VH1 Top 20

["L. Bird" <pkeets@hotmail.com>]

Since I already had the VCR set for the Top 20, I fast-forwarded through it 
to see what I caught.  There are a number of love songs and lots of gals, 
which reflects VH1's mostly female audience.  There were a few with sexy 
gals, one with mud wrestling (I guess), and I notice Michael Jackson's video 
(#10) is listed as a short film.  I dunno if I've seen all of it yet, as it 
always seems to cut off abruptly, like it exceeded their time limit.  As far 
as style goes, they're still tending to surrealism and dream-type sequences, 
and gang scenarios figure in at least three.  September 11 may have fueled a 
couple of hits--Five for Fighting's "Superman" is at #5, and Enya has one to 
benefit the Fireman's Fund at uh, maybe #4.

As far as potential style for a possible Who video goes, I liked Lenny 
Kravitz's "Dig In."  (A performance of this on a dark, windy NYC night was 
also featured in BEST OF VH1 LIVE.)  The pro-video was shot on an oil rig at 
night and maybe in the rain (it's wet), with a helicopter overhead.  The 
transitions flicker and the picture fades in and out like a staticy pirate 
signal (shades of THE WHO SELL OUT?).  It looks like a dangerous situation.

Lenny explains that the song is about dealing with fear--that you only have 
to "dig in" and make a start; then you become involved with what you're 
doing and the fear goes away.  The video is low key, mildly dramatic and 
menacing, and there were a couple of beautiful shots that have stuck with 
me.  I think it's a passable classic.


keets