Best Music Videos of 2007

Get comfortable. I’ve got a clip play list and link-riddled blog entry that has been a year in the making.

When I started writing for Bad Idea Blue Jeans at the beginning of the year, I didn’t realize that the majority of my entries would deal with music videos. For the past 10 years, I had lived under the impression that music videos were dead. mp3 killed the video star. Or something like that.

Anyway, it’s the end of 2007, and there were many great videos that were released. And I don’t think any of them made their way to the screaming tweens at TRL. But in the world of youtube, that’s not necessary.

Before we get to the cream of the crop, I give you the Honorable Mention play list:



Mute Math – Typical

They learned to sign the song backwards. Then they learned to play the song backwards. Then they learned to do it live on Kimmel.

Escort - All Through the Night

When Weezer used the Muppets in a music video, I predicted that the idea was so ingenious, it would make Buddy Holly Weezer’s 2nd most popular video. I was dead wrong about that. But, I do like that this video stays away from the mainstream Muppets and focuses on the most obviously drug-inspired furballs.

Daft Hands - Harder Better Faster Stronger

Just watch. And pray that carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t ever strike this remarkable talent.

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (live on Kimmel)

“This is gonna be weird.” Yes, Jimmy, but I commend you on allowing bands to mix up the traditional (boring) late night talk show performance. I get the Michael, Prince, and Rick James impersonators. But I’m a confused as to why Stevie Wonder is playing the drums and why anyone would think of impersonating Rod Stewart.

Pretty Ricky - Late Night Special

Relentless, X2C, Pipelayer, and Pressure are either training for the crew team, or making the weirdest way to ask someone out to prom in modern history.

Poor ottoman.

And now, without further delay, I give you my Top Ten Music Videos of 2007, in no particular order:



Justice – D.A.N.C.E.

This is a graphically amazing video. So amazing that it won the European Music Award. So amazing that it prompted on of Kanye’s classic whine fest. So amazing that Kanye learned his lesson and snagged the director for his latest video.

Kanye West - Can’t Tell Me Nothin’(feat. Zach Galifiniakis)

I’ll simply direct you to my previous blog about the lip synching stylings of sir Zach.

Feist – My Moon My Man

I also blogged about Feist’s tendency to rip off other music videos. But I’m a sucker for choreography in videos. And I’m also a sucker for airport people movers.

Wisely – Through Any Window

The song sounds like James Taylor meets Elliott Smith. But the video has two things that I fall head over heels for: one shot filming and Jenna Fischer.

No More Kings - Sweep the Leg

This is starting to turn into a retrospective of my previous entries. Neato.

Ben Kweller - Penny on the Train Track

First of all, that’s Kweller’s actual grandmother. Second, she knows the words! Third, her friend can’t hang with her intense dancing. Fourth and fifth, she does both air guitar and air car washing!!

Bat For Lashes – What’s a Girl To Do

Another one-take wonder. This one has the feel Lily Allen on a bike meets Donny Darko BMX 80’s movie. And how can you go wrhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifong with that?!

Spoon – The Underdog

Ok. Now I’m even boring myself with these choices. But I think that only using one shot automatically impresses me, because we live in a 50 cuts-per-minute world. Also, this is probably my #1 single of 2007. So there. I also like this one because it reminds me of Weezer’s best video no one's ever seen.

RJD2 – Work It Out

I dare you to claim that crutch dancing isn't the next robot.

Paul McCartney – Dance Tonight

This video has Gareth from The Office, Natalie Portman (hubba hubba), and mandolin-loving ghosts! And if that’s not enough for you, check out Sir Paul’s other video from this album (**warning** Paul’s music video acting has not improved since 1983).