Why I Used To Want My MTV
10 November 2008 | 1:48 PM
A couple of weeks ago, MTV launched the ironic service MTV Music, ironic because it’s the last actual place on Music Television that you can still see, you know, music videos. Lord knows you can’t find them on their network anymore. In any case, it’s a real treasure trove, and I got a bit lost in it over the weekend. Here are some of the gems I found:
“Catch” – The Cure
Sure, it’s a hokey a video, but it’s hard to find and a simply brilliant song. Plus, seeing Robert Smith looking that young warms my heart.
“One Minute More” – Civ
Not the greatest of songs, to be sure. However, the video pokes fun at the Jerry Spring/Jenny Jones cultural black hole our popular culture was in at the time, and so I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for it.
“Gepetto” – Belly
I could offer a lengthy analysis about why this video offers some intrinsic value because of its playful nature, but I would be lying. This video is great because of three words: Tanya Fucking Donelly.
“Keep Fishin’” – Weezer
Weezer’s had a lot of great videos, but this one will always be my favorite, for sentimental reasons. Plus, is there anything better than watching the mildly-autistic Rivers Cuomo have to perform while covered in Muppets?
“Universal Heartbeat” – Juliana Hatfield
I’d had a crush on Juliana Hatfield long before this video came out, but I remember seeing it and being lovestruck. Plus, the concept was great then, and I still think it resonates today.
“She’s Crafty” – Beastie Boys
Nowadays, the Beasties are regarded for their inclusive music and far-out thinking, but back in the day when I was in seventh grade, they were cool because they were like a harmless version of the Sex Pistols. God bless ‘em!
“The Girl You Lost” – Sia
Never mind that MTV felt the need to censor the title of the song. The fact is the song’s great, and Sia’s got so many personalities in the video that she gives Tracey Ullman a run for her money.
“Toxic” – Britney Spears
Ahem. No comment.
“The Big Hand” – The Cure
Yeah, yeah, I know I already posted a Cure video. But this song’s so great, and it’s from their “secret gig” at the Town and Country II, just prior to the release of their Wish album. I remember being so very excited to see and hear new material out of them that they could’ve been playing potato chip jingles and I would’ve thought it was awesome.
I’d be interested in seeing what other people find as they fish around in there.
Posted by Andy in Navel Gazing