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Robot Rock: The Cyborg Songs That Make Us Adore Our Metal Overlords 3

by Switched Staff on May 5, 2010 at 01:48 PM

"ROBOTS," Dan Mangan

Dan Mangan just may have crafted the perfect, most absolutely comprehensive video ever conceived with "ROBOTS." Not only does it feature jorts, denim jackets, stonewashed jeans, bandannas and the promise of an incredible '80s-style dance fight, but it also captures an intense robot death match. We don't want to give too much away, but the robo-battle also gives hope that even humans can peacefully coexist regardless of their colorful gang affiliations. Maybe we can all just get along.

"Hell Yes," Beck

For the love of all that is holy, will someone please, please make it stop? Freakin' everybody wants to do "the robot." It was already incredibly annoying way back in 1983, and now the tired gag has become so overplayed on TV and in films that some -- perhaps all -- of us cringe at the mere promise of that predictable first arm swing. But, that doesn't mean it isn't still really awesome when a real robot does "the robot." "Hell Yes," indeed, Mr. Beck. Synchronized robo-routines? 'Nuff said.

"Can You Keep a Secret," Hikaru Utada

Sorry Miss Utada, we can't keep your secret. Your sick and twisted robot-loving ways mean that soon, we men may be reduced to nothing more than sperm donors as you cavort with 'bots that do your bidding without question and can last as long in the sack as their battery packs will let them. Oh, your secret is that you're a robot. Well, that changes everything, then. Carry on.

"Musique Non Stop," Kraftwerk

German techno ensemble Kraftwerk first broke onto the charts with this hypnotically catchy anthem way back in 1986. The rudimentary aesthetic may now seem primitive compared to some of the other videos on this list, but the effect is still just as resonant. With its dancing cyborg diagrams, and gyrating, Robert Palmer-like mannequin heads, Kraftwerk's self-aware video reminds us that when it comes to electronic music, we're all robots, subject to the commands of the almighty beat.

"Come in to My World," Kylie Minogue

Okay, we're totally cheating by calling this a music video, but this live performance of Kylie Minogue's "Come in to My World" (originally made listenable in one of Michel Gondry's better treatments) features diva Kylie emerging from some kind of cyborg outfit. The electric green face shield is straight out of the LEGO Space Police collection, while the unfolding metallic breast cups surely have origins in 'Emmanuelle in Space' or some other Skinemax production.

"Daydreamin'," Lupe Fiasco

Finding a true bromance nowadays isn't easy. Finding a robo-bromance? Downright impossible -- unless your name is Lupe Fiasco. Luckily for the Chicago-born rapper, he can sit around his Kung Fu shop and daydream with his robot all day. As the world outside remains riddled with crime and poverty, Lupe finds solace in his intimidating yet vigilant bot. Because when human life seems like one big fiasco, there's a lot to be said for the cold, steadfast presence of a robo-guardian.

"Don't You Evah," Spoon

This is exactly what we feared -- a robot so adorable, so hypnotic in its motions that we don't realize it's secretly leading an army of dance-bots. After being led through the streets by its creator, this descendant of those dancing flower toys returns to the lab, where it shares what it has learned during its recon mission -- through the language of the boogie.

Tags: beck, dan mangan, DanMangan, hikaru utada, HikaruUtada, kraftwerk, kylie minogue, KylieMinogue, lupe fiasco, LupeFiasco, spoon

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