When MTV finally phased out music videos from its programming, it happened with a shrug more than a scream, as the channel had long ago stopped playing interesting videos, instead settling on one minute clips of videos as voted by teenyboppers on TRL. But once upon a time, on programs like 120 Minutes and, to a lesser extent, Headbangers Ball, they used to play music videos from bands on the rise, ones low on budgets but high on creativity.
Below is an unfocused smattering of videos from buzz bands, some with albums just hitting stores in the past couple of weeks. They include the Crocodiles, Company of Thieves, the Horrors, Torche and Manchester Orchetra. Enjoy.
Company of Thieves – "Oscar Wilde"
Torche – "Across the Shields"
This one’s a bit older, with the song first being released on Torche’s 2008 album, Meanderthal. But I only recently caught up with the record, and they deserve a wider following.
Manchester Orchestra – "I’ve Got Friends"
When Andy Hull shouts, “I’ve got friends in the all the right places,” I can’t help but twitch uncomfortably to the memory of Garth Brooks having them somewhere low. You can’t deny a similarity in delivery tempo.
The Crocodiles – "Neon Jesus"
And finally, a two-fer from the grimy garage/shoegaze outfit, the Horrors:
The Horrors – "Who Can Say"
The Horrors – "Sea Within a Sea"
