Top Ten Videos on Blogotheque.net

By Broadside Style Columnist Andy Minor

If you've made it past my title, you are probably wondering what www.blogotheque.net is and why I am writing about it. The premise behind this amazing website: people filming great bands in great performances on the streets of Paris. Now, I can't think of anything more artsy or more amazing than that. The performances on this site mix avant-garde cinematography with some really great music that incorporates the people and scenery of that great city. The only downside is that the Web site's texts are all in French, so if you don't read French, you are pretty much out of luck, unless you can put up with not knowing what link you are clicking on. Have a look anyway. You’ll find yourself becoming immersed in some incredible videos.

I've never seen bands put on the spot the way they are on this site. These musicians are basically stripped down to their most basic elements with scarcely any electronic means of expression. They put up with cars honking, people yelling and the general noise of the street, and somehow it all gets mixed up in the music and makes it better somehow. Many of the artists convince the people around them to sing along, which shows how much music can reach people. The next time you're at a computer, I suggest you visit the Blogotheque and check out these artists in particular.

How to access the videos: Go to www.blogotheque.net, click on the huge picture, scroll down to “Tous Les Concerts A Emporter” and click that, then you will have access to all videos.

10. A Hawk and a Hacksaw (AHAAH)
Any information I have tried to find about AHAAH has been vague and screwball, so I honestly say I can't put my finger on what exactly AHAAH is. From their videos on Blogotheque, I can only infer that they are a pair of excellent musicians, one on accordion and one on violin, who stroll around and play everything from indie to Gypsy. I am in love with the sound and the musicality these two people produce, and their videos incorporate the people of Paris in a romantic way by playing for a small café, some children at a playground, etc.

9. The National
I can say that I'm only a casual fan of The National, but I plan to change that after their video for “Ada.” Featuring a troupe of hipster female French dancers, the band plays in the window of some sort of abandoned church in the middle of the night, all times approximate. The deep voice of lead singer Matt Beringer is only enhanced by this aura, and I think the visual aspect to this number is just as pleasing as the song itself. It’s definitely a must-see.

8. Vic Chesnut
For some reason, I can't stop watching the video for “Sponge,” which is a soulful ballade where Vic sings straight out of his nose, but in a voice that's seen its share of whiskey and cigarettes. The dingy warehouse where his set seems to be filmed is perfect for the somber tone of his songs. This guy sings with a passion you don't really see much anymore. He really means what he says and the great atmosphere provided by the video only enhances it.

7. Vampire Weekend
This set is absolutely stunning. I am personally drawn to “Walcot / One,” where the band strolls along the streets until they find a small café where they sit down and entertain the patrons. The most charming thing is that all the customers begin to sing along and paint a quaint image of the artsy side of Paris. Perhaps this is just a romantic view of how that city really operates, but at least I can still live it within these videos.

6. Architecture in Helsinki
I feel as though I've been mentioning these Australians a lot lately, but any recognition I give them is well deserved. Their videos on the Blogotheque show them arranging huge groups of French pedestrians and using them during their performances. Their video for “Heart it Races” is set in a charming courtyard with the band singing out of windows. For “Like it or Not,” they organize a jovial parade through the streets. All the audience participation is well led and enhances the music immensely.

5. The Shins
Okay, so the Shins are obviously well known by now thanks to Garden State, but it's awesome to see a band that doesn't need any more publicity performing in such a stripped down venue. They play old songs, new songs and everything they do seems to please the people who pass the street corner that they have transformed into a stage. These guys are great musicians and these videos make it obvious.

4. Eagle*Seagull
Picture, if you will, a quaint French bar, sparsely stocked with a few young people being entertained by a band that has scattered themselves at the opposite end of the establishment. Such is the video for “Death Could Be At The Door.” It's such a unique performance words can't describe it and their video for “Holy” almost tops it. The latter depicts the band as they walk down the avenues of Paris, lit by streetlights and you can almost feel the after-gig tension. It’s a masterpiece almost in its own right.

3. Cold War Kids
I saw these guys open for Muse back in August, and I was blown away by their show. So, when I saw they had videos on the Blogotheque, I was skeptical as to whether or not these videos could own up to the live show I saw of them months ago. As their position on the list would suggest, these videos don't disappoint. Whether it's the soulful “St. John” being played on a moving push cart or performing “God, Make Up Your Mind” to a bus full of tourists, these videos capture the essence of this truly unique band.

2. Andrew Bird
Let me just start off by saying that Andrew Bird is the best whistler I've ever heard. Add that to his skills as a guitarist, violinist and songwriter and you have yourself the groundwork for a phenomenal Blogotheque video. This groundwork is used excellently, as Bird carries himself with every instance of a wandering bard strolling the streets of old Europe. I don't really think anything else can try and express it; you've got the Internet, watch it.

1. Of Montreal/Axe Riverboy
The only reason that these videos are number one, is because during Part 1 of this series, there is a performance of David Bowie's “Starman,” which turns into an enthusiastic sing-along between the guys with the guitars and the people that surround them. You could even forget that the segment begins by an enormous parade of people singing together while they stroll up to a street cafe. Not that you'd want to, but these videos are simply my favorites on this website for now. I mean, I've been watching videos for a week and haven't even scratched the surface.