Tuesday, March 2, 2021

36/100 Video - "Ava Adore" - Smashing Pumpkins (1998)

"Ava Adore" by Smashing Pumpkins is a creepy cool, cinematic masterpiece. 


Throughout the video, band members Billy, D'Arcy and James take turns slinking around the screen at various speeds, entering the exiting our field of vision. 

The music video won an award for "most stylish video" at the 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards.

Monday, March 1, 2021

37/100 Video - "Right Now" – Van Halen (1992)

I vividly recall watching "Right Now" by Van Halen for the first time. I was in Halifax at Kevin MacNeil's apartment having drinks with friends before a night of clubbing.


When the first sub-titled message "Right now Ed is playing the piano" came on the screen, we became glued to the TV, awaiting each unique message.

The video is a reminder to live in the present, but right now, we are missing the magic of Eddie Van Halen. 

Sunday, February 28, 2021

38/100 Video - "Enjoy The Silence" - Depeche Mode (1990)

"Enjoy The Silence" by Depeche Mode inspires us with a synth masterpiece from the Violator album.

Dave Gahan's poignant lyrics accompany amazing scenery as he walks the Scottish Highland and the Algarve Coast of Portugal, presumably in search of silence. 


He also appears dressed for a snack at the local Burger King, presumably a rarity in rural Scotland and Portugal.  

Words are indeed very unnecessary. 

Saturday, February 27, 2021

39/100 Video - "World" – New Order (1993)

Following a banger of a first single like Regret was always going to be a tough nut to crack. Yet the second single "World (The Price of Love)" delivered, with a mega-synth dance vibe. 

The black-and-white video, shot along the French Riviera, is a cinematic masterpiece. The perspective changes as the camera follows four resort guests walking from the beach, through a dining area and ultimately into the hotel of a call girl.

What truly makes this video remarkable is its flow. It feels like a single edit, with only 4 cuts when the perspective is briefly changed

And in a 'Where's Waldo' sort of way, it's also fun to locate each of the four band members blended into the clip in different spots. See if you can spot all four!

Friday, February 26, 2021

40/100 video - "Go" - The Chemical Brothers (2015)


I love videos directed by Michael Gondry.

"Go" by The Chemical Brothers is the first of two of his innovative videos to appear on my list.


Filmed in Paris, the concept behind the video was beautifully simple.

Michel focused on the music for his visual interpretation.

The power of the bass line reminded him of a moving train.

The crossing of the single long iron bar by the six girls symbolizes a steam engine's side rods.

For a more detailed look behind the scenes of the making of "Go", check out this clip: