11 Must-See Music Videos from the YouTube Era

Grace Beehler, Justin Sachs and Isaac Slone on January 20, 2012

Ranging from the super expensive videos for MTV to the DIY videos for small YouTube audiences, music videos serve to engage fans on a different level. Though the purpose of a music video has changed – once for MTV, now for YouTube – videos still allow artists to express themselves artistically and visually. Check out some recent music videos and let us know if we are missing any of importance. Umphrey’s McGee “Booth Love” – But really, what’s sexier than Ryan Stasik in short shorts?The Black Keys “Lonely Boy” – A hilariously awkward dance to The Black Keys’ newest single, it went viral and rose to national attention for this simple, goofy video. Blockhead “The Music Scene” – Designed for an adult swim show called “Off the Air,” this video has great animation. The song is pretty good, too. The Barr Brothers “Beggar in the Morning” – Directed by Sebastian Lange, this video for the Barr Brothers’ stunning “Beggar in the Morning” juxtaposes the organic with the animated. Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal” – A cool Claymation video from Seattle’s indie darlings, Fleet Foxes. TV On the Radio “New Cannonball Blues” – A trippy, loud and kaleidoscopic animation that reinvents what MTV saw for the music video. –Beats Antique “Revival” – Combining both animated and real life elements, director Austin Rhodes captures a “Through the Rabbit Hole” feeling. Radiohead “Lotus Flower” – The interpretive dance skills of Thom Yorke could be seen in the aisles of any Dead show. The National “Conversation 16” – A short film set to music, starring comedian-actress Kristen Schaal and Mad Men’s John Slattery.Beastie Boys “Fight For Your Right (revisited)” – This is a 30-minute short-film style music video features all-star cameos by Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, Danny McBride, John C. Reilly, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci, among many others. James Blake “A Case of You” – Starring “Vicky Cristina Barcelona’s” Rebecca Hall, this video is simple, playing with light and with the emotions of one character.