I like when music videos are made as short films, not just as promo clips to sell the music. I look at the cinematography, the acting, the writing and, of course, how the music fits the images.

We have chosen these 5 videos as the best of the year 2015.

1. Bob Dylan – The Night We Called It A Day

Like any great film noir, complete with murder, betrayal, and a complicated love triangle. Very stylish and great fun.
Directed by Nash Edgerton (he also directed Must Be Santa, Beyond Here Lies Nothing and Duquesne Whistle for Bob Dylan)

 

2. Kendrick Lamar – Alright

This is incredibly well done, the photography and the directing is spectacular. Great special effects. Where Dylan went for tradition, Lamar went for innovation. It is fantastic and it very nearly grabbed the top spot, but we are nostalgics at heart and love Noir Lamar had to see himself beaten by Dylan.
Directed by Colin Tilley and The Little Homies.

 

3. Will Butler – Anna

Director: Brantley Gutierrez
In this video,”Anna” by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, we get a re-visit to Fatboy Slim/Spike Jonze’s “Weapon of Choice” with Emma Stone in the Christopher Walken role, she is fun to watch and clearly has a blast.

4. Dawes – All Your Favorite Bands

Heart warming and feel-good. ..and it’s a music quiz, see how many artists/bands you can spot (it features home video clips of Dawes’ musical friends singing along to the track). A great visual guide to enhance an already great song.
Directed by Kevin Hayes

5. David Bowie – Black Star

Director: Johan Renck

This nearly-10-minute epic short film is the perfect way to announce a new David Bowie album. This has a wonderful and weird narrative. Demanding, yes, but ultimately rewarding. It is a very fine little big film.

We also like:
Adele/Hello, Kacey Musgraves/Biscuits, Run the Jewels/Close Your Eyes, Taylor Swift/Bad blood, Courtney Barnett/Pedestrian At Best, Jenny Lewis/She’s Not Me, Eric Church/Mr Misunderstood and Sam Outlaw/Ghost Town

– Hallgeir