Someone once told me, “all great works of art are inspired by love”. I never really thought about the phrase until I had a really bad break up and realized just how many god damn songs are about falling in love, breaking up, unrequited love, etc. No joke, I stopped listening to music, and actively avoided places that played it, because I couldn’t stand the theme of love. Now, that I’m older (and wiser???), I’m beginning to realize some truth in that sentiment. Not that all art is inspired by romantic love, but that all art is inspired by passion – be it for a romantic partner, your dog, a concept, or even a place. On that note, all of the visuals in this ep of Videos of the Week are exceptionally breathtaking pieces of art. Even the silly ones are just dripping with signs of how much work and care were infused into the projects.
1. Little Dragon: “High”:
It feels like it’s been damn near a decade since Little Dragon released new music, but man was it worth the wait. It’s so fitting that they released this on Valentine’s Day because this is baby making music at its finest. If you’re flying (crying?) solo today, these smooth as butter sounds would also be the perfect soundtrack to a bubble bath and an entire bottle of $2 Trader Joes wine.
2. Grimes ft. Janelle Monáe – “Venus Fly”:
There is so much going on in this song and video that I can’t even begin to describe it. Grimes and Janelle Monáe shove everything from oil baths, to violins on fire, to insane cyberpunk costumes in our faces. They even had a professional “bubble-ologist” on set to make those crazy bubbles filled with smoke, fire, etc. It is the definition of maximalism and I’m in love with all of it. Between you and me, though, I can’t watch it without shedding a few involuntary tears because I’m a weenie who gets overstimulated way too easily.
3. M.I.A. – “P.O.W.A”:
It’s not an M.I.A. video if it doesn’t have mind blowing visuals. Everyone remembers the controversial and ginger-filled “Born Free” video, but I watched all her videos from the Kala era so much as a kid that they are practically seared into my memory. This time around, we get some amazing shots of M.I.A. looking majestic as ever in a desert landscape. Plus, we get some weird synchronized dance movements by dudes in bucket hats.
4. Goldfrapp – “Anymore”:
This video for Goldfrapp‘s latest track “Anymore” is filled with women doing weird rituals in the desert…. what’s not to love?
5. Jerry Paper – “Plans”:
They say in order to truly love someone, you have to be honest and allow yourself to be open and vulnerable… So I guess I should be honest with you guys… True story, one time I got really drunk by accident and ran into Jerry Paper after a show. Because they know how much I love his music, my friends egged me on to say “hi” to him. After much cajoling, I finally did and immediately got so nervous that I didn’t know what to say. Then, I asked if I could take a photo with him and just awkwardly walked away… HAHAHAHA. I’m still cringing so hard about it to this day, but this fantastic video about a sad clown helps me forget about it for precisely 2 minutes and 41 seconds.
6. 2 WET CREW ft. Mac DeMarco:
The always zany Douggpound has a crack problem, but is miraculously saved when the equally whacky Mac DeMarco appears in the wild. I’m actually kind of surprised this crossover episode hasn’t happened yet.
7. Ghost in the Shell Trailer #2:
We finally have an extended trailer for Ghost in the Shell and it looks so freaking awesome! I’m just counting the days until its release… which is exactly 45 days away at the time of this writing.
8. Avengers: Infinity War Behind the Scenes:
The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy crossover?!?! HOW CAN IT NOT BE GOOD? TELL ME.
9. Sun Ra’s Afrofuturism:
I’m obsessed with Sun Ra. Not only because his music is incredible, but because his concept of Afrofuturism is endlessly fascinating as well. I’ve always admired how it gives an oppressed group of people the agency to rewrite their history in any way they please. Plus, the outfits were ridiculously dope.
