Video Review - WTF (Where They From)

WTF (WHERE THEY FROM)

by Missy Elliott ft. Pharrell Williams

It has been far too long since we've had a true Missy Elliott one time exclusive on our hands. Far. Too. Long. The wait has been worth it... to see Missy work it, put her thing down, flip it and reverse it. Yes, Christmas has come early for fans of Misdemeanor in the form of your new favourite dance jam, 'WTF'. "I'm a Big Mac, make you wanna eat that." All that and so much more, Missy. Snappy lyrics, beats that will get those feet moving and a much more motivated Pharrell than what we've been getting lately all feature on the return of the Queen. If I haven't made it clear yet, the song is amazing. Just as much of a treat is the music video for 'WTF', which finds itself a more than suitable addition to an artist who has established herself as THE artist when it comes to clips. 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), 'She's a Bitch', Get Ur Freak On', 'Work It', 'Pass That Dutch', 'Lose Control'. You can't read those track titles without picturing their legendary videos. 'WTF' is definitely in league with what has come before.

Collaborating with director Dave Meyers was the first sign this clip would be one to remember. Meyers is of course the man responsible for the previously mentioned 'Get Ur Freak On' and 'Pass That Dutch', as well as 'One Minute Man' and 'Gossip Folks'. When it comes to Missy, Meyers knows how to bring out the best in hip-hop's First Lady. 'WTF' is a song you're going to want to dance to and the video makes sure you know it. Elliott breaks it down in a disco-ball inspired tracksuit (complete with silver disco ball lipstick) before showing she's still more than capable of shaking it with the best of them in her Biggie beanie. Segway dancing, puppets and a beautiful closing shot of futuristic dolls in their boxes. This is everything we could have wanted from new Missy Elliott. Welcome back, Missy. 'WTF' is showing just how much you've been missed. 

Matt Bond gives the video for 'WTF (Where They From' four and a half   

Video Review - ABCD

ABCD

by Ngaiire

Album: Lamentations (out now)

"We only die once, not twice..."

I was thrilled to see Ngaiire teasing the release of a video for her track 'ABCD' a couple of weeks ago. The track was an absolute standout on her debut album, Lamentations and more than worthy of earning release as a single. It holds beautiful melodies, superb lyrics and a knockout vocal performance from our leading lady and I just know you (yes, YOU!) are going to love the track. Ngairre revealed the stunning black and white clip on her Facebook page last night and I'm confident you (again, yes, YOU!) will love it too. 

Darryl Thoms steps into the Director's chair for Ngairre once more, after collaborating with her on one of last year's most memorable videos, 'Dirty Hercules'. 'ABCD' is equally arresting visually as the previous clip, employing somewhat of a 'less is more' method. For four minutes we're treated to striking black and white shots of Ngaiire performing the song on the piano. Everything builds to a powerful, single-tear moment that's definitely more 'Nothing Compares 2 U' than 'Wrecking Ball'. 

There's never any doubt as to what this video is selling. It's all about the song, 'ABCD' and when the song is as good as this you don't need any bells and whistles, unnecessary melodrama, sledgehammer licking or motorcycle rides with Kim Kardashian to hold an audience's attention. This video, like the song, is all class and it's easily my favourite clip of 2014 so far. 

Matt Bond gives the video for 'ABCD' four Beyonce heads out of five...

Video Review - Free Of Fear

Free of Fear

by Client Liaison

I can't explain why I like this so much. If I could explain that, then I'd be able to to explain why this clip features cyclists, crocodiles, briefcases and turtle neck shirts.


I can't explain the addictive sound. If I could explain that, I'd have written a song that sounds exactly like the Pet Shop Boys in the mid 80s and I'd be featuring on JJJ as well.


I can't explain the images. If I could explain that, there'd be words like 'retro-fabulous' and 'slightly uncomfortable' and 'a little bit familiar and a little bit weird' and 'seriously, have you seen that guys hair"?


I can't explain who Client Liaison are. If I could explain that, it would take away from the magic of a duo who came straight from 1987 and landed right in 2014, dressed in badly fitting suits with the sleeves pushed up and the belts worn tight. I wouldn't want to spoil that magic.

 
I can't explain just how much I like this. If I could explain that, I'd be able to describe my love for terrible choreography, retro branding, high pants and the myth of Fosters beer.


I can't explain any of these things. I don't want to. Some things must go without explanation because they're just so freakin fun. Client Liaison. Enjoy. No explanation needed.

Jo Michelmore gives 'Free Of Fear' four Kylie heads out of five...   

Video Review - Two Moon Love

Two Moon Love

by Pigeon

EP: Settle In (out 24 January, 2014)

Australian indie acts have a knack for finding creative teams to create video clips for them that have a certain ‘sleek and stylish’ quality to them that national major label releases are sorely lacking in. The latest example comes in the form of ‘Two Moon Love’, the second single from Pigeon’s new EP, Settle In. I’m not going to tell you that the story within is a Christopher Nolan-esque work of art, but the cinematography is all class and the dark tones, dancing party people and sex factor (as in, people be getting it on) match the song perfectly. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a music video and not a major motion picture, so you’re not expecting to sit down and watch a mini version of Inception. You’re expecting to see something that makes the experience of listening to the track even better and Miki Clarke (director), Francis Thompson (cinematographer) and their team have definitely accomplished that. Here’s hoping we get to see a lot more of their work very soon.


And as for Pigeon, once you’ve had a listen to ‘Two Moon Love’, you’re probably going to be wanting to hear a whole lot more from them too. That new EP I mentioned, Settle In? It’s out this Friday. Get excited (pew pew gun shots etc.).

Matt Bond gives the 'Two Moon Love' video four Kylie heads out of five...