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.

youtube.com

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

ID: 732423

22. Odd Future, “Oldie”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Lance Bangs.

ID: 732558

21. Jack White, “I’m Shakin’”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Dori Oskowitz.

ID: 732572

20. Flying Lotus, “Tiny Tortures”

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

youtube.com

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

ID: 732440

19. Grizzly Bear, “Yet Again”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Emily Kai Bock.

ID: 732557

18. Lana Del Rey, “Ride”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Anthony Mandler.

ID: 732589

17. G-Dragon, “Crayon”

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

youtube.com

ID: 732568

16. Killer Mike, “Big Beast”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Thomas C. Bingham.

ID: 732559

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

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

youtube.com

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

ID: 732408

14. Fiona Apple, “Every Single Night”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Joseph Cahill.

ID: 732648

13. BigBang, “Fantastic Baby”

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

youtube.com

ID: 732576

12. El-P, “The Full Retard”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Timothy Saccenti.

ID: 732770

11. Skrillex, “Bangarang”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Tony T. Datis.

ID: 732564

10. Perfume Genius, “Hood”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Winston H. Case.

ID: 732581

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

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

youtube.com

Directed by Director X.

ID: 732583

8. Hot Chip, “Don’t Deny Your Heart”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Peter Serafinowicz.

ID: 732650

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

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

youtube.com

Directed by Declan Whitebloom.

ID: 732722

6. Grimes, “Genesis”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Claire “Grimes” Boucher.

ID: 732597

5. St. Vincent, “Cheerleader”

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

youtube.com

Directed by Hiro Murai.

ID: 732762

4. Aimee Mann, “Labrador”

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

youtube.com

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

ID: 732578

3. Psy, “Gangnam Style”

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

youtube.com

Well, duh.

ID: 732579

2. Danny Brown, “Grown Up”

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

youtube.com

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

ID: 732403

1. Chairlift, “Met Before”

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

ID: 738547