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Rick’s picks for the top 10 music videos featured on EPIC FU in 2008

rickrey:

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This top 10 list represents my personal favorites from the pool of music videos featured on EPIC FU in 2008. Everyone who worked on the show contributed videos for consideration, and the decision to include/not include a particular video was largely a collaborative process.

Keep in mind some of these videos were actually released in the latter part of 2007, but didn’t air on EF until 2K8.

10. Meanest Man Contest - Throwing Away Broken Electronics

Featuring Eric Steuer of Creative Commons, who we interviewed in September. Congrats to CC who just celebrated their 6th birthday.

9. Those Dancing Days - Run Run

This young Swedish girl group makes you wanna smile. Also this particular video stood out as it was a bit more twee than the type of video we normally spotlight. A nice change of pace methinks.

8. DJVT - Hollereer

I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan of this one when I first saw it. Like I said in the blog post I wrote, “I wasn’t sure if it was a parody.” Regardless, it grew on me.

7. Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head - Sophisticated Side Ponytail

A minute and a half of pure green screen pwnage. This video was created by the amazing Seattle-based production duo Noel Paul and Stefan Moore (AKA That Go), who lent their unique vision to another video on the list (stay tuned).

6. Peter Fox - Alles Neu

An epic german rap featuring a full-blown orchestra and a band of drumming monkeys. This one definitely got a lot of playtime around the office.

5. Justice - DVNO

DVNO actually appeared in the end credits, so it didn’t get as much airtime as the other videos on this list. The graphic wizard known as So Me created the visual effects for the video based on iconic images/logos like HBO’s 80’s intro package.

4. Bluejuice - Vitriol

A brilliant set up and the raw catchy energy of this one make it an easy sell. Don’t fear the Church of the Big Fish, though I’m still confused about the whole inside of peanut butter being negative space concept.

3. Hadouken! - Crank It Up

Of all the videos on this list, I think Crank It Up best matches the overall vibe and attitude of EPIC FU. At least, from a producer’s standpoint. The whole in-your-face thing is what we’re all about. And that band name… love it.

2. Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream

Something about this one got to me. The video was shot in Shanghai and the visuals are mesmerizing - it’s really quite majestic to watch. From some reason I imagine an 80’s fantasy movie taking place somewhere in there.

1. Thunderheist - Jerk It

The #1 spot is a no-brainer. Originally submitted as a contest entry by That Go, Jerk It has that same mesmerizing quality, but there’s something else going on here - the clashing of the subtle and absurd, the simplicity and horror of it - I can’t fully explain it, but I love it. Beyond the scope of the videos we featured on EPIC FU, this one has my vote for music video of the year. I’m expecting big things from Thunderheist and That Go in the future. 2008 was the year of the rooster.

No good list like this is complete without a few honorable mentions, and considering the huge number of videos we aired in 2008, I had to include a few:

• French Horn Rebellion - Broken Heart (Williamsburg Version)
• MC Chris - Nrrrd Grrrl
• Ida Marie - I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked
• Vampire Weekend - A-Punk

If you have any feedback or complaints about my wonderful list, please be sure to leave me a comment. Remember guys, this is just my opinion and doesn’t represent Zadi, Steve, and the rest of the crew’s picks.

I haven’t gotten though all these yet, but I really enjoyed the music in #8, #7, and #6 and the video for #5 is phenomenal!