Today’s Friday Video Pick comes from Peter Gabriel, who is known for his artistic, visually stunning music videos. “Big Time” was a hit from his 1986 album So. Wayne White served as the video’s art director, and he won a Billboard award for his work. We’ve featured White this week at Mirror80, noting his many amazing talents. Watch this video and you’ll see it in action…
Friday Video Pick: “Don’t Change” by INXS
Today’s Friday Video Picks come from Australian rock band INXS. Plucked from the album Shabooh Shoobah, “Don’t Change” features a raw, guitar-driven sound, less sleek and processed than the band’s later hits. Which is why we love it. There’s an irresistible energy here, and the two videos featured today do not disappoint.
Friday Video Pick: A Swatch Watch Commercial From 1989
Today we delve into the magic of the Swatch. Did you wear them in stacks on your arms? Did you cover them with neon guards? I still remember occasionally having to move my rubber Swatch guard to the side so I could read the time. But I didn’t care–the guard was cool! To some, these Swiss-made gems may as well have been bangles–collectible fashion statements rather than functional watches. To others, they were the ultimate time-keeping device.
Friday Video Pick: “Two Doors Down” by Mystery Jets
Today’s Friday Video Pick is not from the ’80s, but it might as well be. What do you get when you mix a lead singer whose style evokes Thompson Twins’ vocalist Tom Bailey, verses that recall the guitar magic of Aztec Camera, a chorus with the power of Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ “Come on Eileen,” and the wardrobe of James Spader’s ’80s preppy villains? The video for “Two Doors Down” by Mystery Jets!
Friday Video Pick: “Desire” by Future World Orchestra
Today’s music video comes to us from Dutch synth-driven duo Future World Orchestra. Resist the urge to classify it as a parody–this is the real deal, folks! The group was formed in 1980 by members Robert Pot and Gerto Heupink. “Desire” was a product of their first recording session, along with the tracks “Airborne,” “I’m Not Afraid of the Future” and “Casablanca Nights.”
Friday Video Pick–DIY Makeover Edition: “Brand New Girl” by Julie Brown
Mirror80 wraps up DIY week with a makeover-themed music video from the movie Earth Girls Are Easy starring Geena Davis and Julie Brown. Stylistically, the film channels that magical blend of Mid-Century style and ’80s Modern flair. In the video for “Brand New Girl,” characters dance around a beauty shop that combines elements of 1950s decor and 1980s motifs a la Memphis-Milano design. Let the film’s sets inspire you and the makeover mood empower you to embrace DIY magic in the realms of interior design and fashion.
Best ’80s Video Hairstyles
In lieu of a Friday Video Pick, today we’re getting follical. Or shall we say follicle? Yes, it’s a celebration of ’80s hair, executed by counting down the top five 1980s music video hairdos of all time. Let’s start with a disclaimer: TODAY’S EXERCISE IS PURELY FOR FUN. We know we’re being totally subjective.
A Very ’80s Valentine’s Day
It must be love–a love of ’80s style. Whether you enjoy reveling in Valentine’s Day motifs or you’re looking for some seasonal reading material, these blog posts below should pique your interest with their heart-filled content. Love through the lens of the ’80s was brighter, shinier and flashier. Not to mention super cute! Enjoy:
Friday Video Pick: Sofa Mart in the ’80s
It’s hard to believe that diamond étagères and smoke glass swing tables were once sold for $39.99 apiece. If only I had a time machine with room for storage… Enjoy today’s video pick–a Sofa Mart commercial from 1986! Don’t be fooled by its humble intro. Things get real good real fast.
Friday Video Pick: “Candy” by Cameo
Today’s video pick elevates the concept of a “posse” to the level of art. Never have so many random characters drifted in and out of one frame. And for the record, our award for “The Most Successful Orchestration of Random Group Dynamics While Wearing a Codpiece” goes to Cameo lead singer Larry Blackmon.
