First semester of Highschool, I had an epic VHS music video tape: Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, Foo Fighters - Everlong, Mase - Mo Money, Biggy - Big Poppa, Fatboy Slim - Praise You
I watched pretty much all of these as a tween and teen, so this is like a fun retrospective for me. It strangely gave me more a timeline for episodes of my youth.
Thank you for recognizing the impact of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. It was high-concept and had an enduring message with an incredibly infectious beat. Few people understand how influential this video really is.
Agreed, born in 77.... We had a good run when it came to all forms of music and video. Pop,rock, metal,rap.... all of it was good!! My kids in their 20s agree, "Dad, you grew up in a great era of music".... tbey dont listen to much new music, they both listen to 90s stuff mostly. We lived in a golden era of music!
@@realiteatimeforall we did! If i'd been born less than a week earlier I would've been '77 too :D I don't listen to much new music either, also still listen to a lot of 80s and 90s.
Yeah, I was born in 74 an the youngest outta 5 of us kids. I think we musta been one of the first ones to have MTV in the neighborhood an I remember my brothers and sisters an some of my friends would come over to check this new channel out. I’m guessing maybe we had gotten MTV maybe a year later at the most cuz I remember when we turned the channel on channel 15 and we didn’t have MTV yet and the station was all fuzzy and you could kinda see and hear this music coming outta it. It was like wow, what this!!! But I had to have been maybe 7-8 years old when we actually got MTV. I remember NO commercials and I knew every song on it and it would put me to sleep in the one rocking chair we had. Then it musta been around the time they came out with the remote control cuz before we had remotes for the TV, I WAS THE REMOTE CONTROL! 😂 But when dad got outta the chair and ma & dad left the house we would fight over who got the chair and the remote (we called the remote control, the BOX) GIMME THE BOX!🤣 and we’d of course turn the station to channel 15 and rock out in the rockin chair to MTV! 🤣😂 I’m just grateful I was born in that or this time I guess! 😂 🤘🏼 ✌🏼
Although TLC occasionally had a rap in their songs, they are not at all rap or straight up hip-hop. They were classic rhythm and blues with beats that are associated more with what was called “new Jack swing”… a kind of different vibe than straight up hip-hop.
Love this series, thanks! Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, deserves mention. For me, it's the greatest video of my generation from 97-2005
@@jadebel7006 You must know much more, I've only been reading and taking in information on the subject for the past almost 20 years. Do you have a source?
As a kid, I had my family record MJ's Moonwalker when it came on TV and I must've watched that VHS to death. As I got older, it was fun to see all the retro TV commercials in-between bits of the movie. I gotta see if I can find that old VHS!
That video was an extra treat for me in high school. a couple semesters before, my drama class saw him in "who am I this time?" (tv film starring him and Susan Sarandon), so I was a budding fan already. He is the entire reason I ended up getting into Fatboy Slim. 😂
Was it foreshadowing that he was in the recent Dune movie while he did a music video that quotes dune the entire time? “Walk without rhythm and you won’t attract the worm.”
One thing that I wish had been covered in this video that I find to be one of the most important aspects of this specific era of MTV was that of the rise of MTV's own most prominent, well-known and groundbreaking influencers and critics of the music video artform: Beavis and Butt-Head. And no, that's not a joke. Despite being often heavily biased and divisive when it comes to the objectivity of their reviews, Beavis and Butt-Head were shockingly frank and honestly sincere about their critique. Every form of art has it's own defining critical voice, whether that was Siskel and Ebert, Leonard Maltin, or perhaps more fittingly, Joe Bob Brigs for films, or Rolling Stone when it came to the music industry by itself, the Music Video had Beavis and Butt-Head, who despite being crude, childish, churlish and highly judgemental, were scathingly critical and always able to tap into the rejection of pretentiousness, and laser focus on genuine sincerity. Anything that was disingenuous, too artificially manufactured or "fake" was always the most frequent punching bags for B&B. Even if they didn't often understand their own discerning knowledge, they had a unique wit and surprisingly insightful take on this emerging artform, even if it was a very blunt or harshly direct one. They were just as apt at slamming rock videos if they were self-indulgent, hammy or insincere as they were able to appreciate rap and hip-hop if it was honest and not forced. Beavis and Butt-Head had the layman's every-man voice. They were the voice of the disaffected, ADHD, difficult-to-impress, impulsive and fickle youth of the day, a reflection of the very generation that MTV and it's musicians and video directors were setting out to impress, and they had no problems letting their honest feelings be known, which DID reflect many of that generation, regardless of what others could say about their intelligence or professionalism. And their presence was just as important for the direction and legacy of these videos now, as much as they were when they commented on them in the timely manner they first did. In fact, a GREAT many music videos are remembered and cherished, or strongly recalled in large part to this day, more for what Beavis and Butt-Head had to say about them, than many of those people recall many of those videos on their own merits. To say Beavis and Butt-Head didn't influence or shape the music video as an artform would just simply be wrong, and to ignore their contributions to the history of the music video as an artform is just as inaccurate of a picture.
And for the record, I know Beavis and Butt-Head aren't real people, they're cartoons. Despite some of the things they do could also get a real person to be hurt, expelled, arrested or deported and that no one should try what they do at home.... I think my point still stands, that Mike Judge, the satirist BEHIND them, still deserves that same credit for everything I said before, and for how astoundingly well he understands the base-level expectations of the youth he was speaking for with funny voices. Even if everything I said above still applies to Mike Judge, rather than his cartoon superstars themselves, I think it's just as valid. Mike Judge was THE greatest critic of this artform, then, at the time, and even now.
@@the-NightStar Absolutely agree, though by the early '90s music videos were no longer a "new" artform. It was ripe for critique and deconstruction. I remember The Roots making a video parodying the numerous tropes of Hip Hop videos (What They do) and it was hilarious! But definitely give Mike Judge his flowers now for the impact he had with B&B. 100%!
I have borrowed from your content for use in my classroom for many years, and used the videos for Closer, Beautiful People, and Black Hole Sun this week in the exact way you did here. Thank you for your doing a great job and making my job both easier and more interesting.
The first few videos in this series didn’t grab my attention, but you have my interest with the MTV coverage! The first installment was great. Looking forward to this one
I remember watching MTV when I was a kid in the 90's here in Finland. Lou Bega's Mambo no.5 was one of my favorite songs at that time and I always hoped that it would appear. Of course I didn't understand the words at that time since I didn't know any English but the groove was just immaculate! I remember seeing quite a few videos from being 8 years old and as the video went on I was like "oh I've seen that as well" this happened many times.
As one of the oldest of millennials who came of age, in the '90s, I remember most all of these, & this was an incredible & joyous, nostalgic trip back to better days. For me & my generation, this was the golden era of MTV! I'd love to hear you get more into the TLC song "Waterfalls", as I've never been able to figure out what the waterfalls, in the lyrics, are a metaphor for. I remember, I immediately became a fan of Eminem, when I first saw the video for "my name is", & I'm amazed & pleased that he's been able to endure & last till this day!! Though, Polyphonic, I do remember many white kids were already listening to hip hop, long before Eminem's arrival. I particularly remember white kids, at my junior high school, referencing lyrics to Coolio songs, of the time, & I also remember just about all the white kids I knew, were walking around going "whoomp there it is". That was an amazing period!!
OMFG I LOVE YOU! JUST AS YOU WHERE DESCRIBING IT I SAID OUTLOUD "Weapon of Choice" and BAM! Dude this video was ACE!!!! Topnotch man, you REALLY did your homework HYPE WILLIAMS IS THE GREATEST!!!!!
Man I just stumbled across ur channel yesterday. And part 1 was the first one I watched. So I only had to wait overnight for part 2... What a great video.. I absolutely can't wait for part 3!!
This has been one of my favorite series ever! I've always had a special connection with music videos. And I found out from your last video that my birthday is the same day and year as the first MTV VMA's, blew my mind!
Really enjoying this series. Thank you, very well researched and definitely brings back memories for me, a gen x' er who was lucky to see and meet many you mentioned as well as see their videos on MTV.
1983, 13 years old, got home from school one day, we had just gotten this new thing… CABLE TV. The first thing I put on was MTV, was only able to watch bits of it at friend’s houses, we lived just outside the city limits and got it after everyone else. I don’t think MTV left that TV when I was watching until I moved out in 1988.
I'd be here for a vid from you on Indian music on film...ijs... I am truly enjoying this MTV series. I was there from the start as a viewer, and I am getting the same chills I got back then at seeing a lot of these videos for the first time. 💓💓
I've been watching and listening to your videos for years now. I think 7? And I just wanna say, bravo! This is one of the coolest video easays yet, thank you! Edit to add: I'll absolutely be buying your book! I don't think I've ever added something to my cart so fast 😂😂
🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎬 [Michael Jackson’s Return and “Bad” Music Video]* - After the massive success of *Thriller*, Jackson sought to create an equally ambitious follow-up with the help of director Martin Scorsese. - The music video for *Bad*, featuring themes of gang violence and intense choreography, pushed visual boundaries with a $2 million budget. - The *Bad* video marked Jackson's reign as the king of music videos, leading to further ambitious projects like *Moonwalker*. 02:18 *🎥 [Rise of Propaganda Films and Music Video Innovation]* - Propaganda Films was founded in 1986, focusing on the power of music videos to influence TV and movies. - Notable directors included David Fincher, who worked with stars like Madonna, setting a standard for cinematic music videos with works like *Express Yourself* and *Vogue*. - The production company paved the way for the next generation of iconic music video directors. 06:02 *🔥 [George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90” and Defiant Visual Storytelling]* - George Michael collaborated with David Fincher for *Freedom! '90*, symbolically rejecting his previous image as a pop star. - Iconic visuals included models lip-syncing his lyrics while symbols of his past, like the jukebox and leather jacket, were destroyed. - This music video redefined how artists could protest their objectification through powerful imagery. 09:10 *🤘 [Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Generation X Rebellion]* - Nirvana’s music video for *Smells Like Teen Spirit* captured the raw, rebellious energy of Generation X with a low-budget punk aesthetic. - The chaotic set and mosh pit scenes, inspired by *Over the Edge*, embody youthful rage and angst. - Nirvana’s anti-establishment visuals solidified the video as a cultural phenomenon and shifted MTV’s focus toward grunge and alternative music. 11:55 *🎭 [Artistic Storytelling in Alternative Rock Videos]* - R.E.M.’s *Losing My Religion*, directed by Tarsem Singh, used surreal, dreamlike imagery that contrasted with conventional performance videos. - Videos like Pearl Jam’s *Jeremy* and Blind Melon’s *No Rain* continued to explore complex themes with cinematic storytelling. - This era redefined music videos as a medium for deep emotional expression beyond traditional performance. 15:01 *🕷️ [Dark and Grimy Aesthetics of Industrial and Grunge Music Videos]* - Nine Inch Nails’ *Closer*, directed by Mark Romanek, used disturbing visuals to mirror themes of self-hatred and dark eroticism. - Videos from Marilyn Manson and Soundgarden also incorporated horror, grime, and surrealism, reflecting the edgier trends in the ’90s. - This gritty aesthetic influenced a wave of haunting visuals, symbolizing societal unease and rebellion. 17:21 *🌌 [“Scream” and the New Era of High-Budget Music Videos]* - *Scream*, a collaboration between Michael and Janet Jackson, became one of the most expensive music videos with its $7 million budget. - Directed by Mark Romanek, the video employed elaborate sci-fi sets and futuristic choreography, signifying pop culture’s push toward the millennium. - The Jacksons’ sci-fi approach in *Scream* influenced the aesthetic direction of late '90s and early 2000s pop music videos. 20:12 *🛸 [Afrofuturism in Hip-Hop Videos and Missy Elliott’s Impact]* - Missy Elliott’s *The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)* video, directed by Hype Williams, brought Afrofuturistic elements to the forefront with Missy’s inflatable suit. - The video’s futuristic fashion and unique style cemented Elliott and Williams’ influence on hip-hop aesthetics. - The success of *The Rain* propelled Hype Williams as a visionary director in hip-hop and pop music. 22:50 *🚓 [Gangsta Rap Videos and the Grit of Urban Realism]* - Hip-hop videos from artists like N.W.A. brought gritty realism to MTV, reflecting the streets' harsh realities and social unrest. - Hype Williams’ unique techniques, like fisheye lenses and dramatic cuts, became synonymous with '90s hip-hop visual style. - The genre’s growing popularity on MTV solidified hip-hop as a dominant force in music culture. 23:59 *🎩 [Biggie’s “Hypnotize” and High-Level Gangster Imagery]* - *Hypnotize* elevated the gangster aesthetic, presenting Biggie as a Scarface-style figure with federal authorities in pursuit. - Marked a shift from street-level to high-life, luxury-focused gangster visuals in hip-hop. - This style contributed to rap’s rising mainstream appeal throughout the '90s. 25:26 *🎭 [Eminem’s Rise and Slim Shady’s Impact]* - *My Name Is* introduced Eminem’s comedic, surreal Slim Shady persona, a character pivotal to his cultural impact. - His video *The Real Slim Shady* was the first rap video to win Best Video at the VMAs, marking rap’s mainstream acceptance. - Eminem’s darker video *Stan* contrasted with his comedic work, demonstrating his versatility and the disturbing obsession of fandom. 27:10 *🎬 [Notable ’90s Directors and Visual Innovators in Music Videos]* - Directors like Sophie Muller, Stephanie Sednaoui, Wayne Isham, and Michel Gondry shaped alternative rock, pop, and experimental music visuals. - Each brought a unique style: Muller with intimate band visuals, Sednaoui with edgy aesthetics, Isham’s work with boy bands, and Gondry’s inventive techniques. - Their influence cemented various visual styles that continued to shape music video aesthetics. 27:53 *🎥 [Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” and Iconic Dance Performance]* - Directed by Spike Jonze, *Weapon of Choice* starred Christopher Walken, showcasing unexpected humor and surrealism. - Walken’s tap dance performance juxtaposed with his typically tough-guy persona added irony and charm. - The video’s creative simplicity demonstrated the growing power of unique ideas over big budgets in the evolving digital music video landscape. 29:29 *🌐 [Transition to the Digital Era in Music Videos]* - As audiences gained easier access to music videos, a memorable concept became as valuable as high budgets. - This shift foreshadowed the dramatic changes that digital platforms would soon bring, revolutionizing video accessibility and creativity. - The coming transformation in music video consumption paralleled the impact of MTV’s original launch. Made with HARPA AI
Honestly, I love this series so far! I can't wait for the next video!!!!! Also, it would be good to mention Daft Punks Discovery!! Such a good collaboration between animation and music. Personally, I love how the MVs combine into a movie. Too bad there are barely any videos about it. I would love to see your take on them!
Just wanna say I've been loving this series, but in one of my Communications classes the professor gave us some readings and videos about punk, and one of them was your video on Riot Grrrl! I was like omg, I love polyphonic, really glad to have found your channel 🩵
I LOVE THIS VIDEO. It sure brings back a lot of great memories for me. Just a few years out of film school at Cal State Long Beach, I was fortunate enough to BS my way into producing. Eventually this led to producing music videos for Hype Williams and Paul Hunter. I mostly produce commercials nowadays. I’ve produced for artists such as Michael Jackson (featuring Marlon Brandon & Chris Tucker), Janet Jackson, U2, Jennifer Lopez, Lenny Kravitz, Deftones, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and many more. You’re 100% correct about the budgets being massive between late 1998 and 2001 before digital downloading and 9/11, reversed this trend. However, I recently produced a huge music video for Disney, that’s supposed to be released Valentine’s Day, 2025. (I can’t say what it is, though) I often get asked by young filmmakers when huge budgets are coming back and the sad reality is that they won’t, unless it’s the very rare super star (Taylor Swift), or an anomaly that happens every couple years. Those days of “just throw money at the problem” to fix it are gone forever. One thing you didn’t touch on was how incredibly well paid and wealthy many of these directors became. It wasn’t unusual for the top 5-6 directors to make between $500,000 and $750,000 for a single video. I personally know of a couple directors that made one million dollars on ONE music video. Anyway, thank you for this series. It’s absolutely one of my favorites on UA-cam. Have a great holiday season, everyone!
I love music videos. Just this year the band While She Sleeps released the music video for, "To The Flower's" that left me in tears. Such a beautiful piece of art.
Push It by Garbage was definitely one of the most exciting videos of the 90s, still can't believe it didn't win any awards at the 1998 MTV VMA's despite being nominated for 8!
Yeah, since this went up to 2000ish, I was expecting to see Windowlicker at least get an honourable mention. It got airplay on MTV, though only late at night, but I consider it one of the best music videos ever, second only to Thriller, both in the choreography and the conceptual nature. Similarly with Come to Daddy.
Sendo brasileiro, fã da nossa música, e do nosso samba, é simplesmente uma honra que esse episódio, do meu canal favorito, tenha sido encerrado dando importância ao "music video" onde meu ator favorito faz essa performance numa música que teve total influência na nossa música. Obrigado, mr. Polyphonic! Eu vou criar uma versão para os PT-BR dos seus vídeos, autorize você ou não! Te amo!
I'm 35 and remember watching Fresh Prince and Martin in the 90s but I never saw the Bad Boys movies until last month! Well as I was between watching those I watched "I Touch Myself" music video for the first time as well because a Sabrina Carpenter song sounds very much like it. I kinda got obsessed with the music video cuz of that part you showed where she does a little dance move. Well anyway from watching your video I just found out that Micheal Bay the director of the Bad Boy movies was also the director of that music video! Pretty weird how I didn't watch either of those for 20+ years and then discover them at the same time and they happened to be directed by him lol. End of story, sorry I wasted your time.
The Michael and Janet Jackson video really open the doors for the late 90's and the early 2000's futuristic look although the Michael Jackson video came out in 1995 AKA the heart of the 90's.
I produced and edited music videos throughout the late 90s in Canada. The most creative and fulfilling years of my life. Financially it wasn’t tremendous but still worth it. The DIY aesthetic of OK-GO showed that anyone at any budget can make engaging videos. It’s a pity the art form is basically dead. It’s the best way to get started in filmmaking.
i became obsessed with the scream video. i didn't like it at first but it grew on me and i tried for months to tape it but it was after being in heavy rotation. what a great song. it's a shame what michael probably did to those kids tho so fnck him
I am Indian and I was like 11 when MTV came to us via cable TV. In the 90s for a short time, we had indi-pop - that was supposed to be a pun on it being Indian as well as independent (of the film industry) and some of the videos were pretty cool. Lots of male gazey videos but some truly pretty videos as well. You should check it out when you're bored
Really well made mini-doc, I appreciate your pacing and tone throughout. As someone who grew up in the 90s, I remember these videos but was too young to grasp how much music videos meant to pop culture at the time. Folks always had MTV on after school and music videos just seemed a part of the background fabric of my childhood. Thanks for the deep dive into some core memories
If you're enjoying this series, the next episode is available now on Nebula: nebula.tv/videos/polyphonic-how-the-internet-killed-mtv
when will it be available on UA-cam?
Total cows dung.
He was a paedophile.
Why do people ignore this.
Shameful.
He was a paedophile.
Why do people forget this?
Are you all complicit?
Disgusting!
@@forceawakens4449
Hopefully never!
Disgusting freak!
Tim Pope? Alex Proyas?
shoutout to everyone who recorded music videos on VHS tapes in the 90's
🫶🏽
Especially the uncensored ones on The Box 🤫
First semester of Highschool, I had an epic VHS music video tape: Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, Foo Fighters - Everlong, Mase - Mo Money, Biggy - Big Poppa, Fatboy Slim - Praise You
Still got em
We taped the Countdown every year and kept a written list for 'handy reference'
total nerds 😆
I watched pretty much all of these as a tween and teen, so this is like a fun retrospective for me. It strangely gave me more a timeline for episodes of my youth.
Music is how I remember my life in terms of time frame.
Wow. That's really interesting.
Music is a time machine.
I came here to say something similar. ❤
The music may be great but behind the scenes the entertainment business is a cesspool
Thank you for recognizing the impact of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. It was high-concept and had an enduring message with an incredibly infectious beat. Few people understand how influential this video really is.
the video, and that whole album! i played that cassette to death.. actually, i still have it! so good.💙
OMFG. The woke comment in the comments. 😴
@@Teen-Conor tf you talking about???
Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. A seriously underrated pop masterwork.
Janet Jackson was a Jehovahs Witnesss.
Janet took all her inspiration from the Hebrews, credit she would willingly acknowledge if you asked her.
Jamiroquai had a really good ‘sequel’ to Virtual Insanity’s video with Canned Heat.
I was born in 1978 and I'm so glad I grew up in the 80s and 90s with this music and these videos. Watching MTV was such a thrill back then
Agreed, born in 77.... We had a good run when it came to all forms of music and video. Pop,rock, metal,rap.... all of it was good!!
My kids in their 20s agree, "Dad, you grew up in a great era of music".... tbey dont listen to much new music, they both listen to 90s stuff mostly. We lived in a golden era of music!
@@realiteatimeforall we did! If i'd been born less than a week earlier I would've been '77 too :D
I don't listen to much new music either, also still listen to a lot of 80s and 90s.
83 baby here, still remember getting so excited for trl...beginning of the end though I guess lol
Yeah, I was born in 74 an the youngest outta 5 of us kids. I think we musta been one of the first ones to have MTV in the neighborhood an I remember my brothers and sisters an some of my friends would come over to check this new channel out. I’m guessing maybe we had gotten MTV maybe a year later at the most cuz I remember when we turned the channel on channel 15 and we didn’t have MTV yet and the station was all fuzzy and you could kinda see and hear this music coming outta it. It was like wow, what this!!! But I had to have been maybe 7-8 years old when we actually got MTV. I remember NO commercials and I knew every song on it and it would put me to sleep in the one rocking chair we had. Then it musta been around the time they came out with the remote control cuz before we had remotes for the TV, I WAS THE REMOTE CONTROL! 😂 But when dad got outta the chair and ma & dad left the house we would fight over who got the chair and the remote (we called the remote control, the BOX) GIMME THE BOX!🤣 and we’d of course turn the station to channel 15 and rock out in the rockin chair to MTV! 🤣😂 I’m just grateful I was born in that or this time I guess! 😂 🤘🏼 ✌🏼
I was born in 1974 and I feel exactly the same !!! 80’s was the BEST decade to grow up in 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
A half hour Polyphonic video? My feed hasn't been this blessed in a long time.
Sounds like you're about to go on a Polyphonic spree.
Sorry, I'll see myself out. 😅
I met one of my best friends on Club MTV we used to be dancers on the show. Lol
That’s awesome. I thought downtown Julie Brown was so hot when I was a kid. I still think she is lol
@pensivepenguin3000 oh she wasn't a nice person . She wouldn't talk to us the dancers. Not unless she had too. Or than that.
@@lateefpou2986 She seemed high-maintenance.
@ingridfong-daley5899 The t v doesn't do justice to how much makeup she had on
Facts oohhh boy
Took me 3 hours to watch this video, had to pause and watch a lot of videos that I hadn't seen in years :) Thanks dude!
Although TLC occasionally had a rap in their songs, they are not at all rap or straight up hip-hop. They were classic rhythm and blues with beats that are associated more with what was called “new Jack swing”… a kind of different vibe than straight up hip-hop.
Thank you for correcting that. I'm seeing a pattern with ppl throwing R&B under the Rap/Hip Hop moniker more and more with no basis for it.
Love this series, thanks! Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, deserves mention. For me, it's the greatest video of my generation from 97-2005
Glad to see MJ get his due for his films, he really went above and beyond for every part of his craft.
it's MJ... he's never not gotten his dues lol tf
@@verraque do you normally awkwardly insert yourself into places you’re not wanted?
Years creating 'bad' or years rping kids.. idk why you ppl keep pretending he didn't.. its sick.. and so are you
@@jadebel7006 You must know much more, I've only been reading and taking in information on the subject for the past almost 20 years. Do you have a source?
As a kid, I had my family record MJ's Moonwalker when it came on TV and I must've watched that VHS to death. As I got older, it was fun to see all the retro TV commercials in-between bits of the movie. I gotta see if I can find that old VHS!
"Weapon of Choice" Yeah baby... Christopher Walken dancing up a STORM. Must have been so much fun to record!
That video was an extra treat for me in high school. a couple semesters before, my drama class saw him in "who am I this time?" (tv film starring him and Susan Sarandon), so I was a budding fan already. He is the entire reason I ended up getting into Fatboy Slim. 😂
I let an out audible “Oh hell yeah” when he hit that haha
Was it foreshadowing that he was in the recent Dune movie while he did a music video that quotes dune the entire time? “Walk without rhythm and you won’t attract the worm.”
hell yeah i’ve been loving the mtv stuff
One thing that I wish had been covered in this video that I find to be one of the most important aspects of this specific era of MTV was that of the rise of MTV's own most prominent, well-known and groundbreaking influencers and critics of the music video artform: Beavis and Butt-Head.
And no, that's not a joke.
Despite being often heavily biased and divisive when it comes to the objectivity of their reviews, Beavis and Butt-Head were shockingly frank and honestly sincere about their critique. Every form of art has it's own defining critical voice, whether that was Siskel and Ebert, Leonard Maltin, or perhaps more fittingly, Joe Bob Brigs for films, or Rolling Stone when it came to the music industry by itself, the Music Video had Beavis and Butt-Head, who despite being crude, childish, churlish and highly judgemental, were scathingly critical and always able to tap into the rejection of pretentiousness, and laser focus on genuine sincerity. Anything that was disingenuous, too artificially manufactured or "fake" was always the most frequent punching bags for B&B. Even if they didn't often understand their own discerning knowledge, they had a unique wit and surprisingly insightful take on this emerging artform, even if it was a very blunt or harshly direct one.
They were just as apt at slamming rock videos if they were self-indulgent, hammy or insincere as they were able to appreciate rap and hip-hop if it was honest and not forced. Beavis and Butt-Head had the layman's every-man voice. They were the voice of the disaffected, ADHD, difficult-to-impress, impulsive and fickle youth of the day, a reflection of the very generation that MTV and it's musicians and video directors were setting out to impress, and they had no problems letting their honest feelings be known, which DID reflect many of that generation, regardless of what others could say about their intelligence or professionalism. And their presence was just as important for the direction and legacy of these videos now, as much as they were when they commented on them in the timely manner they first did. In fact, a GREAT many music videos are remembered and cherished, or strongly recalled in large part to this day, more for what Beavis and Butt-Head had to say about them, than many of those people recall many of those videos on their own merits.
To say Beavis and Butt-Head didn't influence or shape the music video as an artform would just simply be wrong, and to ignore their contributions to the history of the music video as an artform is just as inaccurate of a picture.
And for the record, I know Beavis and Butt-Head aren't real people, they're cartoons. Despite some of the things they do could also get a real person to be hurt, expelled, arrested or deported and that no one should try what they do at home.... I think my point still stands, that Mike Judge, the satirist BEHIND them, still deserves that same credit for everything I said before, and for how astoundingly well he understands the base-level expectations of the youth he was speaking for with funny voices. Even if everything I said above still applies to Mike Judge, rather than his cartoon superstars themselves, I think it's just as valid. Mike Judge was THE greatest critic of this artform, then, at the time, and even now.
There was even a movie: Beavis & Butthead do America. Loved it. I did prefer Daria maybe because as a girl I could identify with her.
I have an awesome Beavis & Butthead t-shirt. .....
like wearing it with a blazer.
"I need tee-pee for
my b u n g hole"
I approve your Ted Talk 🤍
"This is Joey Buttafuoco's theme song" about the Winger song is hilarious
@@the-NightStar Absolutely agree, though by the early '90s music videos were no longer a "new" artform. It was ripe for critique and deconstruction. I remember The Roots making a video parodying the numerous tropes of Hip Hop videos (What They do) and it was hilarious! But definitely give Mike Judge his flowers now for the impact he had with B&B. 100%!
Janet's Rhythm Nation album and its videos were groundbreaking. It will forever be my favorite Janet album.
I have borrowed from your content for use in my classroom for many years, and used the videos for Closer, Beautiful People, and Black Hole Sun this week in the exact way you did here. Thank you for your doing a great job and making my job both easier and more interesting.
You sound like you have a class I would have hyperfocused on like no tomorrow.
weapon of choice will forever be one of my all time favorite music videos of all time.
I was really REALLy focused on my job, then I got this notification and well, now I’m focused on this video! Thanks! I needed to take a break:3
Missy Elliot walking through Brooklyn in a giant inflated suit sounds like it’s own music video tbh lol
The first few videos in this series didn’t grab my attention, but you have my interest with the MTV coverage! The first installment was great. Looking forward to this one
I remember watching MTV when I was a kid in the 90's here in Finland. Lou Bega's Mambo no.5 was one of my favorite songs at that time and I always hoped that it would appear. Of course I didn't understand the words at that time since I didn't know any English but the groove was just immaculate! I remember seeing quite a few videos from being 8 years old and as the video went on I was like "oh I've seen that as well" this happened many times.
What a fun trip back to when i grew up. Really well put together too. Thanks for this.
90's and early 2000s videos are something else, full vibe on them
As one of the oldest of millennials who came of age, in the '90s, I remember most all of these, & this was an incredible & joyous, nostalgic trip back to better days. For me & my generation, this was the golden era of MTV! I'd love to hear you get more into the TLC song "Waterfalls", as I've never been able to figure out what the waterfalls, in the lyrics, are a metaphor for. I remember, I immediately became a fan of Eminem, when I first saw the video for "my name is", & I'm amazed & pleased that he's been able to endure & last till this day!! Though, Polyphonic, I do remember many white kids were already listening to hip hop, long before Eminem's arrival. I particularly remember white kids, at my junior high school, referencing lyrics to Coolio songs, of the time, & I also remember just about all the white kids I knew, were walking around going "whoomp there it is". That was an amazing period!!
So good content. Surprised the MTV Unplugged(s) aren't in topic as well.
A lot of it was pretty forgettable, but Nirvana's cover of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" was pretty important.
Tbh, i think even the forgettable performances are worth going through an anthology bc of it documenting the raw artistry of the decade @shayneweyker
MTV Unplugged was just plain boring in my opinion.
Great trip down memory lane!
Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" was really different at the time and kind of haunted me as a child.
Loved seeing my childhood again. Thanks.
This takes me back to a great time in my life
Go Go Jason Waterfalls!
😂😂😂
😂😂😂
"Please don't stick those beavers in the lake like you used to" 🪈
😂😂😂😂I thought my wife was the only one who said that
@@EnydCrowfeather Uh........those aren't the correct lyrics?? Whatcumean!
OMFG I LOVE YOU!
JUST AS YOU WHERE DESCRIBING IT I SAID OUTLOUD "Weapon of Choice" and BAM!
Dude this video was ACE!!!! Topnotch man, you REALLY did your homework HYPE WILLIAMS IS THE GREATEST!!!!!
Man I just stumbled across ur channel yesterday. And part 1 was the first one I watched. So I only had to wait overnight for part 2... What a great video.. I absolutely can't wait for part 3!!
you are COOKING with this series. I'm super excited for the early-internet era
This has been one of my favorite series ever! I've always had a special connection with music videos. And I found out from your last video that my birthday is the same day and year as the first MTV VMA's, blew my mind!
Really enjoying this series. Thank you, very well researched and definitely brings back memories for me, a gen x' er who was lucky to see and meet many you mentioned as well as see their videos on MTV.
1983, 13 years old, got home from school one day, we had just gotten this new thing… CABLE TV. The first thing I put on was MTV, was only able to watch bits of it at friend’s houses, we lived just outside the city limits and got it after everyone else. I don’t think MTV left that TV when I was watching until I moved out in 1988.
That water drip sound at 7:50 😆
I was hoping somebody else noticed it. You just know bro edited it to be just right.😅🤙
I'd be here for a vid from you on Indian music on film...ijs...
I am truly enjoying this MTV series. I was there from the start as a viewer, and I am getting the same chills I got back then at seeing a lot of these videos for the first time. 💓💓
Hip Hop has been incorporating a lot of Bollywood esthetiques since the late '80s!
This was the era when it became socially acceptable for music videos to be art, instead of just performance.
What a great video! Full of nostalgia from some of the best years in music 🎶
there's so much good in this video, i don't even know what to say.. so i'll just say thank you. it's resonating deeply with me.💙
I've been watching and listening to your videos for years now. I think 7?
And I just wanna say, bravo! This is one of the coolest video easays yet, thank you!
Edit to add: I'll absolutely be buying your book! I don't think I've ever added something to my cart so fast 😂😂
Don't forget David Lynch's influence on Black Hole Sun with it's obvious nod to Twin Peaks.
🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:00 *🎬 [Michael Jackson’s Return and “Bad” Music Video]*
- After the massive success of *Thriller*, Jackson sought to create an equally ambitious follow-up with the help of director Martin Scorsese.
- The music video for *Bad*, featuring themes of gang violence and intense choreography, pushed visual boundaries with a $2 million budget.
- The *Bad* video marked Jackson's reign as the king of music videos, leading to further ambitious projects like *Moonwalker*.
02:18 *🎥 [Rise of Propaganda Films and Music Video Innovation]*
- Propaganda Films was founded in 1986, focusing on the power of music videos to influence TV and movies.
- Notable directors included David Fincher, who worked with stars like Madonna, setting a standard for cinematic music videos with works like *Express Yourself* and *Vogue*.
- The production company paved the way for the next generation of iconic music video directors.
06:02 *🔥 [George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90” and Defiant Visual Storytelling]*
- George Michael collaborated with David Fincher for *Freedom! '90*, symbolically rejecting his previous image as a pop star.
- Iconic visuals included models lip-syncing his lyrics while symbols of his past, like the jukebox and leather jacket, were destroyed.
- This music video redefined how artists could protest their objectification through powerful imagery.
09:10 *🤘 [Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Generation X Rebellion]*
- Nirvana’s music video for *Smells Like Teen Spirit* captured the raw, rebellious energy of Generation X with a low-budget punk aesthetic.
- The chaotic set and mosh pit scenes, inspired by *Over the Edge*, embody youthful rage and angst.
- Nirvana’s anti-establishment visuals solidified the video as a cultural phenomenon and shifted MTV’s focus toward grunge and alternative music.
11:55 *🎭 [Artistic Storytelling in Alternative Rock Videos]*
- R.E.M.’s *Losing My Religion*, directed by Tarsem Singh, used surreal, dreamlike imagery that contrasted with conventional performance videos.
- Videos like Pearl Jam’s *Jeremy* and Blind Melon’s *No Rain* continued to explore complex themes with cinematic storytelling.
- This era redefined music videos as a medium for deep emotional expression beyond traditional performance.
15:01 *🕷️ [Dark and Grimy Aesthetics of Industrial and Grunge Music Videos]*
- Nine Inch Nails’ *Closer*, directed by Mark Romanek, used disturbing visuals to mirror themes of self-hatred and dark eroticism.
- Videos from Marilyn Manson and Soundgarden also incorporated horror, grime, and surrealism, reflecting the edgier trends in the ’90s.
- This gritty aesthetic influenced a wave of haunting visuals, symbolizing societal unease and rebellion.
17:21 *🌌 [“Scream” and the New Era of High-Budget Music Videos]*
- *Scream*, a collaboration between Michael and Janet Jackson, became one of the most expensive music videos with its $7 million budget.
- Directed by Mark Romanek, the video employed elaborate sci-fi sets and futuristic choreography, signifying pop culture’s push toward the millennium.
- The Jacksons’ sci-fi approach in *Scream* influenced the aesthetic direction of late '90s and early 2000s pop music videos.
20:12 *🛸 [Afrofuturism in Hip-Hop Videos and Missy Elliott’s Impact]*
- Missy Elliott’s *The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)* video, directed by Hype Williams, brought Afrofuturistic elements to the forefront with Missy’s inflatable suit.
- The video’s futuristic fashion and unique style cemented Elliott and Williams’ influence on hip-hop aesthetics.
- The success of *The Rain* propelled Hype Williams as a visionary director in hip-hop and pop music.
22:50 *🚓 [Gangsta Rap Videos and the Grit of Urban Realism]*
- Hip-hop videos from artists like N.W.A. brought gritty realism to MTV, reflecting the streets' harsh realities and social unrest.
- Hype Williams’ unique techniques, like fisheye lenses and dramatic cuts, became synonymous with '90s hip-hop visual style.
- The genre’s growing popularity on MTV solidified hip-hop as a dominant force in music culture.
23:59 *🎩 [Biggie’s “Hypnotize” and High-Level Gangster Imagery]*
- *Hypnotize* elevated the gangster aesthetic, presenting Biggie as a Scarface-style figure with federal authorities in pursuit.
- Marked a shift from street-level to high-life, luxury-focused gangster visuals in hip-hop.
- This style contributed to rap’s rising mainstream appeal throughout the '90s.
25:26 *🎭 [Eminem’s Rise and Slim Shady’s Impact]*
- *My Name Is* introduced Eminem’s comedic, surreal Slim Shady persona, a character pivotal to his cultural impact.
- His video *The Real Slim Shady* was the first rap video to win Best Video at the VMAs, marking rap’s mainstream acceptance.
- Eminem’s darker video *Stan* contrasted with his comedic work, demonstrating his versatility and the disturbing obsession of fandom.
27:10 *🎬 [Notable ’90s Directors and Visual Innovators in Music Videos]*
- Directors like Sophie Muller, Stephanie Sednaoui, Wayne Isham, and Michel Gondry shaped alternative rock, pop, and experimental music visuals.
- Each brought a unique style: Muller with intimate band visuals, Sednaoui with edgy aesthetics, Isham’s work with boy bands, and Gondry’s inventive techniques.
- Their influence cemented various visual styles that continued to shape music video aesthetics.
27:53 *🎥 [Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” and Iconic Dance Performance]*
- Directed by Spike Jonze, *Weapon of Choice* starred Christopher Walken, showcasing unexpected humor and surrealism.
- Walken’s tap dance performance juxtaposed with his typically tough-guy persona added irony and charm.
- The video’s creative simplicity demonstrated the growing power of unique ideas over big budgets in the evolving digital music video landscape.
29:29 *🌐 [Transition to the Digital Era in Music Videos]*
- As audiences gained easier access to music videos, a memorable concept became as valuable as high budgets.
- This shift foreshadowed the dramatic changes that digital platforms would soon bring, revolutionizing video accessibility and creativity.
- The coming transformation in music video consumption paralleled the impact of MTV’s original launch.
Made with HARPA AI
Great video, man. I grew up watching MTV through all of these eras and love the nostalgia here
i am 100% here for this series!
Honestly, I love this series so far! I can't wait for the next video!!!!! Also, it would be good to mention Daft Punks Discovery!! Such a good collaboration between animation and music. Personally, I love how the MVs combine into a movie. Too bad there are barely any videos about it. I would love to see your take on them!
Love these videos and the memories they bring back.
This brought so many memories back from being 11 and 12 and on... wild. Thanks for making this video!
Weapon of Choice was and still is one of my favorite videos. Loved this video man. You get a new sub.
Just wanna say I've been loving this series, but in one of my Communications classes the professor gave us some readings and videos about punk, and one of them was your video on Riot Grrrl! I was like omg, I love polyphonic, really glad to have found your channel 🩵
I LOVE THIS VIDEO. It sure brings back a lot of great memories for me.
Just a few years out of film school at Cal State Long Beach, I was fortunate enough to BS my way into producing. Eventually this led to producing music videos for Hype Williams and Paul Hunter. I mostly produce commercials nowadays.
I’ve produced for artists such as Michael Jackson (featuring Marlon Brandon & Chris Tucker), Janet Jackson, U2, Jennifer Lopez, Lenny Kravitz, Deftones, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and many more.
You’re 100% correct about the budgets being massive between late 1998 and 2001 before digital downloading and 9/11, reversed this trend.
However, I recently produced a huge music video for Disney, that’s supposed to be released Valentine’s Day, 2025. (I can’t say what it is, though)
I often get asked by young filmmakers when huge budgets are coming back and the sad reality is that they won’t, unless it’s the very rare super star (Taylor Swift), or an anomaly that happens every couple years.
Those days of “just throw money at the problem” to fix it are gone forever.
One thing you didn’t touch on was how incredibly well paid and wealthy many of these directors became. It wasn’t unusual for the top 5-6 directors to make between $500,000 and $750,000 for a single video. I personally know of a couple directors that made one million dollars on ONE music video.
Anyway, thank you for this series. It’s absolutely one of my favorites on UA-cam.
Have a great holiday season, everyone!
Your videos are all so good. Thank you!
5:50 George Michael is mentioned ... YAY!! Woo-Hoo 🤗😁👍😊🤩 Now Polyphonic if u can can only make a separate video about him that would be cool 😎
I love music videos. Just this year the band While She Sleeps released the music video for, "To The Flower's" that left me in tears. Such a beautiful piece of art.
You`re so insultingly talented for everything that involves the process of producing a video like this. Thank you SO MUCH and please NEVER stop.
"Upstart Punk Band" Love this way of describing my boys!! Perfect 💯
Can't thank you enough for your content 😢😢😢❤❤❤
I'll say it. This video is really good. Memories with actual interesting facts. Well done !
Push It by Garbage was definitely one of the most exciting videos of the 90s, still can't believe it didn't win any awards at the 1998 MTV VMA's despite being nominated for 8!
Great video, but I can't believe you didn't mention Chris Cunningham. One of the most iconic video directors of the 90's, imo.
Yeah, since this went up to 2000ish, I was expecting to see Windowlicker at least get an honourable mention. It got airplay on MTV, though only late at night, but I consider it one of the best music videos ever, second only to Thriller, both in the choreography and the conceptual nature. Similarly with Come to Daddy.
The best😊
Dude I was just just wondering if anyone made a doc about MTV and found your series.
Thank you for making this!
Awesome video. A walk through my childhood and adolesence!
excellent production and content. I will watch the whole series. Thanks
This series has been phenomenal.
amazing video!! i really enjoyed this episode.
Loving the series so far, can’t wait for the next one.
Sendo brasileiro, fã da nossa música, e do nosso samba, é simplesmente uma honra que esse episódio, do meu canal favorito, tenha sido encerrado dando importância ao "music video" onde meu ator favorito faz essa performance numa música que teve total influência na nossa música.
Obrigado, mr. Polyphonic!
Eu vou criar uma versão para os PT-BR dos seus vídeos, autorize você ou não! Te amo!
I'm 35 and remember watching Fresh Prince and Martin in the 90s but I never saw the Bad Boys movies until last month! Well as I was between watching those I watched "I Touch Myself" music video for the first time as well because a Sabrina Carpenter song sounds very much like it. I kinda got obsessed with the music video cuz of that part you showed where she does a little dance move. Well anyway from watching your video I just found out that Micheal Bay the director of the Bad Boy movies was also the director of that music video! Pretty weird how I didn't watch either of those for 20+ years and then discover them at the same time and they happened to be directed by him lol. End of story, sorry I wasted your time.
The Michael and Janet Jackson video really open the doors for the late 90's and the early 2000's futuristic look although the Michael Jackson video came out in 1995 AKA the heart of the 90's.
4:16 Jaden Smith is a time traveler,dibs on that conspiracy theory!lol...
These videos have been amazing keep it up!
Such an amazing ideas for a series, really love these videos
Amazing, I love your videos. Keep it up
another banger video, I was a bit young for MTV so its fun to learn more about something i've only seen in passing as a little kid!
Great video. You really hit me right in the nostalgia.
Awesome video, man! Can't wait for the next one! 🤘
This was half an hour well spent. Thanks
You knocked it out of the park yet again
This video is absolutely awesome. I'm so glad my algorithm knew what to do today!
Keep it up, I'm subbed and ready for more :D
Fantastic video. This was really insightful, super engaging.
I remember when “Smack My B!tch Up” premiered on MTV. What an excellent concept and execution for a video.
Your videos are always top tier
Once this series finishes, I’m gonna watch it again 🫡
I remember when BAD came out.....
I remember going to the mall with Ma and getting the 45
I feel like i've learned something even if I lived through half of it and knew it all, good job on this one
You’re videos are so cool dude, I love them :)❤
Love the series, thank you!
I really appreciate your videos man.
🎉 *CONGRATULATIONS* 🎉
Youve Got A Fk'n Book Out Man!
Wishing you continued success + many many blessings
You Rock🤍
I produced and edited music videos throughout the late 90s in Canada. The most creative and fulfilling years of my life. Financially it wasn’t tremendous but still worth it.
The DIY aesthetic of OK-GO showed that anyone at any budget can make engaging videos. It’s a pity the art form is basically dead. It’s the best way to get started in filmmaking.
I think "Drop" by Pharcyde was worth a mention with its reversed filming 🎥
Hey, algorithm,
YES. HELL TO THE YES. MORE OF THIS PLEASE
My favorite part of this series is having great music videos to watch later!
Would love to have a playlist made of them
thank you @polyphonic ! got the book. it's awesome !!!!
Wow, I did not expect you to gloss right over Tool's videos
i became obsessed with the scream video. i didn't like it at first but it grew on me and i tried for months to tape it but it was after being in heavy rotation. what a great song. it's a shame what michael probably did to those kids tho so fnck him
I am Indian and I was like 11 when MTV came to us via cable TV. In the 90s for a short time, we had indi-pop - that was supposed to be a pun on it being Indian as well as independent (of the film industry) and some of the videos were pretty cool. Lots of male gazey videos but some truly pretty videos as well. You should check it out when you're bored
Really well made mini-doc, I appreciate your pacing and tone throughout. As someone who grew up in the 90s, I remember these videos but was too young to grasp how much music videos meant to pop culture at the time.
Folks always had MTV on after school and music videos just seemed a part of the background fabric of my childhood. Thanks for the deep dive into some core memories