20 Greatest Music Videos – Foo Fighters, Beyonce, Johnny Cash, OK GO, and a few others

A while back I had a post entitled “Best Live Performances”.  This quickly became one of my highest viewed posts.  Well this time I figured I would focus on music videos.  I am sure, like all my other posts, many people will disagree…Yeah, I’m ok with that.  However, I would love to hear your additions to my list.

One last thing, these are in no particular order.

Johnny Cash – Hurt – Simple and poignant.

When Doves Cry – Prince - Some may think I’m crazy but the song and the video show exactly why Prince is freakishly strange and talented.

Thriller – Michael Jackson – I hope I don’t need to justify this.

Sabotage - Beastie Boys – I actually don’t care for the song that much but the video made me want to dress up and run around like a spy/robber.

Tonight/Tonight – Smashing Pumpkins – Beautiful.

This too shall pass – OK GO - Seriously one of the coolest videos I have ever seen.

Weapon of Choice – Fatboy Slim - Anything with Christopher Walken not being creepy has a place on this list…and it’s an awesome video.

Fell in Love With a Girl – The White Stripes - Although Seven Nation Army is a better song, this video encapsulates the creative genius that is Jack White.

It’s Oh so Quiet – Bjork – Sure she is strange, sure she wore a swan dress once…but come on! This is a great video.

Sweet Child O Mine – Guns N Roses – Classic and necessary.

The Rain – Missy Elliot - Crazy, inventive, and in some ways terrifying…

No Rain – Blind Melon - Two words – Bee Girl.

Janie’s Got A Gun – Aerosmith – By far their best video and one that to this day is disturbing and sad.

Where the Streets Have No Name- U2 - Because U2 is part of the soundtrack to my life.

Do Wop (That Thing) – Lauren Hill - Catchy, fun, and intelligent. Most people don’t really pay attention to the lyrics but you should.

Single Ladies – Beyonce – I don’t care who you are…you know you like this video.

Float On – Modest Mouse - It’s just that good.

House of Cards – Radiohead – Trying to pick just one Radiohead video for a greatest  list is like trying to stop a river with a poncho…kind of difficult.

Blaze of Glory – Bon Jovi - Young Guns II…there I said it.

Everlong – Foo Fighters - Because Dave Grohl is a funny genius.

The Top 10 Moments of the 2009 VMA’s

I watched them so you don’t have to.

Let me preface this list by saying, like most VMA’s, this year was filled with class, trash, and an abundance of awkwardness.  This is my list of the top 10 moments.

Honorable mention goes to Pink, as she was a trapeze artist while she sang.

10.  Eminem and Tracy Jordan…I mean Tracy Morgan – I had no idea Eminem was  still around. However, these two made me laugh every time they were on…which is more than I can say for the host.  See number 4.

9. Jay – Z & Alicia Keys – The mayor of New York…AKA HOV closed the show with an “Ode to New York”.  Say what you will about Hip Hop Jay Z is gifted.  All he needed was a stage and he owned it – Making anyone who has lived in or been to New York embrace the realities of one of the greatest cities of the world.

8. This is it – A trailer for the Michael Jackson concert film.  Just watching a clip and you couldn’t help but remember how incredible he really was.

7. Green Day – One of the few remaining rock bands that I enjoy. It’s just good solid rock.

6. Lady Ga Ga – Alright let me begin by saying…WHAT THE CRAP?  It’s like 80′s Madonna meets Cher crossed with Phyllis Diller.  Sure the songs are catchy, sure she can sing and play the piano, and sure she knows how to entertain…but still I say…WHAT THE CRAP!  From the ever changing outfits to the, I’m not sure what I just saw performance, Lady Ga Ga was certainly an interesting component to the show this year.

5. All The Single Ladies – It just doesn’t get old.  And even with 40 other dancers Beyonce still commands attention…and she actually sings.

4. Russell Brand – Seriously?!  MTV I know that you have become obsolete and that Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel have become far more relevant than you are but…come on, Russell Brand?  It was like watching a train wreck but far less interesting.  Non one laughed they just stared eyebrows raised and mouths open.  I’m just saying…dude needs Jesus…of course so do I…aaaand I’m pretty sure some people feel the same way when I preach.

4. Madonna – Let’s see…where to begin.  I guess I can start with how incredibly arrogant and ridiculous it is to do to  a side by side competition of who is the bigger pop star, especially when one of the pop stars is now deceased.  It has been a while since I have watched something so seemingly insincere and incredibly awkward…not as awkward however as….

3. Kayne West taking the Microphone away from Taylor Swift – Did that seriously just happen?  Who does that?  Who goes on stage takes the microphone from a 17-year-old girl and proceeds to say that some other person’s video was better.  Kayne West that’s who.  Thus beginning a feeling of awkwardness that lasted for about 20 minutes and not a funny awkwardness but a sad really really uncomfortable awkwardness.  Have I mentioned it was awkward?  Yeeeaaaahhhhhhh.

2. The Michael Jackson dance tribute – The name says it all.

1. Beyonce = class – Beyonce wins best video of the year and what does she do?  Reminisces about winning her first VMA at 17 with Destiny’s Child and then telling the crowd “I think Taylor deserves her moment.” Come on now, love her or hate her, that says a lot about a persons character when they don’t rest in the glory but shine the light on someone else.  Class I say…class.

There you have it…I watched it so you don’t have to.  And seriously, you don’t have to…It was hard to even get 10 things, although I do know how to pray a little better for some people.

Best Live Performances – Michael Jackson, U2, Beyonce, Green Day, Coldplay, and a few others.

OK! So, I haven’t done a serious post in a long time…it’s not because I don’t want to, it’s more because my thoughts are not organized enough with all that has happened. I am currently working on a post entitled thoughts on authenticity but until that time I have this one. Today at lunch we were discussing great live performances so below you will find some of my favorites. I chose on originality, creativity, and sheer enjoyment. You don’t have to agree with me…but I bet you will. Feel free to add your own.

In no particular order here are my favorites…

Michael Jackson – Billy Jean - It’s not the original but still, no description needed!

U2 and Green Day – The Saints are Coming – Sentimental for me, but also incredible.

NYSYNC – BYE BYE BYE - Don’t mock me! I apologize for the beginning of the video but if you wade through it and watch the BYE BYE BYE portion you will understand why I think it is one of the best…I hope. It’s just the middle part.

Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Castello, Dave Grohl, and Steve Van Zandt – The Clash Tribute - If you don’t know who The Clash are…then know that I am sad for you.

Guns N Roses and Elton John – November Rain - When of the best/odd combinations in a live performance…ever.

Beyonce – Ring the Alarm – Say what you want, this performance is sick…specifically beginning at 2:29

Coldplay – The Scientist - Granted this is one of my favorite songs, but the simplicity of this performance is beautiful.

U2 – Super Bowl – Sure U2 is on here twice…there’s a reason…they rock! And this performance is not only frickin awesome but it’s also moving…in fact if you don’t get chills…check your pulse.