Songs in Commercials, Tenth Installment

Is it just me, or are these marketing folks just getting savvier lately? Maybe they are realizing that they can seem more hip AND save money on licensing fees at the same time, by using these songs by newer artists? Either way, I am constantly hearing more songs that catch my ear during commercial breaks.

Katie Herzig - Two Hearts Are Better Than One (used in Frito-Lay commercial)
The Mostar Diving Club - The Honey Tree (used in Honda Insight commercial)
Dan Deacon - Pink Batman (used in Crayola commercial)
Jupiter One - Countdown (used in Payless Shoe Source commercial)
Leon Jean-Marie - East End Blues (used in Frito-Lay commercial)

American Idol - Grand Ole Opry Night

I wasn't too impressed with anyone this week but kind of loved hearing one of my favorite songs -- "Wild Angels" -- sound so radically different. Not to mention, you KNOW Scott had to work really hard on the arrangement. All of the rest of the contestants are blatantly stealing the arrangement from somewhere else. Had high hopes for Megan with "Walkin' After Midnight" but it was just "eh" (although she did have the flu... So I'll make an allowance there.) Too bad Alexis got sent home on this song... I didn't think she was that bad! I thought it would be Sarver for sure, but sadly it was not.



Dolly Parton - Jolene
Mindy Smith - Jolene

American Idol - Michael Jackson Night

Yes, I am one of those people. I realize I am way too old to be watching American Idol (actually, I was too old even when the first season aired)... But somehow it always ends up sucking me in. I'm not even really impressed by anyone this season, but what I realized is that the show usually reminds me of some song I had long forgotten about. Last night reminded me how much I love Michael Jackson. And I know a lot of hipsters out there only like Off the Wall and/or Thriller era MJ, but I love it all up to 1991. I can't tell you how many times I listened to Dangerous back in middle school.

My goal is to post the original and my favorite cover version of one song from each episode. We'll see if I can keep it up.



Michael Jackson - Human Nature
David Mead - Human Nature

Songs in Commercials, Ninth Installment

Another batch... enjoy!

Stereo Total - I Love You, Ono (used in Dell Studio commercial)
Estelle - Star (used in Crystal Light commercial)
Thao Nguyen & the Get Down Stay Down - Bag of Hammers (used in Clorox commercial)
Ivy - Edge of the Ocean (used in Office Max commercial)
Tim Myers - The Lucky Ones (used in Lays commercial)

Karima Francis

The album is not out until March 23rd, but you can listen to it in full on last.fm at the moment. I urge you to do so. Each song has the potential to make you weep. Her voice is so raw and has so much emotion and so much sadness. Goosebumps appear with the first note. It makes me want to close my eyes and just sit. And listen. And do nothing else.

Karima Francis - Chasing the Morning Light