Iconic Music Videos

For this post on Genre Buzzword, I want to take a look at music videos. I realize the title of my last post was a little misleading, as it was not about music videos, so I wanted to fix that by talking a little bit about music videos and ones that I think are pretty iconic.

I just want to start out by saying that I know music videos are still around. There have been some pretty impressive ones as of late (both the short and film versions of Kanye West's "Runaway" come to mind), but it seems like music videos have sort of lost the power they once held as a medium. For example, I personally don't think we will ever see a music video that had the sort of significance and impact that Michael Jackson's "Thriller" had. There was also a period of time from the 90's into the new millennium where some famous directors such as Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze and Hype Williams churned out some of the most memorable music videos. I remember when these directors but out a new music video, it was like an event. There would be big premieres for it on MTV and then you would see it all the time. Now that cable music channels have started cutting back on airing music videos except earlier in the morning, that sort of event phenomena seems to have gone away, or at least shifted over to the Internet.

I always loved music videos and when I used to catch them on MTV, VH1 or The Box, I would sometimes end up liking a song because it had a creative music video that caught my attention. I think that a good music video is one that enhances the song and makes it even more memorable for listeners, and occasionally the music video becomes even more popular than the song itself (The main reason I like the song "Sabotage" is the music video).

Here are some of my favorite music videos. Feel free to list your favorites in the replies!

Sabotage was directed by Spike Jonze and the video is the opening credits for a fictional 70's police drama show. This is probably my all time favorite music video due to the creative idea behind the video and the humor behind it. It's got everything car chases, foot chases and a few fights sprinkled in.

One of my favorite songs and I love this video by Michel Gondry. Great cinematography as most of the music video takes place in dream sequences and an interesting plot that has some Inception qualities to it.

Another Spike Jonze music video. The main reason why I love this video, and why I think many people love this video, is that it takes place entirely in the "Happy Days" universe. Awesome video that fits the feel of the song perfectly.

I was never a huge Michael Jackson fan, but I have to admit this is the best and most popular music video. It had a huge impact on music.

Nostalgia, Music Videos and the 90's

Ah, the 90's. Everyone has their favorite decade for music and for me, there is no greater decade than the 90's. I realize there are amazing musicians that came in previous decades, and I even enjoy them, but there is just something about 90's music that seems to hold my interest the most. I am sure the main reason that is the case is the nostalgia factor that comes out of growing up with this music and constantly hearing it on the radio. Earlier in the decade, when I was still very young, I remember watching videos on MTV with my dad (back before every show on there was some reality show nonsense and they still played music videos) and waiting to hear my favorite songs come on the radio.

 I still listen to many of these songs and I seem to be perpetually stuck in that time. I still listen to new artists and find new favorites, but it seems like the bulk of the music I listen to comes from the 90's. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade and wish I was a teenager back then. Oh well. Below are some of my favorite songs from the 90's that define the decade for me. One Hit Wonders, A Few Hit Wonders and everything in between.

What decade of music is your favorite? What are some songs from when you were younger that you still listen to or get excited when it comes on the radio? Feel free to list them in the replies!

Better Than Ezra "Good" - I just love this song. I used to listen to it on the radio every single time it came on. Still sounds great.

Spin Doctors "Two Princes" - Another song I used to listen to constantly. I always made my mom leave it on when it came on the radio. I recently found the CD at a yard sale and still listened to it. No I am not ashamed to say I still think this song is incredible.

Sister Hazel "All For You"

Spacehog "In The Meantime"