Rube Goldberg would approve
March 2, 2010 12:10 PM Subscribe
Remember how OK Go had to explain why they couldn't let fans embed their music videos? Well, they evidently got their record label to change their tune, because the off-the-charts amazing new video for "This Too Shall Pass" is embeddable. "Picture that old board game Mouse Trap and multiply it by several thousand," says Rolling Stone.
And be sure to catch the "making of" videos (linked along the side as related videos). Mmmm... Rube Goldberg porn.
posted by olinerd at 12:14 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by olinerd at 12:14 PM on March 2, 2010
Well, it's no Mouse Trap.
Mainly because it actually worked, but still...
posted by dng at 12:14 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Mainly because it actually worked, but still...
posted by dng at 12:14 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
I'm pretty sure that at the end of the explanation you linked, they gave out the code to embed the video, at least the Vimeo version.
posted by DoublePlus at 12:16 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by DoublePlus at 12:16 PM on March 2, 2010
Ok. That was cool. The spoon and drinking glasses: brilliant.
posted by ericb at 12:19 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by ericb at 12:19 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Those guys are loons! How amazing!
Somebody mailed me this the other day, but it isn't as good.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 12:28 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Somebody mailed me this the other day, but it isn't as good.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 12:28 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I want to believe that it was done in one shot, but I remember the mythbusters attempt at a far less elaborate rube goldberg device for their holiday special. I have to think that some of it was gaffed. Did anyone see anywhere that they claimed to the contrary?
Tim
posted by jenkinsEar at 12:29 PM on March 2, 2010
Tim
posted by jenkinsEar at 12:29 PM on March 2, 2010
Heh, that was supposed to end:
Tim sure seemed like the creative / nerdy force behind this one.
posted by jenkinsEar at 12:30 PM on March 2, 2010
Tim sure seemed like the creative / nerdy force behind this one.
posted by jenkinsEar at 12:30 PM on March 2, 2010
many pianos died to bring us this music video.
posted by wundermint at 12:30 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by wundermint at 12:30 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
off-the-charts amazing new video
It's always dangerous to raise expectations. I clicked to see just what is "off-the-charts amazing", and it didn't seem to match the expectations I had for "off-the-charts amazing". The first pang of disappointment was seeing that it's the drawn-out domino effect - again. As if we haven't seen such things so, so many times before - even in car commercials/sigh/. I mean, a bit of originality would've been nice. But perhaps not all would've been lost, if the domino was especially stunning - not necessarily because of how drawn out it was, but because of how witty it was, like if there was either some direct referencing of the lyrics or some other kind of wit. If there was such wit, I didn't have the wit to perceive it. Yes, a ton of work went into it. Yes, it's shocking how much time and effort (and money?) must have gone into it. But to so little effect (for me) - I mean why bother with so much effort for so little final result. To me, this had the same effect, as if someone made a very elaborate video for a pretty mediocre song... oh wait...
Your favorite band/video/book/film/ etc., etc., etc.
posted by VikingSword at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
It's always dangerous to raise expectations. I clicked to see just what is "off-the-charts amazing", and it didn't seem to match the expectations I had for "off-the-charts amazing". The first pang of disappointment was seeing that it's the drawn-out domino effect - again. As if we haven't seen such things so, so many times before - even in car commercials/sigh/. I mean, a bit of originality would've been nice. But perhaps not all would've been lost, if the domino was especially stunning - not necessarily because of how drawn out it was, but because of how witty it was, like if there was either some direct referencing of the lyrics or some other kind of wit. If there was such wit, I didn't have the wit to perceive it. Yes, a ton of work went into it. Yes, it's shocking how much time and effort (and money?) must have gone into it. But to so little effect (for me) - I mean why bother with so much effort for so little final result. To me, this had the same effect, as if someone made a very elaborate video for a pretty mediocre song... oh wait...
Your favorite band/video/book/film/ etc., etc., etc.
posted by VikingSword at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
But here on Metafilter, we can only link to it, no embedding, so I guess that means I won't watch it.
Uh....
posted by delmoi at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2010
Uh....
posted by delmoi at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2010
But here on Metafilter, we can only link to it, no embedding, so I guess that means I won't watch it.
posted by weston at 8:14 PM on March 2 [+] [!]
Look in your preferences
posted by Lanark at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by weston at 8:14 PM on March 2 [+] [!]
Look in your preferences
posted by Lanark at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2010
"Picture that old board game Mouse Trap and multiply it by several thousand,"
...
The first pang of disappointment was seeing that it's the drawn-out domino effect - again.
It's called a Rube Goldberg machine, and as far as they go, this is pretty impressive.
posted by delmoi at 12:33 PM on March 2, 2010
...
The first pang of disappointment was seeing that it's the drawn-out domino effect - again.
It's called a Rube Goldberg machine, and as far as they go, this is pretty impressive.
posted by delmoi at 12:33 PM on March 2, 2010
Amazing. It made me tear up. This is what brains are for.
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:34 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:34 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
but because of how witty it was, like if there was either some direct referencing of the lyrics or some other kind of wit
You didn't think it was witty that the rube goldberg machine played part of the song on water glasses?
posted by smackfu at 12:35 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
You didn't think it was witty that the rube goldberg machine played part of the song on water glasses?
posted by smackfu at 12:35 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
But perhaps not all would've been lost, if the domino was especially stunning - not necessarily because of how drawn out it was, but because of how witty it was, like if there was either some direct referencing of the lyrics or some other kind of wit.
You did notice that many of the marbles/crashes/things happening were synched with the beat? Impressive as hell. In fact, too impressive, because I don't really believe it was a live take.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 12:36 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
You did notice that many of the marbles/crashes/things happening were synched with the beat? Impressive as hell. In fact, too impressive, because I don't really believe it was a live take.
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 12:36 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
You didn't think it was witty that the rube goldberg machine played part of the song on water glasses?
It would've been, if this was the focus of the contraption - like if an extended - or entirety(!) - parts of the song were rendered through these means. But that would've been too hard - and would've been amazing (ha!). Instead, it was a small bit that was relatively easily executed as far as such things go.
posted by VikingSword at 12:39 PM on March 2, 2010
It would've been, if this was the focus of the contraption - like if an extended - or entirety(!) - parts of the song were rendered through these means. But that would've been too hard - and would've been amazing (ha!). Instead, it was a small bit that was relatively easily executed as far as such things go.
posted by VikingSword at 12:39 PM on March 2, 2010
I spotted one obvious place where they could've put an edit (the dark tunnel with the silver bowling ball), and it does strain my credulity to think that such a huge Goldberg machine could be made to perform semi-flawlessly at that scale, but this was pretty darned cool.
The sponsorship graphic at the end didn't necessarily put me off, but I think that was because State Farm otherwise kept hands-off of the rest of the video. But it does prompt the ongoing question of why we have record labels in the first place if they aren't willing to put up the funds to actually promote their artists in an effective manner. I really hope that OK Go are learning the proper lessons from this whole affair, and will act accordingly when their contract with Capitol is up.
posted by Strange Interlude at 12:40 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
The sponsorship graphic at the end didn't necessarily put me off, but I think that was because State Farm otherwise kept hands-off of the rest of the video. But it does prompt the ongoing question of why we have record labels in the first place if they aren't willing to put up the funds to actually promote their artists in an effective manner. I really hope that OK Go are learning the proper lessons from this whole affair, and will act accordingly when their contract with Capitol is up.
posted by Strange Interlude at 12:40 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
man, OK Go are geniuses at marketing/P.R. Their first video was a viral success, but that's not easy to repeat. But the real genious was the marketing push for their last video.
Okay, you can't embed the video. So what? Well, a few people complained, it kinda sucked, but probably not that big of a deal, unless you make it a big deal. Perhaps by putting an OpEd in the NYT, making it into an INTERNET FREEEDOM issue that of course everyone on the internet talks about. I never would have seen it if it wasn't for the "controversy".
Now this video comes out. It's pretty good, but NOW YOU CAN EMBED! So of course everyone is going to run out and embed it, just because they can or they somehow imagine they are going to "stick it" to the record companies.
Genius.
posted by delmoi at 12:41 PM on March 2, 2010 [14 favorites]
Okay, you can't embed the video. So what? Well, a few people complained, it kinda sucked, but probably not that big of a deal, unless you make it a big deal. Perhaps by putting an OpEd in the NYT, making it into an INTERNET FREEEDOM issue that of course everyone on the internet talks about. I never would have seen it if it wasn't for the "controversy".
Now this video comes out. It's pretty good, but NOW YOU CAN EMBED! So of course everyone is going to run out and embed it, just because they can or they somehow imagine they are going to "stick it" to the record companies.
Genius.
posted by delmoi at 12:41 PM on March 2, 2010 [14 favorites]
TV getting smashed/ sledge-hammer knick-knocker thing / falling umbrellas = huge huge win.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:44 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by From Bklyn at 12:44 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
It would've been, if this was the focus of the contraption - like if an extended - or entirety(!) - parts of the song were rendered through these means. But that would've been too hard - and would've been amazing (ha!). Instead, it was a small bit that was relatively easily executed as far as such things go.
Wow. You're a tough audience.
Thank god you weren't around when they invented the wheel.
Og: Look! Me invent wheel!
VikingSword: Yeah, I get it. It goes around and around. Rocks go around and around. I can turn around and around. Call me when it does something amazing. And when you invent the phone. Then I'll be impressed.
Og: Yeah. Me stick to throwing feces. More fun anyway.
posted by papercake at 12:44 PM on March 2, 2010 [28 favorites]
Wow. You're a tough audience.
Thank god you weren't around when they invented the wheel.
Og: Look! Me invent wheel!
VikingSword: Yeah, I get it. It goes around and around. Rocks go around and around. I can turn around and around. Call me when it does something amazing. And when you invent the phone. Then I'll be impressed.
Og: Yeah. Me stick to throwing feces. More fun anyway.
posted by papercake at 12:44 PM on March 2, 2010 [28 favorites]
These things have lately all just reminded me of Cog, the Honda ad from a couple years back.
posted by Plutor at 12:48 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by Plutor at 12:48 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
I'm wondering how/why the folks from MIT's Media Lab were involved.
posted by chinston at 12:52 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by chinston at 12:52 PM on March 2, 2010
I mean why bother with so much effort for so little final result
Huh. I'm not super-crazy about the music but I can think of, shit, a ZILLION ways people spend their time and money that are less worthwhile. It's a trifle, admittedly, a light little thing, but somehow the intention and effort on what is essentially a creative lark, a triviality, seems profound to me.
There's no accounting for taste, and not everything is for everyone, but I really, sincerely, respectfully, think you need to recalibrate your joy meter.
posted by dirtdirt at 12:54 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Huh. I'm not super-crazy about the music but I can think of, shit, a ZILLION ways people spend their time and money that are less worthwhile. It's a trifle, admittedly, a light little thing, but somehow the intention and effort on what is essentially a creative lark, a triviality, seems profound to me.
There's no accounting for taste, and not everything is for everyone, but I really, sincerely, respectfully, think you need to recalibrate your joy meter.
posted by dirtdirt at 12:54 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Instead, it was a small bit that was relatively easily executed as far as such things go.
Compared to most videos where the images don't have any relation to the song, I thought this was pretty good. I'm not super into the song, but the video is good enough for me*
*I liked their older stuff better, yes I am a huge dick
posted by Think_Long at 12:54 PM on March 2, 2010
Compared to most videos where the images don't have any relation to the song, I thought this was pretty good. I'm not super into the song, but the video is good enough for me*
*I liked their older stuff better, yes I am a huge dick
posted by Think_Long at 12:54 PM on March 2, 2010
Incorporating the band members into the device. was witty. Allusion to the song (for example Sun and flowers springing up to "When the morning comes") was witty. Timing various actions to the beats of the song was witty. PLAYING PART OF THE SONG with the device was witty. Alluding to previous takes with the pile of tvs was witty. Alluding to previous OK Go videos with the image playing on the screen was witty. Foreshadowing the eventual blast of paint by having the band members covered in it at the beginning was witty. Putting everyday objects to surprising, unconventional, artistic, and often elegant use was witty. Having all the people involved in its creation cheering at the successful run of it was witty.
But that's all I can say about its wit after only my first run though of it.
posted by theDTs at 12:57 PM on March 2, 2010 [16 favorites]
But that's all I can say about its wit after only my first run though of it.
posted by theDTs at 12:57 PM on March 2, 2010 [16 favorites]
This was an awesome video.
It aroused in me an unhealthy desire for a warehouse, several spare cars, some WD-40, and a socket wrench.
posted by koeselitz at 1:00 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
It aroused in me an unhealthy desire for a warehouse, several spare cars, some WD-40, and a socket wrench.
posted by koeselitz at 1:00 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
Yes there was a lot of stuff going on, all very impressive and jolly good fun.
But there wasn't a lot of precision.
In a bunch of places there were "funnels" that brought the machine back on track. Generally one section was linked to the next by either a fixed device (a rope or a swing arm etc) or there was a funnel to bring the projectile onto the trigger point for the next section.
Very impressive and bound to get lots of hits... but in no way whatsoever does this move the state-of-the-art for wacky contraptions onward. Youtube is full of equally imaginative efforts, just more poorly funded.
Also; the only times I've ever heard OK Go mentioned (really ... ever) is in relation to their kooky viral videos. They're coming across a bit needy.
posted by samworm at 1:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
But there wasn't a lot of precision.
In a bunch of places there were "funnels" that brought the machine back on track. Generally one section was linked to the next by either a fixed device (a rope or a swing arm etc) or there was a funnel to bring the projectile onto the trigger point for the next section.
Very impressive and bound to get lots of hits... but in no way whatsoever does this move the state-of-the-art for wacky contraptions onward. Youtube is full of equally imaginative efforts, just more poorly funded.
Also; the only times I've ever heard OK Go mentioned (really ... ever) is in relation to their kooky viral videos. They're coming across a bit needy.
posted by samworm at 1:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
These things have lately all just reminded me of Cog , the Honda ad from a couple years back.
That's exactly what I was thinking about when I referenced car commercials. In fact, if you look at that ad, it is a far better executed project: the level of precision (delicacy of some triggers), the inventive elements, the fact that it was thematically integrated (all car parts), the fact that it all ended up with a point of meaning (the car). Vastly superior, IMHO, as a work of art, than this video, whose resolution was... what exactly? Were all the elements thematically integrated? Frankly, it was kind of a mess. Sure, it was looooong, but so what. And the idea was hardly fresh - the car ad was done years before (and things like that even before that ad in turn). Nothing new, and not particularly well executed. A lot of effort - that's about it. Sorry if that makes me a tough audience in your eyes - but I beg to differ - I don't think my standards are outrageous... merely putting in a lot of effort by itself is just not enough for me to call it "off-the-charts amazing".
posted by VikingSword at 1:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
That's exactly what I was thinking about when I referenced car commercials. In fact, if you look at that ad, it is a far better executed project: the level of precision (delicacy of some triggers), the inventive elements, the fact that it was thematically integrated (all car parts), the fact that it all ended up with a point of meaning (the car). Vastly superior, IMHO, as a work of art, than this video, whose resolution was... what exactly? Were all the elements thematically integrated? Frankly, it was kind of a mess. Sure, it was looooong, but so what. And the idea was hardly fresh - the car ad was done years before (and things like that even before that ad in turn). Nothing new, and not particularly well executed. A lot of effort - that's about it. Sorry if that makes me a tough audience in your eyes - but I beg to differ - I don't think my standards are outrageous... merely putting in a lot of effort by itself is just not enough for me to call it "off-the-charts amazing".
posted by VikingSword at 1:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
And the song just came on the radio. Apparently it's going to be an Ok Go afternoon.
posted by Think_Long at 1:09 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Think_Long at 1:09 PM on March 2, 2010
VikingSword, that car ad required something like 50 takes. Not practical for a music video (especially when they destroy a TV on every attempt).
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 1:11 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 1:11 PM on March 2, 2010
samworm: “Yes there was a lot of stuff going on, all very impressive and jolly good fun. ¶ But there wasn't a lot of precision... Very impressive and bound to get lots of hits... but in no way whatsoever does this move the state-of-the-art for wacky contraptions onward.”
I think you misunderstand the very purpose behind wacky contraptions. The state of the art is not advanced by increased precision; if that were the case, then the Lisp Machine would be the coolest wacky contraption ever. (Well, that point actually might be debatable, but I digress.)
As Aristotle might have put it, the being-at-work of wacky contraptions is to become increasingly more elaborate as the purpose and precision decrease. The perfect wacky contraption would just barely succeed in its task, employ at least 10,000 common household items as moving parts, and exist solely to turn a doorknob. Extra points are awarded for precariousness which induces a giddy pathos of worry in witnesses. And, as with all machines, smashing stuff is cool.
Therefore, as we can clearly see, this wacky contraption is a superlative specimen.
And yes, OK GO isn't really a band so much as a music video production team. I guess I just don't mind. It's not as though I'd ever buy their records, but this was fun to watch.
posted by koeselitz at 1:14 PM on March 2, 2010 [21 favorites]
I think you misunderstand the very purpose behind wacky contraptions. The state of the art is not advanced by increased precision; if that were the case, then the Lisp Machine would be the coolest wacky contraption ever. (Well, that point actually might be debatable, but I digress.)
As Aristotle might have put it, the being-at-work of wacky contraptions is to become increasingly more elaborate as the purpose and precision decrease. The perfect wacky contraption would just barely succeed in its task, employ at least 10,000 common household items as moving parts, and exist solely to turn a doorknob. Extra points are awarded for precariousness which induces a giddy pathos of worry in witnesses. And, as with all machines, smashing stuff is cool.
Therefore, as we can clearly see, this wacky contraption is a superlative specimen.
And yes, OK GO isn't really a band so much as a music video production team. I guess I just don't mind. It's not as though I'd ever buy their records, but this was fun to watch.
posted by koeselitz at 1:14 PM on March 2, 2010 [21 favorites]
Wow. You're a tough audience.
Thank god you weren't around when they invented the wheel.
Irony overload. My point exactly is that this is not the invention of the wheel. It was done a bazillion times before, years, and years, and years before, and a bazillion times better.
I'd take your little skit and reverse it to make it accurate:
papercake: I invented the wheel!
OG: Invented the wheel? Walk out of the basement - it was done, oh, a while ago, like 10,000 years ago. What you got there, son, is a rock - true, it goes round and round, but that doesn't make it a wheel.
papercake: OK, I go back to watching videos. More fun anyway.
posted by VikingSword at 1:15 PM on March 2, 2010
Thank god you weren't around when they invented the wheel.
Irony overload. My point exactly is that this is not the invention of the wheel. It was done a bazillion times before, years, and years, and years before, and a bazillion times better.
I'd take your little skit and reverse it to make it accurate:
papercake: I invented the wheel!
OG: Invented the wheel? Walk out of the basement - it was done, oh, a while ago, like 10,000 years ago. What you got there, son, is a rock - true, it goes round and round, but that doesn't make it a wheel.
papercake: OK, I go back to watching videos. More fun anyway.
posted by VikingSword at 1:15 PM on March 2, 2010
if you look at that ad, it is a far better executed project
That car ad just looks fake to me and it also looks like the sterile product of a large advertising budget, whereas the OK Go video looks more to me like what a rube goldberg machine should be: a whimsical mess, but one in which people are invested and which makes them psyched when they pull it off.
On preview: what koeselitz said.
posted by ekroh at 1:19 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
That car ad just looks fake to me and it also looks like the sterile product of a large advertising budget, whereas the OK Go video looks more to me like what a rube goldberg machine should be: a whimsical mess, but one in which people are invested and which makes them psyched when they pull it off.
On preview: what koeselitz said.
posted by ekroh at 1:19 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
This OK Go video, like all other OK Go videos, is almost interesting enough that I hardly notice how boring and repetitive the music is.
Almost.
posted by Sys Rq at 1:19 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Almost.
posted by Sys Rq at 1:19 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
At about 2:40 in the video (right after the TV is smashed), what is the trigger that starts the globe down the ramp? I don't see one...
posted by Lucinda at 1:20 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Lucinda at 1:20 PM on March 2, 2010
And just to emphasize my original point: I don't think this is a terrible video. I think it's better than the most of the music video dross out there. What I objected to was the description as "off-the-charts amazing". I would expect a bit of originality and far more wit than what this delivers. Now we can argue whether my standards for "off-the-charts amazing" are too high, but that's a different discussion.
posted by VikingSword at 1:23 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by VikingSword at 1:23 PM on March 2, 2010
This video will help cover up the fact that the song is not very good. (Sorry OK Go lovers).
posted by Outlawyr at 1:24 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Outlawyr at 1:24 PM on March 2, 2010
These things have lately all just reminded me of Cog, the Honda ad from a couple years back.
Which, in turn, reminded a good number of us of Fischli&Weiss' Der Lauf der Dinge, from a few more years back than that...
posted by progosk at 1:25 PM on March 2, 2010 [7 favorites]
Which, in turn, reminded a good number of us of Fischli&Weiss' Der Lauf der Dinge, from a few more years back than that...
posted by progosk at 1:25 PM on March 2, 2010 [7 favorites]
Plutor: “These things have lately all just reminded me of Cog, the Honda ad from a couple years back.”
VikingSword: “That's exactly what I was thinking about when I referenced car commercials. In fact, if you look at that ad, it is a far better executed project: the level of precision (delicacy of some triggers), the inventive elements, the fact that it was thematically integrated (all car parts), the fact that it all ended up with a point of meaning (the car). Vastly superior, IMHO, as a work of art...”
It's ironic that "Cog" is held up as an example of originality, given that it was pretty blatantly ripping off the art short "The Way Things Go." This new OK GO video at least had a fair amount of originality and a new spin to it - "Cog" was just a lifted idea.
posted by koeselitz at 1:25 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
VikingSword: “That's exactly what I was thinking about when I referenced car commercials. In fact, if you look at that ad, it is a far better executed project: the level of precision (delicacy of some triggers), the inventive elements, the fact that it was thematically integrated (all car parts), the fact that it all ended up with a point of meaning (the car). Vastly superior, IMHO, as a work of art...”
It's ironic that "Cog" is held up as an example of originality, given that it was pretty blatantly ripping off the art short "The Way Things Go." This new OK GO video at least had a fair amount of originality and a new spin to it - "Cog" was just a lifted idea.
posted by koeselitz at 1:25 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Also; the only times I've ever heard OK Go mentioned (really ... ever) is in relation to their kooky viral videos. They're coming across a bit needy.
As opposed to that other band, the one you never heard of, that made a video that you didn't see.
posted by smackfu at 1:28 PM on March 2, 2010 [7 favorites]
As opposed to that other band, the one you never heard of, that made a video that you didn't see.
posted by smackfu at 1:28 PM on March 2, 2010 [7 favorites]
In May 2003, Fischli and Weiss threatened legal action against Honda over similarities between the Cog commercial and The Way Things Go. The artists felt that the ad's creators had "obviously seen" their film, and should have consulted them.
"If this is anyone other than Rube Goldberg, you're stealing my bit!"
posted by Atom Eyes at 1:32 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
"If this is anyone other than Rube Goldberg, you're stealing my bit!"
posted by Atom Eyes at 1:32 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
And also, about the Rube Goldberg reference. Rube Goldberg has an official site. That site has a definition of what a RG machine is:
"n. a comically involved, complicated invention, laboriously contrived to perform a simple operation. Websters New World Dictionary."
Now, no doubt there are other definitions, but this is the one on the official site. And they schedule regular contests. The newest one is: THE CHALLENGE - Dispense an Appropriate Amount of Hand Sanitizer into a Hand.
In other words, there is an end result to this - at least according to the definition on the official site. Not that it's an involved complicated device to accomplish exactly nothing. What is the end result of the video exactly? I'm not sure RG is the most relevant reference to the video contraption. But perhaps that's over thinking a plate of beans.
posted by VikingSword at 1:35 PM on March 2, 2010
"n. a comically involved, complicated invention, laboriously contrived to perform a simple operation. Websters New World Dictionary."
Now, no doubt there are other definitions, but this is the one on the official site. And they schedule regular contests. The newest one is: THE CHALLENGE - Dispense an Appropriate Amount of Hand Sanitizer into a Hand.
In other words, there is an end result to this - at least according to the definition on the official site. Not that it's an involved complicated device to accomplish exactly nothing. What is the end result of the video exactly? I'm not sure RG is the most relevant reference to the video contraption. But perhaps that's over thinking a plate of beans.
posted by VikingSword at 1:35 PM on March 2, 2010
VikingSword sure has strong opinions about stuff.
posted by empath at 1:35 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by empath at 1:35 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
Fuckin' haters. This is wonderful. I wish half the pop acts out there were excercising a fifth of the creativity.
posted by cavalier at 1:35 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by cavalier at 1:35 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure RG is the most relevant reference to the video contraption
Come on, guy. If the video had ended with a squirt of hand sanitizer you'd say it was a Rube Goldberg machine (at least according to the OFFICIAL SITE), but since it spurted paint onto musicians it wasn't?
posted by dirtdirt at 1:40 PM on March 2, 2010
Come on, guy. If the video had ended with a squirt of hand sanitizer you'd say it was a Rube Goldberg machine (at least according to the OFFICIAL SITE), but since it spurted paint onto musicians it wasn't?
posted by dirtdirt at 1:40 PM on March 2, 2010
Those quoting the Honda cog advert as inspiration may care to look beyond that at "Der Lauf der Dinge" (The Way Things Go) by von Fischli & Weiss. From 1987 I believe. The linked version is merely a 10 minute excerpt.
posted by rongorongo at 1:40 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by rongorongo at 1:40 PM on March 2, 2010
This OK Go video, like all other OK Go videos, is almost interesting enough that I hardly notice how boring and repetitive the music is.
And yes, OK GO isn't really a band so much as a music video production team. I guess I just don't mind. It's not as though I'd ever buy their records, but this was fun to watch.
OK Go have stumbled onto a new career for themselves, which is just as well since no-one's ever really been interested in their music. Given their consistency in conception and execution of that chimera of current comunication, the viral video, it'll be any day now that some production company signs them as commercials directing collective (note that they already always share directing credits).
posted by progosk at 1:41 PM on March 2, 2010
And yes, OK GO isn't really a band so much as a music video production team. I guess I just don't mind. It's not as though I'd ever buy their records, but this was fun to watch.
OK Go have stumbled onto a new career for themselves, which is just as well since no-one's ever really been interested in their music. Given their consistency in conception and execution of that chimera of current comunication, the viral video, it'll be any day now that some production company signs them as commercials directing collective (note that they already always share directing credits).
posted by progosk at 1:41 PM on March 2, 2010
It's ironic that "Cog" is held up as an example of originality, given that it was pretty blatantly ripping off the art short "The Way Things Go ." This new OK GO video at least had a fair amount of originality and a new spin to it - "Cog" was just a lifted idea.
What? Who is holding up "Cog" as an example of originality? I explicitly and repeatedly said that "Cog" in turn had a ton of antecedents. In fact, I brought it up as an example of just how well trod this path has been to the point that even car commercials have used it. Here's what I wrote in the very first post:
"As if we haven't seen such things so, so many times before - even in car commercials/sigh/"
I thought the meaning was pretty clear. If even car commercials from years past have driven this idea into the ground (and done it better than this video), you have to truly step up your game, since you can't claim even a shred of originality. And I'm amazed anyone would think this video somehow vastly (or at all!) transcends what has been done with such devices before.
posted by VikingSword at 1:41 PM on March 2, 2010
What? Who is holding up "Cog" as an example of originality? I explicitly and repeatedly said that "Cog" in turn had a ton of antecedents. In fact, I brought it up as an example of just how well trod this path has been to the point that even car commercials have used it. Here's what I wrote in the very first post:
"As if we haven't seen such things so, so many times before - even in car commercials/sigh/"
I thought the meaning was pretty clear. If even car commercials from years past have driven this idea into the ground (and done it better than this video), you have to truly step up your game, since you can't claim even a shred of originality. And I'm amazed anyone would think this video somehow vastly (or at all!) transcends what has been done with such devices before.
posted by VikingSword at 1:41 PM on March 2, 2010
VikingSword sure has strong opinions about stuff.
empath - how does this personal swipe against me add value to the discussion? Of what interest is this "contribution"? Why do you feel compelled to do this?
posted by VikingSword at 1:48 PM on March 2, 2010
empath - how does this personal swipe against me add value to the discussion? Of what interest is this "contribution"? Why do you feel compelled to do this?
posted by VikingSword at 1:48 PM on March 2, 2010
Why do I suddenly have a hankering for a Cadbury Creme Egg?
posted by Sys Rq at 1:51 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Sys Rq at 1:51 PM on March 2, 2010
Come on, guy. If the video had ended with a squirt of hand sanitizer you'd say it was a Rube Goldberg machine (at least according to the OFFICIAL SITE), but since it spurted paint onto musicians it wasn't?
Well, if your purpose is to squirt hand sanitizer, you can do it straightforwardly or through an RB device. But what is the purpose of this video? Is it to squirt paint on the musicians and they found a wonderful RB way of doing so? If that is so, I'm unimpressed by the ultimate goal here... squirting paint? Okaaay.
posted by VikingSword at 1:51 PM on March 2, 2010
Well, if your purpose is to squirt hand sanitizer, you can do it straightforwardly or through an RB device. But what is the purpose of this video? Is it to squirt paint on the musicians and they found a wonderful RB way of doing so? If that is so, I'm unimpressed by the ultimate goal here... squirting paint? Okaaay.
posted by VikingSword at 1:51 PM on March 2, 2010
This video will help cover up the fact that the song is not very good.
Oh, I'd call it "not bad" which I guess is the same as not VERY good. More interesting is the fact that, except with regard to its existence within the context of the video, there has been virtually NO commentary on the song in this thread (lyrics, production, instrumentation, MEANING -- nada).
Great, great short movie pulled down a notch or two by its uninspired soundtrack.
posted by philip-random at 1:52 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh, I'd call it "not bad" which I guess is the same as not VERY good. More interesting is the fact that, except with regard to its existence within the context of the video, there has been virtually NO commentary on the song in this thread (lyrics, production, instrumentation, MEANING -- nada).
Great, great short movie pulled down a notch or two by its uninspired soundtrack.
posted by philip-random at 1:52 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Ok. Now it's my turn to be underwhelmed the "Cog" commercial. :/
Lacks the sheer joy, color and exuberance of the OK Go video. Lacks the "off-the-charts" scale and audacity. Lacks the wild eclecticism and DIY aesthetic.
Also seemed rather smugly self-satisfied to me to boot.
God I'm reading too much into these things.
posted by theDTs at 1:57 PM on March 2, 2010
Lacks the sheer joy, color and exuberance of the OK Go video. Lacks the "off-the-charts" scale and audacity. Lacks the wild eclecticism and DIY aesthetic.
Also seemed rather smugly self-satisfied to me to boot.
God I'm reading too much into these things.
posted by theDTs at 1:57 PM on March 2, 2010
I'm a sucker for useless domino-effect gadgets like this. This was a great video! Thanks so much for posting it! A huge grin erupted on my face the instant the TV was smashed, and it kept getting bigger and bigger every second after that.
I really don't get all the negative/blasé sentiment here. This really made my day. I suspect some of you cringe instinctively at viral videos and have a hard time enjoying them after that initial reaction.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I really don't get all the negative/blasé sentiment here. This really made my day. I suspect some of you cringe instinctively at viral videos and have a hard time enjoying them after that initial reaction.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Does getting people to hate on this awesome Rube Goldberg machine count as part of the awesome Rube Goldberg machine? I mean, it is pretty impressive to hate on something like this.
posted by JBennett at 2:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by JBennett at 2:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I love these things. My complaint (and it may be my end-of-day fog) is that I wasn't able to figure out exactly what was triggering what at each step. I'm not so bothered by the lack of precision as much as simple comprehension - maybe I need to turn up the resolution and focus a bit more.
posted by jimmythefish at 2:06 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by jimmythefish at 2:06 PM on March 2, 2010
I guess what bothers me is that for something that's supposed to be "off-the-charts amazing", the domino device was really disconnected from the song itself. It's as if you did a music video of say, "Norwegian Wood", and it consisted of a weightlifter pushing up shockingly heavy weights. Yep, it's "amazing" that such heavy weights can be lifted by a human, but what does that have to do with the song? The domino thing seemed tacked on, rather than being integral to the song. It fails as art, IMHO. Certainly does not qualify as "off-the-charts amazing" for that reason alone.
posted by VikingSword at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by VikingSword at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2010
I think this video is great. And while I understand that some may not like it, I think that they've made their point clearly enough in this thread about exactly what they find lacking in the concept and execution. Allowing others with opinions that do not disparage the video to state their interest without constant rebuttal that they are WRONG will add to the depth and texture of the discussion.
posted by hippybear at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by hippybear at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2010
That was really cool. They used a lot of techniques I've never seen on a Rube Goldberg machine video before. They just started with the cliches (dominos, metal balls) and built up into awesomeness (the umbrellas dropping from the ceiling and the paper planes!? So cool!)
I wish it had been a music video for a better song (A Million Ways has a great video and catchy song, for example) but they more than get enough creative credit here anyway.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I wish it had been a music video for a better song (A Million Ways has a great video and catchy song, for example) but they more than get enough creative credit here anyway.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
This is what brains are for.
Paging Astro Zombie.
posted by The Bellman at 2:09 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Paging Astro Zombie.
posted by The Bellman at 2:09 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
My son just watched this and asked: "is this a place where there are no rules?"
posted by any major dude at 2:10 PM on March 2, 2010 [24 favorites]
posted by any major dude at 2:10 PM on March 2, 2010 [24 favorites]
Who am I kidding. The Cog commercial was pretty awesome, and if it was computer-rendered you at least got the impression it was physically possible. It was more ELEGANT than the OK Go video... and it DID have more of a unifying theme (on the other hand... This guy needs to work on it some more. I mean a clock? A rocket? A parrot? )... um... but I liked the ok go video more.
I think that says less about the videos than it does about me.
posted by theDTs at 2:13 PM on March 2, 2010
I think that says less about the videos than it does about me.
posted by theDTs at 2:13 PM on March 2, 2010
This wasn't just another car commercial -- it was Goldberg Device + 3 Stooges Splatterstick + Joyous Chaotic Mayhem For The Heck Of It. I LOL'd.
And if you really dint like it, just remember that the band gets paintballed at the end. Splat!
posted by tspae at 2:13 PM on March 2, 2010
And if you really dint like it, just remember that the band gets paintballed at the end. Splat!
posted by tspae at 2:13 PM on March 2, 2010
Oh for chrissakes VikingSword, I take back the fact that I said "off-the-charts amazing." Sorry. Mentally replace with "nifty little video that these kids have done, good for them." All better?
posted by jbickers at 2:17 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by jbickers at 2:17 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
MUSIC VIDEO IS SRS BSNS
posted by Damienmce at 2:17 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Damienmce at 2:17 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
The domino thing seemed tacked on, rather than being integral to the song. It fails as art, IMHO.
I didn't care for it much either, but, um, what? The connection between song and video is obvious, and highlighted in giant letters: THIS TOO SHALL PASS. It's like a buddhist humpty dumpty thing.
Still, yeah, the old Pursuit of Happiness (note: NOT an example of a superior music video!) line is running through my head: "She looks heavenward and struggles to find the right cliché/'You've got to find your own space'; 'Have a nice day.'"
posted by Sys Rq at 2:17 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
I didn't care for it much either, but, um, what? The connection between song and video is obvious, and highlighted in giant letters: THIS TOO SHALL PASS. It's like a buddhist humpty dumpty thing.
Still, yeah, the old Pursuit of Happiness (note: NOT an example of a superior music video!) line is running through my head: "She looks heavenward and struggles to find the right cliché/'You've got to find your own space'; 'Have a nice day.'"
posted by Sys Rq at 2:17 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
I would have forgotten that it was called "off-the-charts amazing" if you hadn't repeated it eight times.
Maybe the OP should edit the original description so it's less offensive to those with higher "off-the-charts amazing" thresholds.
posted by dfan at 2:18 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Maybe the OP should edit the original description so it's less offensive to those with higher "off-the-charts amazing" thresholds.
posted by dfan at 2:18 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Another "This is a ripoff of .." thought: Maybe they saw the Japanese Rap version by Shadaraparr (スチャダラパー). But it seems like the sort of idea a lot of nerdy musicians might independently come to anyways; and they both work as fun watchable videos.
posted by p3t3 at 2:18 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by p3t3 at 2:18 PM on March 2, 2010
Cog wasn't computer-rendered. What you see actually happened, and it took over 600 takes to get it right. There was some digital stitching in the middle, which could be considered "fakery," but it was simply because they didn't have enough space to fit everything in one room, not because any part of the video was impossible in real life. It's a very impressive video. But the OK Go video is more impressive to watch because it's so chaotic. I wonder how many takes it took them? And if/how they cheated.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:25 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:25 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh for chrissakes VikingSword, I take back the fact that I said "off-the-charts amazing." Sorry. Mentally replace with "nifty little video that these kids have done, good for them." All better?
I genuinely don't understand you. What is your beef against me, and what do you want me to do? Are you upset that I don't find it amazing? Why? Presumably you posted it for discussion. A discussion ensued. Some don't find it amazing - and most do. What is to be gained by silencing those who hold a different opinion? It's not a matter of life and death. I find the discussion interesting - I like to hear what it is that people find wonderful and amazing, and I give my feedback... why is that bad? Aren't we here for the links and the discussion that follows? What's the purpose of having comments otherwise on Metafilter? Am I derailing what is supposed to be a unanimous love-fest? But I didn't think this was supposed to be a unanimous love-fest. Or do you believe, like apparently hippybear does, that anyone posting a different impression of the video somehow prevents other people from enjoying either the video or the discussion that follows? Yes, it does bother me when people overuse the word "genius" or label something that's merely OK as "best ever", it's like grade inflation. But it does not constitute an attack against you or anybody else in any way.
posted by VikingSword at 2:26 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I genuinely don't understand you. What is your beef against me, and what do you want me to do? Are you upset that I don't find it amazing? Why? Presumably you posted it for discussion. A discussion ensued. Some don't find it amazing - and most do. What is to be gained by silencing those who hold a different opinion? It's not a matter of life and death. I find the discussion interesting - I like to hear what it is that people find wonderful and amazing, and I give my feedback... why is that bad? Aren't we here for the links and the discussion that follows? What's the purpose of having comments otherwise on Metafilter? Am I derailing what is supposed to be a unanimous love-fest? But I didn't think this was supposed to be a unanimous love-fest. Or do you believe, like apparently hippybear does, that anyone posting a different impression of the video somehow prevents other people from enjoying either the video or the discussion that follows? Yes, it does bother me when people overuse the word "genius" or label something that's merely OK as "best ever", it's like grade inflation. But it does not constitute an attack against you or anybody else in any way.
posted by VikingSword at 2:26 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
But what is the purpose of this video? Is it to squirt paint on the musicians and they found a wonderful RB way of doing so? If that is so, I'm unimpressed by the ultimate goal here... squirting paint?
The goal and purpose of this Rube Goldberg machine based video was to generate views and discussion on the internet for the band OK Go. I am impressed by its results already.
posted by shen1138 at 2:26 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
The goal and purpose of this Rube Goldberg machine based video was to generate views and discussion on the internet for the band OK Go. I am impressed by its results already.
posted by shen1138 at 2:26 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Or do you believe, like apparently hippybear does, that anyone posting a different impression of the video somehow prevents other people from enjoying either the video or the discussion that follows?
If that's what you took from what I wrote, then you're Wrongy McWrongerton.
You're very concerned with being RIGHT in this thread. You've made your point, but you don't let it drop. THAT is what I was trying to say, without getting too direct about it.
Stop trying to be RIGHT and just be content that you've had your say and let others have their say, too. Nobody is trying to silence you -- they're just wondering why you're so invested in being RIGHT in this thread.
posted by hippybear at 2:28 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
If that's what you took from what I wrote, then you're Wrongy McWrongerton.
You're very concerned with being RIGHT in this thread. You've made your point, but you don't let it drop. THAT is what I was trying to say, without getting too direct about it.
Stop trying to be RIGHT and just be content that you've had your say and let others have their say, too. Nobody is trying to silence you -- they're just wondering why you're so invested in being RIGHT in this thread.
posted by hippybear at 2:28 PM on March 2, 2010 [4 favorites]
They should cut grooves in a street so that when you drive over it you hear an OK Go song.
posted by Stylus Happenstance at 2:29 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by Stylus Happenstance at 2:29 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
someone should make it go backwards. would that be "off-the-charts amazing"?
posted by Glibpaxman at 2:33 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Glibpaxman at 2:33 PM on March 2, 2010
You're very concerned with being RIGHT in this thread. You've made your point, but you don't let it drop. THAT is what I was trying to say, without getting too direct about it.
No, I'm merely interested in exploring views. The whole RIGHT/WRONG thing is your invention - sorry you read such bizarre things into a discussion. I don't believe I've told anyone they're wrong and I'm right. Only that I see it in a certain way, and the reasons why I do so. It's called a discussion.
Stop trying to be RIGHT and just be content that you've had your say and let others have their say, too.
What in the world are you ever talking about? How is my posting preventing anyone else posting? Do my posts control your keyboard or your fingers? "Let others have their say too." Holy moly. I had no idea that my mind rays were preventing speech by others.
Nobody is trying to silence you -- they're just wondering why you're so invested in being RIGHT in this thread.
I'm invested in trying to explore an issue that's very interesting to me. Not every discussion - especially concerning art - is about being RIGHT or WRONG. Again, sorry you have such an utterly bizarre take on what a discussion is. Relax, and try to put forth your views - I'll then have thoughts in turn, and then you etc., see? No "right" or "wrong" - that's entirely in your head.
posted by VikingSword at 2:36 PM on March 2, 2010
No, I'm merely interested in exploring views. The whole RIGHT/WRONG thing is your invention - sorry you read such bizarre things into a discussion. I don't believe I've told anyone they're wrong and I'm right. Only that I see it in a certain way, and the reasons why I do so. It's called a discussion.
Stop trying to be RIGHT and just be content that you've had your say and let others have their say, too.
What in the world are you ever talking about? How is my posting preventing anyone else posting? Do my posts control your keyboard or your fingers? "Let others have their say too." Holy moly. I had no idea that my mind rays were preventing speech by others.
Nobody is trying to silence you -- they're just wondering why you're so invested in being RIGHT in this thread.
I'm invested in trying to explore an issue that's very interesting to me. Not every discussion - especially concerning art - is about being RIGHT or WRONG. Again, sorry you have such an utterly bizarre take on what a discussion is. Relax, and try to put forth your views - I'll then have thoughts in turn, and then you etc., see? No "right" or "wrong" - that's entirely in your head.
posted by VikingSword at 2:36 PM on March 2, 2010
Don't bother fighting with them, they're just itching for it.
posted by smackfu at 2:39 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by smackfu at 2:39 PM on March 2, 2010
"I'M NOT TRYING TO BE RIGHT," corrected VikingSword.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:40 PM on March 2, 2010 [11 favorites]
posted by Sys Rq at 2:40 PM on March 2, 2010 [11 favorites]
Let it go. This, too, shall pass.
posted by Alt F4 at 2:45 PM on March 2, 2010 [8 favorites]
posted by Alt F4 at 2:45 PM on March 2, 2010 [8 favorites]
The first live version of the video, with the Notre Dame marching band, is the better of the two videos. The Goldberg machine video is clever - often even inspired - but the marching band video is the more nakedly emotional, joyful, and powerful.
That having been said, they both pair well with the song, which is a pleasantly upbeat bit of bombast that sounds like it came out of Coldplay's reject bin (which is not to say it's not a good song, it's a perfectly decent song, but it needs the videos to stop being just a song and become an experience).
posted by mightygodking at 2:47 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
That having been said, they both pair well with the song, which is a pleasantly upbeat bit of bombast that sounds like it came out of Coldplay's reject bin (which is not to say it's not a good song, it's a perfectly decent song, but it needs the videos to stop being just a song and become an experience).
posted by mightygodking at 2:47 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
I would chime in with something insightful about discussion v. argument, or fact v. opinion, or the social protocols of MetaFilter threads, but I've already posted two previous comments on this page and that's plenty. Wouldn't want to, y'know, dominate the conversation with an overabundance of my own words. Even though they are, without fail, rather winsome ones.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:54 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:54 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
mightygodking, I really liked the marching band one. It feels a lot scrappier yet well practiced.
posted by Think_Long at 2:55 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Think_Long at 2:55 PM on March 2, 2010
Viking Sword, you are coming across badly to many people basically because you seemed overly hung up on three or four words of the original post. The defensive attitude you adopted is not gaining you much support for your effort, and though you are undoubtedly free to air your views that this video is not that great*, it'd probably be the best outcome for all concerned if you were a little less ardent.
* I, for the record, thought that watching the rube goldberg machine (just because the 'simple operation' didn't impress you doesn't mean that it doesn't fit the definition) was an enjoyable way to spend a few minutes, but that the song was really dull and reaffirms my intention never to seek out OK GO for my musical pleasure.
posted by knapah at 3:05 PM on March 2, 2010
* I, for the record, thought that watching the rube goldberg machine (just because the 'simple operation' didn't impress you doesn't mean that it doesn't fit the definition) was an enjoyable way to spend a few minutes, but that the song was really dull and reaffirms my intention never to seek out OK GO for my musical pleasure.
posted by knapah at 3:05 PM on March 2, 2010
Why do you feel compelled to do this?
You're being strangely fighty and argumentative about a silly music video and I found it amusing and worth noting. But hey, feel free to write another multi-paragraph essay about why this isn't the most amazing cinematic achievement in history.
posted by empath at 3:27 PM on March 2, 2010
You're being strangely fighty and argumentative about a silly music video and I found it amusing and worth noting. But hey, feel free to write another multi-paragraph essay about why this isn't the most amazing cinematic achievement in history.
posted by empath at 3:27 PM on March 2, 2010
Viking Sword, you are coming across badly to many people basically because you seemed overly hung up on three or four words of the original post.
I seemed to be overly hung up on a few words - OK. Except for late in the discussion the OP making that point, nobody else seemed to object to that, so I didn't pick up on that being an objection. Point taken.
The defensive attitude you adopted is not gaining you much support for your effort, and though you are undoubtedly free to air your views that this video is not that great, it'd probably be the best outcome for all concerned if you were a little less ardent.
I confess to not being overly concerned with "gaining support", I'm far more interested in the substance of the discussion. I'm puzzled by the urging to be "less ardent", since we are not discussing a contentious religious or political question, merely pop art - what's the harm of holding even, oh holy spirits - clutching my pearls here - an ardent discussion. I don't see the harm, as long as no content-free personal attacks are launched (like empaths). I didn't even think I was particularly "ardent", but maybe that's in the eye of the beholder.
I put forth a very unpopular view. It got attacked - and I got attacked by some along the way. Fine. No big deal. I'm far more interested in the substance of the discussion than in this discussion about my posting manner (which should be taken to META). In the interests of not further derailing this thread, I will no longer respond to posts about that, but concentrate on the thread topic - even if I do it "ardently".
posted by VikingSword at 3:33 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I seemed to be overly hung up on a few words - OK. Except for late in the discussion the OP making that point, nobody else seemed to object to that, so I didn't pick up on that being an objection. Point taken.
The defensive attitude you adopted is not gaining you much support for your effort, and though you are undoubtedly free to air your views that this video is not that great, it'd probably be the best outcome for all concerned if you were a little less ardent.
I confess to not being overly concerned with "gaining support", I'm far more interested in the substance of the discussion. I'm puzzled by the urging to be "less ardent", since we are not discussing a contentious religious or political question, merely pop art - what's the harm of holding even, oh holy spirits - clutching my pearls here - an ardent discussion. I don't see the harm, as long as no content-free personal attacks are launched (like empaths). I didn't even think I was particularly "ardent", but maybe that's in the eye of the beholder.
I put forth a very unpopular view. It got attacked - and I got attacked by some along the way. Fine. No big deal. I'm far more interested in the substance of the discussion than in this discussion about my posting manner (which should be taken to META). In the interests of not further derailing this thread, I will no longer respond to posts about that, but concentrate on the thread topic - even if I do it "ardently".
posted by VikingSword at 3:33 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Excellent!
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 3:40 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 3:40 PM on March 2, 2010
I guess what bothers me is that for something that's supposed to be "off-the-charts amazing", the domino device was really disconnected from the song itself. It's as if you did a music video of say, "Norwegian Wood", and it consisted of a weightlifter pushing up shockingly heavy weights.
Reminds me of the video for Are You Ready for the Sex Girls, in which the band members bake a cake. Has nothing to do with the lyrics but is still somewhat amusing because of the disingenuousness of it all.
posted by Oriole Adams at 3:53 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Reminds me of the video for Are You Ready for the Sex Girls, in which the band members bake a cake. Has nothing to do with the lyrics but is still somewhat amusing because of the disingenuousness of it all.
posted by Oriole Adams at 3:53 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Come to think of it, I should have been a bit more careful about my word choice there. I put ardent for want of a better word popping into my head. Apologies, something like assertive would probably have been better.
posted by knapah at 3:55 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by knapah at 3:55 PM on March 2, 2010
Has nothing to do with the lyrics but is still somewhat amusing because of the disingenuousness of it all.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I feel like most rock videos have no immediate connection between the song and the image, this OK Go vid does not strike me as any more or less connected than most others I've seen.
posted by Think_Long at 4:00 PM on March 2, 2010
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I feel like most rock videos have no immediate connection between the song and the image, this OK Go vid does not strike me as any more or less connected than most others I've seen.
posted by Think_Long at 4:00 PM on March 2, 2010
Reminds me of the video for Are You Ready for the Sex Girls , in which the band members bake a cake. Has nothing to do with the lyrics but is still somewhat amusing because of the disingenuousness of it all.
That, my good man, is a pie.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 4:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
That, my good man, is a pie.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 4:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
So what if it has multiple "starts," so what if they took a ton of takes and blended them together, so what if it's recently been a fad, so what if Rube Goldberg came up with these things almost a hundred years ago: this was inventive and delightful. I loved it!
posted by missmary6 at 4:03 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by missmary6 at 4:03 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
sure there are videos in a similar vein from the past but i'm sure that was an honest mistake*
posted by Potomac Avenue at 4:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 4:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
What is the end result of the video exactly?
Blasting the dudes with paint.
posted by delmoi at 4:06 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Blasting the dudes with paint.
posted by delmoi at 4:06 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Reminds me of the video for Are You Ready for the Sex Girls , in which the band members bake a cake. Has nothing to do with the lyrics but is still somewhat amusing because of the disingenuousness of it all.
I liked that! I wouldn't say it's brilliant, but it's very enjoyable and clever - and the fact that it has nothing to do with the lyrics is the point of the video, and on that level it's amusing. It's a conscious artistic choice, rather than an unfortunate lack of awareness that merely tacking on something that may have inherent interest but no genuine connection to the song represents an artistic failure. I enjoyed it a great deal more - and think it superior - than the OK Go video.
posted by VikingSword at 4:10 PM on March 2, 2010
I liked that! I wouldn't say it's brilliant, but it's very enjoyable and clever - and the fact that it has nothing to do with the lyrics is the point of the video, and on that level it's amusing. It's a conscious artistic choice, rather than an unfortunate lack of awareness that merely tacking on something that may have inherent interest but no genuine connection to the song represents an artistic failure. I enjoyed it a great deal more - and think it superior - than the OK Go video.
posted by VikingSword at 4:10 PM on March 2, 2010
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I feel like most rock videos have no immediate connection between the song and the image, this OK Go vid does not strike me as any more or less connected than most others I've seen.
I think you are right in that there may not be obvious connections, except for a certain mood or imagery. When I talk to musicians about videos, one of the big issues is the right kind of involvement of the viewer. I sometimes have to shoot down some very ambitious and elaborate proposals. It's not about "hey, that's a fabulous video". My point is very often - don't take away from the music - add to it, or provide a neutral background at the worst. There is such a thing as imagery or content that's too involving. For example, you wouldn't want to create a sequence which monopolizes the attention of the viewer to the exclusion of the music or where the music becomes a distraction. It can be as bad as a mismatched music in a film. The primary function of a music video is to enhance the music, further the brand recognition and so on. In my view - and perhaps I'm a tiny minority here - the OK Go does nothing for the music... it's tacked on.
posted by VikingSword at 4:20 PM on March 2, 2010
I think you are right in that there may not be obvious connections, except for a certain mood or imagery. When I talk to musicians about videos, one of the big issues is the right kind of involvement of the viewer. I sometimes have to shoot down some very ambitious and elaborate proposals. It's not about "hey, that's a fabulous video". My point is very often - don't take away from the music - add to it, or provide a neutral background at the worst. There is such a thing as imagery or content that's too involving. For example, you wouldn't want to create a sequence which monopolizes the attention of the viewer to the exclusion of the music or where the music becomes a distraction. It can be as bad as a mismatched music in a film. The primary function of a music video is to enhance the music, further the brand recognition and so on. In my view - and perhaps I'm a tiny minority here - the OK Go does nothing for the music... it's tacked on.
posted by VikingSword at 4:20 PM on March 2, 2010
I'm tired of videos that exist only for the purpose of demonstrating how much effort it took to make them. Like that Tom Waits "Come On Up to the House" one from a few days ago...great, somebody wrote a whole lot on their skin and took an assload of photos. There's no meaningful connection to the song other than displaying the words; nothing interesting is actually happening visually...the only effect is "wow, somebody sure went to a lot of effort to make this". It's tired and it's boring and it just seems to be an easy way for people to grab hits and attention.
posted by anazgnos at 4:20 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by anazgnos at 4:20 PM on March 2, 2010
I'm with VikingSword--this doesn't really work that well for me as a music video, and I ended up skipping to the end about halfway through to see the climax and even that felt . . . meh.
The marching band version, on the other hand, is awesome. Instead of just repeating the same cleverness over and over again, the video's concept builds in intensity--much in the same way as the song itself. Terrific.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:24 PM on March 2, 2010
The marching band version, on the other hand, is awesome. Instead of just repeating the same cleverness over and over again, the video's concept builds in intensity--much in the same way as the song itself. Terrific.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:24 PM on March 2, 2010
Why is everyone down on OK Go's music? Yeah I know what you're going to say ("maybe cuz is sucks?"), but I really like a few of their songs, especially on the previous album. They're not just a novelty viral-video band to me.
This video was incredibly fun, as are all their videos, and some of their songs. But I actually preferred the earlier video for this song, which has very different instrumentation.
posted by Edgewise at 4:28 PM on March 2, 2010
This video was incredibly fun, as are all their videos, and some of their songs. But I actually preferred the earlier video for this song, which has very different instrumentation.
posted by Edgewise at 4:28 PM on March 2, 2010
Like that Tom Waits "Come On Up to the House" one from a few days ago
Hmm. Interesting. Reminds me a bit of this Mountain Goats video except . . . kind of more pointless.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:31 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Hmm. Interesting. Reminds me a bit of this Mountain Goats video except . . . kind of more pointless.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:31 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
i saw this earlier.....i think Ok Go is the most creative band Out!!!!! All their videos are interesting
posted by Dholliga at 4:39 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Dholliga at 4:39 PM on March 2, 2010
The sponsorship graphic at the end didn't necessarily put me off, but I think that was because State Farm otherwise kept hands-off of the rest of the video.
Actually, their logo is on the little toy pickup truck he uses to knock over the first domino.
posted by Edgewise at 4:47 PM on March 2, 2010
Actually, their logo is on the little toy pickup truck he uses to knock over the first domino.
posted by Edgewise at 4:47 PM on March 2, 2010
Why is everyone down on OK Go's music?
I was going to say something like this - I don't have any of their records, but I thought the songs in their other videos were pretty catchy and interesting. This one doesn't do anything for me, though; it's just I-IV-V-IV over and over again.
posted by dfan at 4:48 PM on March 2, 2010
I was going to say something like this - I don't have any of their records, but I thought the songs in their other videos were pretty catchy and interesting. This one doesn't do anything for me, though; it's just I-IV-V-IV over and over again.
posted by dfan at 4:48 PM on March 2, 2010
Should we have a competition to invent a Rube Goldberg MeFi machine? We could pit all major meet-up groups against one another: whichever team comes up with the most elaborate way of pouring beans onto a plate wins.
The prize would be tater tots, of course. Or perhaps a portobello mushroom.
posted by tzikeh at 4:58 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
The prize would be tater tots, of course. Or perhaps a portobello mushroom.
posted by tzikeh at 4:58 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
For those wondering if there was any cheating, the creators say part of the project requirements was that it all be filmable in one shot.
posted by rifflesby at 5:13 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by rifflesby at 5:13 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
The way they scaled up from dominoes and marbles to a rain of umbrellas and mannequins being blasted about was pretty damn awesome. Also - I see what they did there with the globes and "This Too Shall Pass".
Unrestrained fun with Rube Goldberg is a great way to start the day!
posted by harujion at 5:40 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Unrestrained fun with Rube Goldberg is a great way to start the day!
posted by harujion at 5:40 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
The prize would be tater tots, of course. Or perhaps a portobello mushroom.
posted by tzikeh at 6:58 PM on March 2
Bacon.
posted by joannemerriam at 5:59 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by tzikeh at 6:58 PM on March 2
Bacon.
posted by joannemerriam at 5:59 PM on March 2, 2010
for me. the best part was finding out in the end why they were covered with paint to start with, but that only works once....
posted by Redhush at 6:00 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by Redhush at 6:00 PM on March 2, 2010
VikingSword, the discussion has no substance apart from that which you are continuing to provide it with. TLDR: You are a squeeb.
posted by Sebmojo at 6:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Sebmojo at 6:01 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I wasn't a big fan of the treadmill video from back in the day. I mean, I appreciated it as a cute, clever lo-budget thing for a song that didn't do anything for me, and good for them.
Then I saw the Marching Band video and came around on them - and hell, I like the song. But this one was, in fact, "off-the-charts amazing" for me. I think we can all agree that something as old and venerable as a Rube Goldberg machine isn't fresh in and of itself. This, instead, simply knocks it up a few thousand notches and then adds in the twist of timing everything to hit the beats and thematic changes of the song.
Let me say - that is insanely difficult. And very, very fun to watch. I've always loved Cog, but this tops it, in my own humble and personal opinion.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:05 PM on March 2, 2010
Then I saw the Marching Band video and came around on them - and hell, I like the song. But this one was, in fact, "off-the-charts amazing" for me. I think we can all agree that something as old and venerable as a Rube Goldberg machine isn't fresh in and of itself. This, instead, simply knocks it up a few thousand notches and then adds in the twist of timing everything to hit the beats and thematic changes of the song.
Let me say - that is insanely difficult. And very, very fun to watch. I've always loved Cog, but this tops it, in my own humble and personal opinion.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:05 PM on March 2, 2010
My son just watched this and asked: "is this a place where there are no rules?"
I love this. "Fails as art" nothin'.
posted by danb at 7:18 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
I love this. "Fails as art" nothin'.
posted by danb at 7:18 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Sometimes a plate of beans can make one very, very gassy.
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:56 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:56 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Some of you people make me want to buy stock in New Rope.
posted by Cyrano at 8:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Cyrano at 8:04 PM on March 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
I said "wow" at least six times while watching this video. I stumbled into an exhibit of The Way Things Go at the LA Museum of Modern art, oh, about 20 years ago, and have loved every follow-on I've come across since. Each one surprises me with another cool twist. This one had a lot of cool twists...I thought Cog's main advancement was the sheer cleanliness of the finished result -- compared to The Way Things Go and this video, which were both delightfully messy, and have oodles of evidence of the practice runs.
This thread is also delightful in a very different way -- everyone's different reaction, and reactions to those reactions. Hmmmm, maybe we've already got a Metafilter Rube Goldberg machine going...heh heh.
posted by dylanjames at 8:33 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is also delightful in a very different way -- everyone's different reaction, and reactions to those reactions. Hmmmm, maybe we've already got a Metafilter Rube Goldberg machine going...heh heh.
posted by dylanjames at 8:33 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Well, speaking as someone who was a fan of theirs before they released any videos -- in fact, I collected their entire first album via multiple sources of MP3s at different rates and quality -- I like the new song, I like the new video, and while I actually prefer the more emotional approach of the marching band video this is fiendishly clever at points even by the standards of the everlasting DIY Rube Goldberg YouTube competition (let's face it, they had good staff and money). And the message is very clearly tied to the song. I must say that I was disappointed it wasn't a different song but then it's not even their first song to have two separate videos.
Nah, most amazing ever is not what I'd say. I really enjoyed the way that the band was worked into the contraption at various points; it reminded me of RHCP's "Don't Stop" in that sense. I'll let someone have a "meh" attitude toward it, but if they're going to come back and defend their position twenty times, they're just becoming a nuisance.
posted by dhartung at 9:23 PM on March 2, 2010
Nah, most amazing ever is not what I'd say. I really enjoyed the way that the band was worked into the contraption at various points; it reminded me of RHCP's "Don't Stop" in that sense. I'll let someone have a "meh" attitude toward it, but if they're going to come back and defend their position twenty times, they're just becoming a nuisance.
posted by dhartung at 9:23 PM on March 2, 2010
For the haters: I've seen a lot of RB machines in my time (I built a few to compete in the Nerd Olympics back in High School), but I've never seen one with the eye candy that OKGo's had. Exploding TVs, dropping pianos, paper airplane explosion, fan fountain... This looked like it was designed more by Busby Berkely than a Moustachioed Inventor (though that might be the credit of the camera operator). For that they earn my props.
posted by Popular Ethics at 9:52 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Popular Ethics at 9:52 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
Holy SHIT you guys.
I read the entire thread before actually clicking on the link (a difficult reverse tl;dr) and so I actually went in with highly diminished expectations. Which were shattered. And stomped on. This was probably one of the best ways I could spend those 3 minutes.
posted by 235w103 at 9:58 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
I read the entire thread before actually clicking on the link (a difficult reverse tl;dr) and so I actually went in with highly diminished expectations. Which were shattered. And stomped on. This was probably one of the best ways I could spend those 3 minutes.
posted by 235w103 at 9:58 PM on March 2, 2010 [1 favorite]
DAMN YOU INTERNET EMO-TICONS, ALWAYS SO COMPLICATED
posted by unknowncommand at 10:00 PM on March 2, 2010
posted by unknowncommand at 10:00 PM on March 2, 2010
Haters gonna hate.
This was awesome. In that it inspired awe.
posted by ColdChef at 10:06 PM on March 2, 2010
This was awesome. In that it inspired awe.
posted by ColdChef at 10:06 PM on March 2, 2010
This whole thread just reminds me of that Louis C.K. video about how everything is awesome and all people want to do is bitch. Let me see if I can get this straight: some people worked very hard (quite obviously) to create what all of us (haters included) can agree is a well designed work of art which is far more ingenious than the average music video, which they are going to give to us for free in a format that we can view at any time and at any place where you can get an internet connection. And our take away from this is what?
Well this would be great, but I have to go to some other website to look at it; I can't just put it on my website and look at that!
Sorry, Homer, sometimes it takes more than a minute to deep fry an entire buffalo. To risk mixing a metaphor, sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear asks you to be minutely bothered.
Great video; depressing thread.
posted by Kiablokirk at 10:42 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
Well this would be great, but I have to go to some other website to look at it; I can't just put it on my website and look at that!
Sorry, Homer, sometimes it takes more than a minute to deep fry an entire buffalo. To risk mixing a metaphor, sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear asks you to be minutely bothered.
Great video; depressing thread.
posted by Kiablokirk at 10:42 PM on March 2, 2010 [3 favorites]
Three people who (allegedly) worked on the video are doing an IAMA on Reddit. The claim is that, yes, the device went through start to finish in a single take, but that the video as we see it might be spliced from two different takes.
Also, the video cost ~$100,000 to make (as compared to Cog's budget of ~$1.5 million).
posted by dirigibleman at 11:59 PM on March 2, 2010
Also, the video cost ~$100,000 to make (as compared to Cog's budget of ~$1.5 million).
posted by dirigibleman at 11:59 PM on March 2, 2010
SDRAWKCAB
I’m trying to understand how time works. And that’s a huge question that has lots of different aspects to it. A lot of them go back to Einstein and spacetime and how we measure time using clocks. But the particular aspect of time that I’m interested in is the arrow of time: the fact that the past is different from the future. We remember the past but we don’t remember the future. There are irreversible processes. There are things that happen, like you turn an egg into an omelet, but you can’t turn an omelet into an egg.posted by empath at 12:08 AM on March 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
And we sort of understand that halfway. The arrow of time is based on ideas that go back to Ludwig Boltzmann, an Austrian physicist in the 1870s. He figured out this thing called entropy. Entropy is just a measure of how disorderly things are. And it tends to grow. That’s the second law of thermodynamics: Entropy goes up with time, things become more disorderly. So, if you neatly stack papers on your desk, and you walk away, you’re not surprised they turn into a mess. You’d be very surprised if a mess turned into neatly stacked papers. That’s entropy and the arrow of time. Entropy goes up as it becomes messier.
So, Boltzmann understood that and he explained how entropy is related to the arrow of time. But there’s a missing piece to his explanation, which is, why was the entropy ever low to begin with? Why were the papers neatly stacked in the universe? Basically, our observable universe begins around 13.7 billion years ago in a state of exquisite order, exquisitely low entropy. It’s like the universe is a wind-up toy that has been sort of puttering along for the last 13.7 billion years and will eventually wind down to nothing. But why was it ever wound up in the first place? Why was it in such a weird low-entropy unusual state?
Also: making-of: 1, 2, 3, 4. Warning: geek-gasm danger.
posted by progosk at 3:03 AM on March 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by progosk at 3:03 AM on March 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread matches up with the video pretty nicely. There is a chain of causality (A says something, causing B to get defensive, causing C to react) and the tenor has been building throughout. Now all we need is a TV-smashing comment that will result in a paint-cannon flameout and account disabling, followed by a chorus of comments cheering at what they have just witnessed and marveling at the beautiful mess they have created.
posted by ekroh at 5:54 AM on March 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by ekroh at 5:54 AM on March 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
ekroh: "Now all we need is a TV-smashing comment that will result in a paint-cannon flameout and account disabling, followed by a chorus of comments cheering at what they have just witnessed and marveling at the beautiful mess they have created."
With the exception of the paint-cannon, that pretty much describes all the flameouts on MetaFilter.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:31 AM on March 3, 2010
With the exception of the paint-cannon, that pretty much describes all the flameouts on MetaFilter.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:31 AM on March 3, 2010
This was utterly charming in every way, and it makes me happy and glad that folks like these are alive and share things like this with us.
A pox upon those who feel the need to bitch about it. Loosen up. Your anus is not a vice grip, but you sure do a good imitation - did you sleep at a Holiday Inn last night, or what?
posted by perilous at 9:13 AM on March 3, 2010
A pox upon those who feel the need to bitch about it. Loosen up. Your anus is not a vice grip, but you sure do a good imitation - did you sleep at a Holiday Inn last night, or what?
posted by perilous at 9:13 AM on March 3, 2010
Taters gonna tate.
posted by everichon at 9:34 AM on March 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by everichon at 9:34 AM on March 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
Wired has a write up on the behind the scenes. There was no digital trickery, the execution took a month and a half to setup, and they hired 30 people to reset it between runs.
posted by daHIFI at 9:41 AM on March 3, 2010
posted by daHIFI at 9:41 AM on March 3, 2010
TV getting smashed/ sledge-hammer knick-knocker thing / falling umbrellas = huge huge win.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:44 PM on March 2 [1 favorite +] [!] No other comments.
When I watched it with the kids last night, my 10 year old daughter said: That's a Newton's Cradle! Smarter than a 5th grader indeed.
posted by Barry B. Palindromer at 11:34 AM on March 3, 2010
posted by From Bklyn at 1:44 PM on March 2 [1 favorite +] [!] No other comments.
When I watched it with the kids last night, my 10 year old daughter said: That's a Newton's Cradle! Smarter than a 5th grader indeed.
posted by Barry B. Palindromer at 11:34 AM on March 3, 2010
Dirigibleman, the IAMA forum is being answered, I believe by someone who was involved for the last month of the build (the build occurred over a 3 month period), and who was not there for the last shooting day.
The other two contributors, Mahdroo and Grasshoff, "helped out" during the shooting days. They had barely anything to do with it, so they don't really know much about the build. They were essentially PAs.
That being said, yes, we were able to get the machine to work from start to finish, but I wasn't involved in post production.
posted by kingv at 11:46 AM on March 3, 2010
The other two contributors, Mahdroo and Grasshoff, "helped out" during the shooting days. They had barely anything to do with it, so they don't really know much about the build. They were essentially PAs.
That being said, yes, we were able to get the machine to work from start to finish, but I wasn't involved in post production.
posted by kingv at 11:46 AM on March 3, 2010
The prior art for this is the video for "Obscurity Knocks" by the Trashcan Sinatras, which is not currently on Youtube. This right here is a much better video for a slightly worse song.
Go ahead, try me on one-hit wonders from 1990, I dare you. I got "Groove Is In The Heart" one tab away, don't think that I'm lyin'.
posted by furiousthought at 1:29 PM on March 3, 2010
Go ahead, try me on one-hit wonders from 1990, I dare you. I got "Groove Is In The Heart" one tab away, don't think that I'm lyin'.
posted by furiousthought at 1:29 PM on March 3, 2010
I don't know about that, furiousthought. That video is news to me, if you're suggesting that it was looked at during the planning, you'd be wrong (especially since it's apparently not available). Primarily it was stuff from Pythagoras switch, whom I hope would feel flattered by the inspiration, and there are some other larger sequences that we looked at for inspiration (that, sadly, I can't remember the names of).
One thing that did come to our attention midway through the build is a video by a band called The Bravery, which I think is pretty neat, though I think our video is very different from it.
posted by kingv at 3:49 PM on March 3, 2010
One thing that did come to our attention midway through the build is a video by a band called The Bravery, which I think is pretty neat, though I think our video is very different from it.
posted by kingv at 3:49 PM on March 3, 2010
a video by a band called The Bravery...
that'll be their Honest Mistake, directed by Michael Palmieri.
posted by progosk at 4:14 PM on March 3, 2010
that'll be their Honest Mistake, directed by Michael Palmieri.
posted by progosk at 4:14 PM on March 3, 2010
The video has a lot to do with the song, I think. It's a carefully constructed microcosm, a scale model of the twin chains of causality and entropy that our lives are bound by. The increasingly chaotic actions make this abundantly clear (debris and humans flying in all directions, TVs smashed -- I was amazed the camera person didn't slip on a ping pong ball or something). Contrast this especially with the Honda commercial, which is meant to convey a kind of watchmaker's elegance, with the camera on rails even. The OK Go video is entropy laid bare; does this really have nothing to do with the idea that This Too Shall Pass?
posted by sleevener at 6:49 AM on March 4, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by sleevener at 6:49 AM on March 4, 2010 [2 favorites]
I really enjoyed that! Tune was good too, but mostly I've always loved music videos because I've never had a music channel, so they're all a bit unusual for me.
I think what makes this video is the playfulness, sense of chaos, and integration with the tune and lyrics. Also, I guess it was pretty non-trivial to get the band members at the right place and time all the time. And the "punchline" of getting covered in paint was good too. And I will give these guys a further listen. RG:Mission accomplished.
Incidentally, on the subject of whimsical music videos and time's arrow.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 12:22 PM on March 4, 2010
I think what makes this video is the playfulness, sense of chaos, and integration with the tune and lyrics. Also, I guess it was pretty non-trivial to get the band members at the right place and time all the time. And the "punchline" of getting covered in paint was good too. And I will give these guys a further listen. RG:Mission accomplished.
Incidentally, on the subject of whimsical music videos and time's arrow.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 12:22 PM on March 4, 2010
Interview with some of the crew involved.
3 takes.
The final cut may have used different parts from each take, but in theory a complete uninterrupted take was possible.
posted by ursus_comiter at 1:20 PM on March 8, 2010
3 takes.
The final cut may have used different parts from each take, but in theory a complete uninterrupted take was possible.
posted by ursus_comiter at 1:20 PM on March 8, 2010
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posted by weston at 12:14 PM on March 2, 2010