Grand Don't Come For Free, A [PA] - Streets (The) > Reviews > This is about a video....Blinded...

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money

Advantages:	It's got some fantastic camera shots
Disadvantages:	Are people ready for it as a video?

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Videos are not something that grip me. When Christina's 'Beautiful' came out and everyone was talking about it, I wasn't. When Madonna's various number's hit the screen, I only ever bothered to bat an eyelid for the sake of others and when that T.A.T.U. video was released, I can honestly say that even though it was an interesting topic, the video itself was of little interest as the most interesting thing for me was the squinty eyes the blonde girl had, I mean how the hell did she ever see anything?

When I was treated to a video as intriguing as 'Blinded By The Lights' by The Streets frontman Mike Skinner however, my mind was changed. Instead of having girls dancing or a gay kiss, we got a wedding and the damage one man popping a few pills within the wedding can do.

The jist of the story centres around him not having his girlfriend arriving on time with his friend who is of course shagging his friend in a bathroom right next to him as he pops one more unknown to him. As he proceeds to get more wasted his defences fall and allows a girl go down on him and eventually upon leaving the bathroom and rejoining the crowd, fails to see his own hands. Bearing this is mind, the power of his body is lost and he is falling with a row starting as a result of him but in his state, how is he to know? The video closes with the bride and all other guests shouting at him to shut the fuck up and cope the fuck on.

The song itself is a melodic treat with music as mellow as Skinner himself is in the state he is, with the continuing paranoia of "where the fuck is she?", one can't help but feel sorry for the mess he is steadily becoming. As he describes the pills speckles, we also get involved and the whole thing becomes so personal, we are eventually drawn into feeling that we are part of the whole experience and this makes the visuals all the more effective.

I am unsure of the director but whoever he or she is, they are to be commended for a better video is not currently on the airwaves. As regards a song it is also something to be proud of and Skinner himself also plays the stoned out part exquisitely. My Verdict? If there is anyone with access to a television which shows videos after a certain hour, keep an eye out for this educational piece, it could offer you more than just a visual treat, it could change your mind about a decision you are yet to make.