A still from a 1984 Top of the Pops performance featuring The Pointer Sisters’ “Automatic”
Interested in watching today’s Friday Video Pick? Would a camera-loving breakdancer, a humanoid robot with glowing eyes, and a couple of interpretive dancers clutching fans change your mind? We hope so–you don’t want to miss this! The Pointer Sisters’ 1984 hit “Automatic” is the music of choice for these ambitious performers. Don’t worry–there’s footage of the Sisters singing too!
It’s hard to put into words what is so special about this clip from Top of the Pops. But when you watch it, you’ll want to watch it again and show it to all of your friends. Rarely is such a bizarre concept executed so flawlessly. Really, this is why we love ’80s music videos. While this is clearly mainstream TV, today it would be considered performance art. In the best possible sense of the term.
As far as the phenomenal breakdancer is concerned, watch his moves and the way he stares straight into the camera, and in less than a minute you’ll truly believe he’s there just for you. It’s difficult to explain the initial confusion of seeing a white-faced android vibrating to the beat while neon tubing glows behind him. And he’s wearing a tux. Then you see a pair of men in tank tops dancing with such fluidity that the fans they are holding seem to be a part of their bodies. And so it goes…
Enjoy, and Happy Friday!
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