Our favourite music videos (Ben + Courtney)

Ben - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Downtown

I'm a big fan of this music video, I feel that it combines the narrative from the lyrics of the song and Macklemore's characteristically humerous style very well. The video clearly follows the plotline of Macklemore purchasing a moped and cruising around on it, as well as performance sequences (most notably those featuring Eric Nally). The performance sequences are also well linked to the narrative sequences and the lyrics, with many mopeds and riders, being filmed in the same setting and with Macklemore himself in some with similar mise-en-scene. There is also good reference to Goodwin's theory where he uses his hands to make signs at the camera during one section. Like with many of Macklemore's songs and music videos Downtown doesn't take itself seriously, for example in the aforementioned shot he's sitting atop another chap's shoulders riding a motorbike down a street. I'm glad that this trait was carried over to Downtown (especially considering the lyrics and narrative) as I feel it makes it more engaging and enjoyable to watch.

Courtney - Olly Murs - Dance with me tonight

Personally I am a big fan of Olly Murs, I enjoy listening to his music and I love watching his music videos. They always have a very good balance of performance and narrative and the narrative is always very easy to follow. This particular music video starts with the artist being taken through a police station and Into a room to be photographed. He holds up a board, this board tells the audience exactly where he is - it includes his name and also the name of the song I thought it was a very creative way to start the music video. The narrative follows what happened the night before and how they got to be in a police station. I find the editing really interesting throughout the whole music video. There are moments when the video appears to be in black and white and it also apears sketchy/blured at points. This uniques editing helps to make the music video stand out. The editing of the music video mimics the beat and pase of the music. The artist is visable to the camera throughout the entirety of the music video and there are quite a few mid shots and occational close up including the artists face. There is also a range of different locations which helps the narrative, of a guy travelling through a busy city and the time leading up to him in a police station.