Rube Goldberg is channeled in this incredible video from a band getting more attention for their videos than their music.  Kind of like R.Kelly, who went from “the guy who did I Believe I Can Fly” to  “the guy who peed on an underage girl.”

How did this video get made (the OK Go one, not the R. Kelly one)? Four total months, 60 people, and 60 takes over two days.  Wired.com has the scoop.

BONUS: The other OK Go video for the same song. Also great, but not quite on the same level.

#12: The Sounds - Crossing the Rubicon

Not as universally powerful on first listen as their other efforts, but slightly deeper songcraft makes it grow with each successive listen. Well, deep for Swedish New Wave anyways.

#11: Florence and The Machine - Lungs

Florence Welch’s soul-inspired indie rock is dominating the UK. After a few hit singles, there were huge expectations for the album. It meets them and then some.

#10: The Decemberists - Hazards of Love

A great album to take with you on a road trip due to its seamless transitions and rock narrative. More incredibly, it’s not the only rock opera album on my list.

(more…)

Clint! has reminded me of the sheer brilliance of Kutiman, an Israeli musical composer and producer who splices clips from amateur musicians on YouTube and terms them into impressive mixes that aren’t just clever, but actually sound great. Though he created big viral waves, I still don’t think he’s getting enough credit for his efforts. Hence, despite featuring him in the former Ad News newsletter, I’m featuring him again for those of you who missed it.

As an added bonus for those of you in the podcasting/workout set, here’s his entire ThruYOU collection on mp3.

This song is gonna be big. Coming soon to bars, clubs and sporting events everywhere.

[mp3_embed blog_plyrs="2"]

Ron Winter is a visual animator and graphic artist.  I sent this link out to some ad colleagues and subsequently, their agencies suffered a complete and utter work stoppage. All part of our evil plans…

Take everyday ’slice-of-life’ imagery and carefully splice it together in a way that tickles the senses.

Watch Honda’s ‘Music’.