Devendra Banhart: Foolin’ You Into Submission
Posting this here was preceded by a long, arduous internal debate. It’s true that I’m far from a Devendra Banhart fan. In fact, I’m fairly allergic to just about everything I’ve seen of him, little as that may be. Until this video, that is. Taking a big step away from his neo-flower-child-meets-Castro-Jesus look, Devendra, along with director Isaiah Seret, made a video for the song Foolin’ that pays tribute to tender man-love, old school pulp films, as well as to their biggest fan ever, Tarantino. What I love most about it is the fact that it shows a heavy S&M relationship in a positive, humorous, light. It’s just so darn happy-making, I can’t help myself!
Marking this NSFW for gratuitous use of bloodied butt-crack, sexy violence, and dangerous thongs. Dig it:
[Thanks, Whitechapel]
April 29th, 2010 at 11:32 am
How deliciously deviant! Devendra’s face is a perfect mixture of indifference and longing throughout the video. Very outside of his visual comfort zone.
April 29th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
“In fact, I’m fairly allergic to just about everything I’ve seen of him, little as that may be. ”
WOT YOO NO LIKE TEH WARBLING GLITTERBEARDZ?!!1!
This is sweet. Although the mere thought of digit removal always makes me incredible panicky. Musicians, we needs our pinkies more than many, if not most!
April 29th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
I was vaguely intrigued when I saw this image a couple of years ago:
And then…
Guhh.
April 29th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
This is really great! The finger thing was a bit much, I thought, but other than that it was fun and kind of sweet.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Oh Natalie Portman…
April 29th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Aww. Yeah, I LOVE that photo of Devendra done up like a Ziegfeld gal. I also love the fella’s sense of humor. He has an all-harmonium Joni Mitchell tribute band called Droney Mitchell. At times, his lyrics can be downright brilliant: “I’m scared of being born again/ If it’s in this form again”. I hope he hasn’t peaked, and doesn’t coast on/buy into his own hype overly much, because his potential to push further and higher and better is immense. I think this music video is evidence of that. :-)
April 29th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
I enjoy Flower Child Castro Jesus quite a bit. I don’t take him quite as seriously as some of his, shall way “passionate” fans though. There is a mix of healthy fun in all his videos.This one has such charm to it though it’s pretty sweet overall. Great marriage of sound & images. There have been many videos that try to do something like this but fail readily when one part takes over the other. M.I.A’s latest video being a prime example of that. Hope more people see this and more importantly see the BDSM elements in a new more positive way.
My favorite though of Flower Child Castro Jesus is actually this little bit shot for Be Here To Love Me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bggxhi4idKI
@Zo…What’s wrong with the second pic? I drink my coffee like that EVERY day! Only my headdress is made from used coffee filters.
@Mer…He’s remained surprisingly on point with whatever he happens to be interested in musically. I honestly thought all the critical praise and attention would have drowned any humor he had long ago. I agree his potential is vast and his humor is key to that. Clearly he’s having a damn good time along the way! Haha. I think his best work is ahead of him.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Yes. Verily.