OK Go – Needing/Getting

Everyone knows the music video with the band on the treadmills, the simplest of ideas which turned into a world-wide phenomenon. Well, alternative rock band, ‘OK Go’ who are widely famous for their original and imaginative and often low budget videos have done it again but this time they’ve really taken their creativity and innovation to a whole level.  Uploaded to YouTube just over a month ago it’s had over 18 million views, I don’t doubt that it may be on its way to viral popularity just like their Grammy award winning, treadmill dancing success.

Not only is this for their latest single release ‘Needing/Getting’, but this video was made in partnership with Chevrolet and is part of their new TV ad; it is something you have to see to believe. A set-up of over 1,000 instruments spanning over two miles in deserted land outside of LA, the band recorded this version driving the car which had been furnished with ‘retractable pneumatic arms’, cleverly designed to play the instruments down the strip of land.

Starting with door slamming and the thumping on the roof acting as a great drumbeat, the band begin their drive, lead vocalist Damian Kulash Jr. in the driver’s seat joined by guitarist Andy Ross, bassist Tim Norwind, and drummer Dan Konopka. Dressed in bright coloured driving suits clad with matching helmets they proceed to play the ukulele, mouth to the song, pull random levers and often fingering notes onto slight pneumatic keyboards, whilst Kulash pulls handbrake turns through clouds of smoke. And that’s just inside the car. Down the 2 miles of land complex objects and instruments have been set in an obstacle course – precessions of pianos and guitars, chimes, screws, symbols and I’m sure many more objects perfectly set for the fishing pole- esque arms to play as an accompaniment vocals.  The finale sees what in the pre-recorded version would’ve been a bang on the symbol as the car slides into a huge sheet of glass providing a spectacular end to spectacular drive.

‘OK Go’ have provided a fine selection of music videos of the years, but this one, on a much, much larger budget than any before really has got that edge, if only everyone band could be as pioneering! So, stop reading and start watching, or simply just watch it again!

Watch the video here