Barnes & Barnes: Fish Heads

I remember seeing this video many, many times on Nickelodeon when I was a kid. I thought it was a laugh riot then and it's still funny to me now. Incidentally, that's Dr. Demento himself as the homeless guy admiring Bill Paxton's fish head. Barnes & Barnes are geniuses.

"Fish heads are never seen drinking cappuccinos in Italian restaurants with Oriental women / Yeah."

Fish Heads / Fish Heads / Roly Poly Fish Heads / Fish Heads / Fish Heads / Eat Them Up, Yum

This now rare music video from the early eighties was indeed a big hit when music television (read: MTV) came into our lives with a vengence. It also was on Nickelodeon as well. It's just basically an incredibly out there, scary (in such an off-beat way), and incredibly funny short film about how you can take fish heads to the movies.

I just saw it on VH1 Classic, the best music video channel out there (showing classic videos from the 80's and before), and was immedietly filled with nostalgia and happiness. It's such a creepy funny little film!

I remember first seeing and hearing this song video when it was presented on "Saturday Night Live" during that show's absolute worst season ever-the only one produced by Jean Domanian which introduced Eddie Murphy. Now I rewatched it on YouTube with an intro by Dr. Demento (he appeared in it, by the way) who declared it No. 1 on "Demented Top 20 Video Countdown" on MTV from 1988. Watching it again after all these years, the images didn't bring back memories but the song certainly did as it's been running on my mind since that first time viewing some now 35 years ago! Anyway, this was quite a strangely amusing video so on that note, I say Fish Heads is worth a look for anyone looking for the offbeat...

Without question, this is one timeless and unforgettable music video. Even though it's been years since I last saw it, I still remember every single word of the song, no doubt because I watched the video so frequently back when I was a young teenager. Now, admittedly, part of my love for this video is a result of the first time I saw it (when I laughed hysterically through the entire thing), but even as an adult, when I think of the silly lyrics and unusual visuals, it still puts a smile on my face.

It's a mild surprise to see "Fish Heads" listed as a short film, but I suppose it is.

The song is odd, as is the film. Most people watch it for the first time with their mouth open. I think this is the highest recommendation possible for a music video (surpassed possibly only by The Residents' "Hello Skinny.")

This short film is available on the Barnes & Barnes music video compilation, "Voobaha" (or something like that.) Their other videos aren't as startling as "Fish Heads" but they are a lot of fun.