'Broadcast Yourself': The good, the bad, the ugly of YouTube must-sees
By Courtney Baldasare, Staff Writer
March 28, 2008 | 8 p.m.
From classrooms to dorm rooms, YouTube has been a great source of both education as well as entertainment. Yet like any other modern phenomenon, it certainly has its high, low and just plain awkward moments when it comes to content.
Of course, there are those few videos that everyone has seen. The clips can be so popular that they seem to be quoted every 10 minutes without fail. Then there are some that have a more “underground” feel to them. Those can be equally as terrific, and if they aren’t popular, yet, then some of them definitely should be.
Lucky for YouTube fanatics and novices alike, Speakeasy has explored all realms of the viral video spectrum. Indulge in this amusing list of 10 YouTube must-sees and prepare for the good, the bad and, most certainly, the ugly.
“Chris Crocker - Queen of Ghetto.”
For fans of: cross-dressers, Baby Phat, foreign languages
What’s a YouTube playlist without at least a little bit of Chris Crocker? In one of his finer moments, Crocker lets audiences know that “he’s about to lose his manners and his mind.” The notorious YouTube star(let) turns up the heat to leave viewers shaking in their fur-lined stiletto boots and, naturally, laughing at his expense.
“Charlie bit my finger - again !”
For fans of: England, heavy accents, sibling rivalry
Something about the adorable young British boys is charming enough to captivate over 11 million viewers, so it is fairly safe to say that this particular video is widely enjoyed. The mischievous little brother, Charlie, incites quite a fit from his big brother (named Harry, as further video inspection has come to show) as he takes a painful bite with his barely-there chompers.
“Star Wars Kid”
For fans of: anything and everything including, but not limited to, weapons, agility, khakis
No, this is not a joke. Yes, you will become a better person for viewing this video. Be amazed as this overzealous boy battles invisible dark forces, armed only with a pseudo light saber that is really a – wait, what is it? Microphone stand? Extended reaching arm? Excessively lengthy metal pole? Whatever it is, it works.
“Soulja Boy”
For fans of: coordination, MC Hammer, the color orange
This clip is exactly as it appears. These really are inmates dancing in organized fashion to popular tunes. In this prison located in the Philippines, the inmates are required to dance in order to be better disciplined as well as focus on something other than their dismal situations. There are plenty of other videos from this prison for the viewing if this clip does not fulfill your insatiable appetite.
“Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder”
For fans of: Adam Levine, raw talent, awkward self-recordings
Marié Digby is a true testament to the fact that YouTube can, and inevitably will, produce future stars. Skeptics beware – this young singer, songwriter, guitar player and piano player is truly deserving of her new-found fame. The musician, whose album will soon be available, has posted numerous other covers, such as Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and, a personal favorite, Incubus’ “Love Hurts.”
“Amateur - Lasse Gjertsen”
For fans of: director Michel Gondry, foreign fashion, bizarre tresses
Perhaps the most incredible part of this entire video is the few seconds of text at the very end, in which the creator and performer admits that he can neither play the piano nor the drums. Norwegian wonder Lasse Gjertsen displays his ample knowledge of and talent in not only video editing, but the workings of musical beats.
“Mad TV - Commercials – Ecstasy”
For fans of: glow sticks, Moby, neon
For those who missed the actual “Mad TV” episode displaying this side-splitting parody of the popular Zoloft commercial, you are in luck. YouTube has, of course, immortalized the clip and posted it for all viewers to enjoy. The Zoloft “dot” is back in action, only this time, a new drug is running the scene: ecstasy.
“Otters holding hands”
For fans of: rainbows, cuteoverload.com, snuggling
Even if you are not an animal lover, you can appreciate this video. Two endearing otters floating peacefully around a pool while holding hands is precious enough. But if it doesn’t immediately evoke some sort of miniscule smile or ache in your heart, then just wait until the end – after they separate. With over 10 million views, a number of audiences surely agree.
“Jimmy Kimmel's ‘I'm F*cking Ben Affleck’ music video”
For fans of: inappropriate gestures, choral ensembles, puka shell necklaces
Hollywood’s finest come together in a grandiose way to aid Jimmy Kimmel in his musical retaliation toward Sarah Silverman’s similar clip starring Matt Damon. From Cameron Diaz to Harrison Ford to Macy Gray to Lance Bass, the star-studded statement was made loud and clear. If the visuals say nothing at all, then Josh Groban’s operatic segment surely will. The clip speaks for itself.
“Me Singing A Whole New World Disney's Aladdin Nick Pitera”
For fans of: femininity, “that look” (see point 1:54 in the clip) that musicians give their audiences, surprises
Vocal phenomena Nick Pitera explores all ranges of his able pipes in this impeccable rendition of “A Whole New World.” He has performed and posted a number of popular covers, though with a bit of a different flavor than those of the previously mentioned Marié Digby. At the risk of giving too much away, just watch the video and avoid drooling.
Although each video is as unique as the performers themselves, every clip undoubtedly will bring an ample amount of amusement and bliss to the viewer. Feel free to press play on these ten YouTube must-see videos and do so guilt-free. Because trust me, you will not be wasting your time. Happy tubing!
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