OK this one was always going to split people, but the staff @ Zen have deliberated hard over what we believe to be the top 10 best music videos of all time. Being a group of diverse ages, experiences and tastes we hope that at least some of your fave clips made it into our list. Enjoy and be sure to let us know what you think!
Daft Punk – Around the World Directed by the amazingly fresh Michel Gondry who’s somehow given each instrument a persona and has its movements intersect with the music by running up, down and around a set of stairs.
Prodigy – Smack My Bitch Up What a way to flip the perception of sexist promotion of violence. Wait for the twist, it’s epic (uncensored video on dailymotion).
Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) Director Jake Nava took the less is more approach with this clip. Forget elaborate sets, design and an entourage of dancers. Beyoncé + leotard + high heels + 2 dancers = job done.
Coldplay – The Scientist Director Jamie Thraves plays (literally) with the words in the chorus “back to the start.” and the results of the reverse narrative is amazing. It’s a beautiful clip for a song.
Fatboy Slim – Praise You Directed by the amazing Spike Jonze who spent a measly $1000 to make Fatboy Slim’s Praise You. Jonze, who also plays the leader of the group didn’t ask permission from the theater either! Honourable mention to Weapon Of Choice which proves Christopher Walken is amazing even if he doesn’t open his mouth.
Kanye West – Runaway Written, directed and performed by the man himself. Love it or hate it, Kanye West’s full-length film makes the cut.
Michael Jackson – Thriller – John Landis’ mini movie for the title song from Michael Jackson’s record breaking album is about as iconic and influential as it gets.
Aphex Twin – Come to Daddy Legendary Director Chris Cunningham and Aphex Twin make for a terrifying match made in hell. Wait for the TV scene, it’s evil.
Johnny Cash – Hurt Director Mark Romanek has created a historic, backstory like clip of Johnny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt”. Especially haunting, as it was recorded just prior to Cash’s untimely death.
The Chemical Brothers – Star Guitar Again directed by the genius that is Michel Gondry, who, using DV footage of his train journeys around France comps together a rhythmical landscape that synchs perfectly to the music. Hypnotising. Super smart.
The only problem with this list, whilst mostly agreeable, is there is a lack of Beastie Boys! Every video they push out is brilliant!
Agreed. SABOTAGE was on the list, just missed out!