7 Comments

If Ok Go's music was as good as their videos, they'd be great. As it stands, it's another good idea, executed well, for a band that make pretty mediocre music. I'd hate to be a musician and be known as "that band will the cool videos and forgettable songs".
Secretly Swedish
2011-08-01 16:51:16

@Secretly Swedish, are you joking? It's true, their first album was a little obvious and commercial, but this song and the album it comes from are great. Taste is subjective, though, so ok, you're not a fan. Still, how can you disrespect a band that's gotten successful by doing things entirely their own way? These good ideas aren't made FOR the band, they're made BY the band, and they've earned them an enviable career of making whatever they want while other musicians are stuck in the clutches of the dying record industry. As someone who is interested in advertising, design, and visual culture (you're reading this blog), I assume you're familiar with how difficult it is not only to have a great idea, but to get it made without it being hijacked and ruined by the corporations funding it. And surely you've noticed how big an influence these gents have had on what we do. Think of how many one-shot clips, clever dances, or Rube Goldberg machines you've seen in the last 3 years, and notice how the comments section is always full of "another OK GO rip off." I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd still have a ton of respect for the band.
Viz One Oh One
2011-08-03 18:33:34

No, why would I joke?

For the record, I liked the first album. It also didn't take a clever video gimmick (or 4) for me to hear their music, and make that personal decision. Anyway, I'm not here to get into a debate about whether or not OK Go are good, or not.

Maybe this does boil down to taste in music being subjective. If this had been a band I respect musically, then I'd would have loved it. Maybe. But I didn't knock the idea, I praised it. My frustration comes from the fact that here is a band who are constantly written about for their videos. I'm just saying, as a musician / band, is that really what you want? If you want to make music videos, become a director.

I'm sure their record label love them, and the traffic they get. But I believe that good music should be able to speak for itself, and if a brilliant video can compliment that, well, great. Unfortunately, I don't think that is the case here. Or with any of their other "creative" videos. Again, it's subjective.

People were filming and putting their own versions of Rube Golderg machines on the internet long before that single and video were released. I can't say they've had an influence on an ounce of what I've done, because I've not once decided to film myself and my friends perform a synchronised dance on a set of treadmills. Nor did I work for the ad agency who ripped off said video to promote Berroca. Thankfully.Though this does justify the influence that video had, though not the quality of the song.

Maybe I'm a bit cynical. But there are a wealth of musicians, not signed to major labels, actually prevailing in this "dying record industry". And they aren't doing it with gimmicks. I don't resent OK Go doing well off the back of these videos. They obviously have a fan base who love the songs, and the videos that go with them. I may have had more respect for them if every video wasn't just another attempt to go viral, and the musicianship had improved.
Secretly Swedish
2011-08-04 14:24:32

I really don't understand this window in window video. It si a little effect to make interesting something that is intrinsically very boring. But this window technique was hip in 1999. If this is all HTML 5 can deliver then we have taken a giant step back.
Benula
2011-08-04 19:02:42

why doesn't this list the credits like most other things that you post?
tk
2011-08-06 15:35:08

This video is brilliant!! the way the internet media is moving hopefully stuff like this will be an everyday thing.

the only problem is having to view it in chrome. we need to take the issue to the web browser developers and say YOU ALL NEED TO BE SINGING OFF THE SAME HYME SHEET!!!

im getting tired of having 3+ stylesheets for every site i design.
Lee Mason
2011-08-10 16:06:10

I think it is an incredible piece of performance art - blown away by the beauty. And also in ref to Secretly Swedish's comments - so you aren't that keen on the music? That's subjective. Nothing 'gimmicky' here - original, creative expression in whatever format and whatever 'industry', whether it is by a band - or by creatives - should neither be derided or pigeonholed - 'oh they should be musicians first and foremost' - such a British way of interpreting - no secret Swedish leanings there. I personally love the music - and love the artistry and wonder in their visual expression. If we have to make promos, then they should all be this great.
kb
2011-08-20 20:20:19

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