by Ryan Barkan

Miller Chili or mojitos anyone?

Phone wars 2009 - Verizon vs. AT&T. It is always a battle when these two giants square off with their :60 second spots in tow to prove which company provides the best cellular service and coverage. In recent years, Verizon has enlisted the likes of AC/DC and The Killers. Included in the deal with the Aussie rockers was the right to exclusively offer the band's music digitally. On the other side, AT&T has hammered home their phone offerings and 5-bar messages with a spot including a track from Lupe Fiasco featuring Jill Scott, "Daydreamin", one with Mates Of State, and an Amos Lee commercial, among others. Both have recently gone to the licensing well again to soundtrack new technology and coverage, but with different strategies.

Verizon's new "Hub" decided to go the synergy route, using one of the most popular mainstream tunes of the last year, Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours", in multiple spots showcasing the company's new phone technology.

AT&T meanwhile went with different tunes for each of the new 5-bar spots, matching songs with each commercial's creative direction. In "Backpackers", the sentimental "Falling in Love in a Coffeeshop" by Landon Pigg tells the story of two lovers who met on a brief European backpacking trip. However, because of the quality of the service and technology, they not only can stay in touch with great coverage but end up together again with a touching beachfront reunion. Another boxing themed spot brings to mind Rocky with "Gonna Fly Now." Eighties rockers Journey power this commercial for the symphony. Lastly, an inspirational spot based on Venice, CA, store Tom's Shoes. The store has one premise -- each pair of shoes bought equals one free pair for a child in need. The commercial uses an instrumental version of James Blunt's "Same Mistake." Watch that spot here.

Other Notable Commercial Licensing News:

An instant classic commercial from Heineken -- the beer company celebrates responsible drinking (title is called "Let A Stranger Drive You Home") with the help from Biz Markie's "Just A Friend". Watch the spot below.

Beer maker Miller went with San Fran's The Dodos as the music for their new Miller Chill commercial. Watch it below.

"Daylight," a track by Matt & Kim, provides the vibe in a new commercial for Bacardi Mojitos. See it below.

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Continue reading "This week in Music Licensing (De La Soul, the Dodos, Passion Pit, Black Lips, Matt & Kim, Mates of State & more...) "

DOWNLOAD: Klaxons - Magick (simian Mobile Disco Remix) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Maps - Lost My Soul (MP3)

Klaxons dressed up @ MSG, NYC - Sept 24, 2007 (CRED)

2007 Mercury Prize winners the Klaxons opened for Bjork at Madison Square Garden the other day. What were they wearing? I don't even recognize them. Is this Lovefoxxx's influence? Tickets are on sale for their Webster Hall show (which Shitdisco is no longer playing).

Speaking of funny outfits, Bat For Lashes - sometimes compared to Bjork (and I'll admit that Natasha Khan does do a mean Bjork) didn't win the Mercury Prize. They did play Bowery Ballroom this week though.

New Young Pony Club (also nominated) are playing Studio B on Thursday October 18th for CMJ. It's the Modular Records party. Muscles & The Cool Kids are also playing live, and Simian Mobile Disco are DJing. I saw NYPC at the Oya Festival in Norway this summer, and I didn't like them nearly as much as I did when they last played Brooklyn.

I didn't love Fionn Regan (also nominated) when I saw him at Austin City Limits. I was also saying he must have fans here though - because he's headlining the Gramercy Theatre. I knew that statement would come back to haunt me. The show was moved to Mercury Lounge. Tickets are on sale.

Maps (also nominated) play NYC Friday and Saturday night.

Amy Winehouse (I won't say it again) is releasing a DVD, played with Prince, and is to blame for your drinking problem.

Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Jamie T, Bat for Lashes, and Maps were among those nominated for this year's UK Mercury Prize. Amy Winehouse is playing Summerstage and touring. Arctic Monkeys are playing Summerstage and touring. Jamie T played a one-off show in Brooklyn last night, and Bat For Lashes and Maps both have upcoming tour dates that I've listed below along with all the nominees...

Continue reading "2007 Mercury Prize nominees ++++++ BAT FOR LASHES & MAPS Tour Dates"