The commercialization of the love generation
How the music from the '60s and '70s has infiltrated our daily lives
My experiment
Just for fun, I began jotting down commercials that used songs from the '60s to early '70s to promote products. After two weeks I counted 18 — everything from "All You Need Is Love" (the Beatles) for Chase Bank to "Let's Stay Together" (Al Green) for Tide. I began searching the Web and found a site, What's That Called? (whatsthatcalled.com), which features a list of corporations (269) and the songs they use to promote their products. This is what I found:
The company that used the most classic rock 'n' roll was the GAP, with a total 10 oldies.
Why oldies?
I suppose the reason companies use oldies is because of the large baby-boomer population and their enormous buying power, although some of the companies, such as Apple, Yahoo and Monster.com, cater to a much younger audience. Part of the appeal of using oldies is the fact that the lyrics lend themselves to commericals — "Takin' Care of Business," Staples; "Magic Carpet Ride," Chevrolet; "Let's Get It On," Levi's; "You Got It," Target; or "Anticipation," Heinz ketchup. Another reason is that the music was (and still is) good, good enough to merit remakes by contemporary artists such as Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sheryl Crow.
It's everywhere
It used to be the only businesses where you could hear rock 'n' roll were head shops and the occasional hip clothing store. Now you can choose your listening experience according to the business. Head over to Smith's for a little of the Beatles, then hit Red Lobster for some Van Morrison or Wienerschnitzel for some Motown. You name the store, they're all playing the oldies. Oldies tunes have even infiltrated local assisted-living facilities. It's enough to make Jim Morrison spin in his grave.
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