Would you choose Coldplay? Are Coldplay the best band in the world? (image courtesy: Wonker http://www.flickr.com/photos/wonker/)
David Meagher (Content Production Development Assistant) kicks off a discussion about many an Australian’s fantasy – to program ABC’s rage.
A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be in the audience of ACMI’s Live in the Studio, which featured a special on ABC’s music show rage. Speakers on the night were award-winning music video director Sarah-Jane Woulahan, rage producer/programmer team Sophie Zoellner and Madeline Palmer, and comedian and documentarian John Safran. One of the highlights of the night for me was hearing Madeline talk about some of her more interesting moments with Saturday night guest presenters, such as an awkward encounter with Xavier Rudd, and dealing with an extremely hungover (i.e. bucket at the ready) band The Kills. Ah rock stars: always drinking to excess…
But it did get me thinking a thought I have had many times over the years, since I experienced my very first rage way back in 1990. I was in year 7 at a slumber party. We made a boy wet his bed while he slept by placing one of his fingers in a cup of warm water… but I digress.
So many Saturday nights have I stayed up ’til all hours, making lists in my head of what my rage set-list would be comprised of. Would I go for a theme? Would it be chronological or era-based? Would I play songs that I wanted to hear, or try to educate my audience with songs I think they should hear? Would I choose videos that were brilliant and engaging, even though I found the music boring and annoying (and vice versa)? So many questions.
Alas, most of us will never get the chance to program rage. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still let others know what we would play, if we were given the chance. So I put it to you ACMI readers: If you were given the opportunity to sit on the red couch and present to the world your selection, what would be your top three rage videos and why?
Three videos. Three reasons (or more, if so inclined)
I’ll get you started…
Would you program Split Enz? (Image courtesy: Nambassa Trust and Peter Terry http://www.nambassa.com)
SONG: Six Months in a Leaky Boat
ARTIST: Split Enz
WHY?: The very first music video I can remember – and my first realisation that music can be scary, beautiful, enchanting and humorous all at the same time!
SONG: Cheap Wine
ARTIST: Cold Chisel
WHY?: I grew up in the outer suburbs of Melbourne and have 3 older brothers – Chisel was inescapable. I’ve shunned this band for most of my teenage and adult life but i’ll come clean to you good people now: I am a Chisel fan. There. It’s been said. Let’s move on.
SONG: Hurt
ARTIST: Johnny Cash
WHY?: A friend of mine says the older you get, the more you warm to country music. I tend to agree. It also helps when your father plays it every Saturday morning of your childhood… Talking about old – sheesh! This video really captures the whole life and death thing. Brings me to tears nearly everytime. RIP JC.
SONG: House of Cards
ARTIST: Radiohead
WHY?: This band continues to evolve, with each evolution more exciting than the last. What I particularly love about them is the effort they make in taking their videos to interesting places. No cameras were used in the making of this video. Fantastic.
SONG: The Scientist
ARTIST: Coldplay
WHY?: Ok, so I’ll admit Chris Martin is slightly annoying and wants to be Bono, with all his moral crusading and international charity hoo-haa, but this is a well-executed video. Song is nice too. Always wear you seatbelt kids – even when on a countryside love holiday!
SONG: Wake Up
ARTIST: Eskimo Joe
WHY?: It’s such a simple concept for a video and it makes me smile everytime.
SONG: My Hero
ARTIST: Foo Fighters
WHY?: These guys made great videos back in their early days. I’m not a big fan of seeing a band performing in a video, but when it’s in a burning house with a poor, faceless hero saving everyone and everthing around them - I can work with that.
SONG: November Rain
ARTIST: Guns N’ Roses
WHY?: A wedding. A mini-skirt wedding dress. A guitar solo in front of a church in the desert shot from a helicopter? Show me production values used today that match those used in this clip and I’ll eat my hat. A question for die-hard fans (or anyone for that matter): How does wifey die? Surely there’s a large part of the storyline missing there?
SONG: Rio
ARTIST: Duran Duran
WHY?: If I could travel in time, one of the places I would choose to go would be a Duran Duran video shoot in the early ’80s.
SONG: Brown Paper Bag
ARTIST: Roni Size
WHY?: Yes yes video nerds, I know how they done it too. It still messes with my mind though.
Ok and over to you. The floor is yours.
I am going to go with…
Marrs – pump up the volume: This video clip makes you fall in love with space all over again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGPhUr-T6UM
Radiohead – No surpises: One take, Thom Yorke almost drowning in a fish bowl. Intensely uncomfortable and ingeniously simple http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgzeqwhNTDk&ob=av2e
Bjork -All is full of love. Creepy and beautiful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjAoBKagWQA
Excellent selections my man!
I shall beatify:
Kate Bush – Babooshka
Because backlighting never looked SO good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot3cVY1JESQ
David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes
Because pink never looked so good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMThz7eQ6K0&ob=av2e
and finally,
Blondie – Heart of Glass
In memory of drunken nights at the Dickson Tradies in Canberra.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU_4-5RaxU&ob=av2n
Massive Attack – Unfinished sympathy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmrfgj0MZI
And that’s the only clip i’d need. i could watch this one over and over and over and over and over again.
Rabbit in your Headlights – Unkle
Teardrop – Massive Attack
Windowlicker – Aphex Twin
No Surprises – Radiohead
All is full of Love – Bjork
…Its just a start
Hey Ya – OutKast
I can watch it over and over again, great fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvKs133Udmk
Proof – I am Kloot
Simple but Beautiful clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihl5wg3hVq0
Karmacoma – Massive Attack
Creepy Creepy Creepy with a nod to Barton Fink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi76bxT7K6U&p=E2C6C16640ED6F78&playnext=1&index=52
Prince- When Doves Cry
Seriously-no explanation necessary! The dude should have won an Oscar for his performance!
David Bowie-Hereos
The next best bit of backlighting…mmmmm
and
Grace Jones- Pull up to the bumper
Shoulder pads, city lights and guitar delights! What more could you want??
i would broadcast me dancing to the entire nashville sputnik album. it’s such whacked out country goodness everybody would be up dancing by the end. and surely that’s the point of rage, isn’t it?
Weezer – Buddy Holly
I was a big Happy Days fan growing up so got a kick out of this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4&ob=av2e
Foo Fighters – Learn to Fly
Great song. Hilarious video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IJS1rmhI6c&ob=av3e
Basement Jaxx – Where’s Your Head at
Quite simply…disturbing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8md51JnCNFQ
and oh so many more
1. Kylie – Locomotion – Sadly I remember rollerskating to that clip at the Rollerrink in my rah-rah skirt, smiley face shirt and neon socks thinking I was all that!!! I get all nostalgic whenever I hear it now….
2. U2 – All I want is you – Always made me cry like a baby……(Oh and I had a mega crush on Bono)
3. Chemical Brothers – Star Guitar – What can I say…Gondryyyyyyyy!!!
Good topic. If i only had 3 choices i’d want to choice videos that haven’t been shown loads of time and some of bands close to my heart :)
1) Manic Street Preachers – ‘Faster’ (come see this band live in November) :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAFrDu3Kyx8
2) Therapy? – ‘Screamager’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1XGGCFsU2Y
3) Killing Joke – ‘Love Like Blood’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcRu8j1i518&ob=av2e
All my friends really,
Beaches- Halve
Love Of Diagrams- Forever
Mum Smokes – Left For Dead
Scott and Charlenes Wedding- Footscray Station
Then a few other hits,
Go Betweens- Spring Rain
The Feelies- Moscow Nights
The Kinks- Drivin’
The B52s- Love Shack
Sam Cooke- You Send Me
The Ronnettes- Be My Baby
The Zombies- Time of the Season
The Turtles- You Showed Me
Grizzly Bear- Ready, Able.
That would take up a fair bit of programming…
1. Chemical Brothers – Star Guitar (Michel Gondry, dir.)
A perfect match of sound and vision
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws_R_GxZX2o
2. Blur – Good Song (Shynola, dir. + David Shrigley)
SHRIGLEY, BLUR, SHYNOLA – say no more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM92IwpzzJw
3. OK GO – WTF (Tim Nackashi, dir.)
For connoisseurs of video feedback awesomeness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H5bUxe3v9g&feature=fvst
1. The Smashing Pumpkins – Thirty-Three
An amazing music video, done with just a series of images, all refelecting Billy’s beautiful lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc9ZbS4KMdg
2. David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes
Although all Bowie’s clips are great, this would have to be my favourite!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMThz7eQ6K0&ob=av2e
3. Nine inch nails – Into the void
Love the freaky closeups of various body parts, especially the eyes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4lTMOmH8Dw&ob=av2n
Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party
First time I watched this I instantly fell in love with it.
Now Oingo Boingo has pretty much become an obsession for me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iypUpv9xelg
Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood (Sunshine in a bag)
I only rediscovered this song recently and I was amazed I had not heard it since 2001.
It sometimes disappoints me seeing how much a band can change over a few years, yet the Gorillaz music and animation remains as great since the day they started.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7ZUHbLHMBs
The Killers – Bones
As awesome to watch as it is to listen to. Yay skeletons!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FufL80hJsP8
Rage always reminds me of Ausssie budget film clips you’d never see on mtv or VH1. When I lived overseas for afew years it was the australian clips I would love seeing when I came back home.
The Fauves – Everybodies Getting a 3 Piece Together
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqFr1xYvf-E
Aussie budget rock clip at its finest
Pendulum – Coma
(NOT THE COMERCIAL DRUM N BASS GROUP FROM PERTH)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNZjK3EyqdY&feature=related
This song throws me way back to my teen years. Listening to this cruising round on my bike. Song has def stood test of time and is still rad.
Crowded House – Something So Strong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXArBZItqGc
More awesome Australiana budget, lyrics refer to drugs consumed on set judging by the spastiuc grins they wear for the whole clip.
1. Prince – Raspberry Beret
This, quite simply, has everything!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-196646101143773778#
2. Chrissie Hynde and UB40 – I Got You Babe
Doesn’t need a fancy video clip, just an awesome version of an awesome song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aP4GaAruws
3. MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This
Because it’s still hilarious!!! Guaranteed to put me in a good mood. It’s all about those pants.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKlPKsJ2Vj0
The Cure – “The Love Cats”
This was first video I ever saw on Rage and this video started my love for The Cure and they are now my favourite band.
The Prodigy – “Smack My Bitch Up”
Great video, very intense with a surprising end.
The White Stripes – “The Hardest Button To Button”
Still one of my all time favourite videos. It’s very cool and creative with a lot of time and energy being put into it, unlike most videos you see these days.
Janelle Monae – “Cold War”
Beautiful song, this video was captured in a single take and apparently Monae was singing (not lip-syncing) along to the song as she gets extremely emotional half way through. I’m not sure but I suspect there may be an onion hiding out of shot.
Outkast – “Ms. Jackson”
I just love this song and the video is a whole lot of fun with all of the animals. This is a case of a video having a great story and it’s not just the band or artist performing in a sterile environment straight in front of the camera.
Lupe Fiasco – “Kick, Push”
This video encapsulates the feeling, mood and emotion that go along with skating along with the song so well. I love this video so much, it makes you feel great and gives you a sense of freedom.
Lady Gaga – “Telephone”
My girlfriend got me into Gaga and I was surprised that she was able to but looking back I can see how I did. I don’t like stock-standard, conventional pop music that comes fresh out of a musical factory whose only goal is to make huge profits BUT I feel that Gaga is different and that she actually follows through on the messages written in her lyrics and is loyal to her fan-base. This girl is no one trick pony, you might say. Anyway, I love this video. The Tarantino references are great and the use of the original Pussy Wagon from Kill Bill is fantastic. The song is catchy as fuck and Beyonce actually sounds good as a guest vocalist.
Yeasayer – “O.N.E”
This is my favourite song from the bands’ fantastic 2010 album Odd Blood. The video demonstrates the futuristic feel of the song without going over the top and yet keeping the location of the shoot to a dingy warehouse where futuristic gambling is taking place. These guys are absolutely amazing live and I was lucky enough to see them when they toured in late July. Check them out if you haven’t already.
More to come tomorrow…
I used to fantasise about becoming a rage programmer but with the internet and youtube these days it’s lost it’s glean a little bit.
i would try and cover a few musical bases
my current obsession (smooth adult contemporary or yacht rock as it has become known after the fantastic youtube show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMTI8vg7A5U )
disco (there are some great videos here..too many to mention but the i love the lead singer from imaginations patented spin. lets introduce a disco video drinking game..this time the aim is to have a drink each time one of the members does a 360 degree spin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBoR10n9FgU&feature=fvw
and sabrina…well what can you say really…this time is to have a drink every time she adjusts her bathing suit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiuHdUkuRi0&feature=fvst
there would have to be a small tribute to video edits. some of these are a lot better than the studio productions
this edit of frankie vallies beggin fro instance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN3kC_4xURA
and this video that beautifully cuts up john waters hairspray to willie and the handjive. has to be seen to be believed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnEJFkwjfQ8
and of course modern talking for kids who have never seen a strap on keyboard before
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0YcHLlARms&ob=av2e
then in true rage fashion i would have to go for the 60s classics that are universal..neil young bob dylan etc, but by this stage its 4am and you should be in bed..
some old and new favs:
Janes Addiction ‘Been Caught Stealing’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrwjiO1MCVs&ob=av2e
Sébastien Tellier – Roche !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJcc1IrcdfQ
Midnight Juggernauts – Tombstone
http://emacleod.com/index.php?/project/midnight-juggernauts—tombstone/
Good choices everyone and great editorial. Glad to see no one put any Vengaboys or Baha men in there.
Gram – you make a good point. But wouldn’t you still like the thrill of having such a large captive audience to subject your rather obscure musical tastes on? Much better than a DJ slot at Revolver nightclub.
Where do you start (and finish?). Mine are perhaps a little more old school but are fun I think…
* I’m Bored Countdown appearance (Iggy Pop)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4zQpFSYCJ0
* I’m 18 (Alice Cooper)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXZcJojTucg&feature=related
* Ramblin Rose (MC5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZbjseBPjhw&feature=related
If I can squeeze in one more, one of my favourite things to watch late at night after a few cordials is:
Son of Shaft (The Bar-Kays) from their 1972 performance at Wattstax.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOfonsEH79E
I am showing my age:
Weapon of Choice Fatboy Slim. Directed by Spike Jonze and starring Christopher Walken — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF5cBoAV5Ys
Unintended — MUSE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9LOFXwPwC4&feature=channel
Closer– NIN
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-826914263426142199#
“Nothing Compares 2 U” — Sinead O’Conner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUiTQvT0W_0
Not showing my age at all, but…
Sex Pistols – Anarchy in the UK: Opened the doors for punk. Nothing else to say really…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQkActP-isE
Dream Academy – Life in a Northern Town: Evocative English memories and great production…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YablrXxFCc
The Only Ones – Another Girl Another Planet: Imagine if you’d written one great song and this was it? Pete Perrett did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3vd6lL_uec
Ah. I thought you’d never ask…. So many good ones have come before me, so there might be a couple of double ups, but I just can’t resist.
Aphex Twin, Windowlicker – pretty obvious but you can’t go past Chris Cunningham for number 1 spot.
Tool, Sober – Just thinking about it makes me squirmy
Metallica, One – You can’t go past a shadow of a slow fan turning, and good archive footage
Beastie Boys, Sabotage – Faux Mo galore!
Chemical Brothers, Let Forever Be – Clever, clever, clever
Primus, Mr Krinkle – One shot carnival extravaganza, and Les Claypool in a pig suit
Unkle, Rabit In Your Headlights – “Look out mister crazy highway walking man!”
Nine Inch Nails, Closer – Don’t know why, it’s just… good
Van Halen, Hot For Teacher – Mini Van Halens with hot chicks! What’s not to like?
Prodigy, Voodoo People – Liam in a suitcase. That’s pretty funny!
I agree with mikeymike – “another girl another planet” is as good as a pop song gets. Nothing better for a long drive on a straight stretch of road…aside from Behind the Wall of Sleep (’86) from The Smithereens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNZbP3ZVem4&ob=av2n)…that Rickenbacker…oh man – nerds never sounded so good!
The Smiths with How Soon is Now (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5HpeA_WSo) only gets better too. Perfect for late night viewing.
Kate’s Weezer suggestion is good – that clip is fantastic…it’s hilarious.
Well you get around 55 videos to pick and about every half a dozen you talk about the video/song so here goes….
Intro: To sum up I’ve picked stuff I’ve seen on rage before and I would love to see them all again. I think it covers a lot of styles of music and hopefully very entertaining video clips. Well, I remember them being so. I think I’ve covered from childhood to right up to now 2010. Keeping it very brief because I wouldn’t like to talk on TV very long so this is it.
1. The Drones – Jezebel
How good are they? The greatest band from the past decade and Gareth Liddiard is the best songwriter currently working in the world of music.
2. The Drones – The Minotaur
3. Dirty Three – Everything’s F***ed
4. Dirty Three & Cat Power – Great Waves
5. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Breathless
He’s the greatest songwriter from the past couple of decades but this one is his last really great song and it’s a cool video too. I never think his songs match-up with the videos but here are the next few I think work the best.
6. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Love Letter
7. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Loverman
8. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Jack the Ripper
9. The Boys Next Door – Shivers
10. Laughing Clowns – Eternally Yours
Because they are an underrated band and should be played more. Ed Kuepper is one of the greatest songwriters too and kind-off forgotten but will be remembered now.
11. Laughing Clowns – Holy Joe
12. Ed Kuepper – The Way I Made You Feel
13. Augie March – The Moth Ball
14. Sarah Blasko – Planet New Year
15. The Paradise Motel – Bad Light
16. Magic Dirt – She Riff
17. The Scientists – Human Jukebox
Because they are another underrated band and should be played more too. Kim Salmon is one of the greatest songwriters too and kind-off forgotten but I’m going to remember him now.
18. Kim Salmon & the Surrealists – I Won’t Tell
19. Antenna- Come on Spring
20. Darling Downs – Circa ’65
21. Beasts of Bourbon – Psycho
22. The Triffids – Wide Open Road
23. Jeff Buckley – So Real
Because it’s so strange.
24. Portishead – Glory Box
25. Bjork – Army of Me
26. Joy Division – Shadowplay
27. The White Stripes – I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself
28. Faith No More – Midlife Crisis
29. Johnny Cash – Hurt
Because it’s so sad.
30. Antony and the Johnsons – Hope There’s Someone
31. Kate Bush – Cloudbusting
32. Adam and the Ants – Antmusic
33. Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth
34. Rihanna – Umbrella
35. Jay-Z – 99 Problems
36. Benny Benassi – Satisfaction
Because it’s so sexy.
37. Donna Summer – I Feel Love
38. Roots Manuva – One Witness (One Hope)
39. Charlotte Gainsbourg – Heaven Can Wait
40. dEUS – Theme From Turnpike
41. The Young Gods – Gasoline Man
42. Einstürzende Neubauten – Z.N.S.
Because it’s so weird.
43. Sepultura – Slave New World
44. Refused – New Noise
45. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – Dang
46. The Jesus Lizard – Puss
47. PJ Harvey – This Is Love
48. The Breeders – Cannonball
49. Tom Waits – Goin’ Out West
Because it’s so crazy.
50. Bob Dylan – Things Have Changed
51. Cat Power – Lived In Bars
52. Fiona Apple – Fast As You Can
53. Beth Orton – Stolen Car
54. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and Matt Sweeney – I Gave You
55. Guns N’ Roses – Estranged
Because it’s so insane.
Sorry if it’s too long but you can find a youtube playlist here:
or: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C1A1CEEDAF1A6AC9