Bon Iver “Towers”

As Bon Iver gears up for a new tour, he releases the video for “Towers” off Bon Iver, Bon Iver. At first, I didn’t know what to make of him. I have to say that once in a while I get his music. Other times, it doesn’t do much for me. It seems that’s the divide that people have. In this video for “Towers”, shot in Washington state, we get some very beautiful visuals. I’m not sure what to make of the lyrics or their correlation to the scenes shot. But it is beautiful to see the towers in all their forms: drawn, scale models, and the large ones at the end. And there is something to be said about the way the video ends. I keep coming back to it.

Spose “Pop Song”

People think of Maine, and rappers don’t come to mind. But Spose is out to change that. His third album The Audacity! comes out April 17th. But you can check out the video for “Pop Song” from his last album “Happy Medium” now. In it, Spose tells us of the often told tale of getting signed to a record deal and then showing up to record and being told what kind of record you’re going to make. The story of the song is that the record lable wants to turn Spose into just another pop act. Literally. He goes through some interesting costume changes.

Ane Brun ft. Jose Gonzalez “Worship”

Ane Brun‘s video for “Worship” plays out like some sort of macabre circus sideshow. A man strapped to a bed, being fed something that makes him hallucinate. It creates for some interesting scenes that include a flying whale that consumes him whole. Certainly, the video itself is a work of art that makes you think. The fact that it accompanies this song makes it more the so. “Worship” appears on the new album “It All Starts With One” that is being released May 1st.

Mouse on Mars “Polaroyced”

With the release of their first album in six years “Parastrophics”, we see the return of Mouse on Mars. Their new video for the track “Polaroyced” was inspired by Gold Inferno. Who is that? He’s an American jumpstyle dancer. Needless to say, they could not track down the infamous masked man. So, instead they found a replacement and gave it a go. Not entirely sure how I feel about this video, but I figured it was worth a look.

DJ Muggs ft. Dizzee Rascal “Snap Ya Neck Back”

Cypress Hill fans should know producer DJ Muggs. He’s just signed with Ultra Records to record his solo album “Bass For Your Face”. The first single “Snap Ya Neck Back” features British sensation Dizzee Rascal in a dub-hop banger. Nice to see Dizzee rocking an Oakland Raiders jacket; I had no idea he was an NFL fan. There’s a lot of Dizzee Rascal in the video, rapping for us the way he knows how. But they do go to town on a car. It’s like a hip hop show tailored for the Discovery Network. You know the people at Myth Busters enjoy wrecking stuff. This kinda resembles that.

YONAS “Fall Back”

YONAS releases the new video for his single “Fall Back”. It’s a coming of age song, or at least a reset button of sorts. If I had to guess, YONAS has had some difficulties. But he’s letting everyone know he’s still in the game. We all need people “banking on” us, so we all need to “fight through”. Big ups to YONAS for this inspirational track and a vid of him out in the real world. He’s not gone. He’s here. And he loves us all.

DALEY ft. Marsha Ambrosius “Alone Together”

From DALEY’s debut mixtape Those Who Wait we get a video for the track “Alone Together” featuring Marsha Ambrosius. Wow, the subject matter of this song hits close to home. Maybe that’s why this video gets in the rewind this week. Or maybe it’s more to do with the interesting visuals, and that hair. Just look at it defying gravity. Similar to how he’s denying that she-devil that tore through his heart. Anyways, he’s not bitter. He’s quite practical. And so are the painted models. Sort of reminds me of a film school project, or in better quality. You can download the mixtape “Those Who Wait” at www.daley.tv.

Cypress Hill and Rusko “Roll It, Light It”

Cypress Hill collaborate with Rusko for the five track EP Cypress X Rusko. As Sen Dog says, “I think dubstep is a natural progression of hip-hop,” so it apparently goes. Not sure what pure Cypress Hill fan’s will think. It’s different from there previous work. But it does have a ring to it. And the video features some sharp rhyming skills on a train that doesn’t make it over the bridge. That’s a real bridge, and not a bridge in the song.

Lazerbeak “Lift Every Voice”

Lazerbeak of Doomtree fame is releasing an instrumental disc entitled Lava Bangers. The first single “Lift Every Voice” has an interesting video. Often, particularly when listening to instrumentals I envision animations I wish I could draw that would tell a story that coincides with the song. An interesting mix of animation and colors makes this an eye-catching vid. THough, if you suffer from seizures, beware.

Yuna “Live Your Life”

It’s her U.S. debut, and Yuna is lucky enough to have released this track with some production of the always popular Pharrell Williams, but worked with Chris Braide who has done work for Lana Del Rey, Sia, and Theophilus London for the album. The self-titled album will be out in April. It’s an interesting song. Musically its a bit upbeat, but lyrically, or maybe more vocally, it’s downbeat. We follow Yuna as she walks outside and describes her search for something amazing. Again, maybe this one hits too close to home. But there’s something about her that just screams “Keep an eye on me!” How can you not respect that. It’s called growth. The difference between being buried and planted.

It’s always fun when there’s a big holiday that was just celebrated in the past week. Of course I’m talking about February 15th and Singles Awareness Day. Sigh…fine, it was Valentine’s Day as well. No matter how you spent it, alone, just meeting that special someone, spending a romantic evening with that someone who’s been around for years and got it right, or perhaps just spending it with that someone who’s been around for years and doesn’t try any more (if they ever did), let’s sit back and enjoy this weeks Video Rewind.

Damien Fairchild “Valerie”

For all the Girls, the debut record by Damien Fairchild (troubadour-barber Drew Danburry’s alternate persona). The first video from the album is “Valerie.” The song plays out like my adolescence. The video, how I’d like my adolescence to be. You never find out if the boy gets a kiss, or takes one to the kisser. I don’t think most socials for the kids go down like this anymore. I have a feeling there’s more liquor and they’re not all pining for that kiss. And who drinks out of juice boxes anymore? I would. But it would depreciate my already low cool factor.

Sleeper Agent “Get Burned”

Sleeper Agent debuted their brand new video for “Get Burned” on MTV. It’s a typical American tea party. One girl, four guys. A pastry monster. A tye-dyed doll. I’m not sure what’s exactly happening here. At times it seems fun. At other times I think it’s some kind of psychological horror story. And in between, that creamy center to this Oreo cookie, is the band rocking out. I think they may even take a page out of Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair”.

Curtiss King “Dues.Paid”

I’m not really sure what about the video for “Dues.Paid.” I just know that it does. You get Curtiss King sitting on a bench. An empty outdoor basketball court behind him. There are plenty of places in CT that look just like this. In the summer at least. I think it might be the way I perceive hanging with Curtiss King, just the two of us, out at the court would be one of the more memorable moments of my life. Probably not his. So, in lieu I’ll take this video.

Crooked Fingers “Our New Favorite”

Learning how to walk. Losing teeth. Trying to catch an airplane in your hands. Taking baths with others. All these are part of the trials of growing up. The young girl in the video takes a solitary stroll through the local woods. How she finds her hidden treasure, I’ll never know. But what she does with the treasure I can only take for a metaphor as to how children can help put our lives back together.

DOSVEC “Not Afraid of Fireflies”

DOSVEC dropped his mashup “Not Afraid of Fireflies” earlier this week. Now, there’s a video to accompany his track. It’s interesting to watch what DOSVEC does with two videos. Mash them up, of course.

Another week in the books. It was busy for me, I hope you all had a better one. On top, there were tons of great videos that dropped. Unfortunately, not everybody makes the Video Rewind. But for your enjoyment, I picked a fresh bunch.

Ok Go “Needing/Getting”

Ok, let me say this: no one, and I mean no one, puts together a music video like Ok Go. I don’t know how they have time to write music. Putting together videos is a real art for this band. If you watched the Super Bowl, you saw a commercial where Scion said they made their first music video. This is that video. Shout out for the fancy driving. And the time and effort put to set this whole shoot up. I know they didn’t complete it in one take. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

M.I.A. “Bad Girls”

Snagging attention at the Super Bowl for the wrong reason isn’t all M.I.A.‘s about. The video for bad girls has an Islamic feel. She’s obviously trying to get into the minds of our Middle Eastern friends. I mean, her group of backup dancers are covered up, but those moves…well. I’ll give her credit for standing on car that’s driving on its side. I really wanna know how she got permission to shoot this video. But hey, when causing a stir is part of your swag, the world should expect no less. “Live fast. Die Young. Bad girls do it well”. Funny message with those lyrics. You know M.I.A. isn’t ready to die. But I wouldn’t be surprised to find some idiot out there wants to send her a death threat, for this video alone. So, as an American, what more can I say than: Enjoy!

Krewella “Killin’ It”

Krewella has been making some noise with their “Killin’ It”. The video follows Krewella’s Jahan and Yasmine, doing what any good video should, bragging about how the group is killin’ it. Is it a video that follows the youngsters having a good time? Yes. Do I feel like an old man saying that I don’t party like that? Yes. But still, whenever there’s a good song it’s always worth it to watch the video. You get a feel for the artist, and since Krewella’s just starting out, enjoy. I’m sure we’ll be hearing from them in the future. They’re killin’ the blogs, that’s for sure.

De La Soul’s Plug 1 and Plug 2 Present First Serve “Must B The Music”

De La Soul, minus one, isn’t a bad thing. These guy’s serve everything on a gleaming, hot dish of awesome. The song is a banger, and the video is a mix of Plug 1 and Plug 2 in your face with some animation in the background. Through in the obligatory little kid dancing, and oh snap!, you’ve got a hit. The video does leave you in a trance. Or else, you have no soul.

The Magnetic Fields “Andrew in Drag”

We’ve all been there, right? Fall in love with your best friend or just your best friend’s drag identity. The song is catch, poppy, a bit ridiculous. And so is the video. But that just adds to the quality. Can’t say anything more than The Magnetic Fields have a winner here, both with song and video. Oh, and there is a brief moment of nudity. So don’t watch this one at work.

Jay-Z & Kanye West “Ni**as in Paris”

This one dropped in the last week. Hope it was good to you. If not, next week is another chance. Just watch this, and get ready for the weekend. Just watch. You’ll thank me later.
MP3: Jay-Z & Kanye West “Niggas in Paris”

One month into 2012, and all I’ve learned is that a groundhog saw his shadows. Looks like 6 more weeks of winter. Oh, well. In an effort to try to cheer those of us up who are suffering from SAD, let’s jump into this weeks Video Rewind.

Jeff the Brotherhood “Bummer”

Reminiscent of old home videos, Jeff the Brotherhood shot their video for “Bummer” while in Hawaii. All I can say is, they sure look like they had some great fun. Drinking coconut water, surfing, fishing, skateboarding. The song is the perfect soundtrack to the video. It seems more like two friends on a lacksadaisical adventure than anything else. The song is laidback, too. The only bummer here is that their trip must have come to an end.

Dare Dukes Band “Meet You at the Bus”

Puppy love. That’s what we got going on here. Sitting next to that pretty girl. Holding her hand. Teasing one another. A funtastic bicycle ride. “Two lovely creatures pressed against the plexiglass”. If we ever get to meet one, just one, person who can share a day like this with us, we should all consider ourselves lucky.

Nada Surf “When I Was Young”

I heard this song from Nada Surf a while back. I really do like it. The video shows more of a youthful puppy love budding romance. All lost by being stuck on a subway train that takes you away from the girl. This young man makes the most of it, by running the sidewalks of the city with a big ole’ grin on his face. This is the kind of self discovery I’m thristing for right now. It’s a touching song with an interesting visual aid here in the adventures of a misfit prep school adolescent.

iAm1 “Watching”

This is an interesting video. The animation here is brilliant covering different styles. The song is good too. iAm1‘s vocals give a personal, intimate feel tot he track. And the animation of a dancing man drawn in outline gives the sense of a hollow feeling to the track. Not in terms of lacking anything inside, but more about how sometimes we can just feel empty. But, for every down there must be an up. Like when the rocket takes off. You’ll see.

Unicycle Loves You “Piranha”

I don’t know what it feels like to have a piranha, or entire school of piranha attack you. But this video for “Piranha” by Unicycle Loves You might just be the visual equivalent. A lot of filmschool style, let’s just point a camera and see what happens antics going on here. But then again, I don’t think the song itself is really about anything. No message here, just jamming away. Hope you all had a good week. Good luck on your weekends.

Back again with another Video Rewind. There were plenty this week to choose from, but here the five that caught my eye.

Secret Original “Arson”

Independent hip hop artist Secret Original gives us his first video for a track called “Arson”. It’s a video fitting of the song. It gives us shots of young adults as I think most people imagine them not to be as they should, but as they are. There is a party mentality that’s not so much about having a good time as just getting fucked up. I guess hip hop in general has taken that path which is unfortunate. But the question is does this song and video breath life imitating art, or art imitating life?

Miley Cyrus “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go”

Funny how young people are so eager to grow up. I have to admit, because of her Disney beginnings, and the fact that she was a teenager when she started performing, but I’ve never thought much about Miley Cyrus. Particularly when she got a bit of emancipation and more control over her music. She became your typical party-going teen. Just out to have fun, and she was wealthy enough to do it. But I have to say, there is something about this song that is appealing. Cyrus doesn’t sound like her normal self. She sounds older, singing about a more serious topic. But the video is just her singing with musical accompaniment. There’s nothing flashy. It’s just down to earth, a place I thought she had forgotten. But maybe singing about heartbreak, or actually going through it, have a way of refocusing your life.

Cloud Nothings “No Future/No Past”

Co-produced by Urban Outfitters is the video for Cloud Nothings‘ “No Future/No Past”. You follow a middle aged man as he hovers on his back, face up nonetheless, out of his house and on his way. It’s an interesting watch. Particularly when it seems like the terrified look on the man’s face is because he is looking right at you. I have a feeling it’s a philosophical work. But don’t quote me on that.

Town Hall “The Middle”

Whenever someone does a cover it’s an awkward spot to be in. You have to be able to keep enough of the original piece’s integrity while adding something to it so that the song becomes a bit your own. Town Hall‘s take on Jimmy Eat World‘s “The Middle” seems more like the song should be. It’s a song about putting your life together. It takes some time, but everything will be all right. So this down to Earth number gets it down with more of a serious tone as a friend talking to you personally rather than someone trying to get you to come around in the middle of a loud party. And the chance to see the band performing and the facial movements as the duet sing show how emotionally packed this song really is.

And the Giraffe “Underground Love”

And the Giraffe‘s vidoe for “Underground Love” follows the journey of a box with a mysterious gift inside. Packaged, then left on a subway train, the package makes its way from person to person. Ultimately, it arrives at the feet of a young woman, who brings it back to the guy who wrapped it in the first place. He unwraps it, hands it back to her, and they embrace. Do we ever find out what is hidden in the box? I’m not telling.

I’m back with another Video Rewind. This week was a rough one for me, but luckily the vids aren’t all too serious.  Sit back, and enjoy the highlights of the last week.

Me “Naked”

From Melbourne, Australia we get ME. The band is looking to release their debut single “Naked” on March 5th this year. We get a taste of it from their video. Musically, they remind me of Muse with the movements of their song. Video-wise, we get the band in black and white all dressed up. Some gritty effects add some character, but we can’t look past the politically infused clips that are cut in. There is a message there somewhere between the lyrics, and shots of people being pushed back with fire hoses.

Joe Cool “I Wanna Sell Drugs”

Another black and white video. The song is about Joe Cool, who wants nothing more than to make money. But it’s hard to do that, so he’s thinking about selling drugs. There’s a metaphor there with the gun that is pointed at Joe’s head throughout the video. “I’m not a junky or a thug/I wanna do what I love/ makes me wanna sell drugs”. The realism of having a dream and struggling to achieve it, so you find yourself making bad decisions. Striking is the way that Joe writes on a pad, rips up the page, and rolls it into a joint.

Santigold “Big Mouth”

Honestly, I pretty much love everything Santigold does. After her killer flow on Major Lazer‘s “Hold the Line” I’ve been impressed by what she brings. On her track “Big Mouth”
she takes a stance against trash-talkers. The music is simple with a carnival beat. And though the video looks hokey, it’s worth the time. The ridiculousness of the animation and the fun loving feel of the video should work to lessen the meaning of the song. But honestly, when you’re as badass as Santigold I wouldn’t be surprised to know that this is the shit that goes on in her head when she’s about to hit the “on” button.

Jessie Baylin “Hurry Hurry”

It’s become rather cliche the way that movie stars want to be directors. But fortunately for us, there are music videos that need to be directed. This video for Jessie Baylin‘s “Hurry Hurry” was directed by Scarlett Johansson. The video has offset colors and was done in one take on The Manhatten Bridge. The video features Jessie herself strolling around “me”, as the perspective, on the bridge with a glow emanating from her from time to time. Perhaps it’s meant be a blur because Jessie, or “I”, are hurrying so fast. The old, if you moved fast enough time would seem to stand still theory. Only, time’s not so much standing as slowing. Still, gotta love someone who wants to try new things. And there certainly isn’t anything terrible about this video. Think of it as a film school project with a bigger budget. Or at least a famous director.

K’naan featuring Nas “Nothing to Lose”

If I had a “boy”, K’naan would be that boy. And I gotta admit, hearing that he’s got Nas on a track makes my eye
twinkle with some pride. The video for “Nothing to Lose” doesn’t have much to it. Some street views overlayed with the lyrics rolling in different ways, there’s not all that much to appreciate. But at the very least you won’t have to wonder what anyone is saying.

Doomtree “Bangarang”

Speaking of lyrics on the screen, Doomtree bring us a karaoke party with their video for “Bangarang”. This could be any of us, except me because I have a much cleaner look, getting together with our friends to
have a karaoke party. There’s also this local public access tv thing going on with the effects being the members in front of a green screen with some rather National Geographic backdrops. Still, the song is pretty tight. And if you’re not gonna go crazy with a vid, at least let the talent show off their skills.

Music Videos seem to be a thing of the past. I remember a time when MTV could captivate an audience with a “Video World Premier”. I’m not sure videos are as big as they used to be, but they give us the chance to view artists in a visual way.  A new feature on STGA, “Video Rewind” will take a look each week at some music videos that make the mark with our Video Review.

Belleruche “Stormbird”

Belleruche have a new LP “Rollerchain” coming out this year. Their first single “Stormbird” will be released in March. The video for it is out now. It reminds me of the early music videos when MTV first launched. Kathrin deBoer appears in front of the camera singing and dancing. The dancing seems to say, “I don’t know what I’m really doing, just look how cool I am in front of the smoke.” The video does feature some interesting shots of fencers going at it, and some footage of a match blown out played in reverse. There’s also a few shots of water and a feather, and plenty of more smoke.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour “Heart Attack”

The new video from The Asteroids Galaxy Tour is a throwback to the psychadelic videos. Then it’s modern with flashy dancing in front of a room of mirrors. And back and forth. It’s a bit bi-polar with it’s modern and retro feels. Basically, it’s “Groove is in the Heart” mixed with Britney Spears. The songs fun, so’s the video. “Hey, are you ready?”

Loverush UK featuring Bryan Adams “Tonight in Babylon”

I had no idea that Bryan Adams was still involved with music. I’m sure some of the readers here don’t know who he is. Two interesting facts about his work with Loverush UK. One, he directed the video for “Tonight in Babylon”. Two, he got Roman Polanski’s daughter to appear in it. A musician directing a director’s daughter. The video features some partying, and not to say that the track isn’t a party track, but it’s Bryan Adams that gives the song a serious feel. The way he sings you feel he’s more sad than ready to party. And his antics on stage are far too serious. Turn the sound off and you’d assume he’s belting out another love ballad rather than rocking the disco. Still, the song’s good and the video is shot well. Give the band and Adams their due.

Death Cab for Cutie “Underneath the Sycamore”

Walter Robot directed Death Cab‘s 2009 video for “Grapevine Fires”. They’re back to have a crack at “Underneath the Sycamore”. The animated video follows a film noir themed private eye who-dunnit. It’s quite impressive.

Trae The Truth featuring MDMA, Lupe Fiasco, Big Boi, Wale, and Wiz Khalifa “I’m On”

Trae The Truth‘s “I’m On” isn’t flashy even with it’s all-star cast. It’s still a great song. The video stays true to form. No dancing girls, clubs, or million dollar mansions. It appears to feature each artist on the streets where they come from. From Chicago to Philly, down to Atlanta and back up to D.C. It’s nice to have a look at these rappers as who they are rather than the personas we see them as.