Episode 91: Iconic Music Videos - Part 1
We’re bringing some video tapes with us into the bar — or at least some trusty YouTube links. Why? We’re talking music videos! And we have so much to share, we’ve broken this subject into two episodes.
For today, we’ve dug into the backs of our closets and dusted off a couple of favorites from yesterday that are still killing it today: a-ha’s illustrative “Take on Me” and Peter Gabriel’s surreal “Sledgehammer.” We discuss why they were made, the creative motivations for each and the unsung heroes (beyond the musicians) who brought these ideas to life and into our homes (and heads).
So slide the tables aside and clear off the dance floor…We’re spilling our drinks as we moon walk our way across the bar.
E X T R A S :
“Take on Me” by a-ha
The full video for “Take on Me.”
(Top to bottom): Stills from the video. In the image above you can observe how rotoscoping, or tracing over individual frames, worked to produce the video.
One of the original sketches used in the video animation
“Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel
The full video for “Sledgehammer.”
(Top to bottom): Stills from the video. In the image second from the bottom, you can see one of the rollercoaster frames where a generous amount of Vaseline was applied to Gabriel’s hair.
One of the stop motion artists posing a couple of rapidly spoiling chickens. Note the fan at stage left.
Additional Resources
a-ha
“a-ha - The Making of Take on Me (Episode 2)” (YouTube video)
Take On Me: Revisiting the Making of A-ha’s Trailblazing Animated Music Video (Animation Magazine article)
Altered States scene (YouTube video)
“Caught in the Middle” by Paramore (YouTube video)
Peter Gabriel
“The Making of Sledgehammer” excerpt (YouTube video)
Dave Alex Riddett BSC and David Sproxton CBE / “Sledgehammer” (British Cinematographer article)
First Time Watch Reaction Videos
“Take on Me” (YouTube video)
“Sledgehammer” (YouTube video)