They Put the M in MTV: 5 Great Videos

Today, is the 30th anniversary of MTV and in celebration (or mourning of when they actually played cool videos) I'm offering five awesome works of visual art that rose to prominence because of rotation on MTV.

A-ha Take On Me


Who is A-ha? The Norwegian based group are still icons in their native country, but only had one major hit in this comic book inspired clip that won several Video Music Awards. I personally think this video is stunning and anyone who takes music videos seriously should watch this video and take notes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914&ob=av2e

Madonna Cherish

Madonna was beyond big in the 1980s, she was one of the artists (along with Michael Jackson) who launched MTV into the stratosphere. While her other videos were more headline getting, this video emphasized the importance of simplicity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q2WS6ahCnY&ob=av2e

Eminem Stan

Eminem is a rapper's rapper.  He is controversial not only in his approach but also in his delivery and makes no apologies. While this song and video made headlines, the story line is brilliant. The song remains one of Eminem's signature hits as well as slang for overzealous fans of any act. Also, who can forget the Dido sample?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSLZFdqwh7E&ob=av2e

*NSYNC, It's Gonna Be Me

Now before a scowl forms across your face, let me explain. *NSYNC was one of the biggest acts of the TRL era, and they made very good videos regardless of perceived musical quality. While several clips won moonmen, this one didn't but it should have. Made up as the same dolls that would become templates for their marionettes, they vie for the attention of one young lady to become human again and antics ensue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQMlWwIXg3M&ob=av2e

Michael Jackson, Beat It


This isn't Thriller, but it never ceases to amaze me how Michael Jackson got actual gang members together to dance. Featuring the guitar styling of the legendary Eddie Van Halen, this video is one of the reasons people should remember Michael Jackson as a revolutionary visual artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0hZG-zNOk&ob=av2n

Now I only did five but I could go on about great music videos. There are several that weren't as big on MTV but could have been and several that live in infamy on YouTube.