Best of the Year 2010: Music video

OK Go

"This Too Shall Pass" (Version 2, Rube Goldberg)

Director: James Frost
These guys have become an annoyance. Awful, unoriginal music. And, this machine is obviously fixed! Last time we'll ever hear from them, save from a commercial spot. Worst thing about their videos is the band members trying to tolerate the music.

Disasteradio

"Visions"

Directors: Simon Ward, Don Brooker and Luke Rowell
This is what videomaking circa 2010 should be about: having fun with nostalgia. Killer moment: Saxophone solo tape-over.

Das Racist

"Who's That? Brooown"

Director: Thomas De Napoli
Just like there was "goof rock" in the 90s, the '10s have "goof rap". Thanks, Ludacris.

Oh crap

The end of the year is almost here!

Smashing Pumpkins videography

Still on a long hiatus. I had a long-running Smashing Pumpkins fan page (mostly to make lists for myself). As of now, that page is mothballed.


Here is a link to the Videography, a pre-Wikipedia way to see why SP ruled MTV back in the day:

http://steveprutz.com/sp/vsr/video.html

Here is another link for the list-savvy:  http://www.mvdbase.com/artist.php?last=Smashing+Pumpkins&first=the
....not sure what "Hot Heads" was...

Bonus: Billy the Egomaniac comic: http://www.katefuller.com/btem.html

"Abracadabra" -- a music video retrospective

Steve Miller Band, after 17 years of studio silence, released Bingo! last Tuesday. It's a covers album, but why, after all these years go back in to a studio? Greatest Hits 1974–78 is one of the best-selling albums of all time, and the band tours to sold-out stadiums regularly...it isn't a money grab. Historically, this "cover album" thing is a sign of growing old. Aerosmith's last album was also covers (Honkin' on Bobo), Bob Dylan did some Christmas songs, and The Who have been planning a blues homage project for a few years. And, who could forget David Lee Roth's Strummin' with the Devil. Perhaps this is an Advanced move.

"Sexx Laws" -- a music video retrospective

Beck! Stoner rock, folk rock and funk rock all rolled into one talented SoCal musician. Funk is the interesting (often skipped-over) part of his legendary career... many name-check Odelay, but I absolutely love everything about Midnite Vultures. It's mega funky, and packed with sweet lyrics. This opening track sets the stage for the rest of the album, and the video provides additional imagery.