PLAYLIST: The Best Videos of Last Week

BADBADNOTGOOD – Lavender ft. Kaytranada

Now, we’re not saying that Dungeons and Dragons was the reason Will Byers ended up in The Upsidedown in Stranger Things, but the video for BADBADNOTGOOD‘s collab with Kaytranada isn’t exactly helping the case. Lavender is the second video to come off the back of this year’s album IV and centres around a D&D campaign gone horribly wrong. Seemingly all hope is lost after a shady as hell Dungeon Master shackles the band to their chairs and even a holographic Kaytranada can’t rescue them when they’re forced into a game of Russian Roulette.

Thankfully, when the pizza (food of Gods and basement nerds alike) arrives, they have time to poison his drink, leading him to a gruesome and bloody death. Honestly, all the kidnapping and death could have been avoided if they’d just gone with John Dempsey -a far more legit-seeming Dungeon Master 4 Hire whose infomercial runs at the end of the clip- instead of some dude whose ad was stapled to an electrical pole.

Emeli Sandé – Garden

The video for Scottish singer Emeli Sandé utterly dreamy track Garden is, as expected following the track’s October release, exquisite and ethereal. Set on the grounds of a resplendent estate in the country-side, the clip has Sandé, along with an entourage that includes featured artists Áine Zion and Jay Electronica surrounded by greenery and shrouded in mist and smoke as Sandé distinct, hypnotic, haunting vocal refrain echoes throughout. Speaking about the song, which she says is her favourite on the album, Sandé said it was “an expression of freedom and passion, two important parts of life, which I hadn’t really explored until a few years ago.”

All Our Exes Live In Texas – Tell Me (Live)

Heartache personified is a song called Tell Me by Sydney’s All Our Exes Live In Texas. So poignant is the song –a one-sided conversation between two former lovers– that the folk quartet didn’t need to make use of an overly conceptual music video. Instead, the live clip consists of a stage, beautiful soft lighting and places all the focus on the raw emotions of rejection and longing brought to life through the swaying group harmonies and poignant instrumentation.

Alicia Keys, Blended Family (What You Do For Love) ft. A$AP Rocky

Following the release of her latest album Here, Alicia Keys has returned to her heartfelt sound with second single, the beautiful Blended Family. With a laid-back guitar driven beat, Keys’ tone glides beautifully over the track, only to be contrasted by a similarly sincere verse from A$AP Rocky. The video too continues this genuine feel, exhibiting people and families as they laugh and interact, not to mention the chemistry that Alicia Keys and Rocky show in the video; feel good is an understatement.

A Tribe Called Quest, We The People…

After releasing their final album just two weeks ago following the passing of the legendary Phife Dawg, A Tribe Called Quest have now continued their incredible takeover with visuals for We The People… It couldn’t have come at a more better time; with America split in two ahead of the recent presidential election, Tribe’s empowering track has been given an equally powerful clip. Fronted by the group’s surviving members, along with collaborator Busta Rhymes, the pioneers broadcast their conscious message to a sea of supporters. Of course there is a touching tribute to Phife, which showcases through the video, proving while they may be one man down, Tribe’s spirit will continue to break down barriers.

Spring King, City

The sequel to their incredible last clip Detroit, Manchester’s own Spring King are back with an equally hilarious video for City. The clip follows characters Roderick and Penelope in an 80s inspired European dating show, as they stumble through a number of hilarious dating scenarios and situations, from bumper carts to roller-skating. As funny as it is, in the end it’s the explosive tune that keeps you watching, with jangly riffs and throat scorching sing-alongs, Spring King know how to rock.

Bassnectar, TKO ft. Rye Rye & Zion I

After releasing his tenth studio album back in June, Cali’s dance king Bassnectar has returned with a powerful clip for this heavy single TKO. A genre defying mix of glitch, electronic and hip-hop, the gritty synth driven banger features both rap verses alongside a smooth hook from collaborators Rye Rye and Zion I. Bassnectar has always been known for pushing the boundaries with his music videos, and this was no different. An incredible mix of lo-fi and futuristic twangs, the clip is a testament to modern visual effects and editing.

Washington, Saint Lo

After releasing her last album back in 2014, there’s been quite a wait for fans of Megan Washington, but luckily, her newest video lives up to expectations. Written in LA, the track builds upon her relaxed electronic style, with her voice soaring smoothly over the wavy instrumental beneath. Playing along an equally powerful, experimental video, no doubt we can’t wait to see what Washington has next up her sleeves.