Sometimes you need to step away from things for just a moment and take in something that makes you smile or laugh out loud. If you need a break from the news or your work, here are several bite-sized videos that can brighten your day.
Music Videos
Some of these are more about the music than the video — you can enjoy them just as much if you just listen while doing something else — but others are all about the imagery.
Those Darned Accordions Cover Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire”
Seventy-four-year-old Clyde Forsman’s vocals are what make this so special.
The Cure’s Official Video for “The Lovecats”
I enjoy the song, but honestly, this one’s all about the video: the bad taxidermy, the fur suits, Robert Smith dancing around and around until you’re dizzy. Tip: I couldn’t embed this video, so had I to link to it. If it appears too big for your screen, hit the “full screen” icon in the bottom right corner of the video, and it will shrink to fit.
Munamies (AKA “Eggy”) Performs “Pomppufiilis”
I don’t understand a word of Finnish (an online translation says the title means “Feel Like Bouncing”), but I love this egg character and all of the people who willingly jump and down with him in the video. Be sure to watch the little kid on the right at about 2:06.
Kate Bush’s Official Video for “Them Heavy People”
Watch it for her expressiveness, the weird dance during the chorus, and the slow, dramatic “fight” at the end.
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Word Crimes” Video
There are lots of great “Weird Al” videos to choose from, but as a writer and editor, I had to pick this one.
The Otamatone Cover of “Take On Me”
This is a shot-for-shot remake of the original a-ha music video, all done with Otamatones. If you aren’t familiar with or don’t care much for the original, this probably won’t do a lot for you.
The B-52’s Singing “Quiche Lorraine”
I’ve always preferred the B-52’s older, weirder songs to their more popular — and normal — songs like “Love Shack.” This one is definitely weird.
OK Go’s Video for “Upside Down & Inside Out”
This video, shot in zero gravity, is just one of OK Go’s many amazing music videos. The song is fun, too.
Sakanaction’s Video for “Shin Takarajima”
The song is catchy, the video is humorous, and I love the asymmetrical suit the female guitar player is wearing.
William Shatner “Sings” to George Lucas
Does this count as a music video? I’m saying it does.
Ads and Other Videos
The one thing these videos have in common? They aren’t music videos.
This Sweded Version of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer
The term “swede” comes from Be Kind Rewind; it refers to short, low-budget versions of movies (or trailers). This shot-for-shot remake of The Force Awakens trailer is one of my favorites.
This Look Around You Clip
This bit from a British comedy series may only appeal to Gen Xers, but it definitely reminds me of science videos from my school years — even though the ones I watched were probably all created in the U.S.
The EDS “Cat Herders” Ad
This 20-year-old ad from the Fallon advertising agency in Minneapolis is probably my all-time favorite television commercial.
Any “Never Say No to Panda” Ad
I don’t remember how I came across Panda Cheese ads from Egypt (probably through my kid), but they’re great.
This Award-Winning Ad: “Best Friends”
A couple of years ago I watched the British Arrow Awards at the Walker Art Center. This was my favorite.
What are your favorite bite-sized videos?
One reply on “Take a Break! Here Are Some Bite-Sized Bits of Fun”
These are great and my favorite was the science experiment bit. You may think of your school days when you see it but I think of mine ever so many years earlier than yours.