Within the first installment of our exploration of Nineteen Eighties music movies, we highlighted a few of the lesser-known gems from the last decade. This era marked an exciting evolution in inventive expression for musicians, administrators, and visible artists alike. They plunged into an uncharted medium with few established pointers, leading to boundless artistic potentialities. As we sift by a vault of archived supplies, we come throughout a mixture of outstanding works which have stood the check of time, alongside others that, effectively… the decision is as much as you. Varied elements contribute to a video’s relevance or obsolescence.
Know-how: The early music movies of the late Nineteen Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties had been primarily promotional clips, usually filmed on conventional grainy movie inventory, offering a considerably uniform getting old course of. Many showcased bands performing or embodying varied characters. These simple approaches get a cross. Nonetheless, as cable tv and video dance golf equipment grew to become extra prevalent, the floodgates opened for modern administrators and aspiring filmmakers. Many early music movies transitioned to video recording, leading to a vibrant, washed-out aesthetic. When paired with cheap DIY results, the outcomes could possibly be chaotic. We’ll reserve discussions about a few of the extra rudimentary creations—full with large rabbits and floating heads ( you, Thompson Twins)—for one more time, however we are going to rejoice those who, by technical talent or creative approaches, achieved a visually interesting end.
Theme: The themes depicted in pop songs and the movies we like—love, conflict, famine, and agriculture—are common. Nonetheless, particular themes like energy, corruption, materialism, and romanticized battles recur continuously. Like assessing film relevance, the extra stylish or topical a video is, the extra it dangers showing outdated as soon as these developments fade. Think about how previous inspirations like insider buying and selling and the Chilly Struggle have change into distant recollections for many.
Type: Intently linked to theme is model. The extra up to date and trend-driven the video, the extra possible it’s to age poorly—besides, after all, for goth or something in black. Hairstyles can date a video immediately, turning into synonymous with that period. As parachute pants, Members Solely jackets, and the enduring South Seaside activewear fade from reminiscence, so too should we retire our beta recordings of those nostalgic items to the vaults of VH-1.
Inventive Assertion: The roots of music movies and efficiency clips hint again to the daybreak of rock music, usually taking the type of low-budget movies that forwent plot or dialogue in favor of prolonged dwell performances or house movies. Because the demand for video content material elevated, the music trade did transition in direction of extra conceptual works directed by notable abilities like John Landis for “Thriller.” Nonetheless, most of the preliminary movies had been simple efficiency items that includes bands lip-synching or having playful antics. Some had been experimental, permitting artists artistic freedom that generally led to clumsy appearing or misguided makes an attempt at conceptual expressions.
Sure types or themes see recurrent appearances. Genres like electro/disco have shifted, as have tropes like marriage ceremony singers and political commentary. Movies that may envision eventualities by which artists may see themselves years from now—e.g., initiatives involving Kathleen Hanna—possess a timeless high quality in comparison with others.
What follows is a group of Nineteen Eighties music movies that stay remarkably related in the present day. These enduring visuals both broke new floor technically or thematically, capitalizing on developments which were constantly recycled in popular culture. Some handle to remain contemporary regardless of their retro roots because of the artists’ daring execution and the affect these movies have made.
Visage – “Fade to Gray” (Polydor, 1980)
At first look, this clip may seem to be one of many earliest music movies, proper behind the Buggles’ iconic “Video Killed the Radio Star.” That includes expressionless, minimalist fashions, it evokes a surreal, nightmarish panorama harking back to mimes. But, the video has a timeless high quality. The crisp capturing model and sluggish, deliberate actions contribute to its enduring aesthetic. Anticipating the electroclash development that may later acquire traction within the early 2000s, this video stands the check of time far longer than some revival efforts in synthpop (the place are you, Fischerspooner?). Curiously, Ultravox’s Midge Ure penned the lyrics, and Adam Clayton of U2 developed the bass line for “New 12 months’s Day” whereas practising with this observe.
ELO and Olivia Newton-John – “Xanadu” (Common, 1980)
Surprisingly, this vibrant and theatrical manufacturing initially confronted heavy criticism. It aired shortly after Go-Go’s stunt involving water snowboarding and shortly earlier than the discharge of Jaws 3—every fraught with peril from predatory sharks. Certainly, combining curler skates, Olivia Newton-John, and Gene Kelly was an unpredictable mix. Miraculously, upon rewatching, this video seems timeless slightly than dated.
Just like the Visage clip, “Xanadu” achieves a sure iconic standing attributable to its exaggerated glamor—a precursor to numerous vibrant manufacturing numbers that invite comparisons to later musical tv exhibits. This wouldn’t appear misplaced in a stylishly devised industrial in the present day, as administrators again then properly featured these Hollywood legends slightly than relying solely on particular results.
Kim Wilde – “Youngsters in America” (EMI, 1982)
Regardless of being a British artist, Kim Wilde created an anthem about American youth. As one of many signature tracks of early Nineteen Eighties pop, the video serves as a foundational instance of the period’s model. That includes Wilde’s cool detachment and moments of seen nervousness, the staging transitions from a schoolyard to an internal area, the place she observes inexperienced dinosaurs whereas dismissing advances from her bandmate. This dance-driven visible stands as a formidable testomony to Wilde’s expertise, rivaling her later work in 1987 for “You Maintain Me Hanging On.”
Thomas Dolby – “Europa and the Pirate Twins” (EMI, 1984)
Thomas Dolby was an innovator, utilizing his fascination with know-how to create a persona as an eccentric genius. Whereas “She Blinded Me with Science” illustrated his mad scientist picture, “Europa and the Pirate Twins” showcased his lesser-known inventive depth. This visible unfolds by varied scenes—black-and-white pictures, him tinkering with devices, and glimpses of burning supplies, all framed towards archival footage. This energetic composition demonstrates his adeptness at integrating know-how into his artwork and displays his ongoing trailblazing work within the digital realm. Regardless of being overshadowed by different hits, this video stays a keeper.
INXS – “The One Factor” (Atlantic, 1982)
This noteworthy clip retains its attract with a definite filmic high quality and a vibrant sound that resonates even in the present day. It captures a second of youthful exuberance amongst buddies earlier than romantic pairings take over. The video explores INXS’s seductive imagery alongside glamorous fashions, though, honestly, these pairings can really feel implausible—other than just a few exceptions like Ric Ocasek. This poignant feast for the senses touches upon themes of indulgence and carnal intuition, paralleling up to date discussions about overconsumption.
The clip emphasizes the artistry of video modifying and the way creatively repurposed content material can improve storytelling. Sadly, it holds a bittersweet edge following the tragic destiny of vocalist Michael Hutchence, although it completely encapsulates INXS’s journey simply as they had been on the cusp of worldwide fame.
Public Enemy – “Battle the Energy” (Def Jam, 1989)
Whereas hip-hop emerged with the likes of “The Message” and “The Breaks,” Public Enemy pioneered a motion recognized for its sociopolitical vigor with “Battle the Energy.” Echoing the discontent of marginalized artists in search of visibility, the video exemplifies the wrestle for black illustration within the music trade. Because of accusations of bias, regardless of some publicity on networks like NBC or TBS, MTVideo platforms largely sidelined African-American artists.
Because the style gained traction with exhibits like Yo! MTV Raps, Public Enemy ushered in a robust wave of political commentary—“Battle the Energy” challenged societal injustices and resonated deeply with a large viewers, aided by its look in Spike Lee’s movie Do the Proper Factor.
The Minutemen – “This Ain’t No Picnic” (SST, 1984)
Minutemen’s debut video, produced on a slim finances of $600, delivers a pointy critique by artistic storytelling. It juxtaposes photographs of Ronald Reagan towards the band’s efficiency, comically portraying the President as a determine who disregards the little man’s struggles. By sidestepping overtly contentious political imagery, the video cleverly engages viewers by satire that resonates even in the present day given Reagan’s divided legacy.
Black Flag – “TV Get together” (SST, 1982)
This basic from hardcore legends Black Flag faucets into the common expertise of rest and escapism. Although the references to particular tv exhibits could seem dated, their cultural imprint endures because of continuous reruns on channels like TV Land and Nickelodeon. As audiences witness reboots of basic collection, “TV Get together” embodies the spirit of nostalgia whereas offering an entertaining reflection on shared experiences.
Madonna – “Like a Prayer” (Sire, 1989)
As a definitive determine of the music video period, Madonna captivated audiences by her ever-evolving persona, notably merging thrift store aptitude with avant-garde experimentation. But, enduring success comes with its perils. Lots of her early visuals have change into much less impactful, however “Like a Prayer,” initially contentious, has emerged as an iconic narrative work.
Regardless of the backlash for its provocative imagery—equivalent to her provocative dance close to an altar—this video exemplifies highly effective storytelling and inventive expression, irrevocably cementing her legacy within the music video panorama.
The Police – “Each Little Factor She Does Is Magic” (A&M, 1981)
Capturing youthful exuberance, this basic clip from The Police’s Ghost within the Machine album presents a glimpse into the band’s playful camaraderie earlier than inner strife took its toll. In tandem with the upbeat observe, the video options vibrant imagery and kooky antics, encapsulating a joyous spirit akin to a pageant environment.
Each “Each Little Factor” and one other favourite, “Spirits within the Materials World,” had been recorded throughout a vibrant interval crammed with vigorous interactions, playful spontaneity, and a festival-like setting, leading to a video that celebrates each music and fellowship.
