by Ariana Marsh

Admittedly, before I started working for ÉCU my knowledge of music video genres was embarrassingly narrow. I was well versed in those that included catchy dance routines, the most bizarrely couture fashions, sickeningly impossible romantic love stories, and even those including all of the above PLUS million dollar cars, models and miraculous weather that rained cash. Basically, MTV had been my music video education.

However, after poking around on various music sites, my repertoire gradually changed. I found a new type of music video that I am now completely enamored with: that of the animated music video. Rather then focusing on the musicians themselves, this genre allows virtually anything to manifest within the clip in order to better impart upon its watcher a meaning impossible to represent through normal filming techniques. Fantastical creatures and other worlds entirely can be created with the technology now available, allowing film directors and artists to be astoundingly creative in the process of adding a visual element to represent and enhance their sound.

So, after weeks of recommendations, blog-explorations and you-tube surfing, I have finally narrowed down my favourite animated music videos to a top 10:

1. Grizzly Bear – Ready, Able

2. Take Your Medicine – Transfer

3. Fell in Love With a Girl - The White Stripes

4. Wanderlust – Bjork

5. Strawberry Swing – Coldplay

6. All Your Light – Portugal

7. 19-2000 - Gorillaz

8. Ankle Injuries – Fujiya & Miyagi

9. Spacious Thoughts – N.A.S.A: Tom Waits + Kool Keith

10. Bedshaped – Keane