Commercial Songs: The Dodos, Holy Fuck, Matt & Kim + more…
Posted by PJ in Commercial Songs, Random, The Yellow Stereo, VideosOver the past couple of months, I’ve found myself watching an unhealthy amount of television in my spare time. Of course, during this span, a number of familiar songs have made their way onto quite a few commercials. The amount of times I would see each of these became so frequent that I decided to go ahead and make a list of some the more recent ones. As with the majority of these commercial posts, this is usually what makes me decide to compile one of these.
These advertisements are still a fantastic a way for a song to find a much wider audience; and for the most part, seeing these on television can still be a great way of discovering new music (though, the internet kind of killed that).
Plus, I think it’s a good idea now to ditch the term “sell out” in regards to any of these indie bands/artists letting their music be used. Bands need to make money some way or another, so unless you’re Coldplay or something, who the fuck cares?
Without further ado, let’s get to the good stuff! Links to each video and MP3s are included after the cut.
Commercial: Chrysler “We Build”
MP3: Holy Fuck :: “Lovely Allen”
Outside of those excellent Volkswagen commercials in the late 90s/early 00s, I’ve probably never been remotely interested in any motor vehicle advertisement. That being said, you can always count on car commercials to take a chance on a good song to push some new vehicle every year. This is the case with Holy Fuck’s “Lovely Allen”, who I’m sure the folks at Chrysler would probably make no effort in divulging the band’s name considering it’s rather vulgar.
Commercial: Miller High Life
MP3: The Dodos :: “Fools”
I don’t drink beer, but the use of this track from San Fran’s The Dodos sure does make it look compelling enough in this commercial. It’s 100 calorie beer….with lime!
Commercial: Bacardi Mojito
MP3: Matt & Kim :: “Daylight”
Stick any other indie-pop duo in this commercial (Mates of State, The Rosebuds, etc.) and this commercial would probably work just as well. I don’t really understand the point of this commercial, as it’s just some schlub walking through a crowd of different eras of society from Victorian to the 50s. I’m guessing it’s just to show us that we don’t really dress too nice anymore when going anywhere. Throw on a pair of chucks and a t-shirt/blazer and you’re good to go…as long as there’s alcohol.
Commercial: Sherwin-Williams
MP3: Pernice Brothers :: “The Weakest Shade of Blue”
I’ve actually never been to a Sherwin-Williams before (they sell paint right?), but kudos to this commercial for using a track off the Pernice Brothers’ 2003 album Yours, Mine and Ours. A great album from one of my favorite years in music as far discoveries go.
Commercial: Nissan Cube Mobile Device
MP3: New Young Pony Club :: “Ice Cream”
I actually saw this at a movie theater, and I’m just going to go ahead and say this: Please stop showing commercials at movie theaters. This coupled with the half hour or so of previews we have to sit through almost feels like a chore. In fact, when this commercial in particular appeared on the screen, the majority of the people in the crowd laughed at it. Look at that thing, it’s just an ugly vehicle.
Commercial: Rhapsody
MP3: Throw Me the statue :: “Lolita”
I’ve never used Rhapsody, nor ever considered using it. Though, I’ve had numerous people tell me that it’s really great. I’ve yet to be swayed, but I’m still waiting to be convinced that it would be useful to me. Thoughts? I’ve always liked this song, though. Sometimes you just hear a song and you just know that it’s destined to be in a commercial eventually.
Commercial: Citibank
MP3: The Sea and Cake :: “Jacking The Ball”
When you think about it, there aren’t many more suitable bands to use in a commercial than The Sea and Cake. It has that appeal to a much older audience who, for the most part, probably wouldn’t know who these guys were if they happened to see this commercial. It’s just win/win all around.
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Really enjoyed this post, I’ve discovered so much new music through commercials.
you forgot about the starfucker target commercials