Bethany Klein

A nice look at the complexities of using existing music in ads, both for the artists (often struggling for recognition or a good revenue stream but trying to preserve authenticity, which means different things for indie performers than for mainstream rappers) and the audiences (who can enjoy the song, have their associations changed forever, or simply float on by). Klein situates her discussion both in history—popular music has always had a commercial component, as her discussion of Coke and Pepsi ads in particular illustrates—and the changing economics of the music industry, where traditional radio play and sales aren’t working for many artists. I found the book valuable for its interviews with participants—artists, art directors, and others involved in linking songs with products. They generally insisted that they were maintaining their own integrity, though there were sell-outs out there in the world. I also was surprised to find out that Barry Manilow wrote “I am stuck on Band-Aid, ‘cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me” and “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there”; apparently a fair number of artists are more willing to compose on commission for an ad than license an existing song.… (mer)