Idle Ramblings

Um..... Did they Listen to the whole song before using it?

Like every generation, I get a little miffed when I hear the important anthems of my youth used to sell things. Sure, it's an ago-old practice to use songs people know and instantly recognize as background music while companies hawk cars, burgers, computers, and whathaveyou, but sometimes, you really have to wonder if the advertising people who came up with the idea really got the meaning or the lyrics of the tune, or, if they even really listened to it.

It pissed me off when The Beatles "Revolution" was used to sell tennis shoes, but, even though I loved the tune, it wasn't one from MY generation. It was already around in my formative years and wasn't part of the soundtrack for my angst-ridden youth. So, I was pissed, but I didn't fully get it. Then, recently, Burger King decided to use Modern English's "I Melt With You" in their commercials. To me, one of the greatest songs from the decade. Something memorable. Something wonderful. Hearing it playing while burgers zip across the screen took something away from it.

But now, tonight as a matter of fact, I was kind of taken aback when I saw a new commercial for Wendy's and I realized what the song was they were using. I must say, when I think of hamburgers, "Blister in the Sun" by the Violent Femmes isn't really the first tune that comes to mind. Of course, they didn't actually use any of the lyrics, just the very recognizable guitar licks.

Would these lyrics make you think "gee, I'd really like a hamburger"?

When Im out walking I strut my stuff yeah Im so strung out
Im high as a kite I just might stop to check you out
Let me go on like I blister in the sun
Let me go on big hands I know your the one
Body and beats I stain my sheets I don't even know why
My girlfriend she's at the end she is starting to cry
Let me go on like I blister in the sun
Let me go on big hands I know your the one...

It's not that I'm completely against using these songs for commercials....well, actually I kind of am, but on the flip side, I'm glad some of these artists are once again making money off these songs. But, come on people, just because a song was popular to a generation, would it really be appropriate to use in a commercial.

Of course, the opening few bars of Prince's "Darling Nikki," before the vocals come in, would be perfect for a product advertised with a wink and a nod for "feminine personal dryness," or for a new fabric softener. Who do I talk to about getting that into a commercial.....

posted by Joseph @ 2/26/2007 12:56:00 AM