Sam Beam has performed under the Iron & Wine moniker for almost fifteen years now. A solid songwriter with five studio albums and several EP's in his catalogue, Beam also possesses the sharp skills of a visual artist as well. All of Iron & Wine's artwork is produced by Beam, and he directs most of the music videos. With Naked As We Came, Iron & Wine truly shines.
Like most of Sam Beam's earlier work, Naked As We Came exhibits beauty through minimalism. Filmed in one single shot, the music video is anchored by one gentle kiss.
Together, the song and music video create a luscious landscape that displays Beam's sweet lyrics, which ponder life, love, and death with a soft sincerity.
Five Radical Music Videos from the Early to Mid-Aughts – Number Five: OutKast's Hey Ya!
Composed by Andre 3000 for OutKast's double album, Speakerboxxx / The Love Below, Hey Ya! is a tune that knows no boundaries. In 2003, the song was played on every radio station. Dance floors everywhere were united by the funk explosions of Andre 3000's sultry soul.
Truly, everyone was shaking it like a Polaroid picture.
​In the music video, director Bryan Barber showcases Andre 3000's vast acting range as he humorously portrays all eight members of The Love Below. The band performs in the same vein of the Beatles during a performance at The Ed Sullivan Show. With Andre 3000's creative vision, however, their catchy studio performance propels an American Invasion, and the results are delicious.
Hey, Ya! is one of the greatest songs of all time.
Some thoughts on art, life, and theatre. Stay positive.