I'll Fun Punch You in the Face!

The Bag Raiders and their music video 'Fun Punch' were new to me just a few weeks ago, but seeing it was more than enough to kick off my downloading spree. Remember that spandex loving, high flip kicking, mighty morphin' gang known as the Power Rangers? It turns out they inspired more than just pre-pubescent violence - their action sequences are undeniable in Bag Raiders homage. The edits are tight, the choreography is sharp, and the song is downright addictive! GO-GO-FUN-PUNCH!

My First Lip Sync Vid

I thought since I was going for variety on my YouTube channel and blog it was about time that I did a lip sync video - just jumping on the bandwagon, y'know? I chose the song Army by Ben Folds Five because I think I relate to it somewhat, but mostly it's just a fun song that I already knew all the words to. Not much else to say I guess, so enjoy me making a fool of myself, haha.

More Music Video Concepts

I've always enjoyed watching music videos as a way to study editing and unique concepts in general. More than other mainstream entertainment, music videos have such a wide range of creative freedom that it's not uncommon to see experimental and stylistic techniques executed in wonderfully original ways. Like i've mentioned before, it's not always about complicating things, sometimes simplicity seems much more clever. Here's a few examples of music videos that have inspired me in one way or another.

Okgo - A Million Ways
I love the dancing in this video, but it's the single take and static image that makes this video unique because it's still fun to watch despite any editing!

Such Great Heights - The Postal Service
The song has a great energy to begin with, but the 'grand design' concept is superbly executed in the precise movements of machinery and computers.

Living On Video - Pakito
The music may sound like typical trance, but the video is a visual overload of kaliedoscopic patterns and ridiculousness.

Summer School Ends & Memory Almost Full

Summer school has officially wrapped and once again I'm feeling great about what I did and worse about what I didn't. It's in the past now though and I'm ready to move forward. 

More than ever I feel motivated for my final year.  I've had this anxious feeling before, but this is actually the beginning of the end. To be fair, I really don't have anything to say here that I haven't said before . . . or at least I'm not in the mood to write myself a pep-talk. 

I'm tired of not caring about my classes, and I'm tired of questioning all of the things that I don't like doing as an excuse not to do them. I have one last year, and with a bit of extra effort I know it's going to be great.

I went out and bought Paul McCartney's Memory Almost Full today which seems relevant given my current thoughts about school again. I'll never tire of learning, and even if for some odd reason I did how could a person ever really stop? I think I'm ready to start rethinking some things, preparing myself, and amp myself up about university one more time. Things are going to change again. For now it's time to celebrate, relax, and maybe just Dance Tonight:

Cool Video Concepts

Recently i've been into the music of Need to Breathe, a group that i came across when randomly downloading songs. This process is nothing new for me (or many others i assume), sometimes it feels twice as rewarding to find something good by accident. After having a few of their tracks on rotation for a week or so, i took the next logical step and did some research. In the process i watched one of their videos on youtube and was impressed at how the low budget concept and self-made music vid by the group was actually pretty clever. I like how the spectrum has expanded in mainstream entertainment, and Need to Breathe's vid for 'Shine On' is an example that it's not so much about the equipment used as it is about the idea. From my perspective, where i have no choice but to be low budget, it's reassuring and inspiring to see this. Not to mention it's a catchy song. Check it out:

Need to Breathe's 'Shine On'

Here's another music video with a basic premise and technique using stop motion with dominos and dice (it seems similar to the White Stripes video using Lego, another one to check out). The reality of doing this one would be somewhat more time consuming than Need to Breathe's vid, but talent is talent and good is good. Enjoy!

Fujiya & Miyagi's 'Ankle Injuries'