Blogs:
Follow Us:
Get Instant Alerts

All More Options
Boards
TV Predictions Game

Film Festival

Full Coverage

Watch: Owl City's new video for 'Vanilla Twilight'

Bring a coat, it's cold where you're going and yes, that's Shaq

By Melinda Newman Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010 1:53 PM

Shaquille O'Neal in the video for Owl City's "Fireflies"

Yep, that's Shaquille O'Neal in the new video for Owl City's "Fireflies."  Did they shoot this in Cleveland?

Last night, I had the strangest dream. There was Shaquille O’Neal, standing in the snow,  quizzically looking upward to the heavens. Then I realized I was wide awake and I was just watching the new Owl City video for “Vanilla Twilight.”
 
Man, what a difference a few million downloads make. The video for “Fireflies” is a fairly down home affair featuring Owl City, a.k.a. Adam Young, alone in his bedroom with his keyboard and his toys that comes to life like some in some benign “Twilight Zone” episode.
 
Now, his label has invested in an outdoor shoot, lots of special effects and an NBA superstar. I really can’t for the life of me figure out what he’s doing there and based on O’Neal’s bemused expression, neither can he.
You either like Owl City’s overly precious, twee vibe or you don’t, but there is something endearing about his uncynical, sentimental look at love and life and nature. Really, who else over the age of 15 can convincingly deliver the line, “As many times as I blink I’ll think of you tonight.” I don’t even think Justin Bieber can get away with that one.
 
“Vanilla Twilight” is a great example of a video taking a straight-ahead song about missing someone you love and turning it into something much bigger.  Depending upon how you want to interpret it, via the video the song becomes a much bigger meditation on death and the signs that loved ones can send us after they shuffle off this mortal coil. In this case, the loved one is sending a big old hug via a gorgeous sunset that looks like of like the Northern Lights. Even the mangy dog in the video can tell what’s going on here, can’t you, Fido?
 
Watch it below, but we warn you, you may need to put on a winter coat. It’s pretty chilly where you’re headed. Or as Owl City sings: “This cold nostalgia chills me to the bone.”
 

 

Related Searches: Owl City, Shaquille Oneal, Fireflies, vanilla twilight, Adam Young

Comments

  • Option 1

    Comment instantly as a guest Guest

  • Option 2

    Connect

  • Option 3

    Login or create a HitFix account Login Signup
  • Nobody has posted a comment yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

News From Our Partners

Melinda Newman

About This Blog

Melinda Newman is the former West Coast Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine with more than 15 years of experience in the music industry. She covers music and entertainment for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Associated Press, MSN, AOL and other outlets. Recent interviews include Taylor Swift, Pink, Brad Paisley, Foo Fighters, Jonas Bros. and Snow Patrol.

 

Get Instant Alerts on The Beat Goes On

Latest Posts
More Posts
Recent Activity on Facebook
Most Popular on Facebook
About HitFix

HitFix provides breaking news and insider analysis on what's next in Movies, Music, TV and Local Events. Our localized event calendar lets you personalize and plan your entertainment life, while our instant alerts and mobile apps make sure you never miss out on your favorite entertainment.

Advertise on HitFix
Subscribe to HitFix

Get the latest headlines & updates in your inbox

Popular Topics

© Copyright HitFix.com. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy