If there’s one thing in the musical world that can cause more controversy than a new single, it’s the accompanying music video. Music videos, ranging from the good, to the bad, to the very ugly, are the perfect opportunity to convey so much more for an artist.
Whether it be their perfection at dancing in synch in questionable attire ( see anything with A1 in it) or their surprising ability to run around an arcade in an apparent emotional crisis (Bastille, you’re guilty with Pompeii here) , an artist can really showcase themselves, and their personality, through the visual medium . It could be by conveying a compelling story close to their hearts (Justin Timberlake cites the inspiration for his ‘Mirrors’ videos as his grandparents) or just playing a questionably large game of dominos (The Bravery –An Honest Mistake). But sometimes an artist will go that one step further.
Enter David Bowie. His return to music after a lengthy break has already caused a great stir, being enthusiastically greeted by his legion of fans and music critics alike. Alas, not content with that attention alone, the past week saw the release of his video for ‘The Next Day ‘, a video so controversial that the initial reaction from YouTube was to ban it. A feat, some might say, for this day and age.
‘The Next Day’ has been criticized by the Catholic church for it’s use of religious imagery; with its depiction of Gary Oldman as a less than holy priest frolicking with Marion Cottilard’s prostitute suffering from stigmatism, it’s not hard to see why. Bowie has once again pushed the boundaries; the content of the video is shocking, intentionally so, but it serves as a reminder to all artists everywhere not to restrict their imagination and creative output to be ‘accessible’. No doubt it will inspire many future generations in their contributions to the musical platform, just as his previous efforts have, and thank goodness for it.
Even 44 years on from its initial release, Bowie’s Space Oddity is still inspiring the masses, evident in this video that emerged today, Monday 13th, of Commander Chris Hadfield at the International Space Station covering the song, which you can view here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo
It’ll be interesting to see what Bowie does next. Needless to say, expectations will be high, and anything could be possible. So, in honour of Bowie’s continual ability to inspire, and because it’s the revision season where any form of procrastination goes, I’ve assembled a selection of videos well worth a watch. There are many, many more that could have easily made the cut, but I did have to eventually stop searching and return to my degree. I hope you enjoy them:
Roosevelt – Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPfkmKGOcvs
Summer beats, and a cute dog running around landscapes that are infinitely more appealing than the library desk you’re probably currently sat at. What’s not to love?!
Ok Go – Here It Goes Again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA
A classic example of a song being immortalized for a well constructed video. A top effort from the boys, it almost makes me want to go take a quick trip to the gym. Almost.
Beyonce- Single Ladies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY
No words needed. Queen Bey demonstrating why she reigns supreme.
Fat Boy Slim – Weapon Of Choice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCDIYvFmgW8
Bowie is not the only artist to have enlisted the help of another famous face to achieve their vision. The choreography here is not only impressive for it’s complexity, but because of it’s sublime execution by none other than Christopher Walken. I dare say you might watch it twice.
Roger Sanchez – Another Chance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n80kDDgCfQc
A fantastic concept brilliantly executed, Roger Sanchez conveys the fragile nature of the heart. Stick with it (I know seven minutes is a big ask), and you’ll be rewarded. A fantastic underrated track too.
Orien Lavie – Her Morning Elegance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY
If only we had the possibility of achieving so much from our own beds, I’m sure we’d never leave.
Alt-J – Tesselate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPH89HIBLiw
You could be forgiven here for not being quite sure what’s going on, but there’s no doubt it’s entertaining regardless, Alt J’s merging of reality and dreams here is captivating.
David Bowie – The Next Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wL9NUZRZ4I
But finally, see firsthand what all the fuss is about, a warning though, it’s not for the fainthearted.