Water cooler: For fun, you can’t beat YouTube music video selection
The first music video, or musical short films as they were called, appeared in the 1920s following the advent of sound films.
Vaudeville performers, Broadway stars, opera singers and popular vocalists and musicians alike appeared in them as short films were often used by studios as promotional vehicles for new talent.
One to note is “St. Louis Blues,” a 16-minute short musical film from 1929 that happens to be the only film recorded of Bessie Smith.
These days, the purpose of the music video is not all too different. They are often used as promotional tools for new albums and singles.
After rising in popularity in the 1980s, largely thanks to MTV, the music video has carved its place in the realm of pop culture as a staple medium that welcomes the iconic and abstract.
To pass some time today, rev up your nostalgia for a normal world and revisit a few samples of the music video scene of yesterday.
Kate Bush, “Wuthering Heights” (1978) posted by KateBushMusic: There are actually two versions of music videos for this song. One features an ethereal Bush floating around in white dress in some mist and the second with Bush in a red dress while doing interpretive dancing in the woods. Choose what suits you best.
Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (1983) posted by Michael Jackson: Easily one of the most well-known music videos, this features narrative storytelling paired with living dead dance moves at their best.
Prince, “When Doves Cry” (1984) posted by Prince: Music videos seem tailor-made for Prince’s performance art approach. Amazing costumes, choreography and lush purple and pink lighting.
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, “Don’t Come Around Here No More” (1985) posted by tompetty: The “Alice In Wonderland” rendition you never knew you needed. Goes without saying that Petty plays the Mad Hatter.
Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (1987) posted by Whitney Houston: Your quarantine anthem paired with giant hair and neon eyeshadow.
The B-52s, “Love Shack” (1989) posted by RHINO: All the color and goofiness that you would expect from 1950s-inspired ’80s aesthetic.
Janet Jackson, “Rhythm Nation” (1989) posted by Janet Jackson: Gorgeous black and white photography, fun military-style costumes and snappy, iconic choreography.
Madonna, “Like A Prayer” (1989) posted by Madonna: Madonna’s classic mix of religious iconography and pop at its prime.
MC Hammer, “U Can’t Touch This” (1990) posted by MC HAMMER: Roomy pants paired with moves and lyrics that you already know – perfect for quarantine.
Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991) posted by Nirvana: Edgy cheerleaders and your classic creepy janitor.
Weezer, “Buddy Holly” (1994) posted by weezer: Garage rock comes back to its roots on the ’50s mom-and-pop shop stage.
TLC, “Waterfalls” (1995) posted by TLC: Some fun early digital water animation paired with a narrative-style storytelling of the song’s lyrics.
Spice Girls, “Wannabe” (1996) posted by Spice Girls: The quintessential girl power song of the ’90s, complete with all the colorful athletic wear and mini dresses you could want.
Brain train
Test your knowledge with today’s trivia question
Which song spent the most weeks at No. 1 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1995?
- “Waterfalls” by TLC
- “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey
- “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio
Thursday’s answer: Chicken tikka masala
Spring fever
Nothing like cracking open all of the windows to the first signs of spring. Crisp air pours in stirring up the dust-ridden petri dish you’ve been living in all winter. Here comes the sun for the finale, when this swimming pool of miscellaneous translucent floaters is revealed.
You are overwhelmed by the urge to overturn every corner of your home. Add pandemic-induced quarantine to this annual experience and you have yourself a doozy of compulsory cleaning needs to work out.
But whoa there, take it step by step. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction.
Work top to bottom: Clean the fans and vents first or you will never touch them. That way you’ll be so disgusted by all the dust clumps you dropped on your belongings that you’ll be propelled by motivation to dust the rest of your home. Life hack.
Capitalize on that sunshine and wash the windows: Don’t forget the blinds and curtains in order to get the full experience of springtime quarantine window gazing.
Stop neglecting the fridge: Before you stock up on the next trip to the store, give the fridge a thorough going over so you can enjoy purchasing and storing all the fresh produce of the coming growing season.
Make some donations or start a garage sale pile: Everyone kind of knows the whole “spark joy” idea now, so no excuses. Clean out some unnecessary belongings. You’ve been stuck looking at them for a solid couple of weeks so they should be thoroughly driving you crazy by now.
Dust and sanitize your electronics: You’ll find them on every top 10 list of germiest things in the house.
Proclaim victory over winter and put away your seasonal items: No need to keep your snow pants at the ready, one hopes at least.
Sweet dreams
Weird dreams are the talked-about pandemic phenomenon right now. Here are some tips to sleep easier.
Get some light during your waking hours: Bright light is a signal to your circadian rhythm, your body’s system for regulating sleep.
Reduce blue light exposure before bedtime: Put down the technology. It may be hard at first, but work your way up in increments. Get to no blue light for at least 30 minutes before bed, and obviously the longer the better.
Decaffeinate: Stop drinking caffeine at least 6 hours before bed.
Consistency is key: The more consistent your sleep schedule, the easier it is for your body to regulate its circadian rhythm. This means your body will prepare for sleep and release melatonin at your intended bed time, as long as that time doesn’t change around too much.
Don’t eat too late in the evening: Eating in accordance with your circadian rhythm is just another way to help your body regulate its waking and sleeping cues. Digestion is an active process. Let that process wind down before bed so that you can too.
Break a sweat: Exercise to release stress and exert stored energy so you can have a better chance at being relaxed at night.