In the music video for “Go Right Ahead,” the first single off The Hives fifth studio album Lex Hives, the rockers known for their crazy antics and exaggerated personas actually manage to be upstaged. But it’s by a personalized zeppelin that suspends the band’s stage as they perform in top hats and coattails, so it’s a close call as to what’s the weirdest part of the video.
I would rag on The Hives for bandwagoning on this annoying black-and-white music video trend (I’m looking very pointedly in your direction, Kanye), but they’ve actually committed to the dichromatic aesthetic for over fifteen years, so unfortunately, this is not a place to hate. Actually, it’s a place to recognize that The Hives are very good at what they do. The Swedish garage rockers are one of the most consistently-talented bands that have secured a reputation as a must-see live act over the years. The music video effectively captures the band’s relentless energy and penchant for noisy, catchy hooks, all amidst a grandiose, absurd visual backdrop that’s laden with Dr. Strangelove overtones. It’s delightfully bizarre without provoking those nagging post-viewing thoughts of, “What in the everloving hell?” (Your serve, Kanye.)
And if you’re racking your brain and typing in “da da da da” into Google trying to pinpoint that familiar guitar riff, it’s the garage rock cousin to ELO’s “Don’t Bring Me Down.” Don’t worry, they got permission. The Swedes are an ethical breed.
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Paul Lap:
Also, it should be noted that this isn't their first music video in b&w. It's actually their third. The first two being the videos for AKA Idiot and Main Offender.
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