He’s been behind some of the greatest, most memorable music videos ever made, including Weezer’s “Buddy Holly,” The Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage,” and Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice.” But he might have outdone them all this week when he got behind the camera for the music video for the debut of Karen O. and Danger Mouse’s “Woman” from their new album Lux Prima, because they filmed the entire video live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Shot entirely in black and white, Jonze’s camera follows around barefoot dancers as they move across the Late Show studio and are joined by Karen O. singing a great, very catchy new song. This is more than just a series of dance steps, though. It’s a real music video with an arthouse feel to it, replete with multiple set changes, stylistic shots, and a surreal tone that lends itself to plenty of interpretation.Where did that car come from!? We also love the shot of the audience with a Colbert cameo you might have missed doing a choreographed dance. That connection adds an energy that can’t be replicated in a regularly filmed music video. This is like a video combined with a concert (with Beanie Feldstein to make it even better) to create and all new musical experience, one that’s a whole lot of fun.
As far as music videos go, it’s hard to think of a recent one that feels as innovative and original as this one. It’s also one of the coolest late night segments we’ve seen in a long time, an original way to present a traditional idea.
Forget just using Spike Jonze to get eyes and ears on your new music video, he can do that for your network talk show too.
Featured Image: CBS