News & Views

Just the other day I was thinking, Hey, this whole "Call Me Maybe" thing must be almost over, right? Haven't we seen enough? Turns out the answer is no, and that's actually awesome news, because this latest version is by far the best: A full-length choreographed music video performed by U.S. Marines stationed in Afghanistan. This, my friends, is as good as it gets.

Especially when you hear the backstory. Because this particular "Call Me Maybe" is so much more meaningful than any of its predecessors. Like most military stationed abroad, the Marines involved miss out on most fleeting cultural trends. And they don't have much time for making YouTube videos.

But the commander in Kandahar agreed that filming a "Call Me Maybe" parody would "be a great morale booster for everyone," so the troops got to work (on a very tight schedule). Said Eric Raum, the man behind the camera,

We showed up in the afternoon, and in true Marine fashion, everyone patiently listened, paid close attention, and within 30 minutes, had the dance down. With another 30 minutes to film, we wrapped things up and they got back to work. We headed out to the tarmac with the second group on the C-130 and it was no different. They quickly learned the steps, performed with vigor, said their goodbyes and got back to their jobs.

No messing around! But everybody still had a blast, and as much as the product of their labor will make people laugh, it's bound to make them think, too. Says Raum:

Sometimes people think of the military in a de-humanized way. They hear ‘military’ and they think of it as a whole. What I’ve learned over here is how incredibly diverse each person is. Different hobbies, different skills, even different dance moves. I am always amazed at the amount of talent and creativity I see out here and it is a blessing to have the opportunity to show a glimpse of that to people back home.

Thanks, Eric! Check this out:

What do you think? Pretty awesome, right?

Which "Call Me Maybe" is your favorite so far?

Image via ericraum/YouTube