Tuesday, February 20, 2007

The Flower Power Of Madison Avenue


While watching Heroes last night, I saw a commercial for mutual funds that was filled with flower power images and using the tune In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly. I have always had not so fond memories of this tune. Every weekend morning my father would crank up this tune at level 11 on his state of the art 8 track stereo in order to wake me up to start the day of pipe moving, fence building, manure shoveling, or whatever passed for work on the farm and ranch. The commercial really got me to thinking of why a song that is basically a musical homage to dropping acid would make a good mutual fund seller. Maybe some other old tunes from the days of flower power could sell a wide array of products.

1. Jefferson Airplane's, White Rabbit would work great selling arthritis relief medication.
2. Donavon's, Mellow Yellow for Prozac.
3. War's, Spill The Wine for Shout Stain Remover.
4. The Dave Clark Five's, Everybody Get Together for Cialis.
5. Scott Mackenzies, If You're Going To San Francisco for Teleflora.
6. The Cowsill's, Hair for shampoo and conditioner.
7. Norman Greenbaum's, Spirit in the Sky for a mortuary service.
8. Bob Dylan's, Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 for Home Depot's line of paving materials.
9. Oliver's, Good Morning Starshine for Lunesta.
10. Mungo Jerry's, In The Summertime for Coppertone.

But I guess the reason for the commercial was simple, the other day I was reading a story on astronomy that stated we are now entering another age of Aquarius. Maybe that's the reason for all the hip hugger jeans and muffin tops that I have been seeing lately.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

The commercial is just one more example of how the hippies are being taken over by The Man. Bwuhahaha!!!

Keshi said...

**Norman Greenbaum's, Spirit in the Sky for a mortuary service.

:):)

Keshi.

M said...

Muffin Tops? I am surprised that the Fuzz opposes any type of female nudity. I thought you liked a woman with some meat on her bones... ;)

:P fuzzbox said...

pure evyl: Sad but true.

keshi: The line, 'thats where I want to go when I die' would be a big selling point.

enlightened one: You say muffin top like it's a bad thing. ;)

M said...

perhaps I am just jealous because I do not possess the almighty muffin top? Enlightened one? I dunno. how about calling me the Freaky Reiki Lady? xo
~m

M said...

and what? no smart ass comment about my gypsy attire in the profile pic? halloween costume...I rarely dress that way (unless foretelling the future, that is.)

Anonymous said...

I love your creativity! I thought of using Blinded by the Light for a douche commercial. Since everyone thinks it douche instead of duce.

Anonymous said...

You know, some of those songs have been used, IIRC. I know Mungo Jerry has been used, as has Spirit in the Sky. I just can't remember for what products. Oh, and not to pick nits, but it's "White Rabbit", not Go Ask Alice(I know, that title would probably work better; but I'm kinda anal about song titles). And recently, I've heard Boston's "Piece of Mind" on some commercial.

ella m. said...

I assumed it was a nostalgia sell, as the people who were teenagers when the song was released might remember it fondly, and are now at the age where such investments are wise choices to diversify portfolio and have the financial means to do so. The warm fuzzies start and before they know it they're being smooth talked into a fund so shaky they migh as well have been on psychadelics for even considering the idea.

Metal Mark said...

Slayer's cover of In a gadda da vida was great. They stripped it down to like three mintues. Sanctuary and Lizzy Borden both did good cover's Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit.

JM said...

Now that you've mentioned it, I've noticed a more retro look to many other commericals as well.

Lolly said...

I'll bet the decision to use In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was influenced by the how big of a seller it was in its day combined with the low cost of royalties!

David Amulet said...

The day the Beatles songs started showing up in ads, all was lost.

I always thought that the Rolling Stones' "Mother's Little Helper" would be a great songs for a dildo ad.

-- david

Green Eyes said...

LMAO at David!

Your mind is a powerful thing, Fuzz...

My son's soccer shirts were pink (don't ask) so one of the moms tie dyed them. I guess they fit right in now! lol

Catch said...

great commercial ideas Fuzz! I couldnt top them if I tried! Thats the first time I have heard of muffin tops...lol..but Ive seen a lot of them! lol

Anonymous said...

Can't believe I'll poke fun at this but "I will remember you" by Sarah MacLachlan for Arisept (Alzheimer medication)
or maybe "Wooly, Bully" for Rogaine...
Creative post, Fuzz.
~m

:P fuzzbox said...

freaky: And I really liked the Gypsy outfit!

mimi: That may just be the most misheard lyric of all time.

bruce: It's fixed sorry 'bout that. Song titles are a constant problem with me.

ella: Psychedelics and stocks could be a lethal combo.

mark: Slayer's cover was good but my dad missed the 10 minute drum solo.

:P fuzzbox said...

angel, jr: Everything old is new again. Over and Over.

lolly: You might just be right on that one.

david: It might just get her through her busy day.

green eyes: Stylin'!!!

catch: It is a sad but true fashion misadventure.

michael: Those are some great ideas.

ozymandiaz said...

don't forget the rolling stones'"mother's little helper"

Anonymous said...

Why'd ya have to mention muffin tops? Okay, clarification: I just clicked on your link for them & I am talking about the muffin tops on Seinfeld. But god, those sound good right now.

Hey, do you remember the shampoo, "Gee, your hair smells terrific"?

Those songs are hilarious for those products. You should be in the marketing business, Fuzz.

:P fuzzbox said...

ozy: And the Stones, Paint It Black would make a great promo song for Trading Spaces.

jane: Now if they could find a way to just make muffin tops without bottoms.

Pixie said...

I agree with David , Beatles songs are all over the ad's at them moment. sacrilege!

Anonymous said...

Well, when they start using Layla to advertise for viagra I will know all is completely lost.
WC

:P fuzzbox said...

pixie: It's the truth.

wc: It's the got me on my knees line huh.

tsduff said...

Sorry you don't like In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida... I now have it completely and irrevocably stuck in my head. I do like it - right down to having the drum solo memorized...

Love your commerical ideas - you still got it ;-D

Anonymous said...

Check out this post Fuzz, on vomit and cadillacs. You'll love it. http://cynicaldad.blogspot.com/