Mad For Mad Men

A couple of weeks ago, and in record time, my husband and I plowed through an entire season of another TV series. Mad Men.

Based in the fabulous era of the 60s, AMC brings us the story of Don Draper, Art Director of an ad agency on Madison Avenue (hence the term "Mad" Men), his associates and their family lives. For anyone that has ever worked in marketing, and in particular, at one of the large agencies, you'll find this show almost eerily spot on, and exactly how one would imagine during this time in American history.

The writing is brilliant and the often intense dialogue between characters will have you hooked after the first episode.

Another reason to tune in, the design aesthetics of the 1960s are wonderful. Pure mid-century modern, simple and elegant. I have my eye on a few ceramic lamps and would take nearly any of the furniture.

One thing I find quite interesting is that the characters are pretty much smoking the entire time. It's amazing to realize just how much people probably smoked then, how much it was a part of every day life, and how acceptable it once was. In the office, in bed, while pregnant, everywhere and at anytime. The way women and minorities were treated, no seat belts in cars, and children mixing drinks for their parents, are just some of the many other social differences to note.

Season Two of Mad Men recently started on AMC. It's not too late to find season one, all the way through last week's episodes On Demand. I highly recommend you catch up, and watch this Sunday at 10 PM PST!



- Trish, Account Executive
Lunch today: Pokez Tofu Nachos and a Diet Coke

Effective Use of Music in Advertisements

Is it just me, or have TV advertisers been using some really good music these days?

I mean, the other night I was about to fall asleep when I heard a catchy song coming through the television.  I opened my eyes and actually watched the commercial, all the while humming along to the tune.  I took note of who the advertisement was for (Acura, btw).

Harnessing the inner-nerd in me, I actually did a search for the commercial the next morning just to find out what the song was ("Let the Drummer Kick" by Citizen Cope).  This has started a recurring problem for me. I am constantly finding myself hearing a song on an advertisement and running to my laptop to Google it (yeah, so maybe I don't have anything better to do).

While this may not be the exact reaction that Acura was hoping for when creating their spot, I have to admit in a random way I am thinking about their cars when I hear that song now.  And it certainly can't hurt that I actually searched and viewed their commercial spot online.  

I have never been somebody to pay close attention to commercials, especially since I discovered the DVR.  The sheer fact that I can hear an unknown song and immediately associate a brand with it amazes me.

Here are some of the ads featuring music that have caught my attention in the last few weeks.

Dell 

Song - "Colors" by Kira Willey

Macbook Air

Song - "New Soul" by Yael Naim

And Lastly, the one that started it all for me...

Acura

Song - "Let the Drummer Kick" by Citizen Cope

Is this happening to anyone else?

-Lindsay, Campaign Manager

Lunch today: cheese ravioli and a nectarine