25 Best Music Videos: 19

19. Bastards of Young
The Replacements

The epitome of aesthetic simplicity, the single shot of a stereo system playing the song is a perfect representation of the band itself, in my opinion: Entrancingly minimalist (oh god i sound like pitchfork what is wrong with me). Paul Westerberg could barely hold any notes, Bob Stinson had a serious drug problem, Tommy Stinson was roughly 14 when the first album came out and the bass was almost the same size as he was, and Chris Mars couldn't drum for his life unless he was blind stinkin drunk.

In other words, the band's power came from their limitations. Of course, much of those limitations (specifically Bob's drug problems and Chris's alcoholism) also led to their downfall.

The Replacements are underground legends who did something most indie bands never do: play with their hearts on their sleeves and openly embracing classic rock bands such as The Box Tops and Badfinger as influences.

I guess I just put this video on the list because I respect and enjoy the band so much, but I seriously think this video is a perfect example of how so much can be done with so little.

/kicks stereo