David Young: Top 5 Videos of 2009
1. Underoath – Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear
Visually, one of the defining “holy shit” moments of 2009. Harsh color schemes create a troubled atmosphere, matched with skillful animation and an AV journey through the emotions conveyed in the song. They sure as hell don’t make them like this any more – and if they do, it’s very sporadically. A breathtaking video experience – the must-see video of 2009.
2. Coldplay – Strawberry Swing
Another visual journey, albeit a fuckload more upbeat than Underoath’s. Watch our hero Chris Martin fly, dive, run and escapade throughout an alternate reality – all without even standing up! This wonderfully creative and downright clever video was put together by a team named Shynola, who have completely recaptured the joy one can receive from watching music videos (especially the feeling one had in childhood). Regardless of how big a wanker you think Chris Martin is, watch this one.
3. Lady GaGa – Paparazzi
2009 cemented Lady GaGa as pop’s leading eccentric – the image, the music, the lyrics, the interview quotes, the works. And about fucking time, I say! In a year of necrophiliac sample-mongling crap like Right Round and Whatcha Say, thank the heavens above for GaGa making things fresh, intriguing, self-deprecating and generally fabulous. The best example of this that wasn’t featured on The Fame Monster EP was the mini-soap-opera of her Paparazzi video. It’s rare to see anyone take the artform to these kind of lengths this side of Thriller, let alone a mainstream pop musician – there’s death, glamour, sex, glory, crime, obsession and a lot of costume changes. Wonderfully wicked, GaGa packed punch – and Paparazzi served as the ten-count knockout.
4. Bluejuice – Broken Leg
These dudes don’t hold anything back when it comes to music videos. They created a cult and performed in the middle of a market square for Vitriol, they jumped out of a plane for The Reductionist…and this time around they spent months learning how to bloody jump rope!! Yes, Bluejuice are men of great extremities, constantly suffering for their art. As you can see, however, the end result is more than worth it. No giveaways to the winners, but do yourself a favour and get on the team!
5. OKGO – WTF?
Q: How the hell do you follow up the video that turned into one of the biggest sensations of YouTube history?
A: With a little weirdness, a lot of skill and seven truckloads of awesome.
Warning: Not for those that get tripped-out very easily.
