Christmas, Ads and Rock 'N' Roll

Not many people know this but I studied 'Music Placements' on television for my dissertation. The point was to determine if it was an appropriate method of promotion for music artists. However my study only looked at tv shows. It didn't look at adverts. I can't help but notice, a lot of the adverts today (literally- today) have popular music in them so, I thought it might be worth some pondering. I guess that happens when you watch as much tv as me.

Personally I think it works best when an independent, upcoming artist is used because their songs have a degree of flexibility with regard to their perception and understanding. They can be easily manipulated by the cinematography and imagery to depict a particular feeling or story.

This is my favourite at the moment. It's the new (and very early, in my opinion) christmas advert for Matalan. The spot features 'What I Wouldn't Do' by A Fine Frenzy in the background and it works so well. Its warm, it's natural and it's baked full of christmassy goodness. Alison Sudol's voice can only be described as beautiful, which only enhances the feel.



The same goes the BT 'Infinity' advert. The song in this is 'Corner' by Allie Moss. Similar music and feel.



In contrast, the ad for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is awful. Not just the music but the whole presentation just lacked that element of finesse that makes an advert shine. Tinie Tempah was a poor choice for it. It's a great game and good song but it doesn't fit and I think part of that is due to having a song that listeners have already heard an interpreted with their own meaning.



I personally would have used something like 'Koyaanisqatsi' by Philip Glass as it creates more of an epic atmosphere that Assassin's Creed deserves.

Here At Reading

Frankly, the lateness of this post is an outrage but I was struck by 'Reading Flu' for the week and a bit after the festival so it got put on the shelf.

This is just some clever ideas I noticed during the festival that I thought were worth sharing.




This is for 'bollocks to poverty' campaign to raise awareness. They were giving out temporary tattoos and had a photobooth, a tent with ping pong and foosball table. I like it that the charity adapted it's approach for the festival and got people interested using fun. I will believe in the power of fun over guilt when it comes to charity.



How trendy are these? They not only look cool but you can attach it to your ipod and play music out of the speakers. I'm a guy so I can't wear it but I still think that's amazingly clever.



This looks good too but that's not why it's here. Have you read it? It's quite possibly the best I have ever heard a bacon bap sound. Seeing this 'the morning after' was irresistable. Unfortunately, afterwards you realize it's still just a bacon bap.



This is just something that caught my eye. I have only seen the atticus bird upside down. I think it's some form of artistic side emerging, noticing how different things can look when you look at them from a new perspective.



Finally, how about a moment of sympathy for the poor chump who had to film from the top of this enormous crane. Poor little guy!

The Latest Addition to My "Crib"

Not many people know this but I have an imaginary house that I'm going to buy/build when I become rich. It has an indoor bouncy castle room, a music studio/event arena and on the walls of my enormous bedroom is wallpaper created from a comic I designed. Thank you, that IS a wonderful idea! I know! I began thinking about this when I used to watch MTV cribs as a youngster and somehow it's all blossomed into being one step away from me drawing up blueprints and getting estimates.*

Recently I have added a new feature to the crib. Musical Stairs! I want them, I want them NOW!

While my crib is inspired, this idea is genius!

A lot of you will probably have seen this already (since it happened ages ago) but in case you travelled here from the past, or recently feel into a long hole and have only just escaped, I thought I'd share it with you.

This is one of the ideas from the fun theory. It's a project from Volkswagon trying to encourage better choices through the addition of fun. There is a whole load of ideas so have a look if you want a giggle or inspiration for something creative you're doing.

http://www.thefuntheory.com/

All of the ideas I've seen so are so ingenious that I am hulk green with envy yet simultaneously inspired. This is the kind of thing I love to see.

Love <3 Love <3 Love

Imagination meets Good Deeds makes Happiness. That's my kind of threesome.


* Please note, I am poor and will probably never own my "crib" so no calls from architects/estate agents/golddiggers please!

Everyone wants to be like Mike

My little tribute to Michael Jackson.

(By the way, isn't his outfit very Vince Noir?!?!)