We’re leaving our scruples behind and GOING CORPORATE. At least for this episode, wherein we reflect on the strange sorcery of songs from commercials: the ones that, for a moment, make you forget you’re a cog in the sparkling machine of late capitalism. Sure, they were used to sell us stuff, but we still kind of love them.
Like, remember the Geico cavemen? So lovable and silly they made a GD television series about them? (We don’t recommending watching this show, by the way. Sorry, Nick Kroll). One of the ads in the series featured a wonderful song, which we’ll be highlighting thanks to Christina: “Remind Me” by Röyksopp (featuring Erlend Øye). The cheery, smooth, easy listening song is the perfect accompaniment to the caveman’s airport trip—until… well, you can see for yourself.
Röyksopp’s official video won the award for Best Video at the 2002 MTV Europe Music Awards… but try as we might, the video seems to have been lost for all eternity!
Luckily, Christine’s pick delivered a dose of Neue Deutsche Fröhlichkeit (or “New German Cheerfulness”) for those of you just starting your Duolingo German journey. The 1982 song “Da Da Da” by German band Trio (also known by its full iteration, “Da Da Da I Don’t Love You You Don’t Love Me Aha Aha Aha“), was used in an iconic Volkswagen ad in 1997. Watch below.
Cute, right? Whether they’re a couple or just a couple of pals, the commercial made a splash when it debuted during the coming-out episode of “Ellen.” And U.S. listeners latched on to that classic New German Cheerfulness. How could they not!?
We’re far from corporate hacks, but we’d love it if you could cruise over to the Stereothematica Instagram and share YOUR favorite song from a commercial. We’re doing this for free, after all! Corporate overlords, reach out!
Bonus Tony Hale VW commercial for laughs.
Stereothematica 