Now we've all been in the situation when we listen to an album, fall in love with a certain song, but HOLD ON it's not a single. 'How has this happened? What record label is this? I must demand they release it!' The first time I experienced this was with Hard Fi's debut album, Stars of CCTV. Fast-forward 8 years and things have been improved, thanks to the fan-made music video. Some, as many artists would begrudingly admit, are better than the official ones themselves, here's my personal favourites.
Bon Iver - Holocene
A beautiful track, matched with breathtaking Irish countryside. The film-maker for this had originally planned a story following a young couple, however this didn't go to plan. But the scenery is so stunning, it really allows the viewer to sit back and experience the delicate vocals of Justin Vernon. Admittedly, I have limited knowledge of film-making itself, but I was very fond of the way the creator of the video left in many of the sounds from the landscape, such as the wind flowing through the long grass. It sets as the perfect undertone to the smooth song.
Sparklehouse - Sad & Beautiful World
Pure melancholy. Shot in a small frame, deliberately I'm sure, the video expresses the insignificance of human life on the world. It does seem to be tinged with hope throughout however. Almost as if some sort of admiration for human endevaour and purpose, in spite of the obvious notion that in reality we don't have a lot of answers. Anyway, before I sound too much like an English teacher with all of this guess-work go check it out for yourself and you can draw your own conclusion.
Joy Division - Atmosphere
Those undecided on the deservedness of the cult-status of Joy Division need little more than take a listen to this unoffiicial release from 1979. The visualisations in the video are mesmerisingly artistic. It flickers from shot to shot, representing the drug culture in the late 70's, and the fast-changing times making it difficult for many to acclimatise. As with most Joy Division it's both dark and powerful, and this video sets it up a treat.
Blink 182 - When I Was Young
A raw, powerful emotional song, which is pretty much what Blink do best - and the video mirrors this perfectly. Opening with the thought-provoking quote, 'Each day is a little life: every waking and rising a little birth, every fresh morning a little youth, every going to rest and sleep a little death.' The video captures American suburbia explored with youthful abandon, featuring a group of youngsters experiencing love, friendship, as well as some pretty badass skateboard stunts. Truly captivating stuff.
Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
