Watch Music Videos and DVDs

by Miles Tuscan

Editor: I've been watching music videos a long time and wish those VHS tapes I had were good enough quality to transfer to DVD - but quality levels have jumped through the roof so that is not practical.

One of my favorite things to do, especially since the introduction of MTV, is to watch music videos. You know the song, Video Killed The Radio Star and there seems to be new video channels springing up all the time. Instead of all-purpose music shows, more people like to tune into niche stations and listen to the genre they prefer. There are oldies, R&B, dance, hard rock and pop programs. Even classical music has its own channel, complete with sexy female violin players such as Vanessa Mae. The channel has done much to help the career of Il Divo and others.

Image is everything, sometimes admittedly to the detriment of the music. At other times, the music is enhanced by the accompanying video. Before they existed, I used to play a movie in my head when I listened to music anyway. Now, professionals do it for me! Most early attempts were simple singing to camera affairs and then they got more ambitious as the budgets got bigger. It's expected for new artists to make a video, they can't really get anywhere without one. Local fans of emerging talent want to watch music videos of their heroes and it's the perfect way to introduce themselves to a global audience

The first recognized example of a video, used to promote a particular record, was done by The Beatles. They had done one for Rain but that was a B-Side. The first true promotion was for the double A-sided single, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever. There have been classic videos over the years, such as the award-winning Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel. Many artists consider that to watch music videos is another extension to the artistic expression. Stand out videos have been done for Radiohead, Madonna and REM.

Sometimes, a video can bring out an idea that isn't immediately apparent in the words of the song and it takes our heads in an unexpected direction. There have been occasions when some videos have caused offence and been banned. We were not allowed, on some channels, to watch music videos such as China Girl by David Bowie and Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

It has been suggested that even more focus has been placed on the looks of a performer, rather than their musical abilities. This could be true and we still need good old radio so that we can fire our own imagination. It's good to have a combination of both.

Music Video Resources:

Yahoo Music - Music videos from pop rock country and rap artists. Treasure trove of info on rock videos.

Blastro - Hip Hop videos