As part of Music Video Week here on PPH, we’ve asked our contributors to nominate their Top 3 music vids of all time along with a few words to explain their choices. Here are Fintan McDonagh‘s choices. He can be followed on Twitter @Fintalloneword.

3. ‘Outside’ – George Michael (Vaughan Arnell, 1998)

The former Wham! star emerged from controversy in 1998 with this outrageously successful lesson in how to spin a potentially career annihilating incident into a creative and commercial renaissance. This cheeky promo, all camp, disco balls and nudge-wink innuendo, scores a toe-tapping display of chutzpah – and is very funny with it.

*     *     *     *     *

2. ‘Don’t Give Up’ – Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel (Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, 1986)

This is the simplest of ideas, executed consummately. 10CC bandmates turned directing duo Godley and Creme’s promo for the 1986 single is a perfect match of the lyric to the visual, with the solar eclipse providing subtle comment on Pete and Kate’s heartfelt performances. Pop fact: Dolly Parton was first choice for female voice. It would have been an intriguing combo, but Kate is unmatchable.

*     *     *     *     *

1. ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ – Massive Attack (Baillie Walsh, 1991)

Another single shot lasting several minutes (maybe I just don’t like editing!) In choosing Baillie Walsh’s compelling L.A. shot masterpiece, I underwent a huge mental tussle between it and the same band’s ‘Protection‘. However, this astonishing effort for the single featuring the vocal talents of Shara Nelson edges it because it seemed so utterly fresh and innovative at the time. It’s a one-shot epic that remains mesmerizing.

*     *     *     *     *

Want to join the conversation? Find us on Twitter @PPlasticHelmet and use the hashtag #MusicVideoWeek.