Mo' Music

Editor's note: This week, the Gay Place launches its series of one-a-day features. Today is Mo' Music Tuesday. New guy, Rob Cohen tackles this first episode, but look for more contributors beginning next week. Forgive our delay (due to the UT news), and look for these features first thing, every weekday morning. – kxm

I was watching two new videos, one from one of my favorite bands, Deerhunter, and the new Janelle Monae single, and it got me thinking:

What are some other cool one-shot/close-up videos?

"Helicopter" Deerhunter

I'll admit I have a crush on Bradford Cox even if he is creepy. This distorted black and white video suits their dreamy new single perfectly. Their new album Halycon Digest is out today.

--------

Cold War - Janelle Monae

This is not the type of video you would expect for a lively song like this, but that's part of why it works. Janelle Monae is beautiful to look at, and I could totally see a singer-to-actress transition in the works.

--------

"Nothing Compares 2 U" Sinead O' Connor

A list like this is nothing without this iconic video. The song is beautiful, and Sinead does a great job emoting for the camera. This is the video that spawned a legion of followers.

--------

"No Surprises" Radiohead

Full disclosure: Radiohead is my favorite band, but the simple power of this video is undeniable. It conveys the lyrics of the song in a literal sort of way, but Radiohead aren't about subtly. Thom had a hard time getting through the shoot of this, and I respect anyone who suffers for their art.

--------

"Untitled (How Does It Feel)" D'Angelo

You've got to have a big ego to shoot a video like this, but as I watch it, I'm more concerned with the size of what lies just out of sight. The power of the pricktease makes this one a winner.

--------

"Sledgehammer" Peter Gabriel

Yeah, this was way before Sinead but Gabriel has a different goal with this video, and that's to trip you out. Like, whoa.

--------

"Hunter" Bjork

Bjork's gonna get you.

--------

Now that we're done bjorkin' off, here are two examples of how not to make this kind of video:

"Numb" U2

This video is just weird and kinda pointless and gay in all the wrong ways.

--------

"Head Over Feet" Alanis Morrissette

Jagged Little Pill-era Alanis will always have a soft spot in my heart, for she was a big part of my musical awakening as a child. I still dig the song, but as I watch I can't help but think, "pick up the pace with yo cracked out face."

Next week: More music and GP music bloggers.