I chose the music video for Wishes by Beach House. I love this song with its soft, calming synths, and surreal lyrics. I think that the music video perfectly compliments the lyrics and tone of the song. You can check it out here:
This music video actually features Ray Wise, who was in the TV show Twin Peaks, as the coach. I love the way that the setting, costume design and colors of this video combine to create a surreal feeling. Firstly, the setting of this video lends itself to some beautiful visuals. The Friday night lights evoke an excitement. The costumes are intriguing and, again, add into the surreality of the video. The men, who I assume to be the athletes, are seen in comical outfits. The cheerleaders act pretty severely and scandalously, contrary to what we usually think of the classic All-American cheerleaders– dainty and proper. The shots of the onlookers’ faces are hilarious to me too. They’re so transfixed on this god-like coach that Wise portrays. I see this video as a sort of commentary on how arbitrary and sometimes comical sports are. A nonsensical, hilarious show is being put on on the field and the audience is enthralled. It doesn’t matter how nominal/strange/arbitrary the sport is when it’s boiled down; people will assign a value to it and become interested. The lyrics also reflect a surreality, “ Wishes on a wheel… Is it even real”The lyrics match with the tone of the music and the video. Even without all of the symbolic undertones, the cinematic quality and direction of this video is incredibly beautiful and enjoyable to watch!
Writing on Music, Fall 2015 