32/100 Video - "Unfinished Symphony" - Massive Attack (1991)

During the 80s Duran Duran may have set the bar for consistently creating innovative videos.

Then in the 90s came Massive Attack.

Electronic beats and synths meet R & B for the subtle smooth groove of "Unfinished Symphony" by Massive Attack.

In the video, vocalist Shara Nelson walks the streets of Los Angeles, lip synching bittersweet lyrics, uncaring of her surroundings, which include drunks, bikers, and disabled people.

Band members Daddy G, 3D and Mushroom can be spotted at various points a few paces behind, and slightly out of focus.

The clip was shot in a single continuous take, and influenced the creation for the video for "Bittersweet Symphony" released six years later.

47/100 Video - "Summertime" - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (1991)

 

"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince may just be the ultimate anthem celebrating all things summer.

The tune has an amazing flow...

The relaxing vibe of the tune and the chill video forever remind us of carefree days with your crew and kids down the street. 

1991 - "Soon" - My Bloody Valentine

REM's "Losing My Religion" would have been the top track back in the day. I also wore out the Nirvana album like everyone else. But years later I stumbled on this almost indescribable song. It's the sound of flying through cartoon cumulus clouds and the soundtrack to driving by scenic landscapes. While North America was embracing grunge, Britain created shoegaze.

A wall of reverb guitar and violin glide in and out creating dizzying layers of melody. An addictive dance beat sends it into an extra dimension. It doesn't matter that the lyrics are hard to follow without looking them up, the euphoric vocals jive perfectly with the music. A favourite song for zoning out on flights and runs.

Other favourites from 1991: 

"I Wanna Be Adored" – The Stone Roses 

"Losing My Religion" – REM 

"Get the Message" – Electronic 

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" – Nirvana