In the early days of music video, driving around Los Angeles was visually sufficient to be on TV. Here's a look at three videos that do just that:
SONG: "There Must Be Some Misunderstanding"
ARTIST: Genesis
YEAR RELEASED: 1980
WHAT IS THE PLOT? Sad-sack Phil Collins wants to make up with his special lady, who has moved on.
IS THE CAR AN OLD CONVERTIBLE? Yes, with Collins at the wheel. The other two band members ride in the back of an old pickup truck.
DO THEY STOP ALONG THE WAY? Yes, at a vacant drive-in movie.
HOW DOES THE VIDEO BETRAY ITS AGE? Collins uses a phone booth. He also has hair on his head and a scratchy-looking beard.
WHAT L.A. LANDMARKS CAN BE SEEN? Capitol Records Building, Hollywood Boulevard, Grauman's Chinese Theater.
HOW DOES IT END? The band plays morosely with the Hollywood hills as a backdrop.
OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS: Low.
SONG: "Our Lips Are Sealed"
ARTIST: The Go-Gos
YEAR RELEASED: 1982
WHAT IS THE PLOT? Fun-loving gals cruise the city.
IS THE CAR AN OLD CONVERTIBLE? Yes, with lead singer Belinda Carlisle at the wheel.
DO THEY STOP ALONG THE WAY? Yes, at a lingerie shop.
HOW DOES THE VIDEO BETRAY ITS AGE? Carlisle hadn't had any work done yet.
WHAT L.A. LANDMARKS CAN BE SEEN? None.
HOW DOES IT END? The gals frolic in a fountain, a scene that makes up for lack of other identifiable L.A. scenery.
OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS: Medium.
SONG: "I Love L.A."
ARTIST: Randy Newman
YEAR RELEASED: 1983
WHAT IS THE PLOT? Ironic singer cruises the city with a "big nasty redhead" at his side.
IS THE CAR AN OLD CONVERTIBLE? Yes, with Newman at the wheel.
DO THEY STOP ALONG THE WAY? Yes, so Newman can dance with the nasty redhead.
HOW DOES THE VIDEO BETRAY ITS AGE? The nasty redhead's sunglasses; the presence of members of Toto.
WHAT L.A. LANDMARKS CAN BE SEEN? Too many to mention; some (Disneyland and the Santa Monica Pier) go beyond the city limits.
HOW DOES IT END? Newman sticks out his tongue, furthering the debate about the sincerity of this song.
OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS: High.
No comments:
Post a Comment