New Wave Outpost Forum

I had to wait a long time to see the Vapors video to their classic 'Turning Japanese', but when I saw it about 5 years ago, I couldn't help but notice how unenthusiastic the band members looked.

They hardly look at the camera when miming to the song and most of them seem to have facial expressions like they're thinking 'let's just get on with this shit'. Although the lead singer appears to be trying hard to entertain even he seems to be relieved to get the task over and done with at the end of the video. Take note of his bored-tired expression in the final shot of the video.

Still, the geisha and the hazel-eyed girl seem to be happily going along with the whole process, so all is not bad. Unlike the Knack or XTC, the Vapors simply didn't look like they were enjoying their little video making experience.

I just bought their 2-cd set and I must say I am impressed. The best one is "Johnny's in Love". I think they did a video from I think is a 3rd album, but it's nothing to write home about.

Bored? I'm not sure. What you need to remember is that in 1980 music video was still a brand new thing. bands didn't really know what they were supposed to be doing. It wasn't until duran Duran came along and completly re-invented the genre that bands

That's a good observation 'Ollie Stench'. Spaz here on the board has told me that he never warmed up to music videos due to his distaste with the idea of musicians (including his favorites) either trying too hard or feeling forced to act in their videos.

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Bored? I'm not sure. What you need to remember is that in 1980 music video was still a brand new thing. bands didn't really know what they were supposed to be doing. It wasn't until duran Duran came along and completly re-invented the genre t

Replace "bored" with "attempting to look cool". They obviously were taking lessons from their manager, The Jam's Bruce Foxton. He always looked "bored" oops I mean "cool".

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"Through being cool"