Start Me Up

The first three seconds of this video seem like a skit on Saturday Night Live. I'm quite sure it wasn't any different in 1981 when this was released. Mick's outfit is totally ridiculous and the dance moves are worse. But as soon as the vocals start it all works, and I'm at a loss to really explain why.

Part of it is probably the pure theatrics of Mick's facial expression. He takes the piss by acting like an ass, but then committs to it so completely that the performance becomes bullet proof.

The rest of the band is basically along for the ride on this one. Keith and Ronnie are strangely affable on the backup vocals and actually contribute to a satisfying esprits de corps through their enthusiasm. The video cuts to the requisite shot of Charlie smirking and retiring on drums, and the whole surreal experience is completed by a bizarrely attired Bill in the background looking like he showed up for a court date. Seriously, this has to be the worst Rolling Stones outfit of all time - the pale blue business suit. I guess there is a reason that he gets so many head shots.

In all, one of the great Stones music videos. Marks for simplicity and a daring fashion risk taken by Mick. Not exactly representative of a gang of dudes who would scare you in a dark alley, but somehow still cool.