Aphex Twin – Windowlicker

Thursday April 1, 2010 · By

(embedded for NSFW content)

Considering April Fool’s Day popped up in the middle of a “sexy” theme, I just couldn’t resist sharing this gem from Chris Cunningham. It encompasses the concepts of “sex” and “foolery” simultaneously.

Yes, it’s one of the greatest videos of all time, and yet also one of the most punishing to the new viewer. Many a fan has proclaimed its brilliance to someone unfamiliar with experimental electronic music, and been met with blank stare ten minutes later. Surely most ELVAD viewers are in the former category, but for those new viewers, enjoy!

It begins with four solid minutes of profanity-laced dialog. Once the music finally kicks in, the imagery becomes more sexual, and at the same time more grotesque, as the women all wear the ugly mug of Richard D. James himself. Finally, it ends with some slow-motion jiggling as the champagne rains down.

It’s kind of hard to explain why so many people think this is one of the greatest videos of all time. It should be pretty clear to everyone that it’s a parody of US rap videos (and culture) of the day (1999, but I don’t think much has changed). The language, the sexism, the obsession with wealth and status, it all ends up looking ridiculous against the backdrop of bearded ladies and umbrellas-between-the-legs.

Speaking of the choreography, if you can call it that, is also amazing. It’s masterfully edited to synchronize with the music. The video as a whole just flows with the song, as if the two were made in concert.

For how “inaccessible” the song and video are, they are actually pretty commercial. Compared to other Aphex Twin work, this is practically a pop song. And the video isn’t disturbing in a scary way, it’s disturbing in a way that you want to watch again. Plus it includes a lot of marketable Aphex Twin imagery.

If it’s not for you, we understand. But hopefully you recognize the sheer awesomeness contained within.

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