I wonder why some British groups and artists are asked to develop different videos for world audiences, or usually the UK version and the US version
are created. Is it
really necessary? The song and the music are fundamental for them to present themselves; the visual is completely secondary but record companies have
some influence in that. I'm just expressing that because I grew up watching the original UK version of which I find spectacular due to its simplicity
and that gorgeous morning sun shining through that house where Verve make their performance. I grew up watching this clip; as for the American it was
a surprise recently watched.
While the song never ceases to amaze me, this American video
for "Lucky Man" presents more things than the previous version yet it doesn't add anything else. Again, it's a band having a quiet time while Richard
Ashcroft performs this song. The difference being that it's apparently filmed in New York and there's minor exterior images. Looking closely to some
buildings and constructions it doesn't feel like New York (maybe just the exteriors were shot there and the apartment The Verve stay is located some
place else). While in the UK version Ashcroft is the main presence, here the band has some good time to get out of boredom and enjoy themselves playing
cards or chatting while Richard performs the song, without wearing glasses and more available to audiences see him better. No edit is done in the song,
gladly.
Some of the images are beautiful to look at it, well-established shots and greatly photographed (the final moments are magnificent with them on the top
of the hill). The union of music and Ashcroft's voice is a perfect
combination, and "Lucky Man" is one of the bands most known songs. Had the difference between clips a more conceptual or some storyline involved than
I'd give it a higher grade. In any case, it's a good video to watch. 8/10