Monday Morning Music Videos: Arctic Monkeys/Silver Jews/Russian Futurists

The return of Monday Morning Music videos today starts with the first clip I’ve seen from the Arctic Monkeys, for “When the Sun Goes Down” (mov). More than most other videos, this one adheres very closely to the song’s narrative–almost to the point where I began questioning which one was made first. It works well with the matter-of-fact, almost speak-sung lyrics, though–opening with a bit of character development before charging into what could loosely be termed a narrative as the song ratchets up the noise. Both are rather depressing in tone, chronicling a very, very sad woman’s complete lack of control over her life and her significant other’s smarmy, violent eagerness to fill the role. And while I can’t say that either the song or the promo is good, at least they lock arms and make the best from a bad situation. Which is more than can be said for that poor woman.

The video for Silver Jews’ “How Can I Love You If You Won’t Lie Down” (mov) is a faithful take on the traditional performance clip from the intelligent, insular band, giving us some shoebox theatre by UVA grad students. The difference with the Jews, though, is that it’s the truth. Barman plays the awkwardly charismatic lead, super-hot Cassie is doting and thrift-chic, and Nastanovich is, well, Nastanovich.

It’s a bit of an oldie, but Russian Futurists’ video for “Paul Simon” (mov) is worth a watch. Not because the video is groundbreaking in any way–it’s that Spike Jonze commercial, person walks around town and somehow cues people to start dancing–but as an excuse to listen again to the absolutely irresistable song, one of the best singles of last year. Who doesn’t want to break into dance when those synthetic horns kick in?

Filed under: Arctic Monkeys  music videos  Silver Jews  The Russian Futurists