Sometimes a good music video can transform my opinions on a song from negative to positive. I was secretly hoping this would happen following the video release of “Only The Horses,” the first single from the Scissor Sisters‘ forthcoming album, Magic Hour. Unfortunately, tis not the case. If anything at all, I feel more MEH about the song than I did previously. Maybe I’m just in a bad mood, but the abstract video did absolutely nothing for me, other than make me wait until the end to see exactly WHAT the song’s titular horses were pulling (I won’t give it away – you can watch the Lorenzo Fonda-directed video BELOW). Talk about a big disappointment. MEH!
As I said in my original review, I used to look at Scissor Sisters as pop innovators. While I originally meant this in reference to their music, I suppose I could have been talking about the creative elements as well, videos and artwork included. I was particularly impressed with the Night Work creative campaign – specifically, the controversial “Invisible Light” video and even the cartoonishly sexy “Any Which Way” video to an extent. The Robert Maplethorpe photograph on the Night Work album cover was the perfect draw, both provocative and controversial at the same time, I was left intrigued and wanting more. In sharp contrast, the zebrafied Magic Hour artwork appears to have been inspired by Lisa Frank‘s collection of tween-oriented school supplies and stationary. While I’m sure the zebras must represent something deep and meaningful, something is just missing for me – both from the song as well as the creative.
No word yet on when the Calvin Harris/Alex Ridha-produced “Only The Horses” will be released here in the States, but UK fans can download it starting May 14th, followed by Magic Hour‘s release on May 28th – both through Polydor Records. Check out the album tracklisting as well as the ‘Only The Horses‘ video BELOW.
Check out Scissor Sisters on the web: