Song of the Day 11-14-09: Suspended in Gaffa by Ra Ra Riot

About This Footage

The grainy, lo-fi footage that makes up "Song of the Day 11-14-09: Suspended in Gaffa" by Ra Ra Riot is a time capsule from the early days of YouTube's user-generated content era. This clip, uploaded in 2009, is more than just a music video - it's a window into the band's DIY ethos and the scrappy, independent spirit that defined their rise to fame.

At the time this footage was filmed, Ra Ra Riot was still an up-and-coming indie rock band from Syracuse, New York. Their debut album "The Rhumb Line" had been released just months prior, and they were still riding high on the buzz generated by their energetic live performances. The band's vocalist, Wes Miles, was known for his soaring falsetto and poetic lyrics, while their violinist, Rebecca Zeller, brought a unique sonic texture to their sound.

What makes this clip so rare is its raw, unpolished quality - it's clear that the video was shot on a handheld camera in a cramped, dimly lit space. The audio is fuzzy and distorted at times, but the band's energy is palpable as they launch into the catchy, upbeat melody of "Suspended in Gaffa". This song, with its driving rhythms and infectious hooks, would go on to become one of Ra Ra Riot's fan favorites.

The YouTube description accompanying this clip is a hilarious time capsule from the early days of social media. The anonymous uploader's sarcastic remark about WMG (Warner Music Group) is a nod to the band's struggles with major label politics - at the time, they were still an independent act, self-releasing their music and building a grassroots following.

Watching "Song of the Day 11-14-09: Suspended in Gaffa" is like stepping back into the early days of indie rock's explosion onto the mainstream scene. The clip's lo-fi aesthetic and the uploader's irreverent tone evoke the spirit of bands like Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, and Bon Iver - all of whom were riding high on the wave of indie rock's ascendance in the late 2000s.

As a viewer watches this clip, they'll get a sense of Ra Ra Riot's early sound, which was characterized by their eclectic blend of indie rock, chamber pop, and post-punk influences. They'll also catch a glimpse into the band's DIY ethos, which would go on to inspire countless other independent artists in the years that followed.

The most striking thing about this clip is its raw energy - it's clear that Ra Ra Riot was a band on the rise, with a sense of momentum and purpose that would carry them through their early days as an indie rock phenomenon. Watching "Song of the Day 11-14-09: Suspended in Gaffa" is like witnessing the birth of something new and exciting - a moment in time that captures the spirit of creativity and rebellion that defines Ra Ra Riot's music to this day.

The clip ends abruptly, with the uploader's parting shot about WMG still echoing in the viewer's mind. It's a fitting conclusion to this brief glimpse into Ra Ra Riot's early days - a reminder that even the most polished and refined art can have its roots in raw, unbridled energy.

Curated from public records and music databases.