Video for a Day: "Bad Girls" by M.I.A.

"Bad Girls" by M.I.A.

So, I'm pretty much having post-Pitchfork withdrawals, and I'm trying to relive M.I.A.'s set of dancing with everyone and their sweat. Just pretend you were there with me if you weren't in the crowd.

Video for a Day: "Genesis" by Grimes

"Genesis" by Grimes

This is one of my favorite songs by Grimes (stage name of Vancouver native Claire Boucher). Also, I'm just super intrigued by this video and it's kind of inexplicable. First, you're just like, "what is happening in this video?" but you don't stop watching it. Does it match the lyrics? Not at all, but I actually don't mind that. I like Grimes because she keeps things interesting, she creates what she desires in a male-dominated industry, and she's an inspiration for women (and men) to just be yourself. 

If you haven't read it already, check out her infamous blog post from April that resonates with many of us in this world, musician or not.

Video for a Day: "Falling" by Haim

"Falling" by Haim

Seeing this trio of sisters making pop music has me desperately wishing for siblings to form a band with. Good thing I have friends, right? Anyway, I like how catchy this song is- reminds me of a combination of '80s and '90s pop (support for this claim- "cause I'm a slave to the sound" line in the first verse). The dance moves from one sister aren't so reminiscent of those eras as much as they are awkward and borderline '60s. Maybe it's just the vibe I get, who knows. This video is more aesthetically pleasing than relating to actual lyrical content- what the video has to do with falling of any literal or metaphorical type is beyond me. Either way, if I end up downloading this song, it will end up on mix CDs for friends because dancing. Enjoy!

Video for a Day: "Glockenspiel Song" by Dog Is Dead

"Glockenspiel Song" by Dog Is Dead

A friend introduced me to this song, even though I'd technically heard it on an episode of Skins a few months earlier. Regardless, I enjoy this song, and it's very youthful. It's so carefree. It's like, "yeah, we're young, and yeah we've made mistake, but you know what? We'll still keep living and having a good time. We refuse to let the bad times stop us from living." Have a listen and enjoy the video!

Video for a Day: "Valtari" by Sigur Ros

"Valtari" by Sigur Ros

Directed by Christian Larson

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. I just feel everything watching this video.

Video for a Day: "Doo Wah" by Kids These Days

"Doo Wah" by Kids These Days

This group is one of my favorites to come out of Chicago. I'm so happy that they're getting more exposure and touring across the country. I think I'm also really proud of them because of the fact that we're the same age, and I always have a soft spot for people my age doing big things. Also, director Austin Vesely is one to keep an eye on. He's going to be making videos for all of your favorite musicians one day. I honestly believe they're going to grow even more successful here on out.

Kids These Days' debut album Traphouse Rock is available to download (for freeeee) from their website kidsthesedaysband.com. 

Video for a Day: "Beg" by Bombay Bicycle Club

"Beg" by Bombay Bicycle Club

I'm bringing this back for a minute.

Video for a Day: "Try" by Pink

"Try" by Pink

Wow oh wow. This new Pink video and the song are awesome. Beautifully done; I feel the love and pain. So good.

Video for a Day: "Two Weeks/Head Over Heels", a mashup by Kimbra

She has a great voice. Two songs that I enjoy very much, mashed together. No other words necessary.

Video for a Day: "Lightspeed" by Grieves

"Lightspeed" by Grieves

You need to slow down 

Every once in awhile sometimes

To see how the world goes around

You need to slow down every once in awhile

'Cause you don't know, you don't

No, you don't need to go so fast

Video for a Day: "All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands" by Sufjan Stevens

"All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands" by Sufjan Stevens

If you don't know how much I love Sufjan Stevens, now you know. Sometimes, I feel as if I could listen to his music forever, seriously. 

Video for a Day/Food for Thought: "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

This video has been going "viral" lately, or at least among a few of my facebook friends. It was kinda crazy that I saw this video the same night after having a discussion about this with a few of my friends earlier in the day (*it's been about two weeks now; I had this as a draft and unfortunately forgot about it for awhile). A lot of our views on religion have changed since we were younger, with many of these changes occurring during high school and becoming more defined in college. I consider myself a Christian, but I don't want to be confused for an extremist, fundamentalist, "I am right, you are wrong", shove my beliefs down your throat person though. I'm not the most religious, and I doubt I ever will be. For the most part, this video accurately describes my views on religion and my love for Jesus.

I originally had so much more to say, but as I mentioned before, I started this two weeks ago and wasn't able to finish it at the time. This is why you can't put things off.

Video for a Day: "How Strong We Are" by Mark Rose

"How Strong We Are" by Mark Rose

I loved this song the first day I heard it a few years ago. This is a remastered version he did for his debut album which was released last year. If you don't know Mark Rose, you should. He has a great voice, he's talented, and he's reppin' the Chi, so those are the only reasons you need to love him.

Now, I actually want to talk about this video a little bit. I love the shots of Chicago, love 'em. I like that a lot of people were seen, besides just simply whoever walked by while following the singer (what usually happens in music videos), ya know like how the camera was specifically on certain people for lengths of time. I really enjoyed the way this was shot.

The only criticism I have is for the times that it was just Mark chillin in Grant Park, leaning against the railings of bridges and such. While these were shot just as nicely as the rest of the video, I wasn't a fan of Mark's sorta blahness. He never actually looks straight into the camera at all during this entire video. I guess he was going for the serious look and all, but he could've looked into the camera a few times. Also, he could've smiled a few times as well. This isn't a sad song; it's about staying strong during the rough times and getting past those things. Now, this could have been the director's decision to not have him smile or look into the camera and not Mark's. Regardless, though, I think there should've been some smiling and direct eye contact. It would've made it feel a little more personable and not like he was a Chicago-native staring at tourists and all or something. I don't know. Maybe it's just me haha.

Video for a Day: "I'll Try Anything Once" by The Strokes

"I'll Try Anything Once" by The Strokes

I've enjoyed this song since the first time I heard it 2-3 years ago. It just came up on shuffle, and nostalgia seeped into my veins. 

Video for a Day: "Unravel" by Bjork

"Unravel" by Bjork

How could you not love her? Seriously, love this song. I'll post the Radiohead (or more specifically Thom Yorke) cover one day.

While you are away
My heart comes undone
Slowly unravels
In a ball of yarn
The devil collects it
With a grin
Our love 
In a ball of yarn


He'll never return it


So when you come back
We'll have to make new love

Video for a Day: "Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun

"Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun

I've been listening to this song a lot lately, 'tis true. 

Video for a Day: "Royal Blue" by Cold War Kids

"Royal Blue" by Cold War Kids

I don't have much to say about this song really, but I do enjoy it much. 

From now on with the sky as my roof
From now on let the risk lead me to
From now on somewhere I never knew
From now on call me royal blue

From now on fly as high as I want
From now on I'll show my weak spot
From now on you know that I do
From now on call me Royal Blue

From now on wear my love for you loose
From now on I am just passing through
From now on trust my feeling is true
From now on call me royal blue

Video for a Day: "Think About It" by Owen

"Think About It" by Owen

I just heard this song for the first time the other day. I enjoy it mucho. It has a nice feel to it. It feels...calm...safe...comforting.

Video for a Day: "Skin + Bones" by Lydia

"Skin and Bones" by Lydia

I just saw this band live for the first time the other day, and they were so great. I had never listened to them until about a little over a month ago. I think I'm in love with this band, and it's probably because of the lead singer's voice.

Video for a Day: "Shuffle" by Bombay Bicycle Club

"Shuffle" by Bombay Bicycle Club

I love the BBC boys. I want to see them so badly. Now that they've somewhat grown in popularity, they actually travel stateside. I need to see them one day. One day.