100 Greatest Hits - Part 1

As part of our inspiration and research/plan of our music video we sat back, relaxed and watch a programme about the 100 Greatest Hits. In doing so this allowed us to look at both past and present music videos and simply analyse why that music made it into the charts of 100 Greatest Hits.

*NOTE ALL 100 WILL BE LISTED*

100 - This was Musical Youth with their song Pass The Dutchie (1982). Now this was the first black pop video ( and not Michael Jackson - as we all thought), due to racial problems black pop videos were kept to a minimum. Music video channels/organisations e.g. MTV did not engage in black artist/bands. However, we later find out that one man changed it all.

99 - Bronski Beat with their song Smalltown Boy (1984). One of the singers in the band (John Summerville made audiences/fans aware of homosexuality(gay relationships/couples) by creating this music video. This was a also a first. In fact it was the first gay pop video, which helped bring about artist such as Elton John, Boy George and George Michael.

97 - At number 97 we have Brimful of Asha sung by Cornershop. I actually remembered this song and couldn't believe it made the 100 Greatest Hits but I had to remember that the programme went back a few years. Listening to this track reminded me of the past summers. I must admit it was a tune. The artists Cornershop discussed this song as a creation after listening to many different records that they enjoyed.

96 - When this song came on everybody was singing along as if it was a Disney sing-a-long. This also brought back memories but I was proud it made the 100 Greatest Hits. So Solid Crew with 21 seconds (2001) brought out this track at a great moment. During this period youth crime began to escalate and the band helped to engage youths into the music industry.

Music Ideas

Prior to starting the topic I looked at a range of music videos. In order to do so I asked my fellow classmates for a few ideas of music videos they enjoyed to watch. Due to the fact that we are all individuals with different tastes I gained a wide range/selection of videos. My class teacher recommended that I look at the following:

• The Beatles - Rain
• Coldplay - The Scientist
• Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer

In doing so he gave me an idea to how music videos can differ in a sense that some have a storyline while others are abstract and animated. In turn one shows that artist walking back although the song is not played backwards. There is also a change in colour used in music videos over the years.

My music video that I very much enjoyed was UB40's Red Red Wine; simply because it was a random choice and I knew no one would choose it.

Conventions Of A Music Video

Although not mentioned in the brief Conventions of a Music Video need to be considered.
In order to under-go the making of the music video it is important to establish the conventions of a music video. These conventions are simply the common elements or factors that create or form the basis of a final product.

• Storyline
• Abstract ( no storyline)
• Lip sync
• Dancing
• Singing
• Mise-en-scene
  - Costume, Hair and Make Up
  - Props (Instruments)
  - Setting/Location
  - Lighting and Colour
  - Positioning of character (band/artist) within the frame)
• Editing
• Special Effects

Brief

This year as part of my Media Coursework I will produce a video promo. The promo will be for a music video and must last for up to five minutes. In addition to the music video I would also:

• Create a website homepage for the band or artist
• Create a cover for the videos release on DVD
• Create a magazine ad for the DVD

In order to create this music video several aspects need to be considered. This includes:

• What is the purpose of the video
  - Helps the lyrics make sense
  - Moves story along
  - Relates to life
  - Promotes and advertise both the artist, director, location and much more
• How can the video be judged to be successful?
  - Money/Profits
  - Fans
  - Critics/Press/Media
  - Sale
• What factors should be taken into consideration when planning a video?
  - Time
  - Budget
  - Money
  - Fan Base
  - Expanding band base
• Can a pop be considered to be a genre?
  There are two sides to every story, the same way there is two sides to this question. The first part of the question states that a pop IS NOT considered as a genre. This is due to the fact that pop can relate to or mean popular music. In this case popular music considers all the different genres (Indie, Rock, Classical, R 'n' B, Pop and many more) of music. In other words popular music can be seen as well known or recognised music for its audience or fans. On the other hand, Pop IS considered as a genre because it is a style or type of music that audiences as well as fans enjoy to listen to. There are several elements/attributes that form a pop song.

Welcome Back

After a long yet interesting year, I'm back again with a new blog and new topic. This time round I'm doing a music video. Joining me would be a good friend of mine Pui-San Wong who also took part in the previous blog whereby we created a opening sequence for a Thriller film. Unfortunately, Felista and Chris will not be joining us in this journey as they have gone off to university.