Despite the recent release of Kanye West’s official music video for “Monster,” one intrepid internet mash-up artist crafted his own version out of — what else? — clips of Muppets. It got us thinking about the gems of Muppet mash-up past. With enough ingenuity and some timing you can get those little felt critters to mime singing almost anything, from U2 to gangster rap to Lightning Bolt. Our selections for the most awesome and strangely appropriate Muppet mash-up music videos, after the jump.
1. “All Through the Night” by Escort
Rollicking disco band Escort fluctuates between eight and twelve members, with a sound that’s a sort of 1970s glitter orchestra. This video for their song “All Through The Night” is pretty perfect, from the haute-retro ballroom to the chorus of lip synching creatures.
2. “Gold Digger” by Kanye West
Though the synching on this one is a little off, the Kermit plus Miss Piggy dynamic is pretty priceless.
3. “Ante Up” by M.O.P.
There’s something so riotously joyful about watching Ernie and Bert bounce along to gangster rap. We almost believe that goofy Ernie is a complete G.
4. “Dracula Mountain” by Lightning Bolt
Most post-hardcore noise-worshipping bands like Lightning Bolt are big fans of Animal from the Muppets — or at least, his style of frantic drumming — so this mash-up works bizarrely well, all things considered.
5. “Fuck the Pain Away” by Peaches
While this isn’t exactly the kind of kid-friendly sing-a-long that Miss Piggy might normally lead, her crooning numbers lend themselves well to Peaches leering, sulky song. And then Animal takes it away on the cymbals, of course.
6. “Cover It With Gas and Set It On Fire” by Ween
Muppet vikings never seemed so threatening as when they were talking explicitly of arson, courtesy of Ween.
7. “With or Without You” by U2
The footage in this mash-up shows up a lot — Beeker sings everything from Lady Gaga to Queen, and there’s even a Rick Roll version — but this is one of the most convincing. Anyone else think that Bono should ask Beeker to be a stand-in?
8. “My Dougie” by Lil Wil ft. Soulja Boy
Not the most artfully done, but it’s hard to deny the idea of Ernie and his Ducky as Lil Wil’s “Dougie.”
9. “Whip My Hair” by Willow Smith
The appeal of a Muppet bopping along with magically transformed hairstyles more than makes up for the single-Muppet focus. Whip on!
10. “Dreamgirl” by Tay Dizm and Akon
Honestly, if we had it our way, Dr. Teeth would be in every video. Check that Muppet bling! We’re also fans of the inclusion of lesser Muppets — like Kermit’s nephews and the irresistible Rolf.