A still from the video for "Jeopardy" by the Greg Kihn Band
For this week’s Friday Video Pick, I wanted to go with something spooky…Luckily I remembered being pretty mesmerized by this video for the Greg Kihn Band’s “Jeopardy” as a kid.
In the video, a groom’s case of cold feet turns into a horror show. Literally. It’s a good thing he has a wooden stake to defend himself against what appears to be a papier-mache tentacled monster.
Why the video works: 2 words – Greg Kihn. In the early days of MTV, musicians who embraced their inner actor fared well in the new visual world of music video. And Kihn knew how to entertain with humor, down-to-earth likability and a series of priceless irreverent facial expressions.
Be on the lookout for:
- Some awesome ’80s hairdos, notably that of Kihn and the bride at the end of the video, who bears a striking resemblance to a Joan Jett/Pat Benatar hybrid.
- ’80s wedding attire, as seen in the floor-length bridesmaid dresses and tiered ruffled bridal gown (again, at the end of the video).
- Some lo-fi special effects that remind us of the days before CGI. I miss them.
A catchy tune, and an underplayed video…
Happy Halloween!
“Weird Al ” did a parody of this called “I Lost on Jeopardy” which was pretty funny. Both are great songs.
I love the Weird Al parody as well! I grew up listening to Weird Al and will always be a fan ; – )