rushthatspeaks linked me to the video for Lorde's "
Tennis Court," which started me thinking about music videos. Generally speaking, I haven't seen very many; they're not how I discover music. I'll watch them if recommended, but I don't tend to seek them out on my own. There are exceptions: I watched the video for the Pet Shop Boys' "
It's a Sin" (1987) because it was directed by Derek Jarman and Fatboy Slim's "
Weapon of Choice" (2001) because of Christopher Walken dancing. I've seen a lot of Nine Inch Nails and Tori Amos and all the Dresden Dolls that existed the last time I checked around 2008 or so. (Also some fan-made videos I remember with fondness, although I doubt I could find them again if I looked. Actually,
this was one.) Because they come around on the internet or because people I trust sit me down and show them to me, I know I've seen more than I can recollect off the top of my head. But when I thought of putting together a post of some of my favorites, I started drawing blanks. I like Kate Bush's "
Experiment IV" (1986), but I like the song by itself
much more. Jill Tracy's "
The Fine Art of Poisoning" (2003) was created as a short film after the fact. Trying to compile some really striking examples, I feel like I'm left with an unsatisfying and not particularly representative set:
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, "
Wuthering Heights" (unknown—anyone?)
Kate Bush, "
Hounds of Love" (1986)
PJ Harvey, "
Man-Size" (1993)
16 Horsepower, "
Black Soul Choir" (1996)
Orbital, "
The Box" (1996)
Hole, "
Celebrity Skin" (1998)
Rob Zombie, "
Living Dead Girl" (1999)
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, "
Episode 1: Arrival" (2011)
Amanda Palmer, "
Want It Back" (2012)
The Magnetic Fields, "
Andrew in Drag" (2012)
The Pack a.d., "
Sirens" (2012) and "
Positronic"
David Bowie, "
The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" (2013)
What's all the rest I'm missing? I don't even mean classics of the genre, just weird things with music you like.
rushthatspeaks, what was that beautiful one covered in blood?