wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Soundcheck

Friday, October 12, 2007
  • The Good, the Bad and the Overused

    With its recent iPod commercial, Apple may have introduced Feist's "1, 2, 3, 4" to a new audience, but it wasn't the first time her song appeared in an ad. Meanwhile, Tabasco and Dannon are the latest advertisers to opt for the well-worn "burn, baby, burn" chorus from "Disco Inferno" by the Trampps. Today on Soundcheck, we find out which familiar ad songs still pack a promotional punch. And later: pop icon and Blondie frontwoman Deborah Harry talks about her new album, "Necessary Evil."

Oh, What a (Familiar) Feeling!

Best-known as the soundtrack to an iPod ad, Feist's song "1, 2, 3, 4" was licensed for lower-profile promotion from HBO, Urban Outfitters and even eBay. And most of us can name a few tracks we never want to hear again in a commercial. ("Like a Rock," anyone?) We ask Josh Rabinowitz of ad firm Grey Worldwide about advertisers' favorite songs.

Feist's "1,2,3,4" in an iPod Nano ad
Feist's "1,2,3,4" in an Australian eBay ad
Feist's "1,2,3,4" in an Urban Outfitters ad
Make a pledge of $100 and Feist's "The Reminder" CD is our gift to you

Deborah Harry

In the 1970s and 1980s, she fronted the pivotal new-wave group Blondie, then branched out into solo albums and acting. Deborah Harry joins us to talk about her new album, "Necessary Evil."

Deborah Harry web site

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.