2013 revealed a variety of music videos that showcased the creative talents not only of the musicians, but the cinematographers and creative minds behind the lens. From short films, interactive videos and comedic WTF vids, below are Grimy Goods’ 15 selections for the best music videos of 2013. What were your favorites?
1. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – “KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED”
It’s a creepy animated video full of gross punks, weirdos and plenty of grime — however — this song is beyond fucking rad. It’s sexy, drawn out with beautiful melodic moments, and it’s full of suspense. The stunning artwork was created by the elusive UK contemporary artist, Boneface and it was brought to life by the animation or Liam Brazier.
Directed by, Giorgio Testi, the first minute of the video (short film) is a powerful spoken prelude that cuts into the gunning bass riff of “Shut Up.” It’s pretty fuckin’ badass, check it out for yourself below.
3. YEAH YEAH YEAHS – “SACRILEGE”
The video, directed by Megaforce, is like a scene out of movie depicting a woman (English model and actress, Lily Cole) being chastised for what looks like was an infidelity. And, it doesn’t look like it was the first time for this sex-hungry leading lady …
4. DEATH GRIPS – COME UP AND GET ME
The video is in black-and-white and plays like an artistic short film. Like many great artists and musicians, “Come Up and Get Me” shows the punk-rap frontman, MC Ride (Stefan Burnett) weirding out at the infamous and luxurious Chateau Marmont in Hollywood.
Aside from the Spanish vocals, it’s hard to make out what lead singer, Pedro de Dios is crooning through his muffled vocals and reverb. We’ve made the song out to be an ode to a beautiful girl named Milana, however, Milana ain’t so beautiful. The girl’s got some problems (and they’re not just those hideous pointed fingernails of hers).
Directed by Sammy Rawal and and shot over two days in Mexico City, “Lost Kitten” runs like a sassy fairy tale with brilliant colors and amusing personalities. It follows acclaimed ballroom dancer/actor Sheldon McIntosh (otherwise known as Tynomi Banks, the name he goes by when performing in drag in his native Toronto).
7. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – “THE VAMPYRE OF TIME AND MEMORY”
Directed by Kii Arens & Jason Trucco and produced by The Creators Project, the video is a classy, yet creepy macabre delight that would have been perfectly suited for Halloween, but it was released during the Thanksgiving season. QOTSA also had a dark interactive video created.
8. WAVVES – “AFRAID OF HEIGHTS”
Directed by BLACK // DOCTOR (Chris Black and MISTERDOCTOR), the video depicts two chubby and hairy cross-dressers painting the town red, literally. The video is weird and we wouldn’t expect anything less from audacious duo consisting of guitarist Nathan Williams and bassist Stephen Pope.
9. DAM-FUNK & SNOOPZILLA – “7 DAYS OF FUNK”
With Snoopzilla’s permed long hair and Dam-Funk’s straight flowing locks, the two definitely play their funk roles well, “capturing the funk.” Watch below, the first official music video by Dam-Funk and Snoopzilla titled “Faden Away” from their new self-titled project, 7 Days of Funk.
10. SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS – “RETREAT”
Not only is Sharon Jones one amazing soul sister, but she’s a darn tough cookie too. Recently diagnosed with cancer and winning the battle this animated video is a passionate soul number sure to make those hips sway with fury.
The new video for “Reflektor” was written, directed, and produced by longtime Arcade Fire collaborator Vincent Morisset and filmed in Jacmel, Haiti. The story follows a young woman who travels between her world and our own. Creepy masks, btw. There’s also an interactive version.
Directed by local Los Angeles film maker, Eli Berg and produced by Mustache Monocle Films —
All we have to say is that this video is “bloody” damn good and sends the cholos running home! Oh, and it’s totally NSFW …
13. TELEKINESIS – “EMPATHETIC PEOPLE”
Directed by Patrick Stanton, the video has a “hardworking man” industrial feel to it (not industrial music, but industrial warehouse workers). Featuring Telekinesis frontman Michael Benjamin Lerner, he goes to work in this rundown factory to press and bring his new album (Dormarion) to life as well.
14. DEAP VALLY – “BABY I CALL HELL”
The video is a vibrant trip, almost like a video game. It definitely has a surreal effect and takes you through a time-traveling trip back to the rockin’ days of yesteryear, however; these Deap Vally babes keep it badass and built for today’s fashionable rock stylings.
15. CROCODILES “GOATS OF LOVE”
Don’t let the breezy Summer beach day distract you, this shit is both disturbing and hilarious. The video features some very special YouTube sensations you may have seen around the block — screaming goats.
What were your favorite music videos of 2013? Let us know in a comment below!
