video almost solely due to her.

I'm going with Bjork.

[Sven]

I liked the idea of the Low one but it didn't appeal overall.

Maybe it's because an intrepid band of young geniuses beat them to it months earlier. Sour grapes.

The problem I have with the Bjork one is that I'm distracted by the traffic. The truck is going so slow. However, she's dynamite.

The Robyn one kind of blew my mind. I cannot immediately think of a reason to dismiss it.

Answer: Robyn

[Sven]

I love that the form of the video matches the title. It is intimate because Bjork delivers everything directly to us and yet it is public. It is sensual. It is big time. The whispering finale is especially humorous. This is just between me and you and the hundreds of people on the street around us.

This is nice.

[Sven]

I have never in my life seen anything like that Major Lazer thing. I have seen things like Let Forever Be: other Gondry videos. I effing hate specific movie pastiches.

I really dig the way the dancing sequences take place is an empty airwave space in the young woman's mind. Them chicks is delish. However, like Stay Puft, I've really gotta give it up for

Vote: Major Lazer

for being pretty hysterical. Gondry's got stronger alternatives.

[Sven]

Metallica one is alright. Moody and heavy. But it doesn't hold a candle to the kaleidoscope of awesome that was Rip Slyme. Nor to the surprising excellence of Brand New.

Hard one, but Rip Slyme

[Sven]

capsule was very lovely. Pass This On gets my "actual" vote. But because I know it will win, I will support The Cure, because I like the conceptual brilliance behind it. But the Knife thing moved me, as SP says, it is joy-filling. I would have nominated it had I seen it.

[Russ]

Rip Slyme

[Russ]

The Knife

[Russ]

Chemical Brothers

[Russ]

Robyn

[Kurosawa Fan]

Rip Slyme is awful.

Brand New is a cool concept marred by Screamo nonsense.

Metallica. Easily.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Low.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Chemical Brothers

[Kurosawa Fan]

Pass This On. Bizarre in the best possible way.

[B-side]

Nor to the surprising excellence of Brand New.

:)

[Mysterious Dude]

Björk.

[Mysterious Dude]

Chemical Brothers

[Spinal]

I've changed the Robyn link to a version of the video that does not censor the word 'bitches'. I think it's also a little better quality.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

Björk.

[Mara]

I have decided that "Big Time Breaker Bitches" would be a good name for a band.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

I wasn't terribly impressed with it, but it was the best of the lot.

Chemical Brothers.

[Sven]

I wasn't terribly impressed with it, but it was the best of the lot.

Chemical Brothers.

I don't understand this reaction. It is conceptually incredible.

[Mysterious Dude]

Brand New

[Killed_by_Smalls]

Metallica.

[Mysterious Dude]

capsule

[Dead & Messed Up]

I liked none of these, but Robyn annoyed me the least.

[Dead & Messed Up]

The Kill is a reasonable facsimile of The Shining, although it doesn't utilize the original images enough to suit its own purpose - it simply borrows their aesthetic value, which leads to depreciation.

Pon De Floor does not lack enthusiasm, nor is it absent of technical skill, although, for confidence of its sexual messages, the video lags behind the similar (and superior) What What (In the Butt) by the comparatively demure Samwell.

Let Forever Be is amazing.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

I don't understand this reaction. It is conceptually incredible.

I just watched it again. Unimpressed probably isn't the right word to describe my reaction. It's impressive from a technical standpoint, but it doesn't move me in any way beyond technical admiration.

[Ezee E]

Pon De Floor is amusing, but I'm going with the Chemical Brothers. That is a damn good video.

[Ezee E]

Bjork has enough videos in the tourney already, let's add one more.

I don't care for her music, but her videos are consistently great.

[Ezee E]

Metallica. Easily.

[Spinal]

The following Grammy Award winning videos have been added to the Wild Card slots:

Weezer - Pork and Beans
Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down
Missy Elliott - Lose Control
U2 - Vertigo
Eminem - Without Me
Madonna - Ray of Light
Janet Jackson - Got Till It's Gone
The Beatles - Free As a Bird
The Rolling Stones - Love is Strong
Peter Gabriel - Steam
Peter Gabriel - Digging in the Dirt
Paula Abdul - Opposites Attract
Michael Jackson - Leave Me Alone
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
Duran Duran - Girls on Film

The following MTV Videos of the Year have been added:
The Cars - You Might Think
Dire Straits - Money for Nothing
INXS - Need You Tonight/Mediate
Van Halen - Right Now
Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)

The following MTV Breakthrough Videos of the Year have been added:
Art of Noise/Tom Jones - Kiss
Tears for Fears - Sowing the Seeds of Love
Los Lobos - Kiko and the Lavender Moon
Matt and Kim - Lessons Learned

The following MTV award winners for special effects have been added:
Faith No More - Falling to Pieces
Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

The following videos have been added due to their strong reputations:
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
Michael Jackson - Beat It
Joy Division - Atmosphere

There all still more available Wild Card slots.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

The Knife.

[dreamdead]

Actually, all three are really interesting.

Metallica is the only one to buy footage from a film to intercut a thematic meaning with it.

RIP Slyme starts off painful, but the wonder of it by the end is, to use a Svenism, immense.

Brand New achieves a rather haunting echo effect. I like it.

Just not as much as Metallica, who I think have the best union of image and music. So go metal for this one.

[dreamdead]

cheminal brothers. easily.

[dreamdead]

I have no problem with Big Time Sensuality getting in, since it was the first song of hers that I loved, but I'll go with the intrigue that Robyn presents for this round.

[dreamdead]

I'll go with capsule on this one.

[Adam]

Big Time Sensuality

[Lasse]

1: Robyn
2: Björk
3: Low

[Adam]

Pass This On

[Spinal]

I have decided that "Big Time Breaker Bitches" would be a good name for a band.

I picture a group of rough and tumble surf chicks on steroids.

[Adam]

Let Forever Be

[Lasse]

1: Chemical Brothers
2: 30 Seconds To Mars
3: Major Lazer

[Adam]

I don't like any of these, but I'll go with One

[Lasse]

1: Rip Slyme
2: Brand New
3: Metallica

[Lasse]

1: The Knife
2: capsule
3: The Cure

[Lasse]

Heh. I completely misunderstood it. Didn't realise it was going to be made into a series of threads like this, because then I would have only nominated one video from every band I chose. :lol: Oh well, feel free to use none of my nominations, then. :P

[Adam]

The Mark Goodman Group is especially tough, I think, because Babooska is like that white-hot mid-major that comes roaring into the tourney who nobody wants a piece of

[jenniferofthejungle]

Chemical Brothers

I can't believe I made it through the Major Lazer video.

[jenniferofthejungle]

Metallica

[megladon8]

Bjork

[megladon8]

Chemical Brothers

[megladon8]

Metallica

[megladon8]

The Knife

[Spinal]

Added a better quality link for Pon De Floor.

[Thirdmango]

Maybe it's because an intrepid band of young geniuses beat them to it months earlier. Sour grapes.

Exactly, and the fact that we were able to pull it off in the same amount of time and they didn't with even more milk.

[jenniferofthejungle]

The Knife

[EyesWideOpen]

Robyn, easily.

I liked the Low video and the Bjork video while alright is my least favorite Bjork video I've seen.

[EyesWideOpen]

I would like to thank who ever nominated Major Lazer because I now have something new to buy from itunes.

Major Lazer gets my vote followed closely by the Chemical Brothers.

That 30 Seconds to Mars video I honestly have no clue how that made it in this tournament and I like that song.

[EyesWideOpen]

Close one between Brand New and Rip Slyme but I'm gonna go Brand New.

[EyesWideOpen]

I just noticed that Major Lazer video was directed by Eric from Tim and Eric fame.

[EyesWideOpen]

The Knife

[Sven]

I just noticed that Major Lazer video was directed by Eric from Tim and Eric fame.

Check out Parisian Goldfish, if you haven't seen it. It's, ummm... yeah.

[Spaceman Spiff]

No Beastie Boys videos is incredibly strange to me, as they have more than a handful that are conceptually neater and much more stlyish than many of the videos on here. Still, not a bad list. I'm backing Fell In Love With A Girl, Buddy Holly and All Is Full of Love

[Spinal]

No Beastie Boys videos is incredibly strange to me, as they have more than a handful that are conceptually neater and much more stlyish than many of the videos on here. Still, not a bad list. I'm backing Fell In Love With A Girl, Buddy Holly and All Is Full of Love

We've got at least 3 Beastie videos that could end up making it into the final bracket of 128.

[Dukefrukem]

Low, I guess.

this

[Dukefrukem]

CB

[ledfloyd]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6h1NXqwTpo

i just remembered this one.

[Spinal]

Still close. I'm going to leave this one open a little longer.

[Spinal]

This one is not close. Let's end it now.

Let Forever Be 17
Pon De Floor 4
The Kill 2

The Chemical Brothers "Let Forever Be" moves on.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

I Want to Break Free (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMrY8jysdg)

Artist: Queen

Queen are a British rock band. Formed in London in 1970 following the demise of the band Smile, Queen originally consisted of vocalist Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor. The band became popular with audiences via their hit singles, live performances, originality and showmanship, being voted the greatest British band of all time in a national BBC poll. Their 1985 Live Aid performance was voted the best live rock performance of all time in an industry poll. Queen enjoyed success in the UK in the early to mid-1970s with the albums Queen and Queen II, but it was with the release of Sheer Heart Attack in 1974 and A Night at the Opera the following year that the band gained international success.


VS.

It's My Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fntl0mK3fzY)

Artist: Talk Talk

Talk Talk began as a quartet consisting of Mark Hollis (vocals), Simon Brenner (keyboards), Lee Harris (drums) and Paul Webb (bass guitar). They were generally associated with the New Wave movement; more specifically, in their early years, they were often compared with Duran Duran, as both bands not only featured a double-barrelled name and a Roxy Music-inspired musical direction, but also shared the same record label (EMI) and producer (Colin Thurston).

VS.

Money for Nothing (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x12c3u_dire-straits-money-for-nothing_music)

Artist: Dire Straits

Dire Straits were a British rock band, formed by Mark Knopfler (vocals and lead guitar), his younger brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion), active between 1977 and 1995. Although the band was formed in an era when punk rock was at the forefront, Dire Straits played a more conventional style, albeit with a stripped-down sound that appealed to audiences weary of the overproduced stadium rock of the 1970s. In their early days, Mark and David requested that pub owners turn down their sound so that patrons could converse while the band played, an indication of their unassuming demeanor. Despite this oddly self-effacing approach, Dire Straits soon became hugely successful, with their first album going multi-platinum globally.

[Spinal]

One 11
Galaxy in the Groove 6
Sic Transit Gloria ... Glory Fades 3

Metallica - One moves on.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Come to Daddy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5LCk3ka9G8)

Artist: Aphex Twin

Richard David James, aka Aphex Twin, is a British electronic musician described by The Guardian newspaper as "the most inventive and influential figure in contemporary electronic music." The first full-length Aphex Twin album, Selected Ambient Works 85-92, was released in 1992 on R&S Records. It received high praise from critics. John Bush of Allmusic described it as a "watershed of ambient music". Rolling Stone wrote of the album: "Aphex Twin expanded way beyond the ambient music of Brian Eno by fusing lush soundscapes with oceanic beats and bass lines." Pitchfork's review called it, "among the most interesting music ever created with a keyboard and a computer."

VS.

Be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mf6WcjEl5k)

Artist: Supercar

Supercar was a Japanese rock band active from 1995 to 2005, and who made their debut in 1997. Consisting of songwriter and vocalist Kōji Nakamura, guitarist Junji Ishiwatari, bassist Miki Furukawa, and drummer Kōdai Tazawa, Supercar is best known for combining alternative rock with electronic music. Internationally, Supercar is best known for providing much of the soundtrack for the Japanese film Ping Pong, as well as being featured in the anime series Eureka Seven. In 2005, Supercar broke up following a final concert, released under DVD as Last Live. Following the breakup, Furukawa and Nakamura have pursued successful solo careers.

VS.

Leave Me Alone (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x228bs_michael-jackson-leave-me-alone_music)

Artist: Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson was an American musician, dancer, and entertainer. Referred to as the King of Pop, he is the most commercially successful and one of the most influential entertainers of all time. His unique contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a prominent figure in popular culture for over four decades. Alongside his brothers, he made his debut in 1964 as lead singer and youngest member of The Jackson 5, and later began a successful solo career in 1971. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, with Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995) also among the world's best selling albums.

[Spinal]

Pass It On 13
Portable Airport 4
Boys Don't Cry 1

The Knife - Pass It On

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Lightning Crashes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQbAz-cgDR8)

Artist: Live

Live was an American alternative rock/post-grunge band from York, Pennsylvania, comprised of Ed Kowalczyk (lead vocals and guitar), Chad Taylor (lead guitar), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass) and Chad Gracey (drums and percussion). Live climbed from modest modern rock success to the mainstream spotlight worldwide on the strength of their 1994 breakthrough album, Throwing Copper, which has sold eight million copies in the US. Climbing to number one on the 52nd week on the chart, it is the third album to reach the top after spending a year or longer on the chart. On Monday, November 30, 2009, guitarist Chad Taylor announced via his personal blog that what was once only a two-year hiatus is more likely a permanant break-up.


VS.

My Girls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zol2MJf6XNE&feature=fvw)

Artist: Animal Collective

Animal Collective is a band originally from Baltimore, Maryland, currently based in New York City. Animal Collective consists of Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Deakin (Josh Dibb), and Geologist (Brian Weitz). Records released under the name Animal Collective may include contributions from any or all of these members; the lineup is not uniform. The band members met in school and started recording together in various forms of collaboration from a young age. The group also runs the record label Paw Tracks on which they have released their own material as well as that of other artists.

VS.

You Might Think (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yf2WP6K1gQ)

Artist: The Cars

The Cars were an American rock band that emerged from the early New Wave music scene in the late 1970s. The band consisted of singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson. The band originated from Boston, Massachusetts, and were signed to Elektra Records in 1977. The Cars were at the forefront in merging 1970s guitar-oriented rock with the new synth-oriented pop that was then becoming popular and which would flower in the early 1980s.

[Stay Puft]

Queen.

I like all of those songs, but the Queen video is the only one that worked for me. Freddie Mercury flying through the air. Freddie Mercury sliding on a human conveyor system. That spinning crotch shot. So much win.

[Winston*]

Queen

Love Brian May's facial expressions.

[Stay Puft]

Aphex Twin.

Supercar video not far behind (love when he shoots the turtle). Jackson's video isn't one of his better moments, but the part with the Elephant Man's bones is hilarious.

[Thirdmango]

Queen

[Thirdmango]

I hated... HATED that dumb Aphex Twin Video. I get it, you're scary and creepy.

But what was actually scary and creepy and made me forget for a moment that I was watching a music video was Be. I don't like scary stuff for the most part but that was really good.

[Thirdmango]

I really didn't expect this before I watched all three but I'm gonna have to go with The Cars.

[Russ]

Talk Talk

[Russ]

Animal Collective

[Russ]

Aphex Twin

[Mysterious Dude]

Good lord, that was an unpleasant battle.

Leave Me Alone

[Mysterious Dude]

You Might Think

[Ezee E]

Aphex Twin.

[Acapelli]

robyn

[Acapelli]

be

[Acapelli]

I just noticed that Major Lazer video was directed by Eric from Tim and Eric fame.
i was surprised no one noticed this. based on his two major lazer videos, it's kind of obvious he has a fetish for larger black women

disappointed it didn't win, but i didn't expect it to get far anyway

[Acapelli]

watching that low video made me realize i maybe should have nominated matt & kim's yea yeah

[Acapelli]

queen

[Our Aurora]

Michael Jackson

An ad for "Jackson Hole Lodging" popped up while the MJ video was playing. The Internet is hilarious.

[Acapelli]

wasn't really that into any of them, but the cars

[Spinal]

Next vote takes it.

The vote must be for either Bjork or Robyn.

Those who voted for Low are eligible to cast this deciding vote.

[thefourthwall]

Um...now I'm off chocolate cake...

Bjork

[Spinal]

Dire Straits - I thought this was somewhat overrated even when they were playing the hell out of it back in the 80s. I think they must have liked that it referenced MTV directly.

Talk Talk - Animals are fun, but I don't think I understand the video concept with the black squiggles.

Queen - I like boys now!

Queen

[Spinal]

Big Time Sensuality 11
Konichiwa Bitches 10
Breaker 3

Bjork - "Big Time Sensuality"

[Acapelli]

disappointing

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Always (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUDCEzfPxw4)

Artist: Blink 182

Blink-182 is an American punk rock band from Poway, California that predominantly plays pop punk music. The band was formed in 1992 as "Blink" with members Tom DeLonge (vocals, guitar), Mark Hoppus (vocals, bass) and Scott Raynor (drums). In 1998, midway through a U.S. tour, drummer Travis Barker replaced Raynor. DeLonge left the group in early 2005, initiating an indefinite hiatus. DeLonge went on to form Angels & Airwaves, while Hoppus and Barker continued playing music together in +44. On February 8, 2009, Blink-182 announced that they are continuing as a band, with the brief statement posted on their website saying "To put it simply, We're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album."


VS.

What's a Girl To Do? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3rk1sEUipo)

Artist: Bat for Lashes

Natasha Khan, also known by her stage name "Bat for Lashes", is a British alternative rock musician. As a musician she sings and plays the piano, guitar, harpsichord and the autoharp. Khan's debut album Fur and Gold, released on 11 September 2006, peaked at #48 on the UK Album Charts and went on to be nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2007, in the following year Khan also picked up two BRIT nominations for Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Female, leading to growing media attention. Khan’s second album Two Suns, released on the 6 April 2009, reached #5 on the UK Album Charts. The first single released off the second album "Daniel" charted within the top 40. The album Two Suns has also been nominated for the Mercury Prize.

VS.

Atmosphere (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ac0r_joy-division-atmosphere_music)

Artist: Joy Division

Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards),Peter Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion). Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences, to develop a sound and style that pioneered the post-punk movement of the late 1970s. Joy Division's debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 and drew critical acclaim from the British press. Despite the band's growing success, vocalist Ian Curtis was beset with depression and personal difficulties, including a dissolving marriage and his diagnosis with epilepsy. In May 1980, on the eve of the band's first American tour, Curtis committed suicide. Joy Division's posthumously released second album, Closer (1980), and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the band's highest charting releases.

[dreamdead]

The Bat for Lashes video scares the bejeesus out of me. So atmospheric. It definitely gets my vote here.

[Russ]

Have always loved this Bats for Lashes video and it gets my vote too. It's a classic, hope it advances far in the tourney.

[Spinal]

Aphex Twin - Genuinely chilling little horror story. Effective, memorable imagery and building tension.

Supercar - With all due respect to the nominator, I hated this one. Absolutely vile off-putting tone.

Michael - Love the central conceit and there is a lot of visual wit.

Aphex Twin

[Russ]

God, I'm praying for a Montgomery Apache Shuffle.

[thefourthwall]

I should have nominated No Doubt's cover of "It's My Life"--Gwen Stefani killing off all of her bandmates right when the band goes on a 'break' and she goes on to some fairly successful solo work.

I agree with Spinal; I don't understand the Talk Talk video's squiggles, seems like they're arbitrary in an attempt to be artistic.

Dire Straits

[dreamdead]

Queen. So good. Surprised that Derek hasn't made an av from any of those reaction shots (see the Apache av from way back when)...

[dreamdead]

Love "My Girls" but the video doesn't do much to magnify it. I'll go with The Cars.

[dreamdead]

I think the Supercar vid is all the more chilling precisely because it's so disaffected. It has a scarier air to it than the Aphex Twin vid. I'll go with the Asian cult here.

[Ezee E]

The Aphex Twin video and the "All is Full of Love" video make me really wish Cunningham would've gotten the chance to do a full-length horror movie.

[Winston*]

Aphex Twin

[Spinal]

Live - Well-intentioned, earnest. Sentimental.

Animal Collective - Wasn't really into the look. Wasn't really into the song.

The Cars - Has held up a lot better than the Dire Straits video. Effects are humorous and effective. Love the use of Ocasek's creepy hipster persona.

The Cars

[Spinal]

Blink 182 - Interesting concept used to little effect. Ends up just looking messy and ugly.

Bat for Lashes - Pure magic. Great idea. Masterful execution.

Joy Division - Can't get on this vibe. Like an art school funeral.

Bat for Lashes

[ledfloyd]

Bat for Lashes

[ledfloyd]

the cars i guess.

[ledfloyd]

michael jackson.

[Winston*]

Yeah, The Cars. Weak round.

[ledfloyd]

Queen.

[Thirdmango]

Didn't really like any this round. Bat For Lashes had cool bike tricks.

[Watashi]

Queen

[Watashi]

Bat for lashes

[thefourthwall]

Supercar

[chrisnu]

Queen.

[Acapelli]

was surprised how much i liked bats for lashes. not a fan of her music, but this was great

reminds me that i should have nominated fever ray's if i had a heart. must have slipped my mind since i was so disappointed with the record

[thefourthwall]

The Cars

[thefourthwall]

Bat for Lashes

[Mysterious Dude]

Bat for Lashes

[chrisnu]

Aphex Twin.

[chrisnu]

The Cars.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

The Dire Straits video is actually better than I remembered. However, it's no match for Freddy Mercury.

Queen.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

The Aphex Twin video took a song I probably wouldn't have listened to all the way through on its own, and really made it a memorable and effectively frightening package.

Aphex Twin.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

The Cars.

[Killed_by_Smalls]

Keep the streak alive.

Bat for Lashes.

[Winston*]

Bat for Lashes

[Sven]

Dire Straits one is lame. Killer riff, though.
Talk Talk was pretty awesome, though I didn't get the squiggles either. Kristen liked them.
Queen gets my vote because duh.
---------------------------------
If it can be done this way...?

Kristen says: Oh, hello 30 seconds of kangaroo footage. Yes, you can have my vote.

[Sven]

Surprisingly, I'm springing for Lightning Crashes. Not that I love it, really, but it works. The Animal Collective one was okay for a bit, I guess. The Cars I was not as into as everyone here apparently was. Which is also a surprise, because I love them.

Anyway, Live.
--------------------------------

Kristen: The Dire Straits video is bad 80s, the Cars video is good 80s.

[Sven]

Aphex Twin - Genuinely chilling little horror story. Effective, memorable imagery and building tension.

Supercar - With all due respect to the nominator, I hated this one. Absolutely vile off-putting tone.

Michael - Love the central conceit and there is a lot of visual wit.

Aphex Twin

This is pretty much exactly my response, word for word, though I don't find the Aphex Twin video that chilling (I laugh a fair amount at the little people, though the screaming thing gets me). It is rhythmically cut, though. I like the way the action in the video coordinates with the soundtrack.
-------------------------------

Kristen: I have big problems with all of them, but I think maybe the Michael Jackson video edges out ahead, just barely.

[Sven]

Another surprise for myself with a vote for Blink 182. I dug it, but I wish the song was not Blink 182. The Bat for Lashes video I've never really understood. Seems a bit random. The Joy Division one was tacky and dull.
------------------------
Kristen: I love the concept of the Blink 182, I just wish they had done something with it. So, my vote goes to Bat for Lashes.

[chrisnu]

Bat for Lashes.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Always.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Lightning Crashes.

[Ivan Drago]

Queen.

[Adam]

Come to Daddy

[Adam]

My Girls

[Adam]

It's My Life

[Adam]

Always

[Spinal]

Queen 12
Talk Talk 2
Dire Straits 1

Queen - "I Want to Break Free"

[Spinal]

Aphex Twin - 9
Supercar - 4
Michael Jackson - 3

Aphex Twin - Come to Daddy

[Spinal]

The Cars - 10
Animal Collective - 2
Live - 2

The Cars - You Might Think

[Spinal]

Bat for Lashes 12
Blink 182 3
Joy Division 0

Bat for Lashes - What's a Girl to Do?

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

I Wanna Love You Tender (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYllzQPQp78)

Artist: Armi and Danny

Armi Anja Orvokki Aavikko was a Finnish beauty queen and singer. She was best known for her duets with Ilkka Lipsanen, (artist name "Danny"). She was chosen as Miss Finland in 1977. Armi achieved some posthumous fame in 2006 when the 1978 music video "I Wanna Love You Tender" featuring herself and Danny became a notorious Internet phenomenon. She died from pneumonia in 2002, brought on by chronic alcoholism.

VS.

Wicked Game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oaHHrNQVrg)

Artist: Chris Isaak

Chris Isaak is an American rock and roots rock musician and occasional actor.Isaak signed a contract to Warner Bros. Records in 1984 for his first album Silvertone. The tracks "Gone Ridin'" and "Livin' for Your Lover", from this album, were featured in David Lynch's cult classic Blue Velvet. In 2001, Isaak starred in his own television show, The Chris Isaak Show. It aired from March 2001 to March 2004 in the United States on the cable television network Showtime. This adult comedy show featured Chris Isaak and his band playing themselves and the episode plots were based on fictional accounts of the backstage world of Chris Isaak—the rock star next door.

VS.

Only This Moment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST2BGQWeOgY)

Artist: Röyksopp

Röyksopp are a Norwegian electronic music duo from Tromsø, composed of Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge. The group formed officially in 1998 and released their debut album Melody A.M. on Wall of Sound in 2001. The word Röyksopp is a stylized version of the Norwegian word for the puffball mushroom, "røyksopp" or literally, "smoke mushroom". Many Röyksopp tracks have been used in commercials or as background music in television programs and movies. Two of their songs were used in the EA Sports football (soccer) video game franchise FIFA.

[Watashi]

Armi and Danny!

I <3 that video

[Spinal]

Armi and Danny!

I <3 that video

Make sure to watch all three, please.

[Watashi]

Make sure to watch all three, please.
I have.

Don't care for the Isaak video and What Else is There is my favorite Royksopp video.

[Adam]

Only This Moment

[Mara]

This is not a vote.

"I Wanna Love You Tender" is the best thing that happened to me today.

[Acapelli]

hoping this won't turn into best internet meme competition

wicked game

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Flat Beat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv6Ewqx3PMs)

Artist: Mr. Oizo

Mr. Oizo (pronounced Monsieur Wah-zoh) is the pseudonym of French music producer and film producer Quentin Dupieux. Quentin Dupieux is a very successful French Electro house musician. Dupieux's first feature film, Steak, was released in France on June 20, 2007. Mr. Oizo's first EP released on Ed Banger Records is called Transsexual. The EP features a re-working of the 1979 disco track "Do It At The Disco" by Gary's Gang. In 1997, Laurent Garnier of F. Com bought a car from Mr Oizo's father. Garnier then found out about Dupieux's talents and let him direct the music video for his song "Flashback". Later Dupieux was signed by F. Com Records where he released his first EP fittingly titled, "#1".

VS.

Shine on Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExCnVZQGgGI)

Artist: Chris Dane Owens

"Chris Dane Owens is a Los Angeles native who distills many of his city's musical styles into one unique brew. Pop melodies mingle with rock guitars, driving beats, and the occasional gleam of techno-wizardry. With confident songwriting, Chris performs modern rock tracks that are crafted with uncompromising care along with producer and collaborator Damian Valentine who was formerly with the band Bolt Upright, on the Sony 550 label. Powerhouse mixers Chris Garcia (Carlos Santana, Michelle Branch, Dido) and Bryan Golder (Will Smith, Guns N' Roses, Johnny Cash) step up to add their personal touch ... "

(From Chris Dane Owens' official website)

VS.

Trapped in the Closet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV_N7i-95Nk)

Chapters 1 -12 (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=29693745838860 26984&ei=4XAZS5y2FJr8qAPJ35CkDA&q=trapped+in+the+closet&hl=en#)

Artist: R. Kelly

R. Kelly is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, occasional rapper, and record producer. Debuting in 1992 with the group Public Announcement, Kelly went solo in 1993 for a successful solo career starting with the album, 12 Play. Kelly has also produced and performed in many tracks by other R&B and hip-hop artists. In 1994, Kelly produced and wrote the debut album of R&B singer Aaliyah and in 1995, Kelly co-produced and wrote the song "You Are Not Alone" for Michael Jackson. In his personal life, Kelly has had several sex scandals. Reports surfaced that he married the then-teenaged Aaliyah, for whom he was a songwriter. Kelly and Aaliyah annulled their marriage. After a video of a man purported to be him having sex with an underage girl was released, Kelly was indicted on several counts of child pornography in 2002. After several delays, his case went to trial in 2008, with the jury ruling Kelly not guilty on all 14 counts.

[Watashi]

How dare you make me choose between R. Kelly and CDO?

Shine on Me is just a masterpiece of visual expression and random crocodiles.

Plus... uh... I kinda like the song

[Stay Puft]

Röyksopp.

Probably my favorite Röyksopp video. Love the fluidity, and it's a great video that both compliments the theme of the song and enriches its scope. The Armi and Danny video doesn't have much going for it beyond a couple fun dance moments (though it's cute, I guess) and the Chris Isaak video strikes me more as tacky than genuinely sensual.

[Acapelli]

this one's actually pretty hard. i feel like trapped in the closet is sort of out of place in this competition due to the ridiculous length, but i love it. contagious might have been a better fit for the comp, although it's not nearly as silly as titc

so flat beat

[Winston*]

Alsways loved that Mr. Oizo video.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

Steam (http://www.guba.com/watch/3000122793/Peter-Gabriel-Steam)

Artist: Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel is an English musician and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flutist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career. More recently he has focused on producing and promoting world music and pioneering digital distribution methods for music. He has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts. Gabriel was awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2009.

VS.

Special (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ubo_mew-special_music)

Artist: Mew

Mew is a Danish alternative music band consisting of Jonas Bjerre, Bo Madsen, and Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen. Bassist Johan Wohlert was also a founding member of the band, but left in 2006. Whilst their music may be classified as indie and on occasion (like on And the Glass Handed Kites) progressive rock, they sometimes humorously refer to it themselves as "pretentious art rock". The band's guitarist Bo Madsen refers to the band as "the world's only indie stadium band".

VS.

Jeremy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1hyGtHqQDY)

Artist: Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle Washington in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder (lead vocals, guitar), Jeff Ament (bass guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), and Mike McCready (lead guitar). The band's current drummer is Matt Cameron, formerly of Soundgarden, who has been with the band since 1998. Formed after the demise of Ament and Gossard's previous band Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam broke into the mainstream with its debut album, Ten. One of the key bands of the grunge movement in the early 1990s, Pearl Jam was criticized early on—most notably by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain—as being a corporate cash-in on the alternative rock explosion. However, over the course of the band's career its members became noted for their refusal to adhere to traditional music industry practices, including refusing to make music videos and engaging in a much-publicized boycott of Ticketmaster.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to watch all three videos and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

Although it will naturally be difficult to vote for music you find disagreeable or against personal favorites, please remember that the primary question should be "Is this the most effective and/or artistic video?" not "Is this the best song?" Basically, just keep an open mind and allow yourself the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised.

We Know Something You Don't (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhZt4i92aSA)

Artist: DJ Format

Matt Ford, better known as DJ Format (a near-inversion of his birth name), is a hip hop DJ born in Southampton, United Kingdom and living in Brighton. He collaborates frequently with Abdominal on the album Music For the Mature B-Boy and with Abdominal and fellow Canadian rapper D-Sisive on the second full album If You Can't Join 'Em… Beat 'Em, as well as with Akil and Chali 2na from Jurassic 5. As a youth, Ford's first hip hop influences included A Tribe Called Quest and Main Source. He established a relationship with Jurassic 5 and initially traveled with them as their bus driver.

VS.

Bachelorette (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HURUYhCQO4E)

Artist: Björk

Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter, composer, actress and music producer, whose work includes seven solo albums and two film soundtracks. She is best known for her expressive vocals, broad soprano vocal range, and a diverse and eclectic musical style, which incorporates influences from many different genres, including pop, alternative rock, jazz, ambient, electronic, classical, folk and trip hop, as well as her eccentric costumes and music videos. She has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards (including one for acting). For her performance in Dancer in the Dark. She won the Best Actress Award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.

VS.

Sabrina (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TssuSYrxVI)

Artist: Einstürzende Neubauten

Einstürzende Neubauten is a German avant-garde music band, originally from West Berlin, formed in 1980. The group currently comprises Blixa Bargeld (lead vocals, guitar, keyboard), Alexander Hacke (bass, guitar, vocals), N. U. Unruh (custom-made instruments, percussion, vocals), Jochen Arbeit (guitar and vocals), and Rudi Moser (custom-built instruments, percussion, and vocals).
The band is often classified as industrial music. One of their trademarks is the use of custom-built instruments, predominantly made out of scrap metal and building tools, and noises, in addition to standard musical instruments. Neubauten has always experimented with sounds, originally in noise music and recently in very diverse styles.

[Spinal]

I liked all of these.

Armi and Danny - Sweet. Fun Melody. Loved the choreography and the romantic ending.

Chris Isaak - Absolutely gorgeous photography. Great pacing. Elevates the song to another level. Iconic.

Royksopp - Mostly liked individual moments in this, particularly the vision of the couple as an old man and woman. I feel like it gets a little too frenetic with the editing and moving around to different ideas. Should have greater impact. Great song.

Chris Isaak

[Stay Puft]

Mew.

What an awesome surprise that was. I loved it. Also surprising that I did not really enjoy the other two, even though I know I did in the past. Peter Gabriel's stuff hasn't aged terribly well for me, though parts of that video are still amusing. The Pearl Jam video is frankly lousy, though I still like the song.

[Spinal]

Mildly amusing puppet antics are enough to get my vote over the other two ungodly artistic train wrecks.

Mr. Oizo

[Spinal]

Peter Gabriel - Delightfully humorous arty surrealism. Great song and some great visual gags.

Mew - Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Moody, romantic, evocative.

Pearl Jam - My favorite parts of this are the Vedder close-ups. He is a captivating, charismatic performer, albeit a touch melodrmatic. Not sure how I feel about the angsty teenage fable, particularly the disturbing final images. Definitely memorable.

Peter Gabriel

[Winston*]

Royksopp

[Lasse]

Royksopp

[Lasse]

The Peter Gabriel video is good, but I really love the Mew video, so my vote goes that way.

[Spinal]

DJ Format - I have a weakness for mascots and I found this video to be hilarious. I like the song too. So good.

Bjork - Gorgeous imagery. Awesome song. The central conceit of the meta-vortex is amusing.

Einstürzende Neubauten - Really gripped me from the beginning with that startling image. But then the video just kind of dies. I was hoping it would eventually go somewhere. But it just kind of jogs in place. Still, great song. Haunting.

I am really surprised to be voting DJ Format, but that was awesome.

[Russ]

Pearl Jam

[Russ]

Einstürzende Neubauten

[Thirdmango]

I have loved the DJ Format video since the first days I laid eyes on it. So good.

[Russ]

That Royksopp video was very good.

I'm going with Armi and Danny, tho. However, without those background dancers, I'd be giving it to Royksopp.

[dreamdead]

I'll go with the Pearl Jam one here. Gabriel's video would get the second pick, otherwise.

[dreamdead]

I want to vote for the R. Kelly humor, but alas, Shine on Me's hilarity needs to be seen more. Ergo, let's give the most pompous, overblown video some more love.

[dreamdead]

Röyksopp. Though I'd be content with Armi and Danny taking this round.

[dreamdead]

Bjork has a bagillion videos in this pool. DJ Format gets my pick, despite my love of the Bjork video in general.

[thefourthwall]

DJ Format!

[thefourthwall]

Chris Isaak!

[thefourthwall]

Shine on Me!

Flat Beat seems too smug.

[thefourthwall]

Have to go with Pearl Jam, but I like Gabriel...especially since his So album scored my dream three nights ago.

[Watashi]

Pearl Jam

[Watashi]

DJ Format

[Sven]

That Chris Isaak video is totally class, if you minus the Maxim factor. It gets my vote. The Finnish thing is fun, and the Royksopp one does very little for me.
----------------------------
Kristen: As much as I hate to vote against amazing 70s Finns, the Chris Isaak is classic. Royksopp had one too many concepts going on.

[Sven]

I think Flat Beat is probably deserving, but I gotta support Kelly's Trapped in the Closet. I cannot bear the idea of the CDO thing making it further.
------------------------------
Kristen: while I am an ardent supporter of Shine On Me, and a more ardent than expected supporter of Trapped in the Closet, the puppet nailed it.

[ledfloyd]

this is a disaster, TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET people! come on!

[ledfloyd]

i like the royskopp but i chris isaak is a better video.

[ledfloyd]

i watched the other two as a formality so i could get around to voting for bjork.

i'll be damned if i'm not voting dj format.

[Russ]

R. Kelly

[Sven]

Peter Gabriel's video was a year before Jurassic Park. There's no excuse for those effects. The Mew video was surprisingly solid. I'm not voting for Jeremy.
----------------------------
Kristen: I am simultaneously attracted to and repelled by the Peter Gabriel video. And Jeremy was a little self-important. Mew was inoffensive.

[ledfloyd]

hmm, i remember liking the pearl jam video alot more than that. the editing really bothered me. i'm going with peter gabriel.

[Spinal]

That Chris Isaak video is totally class, if you minus the Maxim factor. It gets my vote. The Finnish thing is fun, and the Royksopp one does very little for me.
----------------------------
Kristen: As much as I hate to vote against amazing 70s Finns, the Chris Isaak is classic. Royksopp had one too many concepts going on.

But I love the Maxim factor! :cool:

By the way, I love getting Kristen's input. However, I'm not actually counting the vote unless she logs in and posts it herself. I'm not sure whether or not you care.

[Sven]

DJ Format for me. Their dance in unison at the end is the best. The German thing I found mostly monotonous, but it lingers...
I love how clearly the idea of the Bjork video comes across. It's very well-directed. I love the way the play gets smaller and smaller.
----------------------------------------
Kristen: Oh man, I love all of them. I hadn't seen the Einstürzende Neubauten one before, but I found it extremely striking and effective. That said, dancing animals!

[Sven]

However, I'm not actually counting the vote unless she logs in and posts it herself. I'm not sure whether or not you care.

Too... hard...

It's all good. We'll probably just keep it going like this because this is how we bond. Maybe you can use her input in the event of a tie...?

[Stay Puft]

Mr. Oizo.

I can't get behind the R. Kelly thing, even though part of me does actually like it. Despite the hilarity and amusement that ensues, to a degree, in subsquent chapters, it quickly becomes a case of diminishing returns. Nothing is ever as exciting and surprising as the first chapter and specifically the near final line, "I pull out my Beretta," which is the greatest moment of R. Kelly's career. Beyond that, the effect is dulled. That other video is just, well, no.

[Mysterious Dude]

"Trapped in the Closet" is 40 minutes long?! Do I have to watch it all before I can vote?

[Mysterious Dude]

Pearl Jam

[Mysterious Dude]

I gotta go with Björk, but I have to admit, those animals can dance.

[Spinal]

"Trapped in the Closet" is 40 minutes long?! Do I have to watch it all before I can vote?

I think it's even longer than that in total. I'm not sure how to advise you in this particular case. It does seem to be a lot to ask to watch the entire project. If you haven't seen it before, I would say try to watch a few (maybe 3?). That'll give you a sense of what it is about and you will basically have a sense for how you feel about it. At that point, if there is still doubt in your mind, abstain. If not, I think you can vote with a fairly clear conscience.

Then again, I am not a fan, so take that how you will.

For the record, I have seen the whole thing.

[B-side]

Dig that Isaak song, but Röyksopp gets the vote.

[Mysterious Dude]

Chris Isaak

[Spinal]

Too... hard...


How about this? If I don't like your choice, I'll use hers instead. :P

[B-side]

I'd only seen the first video of "Trapped in the Closet", but oh my lord, this is amazing. It gets my vote with ease.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Agreed with over-saturation of Bjork, despite her catalogue of objectively excellent videos, so out of the other two, I'll go with Einstuerzende Neubauten. I'm kinda surprised that it made this round. I figured I'd be the only one to nominate it.