Apr 24 2009 08:10 PM ET

What's that Song? Ad mysteries solved

For those of you without Tivo (seriously, am I the only one left? I might as well be writing this on a Commodore 64), commercials do have one advantage: Finding new music — or old favorites — via soundtracked ads, all while slothing on the couch, sweatpanted and horizontal in a pile of your own Veggie Booty crumbs.

Below, a few of the artist-ad pairings that may have rung tiny bells in your brain pan, but still left you Googling for answers over the last few weeks:

Peter Murphy, frontman for spiderweb-goth legends Bauhaus, singing the 1970 John Lennon solo classic "Instant Karma!" for Chase Bank:

Gentle Toronto folk-rockers Great Lake Swimmers’ "See You On the Moon" for the new Honda hybrid (you can find the song on the 2006 kids’ comp of the same title, also featuring Hot Chip Broken Social Scene):

What’s Victoria’s secret? Harp-plucking wood nymph/indie fanboy pinup Joanna Newsom‘s ethereal "Sprout and Bean" is currently helping the massive panty-pimping chain sell bras. (The track also appeared in last year’s Liv Tyler horror film The Strangers):

Glammy L.A. rockers Shiny Toy Guns take on Peter Schilling’s 1983 synth-pop sequel to David Bowie’s "Space Oddity" (which Cat Power actually covered for another Lincoln ad last year) — the song was recorded specifically for the commercial; you can stream it on the band’s website:

Readers, any other commercials that have grabbed you lately?

More on the Music Mix:
New videos from Green Day, Kanye, Ne-Yo and Prince: Pick your favorite
Artists We Like: Patrick Watson

Kim Deal discusses the ‘downright scary’ Pixies reissue project, her ‘weird’ former label, those furry Polish hats, and other things of (possible) interest

Comments (41 total) Add your comment
Page: 1 2 3
  • bruno

    k…now someone tell me what songs’s int he new addidas ad with missy elliot and co…

  • Rosemary

    OK it’s not a commercial technically, but when I saw the trailer for Fast & Furious, I had to Google and find out what the throbbing, buzzing song was in the background. Turns out it was Does it Offend You, Yeah? The song perfectly fits the trailer, and has enhanced my workout routine as well :)

  • Wes

    People still watch commercials?

  • ima

    Anyone know what song plays on the Disneyworld commercial w/ Morgan Freeman narrating something about going to the aquarium with your daughter on a Tuesday?

  • Missy

    what’s that song from the 80s that starts out… Mama, you can’t listen to the radio all day ??
    Does anyone remember that hispanic-like voice that made this comment at the lead in to the song ?
    I’ve been rack’n my brain on this for ever and it’s making me crazy(er)

  • Hannah

    What is the song in that women’s wal mart commercial? I would love to download it!

  • Amanda

    “I always feel like somebody’s watching me…..” remix from the Geico commericals. You can get a free download from their website, btw

  • Greg

    Missy, I think you’re looking for “Disgusteen” by Teenage Head, although the “Mama…” line happens more in the middle of the song.

  • barr

    Bruno, if it’s the one you mean, it’s Pilooski’s re-edit of Framkie Valli’s “Beggin”.

  • Jonathan de Souza

    There’s an ad for the ford fusion that comes on during american idol and it features thew song “Hey Pretty” by Poe. Great song

  • NHS

    IMA
    The song is Tuesday Afternoon by Moody Blues.

  • Hellen

    I remember Peter Schilling’s “Major Tom” from the 80′s and when I went on itunes, I was shocked to see how frequently it’s been covered. But I can’t seem to find his original version, just 90′s remixes. Blech.

  • kiki

    as an old-fashioned pop fanatic, i’m liking The Pernice Brothers’ “Weakest Shade of Blue” in the Sherwin Williams ads.

  • Keith

    Bruno, I think it’s “Beggin’” by Madcon. Originally done by Frankie Valli. Another commenter said it was by Pilooski, but I can’t find that version on iTunes – it could be me, but the Madcon version is popular and at least sounds the same as the commercial.

  • noam

    what’s the song from the t-mobile commercial where the guy sends the girl photo messages of him traveling and it ends with her sitting on a bench and him coming up behind her? the lyrics are something like “i think i’m falling for you…”?

Page: 1 2 3
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject - or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.

When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

TV Recaps

Powered by WordPress.com VIP