The 25 Best MUSIC VIDEOS of 2011

Every once in a while I meet someone who casually mentions that music videos are dead and I’m always shocked. Music videos have never been more alive and vibrant than they are now in the age of video democracy online. This post is a celebration of the creative spirit that fights every day to set great songs to even better visuals. You guys are my heroes.

Watch the videos in a countdown stye playlist below or continue on to catch them embedded 1-by-1 with my woefully minimal commentary. 

25. Beastie Boys – “Fight For Your Right (revisited)”

An epic classic redone in EPIC form.

24. The National – “Conversation 16″

Where else do Flight of The Concords and Mad Men collide?

23. De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig – “Elektrotechnique”

Best DIY video ever.

22. Grouplove – “Tongue Tied”

Breathing new life into the reverse video cliche.

21. Humans – “The End”

You should definitely be afraid of the woods. And girls.

20. Mister Heavenly – “Bronx Sniper”

This is why I rent.

19. Three Trapped Tigers – “Reset”

I’ve always liked an unreliable narrator.

18. Body Language – “Holiday”

Stuffed animals like to get freaky too.

17. Boots Electric – “Boots Electric Theme”

Only Jesse Hughes could pull this one off.

16. Fulton Lights – “Staring Out The Window”

You will never look at crows the same again.

15. When Saints Go Machine – “Add Ends”

This is why I don’t like hospitals.

14. Sleeper Agent – “Get It Daddy”

Performance videos dont have to be boring. They can pinatas and violence.

13. Freedom or Death – “Inside”

Deeper than you first think.

12. Army Navy – “Ode To Janice Melt”

This would never have worked in the hands (ha) of a lesser actor.

11. Delicate Steve – “Butterfly”

A beautifully weird onion.

10. Walk The Moon – “Anna Sun”

Having fun was never this much fun.

9. San Cisco – “Awkward”

Reminding us that just because you are hip and adorable doesn’t mean you cant be a creepster.

8. Summer Camp – “Down”

Clever fun made even more so knowing that our parents don’t get it.

7. Karl X Johan – “Flames”

Sometimes falling in love is all in the details. Like falling for this video.

6. Cults – “Go Outside”

Bold moves making a video like this (Read the backstory). But perfectly done.

5. Beyonce – “Countdown”

It just doesn’t stop. The costumes. The colors. The moves. The sexiness.

4. Youth Lagoon – “Montana”

Music videos don’t usually bring tears.

3. King Charles – “Bam Bam”

So simple. So effective. Endlessly watchable.

2. The Young Professionals – “DISCO”

Not everything happens the way you expect it to. Nor should it.

1. Is Tropical – “The Greeks”

Nobody said childhood was easy.

Artwork by Jacob Youngblood Ziegler

Be sure to catch all the 2011 “BEST OF” lists!

• Best Albums
• Best EPs
• Best Songs – Pt. 1 (Jan-June)
• Best Songs – Pt.2 (July-Dec)
• Best Remixes - Pt. 1 (Jan-June)
• Best Remixes – Pt.2 (July-Dec)
• Best Music Videos — YOU ARE HERE!
• Best Cover Songs
• Best Party Songs

Tagged as: army navy, Beastie Boys, Beyoncé, Body Language, Boots Electric, Cults, de jeugd van tegenwoordig, Delicate Steve, Freedom or Death, Fulton Lights, Grouplove, Humans, Is Tropical, Karl x Johan, King Charles, mister heavenly, San Cisco, Sleeper Agent, summer camp, The National, The Young Professionals, three trapped tigers, Walk The Moon, When Saints Go Machine, Youth Lagoon