Synopsis
The Long Blondes perform at an exuberant dog show where each band member is paired with a canine counterpart. Against a backdrop of agility obstacles, handlers, pedigree dogs and mock-competition energy, the video turns the song's themes of temptation and remorse into a playful spectacle with no literal romantic storyline. Kate Jackson and the band take part in the event alongside the dogs, creating a surreal, deadpan contrast between the song's charged lyrics and the meticulously organized world of canine performance.
Factoids & Trivia
- The song deals with temptation, lust and guilt, but the video deliberately avoids illustrating those themes directly. The band chose the dog-show concept after receiving too many literal interpretations of the lyrics.
- The production featured well over 40 pedigree dogs, making the shoot considerably more complicated than a conventional band performance.
- Most of the dogs and handlers came from a local dog-training club, which also supplied the agility equipment.
- The filmmakers matched individual dogs to the personalities of the band members, creating canine counterparts for the group.
- The video was conceived as an "event," following the large-scale spectacle approach used for The 1990s' "You Made Me Like It."
- A backstage dog-grooming area was planned during development but was removed from the final edit.
- The dogs were generally trained to a very high standard. The main exception was Tonka, a boxer who developed stage fright, began vomiting and was sent home.
- The band members became closely involved with their matching dogs and took part in the agility-course action. The drummer, Screech Louder, reportedly formed a particularly strong bond with his Kerry Blue Terrier.