2012 in Music Videos

I’m a real sucker for a good music video. Always have been, always will be. I can spend hours in front of Youtube drinking in the fashions, memorising the dance moves and generally living a little vicariously through the theatrics that make up some of the best three minutes committed to film. 
 

We’ve seen nothing from Lady Gaga this year. Beyonce has been too busy raising child. And I’m not even going to acknowledge Psy’s Gangnam Style. So, in no particular order, here’s what I’ve enjoyed watching most in 2012 …

Candy Candy Candy – Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

I could happily live in this video. The Hello Kitty colours, the disco balls, the crazy dancing onion. It's pure J-Pop joy.

I Fink You Freeky – Die Antwoord

It was so hard picking just one Die Antwoord video. They’re all amazing (even if their latest does ridicule Gaga). Because I mentioned Baby on Fire in my previous post, I’m going plum for I Fink You Freeky. Beautifully shot by acclaimed South African photographer Roger Ballen, this is stunningly dark stuff. 

Laura – Bat for Lashes

Oh, how I welled up when I first saw this. Tender, delicate, heart-warming. Natasha Khan ditches the headdresses and twirls an ageing ‘superstar’ around a dreamily lit stage.

Bad Girls – MIA

Say what you like about MIA, the girl sure makes some of the best music videos. This has already topped most end-of-year lists and scooped a ton of prizes, and it’s easy to see why. A big, ballsy work that mocks the expectations of the music video itself and its objectification of women. 

Girl Gone Wild - Madonna

This is Madonna showing all the young pretenders how it’s done.  She’s even recruited Kazaky in this one. If I’m honest, these muscle men in heels are the only reason Girl Gone Wild has made the list. Well, them and seeing Madonna looking as beautifully blonde as she did in her Erotica days.

Every Night I Say A Prayer - Little Boots

Bendy boys in leggings and crop tops do the best vogueing since, well, Vogue. Makes me want to visit a New York drag ball.   

Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris feat. Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch is a battered girlfriend. She sings in a working men’s club. Calvin Harris pays some hardnuts to beat the shit out of her abusive lover ... Flo makes a good-looking man, too.

Hood - Perfume Genius
Simple and so lovely. Effeminate Mike Hadreas is cradled and dressed up by a beefy gay pornstar. Understated and gently touching.