The Was (2016) - The Avalanches + Soda_Jerk

The Was is a collaborative meeting between Australian sample artists The Avalanches and Soda_Jerk. It was released July 1 , 2016.
The Was is a sample-based video for now, about the time before now. Part experimental film, part music video and part concept album.
Director: Robbie Avalanche & Soda_Jerk
Post-production: Soda_Jerk & Sam Smith
Additional production: Chris Hopkins & Sam Smith
Design: Chris Hopkins
Music: The Avalanches

[@mirjamenny]

To the person/people who edited this video: That was tremendous and I wish I could smoke you up and feed you a plate of homemade lasagna for giving me all the nostalgia feels.

[@rocknroller3000]

This reply has humbled me,...

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

lmao great comment

[@Conexionhiphop]

awesome selection i am impress

[@sodajerk3495]

You had us at home cooked lasagna! We don’t hate being smoked up either. Yes pls and thank you mate.

[@takatrip7560]

@@sodajerk3495 cool that you answer, too

[@IntergalacticSpaceKitten]

This is probably what it's like to have your whole life flash before your eyes before you die, but instead of your life, it's all the awesome pop culture of your life.

[@kriscrane8280]

Nah, average tuesday night dream for me

[@certifiednaabi]

can't believe youtube had the audacity to play an ad in the middle of this

[@snowflake69420]

That's not how that works

[@chuckdubzz5049]

I get 3

[@johannaderee4763]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UBlock_Origin

[@JonathanZarco79]

@@johannaderee4763 KZbin Premium.

[@P.Gillett]

@@JonathanZarco79 u block origin is ghetto slang for youtube premium

[@cuckmulligan]

This is maybe my favorite music video of all time...matches the avalanche's nostalgic plunderphonics so perfectly

[@TheHillDragon]

A surreal trip through counter culture in movies? I think that sums it up.

[@DorianHerniote]

Can't sum this isht up

[@TheHillDragon]

back for my yearly rewatch.

[@zechsblack5891]

​@@TheHillDragonit is once again time my friend

[@TheHillDragon]

@@zechsblack5891 someone played a song at work today that was some what similar to this and i knew it was time.

[@bobbycollins9668]

This literally might be the best video I've ever seen on youtube

[@themosh54]

I have to agree

[@User0000000000000004]

I have to concur

[@quiverdog]

with concurence

[@altgene8372]

We thought we new what Social Media was lol!

[@dkae92]

Fully..

[@cadmium1612]

The Avalanches, Soda+Jerk, I know I am YEARS late to this party and I don't even know if anyone reads comments on old videos, but I needed this more than ever in my life. I am trying to be a more responsible person in these trying times and thank people when they make my life easier or better, and I felt the need to really go out of my way and thank you all. 2020 is really fucked up for me as I am sure it is for all of you guys. I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. Thank you again for making this. You really made my life easier and better and I hope you all get this feeling that you shared with me. Edit: I felt the need to put this in also, because it's so easy to forget, but If only one of you do reads this, please take the time and share with the others. I would really, really appreciate it if this messages reaches all of you as you are each individually responsible for this positivity in my life.

[@vegancam]

Ayy Lmao Hey man, I come back and watch this video every few weeks, keeps me sane. And I always have a flick through the comments, such a great vibe all round.

[@saucestation53]

Just discovered this piece in a media class. Safe to say this is the most satisfying and inspiring videos I've seen in a while.

[@giannisantoscoy5045]

Hang like a cat, claws in the bark, live your life fast & mad like a shark! Dig, claw the clay, you aardvark. You can just chill. No, don't snark. Rock your think frames like a clark. Sooner or later, you done made your mark.

[@CandorCandor]

In one sentence all of you 🙏🏼🤗🙏🏼 How would you sum up 2020 in one sentence? ❤️

[@YanAbaus]

@@CandorCandor In one sentence? Alex Jones was right.

[@ThunderboltWisdom]

Just seeing this in 2023 for the first time and...WOW!! Beautiful editing and amazing choice of movies. Some of my favourites in there, and I'll be rewatching it over and over to spot the other great films. A masterpiece!!🤟🤪✌️

[@crystalewers1149]

A beautiful collage of other people's work.

[@gabriellynch2764]

I noticed Raising Arizona. It took me dozens of watches to do so.

[@rayfish007]

How do they come up with this kind of art and music. It amazes me every time.

[@pylgrimx]

Holy deep cuts, Batman! That kitten at the beginning is from an Italian animated film called "Allegro Non Troppo." It's sort of like a "Fantasia," but more adult than Disney ever would have permitted. Highly recommended and unexpected in an Avalanches video.

[@Madasin_Paine]

Pearls from the deep recesses. Gratzi!

[@zauliqe1783]

The Was was Was but now is The Was.

[@Bram25]

Was it? Or is it?

[@guymontag9577]

You need to get laid

[@greendayfreakism]

He the be his and sissly hula

[@arealisticexpectationpera]

Yeah man

[@Queen_Cnidarian]

Or then the then was then.

[@dylanb3988]

The pool scene is so well-made, it blows my mind. Every time. Phenomenal one of the best pieces of art ever.

[@LaFaveBros]

Next level

[@samsonmcgloughlin]

Probably the best video of all time

[@Dzztzt]

@@samsonmcgloughlin you said it, Nutsack

[@Caspero68o]

I imagine this is what it will be like when my life passes before my eyes before next level. I'm absolutely blown away by the video and music. I can't imagine the hard work it took to creat this art.

[@VikiJohnson1975]

Brilliant. Did I just see a seamless transition from Lords of Dogtown to Weekend at Bernie's?

[@redcomet_622]

Viki Johnson boogie nights as well

[@retrosampleguy]

Timeframe?

[@passant94]

This video is a pure genius! Speechless 😳...

[@jayseba]

this is art.

[@jobbyjobcenter2435]

I can’t even describe what I felt when the car exploded on the drop at “Light Up” holy shit this entire video is a brilliant visual aid to the aesthetics painted in Wildflower. I can’t believe this came out 2 years ago and I never saw it before today. This deserves incredible recognition.

[@sodajerk3495]

We rly appreciate that, thank u mate

[@bb-zr2tv]

@@sodajerk3495 ❤️❤️❤️

[@chazlabreck]

7 years and i just saw it...truly brilliant

[@morganwardfilm]

this re-contextualizes "my culture" in a way that forces me to really appreciate it. It makes me see how the human soul has persisted through all of this warping. Nothing will stop people from making meaning out of their surroundings, from telling their story- that's fuckin beautiful

[@angeltesfayexo6909]

Well said 😌

[@marblecake1234]

Just like their music, The Avalanches are reaching back in time and plucking pieces of art to form their own innovation. Beautiful!

[@davidimeson1822]

There was this girl

[@rollyherrera623]

Each song by The Avalanches is definitely worthy of a chapter!

[@MatthewDanielsNB]

I can’t believe it took me five years to find this

[@theultimateherculeshuanca]

This makes me cry, it's absolutely beautiful. There less beauty outside, maybe we just need more things like this.

[@ThePvthudson]

“Even more than bread we now need poetry, in a time when it seems that it is not needed at all.” - Leopold Staff

[@jeanmichellelaurent]

I just want to live out this video

[@suburbias]

This was the best trip I've ever had

[@iwakeanotherday4838]

Same 👍, I fit an hours worth of thoughts into 13 minutes and 41 seconds

[@keirandcarlshow]

@@iwakeanotherday4838 so insane that this one video is so impactful for so many people

[@waterglas21]

We need a new album!

[@MajoraWaffle]

gonna have to wait another 16 years, sorry bud

[@Lanngeax]

Majora Lol, in 16 years old they'll be ooold.

[@fateca01]

New album in 2032!!!

[@hynterd]

they werent the first time, sample based music has proven to be timeless.

[@thecreamyone3606]

I told em the exact thing when i met em last year not to keep us waiting so long for another album

[@DomVandelay]

This was amazing. Must have taken so long to make. So many of our favorite films mashed together for this masterpiece. It fits in so well, truly incredible.

[@hescher2981]

Can honestly say this was the first 14 min smile ive ever honestly held without even realising it

[@michaelmitchell6041]

This should’ve won an oscar… my mind is blown

[@Madasin_Paine]

Too "subversive" You know those future young artists are so impressionable. People who don't know sullying their fertile unmolded minds. That's "OUR" occupied territory. If it wasn't for those darn kids and subversive artists... Doh!

[@thecaremaker1001]

This will forever be my favorite video on KZbin, hands down.

[@TheMrSlyxx]

This video montage is mesmerizing. River Pheonix telling Ferris Bueller wer'e stuck here together was a nice touch.

[@austinhenson18]

I teared up a little this is absolutely beautiful.

[@bankfrisky8394]

Something about the ending always get me. "It's a world of fantasy". Masterpiece.

[@jeanmichellelaurent]

@@bankfrisky8394 light up makes my heart light up with joy and cry tears of happiness

[@hobbesthegoblin]

Watched once again, and now to re-watch...

[@user-bo3vn6dd5z]

the transition from Emelio Esteves and CHarlie Sheen to Martin Sheen is chefs kiss.

[@sprainha]

ive only just discovered this... ive died and gone to heaven

[@davidnolan9169]

I felt like I watched a yellow submarine for the 80's generation. Still confusing and odd but delightful and mesmerizing at the same time.

[@lonewretch]

Started off 1980, ended 2020... brilliant.

[@marshallgreen7377]

please don't wait another 16 years

[@MoonbaseTV]

That instrumental "Wozard of Iz" segment woz amazing

[@Jojoateyt]

The "Noisy Eater" tribute was fantastic.

[@JT-hi1cs]

CircuitMembrane Right?!?! That part was incredible!

[@rockkiller124]

Werd

[@themosh54]

My favorite part of an already incredible video

[@arbiterftw]

This video is really just a 13 minute meme about humanity and its glorious #godblessaustralia

[@puppenbuhnebauchkribbeln1183]

WOW 🤩 - you need to watch this a thousand times to find all the treasures hidden in this masterpiece...or more....👌🏼!!!

[@SwissTanuki]

I watched it at least 6 times now and I'll go for 994 more

[@electroplasmicblast-off4671]

Not only is there some sick beats, but there are also endless pop culture references. This video is lit.

[@morningbetterlast]

Too much going on here for my simple mind to comprehend. Been listening to "Since I Left You" for many-many years. Bless you guys, you're true geniuses!

[@favoritemustard3542]

SAME but w/Frontier Psychiatrist!

[@edwardprice140]

2:24 THE WARRIORS, great movie.

[@keepinmahprivacy9754]

John & Yoko dancing through the chaos was great. It's like Revolution 9's great grand bastard.

[@yajibei]

I just had to stumble upon this video while I was high.. I spent a lot more time than i ought to to understand what was happening (and 5 minutes to write that post)

[@dylanb3988]

i feel you

[@outmywritemind1739]

These are two of my favorite bands of all time and I cant believe I only found this today

[@babo402]

Since I've duscovered The Avalanches and this clip I am mesmerised. Everytime I discover something new. So Fresh, So inventive, So intelingent. Now I know what I have been missing in My life.

[@angeltesfayexo6909]

Gotta love everything in this vid but definitely was way too excited with the reference of Saturday Night Fever and The Warriors!!! Synchronized to perfection 👌🏼😌

[@Pheonixco]

13+ mins of pure 80's and 90's kid Nostalgia.

[@mitchelljulius5875]

How come this hasn't anymore views? This is a audio/visual feast!

[@ErosebudB23]

Absolutely a true Masterpiece of Perfection

[@elainegill2619]

Agreed👍

[@davidmoore5822]

"If we know ourselves, we are always at home"

[@tommymartinez1401]

this is the best music video. this is the best thing ever fith dimension heaven stype. bravo

[@danman7438]

clearly fitting that a musical group of sampling over samples of movies from this whole era just feels so good.

[@reecerichards2080]

this music video is precious

[@ticklesitter]

This just gets more and more beautiful with time.

[@biancagerman9808]

Have Always Loved Thiiiss!.. Like A Beautiful Visual Time Capsule!!!. Yesss, I Adored Langston's "Genius Child-" !❤️🙏🏾🥰#JeanMichelBasquiat❤️

[@lesterforney6200]

So chaotic but so beautifully put together. Loved it

[@emmettturner9452]

I literally got a mid-roll ad in what is essentially a music video. WTF, KZbin?! Has any ad-supported radio station ever done anything like that?!

[@lolaroller100]

Amazing editing. What a beautiful piece of art! ❤🧡💛🧡❤

[@johnba291972]

This is why I love the Avalanches. Lets hope they keep experimenting for a long time.

[@RyguyMerlnit]

This is everything that I've always wanted. Thank you Avalanches.

[@samuelkirk2099]

I am a bit younger and I didn't watch much tv as a kid so I really don't know many of these movies and it makes it even wilder.

[@n0denz]

Makes me nostalgic for several lives I never had.

[@MrUndersolo]

Actually amazed at how many references I recognize... Watched too much stuff as a kid, I think... But thank you. Four pop tarts out of five.

[@Madasin_Paine]

We only believe that we forgot...

[@Urtypus]

again super motion picture / music video.. song as usual - great!

[@redcomet_622]

This is so perfect all the scenes line up with each other so well

[@detrippa5544]

Bravo! Mid Stream after a Double Drop this is the Vibe,,

[@johnchurch5101]

Vid edit that reflects their mixing style . Unreal and beautiful

[@krekcabnow2910]

This made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

[@ryancarlson9964]

This is what I wanted Ready Player One to look like

[@angeltesfayexo6909]

Ahhh Life is precious ☺️

[@italia90jay]

One of the greatest works of art of any century

[@angeltesfayexo6909]

Now this is traveling back in time, a blast from the past 😎

[@betheneytroyer5547]

Outstanding

[@JoeRye-yr7rp]

This is brilliant

[@alirezaeghbal]

Thank you... Just thank yourl for your service...

[@tochtlitepetl6250]

¡Qué clase de Maqueta tenemos aquí; qué texturas, qué sincronias! ...un vistazo pop. Los suburbios... Lo esponteneo... la marginación... la confusión encantadora.... sus violencias. Lo familiar que resulta la fuerza de los medios masivos para seducir... ¡Genial trabajo!

[@Madasin_Paine]

That's Life! That's what people say.... And I did it my waaayyyyyeeeee, boyeee!

[@davidholloway6950]

First they sample music, now they sample video. Genius!

[@Coffeebeard]

This is my go to mental reboot video.

[@Coffeebeard]

I've returned, must be another reboot, lol.

[@jesserivera9704]

felt like a lifetime... and I look down and see the counter... "There's TEN more minutes of this?!?!!?"

[@HistoricHarpersFerry]

I watch this all the time

[@eggmoe23]

This video is so special to me. I fucking love media collage

[@TicTacYo100]

The audio that plays at 5:09 is from a movie called Pump Up the Volume. I've been looking for it for a long time.

[@alessandrofirmani700]

some epic stuff right here!!

[@stevenkiers5533]

those were 13 minutes and 40 seconds of pure amazement to me one of most wonderful celebrations of life i ever seen bless soda_jerk and the avalanches

[@williamjones2994]

Their videos are brilliant

[@pepealcazar696]

When I watched this video for the very first time did not know whether cry or laugh so I cried and laughed each time. They are simply genius. I don’t have words to express all the beauty that this video gives away. Thanks avalanches.

[@endjineerkurts6952]

This could very well be the best music video ever.

[@Finitan]

I've seen this probably 50 times, and almost every re-watch i discover something I didnt see before. Love this. Thanks for making it

[@keirandcarlshow]

So many emotions. So many memories I did and not not have. This was profound on so many levels as well as perfectly encapsulating the feel of this album.

[@blackcorp0001]

Amazing ... what a trip

[@seanstrong9242]

Now that’s Pot-pourri potpourri of memories of my whole life pretty much!

[@hallvardkland3022]

What a time to be alive!!

[@creekandseminole]

Saw characters from This Is England. I love that movie/show.

[@brennersteph]

Hands down the best music video I have ever seen. I didn't want it to end.

[@kirillsihaev93]

Великолепная работа! Ностальгия захлестывает! Уважение.

[@Karlmit]

Its amazing how fluid the video and sound is. Its a video I cant get away from whence I start.

[@ChrisLawton66]

This was an experience! I'm lucky if i caught a quarter of the references.