Your essential 4/20 YouTube playlist

in typical fashion, it’s a day late, but these videos will still send you to the stratosphere

By Jamie Dandreta

Posted on April 20, 2011, at 11:44 p.m.

Over these last few installments of the_channel, I have used my best YouTube wisdom to share with you some epic gems, hopefully encouraging you to discover your own. But this time, it’s the day after the big holiday, so for this installment, I thought I would change it up a bit.

Although I’ve shown a selection of videos from glass music concertos to talented tweens, I haven’t really mentioned the also worthy videos that are well-viewed and shared — especially on 4/20.

Though day late, here is my ultimate list of YouTube videos that should have been on your 4/20 YouTube playlist.

“Blast into Space, Spectacular Fall to Earth”

What is space? Unless you’re an astronaut or you live long enough to stay at a hotel on the moon, you will probably never get to experience outer space. Don’t worry, though — thanks to the wonders of YouTube, you too can feel what it’s like to zoom into space.

This video captures footage of the “Atlantis” spaceship shooting off into the stratosphere. Thanks to cameras on the rockets, viewers get to witness what it’s like to blast through the atmosphere and leave Earth behind, only to fall back down and land in the ocean. This real footage was sped-up so you can witness it all happen in just five minutes and of course, it includes dramatic music for the full effect. Click on “full screen” and enjoy.

“King Fantastic – Bonfire Sessions”

For anyone who hasn’t listened to the new king of dubstep rap, L.A. rapper King Fantastic, you’re really missing out on this duo. This song dedicated to “online poker” and “paranoia” makes for a perfect 4/20 anthem. If it wasn’t, then put on your headphones, turn up the volume and experience King Fantastic.

“Pineapple Express Best Scenes”

“Pineapple Express” is obviously the best movie ever made. OK, that is kind of an intense statement, but it is at least one of the best stoner comedies ever made. I tried to find just one scene to show you, but I got way too caught up in watching every clip that it became impossible to pick just one. This collage of scenes from the movie includes all of the very best, such as James Franco’s famous “hurricane season” line and the scene in the woods. After viewing six minutes of great stoner humor, I guarantee you will feel the urge to watch this epic comedy as soon as you can close YouTube.

“Martin Smith’s House of Spaghetti House”

To finish up my list, I will share with you a Maine-made YouTube gem straight from South Portland. Let me just say that I have seen many YouTube videos in my day, but this local one never fails to put a smile on my face.

A homemade parody commercial of an Italian restaurant called “Martin Smith’s House of Spaghetti House” features flashy illustrations of spaghetti, gold coins and a lonely spaghetti house owner blurting out his true feelings. Watch this video and you will understand.

Whether you forgot to pick up a bag or you refuse to stop celebrating, these four YouTube videos form a decent 4/20 playlist for any day of the year. With the semester coming to a close and work piling up on your desk, every now and then it’s good to type the words “youtube.com” into your URL bar and get distracted.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 20th, 2011, 11:44 pm. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.