TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Amy, Minnetonka, MN — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:43:46 GMT

I know it was mentioned a bunch of times in a former entry of yours as well but Wendy's using The Violent Femmes Blister in the Sun is also very disconcerting. Have they never listened to the lyrics of that song? I love the Femmes and that song but not for Wendy's.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Sherrie, Saskatchewan Canada — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:16:23 GMT

Worst song and one of the worst commercials: Petula Clark's "Downtown" and the girl who gets a makeover that involves a truly awful dress, worse hair and pretty much the worst acting ever seen on national TV. I don't have a clue what the commercial is advertising. Some lady is traipsing around town singing, arguably the worst song ever, while this poor girl sits there with a bewildered look on her face the entire time. Hate it hate it hate it!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Missy — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:23:55 GMT

I love the M&M's commercial with the song "This is the Day", by The The. When I read the full lyrics of the song, it's a little depressing, but the ultimate message is hopeful, so I think it goes well with the commercial, too:)

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Katherine — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:35:59 GMT

Worst ad song ever has to go to the geniuses that used Salt 'n' Peppa's "Push it" to sell a car (I don't remember which car company). All i remember thinking is 'are they trying to tell us that this car is the best car to use for backseat make-out sessions'.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Lori, Lansing, Michigan — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:36:18 GMT

The best use of a song in a commercial is from Celebrity Cruise Lines, which uses "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" song by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. It's absolutely beautiful, and it's so fitting for a cruise ship. After our first Celebrity Cruise, we downloaded the song to our IPOD.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Missy, Louisville, KY — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:37:14 GMT

This may be a little old, and it doesn't really involve a song being co-opted into a commercial, but I simply must mute the TV whenever I see the Snickers commercials with the guy singing about "prancing nougat in the meadow" and all that. It is STUPID and then it gets stuck in my head all day!!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Chris, Washington, DC — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:48:38 GMT

My favorite is still the use of "Semi Charmed Life" for the Tigger Movie. The song is about crystal meth addiction, but the most provocative lyrics are always blurred out in the song. The Disney people found out and soon pulled the ad.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Told_Ya, Columbus NE — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:01:07 GMT

I *LOVE* the AXE commercials with "bom chicka bow wow" Its catchy..and now me and my boyfried always sing it randomly and it just makes me laugh. Great marketing. Plus LOVE the commercials. They are so funny. My fav one is the Old man one. Where this guy and his girlfriend are hosting a party and the dad (maybe the grandpa) of the boyfriend goes into the bathroom and he is looking at the axe can and he accidently sprays himself. Then returns to the party...and all of a suddon the girl looks at the old man and starts singing "bom chicka bow wow..." and rips the old mans clothes off in front of her bf...and the old man turns to the camera while standing in only his under shirt and boxers and says in his foreign accent "god bless america!"

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Cat, Neptune NJ — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:09:54 GMT

I cried, literally cried, when I heard "Sunnyside" used in that commercial. Three things immediately came to mind:

1. How broke is Shane McGowan?
2. Did they actually LISTEN to that song or read the lyrics before deciding use it?
3. Is nothing sacred?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kirsten, Seattle, WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:21:32 GMT

Usually I am extremely annoyed when ads use well-known songs in their ads, but for some reason the Target ad using "Hello Goodbye" (changed to "Hello Good Buy") seems to hit the right notes. The cover that they use fits just right with the mood of most Target ads -- cool yet lighthearted. And while "Hello Goodbye" is a song that many know and like, it was mostly a nonsensical song to start with so it doesn't seem offensive or puzzling to see the meaning changed for an ad. At any rate, this is yet another extension of Target's strong ad campaign that has gone on for years.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Stephanie, Brighton, MI — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:32:47 GMT

In Michigan, we have a place called Jimmy John's Subs. Is this anywhere else in the counrty? Well, anyways, they have this little flower that had a face...that flower bounces up and down to "Pop goes the Weasel" and then flys out of nowhere! I HATE this commercial, as well as all the rest of Jimmy John's. Annoying!!!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Jenifer, Columbus OH — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:56:48 GMT

I love some of the songs that I hear in commercial ads. That's the way that I discovered Cat Powers and her beautiful music. By the way, she did a full version of "How Can I Tell You" only it's in the same style of Cat Stevens and (I don't think) not nearly as beautiful. Another song that I fell in love with is "What Are You Doing For the Rest of Your Life" by Laura Fygi. It's in the commercial for the Journey Diamond. I love, love, love it!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

BV, Joliet IL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:22:48 GMT

I like the commercial that did a remake of the "Mary Tyler Moore" theme song. The remake sounds nice, and it works with the commercial, though I can't think off the top of my head who the commercial is for (I think it's a bank).

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Marilyn, Gainesville, FL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:57:45 GMT

The Vonage ads with the annoying woo hoo hoo lyrics grate on me.

The K9 singing dog no bugs on me is just disturbing.

I love the Target commercial where they sing the song "A Little Bit More" by Jamie Lidell.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Amanda, Birmingham, AL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:04:34 GMT

I absolutely love the Liberty Mutual commercial that shows people doing good deeds and inspiring others to do them as well. The reason I love it is the absolutely beautiful melody playing in the background. The song is "Half Acre" by a band called Hem. I loved it so much I bought the cd. Can't say I have done any business with Liberty Mutual, but should I ever need their services, they will be the first on my list.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Misti, Republic, WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:14:22 GMT

I really like the new iPod commercial that uses "Mi Swing is Tropical" by Nicodemus. I have that sond downloaded onto my iPod now.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Sarah, Richmond, VA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:44:26 GMT

There's a Chevy commercial that makes me nuts. It uses lyrics from "American Pie" - "Bye, bye miss american pie, drove my chevy to the levy but the levy was dry". This line is repeated ad nauseum in the ad, because they certainly don't want to use the rest of that lyric - "good ol' boys drinking whiskey and rye singing this will be the day that I die." Drinking and driving, anyone?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Terra Crihfield, Carthage, MO — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:45:42 GMT

My husband and I saw a commercial last night that made us just bust up. It didn't have any music though. It was a Sam Adam's commercial telling how the owner and founder always get the best product and it has employees and customers talking about what they like about the different beers they drink and why. But the laugh out loud moment came at the end when two girls were sitting at a table and one of them says something about not drinking domestic beers again, implying that she thought it was a foreign beer when her friend turns to her and says "Sam Adams is domestic, dumbass!"

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

jane doe, Springfield USA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:53:24 GMT

This will probably show my age - but I love the 7-Up commercial with the Partridge Family singing "You've Got The Sunshine in your Hands" - David Cassidy was a big teen idol when I was a 'tween. I find myself singing along whenever it comes on.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Richard, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:05:15 GMT

My favorite so far are the Vytorin commercials that have a split screen of a food item and a person who is made to resemble the food. The voice says "You get your cholesterol from two sources, your food and Uncle or Aunt So-and-So.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Danielle, Carmel, IN — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:24:49 GMT

I may be the only one but I am deeply annoyed by the AT&T commercials that end with "All Around the World". It drives me crazy and I try to mute the tv everytime. Time for a new song, AT&T!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Jen, Bayville, NJ — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:33:19 GMT

I can't stand the Ford commercials with the American Idols. I've had enough of Taylor Hicks already.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Missy — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:37:57 GMT

The Mary Tyler Moore theme is in a Talbot's commercial...which just goes to show that just because a commercial is good (or uses good music, because I love it, too), that it will be memorable for the product :)

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

annoyn, santa cruz, ca — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:42:56 GMT

I like the crusie line that used the "Aint got much money but, aint we have fun!".. good choice for a cruise.
Also like the "I don't love you much, do I?" song for that bread commercial (Sara Lee?)
Makes two really super boing commericals tolerable.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

JoAnne, Tucson, AZ — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:00:31 GMT

My son absolutely loves the music on one of the animated Hilton commercials...and actually I do as well. It's relaxing and easy to sing to. The commercial is nice as well.

http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/1032-Hilton-Journeys-Dragon

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Jenn — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:26:23 GMT

To me the Wendy's/Violent Femmes combo is the absolute strangest use of music in a commercial. However, my husband has been know to sing "sweet ho-ome Kentucky" whenever a KFC ad using "Sweet Home Alabama" comes on the TV.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Billy, Albany, GA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:37:04 GMT

I used to chuckle whenever I heard "Beautiful World" by Devo in the Target commercials. Maybe they didn't realize it was supposed to be a sarcastic song.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kimberly, Riverdale, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:55:23 GMT

I don't know if anyone remembers these Levi's commercials from several years back, but I thought they were really cool. One used Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love' in an operating room setting and the other one used The Partridge's 'I Think I Love You' when a guy and a girl met on an elevator and it kind of fast-forwarded through their lives together, getting married, having a baby, and then brought them back to the elevator. So cool but the commercials didn't seem to stay around for very long.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Phong Lee, Reno NV — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:43:13 GMT

A local establishment decided to class-up their amateurish ads with a little classical music. Why a BANK chose Rossini's "The Thieving Magpie" remains a mystery.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Ravanne, New York, NY — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:48:12 GMT

I absolutely love the Wii commercial done to the Japanese musicians, the Yoshida Brothers. The music, a blend of traditional Japanese shamisen with hard rock is a fantastic blend of sounds and fits the commericals perfectly. This is one commercial that I actually look forward to.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Vandana, Ann Arbor, Michigan — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:58:46 GMT

I love the ad for Chevy "No its not a jet-set.. its the old Chevrolet set".. or something like that.. its shows the different kinds of music genres etc... I especially like the ending tune..

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

S, Gulfport, MS — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:08:07 GMT

I love that American Express used The Black Keys' "10a.m. Automatic" in their commercial featuring Shaun White. They are an amazing band (duo) that I highly recommend. The use of this song really gives the ad a youthful, edgy vibe. And it compliments the whole theme, which features Shaun trekking across the globe at a moments notice to catch a good snowstorm and practice some of those amazing snowboarding skills!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Brian P. Evans, San Diego, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:08:34 GMT

Any product that uses "The Flesh Failures," more commonly known as "Let the Sunshine In." That's a song about dying in Vietnam:

We starve, look at one another short of breath
Walking proudly in our winter coats
Wearing smells from laboratories
Facing a dying nation of moving paper fantasy
Listening for the new-told lies
With supreme visions of lonely tunes

You really want your product associated with that?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Laura, Sunnyvale, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:18:41 GMT

I hate the music on the Lunesta commercials, the haunting tone is creepy, not soothing.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

John — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:26:24 GMT

I'm not a religious fanatic by any stretch of the imagination. but a fruity pebbles commercial I found to be very upsetting. It's sort of an American Idol rip off and Barney is trying to figure out what song he can sing. next thing you know he's dresses as elvis singing "I won't the whole bowl in my hand"? Religious or not, He's got the whole world in his hands is usually one of the first religious songs you learn as a kid. and to take that song not to mention one of only a few good childhood memories a person can have a commercialize it. I thought was just sad.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Will, Cary, NC — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:29:02 GMT

The Zurich insurance commercials have a nice tune playing in the background by a group called Spacetrain.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kirsten, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:38:17 GMT

One of the "did they ever listen to the rest of the lyrics" awards goes to Carnival Cruise Lines for "Somewhere Beyond the Sea." The chorus ends with, "then never again/we'll go sailing."

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Eric, Fresno, California — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:52:33 GMT

I've always all the sports teams that appropriated "We Are the Champions," a famous gay anthem.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kathy Dalager, Spokane WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:56:15 GMT

The Vonage woohoo song is the Transplant "Diamonds and Guns" it is a pretty dark song with a very catchy tune. Of course all of the Transplants songs are that way.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kathy, Spokane WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:57:37 GMT

The Vonage woohoo song is the Transplant "Diamonds and Guns" it is a pretty dark song with a very catchy tune. Of course all of the Transplants songs are that way.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

gordy, portland, oregon — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:00:36 GMT

VW's add a few years ago with Nick Drake's "Pink Moon"...it was only recently I found out what song/artist it was and bought "Pink Moon" immediately. Everyone, EVERYONE should own that album. If you don't buy you are a putz. Also Geico's use of Roykksops "Everywhere I Go". Bought that album, well, no, a live album with that song on it. I think I like the studio version better, though. I looove the caveman ads, so creative, especially in the details, i.e. the airport ad mentioned above...a wooden tennis racket?!?! awesome

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Matthew, North Fort Myers, FL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:26:47 GMT

The omission of some lyrics when using a song for commercials is not a new practice. In the 1980's Robert Palmer promoted Pepsi with "Simply Irresistable" (with the women in black dresses and ghost-white makeup from the song's video). Conveniently missing from the ad's version of the song was the line "She's so fine, there's no tellin' where the money went." Maybe Pepsi did not wnat their product to be considered by the public as too expensive.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Pam, Yakima WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:28:23 GMT

Can't stand Chevrolet's ads featuring people singing songs about their cars. When they get to, "we're not the jet set, we're the old Chev-ro-LET set" I want to throw something at the T.V. And when hearing "Bye, Bye Miss American Pie" I fast forward in my mind to "this'll be the day that I die", just what you want a customer thinking when they go to buy a new car.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Jack, Sebring, FL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:49:29 GMT

I miss the old mentos commercials and the song that was sang with them. "The "freshmaker" always left the jingle in your head for a long time, and the way the the situations played out were cool. I also loved the Diet Coke commercials that had the "just for the thrill of it, just for the taste of it, Diet Coke" song. It wasn't around for very long.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Russell Zitske, Skoikie, IL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:55:23 GMT

Loved that NFL Channel commercial that used the Doves song "Words."

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Patti, Everett, Wa — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:07:33 GMT

I find more often than not that the song used on a particular commercial has nothing to do with the product...and I wonder if anybody involved listened to the words or has a clue what the song is about. I end up losing respect for the artist whose song is being used (I almost cried when I heard the Violent Femmes on the Burger King commercial, how could they sell out like that??). I like it when the ad agencies try to use a little creativity and come up with their own jingles (Real Men of Genius is genius in itself). Another source of annoyance is when they take classic songs and make up new words. I will not eat at Applebee's for this reason. Occasionally I'm sure they get it right and the song fits, although nothing comes to mind right now. One thing that's always baffled me though - why do they use Sweet Home Alabama on the KFC commercials? Doesn't the K stand for Kentucky??

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

christine, ft lauderdale. fl — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:33:20 GMT

i love geico's use of "remind me" by Royksopp. It took me quite a while to find it and i got the single on itunes not realising that i had the whole album. Also someone was using "surfing on a rocket" by air and practically the whole goldfrapp album "supernature" was used in target commercials.

commercial music in general is just great now.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Nichole, Pineville, LA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:53:17 GMT

I think it's the Sheraton hotel chain (I know its a hotel chain at least) that uses "We Belong". It's not Pat Benatar singing, but the remake is very sweet and the commercial itself shows all different types of "belonging" from around the world. It's one of my favorite feel-good commercials.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

S. March, Colorado — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:11:05 GMT

Magnavox, I think it was, used a very famous Beatles line, "It's getting better all the time", but in my head I always followed with the next line in the song, "it can't get much worse". Now that's a t.v. I'd like to buy!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Mike, Austin, TX — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 02:48:14 GMT

Thanks for pointing out that it's Cat Power in the diamond commercial. I just wish the whole song was available. (Hey Chan, record the whole thing!)

Not recent, but some songs that I've liked in commercials:

Iron and Wine's cover of the Postal Service song in an M&M's commercial.

Going back a lot farther - remember the old Life Saver's commercial with the African sounding vocalists singing the flavors? "Life Saaaaaaavers hommmmmmmmmmm" Whenever I hear Ben Harper's "Pictures of Jesus" I think of that commercial.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Greg, Oklahoma City, OK — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 02:49:37 GMT

There's a number of car ads using Morningwood's "To the Nth Degree" for their ads. During the song, they spell the band's name M-O-R-N-I-N-G-W-O-O-D for part of the chorus. Of course, in the car ads they kinda modulate that part out.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Mike, Austin, TX — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 02:50:10 GMT

Gordy - I agree about pink moon. Nick Drake is great, and Pink Moon is a great record.

VW seems to have good taste in music. I haven't seen any of the spots yet, but I've heard that they are using a few tracks from the new Wilco CD now. Wilco is one of my favorite bands.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Tami, Galesburg, IL — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:23:40 GMT

I also like the "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" for the Journey Diamond. If you ever want to know what song is playing in an ad, there's a site www.adtunes.com which I go to all the time. It's very helpful!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Harry Oatmeal, Niles, MI — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 04:16:13 GMT

Just how broke was Helen Reddy to sell "I Am Woman" to Burger King for one of their misogynist commercials?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Adam, Oceanside, cA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:12:38 GMT

The GEICO caveman commercial, with the caveman in the airport on the escalator. I dont know who sings that song, but its great, and fits the commercial. That commerical is hilarious!!!!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Keith W. Fagan, Ponca City, OK — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:53:19 GMT

I've long said that one day, all the songs I know will be ad jingles, and so far, my dark prophecy looks to prove regrettably true. Being a big Beatles fan, I particularly cringe every time I hear one of their songs in an ad. The worst case for me though, and the moment that caused me to make the above statement, was a beer commercial from a few years back that used Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth", a Vietnam War protest song to accompany a skyscraper leaning over to steal a beer, or something like that. The lyrics they use go "Stop, children, what's that sound? Everyone look what's going down." What's that sound? Apparently it's corporate America stripping a poet's heartfelt words of any meaning in order to sell you stuff you don't need. "For what it's worth", ahh the unintended irony.

Responding to someone else's comments here, "He's got the whole world in his hands" is a religious song? I honestly never knew that, although I can barely remember the lyrics. We used to sing that in public school, at least until 3rd grade. I feel all indoctrinated now...

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

me — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:17:03 GMT

---
The Vonage woohoo song is the Transplant "Diamonds and Guns" it is a pretty dark song with a very catchy tune. Of course all of the Transplants songs are that way.
---
Actually, the Transplants one was used in some hair creme or shampoo ad. I found it annoying because the song had barely been out, at least locally, and also a bit of irony since the band was the Transplants.
The song in the Vonage commercials is by the group "5, 6, 7, 8s" and is annoyingly catchy.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Happy Peanuts Soar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:45:59 GMT

I love that Snickers commercial with the guy and the guitar because that song is so freakin catchy. It does get stuck in my head all day too Missy, but it makes me laugh. I crack up when I see them in the store, and I must admit....it kinda makes me wanna buy it.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Nikki, Louisville Ky — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:52:21 GMT

I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE the Old Spice commercial with the man playing the piano with 3-4 women all around him playing a loungesque version of "Hungry like the wolf". And then...the women sexily say... Ahoy. That commerical makes my gray matter rupture. I don't understand the choice of song, I don't understand the Ahoy...I don't understand why women would want to try to hang around a guy that is playing that song on the piano...and singing...badly...

Although I take it back, if you look at the real lyrics of the song...they go

Smell like I sound, Im lost in a crowd
And Im hungry like the wolf
Straddle the line, in discord and rhyme
Im on the hunt Im after you
Mouth is alive with juices like wine
And Im hungry like the wolf

Which is actually bad news for Old spice because if that guy smells like he sounds then he smells cheasy, and like a garbage can.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Alex Herring, Houston, Texas — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:06:53 GMT

I personally think that the best use of music in an ad was when Starbucks used "Eye of The Tiger". That has got to be one of the funniest and most cleverly catchy minutes of commercial over the past 5 years.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Heather, Hollywood, MD — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:02:35 GMT

I actually really enjoy the Vonage "Woo Hoo" ads... my 2 year old and I have to dance when they come on.

Another one that can get stuck in your head is the "Munnah munnah (doo doooo dododo)" one that has been used in several different commercials. I can't remember the most recent one I saw, but it was used in a diet Dr. Pepper ad (where the guy on a date is going on and on, and the girl starts seeing everyone in the resteraunt singing the song) for a while. I don't where it originated, but I actually have it on a Best of Sesame Street tape. My daughter loves it and we have seen the bit on Sesame Street many times as well.

And now I'm going to have it stuck in my head all day!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Ryan, Tallahassee, FL — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:34:18 GMT

Sorry Kathy in Spokane,
The song in the Vonage comercial, is done by a Japanese all girl group called the 5,6,7,8s.(as heard in Kill Bill volume 1)
I think the song by the Transplants is in a hair product comericial.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Cat, Neptune NJ — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:47:04 GMT

The "Woo Hoo" song in the Vonage ads is NOT a Transplants song. It's actually from one of the Kill Bill movies. The Transplants "Diamonds and Guns" is the "Woo Hoo" song in the Garnier Fructise ads. Not that I'm an expert on "Woo Hoo" songs or anything ...

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

jan, ann arbor, michigan — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:57:45 GMT

Remember when commercials had their OWN music instead of using other people's songs? There were catchy tunes like "The Disadvantages of You" (Benson & Hedges 100 cigarettes) or "No Matter What Shape Your Stomach's In" (Alka-Seltzer). Even bad ad jingles were written to stick in your head and be catchy. Now companies just pay for a song someone else has written, and never mind the ideas it originally expressed.

I'm not familiar with most of the newer songs used in commercials, but it makes me sad to hear the counterculture anthems of my youth prostituted to sell stuff (especially gas-guzzling cars that cost as much as houses used to). And sometimes it's just plain odd -- not only the "American Pie" ad mentioned earlier (EVERYBODY old enough to remember that song knows the next line; what were the adwriters thinking?) but the strangeness of Mellencamp's "Our Country" seen on a CANADIAN version of the Chevy ad.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kurtis Sims, Middletown CT — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:19:36 GMT

One that I like, probably because I liked the band first, is the track for the online University of Phoenix. They use a part of the New Pornographers song "The Bleeding Heart Show". The music pick really meshes well with the scenes they've shot for the commercial.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Mike H., Illinois — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:24:41 GMT

There is a great CD called “As Seen on TV: Music From Commercials” from the early ‘00s, all music that was used in commercials - some great stuff on it including Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon”. I wish they’d do a second volume. Anyway, my favorite song from a commercial would have to be Trio’s “Da Da Da I Don't Love You You Don't Love Me Aha Aha Aha”, used by Volkeswagon about seven years ago, it was where the two college age kids were just driving around in their Volkeswagon and see the couch on the curb, they take it but it stinks so they leave it. Very infectious beat.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Leslie, New Mexico — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:27:37 GMT

There was a commercial a while ago with a mother singing "You are my Sunshine" to her child and ended with her humming it. For Dove or Johnson & Johnson maybe? Can't recall.
This falls in with the "Did they ever listen to the rest of the song?" category that Kirsten from GA mentioned. People seem to love using "You are my Sunshine" for ads, but have they ever listened to the whole song? The guy's wife/girlfriend (whatever) cheats on him and leaves him lonely and miserable. The last lines of (I think) the last verse are:
"But now you've left me to love another /
You have shattered all of my dreams."

Now THAT'S cheerful! I'm still waiting to see someone use the "Plastic Jesus" song in an ad...it'd be perfect for an insurance company.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Martin, Long Branch NJ — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:42:51 GMT

Somehow it seems that 60's protest music ends up making the most ridiculous uses in commercials. I still have to sing the rest of "Fortunate Son" whenever that stupid jeans ad comes up. They definitely picked the ONLY line in the entire song that can, on its own, create a positive view.

Years ago, Mercedes actually ran an ad that used Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz", as if she was being serious! That'd be like a construction company running an ad with Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi". I was just a kid and didn't really get it at the time, but my mother looked like she was going to throw something at the screen. Don't blame her really.

Also, one of the auto companies starting running ads for a limited time sale, using the Chambers Bros.'s "The Time Has Come Today". I think they've still been using that recently, but I just get really confused watching that.

And while not protest music, that old H&R Block ad with the Beatle's "Taxman" was just taunting all of us.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Raymond W. Humphrey — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The Chevrolet ad using "American Pie" neglects the usual interpretation of civil rights protesters being killed and buried in a levee by drunken good ole boys,not the tune I would use to attract the large African-American market.But then I can't understand why any African-American wears a Nazi helmet on a motorcycle(and there are more than a few I've seen.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

D.H., Baltimore, MD — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:12:50 GMT

I think one of the best commercials with a song is I think for maybe Levi's jeans..they are playing "Very Superstitious". It's the one where the guy steals the others guys jeans from the balcony and everything that the man does, the jeans make the other man do! Very creative!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

caineme — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:21:08 GMT

One of the best songs used in an ad is the Starbucks commercial with the guy walking to work with the band following him around sing a version of "Eye of the Tiger"....Roy!, Roy, Roy......good stuff. But the funniest commercial by far is an old, old one from the Smart-Beep company. A guy picks up a girl for a date. He seats her in the car and while he's walking around to the other side, she decides to fart. When he gets in, he smells it and turns to her and asks if shes been introduced to his friends in the back seat. She had no idea they were there as she just crop- dusted the car!!!!! Almost peed my pants when I saw that!!!1

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Shay Lynn, Centennial Colorado — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:23:13 GMT

You people are ALL missing the only fun involving television commercials: muting the sound and then trying to guess what on earth is being advertised. You see people drifting through surreal landscapes or whales leaping in the surf. Are they flogging washing machines? Financial planning services? Adult diapers? Sometimes even when the ad has completed, you're still in the dark. But then if advertisers are that cute, pretentious and self-involved, who wants to buy their products or services anyway?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

LV — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:23:14 GMT

I have to agree that the Wendy's "Blister in the Sun" commercial is by far the weirdest use of music I've ever known. For anyone who doesn't know the song, it's about the same general subject as Cyndi Lauper's "She Bop." Everyone I know who's familiar with the Femmes is now rather grossed out about the concept of eating at Wendy's. I have to wonder what the Femmes themselves think, as they probably weren't aware of the ad until it started running (music rights requests are typically handled through middleman companies due to volume). It would have been interesting to have been there when they found out about it.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Lisa, Seattle, Washington — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:26:39 GMT

One word: "Crumbelievable."
How far has EMF fallen since the early 90's to sell out for CHEESE?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Carlo — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:42:31 GMT

When they started using Dust in the Wind in a car commercial, showing vehicles disintegrating into dust, it just about ruined that song for me for awhile. Hospital commercials are worst for their music picks.

My favorite, honestly, has to be the Cingular commercial from a few years ago that used "Talk Talk" I had never heard that song before, but it was perfect for a cell phone ad. And frankly, for the Royal Caribbean ads with Iggy Pop, I think the music sets the mood perfectly. Then again, I rarely pay attention to song lyrics. I'm generally only interested in the music itself.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Nikki, Danbury CT — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:53:54 GMT

Let me just start off saying that I love LOVE the song "I've Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash. So every time I see those stupid commercials for some hotel chain with the tourist families and people singing their own version of it, I sort of want to throw a shoe through the television. It's AWFUL. I also adore 'Under Pressure' by David Bowie and Queen, but the Propel water commercial with the guy running with the cars and yelling bosses and whatnot attached to him is also a gross usage of a good song.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Ana, Virginia Beach, VA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:55:34 GMT

In reference to ad agencies not checking lyrics, Mercury uses Nth Degree's song "Morning Wood"... I can't believe it. It is even SPELLED OUT in the commercial. Are they too old to get the reference?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Dan, Casper Wyo — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:00:12 GMT

There are a lot of awful uses of songs in ads, I agree. Thank god 'Born To Be Wild' has finally fallen out of favor!
On the other hand, songs can be used with taste and class. My favorite are the Liberty Mutual spots using music from a little group called Hem. Their stunningly beautiful song 'Half Acre' has been playing over scenes of people doing nice things. As an early fan of the group I'm thrilled to see them get some mainstream exposure, and even more happy that the ads are so lovely.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Rick — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:22:55 GMT

What's the story with Kentucky Fried Chicken using Sweet Home Alabama for their song? I was always confused by this...

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Rick, Sacramento, CA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:40:07 GMT

I love the minimalist VW Beatle add that jusxtaposes a series of square objects with the rounded car, all set to Polyphonic Spree's "Reach for the Sun." P.S.'s music is generally pretty poor, but it seems to work just right in the add. (This add may be out of date, I am not sure.)

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

A. Smithee, San Diego, CA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:54:27 GMT

A local indian tribe uses the first few lead-in nonvocal keyboard bars of the Elvis song 'Viva Las Vegas' constantly looped over and over in their casino promo ad. I suspect they've kept the riff to some short length where there is no copyright infringement (and hence no royalties), the clip is instantly recognizable but incredibly annoying because it loops and never gets to the melody of the song.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

dub kitty, Santa Cruz, California — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:59:11 GMT

my favorite will always remain the Nike commercial that ran during the Olympics sometime back in the early 90s that used "Search and Destroy" by Iggy and the Stooges...my wife and i had gotten up to do stuff during the commercial break and when we heard "i'm a streetwalkin' cheetah with a heart full of napalm..." coming out of the TV we both turned around and ran back into the living room going "WTF???"

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Alisa, Charlotte NC — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:23:46 GMT

There's a song that used to play on the sponsership Toyota ads for Antiques Roadshow (yeah, yeah, I'm a dork) that I loved so much I emailed the company to find out what the song was. The commercial is of a lone tire moving in and out of various points in the people's lives--a fast-forwarded pregnancy, a birthday party, an older man lifting weights, things like that. The song is... let's see, where's that email? Ah yes, "Beautiful World" by Kathy Fischer. It's very lovely and peaceful, and works really well with the commercial.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

susie, slinger, wisconsin — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:16:54 GMT

They must pay big bucks for the rights to these songs. Otherwise why would anyone agree to allow "I Feel Good" for a laxative commercial? Whenever I hear that song I don't think back on my younger days, I think of that awful commercial with those people dancing.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Rachel Maley, Omaha, NE — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:30:59 GMT

My personal favorite "don't they listen to the lyrics?!" commercial was the GE commercial touting how coal is the future of energy. First, they have supermodels(!) in the coal mine, dressed in fake mining clothes. Then, for the music - they used Tennessee Ernie Ford singing "Sixteen Tons"!!!! OMG, I almost fell on the floor - a megacorporation using a song that is ANTI-COMPANY is beyond irony.

I think it only lasted about 3 days. Then somebody must have looked up the lyrics. I'll bet heads rolled over that one ...

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Missy, Louisville, KY — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:48:12 GMT

To "Happy Peanuts Soar"--I am so glad not to be inside your head ;)

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Missy, louisville, ky — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:50:34 GMT

One more VW ad jingle if anyone can handle it--I love the "Birds and Bees" song in the VW Rabbit commercial, where the black and white Rabbits procreate every time they go through a tunnel. It's a great concept, a catchy song and a cute-as-heck commercial :)

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

ErinD, Bozeman, MT — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:29:50 GMT

Heather in Hollywood, I agree that Dr. Pepper song is great. I only saw the commercial once and I thought it was the best.
And I definately appreciate newer songs being used rather than replaying old worn songs (Sweet Home Alabama? Please.).

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Steve, Springfield, Ill. — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:37:42 GMT

I must admit, I love the Bruce Campbell Old Spice "Hungry Like the Wolf" ads. Admittedly, it's very specifically targeted for guys of a certain age with whom Mr. Campbell's comic machismo resonate.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kristie, Glendale, California — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:38:31 GMT

* Annoying commercials:

"Crumbelievable" for Kraft cheese, I think. I absolutely can't stand that one.

The Yoplait yogurt commercial with the girl wearing her Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. They need to stop playing that one already!

All the car commercials with "Zoom zoom zoom." Stupid, boring, and annoying!

Anything with "The Flesh Failures/Let the Sunshine In." Love the song, but I have a hard time seeing it being related to anything commercial/materialistic, as someone above said that it's about the Vietnam War. It just doesn't seem right.

* Good commercials:

Pretty much anything by Target. They must have an excellent advertisement firm, because the stunning visuals and music in their commercials match up so perfectly. Too bad the store in itself is pretty much ordinary.

The Jamaica commercials using "One Love"...they really make me want to visit Jamaica for a vacation!

The current Snickers commercials always make me laugh. I can see how the "Happy Peanut Song" would annoy some people, though.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Charlotte, Centralia, Illinois — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:46:28 GMT

How ironic is using a faux band, Spinal Tap, for a commercial - "Gimmie Some Money". I'm not sure if the rest of the lyrics are as raunchy as some of Spinal Tap's are.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Paula, Nashua NH — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:26:49 GMT

A few years ago, I think it was pissbury used "Look what they've done to my buns, ma". Weird, the original lyrics go something like this... "Look what they've done to my song, ma. Turned it around and upside down..."

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Becky, Philadelphia, PA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 01:39:05 GMT

I can't stand commercials that use "You can't always get what you want". I love the song, but when you play the same bit over and over and over again... I've stopped going to the mall since they started blasting ads for their gift cards with that song!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Joshua Nite, Mesa, Az — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 17:36:29 GMT

I can't stand that Snickers ad. First off, if a weird-looking guy came up to me and said "can I help you *enjoy* that Snickers?", I would walk away as fast as possible. Second, the first line sounds like "happy penis sore / over waterfalls..." Everyone I know heard that the first time they heard the song.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

cris — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:04:32 GMT

I know I am supposed to be commenting on the music in commercials but that's not really why I am posting. In the new Burger King commerical with people 'feeding their mustache', the scene with the four old women playing cards, they do a close up of the black woman with the mustache. I just want to say that I find that part of the commercial hilarious because the woman looks just like my stepdad!!! Haaa haaaa haaaaa!!!!! Now I am sure the woman looks better in real life sans the facial hair but every time I see that commercial, I want to call my stepdad!!! Oh yeah - and the music on the commercial stinks!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Denise, Milwaukee, WI — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:16:13 GMT

I like the Levi's commercial (at least I think it's Levis) done in black and white w/the man & woman walking towards each other in a straight line while a remake of Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line" plays. Respectful, tasteful use of a classic!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

NYCGirl — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:26:10 GMT

I love the Snickers commercial! And I hate, despise, and loathe the Chase commercial with "Love is All Around" (The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song).

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Sarah Bondurant, Iowa — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:27:59 GMT

My absolute favorite shake-your-head, what were they thinking is the Mercury commercial where the guy plugs in his iPod and the music they play through the rest of the commercial is To The Nth Degree by Morningwood. Seriously, did anyone ever listen to the lyrics?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Lori, Lansing, Michigan — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 11:22:01 GMT

The absolutely most annoying commercial with music is Centenial Cellular with "FREE FREE FREE FREE" over and over again, set to classical music. It is the one commercial that will make me RUN for the remote to mute it, screaming, "Oh, my God....why do they have to have such an annoying commercial?" I'm one of those people that complains with my pocketbook, so when I changed wireless companies in April, I never considered going with them.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Steve, Phoenix, AZ — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:30:03 GMT

Lowes had a campaign with Gene Hackman narrating over samples of Bruce Hornsby's "Gonna Be Some Changes Made". It wasn't until I heard the song on the radio, for more than thirty seconds, without Gene Hackman, that I realized it was a legitimate song and not just a short, but interesting, jingle Lowes had composed for the commercial. Hornsby's "Halcyon Days", the album from which it came, is now one of my favorite albums.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Heidi, IL — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:54:53 GMT

I agree with Alex about the "Eye of the Tiger" Starbucks commercials. Hilarious - I love them!!

Target usually has great, uplifting music in their commercials. I also like the "You Make My World Go Round" song they were just using in the Old Navy swimsuit commercials. Made me want to dance.

There is a prescription medicine commercial - can't remember which product - but it plays the same tune, like 4 notes, over and over again the whole commercial. It is horribly annoying!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

happy PEANUTS SOAR... — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:31:07 GMT

Hahahahahaha MISSY! I thought we had a connection there. You just gonna leave me out there with loving that commercial huh? That's ok. And Joshua, that was the funniest thing I have ever heard. I almost peed my pants when I read your post. Too funny!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Seanette, Sacramento, CA — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:31:48 GMT

Speaking of Microsoft, they've pulled a couple of other memorable bad musical choices. They used a snippet from the Beatles' "Getting Better", but didn't notice the next line ("can't get no worse"). Then there was the Mozart Requiem bit that just happened to be the one about "The Souls of the Damned". (snicker)

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Catherine, Beavercreek, OH — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:52:18 GMT

The Target commercials use very effective music and interesting, stylish visuals w/ excellent use of minimalist colors -- their ads are always top-notch. I especially like "Hello, Good-buy."

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Nancy, Sacramento, CA — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:53:02 GMT

Picking up on Kristie's mention of the Yoplait/Bikini ad: in our market, they aired the version where the lyrics were mangled! 'Tis not "SHE WORE an itsy bitsy...that she wore for the first time today" but rather "IT WAS an itsy bitsy...that she wore...." That annoyed me more than the neverending loop.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Laurah, Southampton, NY — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:31:13 GMT

I really like the ad with the CG elephant dancing in the forest to "Singing in the Rain." I have no idea what company it's for, though.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Miss Thang, Glendale, AZ — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:43:47 GMT

There was an ad one time that feature some guy in an office building and he was basically trapped in by all the gray around him. Then he looks out the window and ELO starts to play "Mr. Blue Sky." I think it was VW. I loved that one...got me into ELO.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Miss Thang, Glendale, AZ — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:45:01 GMT

Remember when the iMacs first came out and they used that old Rolling Stones, song, "She Comes in Colors" and all the macs were spinning? That was sorta cool, even though I'm a pc fan.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Susan Squier, Hemet, Ca. — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:06:55 GMT

Hands down,THE most obscure song on a commercial is the Dell ditty that uses "You're Gonna Miss Me" by the 13th Floor Elevators,the amazing Texas mid 60's psychedelic punk garage band fronted by the great Roky Erickson who has spent a great deal of his life in institutions. The first time I heard it on the tube I almost fell off my chair!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Amanda, Wilmington DE — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:32:02 GMT

I second the use of The Black Keys in the Shaun White Amex commerical. Great band- check them out.
VW always seems to pick good songs for their commercials. I still think of that commercial when I hear Nick Drake's "Pink Moon."
Another one I remember was when, I think it was GE, used Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" to promote their 4-D sonograms.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Lauren, San Diego CA — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:03:25 GMT

I can't stand it when companies use songs that have already been used in other commercials. The ones I can think of off the top of my head:

- "What I Like About You" used for SeaWorld, Papa John's & others
- The Muppets song used for BigLots, Honda and Dr. Pepper
- "Let the Sunshine In" used for Venus razors & a car co.
- "Start me up" I think it's been used in multiple spots

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

M. Papa, Tulsa OK — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:08:21 GMT

Best music in ads (these have all been mentioned above, but I second the notion): Geico's use of the Ryksopp song; Levi's use of "Walk the Line"; Hem's "Half Acre."

There's also a Sears commercial out now (don't know the song), where different applicances, home features, etc., change with the flip of each catalog page. This one made me want to find out the name of the song, which is more than most commercials affect me.

Worst: That stupid Yoplait commercial--the yellow bikini song gets stuck in my head for DAYS. It's not so much that the song is bad, but the constant, unending repitition of the commercial/song makes me scream.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

M. Papa,Tulsa, OK — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:25:53 GMT

Somebody mentioned this in another commercial thread, and I had to nominate it for good musical choice: The cellphone commercial where one roommate is upset that his girlfriend is in the other's "five." As they are discussing this the phone rings and the ringtone is "Secret Lover." This one cracks me up--good choice of music, great delivery by the actors.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Heather, Hollywood, MD — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:57:26 GMT

I haven't seen it in a while, but I also liked the Starbucks(?) ad with the Gary Glitter song "Rock and Roll Part 2," but the "HEY" parts are replaced with "HANK" to cheer on the young guy getting ready for his day. Who wouldn't want there own cheer? I could live without the giant headed mascot of myself though.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

NYCGirl — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:16:18 GMT

You're so right, Lauren-- "What I Like About You" has to be the most overused song in commercialdom.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

J.S., Bensalem, PA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:37:07 GMT

"You know I really, really like you, I said I really really like you...." AAAAAH! Makes me want to throw something through my TV set. AT&T I hate you!

Oh, and Bruce Campbell's "Hungry Like the Wolf" Old SPice commercial is just WAY TOO FUNNY!

To sum up AT&T = Suck ; Old Spice = Brilliant!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Julie, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:32:32 GMT

No One mentioned "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke". I loved those ads. With right hormonal balance that song can still bring a tear to my eye.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Cierra,Cedar Falls,IA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:32:52 GMT

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! I am looking for the title and author of the song tha plays in the background of the LUNESTA commercials..can someone help me please?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Kitty, San Diego, Ca — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:06:47 GMT

Does anyone know what song was featured in the Ernest and Gallo Wine ads that ran around 1987-1988. It was a classical song and the commerical featured a wedding - I think.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Laura, Brandon, FL — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:44:30 GMT

UPS had a commercial out about 6 months ago with a catchy techo tune playing in the background while someone drew on a whiteboard. I laughed out loud every time I saw the spot because the song playing behind the UPS hype was "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service!

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Ben of Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 23:13:40 GMT

Cadillac soon after using up those Led Zep songs went to the "Teddy Bears" with Iggy Pop on vocals..."See me driving down the street. I'm more than lookng good." Turns out this was a great song.
"cause I'm a punk rocker, yes I am"

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Beth New Canaan CT — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:36:00 GMT

What is the name of the indie band on the AT&T TV commercial. It's live with the girl on keyboards and a guy on guitar? Thanks

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Jamie Joy, Albuquerque NM — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:04 GMT

The actual "woo hoo" Vonage ads song is done by the Japanese all girl surf rock band called The 5,6,7,8s featured in Quentin Tarantino's film KILL BILL. It is not the Transplants doing it. Although I love The 5,6,7,8s, I hate the featured commercials because I find the clip of that song quite annoying.

BUT-- we as consumers recognize the connection between the song and the Vonage company, so it is a great marketing strategy, however annoying it may be.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

melissa ketcham, pinellas park, florida — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:37:25 GMT

what is the music in the lunesta commercials!!! i love it and i cant find it anywhere

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Christine, Murfreesboro, TN — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:41:58 GMT

elvis is rolling in his grave...viva viagra...oh man everytime i see that commercial it cracks me up

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Amy, Louisville, KY — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:32:48 GMT

I, too, really hate when a great song has its' lyrics reworded to fit the purpose. The best example I can think of is Johnny Cash's song, "I've Been Everywhere" reworded to fit (I think) Best Western. The rhythm of the words rarely fit the beat of the music, and it throws off the whole song! I bet Johnny is rolling over in his grave.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Chris, GA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 03:50:44 GMT

I agree with some comments on the page, Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" was amazing.

The Old Spice commercial is hilarious to anyone who knows Bruce Campbell.

And Target does great commercials.

I also love that Christmas commercial from the Beatles song "From Me to You". This is rare, as I typically despise it when a Beatles song is comprimised. Macy's did several versions, but this one was the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ndsiV30-JE

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

TD, LA, CA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:11:50 GMT

The AT&T "All Around the World Song" must die. They've been playing so frequently and for so long! Go away, already!

At what point does it become counter-productive for TV and radio stations to play those ads? In my case, it hurts them, because I always change the channel during commercial breaks just to avoid hearing that stupid song.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Andy Bargerstock, Fairfield, Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:31:10 GMT

What is the name of artist and track of this music used in Zurich American TV ad? http://www.zurich.de/media/sound/mp3_stereo.mp3

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Jeff, Las Vegas NV. — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:09:21 GMT

For a long time I didn't agree with what I saw as the exploitation of popular music for corporate interests. But then I realized it exposed people to music they may not normally listen to, and could potentially enhance their lives. As long as the original version of the song is used and not re-written with lyrics directly related to selling a particular product or service, I'm o.k. with it.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Ed Koone, Oak Hill, WV — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:33:27 GMT

Someone, PLEASE ... Just what IS the 'I Don't Love You Much Too Much' song on the Sara Lee Bread Commercial? I seem to remember it as a country duet, but WHO?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Nikki Burnett, Cody, WY — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:20:15 GMT

I tried all of the links. I need to find out who the artist is (it seems updated from the Guy Clark/Emmylou Harris version) of "I Don't Love You Much Do I". I only saw the commercial once and the song was so catchy I have no idea what they were advertising.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

blip, columbus, OH — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:00:42 GMT

I always liked the old sprite commercials from when i was a kid "i like the way you make me laugh/ilike the funny things you do/you got a smile thats all your own/i like the sprite in you" i have no idea what the real song is or who its by but its great. and btw the next line in "its getting better all the time" is not it can't get much worse. the chorus is "i have to admit its getting better/a little better all the time/i have to admit its getting better/its getting better since you've been mine/getting so much better all the time/getting better all the time/better better better" its from the seargent pepper album

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Charles, Gastonia, North Carolina — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:18:59 GMT

there is a punk song on a few commercials that has a catchy riff but i can't quite place the song. it sounds somewhat indie/punk but i have no idea what the song is or any lyrics. any help?

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Dave Murawski, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:53:35 GMT

The Sheraton commercial song, which features the new rendition of that song, "You Belong", by Pat Benatar, was recorded by Arabella Harrison. She recorded only a 45 second version of this song for Sheraton and that's it. The full length version is not yet available as a download nor is for for sale anywhere.

TV commercial contest: Music in ads

Joann, Chandler AZ — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:50:23 GMT

Thank you for having this site! I caught a snippet of someone on Leno and it reminded me of a commercial where, I loved the music, and couldn't remember the artist...this site was perfect...Thank you ;)