When you were a starry-eyed youth, you thought you could do everything. You could be a rockstar or even the next Speilberg. We all know how that went. Let us look back at when music and films formed the perfect marriage in music video tie-ins to remind you of two failed dreams at once.
Prince “Batdance”
Batman
Tim Burton’s Batman film was absolutely groundbreaking. Then the studios brought in musical genius Prince to form his own personality with the intellectual property in a spectacular 7 minutes. Great costumes, great choreography, overall a great note to end the ‘80s on. Tim Burton was barely 30 when he made this let alone on his 3rd big hit, what’s your excuse?
Devo “Doctor Detroit”
Doctor Detroit
You really can’t go wrong when it comes to Devo. Why didn’t you ever commit to a Devo act? Despite this Dan Aykroyd flick not being a memorable one, Devo goes out of their way to incorporate the movie perfectly into their unique style of video effects and music. And hey, Dan Aykroyd made this movie which is more than you can say.
U2 “Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Me”
Batman Forever
Oh, uh another Batman one. Despite your feelings on U2 or “Batman Forever,” there’s no doubt this is a great music video. Bono and friends are animated to look just like a classic Batman comic book. Becoming a successful graphic novelist is also something you could have done.
Smashing Pumpkins “The End Is The Beginning Is The End”
Batman And Robin
Okay, a third Batman one. Kind of a weird choice to do a non-Batman one then three Batman music videos in a row. Billy Corgan flies around in Batman’s CGI head. Pretty cool. When is the last time you did something remotely cool? Back in college? That was 17 years ago big dog.
Seal “Kiss From A Rose”
Batman Forever
Are you serious? Four Batman videos are on this list? And didn’t we just do “Batman Forever”? Great song though. Video is not much to write home about. Perhaps if you stuck to your film aspirations you could’ve given it more zazz.
Digital Underground “Same Song”
Nothing But Trouble
Finally, we’re back on track. Some very ‘90s choices of culture costumes aside, Digital Underground does a great job capturing the style of the Dan Aykroyd classic. This is also the first single to feature 2pac. Must’ve been nice for Tupac to get this big break…
Dan Aykroyd & Tom Hanks “City Of Crime”
Dragnet
Tom Hanks raps with Dan Aykroyd in this- Wait a minute… “Dr. Detroit,” “Nothing But Trouble,” “Dragnet”… are these Dan Akyroyd choices on purpose?
The Elwood Blues Revue “Land of 1000 Dances”
The Great Outdoors
So just to be clear, this list is Aykroyd-Batman-Batman-Batman-Batman-Aykroyd-Aykroyd- Aykroyd? I’m just trying to rub it in your face about your failed dreams but now I’m distracted by whoever chose the songs for this list.
Paul McCartney “Spies Like Us”
Spies Like Us
At one point Paul McCartney rips his mask off to reveal he’s who else? Sigh… You guessed it, Dan Aykroyd. Hey, at least “Ghostbusters” will probably be on this list soon. “Ghostbusters” was a comedic and special effects anomaly that really inspired you as a kid to be creative. I doubt you ever saw “Spies Like Us.” Also remember when you first learned how to play a Beatles song on guitar?
Siouxsie and The Banshees “Face To Face”
Batman Returns
Now we’re back to a Batman music video. The crossover with “Batman Returns” is much more subtle than the other music videos much like how “Batman Returns” is a much more subtle Batman movie. You read lots of books about how to create subtle symbolism in your art but nothing happened from that. This has to be the last Batman one, right?
Memphisto Odessey “Crash”
Batman Beyond Return Of The Joker
Fitting band for an early 2000s cyberpunk Batman. Wayne Static Appears with his giant hair gelled into Bat ears. Wayne Static expressed himself with his hair in ways you never could. But maybe you could get into hats now. Ever thought about being a hat guy?
Avenged Sevenfold “Bat Country”
Batman Begins
A forgotten cross-promotion from the Chris Nolan reboot. Did you know that the 2016 film “Suicide Squad” had like 7 music video tie ins? I’m not making that up. Unfortunately they’re not Batman focused enough to include here.
Art Of Noise “Dragnet”
Dragnet
Okay back to the Ayk man with “Dragnet” I guess. This one is very similar to the Devo one and that is meant as a compliment. It’s very creative and 4th wall breaking just like the films you never got around to making. Dan Akryoyd sure has attached himself to a lot of great work. It shows what happens when you commit to something.
Beldar & Prymaat “Conehead Love”
Coneheads
Oh look, Aykroyd is rapping with Jane Curtin this time. Not gonna lie this kinda slaps. There’s only one music video left on this list. It better be “Ghostbusters”. There can’t be any more Batman or Aykroyd music videos that can be chosen. Now let’s get to busting!
LL Cool J “Deepest Blue”
Deep Blue Sea
His hat is like a shark’s fin.