Two weeks ago, the internet exploded when Mystery Skulls' song “Freaking Out” was adapted into an eye-catching animated music video directed by the talented Ben Mangum. “Freaking Out” served as a sequel to the highly popular video “Ghost.” I myself love these kinds of music videos, because of the aesthetics and also because they give me an excuse to procrastinate. Here are a few of my favorites!
(Warning: These videos have flashing images, so take caution when checking them out)
1. “Empty Spaces” by Pink Floyd
This particular clip comes from a longer live action movie called “The Wall,” courtesy of artist Gerard Scarfe. As one would expect with Pink Floyd, viewers are treated with dark, sensual and surreal sequences, filled with highly stylized metaphorical and symbolic imagery. The psychedelic aesthetic of the illustrations makes for a very satisfying watch, whether you’re sober or not (though you’re probably not).
2. "Do the Evolution" by Pearl Jam
Much like “Empty Spaces”, Pearl Jam’s “Do the Evolution” is imbibed with dark metaphorical imagery referencing the past, present, and eventual future of a world shaped by humankind. Flashes of cyclical, ritualized violence are interjected with a beautiful and amused Death (who, as a plus, looks a lot like Death from Sandman). Themes explored in this video include, but are not limited to: genocide, pollution, biological warfare, the fetishization of sexual assault, and racism. All in a beautifully animated four-minute music video.
3. "Feel Good Inc." by GORILLAZ
Of course it’s impossible to write about animated music videos without mentioning anything by the Gorillaz. As the virtual alternative rock band has many music videos to their name, I’ll just recommend my favorite one - “Feel Good, Inc.” I’ve always been a fan of the distinct, pop-out animation style applied to their music videos, always treading a line between the sensational and the simplistic. If you have a chance, I’d recommend watching more!
4. "Udoroth" by A Sound of Thunder
For a while now, heavy metal bands have been heavily associated with the barbarian “swords and sorcery” fantasy subgenre. This music video plays that association straight up, with the animation looking like a cross between “Korgoth” and “Metalocalypse.” In terms of storytelling, “Udoroth” is straight-forward and simplistic, but it’s incredibly engaging in its depiction of one man’s fight for Hell’s throne, and it’s also a fantastic way to introduce yourself to A Sound of Thunder.
5. "Ghost" by Mystery Skulls
I’ve already mentioned this music video beforehand, but it would be strange to make a list of animated music videos without mentioning the one music video that successfully acquired a fandom almost overnight. The vibrant and eye-catching animation matches the music’s indie-pop aesthetic perfectly, and it contains several Easter eggs that hint to a more complex situation hidden behind the pseudo “Scooby Doo” plot. Even if you’ve already watched it before, you’re probably going to click that link anyways.
6. "BATMETAL"
….Okay, okay, so maybe this isn’t a sociopolitical commentary, or a tale of epic battles in Hell, but like.. It’s Batman. Singing Dethklok. Hearing that Bat-Bale growl put to use should be all the justification you need to watch this video once or twice, or five hundred times.
Speaking of Dethklok….
7. The Entirety of "Metalocalypse"
I’m not even going to try to justify myself on this one, I just really love “Metalocalypse”. There’s four seasons worth of eleven minute episodes. Go watch it. Right now. Go. Go Forth and Die.
