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Thursday, June 07, 2007
Prince in Verizon ad
I saw this video posted at Outrageouschaos. Brooke calls her post, This is what it looks like when Brooke cries...
I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm torn. I mean, if Prince really likes his Verizon service, is it ok for him to prostitute his art in this way? I dunno. I feel like, 10 years ago, I would have said he was selling out. And it still feels like he's selling out.
But the decision seems to make more sense to me now, perhaps because I've become a corporate suck-dog. Or possibly because I've developed a greater appreciation for money now that I have a kid to feed, a mortgage to pay, car payments and a long-term boiler loan. Whatever.
But still, Verizon? Did it have to be Verizon?
June 7, 2007 at 08:02 AM in VT Blogs | Permalink
Comments
Not much different from Paul McCartney and Starbucks...
http://www.hearmusic.com/#MCCARTNEY
Although, the fact that they played all mccartney all day in all the Starbucks everywhere earlier in the week tops some TV commercials with Prince and Verizon I think.
Elaine
Posted by: Elaine Young | Jun 7, 2007 9:01:03 PM
I couldn't believe that Starbucks thing. God! Could you imagine having to work there that day?
I'm suspicious of the "brand as lifestyle" strategy that Starbucks is pioneering--the books, the music, the movies, all carefully tailored to their market niche. The whole idea of "if you like this, you'll like this..." is a little creepy.
But... I also think it's sort of smart. And I get why people would like it. I guess everybody's becoming a filter, because what the hell else are you going to do in a marketplace with a billion choices.
Posted by: Cathy Resmer | Jun 8, 2007 6:42:03 AM
Verizon? I still can't believe he did the Superbowl Half Time Show. Uggh.
Posted by: Mistress Maeve | Jun 11, 2007 10:52:09 PM
Huh. I just went to Starbucks and the woman behind the counter pointed out that Paul M. actually signed a record deal with Starbucks, which is why they're promoting the hell out of him.
I don't know whether to be sad or relieved.
Posted by: Cathy Resmer | Jun 12, 2007 7:50:28 AM
I think the reason the Prince thing irks me so much is because of who he is. I mean, I say this from a place of affection, but Paul sold out almost immediately. The Beatles were a commodity. For some reason, Paul selling out to Starbucks doesn't surprise me. But PRINCE. I guess if one takes Batdance into consideration, he's been selling out for some time now, but I still think of him as vaguely anti-establishment. Much like the Dylan thing. Argh.
Besides, if he needs cash, he should go on tour so I can go and scream and faint. It's only fair.
Posted by: outrageouschaos | Jun 12, 2007 6:28:02 PM
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