Music Vids..all you need to know (and more)

Music videos come in various categories, ones that traditionally and rather conventionally follow the lyrics and show a progressive story (usually ending up with a girl crying in a bath or the camera zooming away from a glum looking boy band who just can't remember what happened last night, even at the very end of their song), ones that involve the band or singer changing into multiple outfits standing in front of a wind machine and posing into the camera, abstract ones involving obscure props and dancing animals that are maybe trying to convey some sort of metaphor or deeper meaning...maybe, the ones with scantily clad scantily talented girls writing their names in the air with the help of mediocre special effects and glitter and making feminists all over the world weep as they thrash about 'in da club', the ones filmed solely on a beach where the artist would be dressed in white linen with a bare chest poking out to reveal either
a) large surgically enhanced pectorals
b) large surgically enhanced breasts
c) a pair of something in between both of the above (peter andre)
Whatever the genre, a music video usually aims to support its song with an entertaining and relevant backdrop. The artist is made to look super hot and super cool, thus exciting his/her fans so much that they have to watch it just one more time.
A lot of artists and groups include shots of them 'singing' the song on a stage during the video, in between them running round a field in silly clothes of course. It gives the impression of live performance, and with the powers of modern technology, they can be made to look as if they really are worth seeing in concert.
Successful music videos often include elaborate settings, costumes, dance routines and the best of the best of miming into the camera. But simplicity in a music video can also prove some worth, (see matthew horne's appearance in the Maccabees 'no kind words')
I personally enjoy a video that includes some light humour, maybe even heavy humour, or at least something a little whimsical to add to the viewing experience..
Here are a couple on opposite ends of the spectrum..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A68j28KQaik
The progression of music videos through the years is incredible, with more exotic animals jet planes fancy cars women and clubs than ever. But we must never forget the true beauty of 80's music videos. Ever. Leggings, frizzy perms and disco lights.