"I just spent 60 days in the jailhouse/For the crime of having no dough/Now here I am back out on the street/For the crime of having nowhere to go."
Glad to have you back for another trip around the video Mulberry Bush with our five top-shelf entries from April. Did you get your taxes done? I tried to tell the IRS that no one was interested in seeing my taxes, but we're still miles apart on that subject.
This month's Top Five includes impressive work from France, Thailand, and Indonesia, proving once again that teen angst transcends all borders and timelines.
As you are no doubt aware, the top finisher for the month will collect the esteemed Barclay Award for Excellence in Video Arts. If you're a past winner, why don't you send us a snap of the trophy perched majestically on the mantle in your lovely home? Besides, we hardly ever hear from you except for Christmas and birthdays!
1. Producer: Kevin Bodin Films
Artist: Saez
Song: "Les Cours Des Lycées"
Category: Narrative
Oh, thank heavens it was all just a dream. The denim-vest wearing French protagonist is executed by a disappointed girlfriend for the crime of being lame. The assured craftsmanship exhibited in Kevin Bodin Films' provocative production is faultless and hypnotic.
2. Producer: Unlocked Films
Artist: Alt-J
Song: "In Cold Blood"
Category: Narrative
Another stylistic knock-out from Barclay Award winner Jesse Locke and the Unlocked Films team. A true Battle of the Titans plays out before our unbelieving eyes, somehow combining Tarantino, Italian opera, and big-time wrassling to full blooming effect.
3. Producer: Dino Squirrel
Artist: New York Dolls
Song: "Stranded in the Jungle"
Category: Narrative
Superb animation welded to a tasty tune. Pro-level moves from Dino Squirrel, and we look forward to more.
4. Producer: Pond TR
Artist: Krewella
Song: "Be There"
Category: Narrative
What begins as pop video confection turns apocalyptic and deeply personal—a father worries that he can't keep his daughter safe in this touching tale from Thailand.
5. Producer: Riki Sodikin
Artist: Kodaline
Song: "Caught In The Middle"
Category: Narrative
Deceptively and sweetly simple, this Indonesian entry radiates the unbridled joy of creativity. Finding your joy is the key to unlocking it all. My apologies to Marie Kondo, but she's definitely on to something.
