NEW ORDER: Waiting For The Sirens

When great bands have lame videos you have a real issue. This track from the Joy Division survivor's club is an amazing pop gem with smart hooks and poignant lyrics. Bernard Sumner sounds cool and collected an the production work is modern but faithful to the New Order sound. But this video... It adds little value. Some kid's buddy gets busted for some petty thuggery so we wanders the English countryside like a fugitive tween hobo? And the kid like 8 years old. What the deal? Watch the video (real).

TURBONEGRO: High On The Crime

Holy shit, the Norwegian metal make-up monkeys are back. And while the gay vague rockers dial down on the camp, they get high on the crime. I really don't know what I'm talking about and am struggling to find something constructive to say. Suffice it to say, the memory of seeing these guys play live has left me despondent and severely traumatized. It was like I was in the Rocky Horror Picture Show and I was the squeaky clean Brad Majors type. It was weird, but thankfully less damaging than getting pink stained and called a maggot at a Gwar show. I must be really getting old, but I really enjoy a good sit-down concert. Watch the video (real).

STELLASTARR*: Sweet Troubled Soul

Oh, Stellastarr*. All things pointed to instant success- a cool New York address in a the maelstrom of New York buzz bands, a trendy new wave soundclash of guitars and synths, and a distinctive mood that meshes so well with an upsweep of Joy Division-esque contemporaries. And yet you still struggle to break out to the statosphere of pop hipness reserved for the likes of Interpol or the Killers. With a second album under the belt, let's hope this stop motion inspired video gets you there. Watch the video (qt).

BRIGHT EYES: First Day Of My Life

This could be the lead single from some fantastic new complilation called "the best of confessional folk music"- warm, heartfelt and accoustic. Bright Eyes headmaster Conor Oberst is proving to be one hell of a songwriter, while upping the appeal of sensitive guys everywhere. Kids everywhere are turning in their turntables for acoustic guitars. Watch the video (qt).

KANYE WEST: Jesus Walks

I'm always leary of posting clips that have any particular political or religious slant unless it's strictly for satirical purposes. And this post absolutely should not be interpreted as an evangelical effort to convert cliptip viewers to any particular faith. That said, this a great video and single from one of the best hip hop artists coming out the US these days. Now if only American hip hop could loose that "I'm gonna learn you a lesson" vibe. As a Canadian, I just don't feel the need to convert, coerce or conquer any particular culture. There's something intrinsically interesting to diversity. Watch the video (qt)

A.R.E. WEAPONS: Weakest Ones

I have absolutely no reason why I continue to follow this band. Is it the uber hipster Chloe Sevigny connection? (Her brother Paul is a band member). Is it the fact that they straddle the electroclash and FUBAR metal sets with slapstick ease? Is it because their live shows are utter abominations of bad taste, bad vocals, and bad stage dives? Is it because they have a loyal following of super hott New York models? I don't know. What ever the case, I continue to follow them, and hate myself for it. Watch the video (qt).

UNKLE: Rabbit In Your Headlights

Brilliant track from the first Unkle project helmed by James Lavalle with beatmaster DJ Shadow and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke. This moody track was released in the reigning era of trip hop, brought to life by the skillful eye of director Jonathan Glazer and subsequently banned by MTV for its violent imagery. Although Mr. Glazer has only a relatively few number of videos under his belt (including landmark clips for Massive Attack, Radiohead and Jamiroquai), they are all of high visual and narrative standard, impressive enough to warrant his own Directors Label compilation. Watch the video (qt).

FINAL FANTASY: This Is The Dream Of Win And Regine

Owen Pallett's pop string project pays tribute to two things in this wonderful single: a) the engrossing role playing "Final Fantasy" game by which he names the project and b) good mates and fellow musicians Win Butler and Regine Chassagne of the band for which Owen often plays strings, The Arcade Fire. This is the first video for Final Fantasy and hopefully not the last. Not too shabby for a strictly independent. The video is shot in Toronto's Kensington Market at the legendary Portugese restaurant turned hipster gig venue, The Boat. PS- In case you didn't recognize him, Owen plays the dishwasher in the video. PSS- let me know if having the video play when the page loads up is a good thing or a bad thing. Right click to download the video (qt).

THE JUAN MACLEAN: Give Me Every Little Thing

The unquestionably hip sound of DFA records receieved a butch beat of the queerest kind, thanks to this hustling weird science video. Tightie whities, mustaches and street gigalos will not be overpowered by the moka skinned fembots. Dance to the funky beat, cry a little when the tricks fail to turn. Poor, poor hustler. You'll have your Pretty Woman moment one day. Watch the video (real). UPDATED: video (qt).

TIGA: You Gonna Want Me

New single from the Montreal electro remixer, producer and Turbo records label head. Electro, despite it's reported death alongside the post-ironic trucker hat and now ubiquitous white belts of the early 2K, is still kicking around with suprising longevity. Scissor Sister Jake Shears is featured as support vocals on this track. Watch the video (win).

BROADCAST: Paper Cuts

Why is it every time one of my favourite bands drops a new record there is no new video to tip? Come on, people- work with me. The latest from space pop trimmed down duo Broadcast has no such new video. But they do have a brand new record out called Tender Buttons and it is beautiful! Dabs of electro, Trish Keenan's sweet and sullen vocals, and that old school retro futurism that turns the hip kids to mush. Watch the video (real).

METRIC: Monster Hospital

Apparently Emily and co fought the war, they fought the war, but the war won. If you don't believe me, then just watch this Roman Polanski inspired video, as directed by Micah Meisner. It's quite a little pick me up, from the new record called Live It Out. Come on, don't fight it. Watch the video (qt).

ANNIE: Chewing Gum

It's Monday and it's time for a sugary Guilty Pleasure. And kicking it off is the sweetest bubblegum pop princess from Norway. She's no orphan, this Annie, as hipsters and bloggers and hipster bloggers all agree, Annie is pop with street credibility. Who else would be able to strong arm electropop producer extraordinaire Richard X to concoct this effervescent, at times brainless, lyrical sugar pill? In this video watch Evil Annie and Good Annie battle West Side Story style. Well not really. Fun! Watch the video (qt).

ATHLETE: You've Got The Style

Shynola directs this whimsical animated dancing atom as it doodles across the screen. I've not been an instant fan of the South London band, finding their very first single, El Salvador, to sound too much like a Britpop version of Avril Lavigne's Complicated. But, admittedly, this video is just a treat to watch. Watch the video (qt).

FUN LOVIN' CRIMINALS: Big Night Out

Cliptip would like to proclaim this song the straightest song ever to have the word "supermodel" in its chorus. While an older track, Big Night Out has the timeless charm of a favourite powder blue tuxedo. A soulful vinyl groove from the 100% Columbian album (lord only knows what that's a reference to... and it aint coffee). Why the sudden retrospective? Well, obviously there's a new record out. It's UK only, for now, and it's called Livin' In The City. The first single, Mi Corazon, is rumoured to have a video out- I'll post it as soon as I can find it. Till then, enjoy! Watch the video (qt).

MORCHEEBA: World Looking In

Here's a track from the old days when Morcheeba's lead singer was the subtle sexiness named Skye Edwards. While the band has moved on with new singer Daisy Martey and their new record, the Antidote, I am also happy to report that Skye has found her own solo recording deal with Atlantic UK. Her new stuff is due sometime this year. This toy car camera video is directed by Philippe Andre. Watch the video (qt).

SQUAREPUSHER: Come On My Selector

One of my favourite videos from the collaboration of Thomas Jenkinson (AKA Squarepusher) and the oft cliptip featured demented visual mind of Chris Cunningham. A delightful video mashing Japanese imagery, brain transfusions, karate chops and pre teen insane asylums. My personal favourite touch? The lips speak English, but the overdubs are ironically in Japanese! Watch the video (qt).

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS: Can't Stop

Another smashing video from Mark Romanek and the antics of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Artful combining raw industrial materials and modern themes of symmetry and repetition, the treatment takes its muse from photographer and conceptula artist Erwin Wurm. From the recently released collection from Directors Label. Watch the video (win).

MINT ROYALE: Wait For You

Another stomping floor filler from the British big beat collective, now paired down without the original founding half of Chris Baker. Vocals by resident singer Steven Wren keep a rock feel to the electronic thump. Watch the video (qt).

FIONA APPLE: Criminal

The groundbreaking video for Fiona Apple's basement orgy is a stylish teenage underwear party that borders between innocence and pornography. A guilt inducing peon with haunting arrangement and Ms. Apple's too world weary for her age moan. After seeing Fiona's skeletal frame, you wonder who really inspired the waif look of the 90's. Another brilliant concept from Mark Romanek, one of the featued directors from the Directors Label collection. Watch the video (win).

AUDIOSLAVE: Cochise

How hot is this? In celebration of the launch of the new Directors Label DVD's I've got a whole series of kick ass links to hot hot videos. The first is this explosive debut track from Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden surviving supergroup Audioslave. Video by the man we call Romanek. Watch the video (win).

MIDAIRCONDO: Seranade

Swedish sirens get all uncategorized with this not so electronica, not so trip hop, not so Destiny's Child trio. Interesting tune, spotted by Screenhead. I may have to seek more of their work before I decide on how much I like them. Watch the video (qt).

AMBULANCE LTD.: Stay Where You Are

The New York foursome continue refusing to define their niche by spanning their influences across the known musical universe. This track combines everything from early Motown to Beatles to Britpop and 90's shoegazing. All things considered,it's an amazing upbeat pop nugget. Watch the video (qt).

SIGUR RÓS: Glósóli

This beautiful new track from the Icelandic avant garde rock band will leave you speechless. Continuing in the theme of childlike wonder, the video, shot on the barren solidified lava flows of Iceland, will fill your internal drummer boy with wonder. The fourth Sigur Rós album, Takk, is out now. Watch the video (real). UPDATED: video (qt).

KANO: P's & Q's

Grime's new break-out stars include this rhyming bloke- Kano (not to be confused with the 80's dance band of the same name). Close friends with the Streets' Mike Skinner, Kano is set to invade North American by the inclusion of this track on the the Vice Records release of grime compilation Run The Road. His own record, Home Sweet Home is out in the UK. Watch the video (real).

RÖYKSOPP: 49 Percent

Throbbing percussion mark this fantastic new single. Röyksopp has been a consistent purveyors of visual delights. While the single is pleasant and the video concept is intriguing, it pales in comparison to the heights of previous video. Oh well, perhaps this one will grow on me, if I can bear to that watch crazy blue eyed, touchy feely guy molest the walls again. Watch the video (qt).

THE CARDIGANS: I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need To Be Nicer

The Swedish pop act are back with a brand new album called Super Extra Gravity. This record sees the band back to swinging pop stuctures and a shimmering glamourous video. The rootsy country tinged vibe has faded, yet the deceptively sweetly jagged lyrics that made me love the Cardigans remains thankfully consistent. Watch the video (real).

CLIENT: Here And Now

Electro just does not want to die. While other bands continue to evolve the electro sound into a more palatable genre, others continue to mine the sound without moving it into any particular direction. Client is one such band where the productions remains as archaic and the vocals remain as unpolished as it was in the eighties. What is their saving grace? Their pop melody sensibility is bang on. Watch the video (real).

SIA: Breathe Me

Mesmerising single from the Australian solo chanteuse and part-time Zero 7 crooner. The tinkling of piano keys and Sia's heart breaking voice make this single a heart wrenchingly delicate pop ballad. Brilliant stop-motion polaroid video directed by Daniel Askill. Watch the video (qt).

MOCKY: Catch A Moment In Time

Goofy. That's what I said. Goofy. There's something wonderful about music that doesn't take itself too seriously. Mocky, implicitly by his stage name, is such an performer. And with peers like Gonzales, Feist, and Peaches, he's got enough hooked up beats to keep his veggies crisp and his rhymes on high. Watch the video (qt).

FUNKSTÖRUNG: Punk Motherfuckers

Munich glitch-hoppers Funkstörung have the style and the sound to keep things on the cutting electronic edge. Their eye popping collaborationss with visual artists is without peer. This video is no exception. The mindblowing motion work of extending animated tendrils and maniacal come-to-life poster images is stunning. Director Jan Mathias Steinforth is definitely one to watch. Watch the video (qt).