::GET FAMILIAR:: COMMERCIAL FAVORITES

::GET FAMILIAR:: COMMERCIAL FAVORITES
by Daniel Harris

For music lovers, there is no limit to the lengths we will go to discover new (or new to us) music. I am often asked where I find some of the artists that I am into. Most of the time, it's using the related or similar artist feature on some of my favorite streaming radio apps. However, on a few occasions, I find some of the best artists while watching commercials.

Generally, they are a two and a half minute interruption to whatever it is I was watching. But I have found that in the midst of being sold on sneakers and dog food, there are some music gems driving that advertisement. Here are five commercials with artists I feel you all should be familiar with.

1. "Blake and Drain." While advertising the GOAT's spectacular line of sneakers (bias opinion very much intended), Jordan's "Blake and Drain" commercial featured an R&B classic by James and Bobby Purify called "I'm Your Puppet." In 1966, this song reached number 6 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. While the Motown music machine was in full swing durning that time, James and Bobby's uniquely soulful sound still managed to find its place in music.

2. "Southern Comfort|Shampoo|Whatever's Comfortable" It's not easy to be a man, in a hair salon, getting a shampoo. Somehow though, this cowboy boot wearing gentleman and his awesome mustache manage to pull it off. Soul legend Lou Johnson's "The Beat" is the perfect song to drive absolute comfort. While it didn't receive as much commercial success as some of Lou Johnson's other songs, The Beat still hold its own among a plethora of soul songs.

3. "Find Your Travel Companion" Not a particularly memorable ad, Expedia.com's "Find Your Travel Companion" used a song by Electric Guest called "Waves." Combing elements of soft rock, soul, funk and pop, Electric Guest deliver a sound that is truly unforgettable.

4. "Plastic Perfection" I honestly believe that if the good folks over at Apple weren't cranking out some of the best technology we've ever seen, (Yes, more bias!) they would all be incredible DJs. It's nothing new for Apple to use sort of obscure and fresh talent to promote their products. The iPhone 5c "Plastic Perfection" commercial featured a smooth, near funk driven tune by Sleigh Bells called "Rill Rill". As an experimental pop duo, Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss  aren't afraid to deliver a unique sound, very different from what is presented in today's pop music.

5. "Southern Comfort|Dance|Whatever's Comfortable" Dancing is probably one of the freest forms of expression in our human culture. However, many are held back by the fear of not having proper skills and looking silly. Not this guy! In fact, he is so comfortable, he gives us six incredible shots of him workin' it out! Marcos Valle, Brazilian pop legend, revolutionized the bossa nova genre by fusing elements of jazz, funk and soul into an already interesting style of music. His 1983 hit "Estrelar" is the perfect backdrop to this guy's killer moves.

What about you? Do you have any commercials that have opened you up to new (or new to you) artists? Help us all to get familiar by sharing them in the comment box below.