Slightly Stoopid - Closer to the Sun

Once again another late one. Maybe I should just change my updates to twice every Monday, that way we will all have one more thing to share and learn about.  This will also be a better way for me to express myself and a variety of music all at once.

So, without further ado, my first music video of the week is "Closer to the Sun" by Slightly Stoopid.

http://youtu.be/SFGmnJQ_BF0

Closer to the Sun album cover

Although I have found it to be true that just because it's your favorite song doesn't always mean it will turn out to be your favorite music video, this example could prove uncommon.  Yes, Slightly Stoopid is one of my all time favorite bands, and quite honestly, this is one of my all time favorite music videos, and for many reasons. But just to name a few...

I have found the song itself to be soothing and comforting to the soul, and I'm not trying to sound cliche or cheesy either.  The group does not try to overcomplicate their sound yet it's complex enough to keep you mesmerized.  The lyrics, the voices, the guitars, the rhythm, it's all fantastic; but it's still missing that one last element: visual.  That's why I think this video really pulls it all together.

Interpretation of imagery from music 

video

Slightly Stoopid stays true to their reggae roots not only through their music, but through the video itself.  In Closer to the Sun, the screen opens with the main guitar riff and an animation of a tree unfolding as the song progresses.  Throughout the growth process, the camera shifts between the tree and footage of the band mates performing the song.

Beginning of animation during footage

A progression is also noted in the animation coloring scheme.  The music video begins in black and white until the tree develops leaves; in contrast, the live footage remains in black and white until the tree has grown enough that it's leaves begin to fall.  After this, we see color in the background of the film with the tree while the band members remain in black and white, but still in front of the ever changing tree.  The scenes seem to remain surreal and peaceful throughout.

Another side note: from here on out I will be listing information about the band, song, and album at the bottom of every post!  Enjoy!

Info: The song and the album title are both Closer to the Sun.  Released in 2005 under their own label of Stoopid Records, this was the bands fourth album and a year later they were asked to, and did, perform at Warped Tour for the first time.
Current band members: Miles Doughty (guitar, bass, vocals), Kyle McDonald (guitar, bass, vocals), C-Money (trumpet, keyboard), Dela (saxophone), Oguer 'OG' Ocon (congas, percussion, harp, vocals) & Ryan 'RyMo' Moran (drums)
Nifty find: The band was originally signed by Skunk Records under the direction of owner and Sublime's lead singer, Bradley Nowell (may he rest in peace).