Scott and I were just having a debate about which music videos are pop culture icons. This came up because he had not seen the video for Take On Me until I made him watch the literal version on YouTube.
- Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Beat It, and Bad
- Madonna’s Material Girl
- Cher’s (If I Could) Turn Back Time
- A-Ha’s Take On Me
- Robert Palmer’s Simply Irresistible
That’s our list. Any to add?
Friday, 24 October 2008 at 11:05 am
Video Killed the Radio Star – The Buggles
Take on Me – A-Ha
Thriller – MJ
Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel
First time I have seen the literal version of the A-Ha video. Interesting and proves that some people have way too much time on their hands. =)
Friday, 24 October 2008 at 11:23 am
I think Billie Jean’s got it over Bad, though I can’t argue with the other two songs. Like a Virgin > Material Girl (aping an existing iconic movie is not itself iconic), and Addicted to Love > Simply Irresistible (as the first with the lipstick girls).
Also:
Devo, Whip It (even if you don’t know squat about Devo, you know the hats)
Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
Duran Duran, either Rio or Hungry Like the Wolf.
Friday, 24 October 2008 at 4:07 pm
update: I certainly can’t complain about Thriller, not after seeing this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbvP7dT3Dx0&NR=1
Saturday, 25 October 2008 at 3:53 pm
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
George Michael – Faith or Feedom ’90
One of those creepy Fiona Apple videos?
Wednesday, 29 October 2008 at 5:54 am
I’m an old fart, I know, but I can count on ONE hand the music videos I’ve actually seen. Thus I have No Comment.