In an attempt to spice up their advertisements, companies have been licensing music from a variety of musicians who are beneath the radar. Many bands still avoid licensing their music to commercials to avoid being labeled "sell-outs," but others are inclined to take the money and enjoy the additional exposure that is afforded to them. Here are some recent musical highlights from commercials:
Of Montreal -- "Wrath Pinned To the Mist and Other Games"\nYou might be more familiar with the melody if "Let's get Outback tonight" were sung instead of "Let's pretend we don't exist." The steak house used the original tune in an earlier commercial but probably changed the lyrics and music for a later version so it could pay less in royalties.
Wilco -- Sky Blue Sky album\nRather than just licensing one song for use, Volkswagen licensed Wilco's entire album to accompany the new VW television ad campaign. So far the songs "Either Way," "Sky Blue Sky" and "You Are My Face" have been used. It doesn't make me want to buy a Passat, but props to Tweedy and crew for trying something new.
Junior Boys -- "In the Morning"\nThis fluttery tech-tastic tune has been accompanying Marriott's new "Plug into Marriott" ad campaign. Apparently some of the hotel chain's rooms are now equipped to handle all of your electronic needs and have the necessary inputs to keep all your gear charged.
Feist -- "1 2 3 4"\nThis shuffling little ditty has been a collegeradio staple for months, but the recent iPod commercial has caused the song to reach a new level of success. Airplay from larger radio stations in major markets who were willing to take a chance (or follow their in-depth market research) haven't been hurting Feist's luck, either.
Architecture in Helsinki -- "Souvenirs"\nSprint's new ad campaign features swirling lights and a dreamy tune by Aussie's oddest music collective. The commercials are actually fairly interesting, albeit cryptic, but we absolutely love the tune!
