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Music video Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Evolution and History of Music Videos

Cheat Sheet:
The Evolution and History of Music Videos Study Guide

Precursors and Early Visual Music (Pre-1970s)

According to foundational definitions, is the primary purpose of a music video solely artistic expression, with promotional aspects considered secondary?

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the primary function of music videos is recognized as a dual purpose: to serve as a marketing tool for music recordings and to facilitate artistic expression.

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Does the term 'illustrated song' refer to an early precursor to music videos that utilized projected still images during live musical performances?

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'illustrated song' practice, originating in the late 19th century, involved projecting still images during live performances to visually accompany songs, representing an early form of visual music presentation.

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Did musical short films achieve widespread popularity exclusively after the widespread adoption of digital cinema in the late 20th century?

Answer: False

Explanation: Musical short films gained popularity much earlier, coinciding with the integration of sound into cinema in the 1920s, predating digital cinema by decades.

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Were 'Soundies' short musical films produced in the 1940s specifically for playback on Panoram film jukeboxes?

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Soundies' were indeed short musical films produced in the 1940s and distributed for use in Panoram film jukeboxes, serving as an early form of visual music consumption.

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Is J. P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson credited with the initial coinage of the phrase 'music video' in 1959?

Answer: True

Explanation: Available records indicate that J. P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson is credited with first employing the phrase 'music video' in 1959.

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Did the British television program 'Top of the Pops,' which commenced in 1964, contribute to the demand for promotional videos when artists were unable to appear live?

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Top of the Pops,' beginning in 1964, generated significant demand for visual content to accompany songs when artists could not perform live, thereby fostering the production of promotional videos.

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Was the 'illustrated song' a late 20th-century innovation that combined music with animated sequences?

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'illustrated song' was an innovation of the late 19th century, predating the widespread use of animation in music videos.

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What is the fundamental dual purpose of a music video as established in the source material?

Answer: For promotional purposes to market recordings and for artistic expression.

Explanation: The fundamental dual purpose of a music video, as defined in the source, is to serve as a promotional tool for marketing music recordings and as a medium for artistic expression.

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Which of the following terms is NOT identified in the source material as a historical designation for music videos?

Answer: Audio-visual track

Explanation: The source lists terms such as 'illustrated song,' 'promotional clip,' and 'filmed insert' but does not include 'audio-visual track' among the historical nomenclature for music videos.

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According to the source material, when did musical short films first gain popularity as precursors to music videos?

Answer: During the 1920s, coinciding with the integration of sound into films.

Explanation: Musical short films became popular in the 1920s, coinciding with the integration of synchronized sound into theatrical films, which laid the groundwork for visual music presentation.

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How did the 'illustrated song' practice contribute to the early development of visual music presentation?

Answer: By using projected still images during live performances to boost song sales.

Explanation: The 'illustrated song' practice contributed by using projected still images during live performances to promote song sales, representing an early fusion of music and visual media.

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What was the primary function of 'Soundies' during the 1940s?

Answer: They were short musical films played on Panoram film jukeboxes.

Explanation: 'Soundies' functioned as short musical films designed for playback on Panoram film jukeboxes in the 1940s.

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Which television program, commencing in 1964, significantly contributed to the demand for promotional music videos?

Answer: Top of the Pops

Explanation: The British television program 'Top of the Pops,' which began in 1964, played a crucial role in fostering demand for promotional music videos.

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Pioneering Artists and Formats (1970s-Early 1980s)

Did The Beatles exclusively employ avant-garde film techniques in their promotional films, entirely eschewing traditional performance footage?

Answer: False

Explanation: While The Beatles increasingly incorporated avant-garde techniques into their promotional films, they did not exclusively use them and often included elements of traditional performance footage.

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Is the music video for Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' considered by some scholars to have effectively invented the modern music video format?

Answer: True

Explanation: Released in 1975, the video for Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is widely credited with pioneering the music video format years before MTV's inception.

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Did Australian television programs such as 'Countdown' and 'Sounds,' premiering in the 1970s, contribute to the popularization of music videos?

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Countdown' and 'Sounds,' launched in the 1970s, played a significant role in popularizing music videos both within Australia and internationally.

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Was David Bowie's 1980 video for 'Ashes to Ashes' notable for being the least expensive music video produced that year?

Answer: False

Explanation: David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' video in 1980 was notable for being the most expensive music video produced up to that time, not the cheapest.

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Was The Beatles' 1967 television film 'Magical Mystery Tour' initially praised for its clear narrative and conventional structure?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' film was initially poorly received by critics, largely due to its perceived lack of a clear narrative structure.

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The video for which song, released in 1975, is considered by some to be the invention of the modern music video format?

Answer: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Explanation: The video for Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' released in 1975, is widely regarded as a foundational work that effectively invented the modern music video format.

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What role did the Australian television programs 'Countdown' and 'Sounds' play in the development of the music video genre?

Answer: They helped popularize music videos in Australia and internationally.

Explanation: Australian TV shows like 'Countdown' and 'Sounds' played a significant role in popularizing music videos both within Australia and internationally.

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David Bowie's 1980 video for 'Ashes to Ashes' was significant primarily for what reason?

Answer: It was the most expensive music video produced up to that time.

Explanation: David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' video was significant as it was the most expensive music video produced up to that time.

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What was the initial critical reception of The Beatles' 1967 television film 'Magical Mystery Tour'?

Answer: It was poorly received due to its lack of a clear narrative.

Explanation: The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' film was initially poorly received by critics, largely due to its perceived lack of a clear narrative structure.

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The MTV Era and Mainstream Impact (1980s)

Did the launch of MTV in 1981 result in a decline in the importance of music videos as a marketing tool?

Answer: False

Explanation: The launch of MTV in 1981 dramatically increased the importance and centrality of music videos as a primary marketing tool for the music industry.

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Did Michael Jackson's music videos encounter initial resistance from MTV primarily due to their high production costs?

Answer: False

Explanation: While Michael Jackson's videos were groundbreaking, the initial resistance from MTV was more related to racial bias and genre limitations rather than solely production costs.

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Was Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video a standard-length promotional clip that cost approximately $50,000 to produce?

Answer: False

Explanation: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video was a groundbreaking short film, nearly 14 minutes long, with a production cost reported to be around $800,000, far exceeding standard promotional clips of the era.

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Was The Buggles' 'Video Killed the Radio Star' the final music video aired on MTV's inaugural broadcast day?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Buggles' 'Video Killed the Radio Star' was the very first music video played on MTV, not the final one.

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Was the first commercially released video single by The Human League in 1983?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Human League's 'The Human League Video Single' in 1983 is recognized as the first commercial video single release.

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Was the television show 'Yo! MTV Raps,' launched in 1988, primarily focused on promoting rock music?

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Yo! MTV Raps,' launched in 1988, was primarily focused on promoting hip hop music, bringing it to a mainstream audience.

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What was the major impact of MTV's launch in 1981 on the music video industry?

Answer: It created a dedicated 24/7 platform, making music videos a central marketing tool.

Explanation: MTV's launch in 1981 established a dedicated 24/7 platform, transforming music videos into a central and indispensable marketing tool for the music industry.

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Which technological advancements during the 1980s contributed to making music video production more accessible?

Answer: The development of affordable and user-friendly video recording and editing equipment.

Explanation: The development of affordable and user-friendly video recording and editing equipment in the 1980s significantly increased the accessibility of music video production.

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How did Michael Jackson's music videos influence MTV's programming and policies?

Answer: They helped break down barriers for African-American artists on the channel.

Explanation: Michael Jackson's music videos were instrumental in breaking down racial barriers on MTV, increasing airplay for African-American artists.

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What distinguished Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video from preceding music videos?

Answer: It was a nearly 14-minute short film with high production value and narrative.

Explanation: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video distinguished itself as a nearly 14-minute short film with exceptional production value and a narrative structure, setting new standards.

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The music video for 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles is historically significant for which reason?

Answer: It was the first music video ever played on MTV.

Explanation: The video for 'Video Killed the Radio Star' is historically significant because it was the inaugural music video broadcast on MTV.

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Which artist released the first commercially available video single in 1983?

Answer: The Human League

Explanation: The Human League released the first commercially available video single in 1983.

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How did the television program 'Yo! MTV Raps' impact the genre of hip hop music?

Answer: It brought hip hop music to a mass audience for the first time.

Explanation: 'Yo! MTV Raps' significantly impacted hip hop music by bringing the genre to a mass audience for the first time.

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Technological Advancements and Industry Shifts (1990s-2000s)

During the 1990s, did many influential music video directors, including Spike Jonze and David Fincher, transition primarily to directing television commercials?

Answer: False

Explanation: While some directors transitioned to commercials, a more significant trend was their transition to directing feature films, which became a major career path.

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Did the advent of the internet, particularly platforms like YouTube launched in 2005, render music videos less accessible to the public?

Answer: False

Explanation: The internet and platforms like YouTube dramatically increased the accessibility of music videos, democratizing distribution and consumption.

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Is a 'video album' considered a collection of music videos that is not recognized as a distinct commercial product?

Answer: False

Explanation: A video album is considered a distinct commercial product, typically a long-form release containing multiple music videos tied to a specific musical project.

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Does a video single typically contain multiple music videos, often corresponding to an entire audio album?

Answer: False

Explanation: A video single typically contains one to three music videos, whereas a video album or visual album contains multiple videos, often corresponding to an entire audio album.

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Is Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' video recognized for its pioneering use of traditional live-action performance footage?

Answer: False

Explanation: Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' video is celebrated for its pioneering use of innovative special effects and animation techniques, not traditional live-action performance footage.

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Did the rise of YouTube around 2006 lead to the creation of high-budget, studio-produced 'lo-fi' internet music clips?

Answer: False

Explanation: The rise of YouTube around 2006 facilitated the creation of 'lo-fi' internet music clips, but these were characterized by minimal budgets and independent production, not high-budget studio production.

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Does the music video for Michael and Janet Jackson's 'Scream' hold the record for the most expensive music video ever produced?

Answer: True

Explanation: The music video for Michael and Janet Jackson's 'Scream' (1995) is widely cited as the most expensive music video ever produced, with a reported cost of $7 million.

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Was the music video for 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits one of the earliest to feature extensive computer animation?

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1985 music video for Dire Straits' 'Money for Nothing' is recognized for its pioneering use of computer animation.

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What trend characterized the music video industry in the 1990s concerning the career paths of directors?

Answer: The emergence of directors who later transitioned to feature filmmaking.

Explanation: The 1990s saw a significant trend where influential music video directors transitioned into directing feature films, marking a notable career trajectory.

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How did platforms such as YouTube, launched in 2005, fundamentally alter music video consumption?

Answer: They made music videos easily accessible online, enabling fame through online visibility.

Explanation: Platforms like YouTube dramatically increased music video accessibility online, enabling artists to achieve fame through online visibility and transforming consumption patterns.

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What is the primary distinction between a 'video album' and a 'video single'?

Answer: Video albums are long-form releases with multiple videos, often album-tied; video singles contain fewer videos (typically 1-3).

Explanation: The primary difference lies in scope: video albums are long-form, album-tied collections, while video singles contain a limited number of videos (1-3).

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What technique did Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' video famously employ?

Answer: Innovative special effects and animation

Explanation: Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' video famously employed innovative special effects and animation techniques.

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The development of 'lo-fi' internet music clips around 2006 was a response to what?

Answer: The high cost and complexity of traditional music videos.

Explanation: The development of 'lo-fi' internet music clips around 2006 was a response to the high cost and complexity associated with traditional music video production.

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The music video for Dire Straits' 'Money for Nothing' (1985) is noted for its pioneering use of what technology or technique?

Answer: Computer animation

Explanation: The music video for Dire Straits' 'Money for Nothing' is noted for its pioneering use of computer animation.

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Contemporary Formats, Distribution, and Controversies (2000s-Present)

In contemporary media consumption, are music videos predominantly viewed on traditional music television channels, with streaming sites occupying a minor role?

Answer: False

Explanation: Modern music videos are primarily disseminated through digital streaming platforms, such as YouTube, and music television channels, with streaming sites now playing a dominant role.

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Does a 'lyric video' primarily focus on the visual presentation of the song's lyrics?

Answer: True

Explanation: The defining characteristic of a lyric video is its emphasis on displaying the song's lyrics as the central visual element.

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Are vertical videos primarily designed for optimal viewing on large desktop computer screens?

Answer: False

Explanation: Vertical videos are specifically formatted for vertical viewing on mobile devices, not large desktop screens.

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Are music videos rarely subjected to censorship, with censorship laws typically not applying to artistic content?

Answer: False

Explanation: Music videos are frequently subject to censorship based on content deemed offensive, a determination that varies significantly across jurisdictions and often involves depictions of sexuality, violence, or controversial themes.

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Was Queen's 1982 video for 'Body Language' the first music video banned by MTV, and was the reason its explicit homoerotic content?

Answer: True

Explanation: Queen's 'Body Language' video is cited as the first music video banned by MTV, primarily due to its perceived homoerotic undertones and suggestive content.

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Was Madonna's 'Justify My Love' video banned by MTV for its depiction of traditional family values?

Answer: False

Explanation: Madonna's 'Justify My Love' video was banned by MTV due to its explicit depictions of sadomasochism, homosexuality, and group sex, not for depicting traditional family values.

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Did The Eagles' 'Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne' and the Rolling Stones' 'Four Flicks' receive multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA for their sales?

Answer: True

Explanation: Both 'Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne' and 'Four Flicks' achieved significant multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA, indicating substantial sales of these long-form music video releases.

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Is the primary visual element in a lyric video typically the artist's performance?

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary visual element in a lyric video is the song's lyrics themselves, not the artist's performance.

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Did Lil Nas X's 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' video face criticism for its mundane and uncontroversial imagery?

Answer: False

Explanation: Lil Nas X's 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' video faced significant criticism precisely because of its provocative and controversial imagery, not for being mundane.

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Was Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' video banned by CMT for promoting vigilantism and racial undertones?

Answer: True

Explanation: The video for Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' was banned by CMT due to interpretations that it promoted vigilantism and contained racial undertones.

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Does the RIAA define a music video single as a release containing one to two songs or having a running time under 15 minutes?

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the RIAA, a music video single is characterized by containing one to two songs or having a running time under 15 minutes.

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Was Björk's 'Pagan Poetry' video banned by MTV for nudity and explicit sexual content?

Answer: True

Explanation: Björk's 'Pagan Poetry' video was banned by MTV due to its explicit depictions of nudity and sexual content.

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Is a 'visual album' defined as a long-form release containing multiple music videos intrinsically tied to a specific musical project?

Answer: True

Explanation: A visual album is characterized by its long-form nature and the inclusion of multiple music videos that are cohesively linked to a particular musical project.

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What is the primary characteristic of a 'lyric video'?

Answer: It focuses primarily on the display of the song's lyrics.

Explanation: The defining characteristic of a lyric video is its primary focus on displaying the song's lyrics as the main visual component.

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Vertical videos are specifically formatted for optimal viewing on which type of device?

Answer: Mobile devices for vertical viewing

Explanation: Vertical videos are specifically formatted for optimal viewing on mobile devices, catering to their native vertical orientation.

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Which of the following is a commonly cited reason for the censorship of music videos?

Answer: Depictions of sexuality, violence, or drug use.

Explanation: Depictions of sexuality, violence, or drug use are common reasons cited for the censorship of music videos.

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Why was Queen's 1982 music video for 'Body Language' banned by MTV?

Answer: It included perceived homoerotic undertones, nudity, and suggestive content.

Explanation: Queen's 'Body Language' video was banned by MTV due to its perceived homoerotic undertones, nudity, and suggestive content.

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What controversial elements in Madonna's 'Justify My Love' video led to its ban by MTV?

Answer: Explicit depictions of sadomasochism, homosexuality, and group sex.

Explanation: Madonna's 'Justify My Love' video was banned by MTV due to its explicit depictions of sadomasochism, homosexuality, and group sex.

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What do the high RIAA certifications for releases such as the Eagles' 'Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne' indicate?

Answer: Significant sales of these long-form music video products.

Explanation: High RIAA certifications for releases like the Eagles' 'Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne' indicate substantial sales of these long-form music video products.

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What did the controversy surrounding Lil Nas X's 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' video primarily involve?

Answer: Its provocative imagery, including a lap dance with Satan.

Explanation: The controversy surrounding Lil Nas X's 'Montero' video primarily involved its provocative imagery, such as a lap dance with Satan.

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The controversy surrounding Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' video centered on interpretations of its content as promoting what?

Answer: Promoting racist violence and vigilantism.

Explanation: The controversy surrounding Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' video centered on interpretations of its content as promoting racist violence and vigilantism.

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According to the RIAA, what criteria define a music video single?

Answer: A release with one to two songs or a running time under 15 minutes.

Explanation: The RIAA defines a music video single as a release containing one to two songs or having a running time under 15 minutes.

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Björk's video for 'Cocoon' was banned by MTV primarily for which reason?

Answer: Its use of nudity.

Explanation: Björk's video for 'Cocoon' was banned by MTV primarily due to its use of nudity.

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