Music Videos
UNCLE - ‘Burn My Shadow’ single feat. Ian Astbury (2007)
No one said that romance was smooth sailing or free from drama. When it is exceptional, there are no complaints yet attention is seemingly drawn to its demise. The single ‘Burn My Shadow’ featuring Ian Astbury (The Cult) found on the the album “War Stories” by UNCLE speaks of torched dreams and a flailing future. The supporting video or short film rather, is directed by Miguel Sapochnik starring Goran Visnjic is a compost of emotions attached to the end of any volatile alliance. A failing pacemaker alludes to an eruptive heart and captures the main character’s personal disparity and physical pain. ‘How I loved You’, the song’s final verse offers the viewer an intense finale visually. Like the lyrics and music itself, the video is simplistic, minimal and straight to the point. This is an impressive five out of five.
Oasis — “The Importance of Being Idle” (2006)
‘The Importance of Being Idle’ from the album “Don’t Believe the Truth” by Oasis was directed by Dawn Shadforth whose portfolio also includes Kylie Minogue, Moloko, and Bjork to name a few. Oasis band members appear in fragments and the main subject is supported by Notting Hill actor Rhys Ifans who is born in Haverfordwest, Wales. The setting takes place in a desolate concrete village where Rhys appears to be an unaccomplished individual meticulously planning for a special event. Although, the video plays with a sinister possibility of suicide, it is rather funny. It is hilarious in fact, especially the manner in which the upbeat melody and lyrics contradict the images presented. The 19th century long coats and top hats add to the suspenseful drama where excellent choreography takes center stage when Rhys meets Oasis, the undertakers at a coffin fitting. The video is full of satire, irony and bravado specifically concerning the funeral procession at the end. Everyone should watch this and have a good laugh.
Vanity Beach — “Batcave” (2006)
‘Batcave’, directed by Jaakko Itäaho who is known for his work with snow boarding documentaries, creates a dreary setting for ‘Batcave’ from Vanity Beach who are also from Finland. Shot over three days, the video encompasses a band performance where the main vocalist often chants into a loud speaker. The spooky feelings conveyed fits generously with the industrial goth theme known historically with Bauhaus and Alien Sex Fiend. This horror affliction is mixed with a sense of homeless street culture. The band members look fierce with their anemic complexions decked out in hoods and the camera plays significantly with long angles where the band are cast in shadows with suspicious light shooting through smoke from behind. Creatively, the idea is simple. However, the final production complements the song itself and is stylistically coherent. Well done!
Kasabian — “Club Foot” (2005)
‘Club Foot’ from the self titled album by Kasabian has a story line playing with the issue of censorship where the band performs a live broadcast at a radio studio where the staff awaits nervously. Shot on 35mm film by WIZ who is known for work with The Chemical Brothers, Oasis, and Ian Brown among others, presents a vintage feel where costumes suggest a former Eastern European state. The black and white theme gives strength to pushing the limits of acceptable behavior in such regimes. In the end, Russian actress Dinara Drukarova who plays a staff member is greeted by a ferocious tank staring squarely into her path. The thundering power of the song’s bass line gives rise to the suspenseful element of time running out. Although, the band’s videos to follow play with similar anti-establishment politics, this video is an excellent introduction to the band.
