Favorite Videos that aren't "Thriller" #1 - "Dani California"

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I must admit, revisiting all of these old videos has been a lot of fun, but it is time to put another countdown to rest. #1 in my Favorite Videos that aren't "Thriller" series is "Dani California" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Directed by American History X helmsman Tony Kaye, "Dani California" is a fun little video that has the Red Hot Chili Peppers performing while dressed up in costumes representing significant moments and artists in rock history. Rockabilly, British Invasion, psychedelic, funk, glam, punk, hair metal, grunge (unplugged!,) as well as the Red Hots' own punk-funk days get a nod, as do The Beatles, Bowie (Ziggy Stardust era,) the Misfits, and Kurt Cobain, among others. Further homage is paid with the song's guitar solo, which guitarist John Frusciante based upon Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze." The video received ten nominations at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards (it won Best Art Direction.) The song itself won two Grammy Awards and spent 14 weeks atop Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart, while peaking at #6 on their Hot 100 chart. It also reached Top 10 status in 15 other countries. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have made a few amusing videos over the years, but to me, "Dani California" is the most fun. Until something better comes along, it's my current favorite. (Info verified by Wikipedia)