Subscribe by EmailCode Monkey like you
August 30, 2008 by lbateman | 6 commentsBy Lyle Bateman
Contributing Writer, [GAS]
Geeks love music, and proof is in the incredible sales of games like Guitar Hero. But even then, it’s rare that a song comes along that is both eminently geeky and eminently musical, and I can’t think of a better way to describe “Code Monkey” by Jonathan Coulton. Anyone who has spent any time doing professional computer work will find something to relate to in this song, and more than just being a song with catchy lyrics, the whole thing really is a technical masterpiece. From the animation, through the music, the video for Code Monkey is incredibly well done. The use of the anime background, and the wonderfully precise cuts and rhythm are as impressive as the music that lays on top. In the classic world of copyright, a video like this is VERY hard to make, and its quality and relevance is a testament to the whole notion of an intellectual marketplace of ideas.
However, Coulton licenses all his music through Creative Commons to encourage sharing and derivative work – like the animation to this video. I dare you to listen to Code Monkey and NOT hum it to yourself later on in the day. I am writing this because, after a friend turned me on to this song the other day, I can’t get the darn thing out of my head, so I am hoping to share the misery. I only have one other thing to say to all the rest of you out there … “Code Monkey likes Fritos …”
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It’s actually an AMV, so the anime footage isn’t actually licensed for use in such a manner, unless the fan editor paid, which I highly doubt so, in the world of AMVs (anime music videos, where they take an anime they like, a song that matches, and cut it all together). So… you’re not really supposed to share the video, but you can share the song.
Nice song tho.
I love JoCo’s music. And this song, sadly, applies to more than just “code monkies.” There’s a lot of similarities in my job, and I direct the news!
This is actually pretty old, but awesome never the less. I actually heard this when I was in college over a year ago and since graduating went back and paid for every single album on his site. Awesome work and he needs the support.
I’ve always thought this was one of his greatest songs, but I never knew there was a music video for it. Despite my aversion to all things anime, this was pretty nifty and meshes well with the ethos of the song (IMHO).
Just this morning I told my friend “If they made a 3 minute montage of my brain this would be it”
The anime is called Black Heaven, for the record.