Since approximately 3000 BC, puppets have been used in various ways. Whether to educate, minister or entertain, puppets have made their mark historically. Because every culture has adopted some variation of puppetry throughout the centuries, there's no reason why these (rather animated) inanimate objects couldn't make the transition to popular music videos. Listed below are my top 5 favorite music videos featuring puppets:
5. Cause I'm a Man - Tame Impala
I suppose this video may be deemed as a more timely selection. Released just a week ago, I've been hypnotized by Tame Impala's psychedelic DIY approach. Witnessing the band in the form of puppets makes me want to see if the real life band members instill the same idiosyncrasies.
4. Pumping On Your Stereo - Supergrass
Like Tame Impala's "Cause I'm a Man," the members of Supergrass are transformed as puppets, although in this particular case, the instruments have come to life as well. It's a colorful and peculiar video that suits this punchy anthem quite well.
3. Do It Anyway - Ben Folds Five
This music video meshes my childhood love for Fraggle Rock and my teenage angst accompanied by Ben Folds Five. Though Fraggle Rock and Ben Folds Five share ultimately nothing in common, they do tend to represent cult status and will always return to the scene anytime their fans holler.
2. Conceived - Beth Orton
Orton, or her management, haven't provided users with the embedded video, therefore, you will need to click on the link below to view this treasure. Watch Beth Orton perform her 2005 single "Conceived" with her favorite woodland pals. Be sure to bookmark this video and return to it whenever you have "a case of the Mondays."
https://youtu.be/0EsRs9kCJB0?list=RD0EsRs9kCJB0
1. Keep Fishing - Weezer
Like Ben Folds Five, Weezer had also been a teenage favorite of mine. Unlike Ben Folds Five, this video was released when the band was still relatively relevant amongst their fan base. Reviewing Weezer's music video discography, it's easy to see how effortless they can incorporate humor in their musical storytelling experience. The Muppet's upbeat and zany disposition works incredibly well against Weezer's deadpan spirit. I just hope that Kermit still has his Weezer shirt hanging in his closet somewhere.
Honorable Mentions
Champagne On My Shoes - Pigeon John
Alfie - Lily Allen
Photo Credit: Muppet Wiki
I feel like I am on drugs watching these :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Ben is smart to use Fraggle Rock in his video.
DeleteHaha....particularly Supergrass. Did you watch the Beth Orton video? It definitely tickles my heart. Oh, and yes, Ben made a wise decision to cast Fraggle Rock in the video. Interesting, how Fraggle Rock has its own reboot in the works just a few years after this music was released.
Deletehaha, now I watched it. So great :) I want to hug puppets in the woods!
DeleteState of Confusion by Genesis is a great one.
ReplyDeletehttp://csuhpat1.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-walk-around-lake-elizabeth.html
That is definitely a classic. For whatever reason, that video reminds me of Terry Gilliam. I wonder who was behind the creation of that music video.
DeleteHave you come across "The Toadlickers" (Thomas Dolby) - saw it at a film festival recently. Features some extremely naughty Muppets.
ReplyDeletewww.youtube.com/watch?v=5SuZMwe-XRc
I've only seen the Supergrass video from your selection so will watch the others later.
heh. I like how the police are featured as "pigs."
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