Annie & Bjarne Melgaard Drop Anti-Putin “Russian Kiss” Video: Watch

Christina Lee | February 7, 2014 9:08 am

Annie takes aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s regime and its anti-gay laws with “Russian Kiss.” As the pop icon stares straight ahead, director Bjarne Melgaard closes in on couples — boy and girl, same-sex, interracial — who sit and stand beside each other, pair up and make out in succession.

As previewed earlier this week, “Russian Kiss” builds anticipation as its pulsing beat slows to a crawl and male moans grow louder. The sly Annie proves to be in full control every time she whispers the hook — “Show your love for the lovers / the others, the fighters, outsiders / people like you” — hissing and sounding increasingly disdainful as the song wears on.

Annie debuted “Russian Kiss” in time for the Sochi Olympics. While she and longtime producer Richard X had been working on it for some time, “Russian Kiss” feels most like a mockery of the fact that faux lesbian pop act t.A.T.u. will perform at today’s opening ceremony, as yet another attempt to stave off criticism for Putin’s anti-gay laws. Watch the video up top.

[via Pitchfork]

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