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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

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.