Mean Machine - Sugar Ray

What this video is

Released in 1995 as the lead single from Sugar Ray's debut album Lemonade and Brownies on Atlantic Records, 'Mean Machine' occupies a pivotal transitional moment in American rock: the tail end of funk-metal and the early stirrings of post-grunge alternative hard rock. Sugar Ray, formed in Orange County as Shrinky Dinx, had evolved from hardcore punk and glam metal roots into a hybrid sound blending British-style…

Why it matters

Represents the pre-pop-crossover phase of Sugar Ray — a band that would become synonymous with late-90s radio pop with 'Fly' and 'Every Morning.' 'Mean Machine' is a rare document of their harder, rawer funk-metal identity. It also marks an early McG directorial credit, predating the…

The director

Born August 9, 1968, Kalamazoo, Michigan; raised Newport Beach, California. BA in Psychology from UC Irvine. Began career producing Sugar Ray's debut album and directing music videos in 1993–95. Accumulated 50+ music video credits including Sublime, Smash…