This One Goes Out to the One I Love

Last week's episode of Glee ended with perhaps the most spectacular homage/spoof on Madonna's classic Vogue video. As I watched with utter, well, glee, I couldn't help marvel at the perfect replication of every little detail: the cinematography, choreography, wardrobe, even the members of the cast playing Madonna's entourage were all spot on. Jane Lynch (who is fast becoming a leading comedy genius of our time) nailed every dance step, gesture and facial expression made famous by the Material Girl in this obvious labor of love by whoever dared to reproduce this iconic piece of work. I know and appreciate all of this because I have probably seen the Vogue video seventy two thousand times.

It's no secret that music has always been a big part of my life. As a kid, my dad's record collection was a constant source of fascination. I think the visual images were a big part of the attraction. I would stare for hours at the front of a Yes or Grateful Dead album in wonder. Of course, I knew the songs but what did these images have to do with the music? Was there hidden meaning that I could somehow understand if I just looked harder? Was the secret to the cover art buried somewhere in the lyrics or vice versa? What's with all the nudity?

some of my faves from Ron Porter's stash

By about the time I was old enough to want records of my own, along came MTV. Finally. It seemed like the natural progression to put these visual accompaniments to song. At least, that’s how they started out, as either lip synced performances or upbeat mini musicals about life as an Uptown Girl or even a Material Girl (for example).

I won't link every video but these are some memorable early MTV moments

Eventually the art of the music video was honed and refined. Bands could define themselves not just musically but socially, politically, and culturally by their videos. They could be hip, satirical, ethereal and slightly suggestive, just like an extension of the album cover. You'll find a few shining examples of video as art below:










And then, at the height of it all, MTV dropped music videos, a little at first and then altogether. Now the once great channel focuses heavily on lifestyle programming and teen-targeted "reality" shows. (MTV arguably pioneered the idea of reality TV with the Real World which was not a bad show initially but that’s another post for another time).

Although videos are still being made by some artists, it seems they are distributed largely via You Tube and iTunes. Perhaps this is just the next step in the evolution of the video but there’s nothing like a classic to make you crave the good old days. I guess this is all just my way of saying thanks, MTV. I was glad you could bridge the gap between the record store and the internet. Some of us will miss you more than others.