Our top ten YouTube music videos

Published on Thursday 3 September 2009 12:59

IT WAS announced today that music videos are to return to YouTube for viewers in Britain after the website struck a royalties deal to end a six-month dispute.

With thousands of clips back in the public domain for everyone to watch, we have selected our ten favourites.

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues

D. A. Pennebaker, 1965

The original music video was actually just a segment in the film Don't Look Back. A simple idea that has been imitated but never bettered.

Michael Jackson - Thriller

John Landis, 1983

More of a short film than a promo at 14 minutes, the late Jacko's B-movie influenced epic is still lauded as 'the greatest ever'.

Lionel Ritchie - Hello

Colcum O'Dwyer, 1984

An unintentionally hilarious video, in which Lionel stalks a blind female student, and is rewarded with a badly realised clay bust of himself. What was he thinking?

Talking Heads - And She Was

Jim Blashfield, 1985

We would have included the bonkers choreography of Once In A Lifetime if it was available, but instead here's another example of David Byrne's artistically aware 1980s output.

Radiohead - Just

Jamie Thraves, 1995

A man lies down in the street. Concerned bypassers talk to him. It turns into an argument. He mouths something at the end. But what did he say?

Blur - Coffee & TV

Hammer & Tongs, 1999

Not a memorable song, but Blur's video for Coffee & TV - featuring a Milk carton made by Jim Henson's workshop - stands out due to its emotional punch.

Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice

Spike Jonze, 2001

Before this video we all assumed that Christopher Walken was just a sullen actor with a villainous face. Little did we know he could give Travolta a run for his money.

The White Stripes - Fell in Love With a Girl

Michel Gondry, 2002

Inventive French director Michel Gondry made his name in music promos in the early Noughties, and this is one of his best. Again, a simple concept works wonders.

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

Trish Sie, 2006

The classic viral video. OK Go may not go down in history for their musical oevre, but this piece of dorky choreography is the stuff of genius.

The Chemical Brothers - Star Guitar

Michel Gondry, 2006

Our second effort from Gondry is one of those head-scratching, 'how did he do that?' clips. We're looking out of a train window, and every beat of the song corresponds to a passing piece of scenery.

What are your favourite music videos? Leave your suggestions below.