Jun

4

Wilco + VW Commericals + Pissy Fans + Jeff’s Brother In Law

Posted by Administrator

June 4, 2007 |

You all know by now that I am a huge Wilco fan, so I tend to watch the news about the band pretty close. The latest news from the band is this, which basically says that Wilco is teaming up with Volkswagen for a series of spots featuring music from their new album, Sky Blue Sky. Interestingly enough, the first tune is not a song included on SBS however. “The Thanks I Get” was a Tweedy solo staple during his most recent tour and was the first used in a VW ad campaign.jefftweedy.jpg

Big deal right? Well, it is to the some Wilco fans it appears. If there was ever an example of a conversation that has been beaten to death in music circles, it is the “selling out” dialog. And that is just what this ad has gotten Wilco fans over at the sometimes heartfelt, but sometimes obsessive Via Chicago message boards talking about.

I would understand if the band all drove VW’s and really, just like, really loved their cars—but I doubt that is the case. This was a crass, marketing decision.

I’m sure the band researched the company carefully to ensure that all their parts and labor are purchased from outside contractors who have their workers best interests in mind and pay them accordingly, right down to the cigarette lighter—but probably not.

They should at least have the balls to add VW to their list of links on their website—maybe right up there on the front page—so we can see where the band really stands.


I’m know, I’m ranting, but go and read of some of Jeff’s recent interviews, and then come back and tell me it doesn’t start to sound like so much bullshit in light their move to advertising.

In steps Tweedy brother in law, and blogger, Danny Miller. He of the hilariously titled weblog, Jew Eat Yet? Not only does Danny lay the smack down on some pissy Wilco fans, but he takes the tounge in cheek approach to an new (and hilarious) level by connecting the German VW with Tweedy and this very funny photo (above). It is obvious isn’t is? Wilco are Nazi sympathizers!

And now, for the rest of Jeff’s fans, I’m going to share the new promotional photo he had taken following the debut of the Volkswagen campaign. No one has seen this yet so it’s very exciting.

You really should go and read the entire post from Danny at his site, worth your time. Also, for your enjoyment, here are the spots from VW.


Volkswagen Commercial featuring “The Thanks I Get”


Volkswagen Commerical featuring “You Are My Face”

So, what is the verdict, sell outs?

Wilco - The Thanks I Get

Related Posts:
Best Of 2007 Albums List - Halfway HomeThe best alternative to SXSWLots of news over here…..Wilco - Shake It OffWilco - “Walken” from Sky Blue Sky + Bonus Track

Comments

9 Comments so far

  1. dave on June 4, 2007 3:54 pm

    Alright, here’s my stance on most artists selling their songs… I have no problem with it because it means that they are able to make music full time, which means more albums and more tours from bands I enjoy (i.e. the Of Montreal scenario where Kevin Barnes used the proceeds from the selling of his song to fund a big tour bus for the band)… Sell-outs or not, at least these artists are able to live off of their craft and we’re able to reap the musical benefits

  2. Joe on June 4, 2007 5:30 pm

    I agree Dave, and personally, I’m sick of the sell out convo. However, I am not shocked some Wilco fans freaked out over this. All bands have fans that are way over the top it seems..

  3. Mike on June 4, 2007 5:53 pm

    I agree with Dave, but I have to say it hurts my heart a little to hear a song I love being used in a commercial. It sometimes interferes with my own personal memories and images of the song (that was the reasoning some artists gave in the 80s when they were resisting making music videos, but they all eventually gave in and made some). I guess I’m selfish that way. The saving grace is when the commercials are done well, which is the case with these. VW uses music well in commercials.

  4. Administrator on June 4, 2007 7:36 pm

    I think the thing that I hate is when a song is made for a commercial. Obviously, this does not apply to Wilco.

  5. J-Love on June 5, 2007 12:08 am

    I second Dave’s comment, particularly with regard to Of Montreal - Barnes used the income for a tour bus, wicked-cool props for the live show, and, most importantly security to keep making awesome music. Who wins? The fans.
    And hey, maybe more people will be turned on to their music. I don’t know many musicians who strive to keep their music a closely guarded secret. As a “snifflin’ indie kid,” I sympathize with the aforementioned selfishness, though. But there’s almost always someone who can gloat that they’ve known a band longer than you and therefore “appreciate” them more. It gets kinda moot.

    Again - that said - I prefer any show at Southgate to anything at Riverbend any day of the week, from a venue standpoint. And up and coming bands outgrown great, intimate venues (oh, the contradictions!)

    Thanks for bringing up the discussion, even if the term “sell-out” always makes me vomit a little bit in my mouth.

  6. KEXP Blog » Blog Archive » Today in Music: It’s All About The Music on June 5, 2007 2:33 pm

    […] Some fans of Wilco are none too thrilled that the band has signed on for a new Volkswagen campaign and have said so on the typically pro-Wilco forum Via Chicago. Blogger Danny Miller (Jew Eat Yet?) has stepped up to defend his brother-in-law, Jeff Tweedy, and the rest of the band against selling out. In his column he asks, “despite his refusal to compromise his art, why wouldn’t Jeff want his music to reach the widest possible audience?” And then referring to a sentiment expressed on the board regarding VW’s past connection to the Third Reich, Miller presents this picture of Tweedy with an infamous mustache. Check out the whole post, which is equally hilarious and informative. For their own part, Wilco released a statement on wilcoword explaining that this was just another way to get their music out there, adding “And we feel okay about VWs. Several of us even drive them.” Props to Each Note Secure for pointing out this commercial, which uses a bonus tracks from Sky Blue Sky called “The Thanks I Get”: […]

  7. Administrator on June 5, 2007 6:27 pm

    The band issued an official statement today, though i doubt it was in response to the message board criticsm…

    “With the commercial radio airplay route getting more difficult for many bands,”we see this as another way to get the music out there.”

    They continued: “And we feel okay about VWs. Several of us even drive them.”

  8. Mike on June 6, 2007 3:45 pm

    I think the listener has a right to feel a little betrayed and I think it’s more than just because their cool little band is getting bigger. I love Jeff’s line in What Light: “And if the whole world’s singing your songs/And all of your paintings have been hung/Just remember what was yours is everyone’s from now on.” The listener has at least some “ownership rights” once something’s been released into the atmosphere.

    I don’t put much in the sell-out phrase either, but it’s perfectly valid for people to question or at least wonder aloud about how someone uses “their” song.

  9. Administrator on June 6, 2007 4:50 pm

    Well Mike, only a band like Wilco would even take the time to address the outcry of mostly overreacting fans, for that I give them tons of credit…

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