Best Videos from the Handlinger

Chris Rock

2008-02-25T02:23:00.001-08:00

Dr Feelgood - She Does It Right

2008-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to see the first incarnation of Dr Feelgood a couple of times in the mid-seventies. They were strong contenders for the most exciting live band ever, and this video of their best song does them justice.

Back in those pre-punk days, no-one had seen anything quite like Wilko Johnson's dead-eyed glare, or his jerky, semi-robotic forays back and forth across the stage. The late Lee Brilleaux, resembling Gene Hunt's sharper-dressed southern cousin, was a compelling frontman, and drummer The Big Figure looked 'connected' (if you know what I mean and I think you do).

This band, with their short songs aimed at maximum R'n'B excitement and no guitar solos (to speak of) were the real godfathers of punk, as different as could be imagined from the stodgy pub-rock which their contemporaries played.

No disrespect to 'Gypie' Mayo or any of the other musicians who have served in subsequent incarnations (Dr Feelgood is still a gigging band, I believe) but it was never the same after Wilko left.

The way the audience dressed and danced, and the camp Geordie presenter, tell you pretty much all you need to need to know about what life was like in England in the seventies.

Monty Python - Ministry of Silly Walks

2007-11-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

"There's defence, social security, health, housing, education, silly walks"

George Dawes - Hip Hop is the Best

2007-10-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Matt Lucas' finest hour, from Shooting Stars. He was much funnier as George Dawes than anything he did on Little Britain.

Steve Ballmer - Developers remix

2007-10-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Music video created by James Carusone from footage of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer cutting loose at various Microsoft conferences, backed by the "Monkey Developers" music track done by Digital Droo.

Some personal development gurus tell you that you can't laugh and be scared at the same yime. Watch this video and realise they are wrong.

Family Guy - Stewie dances with Gene Kelly

2007-10-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

I love Family Guy - this animation, splicing in a bit from the movie "Anchors Aweigh", must have introduced a whole new generation to the awesome Gene Kelly.

Outkast - Hey Ya (full length version)

2007-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

The most life-affirming track so far this century. This is the full-length version of the video, featuring the reason why Dookie's wearing a crown, and a truly heinous attempt at an English accent by (I think) Ryan Philippe's announcer. Still a thing of wonder after all this time.

Torn - Secret Policeman's Ball 2006

2007-10-08T02:10:00.000-07:00

David Armand and Natalie Imbruglia, who turns out to be a really good sport, at the Amnesty International benefit in 2006. Very funny and features a nice surprise about 2/3 of the way through.

If you liked that, you may want to support the work of Amnesty International by ordering the DVD of the benefit - features Russell Brand, Eddie Izzard, Green Wing, and loads of other people:

The Office: Gareth's fat bird problem

2007-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

A little gem of a deleted scene from 'The Office'...

The Fast Show - 13th Duke of Wybourne

2007-10-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

Another classic from Paul Whitehouse and a role model for gentlemen everywhere.

Johnny Cash - Hurt

2007-09-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

Today, a song that makes grown men cry. Strong contender for best music video ever. Directed by the great .http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Electric Six - Gay Bar

2007-09-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Vaguely disturbing video from Electric Six - although actually the most disturbing thing about it is that they censored the 'let's start a nuclear war' lyric. Rocks like a bastard though.

Aliens - "Get away from her..." scene

2007-09-24T02:05:00.001-07:00

There are not many movie moments that get the whole cinema cheering - this is one of them. Ripley rocks!

The DVD includes about 17 minutes of scenes not included in the theatrical release.

Take Me Back To Your House - Basement Jaxx

2007-09-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Fine video which squeezes in pretty much every stereotype about pre-glasnost and indeed Tsarist Russia. I particularly like the bears...

Monty Python - the Fish Slapping Dance

2007-09-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

15 seconds of Python bliss with John Cleese and Michael Palin. Filmed, I believe, at Teddington Lock just round the corner from where I used to live. Just watch...

Put Your Hands Up For Detroit - Fedde Le Grand

2007-09-21T00:48:00.000-07:00

Pretty much self-explanatory - hot women, wit and a bit of robotics, it's what this blog is all about.

Shoot The Dog - George Michael

2007-09-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

The critics gave this song a real bashing when it was released, although I think it stands up pretty well among the rest of George Michael's work. Maybe there was some kind of covert political agenda.

The video is a classic, packed full of pop-culture references and flashbacks to Michael's earlier incarnations, and rips into Tony Blair. I never see him now without thinking "good puppy, good puppy".

In case you're wondering, the annoying woman who pops up in the middle is Geri Halliwell, one of George's friends.

The video is by the team behind Brit satirical animation show 2DTV - check out the box sets:

Posh Scaffolders - Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse

2007-09-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

From the sketch show 'Ruddy Hell It's Harry and Paul' which marked Enfield's return to form (Whitehouse is always on form).

ZZ Top - Legs

2007-09-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

ZZ Top prove that there are few bullying situations that the application of some car keys and 3 impossibly beautiful 80's women won't solve.

I love this video - the way that Dusty, Billy and Frank appear like friendly spirits (or 'magical helpers' in Joseph Campbell's phrase), the narrative flow, the overall look - and the music's great too.

Karen Taylor CSI

2007-09-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Brit comedienne Karen Taylor's series was a bit patchy - this is funny though.

Perfect - Mason vs. Princess Superstar

2007-09-13T04:41:00.000-07:00

Both witty and hot!

Destination Calabria

2007-09-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

'Destination Calabria' by Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters. Sounds great, looks fantastic!

You may know it as 'Destination Unknown' as that's what Crystal is singing.

Everything you need to know about it here.

Let's Impeach The President

2007-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Neil Young is one of the few musicians in America who has had the balls to criticize the Bush presidency and the war in Iraq (the others that I can think of being the Dixie Chicks, Kanye West and maybe Bruce Springsteen - correct me if I'm wrong).

The rest of them - bunch of pussies.