Salvatore Ganacci, “Fight Dirty”

Animation has been a big part of music videos for a long time now. One could even argue that FANTASIA helped create visual languages for those pieces of classical music that are forever tied whenever hears Mussorgsky or Dukas. Similarly, animation has featured into multiple well known entries like A-Ha’s “Take On Me”, “Opposites Attract” by Paula Abdul, and Green Jellÿ’s “Three Little Pigs”—not to mention works by Daft Punk, Tool, Gorillaz, Pearl Jam, Korn, Dire Straits, and on and on.

There was also a rise in the ‘90s/’00s of AMVs (anime music videos) that presaged the massive preponderance of anime tributes that are all over the web. These strains come together in the music video for “Fight Dirty!” by Salvatore Ganacci. Directed by Will Goodfellow, Tom Noakes and Greg Sharp—and brought to cartoon life via Studio Goono and Truba Animation Studio—“Fight Dirty!” is an explosion of exuberance and action, combining elements that are reminiscent of TEKKONKINKREET, I LOST MY BODY, Jim Rugg’s Street Angel comics, and a whole host of dope references extending beyond the world of comics and anime. It’s all killer and no filler with a surprising ending that simply elevates “Fight Dirty!” even more. Enjoy!