61/100 Video - "Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi (1986)

 

"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi is of course a quintessential 80s rock anthem. 

On this track, Jon Bon Jovi's storytelling shines during the verses while the chorus shows off his charisma. 

The video starts off in black-and-white for the first half of the clip, showing the band in rehearsal participating in shenanigans, then around two-thirds in, suddenly transforms to full colour as the band takes the concert stage with a live audience. 

A song forever associated to great memories with the high school gang. 

62/100 video - "Sweet Lullaby" – Deep Forest (1994)

 

"Sweet Lullaby" by Deep Forest is a moving track. 

I remember being blown away this touching piece of ambient world music got played on commercial radio in Vancouver.

Originally sung by a woman from The Solomon Islands, this song has a unifying spirit. It could be the universal anthem of the earth. 

The warmth of the harmonies around the two-minute mark is spine-tingling.  

The image of the little girl on the tricycle with her mini umbrella visiting places near and far is breath-taking.

It wasn't a surprise that the music video, directed by Tarsem Singh, was nominated for several awards at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.

63/100 Video - "Radio Ga Ga" – Queen (1984)

 

The video for "Radio Ga Ga " by Queen uses black-and-white footage from the 1927 science-fiction film Metropolis, as well as clips from old concerts. 

But how cool is that flying car?

The song was a social commentary on how television was overtaking radio's popularity, as well as the advent of the music video and MTV, which was then competing with radio as an important medium for promoting records.

Fun fact: Without this song Lady Gaga would probably be still known as Stefani Germanotta.

64/100 Video - "I Missed Again" - Phil Collins (1981)

Today's clip is a shout-out to THE ultimate budget video.

In the video for "I Missed Again", Phil Collins not only lip syncs (natch), he also plays the air version of ALL the instruments. Horns. Guitars. Drums. ALL of them.

I've attempted to estimate the actual costs for producing this minimal video.

Based on 1981 costs...

• one can of white paint for wall, so $10.
• one camera guy for 30 minutes @ $20/hr, so $10. 
• clothing provided in-kind, care of Phil’s closet.

Total estimated budget of a $20 US bill.

A few years later, in an ironic twist, Phil would be involved on producing one of the most expensive videos of the era. Stay tuned for that one...

65/100 Video - "Mad World" – Tears For Fears (1983)

"Mad World" is typical of a Tears For Fears tune, with a striking contrast between the upbeat music and the darker, more serious lyrics.

The message of "Mad World" by Tears For Fears seems so relevant in 2020 and 2021.

In the video Curt is seen staring out a window while Roland busts a series of unstoppable new wave dance moves, perhaps early rave technique, sometimes mistaken for a nervous air traffic controller.

The short birthday party scene includes the duo's real friends and family, including Curt's mother and his then-wife Lynne.

Start the clip around the two minute mark if you would rather skip some of Curt Smith's depressive ramblings.

Back in April 2020, Curt Smith and his daughter performed this moving acoustic version.