Cooler

Sometimes I just don’t understand music videos. Rather, oftentimes I don’t understand music videos. This affliction is so consistent that I’ve almost entirely given up trying to understand them. Instead, I watch them, enjoy them, and move on.

Usually.

What throws me off is when a band passes up a cooler video in favor of… Another one. I’m not entirely sure about the chronology of these videos, but it seems that the band Grizzly Bear has done just that.

Grizzly Bear’s song “Two Weeks” is kind of their hit. It’s an awesome song, it’s catchy, it’s the whole deal. The band knows it’s their big song, too, because they made a video for it, and let’s face it: bands don’t make videos for b-sides. Here’s the official one:

Like usual for music videos, it’s cool, I guess. I don’t get it entirely, and it gets a little boring at the end, but hey, it’s not my video, right?

Artist Gabe Askew, however, has an alternative (as found courtesy of Mr. West):

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I can’t say I understand this one, either, but look at it! Whereas the official video makes do with a bit of CGI over some fairly static camerawork, Askew’s version is a craft-masterpiece. I don’t have to reiterate my love affair with cardboard and papercraft, and this obviously wins points there, but the creative drive behind it is almost overwhelming. Both videos crescendo in a similar fashion, but Askew’s completely swept me away, while the official video merely interested me.

Maybe I’m too picky, but maybe the band should have considered other options. Considering how cool their album artwork is, I think it would have fit right in with their style. Maybe next time.

I should really offer Grizzly Bear-themed mashups today… OK, sold.

This first track even incorporates “Two Weeks!” Lil’ Wayne is an interesting addition, however.

This second track has the same idea, but it uses Dead Prez. I have to say that I like this vocal track better.

The final track uses Grizzly Bear’s song “Knife” instead, against Ghostface Killa.