60/100 Video - "Touched By the Hand of God" – New Order (1988)

 

A spoof of the heavy metal hair band videos of the 80s, those familiar with New Order's low-key image will find this clip ironic and funny as hell. 

It is interesting to see the band members totally feeling the part, even Bernard. One of my favourite scenes is when he tosses the guitar into the audience.  

Rabble-rouser Peter Hook, the rock icon of the band, unsurprisingly fits the rock-and-roll role the easiest with his bass thrusting.

The video wraps up with a somewhat predictable explosion as manager Rob Gretton enters stage left to assess the scene. 

61/100 Video - "Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi (1986)

 

"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi is of course a quintessential 80s rock anthem. 

On this track, Jon Bon Jovi's storytelling shines during the verses while the chorus shows off his charisma. 

The video starts off in black-and-white for the first half of the clip, showing the band in rehearsal participating in shenanigans, then around two-thirds in, suddenly transforms to full colour as the band takes the concert stage with a live audience. 

A song forever associated to great memories with the high school gang. 

62/100 video - "Sweet Lullaby" – Deep Forest (1994)

 

"Sweet Lullaby" by Deep Forest is a moving track. 

I remember being blown away this touching piece of ambient world music got played on commercial radio in Vancouver.

Originally sung by a woman from The Solomon Islands, this song has a unifying spirit. It could be the universal anthem of the earth. 

The warmth of the harmonies around the two-minute mark is spine-tingling.  

The image of the little girl on the tricycle with her mini umbrella visiting places near and far is breath-taking.

It wasn't a surprise that the music video, directed by Tarsem Singh, was nominated for several awards at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.

63/100 Video - "Radio Ga Ga" – Queen (1984)

 

The video for "Radio Ga Ga " by Queen uses black-and-white footage from the 1927 science-fiction film Metropolis, as well as clips from old concerts. 

But how cool is that flying car?

The song was a social commentary on how television was overtaking radio's popularity, as well as the advent of the music video and MTV, which was then competing with radio as an important medium for promoting records.

Fun fact: Without this song Lady Gaga would probably be still known as Stefani Germanotta.

64/100 Video - "I Missed Again" - Phil Collins (1981)

Today's clip is a shout-out to THE ultimate budget video.

In the video for "I Missed Again", Phil Collins not only lip syncs (natch), he also plays the air version of ALL the instruments. Horns. Guitars. Drums. ALL of them.

I've attempted to estimate the actual costs for producing this minimal video.

Based on 1981 costs...

• one can of white paint for wall, so $10.
• one camera guy for 30 minutes @ $20/hr, so $10. 
• clothing provided in-kind, care of Phil’s closet.

Total estimated budget of a $20 US bill.

A few years later, in an ironic twist, Phil would be involved on producing one of the most expensive videos of the era. Stay tuned for that one...