Mc G is the director of Smash mouth's two videos: Walkin' on the Sun and Why Can't We Be Friends. He has also directed Sugar Ray's video, Fly.Why this tribute? For one thing, I just want to say that I'm glad that Smash mouth is in capable hands with this wonderful director. If you watched those three music videos I just mentioned, you can see that he has a distinct style: extreme bright lighting, technicolors, and all with an excellent blend of humor. Once I gather more info on Mc G, I shall then post it here. Until then, let me now discuss my opinions on Smash mouth, their music, and their roles in music videos; I shall also touch upon the importance and influential effects of music videos.
I first heard Walkin' on the Sun on the radio; and when I finally saw its video on MTV, I was blown away! In one word: cool. It blended perfectly: a catchy tune--one that will be aired to death on radio stations everywhere--now visualized on our TVs. I knew right away that most people will like/love this song as the video enhanced the song's inventive melange of musical styles while capturing the band's fun-loving lifestyle.
Check out the Walkin' On The Sun video clips!
When the Why Can't We Be Friends debuted, I was one of the first to see it. By this time, this song (through constant listenings) has seeped through my consciousness to the point that I managed to compose 4 generic alternative versions of it. Anyway, after seeing the video, this is how I would describe it: cool. Like their first video, it captured the band's eclectic tastes and easygoing personalities. They've put the rock and roll in "rock & roll"--and more.
The visuals and storyboard of Walkin' on the Sun totally differs from Why Can't We Be Friends as the second video has more of a clear storyline. WOTS is more of a tribute to the '50s and '60s--but with an interesting twist: it is set in the future. I can't help but think of The Flintstones Meet The Jetsons connection. Anyway, it follows three acts: (1) future; (2) '50s beach; (3) '50s drag racing. As for the Friends video, it has a distinguishable mini-story: Smash mouth led by Steve sings about friendship all across Chinatown. Like the first video, it also follows three acts: (1) diner; (2) street; (3) pawn shop. For some reason, I kept thinking about Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney's Ebony & Ivory, Janet Jackson's Alright, Val Kilmer singing at a diner in TOP SECRET, and any Elvis film. I wonder if Mc G got his inspiration from such similar sources. Still, if he did, I will say that that is a great call on his part as he truly captured the eclecticness of Smash mouth.
Now, here's an important question: What influences you the most when liking/purchasing a song/album? Radio, music videos, and/or live performances? Personally, I think that there are no clear-cut answers to that. For example, when I first heard Boyz II Men's 4 Seasons of Loneliness on the radio, I hated it. But when I saw the video, I loved it immediately. Another example is that I quickly got Fiona Apple's CD when I saw her haunting music video for Criminal. Speaking of Fiona Apple, does her constant public appearances and media hype also play a factor too? Where am I getting at? Nowhere really; I just want to ramble on the reasons why we eventually grow to like an artist(s) and or his/her/their songs.
Well, if any of you folks know more about Mc G, please shoot me an email; or if you want to share your thoughts on this music video topic thingie, write to me as well. If I get a handful of mails, I shall then post them.