Hello Hello, Wal-Mart
So, evidently there's a new Wal-Mart ad featuring Dan Zanes & Friends' "Hello Hello," perhaps a new version recorded just for the ad, which also promotes Coke. (I haven't yet seen the ad but have heard about it from several people who have.)
I was mildly cranky back when Paul Westerberg released a guitar that was largely sold at Wal-Mart. And DZ has been down the advertising road before, with the Del Fuegos' beer ad drawing some criticism back then.
I have to say I'm surprised to hear about this, given Zanes's focus on social justice issues and the fact that Wal-Mart is at least controversial on that front.
Still: I don't know much about the ad or the story behind it yet, so I'm not sure yet what I think. Certainly want to know more, though, that's for sure.
Permanent link • Posted at 11:05 AM
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9 Comment(s):
I was most stunned upon learning that the songs for OVER THE HEDGE were done by Ben Folds and that Westerberg did the OPEN SEASON soundtrack.
Hmm? Is the point that people do things for money? Sure. But neither Folds nor Westerberg, to my recollection, had been out there on this sort of issue so much. DZ has actively campaigned to save neighborhoods in Brooklyn, talked about labor issues, done environmental leadership, etc. -- stuff that would at least arguably seem inconsistent with a Wal-Mart association.
This is interesting - We don't have Wal-Mart here but I know enough (small amount) to know that I wouldn't shop there.
However, this reminds me a little of some of the greening practices they are implementing (with the help of Adam Werbach) where a small change in Wal-Mart's practice makes a huge impact in the economy and public perception. Adam has, in the past, gotten a lot of flack working for WM, but his choice makes sense. Obviously, I have no idea what deal DZ struck with WM, but maybe it's something similar.
It'll be interesting to hear about...
Haven't seen this yet either...very curious. But considering DZ has also worked with Disney, and that WalMart has probably been selling his CDs/DVDs for years now, it's not that big of a leap, do you think?
He seems to have a good sense of humor about "Beer Money" and the criticism he's gotten for his Disney ties, so I don't think this will be much different. (Although I'm kind of disappointed/surprised to hear it.)
The older I get, the more I appreciate one of my favorite movie quotes (from SLC Punk): "You can do more damage from the inside." It seems DZ gets this, too.
It's all symbolic, of course, and Deb, I'm curious about whether maybe he did get some sort of commitment from the company (rather than just cash) in exchange for his involvement. And the company is, by most measures, more responsible than it once was.
But I do think the symbol of recording a special version of a song to be used in an advertisement is materially different than just having something available for purchase in the store.
There's a Youtube video of Hello, Hello from 2008 with the "new" friends (Saskia, etc)....is it possible it's that recording they're using in the ad, and not one made just for WalMart? Not sure if that would make a difference.
I'm very curious to see it now. It kind of makes sense with their other recent ads that have had a very green angle.
I heard from someone who I think would know that it is a new version recorded just for the ad, but can't confirm that myself. I don't think it would make much of a difference either way (and I'm still not sure what I think).
Good article about Wal-mart in the new issue of American Prospect about a sit-in at the main distribution center where it would make more sense for DZ to perform for the crowd rather than "the man". Still an exploitative corporation. Whereas I know none of the particulars I just hope someone was in need of a kidney.
I {heart} Tito.
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