Music Videos We Watched in Class (1)

We watched this set of videos in particular because they are all very unique in their construction. 

Can't Buy Me Love (1964) had a "promo vid" attached to it during its era of creation but wasn't released by the record company because nobody was able to do such a thing at the time. The video itself displays The Beatles to be a very organic band, although they've had other "promo vids" displaying them to look slightly synthetic, e.g. I Want to Hold Your Hand. It depicts all four members beginning to run from an apartment building into a field where they just mess around as friends (all in black and white). Interestingly organic because there are no close-ups of any members, or any image marketing. 

Strawberry Fields Forever (1967) also had a "promo vid" attached. It depicts all four members of The Beatles in Strawberry Fields, playing random instruments that they weren't famous for playing. The editing technique is experimental and surreal, probably to promote their new image at the time of creation (drug taking era). This could be seen as slightly synthetic.

Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) was the first song to have an official music video; therefore released by Queen's record label. Prior to this, they had "pop promos" attached to preceding songs. The video depicts all four members first standing in a bunch, in silhouette, singing the first section of the song. The second section easily transitions into Freddie Mercury singing and playing piano whilst John Deacon is playing bass, showing organic traits. The third section relapses back to the bunch in silhouette, followed by the last section of hard rock and cutting shots of each member playing their instrument. 

Video Killed the Radio Star (1979) was the first song to have its music video broadcast on MTV (debut video that opened the channel). The video depicts a girl standing by a radio in c. 1952 which blows up and transfers her to the future where both members of The Buggles are seen playing various instruments. This video may be perceived as strongly synthetic due to the purpose of enforcing the message behind it that "Video has killed radio" in terms of technological update.

The Scientist (2001) was a popular music video because the entire narrative was in reverse. It was also interesting because Chris Martin is seen singing in normal motion whilst everything around him is moving in reverse. The video could be seen as synthetic in a way that it may try to solely promote "Chris Martin - the front-man" to their audience and ignore the band as an entity.

Sledgehammer (1985) was a particularly interesting music video because it was experimental with the use of claymation and other animation techniques. This experimental use of effects could have been purposeful method of promoting Peter Gabriel's "weirdness", just as Lady Gaga does today.

Thriller (1982) was Michael Jackson's most popular and intriguing music video. The original version is a short film that lasts 14 minutes and the short cut music video version (long enough to be aired on TV, not too long) lasts 6 minutes. The video mainly consists of Michael and his date being attacked by zombies, leading Michael to turn into one and then all the zombies perform song and dance to it.