Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Evie Dayton — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:07:48 GMT

yeah the New Soul i didn't care. some people might miss the jeep liberty thing b/c the don't show any until the words flash up at the very end.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Bob Maxon, New York — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:25:39 GMT

The one that got to me was when American Eagle started using 'Fortunate Son' for some jeans commercials. Amidst a lot of patriotic imagery (including close up shots of womens' behinds in tight jeans), they'd play the opening line. 'Some folks a born made to wave the flag, ooh, they're red white and blue.' But then it would cut off before the song got to its otherwise less than stellarly patriotic commentary. Of course, the kids buying the jeans wouldn't know any better.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Sue, Baltimore, MD — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:28:49 GMT

Sadly, I am a sucker for retro and I love the revamped "Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese..." for McDonald's Big Mac. Reminds me of being a kid and getting rewarded with a Big Mac and fries at McD's. If I didn't have high cholesterol, I would run out now and order a Big Mac, Super Sized!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

jmk, richmond VA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:31:49 GMT

I love the 'Ebony and Ivory' ad for the new season of 'Psych'. It's sooooo funny!!!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Mike, Dayton, Ohio — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:57:59 GMT

I can't think of any recent commercials with music that I like (although I think Elvis' Viva Las Vegas will forever be scarred by Viagra's take on the song...would the King have approved?). But one of my favorite commercials features Alice Cooper shopping at Staples with his "daughter" while School's Out plays first on the store PA, then at full volume. See it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqI4xfsdv7Y.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Buff, Columbia, SC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:02:21 GMT

I really do love the Discovery CHannel commercial as well. I'm not sure its the best commercial of the year though. Those super-trippy Chlorox commercials have my vote. As my friend said when I showed them to him on youtube, "Those are way cooler than a Chlorox commercial should be. I want to see the Chlorox movie."

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Val Baltimore, MD — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:02:27 GMT

I love the AT&T commercial with the flowers with "Daydream" by Lupe Fiasco playing.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Tom Bartlett, Springfield, IL — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:24:36 GMT

I noticed that two companies are currently using Three Dog Night's song "Shambala" in their commercials. A great tribute for a great song!!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Hannah, Roanoke, VA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:31:02 GMT

The Jeep Liberty commercial is a work of advertising genius. Whenever I see it there's a huge smile plastered all over my face. In fact, somewhere deep down, I think 'wouldn't it be nice to have a Jeep and drive around in the country singing 'Rock Me Gently' with forest creatures?' and the answer is yes!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Jenifer L , Columbia, SC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:47:42 GMT

I absolutely love the blues style guitar on the Kingsford Charcoal commercial where everyone grills on the freeway. It soulds like an updated version of 'Soulshine' by the Allman Brothers. Great sound!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Tony Rosetti, Post Falls, ID — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:55:18 GMT

I love that Jeep Liberty ad. Every time it comes on I laugh, and so does my 13 year-old daughter. I wish more ads were as much fun to watch as this one.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

S. Wineman — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:05:09 GMT

Okay - my new VERY favorite song is another brilliant choice by The Discovery Channel. It was such a "sticky song" as my kids would say - that my husband immediately Googled it and downloaded it onto my Nano. I now must hear it daily! It is the "Ain't Nothin Wrong With That" song by R. Rudolph & The Family Band. It is the one where they show the shark jump out of the water (gotta love that shot) and the sound goes silent as Bear jumps out of the airplane. LOVE IT! The lyrics are perfect - "Ain't nothin wrong with that..."

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Steve, Springfield, Ill. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:23:54 GMT

I'm afraid overexposure has drained the joy out of "Mr. Blue Sky," a fabulous ELO song. JetBlue is the latest offender. I suppose it's not their fault for being last to the party, and the lyrics are appropriate, but C'MON!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Jeff, Austin, Texas — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:29:53 GMT

Blister In The Sun by The Violent Femmes to sell Wendy's bacon cheeseburgers

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

chuck p — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:30:19 GMT

Love how they're using Oh No Oh My's Walk In The Park on some new ad. Seems like Indie Rock lives on in ads, at least.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Leslie, Albuquerque — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:37:21 GMT

Viva Viagra aside, right now my musical blasphemy award goes to Meat Loaf and the stupid Go Phone commercial. Getting your first cell phone does NOT equate to getting your first lay, despite what the choice of song may suggest. And if you listen to the rest of the original song I think there was the slightest twinge of regret there at the end. *cough* So if we'd continued the parody a few more bars would he have been singing, "Now I'm prayin for the end of my contract to hurry up and arrive"?
Personally, I'm still waiting for someone to use Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell" in a laxative commercial if we're going for complete musical depravity.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Kris Spencer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:38:59 GMT

Remember Princess Cruises using Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life". Great song about sex and substance abuse, but soooo wrong for the family-friendly vacation set. LOL

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Harold, Birmingham Alabama — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:39:32 GMT

Even worse than the "Viva Viagra" commercial is the one with the musicians in Nashville doing a country version in the early-morning hours in the studio. I'm not up on country music and don't know if they are ruining a perfectly good song- but this is creepy.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Sue O, Washington, DC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:40:26 GMT

There used to be a commercial for refried beans and salsa that was just a fat guy in a white room with cans of beans in his hands dancing around to "Nacho Nacho Man," which sounded as though they'd resurrected the Village People themselves to record it. I loved that commercial...it was silly, but effective.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Mo, Columbia, SC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:49:49 GMT

Love the Rock Me Gently and Mac Airbook commercials. Also, Old Navy had a good one using Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am" and Dentyne gum, using Stuttering by Ben's Brother. I loved the songs so much, I put them on my ipod!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Bill, Howell NJ — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:51:55 GMT

I find it amusing that a vast majority of commercials backed by music include songs that "sixty something" Boomers listened to in the '60s & '70s.

I thought that commercials traditionally go after the "thirty something" crowd who have disposable incomes.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

K. Powell, Tyler, TX — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:06:38 GMT

I am giddy about the use of "Lazy Eye" by the Silversun Pickups in the (I think) Chevy commercial. It does have the "I've been waiting for this moment all my life" upside, but they've left out "But it's not quite right." And the delicious irony of "Lazy Eye" for a car maker. Hee!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Annie, WI — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:22:38 GMT

The one that makes me cringe the most is the Just for Men Touch of Gray haircolor commercial that uses Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love." So, so, so wrong.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Scout in Nebraska — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:15:23 GMT

I don't know how many times Natasha Bedingford (or whatever her name is) has farmed out that "Unwritten" song but it is on Pantene commercials, the theme for "The Hills" at least one other product that I can't think of right now. It is tired...let's move on!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Linda Owens — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:26:06 GMT

The first time I heard Carly Simon's "Anticipation" as an advert for Ketchup in +/- 1984, I knew that the age line between Madison Ave. and me had been irrevocably crossed.
Now I see Robert Wagner hawking reverse mortgages(I think) beside a show-quality burgundy, 1950 Ford. That was the car where I lost my XXXXX back in the late fifties!!!
Not a song there but a wonderful icon of my past gone the way of all things!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Pam, New York — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:33:11 GMT

I LOVE the Jeep ad! What makes it really work (aside from the song--which I didn't know I missed until I heard it---and the animals) is the guy's face as each of these animals descend upon him. When the wolf swallows the bird...his face is priceless. This has to be one of my favorite commercials!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Ryan, Washington DC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:37:52 GMT

Definitely got a laugh when I heard Of Montreal's "Wraith Pinned to the Mist (and Other Games)" translated to "Let's go out back tonight/Life will still be there tomorrow."

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Julian, SC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:40:26 GMT

I completely understand where you're comming from. I actually enjoy a lot of the music ads as apposed to the jingle. The memories they stir a long with the the inventive use. One song for ipod that has gotten me was the song by the Ting Tings: "Shut up and let me go". I hated that song so much when i first heard it, but after a trip to Las Vegas where they played that ad every 5min. on the jumbo screen at the "Fashion Show" mall it has become highly addictive for me and can't even bring myself to change the station. Though hearing it on the ad I never heard the whole song just the chorus, but it's catchy. I just wish a few times they'd shut the song up and let me go with some diversity. Love the article.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Marilyn — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:43:47 GMT

I can see the draw of using a pop song for selling a product. However, when I've heard it 25 times in the last two hours, I begin to really know how often that commercial is running. The song begins to anger me because they've destroyed it with overplaying. Then, I want no part of the product, and I no longer want to even think about hearing the song again or playing it from my collection (if I have it). I think killing a pop song to sell a product is a BAD idea!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Mike, St Louis, MMissouri — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:00:33 GMT

Oy vey! You'd seen the Jeep Liberty ad a dozen times and yet you still had no idea what it was for until I Googled it! Shame on Jeep! Funny and cute get the ad guys awards but rarely get the advertiser more customers. Remember the Alka-Seltzer ads from the 1960s?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Aaron, Honolulu HI — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:00:38 GMT

I heard Twisted Sister's "We're not Going to Take it" in a tampon ad... I don't think much else needs to be said about that...

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Donna Lamb, Marshall, MO 65340 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:35:35 GMT

Help! Does anyone know who is playing the blues guitar and the song on the Kingsford Charcoal commercial? There's a group of people who want to know! Thanks!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Bill Phillips — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:40:58 GMT

Anything that uses BTO's "Taking Care of Business" to illustrate productivity. The song is about rock and roll musicians lazing around and doing nothing, because that's their job, and they're "Taking Care of Business" by working - as the song says - "at nothing all day". Please listen to the lyrics, not just the chorus. Please.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

jersey girl. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:43:27 GMT

My favorite is the Jeep Liberty commercial, other than that one I can't recall any one that stands out, and I can thankfully say, I have yet to see the Viva Viagra commercial. I know they use Bob Seger's Like A Rock for one of the American brand cars but can't tell you what it is, like the song though.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Frederick J Mangouranen Portsmouth, Virginia — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:47:09 GMT

I Think That bthe jeep Liberty Ad Is Cute> It Is a Catchy Tune .

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Karl Osterman, West Palm Beach, FL — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:53:06 GMT

The use of the song "Stars" in the Cadillac commercial kills me. Did they think no one would remember this song. "She thinks she missed the train to Mars, now she's out back counting stars" "She's out back naked looking up, and looking down..."

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Judy, Raleigh, NC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:02:54 GMT

I can't stand the use of the Beatles' "All You Need is Love" in the Luvs diapers ad. I love the Beatles, but generally, I don't like it when their music is used for commercials. I've gotten so I can deal with "Hello Goodbye" in the Target ads, but the Luvs one drives me nuts.

I'm not sure if it counts or not, but I love the iTunes commercial with Coldplay. The commercial is so beautifully shot with such a great shot. It's one of the only commercials I watch every time it's on.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

M., Colorado Springs, CO — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:05:12 GMT

I'm glad I'm not the only person who found the Macbook ads--and the cloying, clingy song that accompanies it--to be annoying. And yeah, so WHAT if it fits into an envelope? Every Apple product I've ever tried to use, be it an Ipod or computer, while preciously cute, has been ridiculously user-UNfriendly, fragile, and, as cute as Mac guy is, don't be fooled--what Apple doesn't tell you is that he comes standard with all Apple products, because you'll need him to tell you how to work the danged thing--for a large fee, every time you encounter a glitch. And you will.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

katy, tulsa, ok. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:10:40 GMT

I love this one too!! When I saw the ad I knew I had to have that song on my playlist. I had to google the ad to come up with the song & artist. The actual song is not on itunes but you can get a karoke version which is okay but not as good.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Mason Wharton — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:13:55 GMT

Do they pay you for this?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Jean Mank, McVeytown, PA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:17:27 GMT

I HATED that Andy Kim song, and I hate that ad! Whatever happened to songwriters (like Barry Manilow) writing original ad themes? ("Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there!") If I hear the beginning uke bars on that Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow" on another commercial one more time, I'm NOT going digital!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Pat Plummer, Charlotte, NC — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:22:07 GMT

My all time favorite!! The music has been blaring from the clip since I got it. AND love the way the driver keeps checking out everything in the car, while still keeping his full attention on the road. Great commercial--and promoting safe driving skills while doing a terrific selling job.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

M. Reedy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:24:32 GMT

Any version of the "Viva Viagra" commercials drive me to distraction!!! I can't believe these guys were willing to make that commercial even for money!! The concept is so stupid I want to throw a shoe at the TV every time the commercial is on!!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Heather, Indianapolis Indiana — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:28:02 GMT

the dadada song they used for volkswagon back in I think around 1996 that was classic...dadada

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Giselle — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:31:20 GMT

Funkytown by Lipps is in an ad for an energy company. Funny, I remember the song, but I can't recall what the commercial is for.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Giselle — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:35:33 GMT

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is sung by the puppy for Advantage. It even has birds as the back up singers. Too cute!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

P. Paul, Newark NJ — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:40:16 GMT

I love Devo's Whip It in the Swiffer ads.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Gigi, San Francisco, CA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:40:20 GMT

I hate the use of ANY pop/rock song in commericials. They only serve to replace someone's cherised memories with images of lousy product placement - not to mention that they are often done without permission of the artist. John Lennon, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant - these are not jingle writers.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Alex Chicago,IL — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:40:48 GMT

I wish they would stop using the 80's songs in commercials. Example: Target uses The Cars-Just What I needed. Reese's uses New Order-Age Of Consent. I love those songs,and now everytime I play them I get reeses in my head...I guess thats the whole idea,but come on enough is enough all ready. On the plus side I discovered some new bands thanks to some commercials. Example: The geico caveman commercial where hes at the airport,they use Royksopp-Remind Me and the Mitsubishi commercial uses Goose-Bring It On....I have to give credit to those ad people.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Sam, Virginia Beach, VA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:43:28 GMT

What about the new Dove Fresh commercials that feature up and coming artists? My favorite is the one that features "Segue" by Di Johnston.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Richard Ryal — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:50:46 GMT

Speaking of programmers not listening to lyrics, I loved NBC playing The Clash's "London Calling" at the end of their Wimbledon coverage. The men's tennis final may have been the best ever, but the song was a change of pace, being about London during an apocalyptic disaster, with zombies and food shortages.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Kassy, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:51:10 GMT

I LOVE the Discovery Channel Commercial, is all the right song, the pople the idea is perfect! also i like the Jeep liberty and the boy band of Free credit report.com i love the song and i know the tunes

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Debra — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:06:24 GMT

the song Hold On Tight To Your Dream sung by Electric Light Orchestra playing to advertise the Honda car is really catchy!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Heather, Boise, ID. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:15:28 GMT

What about that Honda minivan commercial, playing Heart's Baracuda. Awesome song...too bad I can't stand minivans :)

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Ian, Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:15:59 GMT

Again, I have to say that the Meat Loaf commercial for "Go Phone" where they re-do the lyrics to "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" makes me ill.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Brian Cade, Fairbanks, AK — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:18:56 GMT

I liked the cue used for Tylenol's "Holes" campaign last year. Apparently it was an original, but it sounded an awful lot like the score from "A Beautiful Mind."

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Robin, Las Vegas NV — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:22:20 GMT

Why can't commercials list the song/singer on their commercials?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Liz, Evansville, Ind. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:22:36 GMT

While I love the "New Soul" song used for the Mac Airbook, what makes me laugh is that the lines following the lyric cutoff in the commercial include "Finding myself making every possible mistake". Which I find appropos for just about any new product.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Pat, LA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:24:53 GMT

I hate the new Lowe's one with the squeaky door. It gets on my nerves.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Ella Hialeah, Fl — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:25:41 GMT

I love the new iPod commercials with Coldplay & the Ting Tings.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Naomi Kuritzky Regan, Bellevue, Washington — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:26:10 GMT

One of the most thrilling things for me was hearing The Fall's "Blindness" to hock Nissans. It was kind of weird but neat in the same way and the song really did fit (well, until you get to the lyrics, at least).

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

S. Wright, SLC Ut — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:32:07 GMT

The commerical that I would freeze to was the ad for Verizon's 'Chocolate' phone when it was first coming out. The song on there, which I wish I knew who it was by, was awesome. I heard the song before, but something about that commerical made me really like the song more, and it really made me want to buy the 'Chocolate' phone too.......

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Charles R Gaush, Hagerstown, MD — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:34:16 GMT

I'm pretty old and don't know the names of any of the more modern pieces but I do like the smooth, soft melodies sung by girls usually unaccompanied. The melodies are nice as is the harmony. For me, melody, harmony, and beat (with no instruments) is fabulous music.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

don, SoCal. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:40:24 GMT

Although it's not a commercial, I really think "deadliest catch's" use of bon jovi's "wanted dead or alive" is fitting for the show.

"i'm a cowboy-on a steel horse i ride"
"i drive all night just to get that gold"
Way cool combo !

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Jo, Yakima, WA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:43:30 GMT

"I don't know how many times Natasha Bedingford (or whatever her name is) has farmed out that "Unwritten" song but it is on Pantene commercials, the theme for "The Hills" at least one other product that I can't think of right now. It is tired...let's move on!"

I know a drag queen (who when in drag bears more than a passing resemblance to pre-crazy Britney Spears) who performs that song and I can't hear it without picturing drag queens in general.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Deb , Des Moines, Iowa — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:45:55 GMT

Personally I don't think ANY product having to do with sexual performance needs to be on TV...that goes for Viagra, or KY or anything like that. It's not entertaining, it ruins my appetite when it's on during the dinner hour, and that's just a subject that belongs in the bedroom or the doctor's office!
Is nothing private anymore?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Jeff, Newport News, VA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:46:18 GMT

F-R-E-E that spells FREE, creditreport.com baby!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Joe, Urbana, IL — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:49:53 GMT

The Honda commercials that use the "Hold On Tight" song by E.L.O. are really good.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

M. Ely, saint louis, mo — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:58:13 GMT

I love the artists that use the commercial medium rather than the other way around. Like John Mellencamp's "This is Our Country". He said that radio was not playing his song so he took it to Chevy and the rest is history. Moby and Sting have done the same thing with the same results. Way to use the system!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

m. ely, saint louis, mo — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:00:20 GMT

The best one was Bob Dylan and Victoria Secret. What in the heck do those two have in common!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Mary, Texas — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:00:44 GMT

The WORST song being used in an ad in my opinion is All You Need is Love being used to sell Luv's diapers. Yeah, I'm sure John Lennon was thinking about baby poop when he wrote that song....Honestly, I could go on and on about the sudden over-use of The Beatles in commercials right now. With a Little Help From My Friends being used for some hotel, (I think its Hampton Inn...) Any Time At All being used by Chase, and of course the horrible Hello, "Good Buy" campaign that Target has going right now. I know Michael Jackson needs to make some his money back, but can't he do it by selling his OWN songs to ad agencies?!?!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Lois, Wenatchee, WA. — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:23:43 GMT

I never hear most of the music everyone is talking about. Unfortunately, whenever a commercial with music comes on, my dog "Dork" howls until we shut it off. What a critic.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Ron - Portland — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:25:30 GMT

We are lead to believe that the men in the Viva Viagra commercial no longer have a problem with their bedroom performance, but something tells me that the advertising guy who came up with THAT idea still might.
Maybe he can find a pill for lameness as well as limpness.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

John Sanders,Austin,Texas — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:29:44 GMT

Using music like that is just one more way companies trying to sell their product,show us just how cheap they really are. Spend some more money and give us a commercial that we will remember because it was a good commercial. Remember the Bud Frogs? That was a great ad campaign.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

casey sheleny, fort gratiot, michigan — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:47:18 GMT

Liberty Mutual
Hem...Half Acre
The absolute best hands down :)

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Cheryl, Chicago, IL — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:55:32 GMT

The intro of a Honda Civic commercial was the awesome intro to a Postal Service song. It totally worked (instumental) and was a pretty commercial...as pretty as it can get for a car...it's sort of dreamy. It all worked.

For the inappropriate...I can't beleive nobody has mentioned Iggy Pop's lust for life selling family cruises. That's just jacked up.

(Maybe somebody mentioned it; I'm too lazy to go beyond page one here)

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

judy, Dallas — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:08:52 GMT

Best use of music was United Airlines ads that used Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Perfect music for a set of great ads. Here's a link to one here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDZAgBDf3Qo&feature=related

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Joshua Acoman Anchorage, Alaska — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:21:34 GMT

I thought that this ad was really stupid!!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Rich, Omaha, NE — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:22:39 GMT

That Andy Kim song says "rock me gently, rock me slow, take it easy but don't you know that I've aint' never been loved like this before" or something like that. Well, my question is how ARE you being loved that you ain't never been loved like this before?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Julie, Denver, CO — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:12:57 GMT

I about wanted to DIE when I heard "I Just Can't Get Enough" by Depeche Mode being used in a Payless Shoe Source commercial! I mean, how low can you go? That, and Modern English's "I Melt With You" being used to advertise Ritz crackers, is the absolute bottom of the barrel. Depeche Mode, I am ashamed of you! No emo cookies for you anymore, no-siree-bob...

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Kim, Seattle — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:15:11 GMT

Anytime there's a post about good commercials, I have to mention the Hallmark one where it plays "Can't Touch This" and the dad imagines himself in an MC Hammer video - I still love that ad!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

tiffany, goodyear, az — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:15:17 GMT

i'm getting pretty burnt out on the i tunes coldplay commercial. its an awesome song and video, but do i have to hear it twice every commercial break?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Junakiri, Arkansas — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:19:19 GMT

Loved The Kooks' "Shine On" in a Michelob Ultra commercial so much that I bought the song. Forget the beer!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Erin Pruetz, San Antonio, TX — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:21:13 GMT

While the Go Phone commercial parodying Meatloaf's song, "Let Me Sleep On It," isn't a great commercial and doesn't quite fit the subject matter, the spot and the song took on a whole new meaning once I realized that Meatloaf was the dad in the commercial.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Roxanne Carson, CA — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:56:38 GMT

I love the AT&T commercial that uses "Daydreamin'" by Lupe Fiasco and the iTunes commercial that plays "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay. Both commercials are visually stunning and I ended up becoming a Coldplay fan because of the iTunes ad.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Bill Eastlake Ohio — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:38:52 GMT

A few years ago Mercedes actually used Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" for their ads. I often wonder if the companies or the ad agencies have any idea what the original artist was actually saying at the time. Would it even matter to them?

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

skidd, green bay, wi — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:52:09 GMT

Royksopp's Remind Me (Geico Caveman commercial) is great - it's the theme song on my Myspace page! I also love the recent Heinekin commercial set to the tune of a song (possibly) titled "It's Love". It's a very happy song and my husband plays it all the time for our kids - they love it too!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

CSK, Fort Collins, CO — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:01:24 GMT

I loved the Office Max commercial that played "Rubberband Man" with the guy pushing the cart through the office.

However, the commercial that got me was the one for the car (can't remember which one but it was a small car) and it played Ice Cube's "Roll All Day." They only played the part that said "I got a full tank of unleaded" over and over but I thought it was hilarious as it is one of my favorite songs. It is quite a risque song and was surprised they chose it for a car.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Bill, Sanford, FL — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:03:42 GMT

Who would've thought - The Clash's excellent version of "Pressure Drop" belted out for a Nissan commercial. Oi!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Thea, Oklahoma City, OK — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:06:41 GMT

I will admit that I found the Da da da song from the VW add that I went out and got the single:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faaD-XfBehY&feature=related

I also think the song makes the Liberty Mutual ad. I get goosebumps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e26RARbqarQ

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Griffin, Alabama — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:24:21 GMT

I really like the Discovery Channel's commercial, but I can't stand the Target Commercials that use the Beatles songs, they change the lyrics turning great music in commercial BS, EX - "you say hello, I say good BUY."

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

LIDIA FERRARI — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:27:07 GMT

To Gigi:
I work in advertising -- print not TV -- and it is illegal to use an artist's work without permission. In fact, many companies have been sued for using music, even sound-alike. Tom Waits turned down Dentyne and when they used a sound-alike, he sued and won. Believe me, these songs are paid for, and paid for in spades. Remember, people, the Beatles don't own most of their own songs (thanks to Wacko Jacko) and so you see the ones that do own those songs, I believe it's Sony now, selling them to whoever wants them.

A lot of artists now are indeed using advertising as a means to get their work known, after Moby's success taking that route. Wilco can't get played on the radio (except maybe in Chicago) but got a lot of exposure when three of their songs from "Sky Blue Sky" were used in Volkswagon ads.

My agency has paid megabucks for "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone (Smarties ads in Canada) and "Goin' to the Country" by Canned Heat for Polysporin (also in Canada). It can actually be a very expensive prospect

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Harvey Salem, Mesa, Az. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:47:49 GMT

I loved the song "It's Love" (chris Knox) in the Heineken Light commercial so much, I went out and bought it. The CD, not the beer"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hScEAauZgZg

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Stacey, NC — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:50:25 GMT

The use of great, classic songs in commercials almost always turns my stomach. The very idea of the great rock classics being requisitioned by corporations to sell us stuff that we don't need strikes me as manipulative, and I loathe being manipulated.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Susan, Tampa, FL — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:41:07 GMT

It's sad, but I sometimes think that any artists that allow their music to be used to shill are ultimately selling out. They all do it; can't really blame them when there are some really good ideas out there. Some of the music is even written with future commercial use in mind, but what ever happened to the higher purpose, the aesthetic purity of the lyrics and melody as a medium of sharing the human experience and creativity of the soul? If the association with the product really makes an imprint, it'll be that much harder to separate the music from it later. The image I create in my mind when hearing the song on its own becomes overwritten with the image from the ad.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

A Smith, NE — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:05:45 GMT

The Jeep ad is a work of genius. It is catchy and feel good all the way through. I sing along every time I watch it. And the Discovery Channel ad is great too. The timing of the clips from the shows is great and I love how the stars are all singing along. Those ads have my vote for best commercial for the year.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

benny starlight, hollywood, ca — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:10:17 GMT

i love the coke ad with the politicians that played during the super bowl (and i saw it again before Indy 4). I did a google to find out the artist is Latch Key Kid and the song is "good times"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZIHSn1ILxs

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

djp, wallyworld, ct — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:35:39 GMT

I used to like 'Unwritten' by Natasha Bedingfield...until I started thinking about how clean and shiny my hair could be if I used Pantene.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

djp, wallyworld, ct — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:45:32 GMT

I like the iTunes one for Coldplay and the one Bob Dylan did a year or so ago. But honestly, do they really need the money? I would've bought their albums anyway.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Caitlin, Columbia, SC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:31:17 GMT

I absolutely love the mountain dew commerical for the competition of the three new flavors that uses Jimi Hendrix's electric guitar verison of the Star Spangled Banner!! OMG!!! Its awesome!!1

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Jill, Ohio — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:23:59 GMT

don, from SoCal seems to have contributed to another of your favorite topics: incorrect song lyrics. The line from Bon Jovi's "Wanted: Dead or Alive" that is played in the intro to Deadliest Catch is actually:

"I'd drive all night just to get back home."

That said, I have to agree that is the best use of a song as an intro to a current telvison series. Great show, great song; awesome combination.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

wrp, Little Rock, AR — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:48:25 GMT

I love the AT&T commercial with Daydream in it. I think it's a very clever combination of the music with the visual - and you know what it's selling. I've actually told other people to stop and watch it as I enjoyed watching it that much.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

David Cabana, Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:05:50 GMT

Yes, the song "Taking Care of Business" is about doing nothing except playing music. I was the Agency Producer on the Office Depot account for 4 years back in the mid-90's. It was our agency's idea to use that song because the client's new tag line that we created at that time was "Office Depot - Taking Care of Business." The added benefit was every time it played on the radio, it would remind you of Office Depot.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

tsmith, sb, ca — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:49:01 GMT

I like the song on the Hilton hotel commercial.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Lisa, San antonio, TX — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:27:37 GMT

I love the Rock Me Gently Jeep commercial. It is one of my favorites. I also love the Boom-de-a-da Discovery one. And I agree with someone above who said the new i-tunes Coldplay ads have turned me into a Coldplay fan.
Last year I found Richard Buckner via his music in a Volkswagen Touareg commercial. I went right out and bought a cd. Didn't buy a Volkswagen though!

No one else has mentioned one that I can't abide. What is up with KFC using Sweet Home Alabama??? Can't tell the difference between Kentucky and Alabama? Do they think the rest of us are so dumb WE can't tell the difference? Irritates the beejeezus out of me.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Kate, Fargo ND — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:19:46 GMT

I don't know if this song has ever been in a commercial but it has been overused in movies from Stephen King's Christine to the latest 'Parent Trap' version with LiLo. 'Bad to the Bone' Every time I hear the 1st few notes of the song, I switch stations or mute the TV.

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

David W. Potter — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:39:26 GMT

Hey, all:

I really like the music for the Huggies wipes ad, with the rubber duck, simple narrative, and the very simple, lovely piano piece. It must be something classical and well-known, but I don't know it. Can anyone help me? Thanks!

David
Messages done with sustainable energy, with Wind and Sun!

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:17:21 GMT

David: This site claims it is Stimmung, but that apparently was written for vocalists (by Karlheinz Stockhausen), so take that for what you will.

http://adsoftheworld.com/node/23298

Music in ads: Ain't it good, ain't it right?

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:19:24 GMT

Donna: Adtunes claims the Kingsford Charcoal song is "Speechless" by Colin James

http://adtunes.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35755&st=25