‘I Feel Better’ by Hot Chip
March 18, 2010 // Music Video

I’ve been a big fan of the new Hot Chip album One Life Stand and this video for the song I Feel Better has to be one of the most ridiculous but amazing music videos I’ve seen in a very long time. It starts out by mocking a boy band concert, then some bald, glowing prophet floats in to the shock/horror/amazement of the fans. But then the starts destroying the guys with… ok this is just too insane. Seriously you need to just watch this video and be prepared to laugh. This is absurdity at it’s finest.

Anyone know who the bald dude is?
I’m guessing it’s some dude only English people know.

Bobby

‘Crush With Eyeliner’ by R.E.M.
March 18, 2010 // Music Video

For whatever reason I was thinking about more awesome songs from the 90’s when the classic R.E.M. jam Crush With Eyeliner popped into my head. I’m pretty sure that this, along with What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?, was one of the last great jams from R.E.M., or at least that I can recognize.

I’m pretty sure I remember hearing that the song was written about Courtney Love, and if you listen to the lyrics they certainly fit. I didn’t realize it but Spike Jonze directed this video, and I remember watching it and being so confused that there was a Japanese dude singing instead of a skinny bald dude. Also of note is that Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth sings the back up vocals in the chorus.

What’s also kind of funny to think about is how stuff like this probably influenced Sophia Coppola in writing Lost in Translation, since the movie is basically about her and Spike’s relationship. I can totally imagine her sitting in a hotel in Tokyo while Spike ran around the city shooting crazy videos like this.

Such a rad song that I think kind of goes overlooked in the epic R.E.M. back catalog.

Bobby

Caribou’s New Video for ‘Odessa’
March 15, 2010 // Music Video

For the last 3 days I’ve been listening to the new Caribou album Swim pretty much non-stop. It’s kinda of a departure since his last album Andorra back in 2007 but it’s an absolute welcome change. I feel like he’s got this synthesis of LCD Soundsystem, Animal Collective and Junior Boys, but with a splash of Flaming Lips Embryonic weirdness as well.

This is the first song and first single off the album called Odessa which will definitely make some people instant fans. The video is a dreamy haze so watch it full screen to enjoy it completely. The video itself was directed by Video Marsh, who can you find out more about by clicking here.

Bobby

‘70 Million’ by Hold Your Horses!
March 12, 2010 // Music Video

I was sent this music video last week by a reader and since then I’ve seen it totally explode all over the place, and rightfully so. The folks over at L’Ogre have created a great video for the band Hold Your Horses! and their song 70 Million. The video features the band dressed up in costumes and in scenery that mimics classic paintings. You’ve got Renoir and Picasso and all those guys represented, and it’s amazing that they were able to get the lighting on these so right. Plus, the song itself is pretty good as well, I’d love to hear more.

Bobby

‘En Vill Hest’ by Casiokids
March 4, 2010 // Music + Music Video

I think continuing the weird vibe of Wednesday into Thursday would definitely be appropriate, so here’s a little video for the Norwegian band Casiokids and their song En Vill Hest. First off the song is really great, it’s very much like an 80’s gem with kind of a Caribbean (?) kind of feel to it, the whole thing being sung in Norwegian and sounds awesome.

The video itself is pretty funny and weird, which was directed by Kristoffer Borgli. I always love watching other people dance, and this video doesn’t fail me. The whole vibe is kind of this creepy Knife/Fever Ray kind of thing, but with an 80’s teen flick vibe to it. Is the statue possessed? Did he destroy the demon that came to his house? Is he just on drugs?! Totally fun little video for a great track.

Bobby