We’re going to kick off this years annual round-up with the Mahogany Best Music Video.

I scoured for ages and I thought about which ones to shortlist and a pattern emerged with most of the videos that emerged this year. BUDGET LIMITATIONS.

The recession hit hard in this area – whether it be limited location or scenes, I definitely could see cutbacks.

Nevertheless, there were some amazing videos from some equally amazing bands and here are our favs.

People Under The Stairs – Trippin’ At The Disco –

This classic spoof video is very much in the same style as Snoop’s Sexual Seduction. Thes One and Double K are Introduced on an 80′s Japanese TV show and it must have been so fun to film

The long faded transitions and glitzy camera lens combine for a Kool & The Gang style experience. Thes One has co-director credits on this wicked music video.

Friendly Fires – Skeleton Boy –

Director, Clemens Habicht, sat in the chair for this imaginative video. A spruced up single-version of Skeleton Boy is accompanied by a huge fan, glass cube and millions of polystyrene balls! Frontman Ed’s signature dancing was made official after this was released.

Fever Ray – When I Grow Up –

Fever Ray’s first single from her debut album is accompanied by this creepy and mysterious video.  A deserted, suburban garden poolside is the setting coupled with an estranged girl and something monstrous in the pool. Directed by Martin de Thurrah who has also sat in the chair for Editors and Kanye West.

Coldplay – Strawberry Swing –

It’s hats off to visual legends Shynola for something that would have taken every ounce of their visionary brains. I thought it was all done on a computer until a recent interview with the guys said that it’s 100% illustrations. An incredible video for one of my favourite songs of the Coldplay album.

Sorry for the low quality – HD version available here.

Phoenix – Lisztomania –

While this is an unofficial video, it still makes it into the list. Encapsulating 80′s movie classics The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink, Footloose and Mannequin, it’s one of my favourite videos of the year.

The editing is spot on throughout and makes you want to watch all The Breakfast Club immediately.

Rest In Peace John Hughes.

More Mahogany Round-Ups to follow!