I've long been amazed and perplexed by the now long-running trend of using "golden oldies" as sound tracks for TV commercials.
I know the rationale for doing this probably lies in the belief that the emotional attachment to those songs--all of the pleasant memories they might conjure up from peoples' youth--can be latched to brand qualities of the products or services offered.
I think creative directors are particularly suceptible to this line of thinking. It's a hell of a lot easier to scroll through the canon of pop songs and pick one that seems to match the product and spot than to think about doing something innovative with audio. I also wonder how many of them like to boast at dinner parties that they were able to negotiate a particular classic into their spot.
But I have a personal theory about this: I think that for the most part, people hear the music and don't make the connection with the brand. Here's a little test for you. With what products are these songs--all of which have seen heavy recent rotation--associated?:
I'm Free--Rolling Stones
Every Day is a Winding Road--Sheryl Crow
All Right Now--Free
Come and Get Your Love--Redbone
Just What I Needed--Cars
I've Been Everywhere--Johnny Cash
Free Ride--Edgar Winter
Gimme Some Lovin'--Spencer Davis Group
Wonder how much these advertisers paid for the rights to these songs...
Wonder how they calculate ROI...
Wonder how long can this trend last...
Sunday, September 9, 2007
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