Today’s video of the day is Tuxedomoon – "Jinx" released in 1981.
The video for “Jinx” by Tuxedomoon offers a surreal, noir-tinged vision of early 1980s experimental post-punk. Released in 1981, the track appears on their second studio album Desire, issued by Ralph Records. The video mirrors the band’s fractured, theatrical sound with jittery camera work, shadowy lighting, and abstract imagery. Tuxedomoon formed in San Francisco in 1977. Originally part of the Residents’ Ralph Records roster, they quickly stood apart with their avant-garde blend of electronics, saxophone, violin, and performance art. Founding members Steven Brown and Blaine L. Reininger were trained in classical music and theatre. Their unique background shaped the band’s sound—angular, intellectual, and unclassifiable.
Desire marked a shift in tone from their earlier work. While their 1979 debut album Half-Mute explored cold, minimal electronics, Desire introduced a richer, more cinematic style. “Jinx” reflects that evolution. The song is tense and brooding, anchored by a hypnotic bassline and haunted by dissonant textures. It feels more composed, yet still unpredictable. Later albums like Holy Wars and Ship of Fools would dive even deeper into European cabaret, ambient jazz, and modern classical influences. But Desire stands as a bridge—still rooted in punk energy, yet pulling toward sophisticated sound collage.
The video for “Jinx” helps explain this transition. It doesn’t tell a story in a traditional way. Instead, it creates a mood. Viewers are drawn into a dreamscape full of unease and elegance. The visuals amplify the band’s identity—enigmatic, stylish, and always challenging. Tuxedomoon never chased trends. Their sound evolved naturally as they relocated to Europe in the early 1980s. Over the years, they remained a cult favorite, influencing generations of experimental artists. “Jinx” captures them at a turning point—leaving behind the raw edges of their early days and stepping into something darker and more refined. This video is essential viewing for anyone exploring the art-punk underground of the era. It reflects not just a song, but a whole aesthetic shift. Desire remains a standout in their catalog, and “Jinx” is one of its most memorable moments.
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