Carl's Jr.: How Loathsome Can You Go?
There has been a lot of buzz on the interwebs lately over the new Carl's Jr. commercial featuring "Hills" cast member, Audrina Patridge. In the commercial Audrina is lounging on the beach in a bikini while eating a burger. Its pretty standard stuff for Carl's Jr. whose previous commercials have included Padma Lakshmi and Paris Hilton. This new commercial, though, this one really puts my fries in a twist.
The commercial is intolerable for two reasons, the first of which is Audrina's voice work. Her voice is sleepier than her eyes. At no time does she sound the least bit sexy or at all enthused about the burger. Stephen Hawking whispering into my ear is more arousing than listening to Audrina.
The most infuriating thing about the commercial, though, is the use of Rilo Kiley's song, "Moneymaker." This isn't Carl's Jr.'s fault, it's Rilo Kiley's. I'm of the school of thought that believes bands shouldn't license out their music to corporations. Beyond that, I never thought Rilo Kiley was the kind of band to do such a thing. They are indie darlings who have four albums worth of solid song craft. Added to that, many of their songs are about, in some way or another, female struggle and empowerment. They take an honest look at life as a female. Their artistic integrity and message are completely at odds with the imagery and message of the commercial. Not least of all, Jenny and many if not all of the other band members are vegetarian/vegan. Why would a band of vegetarians agree to release their song to a fast food corporation? Are they really that desperate for money? Are there really that many bills to pay? My only explanation is that Rilo Kiley doesn't hold rights to the song and it was sold to Carl's Jr. by their record label. And that, my friends, is shitty.
Although, it's a whole other discussion, a record label's job is to represent and promote a band in the best way possible. Not everything is about the bottom line. Part of representation means ensuring the integrity of the band's image and message. Selling songs to a fast food corporation is not how I would define the preservation of artistic integrity.
The abomination can be seen here:
8 comments:
i agree 100%
i was sad to hear their song used in such a classless ad.
Right on man. At least the song is about selling yourself for money. Maybe there is some irony in there. Maybe.
You missed the irony. it's a sell out song! Genius by Rilo Kiley!
I love the irony. It's hilarious. It's even more hilarious that everyone is getting all upset.
it's a big mistake to think record companies shouldn't think about the bottom line all the time. Record companies are not earning money they way the used to, and in these hard times, they need the money to stay afloat.
Rilo Kiley is the definition of indie band -- as in they are broke. So whatever pays the bills.
Selling out? Why are rock bands called that, when pop stars and hip hop stars license their songs too for commercials as well? Rock band shouldn't be put on higher level. They do the same twisted things other artists do - inappropriate sex and drugs, and crimes etc. They are not saints.
record companies, obviously, are companies. they need to make a buck, but at what cost to the bands they represent? if this whole rilo kiley situation is due to a decision made by a record exec, i think the label has done the band a disservice. there are other ways to make money besides licensing music out to corporations whose image is completely antithetical to that of the band.
if the decision was made by the band, i'd be really surprised and disappointed. they could have at least licensed the song to something more worthwhile.
as for the whole "sell out" thing...artistic integrity and "brand" is a very tricky thing. for a thorough examination and critique, i suggest reading through hipsterrunnoff.com
ALSO, THERE ARE OTHER POSTS TO COMMENT ON. SHOW MY BLOG SOME LOVE, YA'LL!!!
I believe this is an inside joke by Rilo Kiley. Check out the lyrics.... now do you get it?
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