HIP Year in Review: 2005
Flashback Friday – Paramore
May 17, 2024
Flashback Friday – Motion City Soundtrack
May 24, 2024
Let’s think back to 2005. YouTube officially launched. The term “flip phone” remained a Motorola trademark. Google unveiled its web-mapping service, Google Maps. A lot of astonishing changes took place that year.
For HIP Video Promo, 2005 marked the start of many musical partnerships that elevated several talented creatives’ careers. Here are some of the songs and videos we championed to prove it:
Plain White T’s – “Take Me Away” (1.3M views)– Before reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their 2006 single, “Hey There Delilah,” the phrase “Plain White T’s” would bring up the article of clothing more than the stellar emerging punk rock group. It conveys the angst and envy of seeing a former lover show interest in someone else. HIP owner and president Andy Gesner still remembers being in the same room as the Plain White T’s at HIP HQ the day Hollywood Records showed interest in them, and the band continues to soar 19 years later.
Bright Eyes – “First Day Of My Life” (11M views)– Talk about a wholesome video concept. Couples sit in the living room listening to Bright Eyes’ “First Day Of My Life” for the first time, and the camera shoots their authentic reactions as they sit together, hearing its theme of catching feelings. This song encapsulates Hans Christian Andersen’s famous quote, “Where words fail, music speaks.”
The Decemberists – “Sixteen Military Wives” (83K views)– The anecdotal delivery of “Sixteen Military Wives” is centered around the war in Iraq and criticizes America’s narcissism as well as the media’s coverage and public figures’ reactions to the country’s intervention. If we had the choice of sitting through a regular history class or “Sixteen Military Wives,” the decision to be made does not require a second thought.
The Postal Service – “We Will Become Silhouettes” (2.5M views)– Why would Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello name their band after the mail and delivery system? As crazy as it sounds, the long-distance partners started making music together by producing instrumental tracks, sending them in the mail, writing lyrics and recording vocals, and sending them back again.
Bloc Party – “Banquet” (42M views)– With its call-and-answer guitar parts, taut and propelling drum beats, and sex-inspired songwriting, “Banquet” excelled at spotlighting the British post-punk group Bloc Party and introducing them to a worldwide audience. Those jumping on the Bloc Party bandwagon agree and instantly understand the hype. This is no surprise to us, but check out the music video to see and hear Bloc Party’s due praises for yourself.
Rise Against – “Swing Life Away” (30M views)– Under every rocker’s hardcore surface is a refined, sensitive soul. Vastly contrasting the expected style of Rise Against hits was “Swing Life Away,” an acoustic-strummed, fan-favorite song that is unique for showing a new side of the band. Its rarity is why we needed to increase everyone’s awareness of this treasured outlier within the HIP Year in Review series!
of Montreal – “Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games” (3.6M views)– From the playful, cartoon animated atmosphere and characters to the groovy bass line supporting the easygoing vocals, of Montreal’s “Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games” epitomizes fun. What an excellent way to get a broader following by piquing interest and igniting a spark of curiosity to the appealing jingle! If you are in need of happy-go-lucky vibes to make you smile, “Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games” ought to do the trick.
Against Me! – “Don’t Lose Touch” (474K views)– The quartet delivers this almighty song about not losing touch with the artists they wish to be. They take advantage of things people have said about their music and their attempts to sway Against Me! in directions they did not want to go, and finally, the group stands its ground in this lead single from Searching For A Former Clarity. Their true fans will appreciate their self-respect and stay tuned if the music the band makes fits them, not the other way around.
Pinback – “Fortress” (1.7M views)– Pinback’s “Fortress” music video was one of the most pop-like releases they had to date as of 2005. The stick figure love story portrayed on screen keeps you hanging onto Pinback’s every lyric and visual clip, unfolding more about the prince and princess’ budding relationship. At the time of writing, it has amassed over 1.6 million views on YouTube, and like many of the greats here, they have continued to create and travel to perform today.
Stay Connected with HIP! Call us at 732-613-1779 or email us at info@HIPVideoPromo.com.
