by Ryan Barkan

Advertising agencies make lots of online commercials. You know, spots made not for television, but with the hope the brand's message will spread virally on the net in an organic way. Though lots of them never catch steam like a rickroll, the new Guitar Hero World Tour "Bike Hero" video has already been watched over one million times. The creative takes The Living End's "Prisoner of Society" and turns it into a live action, first person bike ride through the song's playable level in GHWT. It's a pretty cool idea with amazing execution and a slight bit of computer magic. Watch the video below.

Other Notable Licensing News:

Bishop Allen played two shows in NYC over the weekend. They are a band that has benefited from some key licensing placements in the last year. The band appeared and performed in the recent Michael Sera movie, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Watch the scene below. The song they performed, "Middle Management", was also on the soundtrack and used in the film's trailer. They were also used in a commercial for Sony digital cameras late last year - watch the spot here.

Crayola goes indie-cool this holiday season with Dan Deacon and Lightspeed Champion songs in the campaign for the new Glow Station (via Pitchfork). Watch the spots below.

The new holiday commercial from LL Bean features "Valley Winter Song" by Fountains Of Wayne.

Danish band The Blue Van rock the soundtrack to the new Samsung Behold commercial. Watch below.

While enjoying college football on Saturday, I heard Nick Drake's "Place To Be" used in a promo spot for Michigan State. That video is below too.

I have a bunch of friends that can not get enough of the show Top Chef. Some of those friends are also crazy for the Foo Fighters (editor's note: with friends like that who needs enemies? JUST KIDDING. Actually that doesn't even make sense...). Those friends will be in heaven when TC goes "Foo Fighters Thanksgiving" this upcoming November 26th. The episode taped during a tour stop in Rochester, NY; the band will guest judge the few remaining contestants. Apparently, TC is Dave Grohl's favorite show.

You may have heard A-Ha's classic jam "Take On Me" before. It is/was a popular song and video. So popular, A.C. Newman is going to cover it for an upcoming Valentine's Day compilation for Starbucks. Even more so, you can take it on karaoke-style in the new video game by Microsoft, LIPS. The pretty clever commercial for the game uses the song as well. Watch it below.

The game's soundtrack also includes songs by The Police, Coldplay, Duffy, The Cure, Peter, Bjorn, & John, Radiohead, and more.

Nintendo DS and Wii players can now get their skateboard on while on the go with the release of EA's Skate It. The soundtrack contains tracks by Cut Chemist, Fujiya & Miyagi, Judas Priest, The Clash, Sly & the Family Stone, and more.

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Continue reading "This week in Music Licensing "

photos by Chris La Putt

"We've challenged a top chef to feed your tummy at our first-ever Backyard BBQ event. We've given him the ingredients and space to prepare a feast for hundreds. Is he up to the challenge? You better believe it. Tell your friends, grab a blanket and come on out to this one-of-a-kind party. Look for a full-set performance by Islands, and enjoy FREE BEER all day. We're hosting a cook-off challenge where you'll have the chance to have your food critiqued by celebrity judges and win CASH PRIZES. Carnivores and vegetarians are welcome! This event is all ages."

That's how NY Magazine described Saturday afternoon's sold-out affair @ Solar One on the East River Waterfront in NYC (August 23, 2008). More pics from the show below...

Continue reading "Islands @ NY Mag's Highbrow BBQ @ Solar One, NYC - pics"

Islands @ the 2008 Siren Festival (more by Bao Nguyen)

NY Mag's next indie event will take place at Solar One (home of Citysol) (East River & 23rd St in NYC) on Saturday August 23rd @ 1pm. Islands and "Top Chef contestant Chris CJ Jacobson" are on the "Highbrow BBQ" bill. All Islands tour dates below...

Continue reading "Islands - NY Mag Highbrow BBQ & other 2008 Tour Dates"