The Post-trl Era: Music-Video Premieres Begin The Long, Slow Migration Away From MTV

The post-trl era

Music-Video Premieres Begin The Long, Slow Migration Away From MTV

Kanye West has premiered the video for "Love Lockdown"—which has an homage to George Michael's "A Different Corner" and women who are painted in such a way that when they lock in love under some blacklights I'm pretty sure they're supposed to form a spaceship—on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and it's currently the clip of the day on the show's site. This premiere, which took place on what seems to be today's episode of the show, follows the news that Britney Spears' video for "Womanizer" will be premiering (for real this time) during this Friday's episode of 20/20. (Hard news, you know.) While this makes sense on a "more eyeballs" level, I have to wonder just how out of control this sort of cross-pollination will eventually get. Akon's new recession-proof single getting its first shot at TV time on CNBC? Christina Aguilera premiering her next video during Bridezillas? "Weird Al" Yankovic debuting the clip for his next food-related song during a Very Special Top Chef? (Actually, that last idea kind of rules. You'd better credit me, Magical Elves!) [YouTube / The Ellen DeGeneres Show / HT: Prefix]

11:00 AM on Tue Oct 7 2008
By Maura Johnston
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5 comments

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by MrStarhead at 02:34 PM on 10/07/08
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Wait, I just realized at one point he declares himself to be in the "danger zone." Kenny Loggins mash-up in 3... 2... 1...
by Dana's Got A Gun at 04:45 PM on 10/07/08
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. . .Isn't this how it all started? Like, what's next, a network program in the post-prime time hours, say on a Friday, that showcases videos in a hosted format? And then will this show prove so popular, and the video an effective enough promotional mechanism, that an entire network devoted to airing them will spring up?

This isn't exactly how progress works, I don't think.
by How do I say this ...... at 06:45 PM on 10/07/08
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I remember that Michael Jackson premired a video after an episode of The Simpsons. I'm pretty sure it was the Black & White video, featuring Macaulay Culkin, in like 1991.

Of those three things (Homer, MJ and the kid from Home Alone), I wonder how many people would have guessed that 17 years later (damn, I'm old), the cartoon would be the most relevant. Enjoy it while you can Kanye.
$Image of I\'m Crushing Your Head$ by I'm Crushing Your Head at 12:36 AM on 10/08/08
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Don't forget about Madonna's "Justify My Love" video. After being banned by MTV, it aired once during an episode of "Nightline" in 1990. The publicity by the MTV ban made it the biggest-selling music video at the time (I forget what's sold more, if it has). All I know about the video is the SNL "Wayne's World" parody, primarily because I was 9 when that video came out and I haven't gotten around to watching it on YouTube. Guess I should do that now...
$Image of I\'m Crushing Your Head$ by I'm Crushing Your Head at 12:37 AM on 10/08/08
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@How do I say this ... THROWDINI!: On the subject of music videos premiering after "The Simpsons"...don't forget "Do the Bartman" off The Simpsons Sing The Blues (which I have on a cassette somewhere).