Alien-Human Hybrid

I know we're supposed to be discussing the recent YouTube controversy, but before I get into that, I just want to express my unyielding love for YouTube. I sound more and more like a crotchety old woman with every passing day and what I'm about to say isn't going to help that at all, but I guess that's just the way this particular cookie crumbles.

I miss the good old days.

The days when Connecticut's Radio 104 was an alternative rock station, when VH1 played Pop Up Video incessantly, when instead of downloading music you sat in front of your stereo waiting to push the "record" button on your tape deck so you could capture that awesome, new song for your awesome, new mix. The days when MTV played music videos and devoted their weekends to Top 100 countdowns. YouTube reminds me of my love for music videos. I'm not talking about rappers popping champagne bottles in jacuzzis or emo kids with eyeliner pouting at the camera. I'm talking about great, weird videos like Live's "Lightning Crashes" and "Lakini's Juice." The Smashing Pumpkins' "Thirty-three" or, hell, even Bush's "Swallowed."

OK, maybe I miss the music more than the videos, but however I slice it, YouTube has reunited me with music videos. Good music videos. And for that, I am forever indebted.

In lieu of digging out my baggy jeans and flannel shirts, I'll just watch this.

Labels: I'm An Old Lady, Music, YouTube

Posted by Sara at 5:06 PM | Permalink | Comments

I've been considering the YouTube videos in the Lieberman/Lamont race. These, I think, have the potential to be more convincing and more widely consumed than the political blogs. Here's why I think that: 1) Even though they can be edited (and probably manipulated), there's something highly effectual about seeing a candidate speak about the issues and interact with reporters and others. This is not to say that written interviews or bipartisan "newsy" articles are not effective, but videos have a sort of "exhibit A!" quality about them. 2) Let's face it: our attention spans are shrinking. YouTube videos not only eliminate reading, but also any extraneous information (commercials, etc.) so you get exactly what you came to see. 3) And for the people who do keep up with the campaign and with politics, for those who read a variety of sources, YouTube videos allow them to re-watch particular segments, see other opinions, track politician appearances and all that jazz.

By the way, I like this video. And I like Lamont.

Labels: Politics, YouTube

Posted by Sara at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments