Randor's Song of the Week: 10.23.11

"Internet Killed the Video Star" by the Limousines from the album Get Sharp. 2010.
    I really hope you see that obvious connection to the Buggles' 1979 New Wave song of the endtimes. If not, you should consider catching up on one-hit wonders of old. Nonetheless. the sheer popularity of "RADIO Killed the VIDEO Star" has no doubt inspired countless rip-offs similar to Limousines song I'm featuring this week. As easy as it would be to google the snowclone "X killed the Y star", the number of people jumping on the phrase is an irrelevant point to my amazement with this song. The Buggles' hit defined an era. "Internet Killed the Video Star" comes closer to any other song I know in achieving that same magnitude.

    Honestly, when I first saw the title of this song, my mind translated it to "Gimmick!" Any group with an ounce of talent should have no need to revisit those famous songs of yore that really don't need a remade cover or cash-in sequel in the first place! And if you MUST, at least sit back and take hold with some sort of ingenuity. Leave that Footloose Thing to the uninspired droll that plagues today's box office. Okay, well... they're inspired alright, just... specifically by the work they're replicating. No bueno, mon ami! I've previously featured the Darwinist "When I Get You Alone", which showcases an expertly unique food chain of sampling and reworking. So the sheer inundation of copies that no doubt tides from the fame of "Video Killed the Radio Star" must overwhelmingly void the Limousines attempt then, right?
    Well, deflating Limousine tires with Buggle rip-offs becomes unnecessary once realizing its value. "Internet Killed the Video Star" is a homage that stands on its own. Besides lovingly and only lightly referencing the Buggles original, it manages to describe the ever-changing bends of the Media River caused by changes of the Technology Glacier. Just the same as the Buggles did. You see, when MTV first burst into people's homes via television, "Video Killed the Radio Star" fittingly broadcast the very first play. Of course, the history of music videos has roots decades older than the first pair of parachute pants worn in the 80s. Big acts in the 60s would dink around with it, like the Beatles and the Animals. Before that, even, movies themselves inserted musical numbers into the plot a la Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Yet the appearance of a dedicated channel officially ushered in the expectation that these days doesn't get much questioning: bands create music videos for the songs they want to promote. And if Twisted Sister is any example, this move left those relying solely on radio mind-Buggle'd, and it indeed killed their chances of keeping their popularity up with the times. Just picture crooners in drag tearing up the house with their smooth, soaring voices.
    These days though, things are different. (Duh.) Besides that common complaint that MTV doesn't play many music videos anymore, new forms of social media have diminished the clout of TV, M or otherwise. If you want to see a music video, what do you do? Go on Youtube and watch it online. Looking for new music? Perhaps you follow a chain of 'Related Videos' or pop on over to Pandora or Grooveshark for some sonic spelunking. Trying to identify a song that's emanating through the coffee shop air across your grande, decaf, extra-hot, two-pump caramel, soy Americano? Well, hipster, just pull out your ironic iPhone and Shazam that earworm! The point I'm making here is that the internet has seemingly claimed superiority on the music front. Albums get downloaded from the web, bands create blogs to appease rabid fans, and even bad songs can become more famous than deserving ones. You gotta get down on Friday, right? Case in point. It seems that artists can focus on becoming an internet meme to reach success, leaving the quality of their music on the leeward. I mean, Party Rock Anthem has its charm in both music and video, but I can't help but wonder if LMFAO were baiting the OMGLOLFIRST-ers. Nonetheless, whatever sway any video star once had, the Limousines are correct stating that the internet killed it.
    The very first lines set off the whole commentary laid out by the band. "The kids are disco dancing; they're tired of rock 'n' roll. I tried to tell them, 'Hey, that drum machine ain't got no soul!'" Buggle tribute lyrics include "We can't rewind, now we've gone too far." And if you really want to spread the symbolism thick upon your metaphor sandwich, watch the music video in full to catch impressionable youth, mindless zombies, and the conforming state of the music industry all in a nice little b-movie bundle. I find the whole encounter relevant and well-executed. It describes the modern growth of technology just as the Buggles did 30 years ago. Maybe others have tried before to sequel "Radio Star" to a break-point; maybe the Limousines daresay intended "Video Star" to have a gimmicky feel. But I personally see it as a gem. Great song, great video, great background, great soul. A fitting reinterpretation for a world with its culture in constant flux.