Originally Published as Weekend Reader Volume 15
Introduction
"Ain't Looking For Nothing But a Good Time" - Van Halen
We've covered some heavy topics in these newsletters. Drones. Prison Reform. Gene Editing and Superchildren. Even last week's topic, on Self-driving cars, turned into big questions about mass unemployment, and the ethics of who a car should kill if it had to make choice.
I think we need a break. So today we're doing something fun. Today, I'm excited to present to you, THE FIVE MOST ENJOYABLE MUSIC VIDEOS OF ALL TIME, selected by you the readers (with my helpful curation).
Over the past few weeks, many of you sent me music videos you love. I wish I could have included them all. A few of you suggested Michael Jackson's Thriller (Amanda L, Stephen P), and you can fault me for not including it on the list. I'm sorry, you can't please everyone. What follows may not be the best-made music videos ever. But they are the most enjoyable to watch today.The top 5 are below and I've added a couple honorable mentions, like:
- Honorable Mention for Best Celebrity Cameo: Tom "Run Forest" Hanks in Carly Rae Jeppson's I Really Like You. Nominated by Maxine B. (Let's face it, he's America's real sweetheart. This is a fun video.)
There's three more honorable mentions at the end. And that's not nearly all of the great suggestions I got. We'll have to do a second edition sometime. So if you have more nominations let me know.
Now without further ado, the Top 5 most enjoyable music videos ever.
Have a foot-tapping good time,
Max
#5: Electric Guest
"This Head I Hold"
Nominated by Anna A.
First of all, this song is rad. Second, the video has a funny take on the talent show biz. Third, this is one of those videos where you think it's about one thing, then it takes you somewhere completely different, and then back again. Nice pick Anna.
#4: Styx
"Too Much Time On My Hands"
Nominated by Jason H.
Everything about this video is enjoyable. The armband wearing keyboard guy pointing out the notes with his finger. The drummer who multiplies with every beat. The blonde dude with the huge shoulder pads. The laser-like effects. The "comic" bar scenes. YES!
#3: Possum Posse
"Guy on a Buffalo"
Nominated by Huw E.
Alright, this is a bit of a cheat. This isn't a real band. But it is a video. And they did put music to it. And more than that, it is DELIGHTFUL. When Huw sent this to me I couldn't stop smiling.
#2: OK GO
"This Too Shall Pass"
Nominated by Jordan S.
OK GO deserves their own contest: Top 5 OK GO videos. I could have put 4 others of theirs in this lineup and they would be just as good. They. Are. The. Best. No one holds a candle to the creativity they consistently put into their work. I like them so much I featured one of their videos in my very first blog post. For this video the boys built the best Rube Goldberg machine you'll ever see. Well chosen Jordan.
#1: David Bowie and Mick Jagger
"Dancing In The Street"
Nominated by Me
This video needs no introduction.
This is the greatest music video of all time.
Sit back, turn up the volume, expand to full screen, and enjoy.
Other Honorable Mentions
- Honorable Mention for Best Australian Miners Who Learn to Dance: The Avalanche's Since I Left You. Nominated by Jules F.
- Honorable Mention for Most Awkward Half-hearted dancing: Ryan Paris' Dolce Vita. Nominated by Sarah R.
- Honorable Mention for Most Visually Interesting German Foreign Video That Makes You Feel a Little On Edge: Gesaffelstin's Pursuit. Nominated by Douglas W.
