Videodrone: Sufjan Gets Animated

Brian Raftery | November 8, 2006 4:34 am

We love this animated clip for “Put The Lights On The Tree”, the first single from Sufjan Stevens’ upcoming Songs For Christmas box set. But we have to admit that we’re a little bit biased, because it was created by animator Tom Eaton, a friend of Idolator who’s performed with Stevens, and who’s collaborated with Sub Pop singer Rosie Thomas. We asked Tom to list his favorite animated music videos for us; after the click-through, a collection of clips that are even more cartoonish than that Eminem footage we put up this morning.

Pointer Sisters – Pinball Number Count This video was my favorite part of Sesame Street, what with its trippy design and the otherworldly Pointer Sisters track. I’d be so disappointed when the ball went down the final chute and it was all over. So… it’s great that this version is extra long.

Junior Senior – Move your Feet

I’m a big fan of lo-fi animation. Jr./Sr.’s music combined with dancing toast and exploding dolphins makes what must be the perfect animated video. Tom Tom Club – Genius Of Love
I love these scribbly James Rizzi designs and the scrappy, off-the-wall pacing.

Grizzly Bear – Deep Sea Diver

Tyler Coburn’s hand drawn, creepy video game treatment of Grizzly Bear.

Kraftwerk – Autobahn

At the premiere party for my short Thinking Cap World” in Subtonic, the bartender told me about this epic video. Roger Mainwood’s visualization is fantastic, turning the music into literal blips and tubes. I’m less into the classic rock imagery in the middle… but the boundless curiosity of the main character completely matches the wonder felt listening to this track.

Sufjan Stevens – Put The Lights On The Tree [YouTube] Good Eaton Animation