6/100 Video - "Around the World" - Daft Punk (1997)

I sometimes struggle with remembering lyrics, even to my favourite songs.

But I always remember the melody, the rhythm and the beat.

I guess you could say I prefer action over words.

In this video, it's all about movement representing the individual parts of the music.

The video "Around the World" by Daft Punk takes creativity to another dimension.

The choreography of each group of dancers matches a different instrument in the mix. 

Bass Guitar - Tall Grey Men

Drums - Mummies

Synth - Swimsuit Girls

Second Guitar - Skeletons

Vocals - Robots

And the characters walking around in circles are represented by parts of the music not being played.

Cinematic genius.

7/100 Video - "Bittersweet Symphony” – The Verve (1997)

In the classic video for "Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve, lead singer Richard Ashcroft bumps into people as he walks down a crowded street in a shopping district in London. 

The vocalist/pedestrian is in his own world as the video continuously shows he is unfazed by the world around him. 

The video is also a commentary on life in general, how you can't let others derail you from accomplishing your goals, because many will try. 

It could also be a metaphor for how many people are unaware of how their actions affect others.

Several times he knocks people over and doesn't miss a step or stop, showing how many people will willingly step all over someone to get what they want. 

The concept was inspired by the video for Massive Attack's 1991 song "Unfinished Sympathy," which was showed the singer walking down a street in a similar manner. 

And the video has never been more relevant: we need to continue moving forward, no matter what obstacles or challenges are in our way.

82/100 Video - "Galvanize" - The Chemical Brothers (1997)

 

The video for "Galvanize" by The Chemical Brothers takes us back to our teen years.

The comical chase reminds me of The Warriors film where gang members run throughout the night, escaping rival gangs. This is the young teen version.

The second half reminds us of sneaking into bars underage. 

In this case, the two boys are not just passive attendees, they end up participating in some sort of a breakdance battle. An epic video.

1997 - "Song 2" - Blur

For everlong I went around the world looking for a bittersweet symphony. Wait a min...woo-hoo! Two minutes of glorious mayhem.

It is ironic and hilarious that a parody a grunge by a Brit pop group ends up being the song Blur is most recognized for. 

"Song 2" is a blast of adrenaline and one fun tune. The bass guitar shreds while the "woo-hoo" vocal hook ensures a visceral rush and audience participation. This left me wanting more heavier offerings than pop from Blur.

The volume just doesn't go high enough. 

Other favourites from 1997: 

"Everlong" – Foo Fighters 

"Around The World" – Daft Punk

"Bittersweet Symphony" – The Verve 

"Get Busy Child" – The Crystal Method 

"Torn" - Natalie Imbruglia