Shipwrecked

Continuing with Andrew Goodwin's 5 aspects of music videos and applying them to some of my favourites, I decided that the second music video I will be one from a sub-genre I have not explored yet. 'Shipwrecked' is a single by the 'folk metal' band Alestorm.

This music video certainly isn't the conventional type, however it should still include the main characteristics of a music video that Goodwin believed there to be in every one. 'Shipwrecked' is Alestorm's second music video which is a live performance. Therefore there isn't much for the star to do to change his image greatly since he has only been in one music video before which was also a live performance. This means there hasn't been much of a chance for the band to create their own identity, however the star does portray the same character from the previous music video (Keelhauled).

Although the song is called Shipwrecked, the lyrics do not fit what is being shown on camera. It goes on about being shipwrecked, however after that it talks about the "black death" and how he "suck his head in grief" all whilst drinking rum and celebrating with other people.

Shipwrecked starts off with a CGI ship flying the jolly roger on rough seas. This use of technology instantly informs the audience that the video (much like Alestorm's previous work) revolves around pirates. The lighting and the bright colours set a cheerful mood for the viewers of the video, and of course the mise en scene and costumes would help create a mood, and the fact that the entire band are dressed in pirate clothing whilst playing electric guitars and drums actually makes the music video more pleasant.

Goodwin believes that the audience only typically get an idea of the meaning behind the song. Yet in Shipwrecked it seems pretty apparent; that there was a storm and suddenly a man is stranded on a desert island. However at the end of the video it becomes clear that this man has been hallucinating the entire time. The performance includes a range of events, from a guy in rags being surrounded by alcohol and women, to a band in modern clothing head banging.

Goodwin's concept of 'seeing the sound in your head' remains tricky to apply to this music video.  The artist's voice is an expressive instrument, and the way he sings and screams, makes him appear as if he is impersonating a stereotypical pirate. This is helpful for the audience when it comes to the idea that the song is a story. If the singer lacked the appearance and sound of a pirate, the video would not be anywhere near as enjoyable for the viewers whilst he is singing a song called 'Shipwrecked'.


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