You may be wondering why the hell ladders are a good category for music videos, I am too actually. It was the big ladder in The Police video that made me think ladders were a thing.
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Otherside" 2000 *I know a lot of high quality individuals who think this song is mega cheesy, I still think its pretty good.
2. The Police - "Don't Stand So Close To Me" 1980 *These guys were wicked cool in 1980.
3. Eddie Money - "Take Me Home Tonight" 1986 *Ladder as saxophone holder.
4. Has-Lo - "Limit" 2011 *This video is hella mask-y. I realize that is an absolutely ridiculous statement, but when I say it out loud I have a look on my face that illustrates my sarcasm.
5. JJ Doom - "Bookhead" 2013 *It's lovely that Doom made a video encouraging people to read more and patronize one's local bookstores.
6. Dirty Dike - "Return Of The Twat" 2013 *It would likely be terrifying to run across these dudes acting all crazy and yelling the word twat. Like a wild animal, he may be best observed from a safe distance.
7. Paula Abdul - "Cold Hearted" 1989 *The best parts of this video are the looks on the faces of the judgy people when the dancing gets too risqué for them.
I have a thing for Bristol, there seems to be something in the water that creates just the kind of art that I love. I shall go drink the water.
1. Massive Attack
Here is a picture of the two current members of Massive Attack looking as if they are questioning the motives of the photographer.
My favorite Massive Attack song is "Protection".
2. Portishead
It is hard to find words to describe how much I love Portishead, so I will just tell you that I love them.
Here is a video of Portishead at their finest ("Roads" Roseland NYC Live).
I recently learned that Portishead was (and still is) a place near Bristol before it was an incredible band.
3. Banksy
Banksy is only the most famous of the street artists in Bristol. Street art in Bristol has become one of its greatest assets, they even offer tours which focus on Banksy and the others. I think Banksy is great because he created an international phenomenon just by being himself, even if he didn't mean to.
Here is a short documentary on Banksy called B Movie, which appeared as a bonus feature on Exit Through The Gift Shop.
There are tons of Banksy books, but, I am reading this one right now.
4. Tricky
Tricky, formerly of Massive Attack, is one of those artists whose genius most makes me want to drink the Bristol water.
Here is an old favorite Tricky song, "Overcome", off of his amazing Maxinquaye album.
Here is a new favorite Tricky song, "Nothing's Changed", off of his new album False Idols (which I haven't heard yet in its entirety).
5. New Era Bristol Hip Hop
This is Dirty Dike.
For now, Dirty Dike will serve as the prototypical Bristol Hip Hopper (sorry to the rest of you). From watching Dirty Dike videos, I realized that these guys likely party way harder than I ever could. It would, however, be extremely entertaining to see them in action.
Here are two Dirty Dike videos to drive the point home.
"Pork Pie"
"Ten Dike Commandments"
Maybe all this energy is coming from cocaine, but, I have to see this live.
Datkid is another one of Bristol's younger artists. Here he is (on the left) with Dee Green (right).
Here is one of Datkid's music videos in which he shows off his probation ankle bracelet.
One of the main reason I like these Bristol(ian?) artists is because of the beats. I have a ton of respect for these guys and only describe their wacky antics because I think it is part of what makes them special. I also realize that these two are a very small example of what Bristol has to offer. Please help me to find more great Hip Hop from the area if you know how to find it.
1. The Beatles - "Hey Jude" 1968 *As one should expect, this is an extremely great song.
2. Dirty Dike - "Ten Dike Commandments" 2013 (UK HIP HOP) *Dirty Dike oozes personality and seems like I could never party hard enough to hang out with him. This beat is amazing, his delivery is captivating, and the video is hilarious.
3. Klymaxx - "Meeting In The Ladies Room" 1985 *This is one of the best eighties videos I have ever seen. They even have a mermaid.
4. MORE1 - "On A Mission" 2011 (UK HIP HOP) *I love this beat, I kind of wish it was an instrumental.
5. The Police - "Roxanne" 1978 *My parents loved this band, and I can now appreciate their greatness.
6. Illa J feat. Debi Nova - "Sounds Like Love" 2008 *The Yanceys are a talented family (Captain Obvious strikes again).
7. Datkid - "Home By 8" 2012 (UK HIP HOP) *I've watched this like 6 times and still can't figure out why I might like it. He has a thuggy UK rapper thing going. He isn't my new favorite rapper but I keep watching what he is doing anyway.
8. Slum Village - "Reppin'" 2012 *New era Slum Village, worth a listen.
9. Wham! - "Everything She Wants" 1984 *I think that this and their Christmas song are the best Wham songs.
10. Q-Tip - "Breathe And Stop" 1999 *Q-Tip is awesome.
Another from High Focus Records. This video is hilarious and the song is pretty good, mostly I love that I found it.. His song called "Pork Pie" leads me to believe that pork pies are more culturally relevant in the UK than they are in Seattle. I want to go on a Hip Hop tour of the UK, it will happen. Here is Dirty Dike's crazy looking album cover.
