A still from the video for "Radio Silence" by Thomas Dolby
Only Thomas Dolby can get away with mixing Greek statues, ’20s gramophones and vintage science motifs. This video is stylistically amazing. Some images seem to be lifted straight from a mad scientist’s lab, while others reference radio-age technology with a bit of whimsy.
Not to mention the video’s model, whose ringlets and cyber-glam style rival those Sean Young’s “Rachael” in Blade Runner. Note her hot pink eye makeup and ’80s-goth dress. And let’s not forget the montage near the video’s end that morphs her face from chiseled high-fashion to chiseled classical Greek!
“Radio Silence” appeared on Thomas Dolby’s 1982 album The Golden Age of Wireless and featured vocals by Akiko Yano (who also collaborated with talented ’80s groups like Yellow Magic Orchestra and Japan, featuring David Sylvian).
Its carefully constructed visuals are classic Dolby–retro science hardware meets futuristic allure with a touch of steampunk. Enjoy this playful piece!
And Happy Friday!
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