23 Best Music Videos Of 2012

The most innovative, clever, beautiful, and bonkers clips of the year.

23. Sigur Rós, “Fjögur Píanó”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=scctp8-xYX4.

AKA the video with Shia LaBeouf’s penis in it. Directed by Alma Har’el.

Source: youtube.com

22. Odd Future, “Oldie”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fzi24Nssiow.

Directed by Lance Bangs.

Source: youtube.com

21. Jack White, “I’m Shakin’”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XkcGuZHPbKk.

Directed by Dori Oskowitz.

Source: youtube.com

20. Flying Lotus, “Tiny Tortures”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=TRNGpATRCrI.

Yeah, that’s Elijah Wood. Directed by David Lewandowski.

Source: youtube.com

19. Grizzly Bear, “Yet Again”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AuG9i5cwGW0.

Directed by Emily Kai Bock.

Source: youtube.com

18. Lana Del Rey, “Ride”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Py_-3di1yx0.

Directed by Anthony Mandler.

Source: youtube.com

17. G-Dragon, “Crayon”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=t3ULhmadHkg.

Source: youtube.com

16. Killer Mike, “Big Beast”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z8-RmM5py1c.

Directed by Thomas C. Bingham.

Source: youtube.com

15. Father John Misty, “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KtOToiIDNRA.

Aubrey Plaza is very good at smashing things. Directed by Noel Paul.

Source: youtube.com

14. Fiona Apple, “Every Single Night”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bIlLq4BqGdg.

Directed by Joseph Cahill.

Source: youtube.com

13. BigBang, “Fantastic Baby”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AAbokV76tkU.

Source: youtube.com

12. El-P, “The Full Retard”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OZptOs8Gu9k.

Directed by Timothy Saccenti.

Source: youtube.com

11. Skrillex, “Bangarang”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=YJVmu6yttiw.

Directed by Tony T. Datis.

Source: youtube.com

10. Perfume Genius, “Hood”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OOpkr8uNWpk.

Directed by Winston H. Case.

Source: youtube.com

9. Drake featuring Lil Wayne, “HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0KCWqnldEag.

Directed by Director X.

Source: youtube.com

8. Hot Chip, “Don’t Deny Your Heart”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gf3bmQh8_dM.

Directed by Peter Serafinowicz.

Source: youtube.com

7. Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WA4iX5D9Z64.

Directed by Declan Whitebloom.

Source: youtube.com

6. Grimes, “Genesis”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1FH-q0I1fJY.

Directed by Claire “Grimes” Boucher.

Source: youtube.com

5. St. Vincent, “Cheerleader”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=LEY9GJAm8bA.

Directed by Hiro Murai.

Source: youtube.com

4. Aimee Mann, “Labrador”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XA1cX-wgMdM.

Directed by Tom Scharpling, and featuring wonderful performances by Jon Hamm and Jon Wurster.

Source: youtube.com

3. Psy, “Gangnam Style”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0.

Well, duh.

Source: youtube.com

2. Danny Brown, “Grown Up”

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NHfWY0is3rE.

It is incredible how well this little boy channels the spirit of Danny Brown. Is this kid a method actor? Directed by Greg Brunkalla.

Source: youtube.com

1. Chairlift, “Met Before”

Directed by Jordan Fish. This is a fully interactive “choose your own adventure” music video.