Music Video ArtAbout the artistic merit of the ubiquitous music

video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FB3koxdXzE

Spooney Melodies (1930) might have been the first true music video series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kPhP3ZNw6A

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies started off as animated songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfPwE4koYA

“Soundies” in the 40s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PluRW3_FEt0

Musical films in the 50s...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V3qa1FTUYo

... and Madonna videos in the 80s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A-4VGfx5lU

“Performance clips” in the 60s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGo9KkZea_s

“Promotional films” in the 70s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

Music Videos go mainstream in the 80s.

Music videos use a wide range of film making techniques:animation, live action, documentary, narrative, non-narrative, abstract visuals etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmpxsk3dHaA

Music video “grammar”: quick cutting, hand held cameras, lip synching, mix of shots on location, on stage, in the studio or concert hall, rhythmic cross-cutting, contrasting long shots and close ups, unusual shots and camera angles, slow motion shots, reversed footage, dramatic lighting, color filtering in post production, surrealistic/psychedelic/fantasy sequences, camera tricks, special effects, dramatization of song lyrics, stylized/expressionist imagery, confrontational content etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGelsMOIJZY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hfQ5uIKrlw&feature=related