End of the year lists are one thing that I always look forward to seeing each December, during that special period of time between the magic and nostalgia of Christmas and the drunken debauchery of New Year’s Eve. We here at Jetcomx wanted to put together a special list; not just a list of best artists or best songs. We wanted to highlight the best, most interesting, and creative music videos from the year 2008. After intense scrutiny and deliberation, the crew and I have finally thrown together our version of the 10 Best Music Videos of 2008. Enjoy!

10. M83 - “Kim & Jessie”

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This playful and somewhat nostalgic music video of “Kim & Jessie,” directed by Eva Husson, reminds us of a happier time when there wasn’t a care in the world. It reminds us of a time when one could just roller skate all day in a ballerina outfit and custom Nike Dunk roller skates. It reminds us of our youth - in a flirtatiously lesbian sort of way.

9. Vampire Weekend - “Oxford Comma”

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The boys from Columbia University have come up with a music video featuring rolling farmlands, kids playing cowboys and indians, and white suits. It is interesting to note that filmed this music video in one long shot. This was actually the 17th take that they did.

8. Santogold - “L.E.S. Artistes”

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Although no actual blood or gore is shown in this music video of “L.E.S. Artistes,” the violence depicted in it is still somewhat disturbing. Santi White’s emotionless disposition is equally as disheartening. Neither of these things take away from the creativity that is shown in this music video, though. Santi White singing on a stallion, anyone? Green sausages used as entrails? Watermelons being smashed in Gallagher-esque fashion?

7. Weezer - “Pork and Beans”

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Released on YouTube back in May, the music video for “Pork and Beans” quickly became one of the site’s most watched music videos. Returning to collect 15 more minutes of fame are many internet celebrities including the Numa Numa guy, Afro Ninja, the “Leave Britney Alone” guy, Tay Zonday, Chris Crocker, Miss Teen South Carolina, and Dramatic Prarie Dog. Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

6. Radiohead - “House of Cards”

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This is one of the most unique music videos that we’ve ever seen. The boys of Radiohead decided to create a music video in which no cameras or lights were used. The process that they used is somewhat complex. I’ll let Google explain it:

…two technologies were used to capture 3D images: Geometric Informatics and Velodyne LIDAR. Geometric Informatics scanning systems produce structured light to capture 3D images at close proximity, while a Velodyne Lidar system that uses multiple lasers is used to capture large environments such as landscapes. In this video, 64 lasers rotating and shooting in a 360 degree radius 900 times per minute produced all the exterior scenes.
The outcome sort of looks like what happens when you stick your face into one of those metal pin novelty things from Spencers.

5. Lykke Li - “I’m Good, I’m Gone”

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Lykke Li’s music video for “I’m Good, I’m Gone” is pretty straightforward. There is no CGI, there are no green screens, and there is no editing. It’s just a live performance of the song. But this is what makes it a totally kickass music video. That, and the fact that Lykke Li uses a freaking bullhorn.

4. The BPA (ft. David Byrne & Dizzee Rascal) - “Toe Jam”

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The music video for “Toe Jam” is so damn off the wall that it’s not even funny. Wood paneling, 70’s shag carpeting, and naked people make up the entirety of this video. Don’t worry though, there is no actual nudity thanks to many strategically placed black bars.

3. MGMT - “Time to Pretend”

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After watching MGMT’s “Time to Pretend” music video, all I have to say is that these guys take a ton of acid. This is the weirdest music video on the list, by far. It can’t even be adequately put into words. Just take a look.

2. Kraak n’ Smack - “Squeeze Me”

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Who doesn’t love a good flip book? I remember trying to make my own as a kid, but it never turned out well. The guys of Kraak n’ Smack take the flip book concept to a whole new level by making it the focus of a music video. The music video basically follows a day in the life of one guy. This is an example of a simple concept made great by amazing execution.

1. Justice - “Stress”

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…And so there was one. It was difficult selecting the number one music video of 2008, but after looking at every other music video, this was the logical choice. The music video for Justice’s “Stress” doesn’t feel like a music video at all. It defintely feels like a scene from say a pre-Slumdog Millionaire Danny Boyle film. The violence and brazenness of the French street gang in this video is truly terrifying. Justice’s music only heightens that feeling. At the end of the video, the gang turns violent on their own cameramen. They also use a molitov cocktail to destroy the sedan that they carjacked.