“This Too Shall Pass” – badass music videos in the post-video age

Sure, the song title is Jewish…but we’re not really talking about anything Jewish, just a heads-up. Though it is interesting that the name of OK Go’s newest hit song is a popular Jewish phrase (often inscribed on jewelry, such as Yeshiva Girls rings), I could not find any relationship between the song/band and Judaism.

So let’s instead talk about badass music videos, which “This Too Shall Pass” certainly is. We’re gearing up over here for the Washington Jewish Music Festival, and though we certainly listen to some terrific music, we definitely don’t see any music videos! These videos used to be prime advertising opportunities for musicians and  bands – see a cool video, buy the CD, right?

But since CD sales are down, pirated music is so easily accessible, and even legal, purchase of MP3s is also so easy, nobody wants to make the  videos anymore. But we still want to see them, even if MTV disagrees (noted by their official dropping of “Music Televison” from their network description).

Even if musicians don’t have MTV to showcase their awesome videos, thanks to this whole internet evolution, they have YouTube, Vevo, and the ability to go crazy viral. OK Go created the video for “Here It Goes Again” independently of their record label (which they have since left). With little more than four  treadmills, a camera, tripod and killer choreography, they created a web phenomenon – and probably a whole new fan base.

But some artists want to make their videos with some more money, which is fine too, if they have it. Lady Gaga’s new music video for “Telephone,” featuring Beyonce, is completely ridiculous…but I can’t stop watching it! The costumes, the storyline…the song, meh, not so much. But give me a telephone hat and glasses made out of cigarettes, and I’m on board!

So what’s my point? Nothing huge…I just want you to watch these music videos! Explore the internet, and find those videos that speak to you…dig out those old videos that were so fun to watch 15 years ago. I’m sure you’ll discover that music videos are a form of entertainment you have seriously been missing in your life.

And then don’t forget to check out the Washington Jewish Music Festival on June 6-13 (line-up to be announced soon!). Maybe you can talk our bands into creating some viral videos for your viewing pleasure.

Shabbat Surfing: Spitzer-Free Links

Are we done with Client #9 yet? Can we stop with the references to Alexander Portnoy? Can we stop with the ruminations on the male Jewish id? And by the way, why doesn’t anyone compare the soon-to-be-former Governor’s exploits to more WASPy forerunners like British sex-fiends Anthony Lambton or John Profumo; or 2-dimensional Brenda Starr (courtesy of the City Desk)! And remember, Senator David Vitter, who is accused of similar offenses (although he has denied them) still sits in the US Senate. Then again, he’s from the Big Easy.

Moving on…

• Did we mention how excited we are about Regina Spektor? She’ll be headlining the free concert celebrating Israel @ 60 on June 1 with the Israeli rock band Mashina. Regina and Mashina. Say it a couple of times. It’s fun.
• It looks like Theater J will be able to edge-in on Michael Kahn’s turf with the recent suggestion that in-fact, Shakespeare’s plays were written by a Jewish woman.
• DJ Handler at Jewlicious shares the news that Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley is Jewish.  My first thought was that I can’t believe that members of my generation are behaving like my Great Aunt Helen. My second thought was, “Hey Jenny, whatcha doing June 1?”
• JTA’s Telegraph reports on MTV’s new Holocaust awareness ads, which rank high on the scare factor, but I wonder if other people will think its just B-roll from Children of Men or worse, V For Vendetta.
• InterfaithFamily.com is sponsoring a video contest looking for films that deal with anything from interesting interfaith wedding ceremonies to humorous shorts about the quirks of interfaith relationships. Top prize is $2500, which buys lot of gelt or stocking stuffers or Ganesh statues. Whatever you want.
• Finally, the 16th Street J’s Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service is sponsoring Spring Into Action – a day of environmental volunteer work on April 13 at Kennilworth Aquatic Gardens. You can register now to clean up trash from the river and wetlands, remove invasive non-native plants and renew recreation areas or even clean the river in a kayak!