Video killed the radio star

This Buggles song from the 70s turned out to be prophetic. The trend to produce music videos as such(and not just clips showing the musicians playing the song) started in the mid 70s. Often Queen’s promo video for Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) is mentioned as the first real music video.

Then in 1981 a little television channel called MTV came around the corner and with the rise of music television in the 80s music videos experienced a real boom. The video was no longer just a medium to promote the song, but it became a form of art of its own. Artists and producers started experimenting with special effects, outfits, stories and exotic locations. There is no other decade than our beloved 80s that originated awesome, funny, controversial, bizarre or just legendary music videos in such a huge number. So here I’ve put together a small selection of 80s music video glory.

 

Madonna – Like A Prayer (1989)

So let’s start with a controversial one. Madonna always had a talent to stage herself, which showed in her great music videos. However, the Queen of Pop seducing a black Jesus in a video full of religious symbols caused a real scandal.

 

a-ha – Take On Me (1985)

Dramatic or cute love stories (the one in this video combines both characteristics) were nothing new in the relatively short history of music videos at that time. But it’s that witty comic-strip idea, which lets Take On Me deservedly appear on every list of great music videos.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvdas_aha-take-on-me_music?search_algo=2#.UW3QDqKePIU

 

Duran Duran – The Wild Boys (1984)

How could I write an article about 80s music videos without mentioning Duran Duran? I guess, you might have already noticed my subtle affection for them 😉 Besides they were one of the first big MTV stars, their videos often featuring mysterious and puzzling stories, super models, exotic locations or all at the same time. With a budget of over 1 million US dollars The Wild Boys was one of the most expensive music videos at that time.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcu0e6_duran-duran-the-wild-boys_music

 

Michael Jackson – Thriller (1983)

Okay, if you’d ask me to choose the greatest music video of all time, it would probably be Thriller. This music video, which in its full 14 minutes version could also qualify as horror movie, and its well choreographed zombie group dance are just legendary.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzv4f_michael-jackson-thriller_fun?search_algo=2#.UW3Z1qKePIU

 

Bonnie Tyler – Total Eclipse Of The Heart (1983)

This is probably the creepiest music video of the 80s. Floating choir boys with glowing eyes… Okay, it says “Turn around bright eyes” – but honestly, I don’t believe Bonnie Tyler had something like that in mind… It frightens me every time I watch it, really!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhfmg_bonnie-tyler-total-eclipse-of-the-h_news?search_algo=2#.UW3bZqKePIU

 

D for Duran Duran

Duran Duran in 1981. Clockwise from top left: Nick Rhodes (keyboards), Simon Le Bon (vocals), John Taylor (bass), Andy Taylor (guitar) and Roger Taylor (drums) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m sorry, there wasn’t anything new on 80s music mixtape last week. I was a little bit stressed and had a lot to do.

As a kind of compensation, today I have a really long new 80s ABC entry for you. The letter D is dedicated to… what could it be else than my favourite band Duran Duran?!

Duran Duran were one of the most successful bands in the 80s and pioneers of the New Romantic scene. Despite of several line-up changes and a less successful period during the 1990s they still make music together and have sold more than 100 million records.make music together and have sold more than 100 million records. Since last month Simon, John, Nick and Roger are back in the studio to work on their new album.

Click here to read the whole story of one of the most awesome bands in the world – Wild Boys always shine!