10 Greatest Rock Music Videos Of The 1990s
7. Ween - Freedom Of '76
Ween’s whole raison d’etre is being the goofiest guys in rock ‘n’ roll while simultaneously delivering killer tunes, and the Spike Jonze-directed video for lo-fi delight “Freedom of ‘76” encapsulates this perfectly.
It’s a joyfully silly sketch, in which Dean and Gene attempt to steal the Liberty Bell. They’re quickly arrested, and before a crowd of Philadelphians campaigning for the boys to be released, they launch into the tune. It’s a Ween classic - a collection of ludicrous lyrics that celebrate the good, bad, and indifferent of their city. Were it not for the quality musicianship - particularly Gene’s extraordinary falsetto - it would be forgettable, but instead, it’s a smash.
They pack a substantial amount into the video, which carries far more story than is necessary. There’s a dream sequence in which they row the Bell downstream to safety, and an ending hinting at their impending escape from custody. With great work from Jonze, potential fluff becomes truly engaging.