Gentlemen and butties,
I feel it is time that we cast our votes and let our voices be heard in a matter that has gone far too long unresolved, if not at least discussed. I am talking about what we all know is an issue in dire need of clarification and that is- the top music video of the 80's.
There are several factors that go into making the best music video of the 80's:
1. Obviously, the song must be one of high quality and good taste, but unlike other decades other factors play in as well.
2. Clothing attire that best encompasses the decade that we all miss so very much.
3. An innocent, if not charming pretentiousness, that can be found amidst the fragile delicacies of lost souls searching for their voice and place in this world.
4. A decent amount of false bravado, if not subtle undertones of hidden or maybe even unrecognized homosexuality.
5. Great dance moves.
6. Hair.
7. A sense of bliss or feeling of belonging, or maybe a hope of being able to accomplish any of your loftiest goals once the video is complete.
8. You feel the innocence that you once had as a child while watching.
I am asking all three of my other contributors, to rank in order, the top three videos of the 20 I have posted, according to their own unique views and perspectives on life. If at all, they feel that I have left any videos out that are worthwhile or heaven forbid, and doubtfully better than any other of the videos I posted, they are more than welcome to nominate said videos, and will be taken into consideration and a possible recount following the collection of initial votes.
1. Mr. Mister's "Kyrie."
Why this video is important-
Great dance moves. They look to be having a genuinely great time, and one can tell that they are all very close. The lead singer has a catchy smile and wink, and plus can dance to a beat. Finally, pay special attention as lead singer is walking in his trench coat with his guitar strapped on while walking in the back of a set, only to receive a high five from a guy in leather shorts.
2. Kenny Loggins- Danger Zone
Due to copyright claims, Genesis' "Invisible Touch," is no longer available to watch and thus is no longer eligible for the top 20. As such being the case, I have replaced it with a very eligible candidate that was refreshed in my memory, thanks to Jerry's contribution. The homosexual undertones in this video are palpable, and are quite fitting.
3. John Waite- I Ain't Missing You
Wait for the scene with the telephone towards the end of the video. It is well worth the wait.
4. Huey Lewis- Stuck With You
Catchy song, beautiful girl. Timeless tune really. Maybe so timeless that it transcends an 80's feeling? But the movie theme, making it seem more than a music video brings the video itself, not the song, snugly into the realm of 80's classics.
5. Cory Hart- Sunglasses at Night
The song is splendid of course, but the angry demeanor and shadow boxing of the singer, seem to capture the frustration of generation "x" better than any video I could find, with a rebel, without cause, trying to stick it to the man, and the confining stigmas of society. IT is a welcome departure from the other "happy" videos in this list, with its ferocious and confrontational imagery.
6. Rick Astley- Never Gonna Give You Up
The song itself is truly nothing remarkable, but the video and its playful delicacy, as well as Rick's, are unparalleled. All denim outfit by worn by Rick, plus a quick, random shot of a dancer jumping into a chain-link fence are highlights that propel the video towards infamy.
Sadly, the video could not be link but here is the youtube link.
7. Steve Perry- Oh Sherry
The single, solo debut of Journey's lead singer was a smash hit, and a song well loved ages over. Is the song good enough to carry the video? And like Huey Lewis' video, is the Hollywood movie theme, with a music video within it, enough to make it sensational? It shows a psychological battle of paradigms and conflicts of desire versus conditioning, with snaps of the middle ages and the stifling traditions of the Catholic Church, keeping people from truly being together and truly being in love. Watch for when Steve plays guitar with a broom. And you have to love when he is singing to her on the steps, without any inhibition.
8. The Outfield- Your Love
Is there a more catchy tune? Really? Plus, the blind keyboardist. And the costume and fashion design is impeccable, especially with the guitarist who tucks his pants into his socks and high tops, you know, the one with the leotard.
9. A-Ha- Take on Me
Clever video, well ahead of its time. And we all know the song is fantastic. The idea is unique, but the anthemic, generic 80's dance between girl and lead singer once they are in animation together is fantastic.
10. Peter Gabriel- Sledgehammer
This video actually creeped me out as a kid, all the bright colors and funny stuff coming out of his, plus Peter Gabriel's off-putting stare were enough to make me run and hide whenever it came on. But now that I am a big buy, the video is quite entertaining, but entertaining enough compared to the other candidates?
11. Duran Duran- Hungry Like the Wolf
At its time, the most expensive music video ever produced.
12. Lionel Richie- Say You Say Me
A song for grownups. No time for games.
13. Phil Collins- Against All Odds
Digital laser show! Anyone?! Sadly, that video is not available on youtube, but there was the original ending to the movie "Against all Odds," with Rachel Ward, who is fucking hot by the way, standing with the credits. I had the biggest crush on her on as a kid. It may almost be better than the original music video with Phil Collins standing in a laser light show.
14. Heart- These Dreams
Chicks with big hair- can you ask for anything more? It is almost as though this video was the prequel to the Twilight series.
15. Bangals- Manic Monday
A hot girl band that was not annoying, before Spice Girls and Pussycats. A rare gem.
16. Peter Cetera- Glory of Love
The former lead singer of Chicago, coming out to support Daniel-san. This song is all about the innocence that we can all achieve when we find the love of our lives.
17. Michael McDonald and Patti Labelle- On My Own
The lead singer of the Doobie Brothers teams up with Soul legend, Patti, to make what is arguably the best duet of the decade, and their hair carries their weight. A must see. Feel the power. I am very bummed this one is not embedding able. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. Wait for at least until Michael comes into the song. Unreal.
Goosebumps.
18. Night Ranger- Sister Christian
Who isn't always chasing their soulmate. This girl in the video, I feel best represented me and who I was in high school. Plus, I cannot tell who the lead singer is, which makes it enjoyable to watch over and over. Once again, embedding has been disabled by request and I am getting to the point where I am almost about to disqualify any video that cannot be embedded from this competition, no matter how good it may be. Sigh.
19. Don Johnson- Heartbeat
This man was the king, nay the god of the 80's. He took his acting prowess and applied it to the musical field, leaving us all stunned and breathless. Take notice of when he saves the life of the little boy from the bomb explosion, tossing him behind a crumbled wall. As well as the violent silhouettes.
Last, but not least.
20. Dire Straits- Money for Nothing
The computer age is born, and its birth is visible in this revolutionary video.
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So Eduardo and I have been the rounds on this one, and I came to a few conclusions:
ReplyDeleteFirst, if not for the Rick Rollin phenomenon, he'd be a cinch for the top spot. But I'll be damned if being uber popular as a running joke doesn't suck a lot of the potential for topping this list right out of Astley.
Second, one may argue with my high placement of "I Ain't Missin You At All." Just wait for the explanation, and you'll understand.
With that, here's the list:
1. I Ain't Missin You At All. Okay, why #1? Well, I was waiting for a buffer on "I Ain't Missin You At All", so I alt-tabbed out. The video starts playing, and after the singing begins, I alt-tabbed back. Imagine my shock when I noticed that a guy was singing the song. I had always assumed that this song was sung by a girl. Add the fact that I alt tabbed back in just in time for one of John Waite's most passionate glances, and the sheer comedy was enough to merit a #1.
#2. Oh Sherrie. With apologies to Huey Lewis, this video is taking the "video within a video" slot away from Huey's meritorious performance. Can't have 2 of those in the top three. With this video, Steve Perry manages the uber-sincerity and pretentiousness that makes 80s music so painful, and yet so entertaining.
#3. Sunglasses at Night. It was this or Heartbeat, but Don can't compete with the absolutely tragically funny application of this song to my high school days. Everytime I hear sunglasses at night I think of two guys we all knew in high school. To protect the innocent, we'll call them Trebek Drake and Dick Ravis. These are the guys who wear their sunglasses at night, not to watch someone weave then breath their storyline, but because having sunglasses on at all time is the ultimate sign of "cool". I distinctly remember being at a party and calling them out on this, and the stunned reaction that revealed their embarassment and frustration at being called out on perfectly matching an 80s cliche makes this video a shoe-in for the top 3.