Capital City Radio

In my experience as an avid watcher of TV I’ve discovered that commercials feature some of the best music. Normally I hate ads, but I can’t count the number of times I’ve been excited to see a commercial just because of the song. Does the music make me want to use/buy the advertised product more? Not that I can tell. However, I do instantly run to the computer and look up the title and artist responsible for creating such glory.

Commercials don’t always incorporate new music either, most of the time they reintroduce classics. Younger folks just aren’t familiar with them.

Here’s a list of songs, in no particular order, that I must thank marketers for introducing me to. I’ve incorporated links to the commercials, songs, and artists.  I hope you find something you like.

• The instrumental music entitled “Intro” by the British band the XX.

It was included in The AT&T commercial that aired during the 2010 Winter Olympics which featured American speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno .  I think this music is just so fun and different.

• “How You Like Me Now?” by The Heavy.

A lot of you are probably familiar with the commercial for the Kia Sorento that first aired during the Superbowl. It features a child’s toys bowling, driving through Vegas and riding mechanical bulls. The funky song really gets my foot a-tappin’

• “LA” by Message of the Blues.

A series of BP Gas Station commercials aired several years ago and included a version of this catchy tune. “Say Hey” was the song made exclusively for the commercial, but it is based on the track by Message of the Blues. This song always made its way into my head and would play on repeat.

• “Major Tom” by Shiny Toy Guns.

I’ve been a fan of this band for awhile, but it was during a commercial for Lincoln that I first heard their cover of Major Tom, originally by Peter Schilling.

• “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed .

This song was featured in another AT&T commercial that aired during the 2010 Winter Olympics. This is an example of a commercial featuring an older song that I hadn’t been familiar with.

• “Tuesday Afternoon” by the Moody Blues.

This song is featured in a Visa commercial that shows a father and daughter enjoying a day at the aquarium. It’s another song from a classic rock band that I had never heard.

• “Alive & Amplified” by Mooney Suzuki

It was appropriately featured in a Suzuki car commercial a few years ago. When it comes to music, car brands seem to know what’s up.

• “Feels Like Heaven” by Fiction Factory

I discovered this song in a Reese Cup commercial. It’s very 80’s new wave.

- Laura Kelly (WOSU Intern)

NPR has released another compilation playlist for the holidays. It’s got a variety of music sources, but it’s guaranteed to get you into the festive mood!

The playlist can be found here.

-Emma

NPR Music has put together a mix of some of the creepiest songs for the season. Those with weak constitutions, take caution–a great, terrifying playlist awaits!

Halloween, as a holiday designed to alleviate our fears through mockery, tends to inspire songs that, to put it lightly, aren’t terribly subtle. Which brings us to Ghosts in the Machine, in which NPR Music staffers and station partners observe the holiday by assembling a chilling collection of songs about ghosts, hauntings, and otherwise disembodied spirits.

Click the picture to start the playlist. The rundown is available here.

-Emma

Have any recommendations on creepy music for the season? Let us know in the comments!