apocalypzia

Putin on the Hits

apoc — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:41:55 +0000

It seems that strange things often happen when Russian leaders get behind a microphone.

Back in the 60s, Krushchev took off his shoe at the UN and pounded the podium with it. Flash-forward fifty years and we get this.

Russian Prime Minister Putin covering Fats Domino’s Blueberry Hill.

But he’s no Mr. Trololo now, is he?

Ah, yes. Who could ever forget Mr. Trololo guy, Eduard Khil. What a, shall we say, unique performance. But Some say that he was actually the second Mr. Trololo Guy. There’s a rumor that way back in the 60s the “Soviet Sinatra” Muslim Magomaev performed this same song, this same way in the movie, The Blue Spark.

Is this the original Mr. Trololo Guy or just a mashup job with clever editing. You be the judge.

BONUS VIDEO!: Eduard Khil Live!

Microsoft, The Uninvited Guest

apoc — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:11:47 +0000

We’ll admit that Microsoft’s launch of Windows 95 was a brilliant buzz blitzkrieg.

But in microchip years, that’s been an eternity ago. And aside from that winner, Microsoft just hasn’t cut it in advertising cleverness.

Rival Apple has gathered all the advert accolades with signature marketing messages supporting Macs, iPhones, iPods and iPads.

Microsoft’s Cupertino rivals have promoted innovative products within the subtle connecting theme of clinically white backgrounds, simple gentle piano soundtracks and compelling narratives about their latest must-have glitzy gadget.

The Uninvited

Well, Microsoft commercials have somewhat of an underlying theme too and it’s disturbing. The star Microsoft has hitched their marketing wagon to is the idea of the “uninvited guest.”

It seems that in the wake of an Apple-led shift away from CPUs to tablets, TV ads for the tablet-free Windows operating system have embraced a trespass theme.

A current campaign does an excellent job of insulting our collective consumer intelligence while creeping us out at the same time.

In these commercials, Windows reps break into the home of some Luddite, dump precious possessions and beloved belongings and turn the house into an ersatz Best Buy store fully stocked with the latest Windows wonders!

Yeah, who wouldn’t want to come home to that!

Then there was the ad about the family that comes home to their ransacked house to find the burglars have ripped off all their valuables except for their antiquated computer. Solution? Run to Staples to get a state of the art Windows computer!

Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

Maybe it started with those Ill-fated and cringe-worthy Gates/Seinfeld collaborations. You may remember the one where the uber-comic and the uber-nerd were, for some odd reason, the strangely uninvited overnight guests of a quirky middle-class family.

What was up with that?!

Forget buying a new Windows computer. Instead, use that money to get a security system good enough to keep out the Windows crowd.

Steppin’ in the Kitchen!

apoc — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:31:16 +0000

The Joy of Dance
Millions of televsion viewers love their dance shows. You know the ones we mean — Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, you name it.

Those shows are fine if you want to see people dancing for money and the self-serving chance to plug their latest movie.

But if you love to see people dance for the pure love of harmonious and magical movement, we’ve got just what you’re looking for.

Steppin‘ is an energetic and romantic romp for two people navigating a dance floor.

And you don’t need a fancy ballroom. Take a look at how these couples move in wondrous, sensuous rhythm in their own kitchens.

Feel the beat…

Come on…

Let’s Dance!

Subaru vs State Farm

apoc — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:07:03 +0000

Clearly both of these car-related ads leverage a similar theme.
Some have accused Subaru of ripping off a State Farm concept. For our money, however, the insurance version seems intended as an inside joke with a punchline. The Subaru ad, instead, is sweet, touching and easy to relate to.

What’s your take?

Subaru

State Farm

Chevy Traverse Ad
Chevy also presented its own take on the father-daughter relationship. Though this commercial has an endearing vibe to it, Chevy doesn’t seem very proud of it and has yanked it off many video sites.

See it here while you can…

The One, The Only, Groucho

apoc — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:23:25 +0000

Tab Cola Ad: Be a Mind Sticker

apoc — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:13:14 +0000

They don’t make ads like this anymore

We know that language was different before the women’s liberation movement

Fiomily: Wish You Were Here

apoc — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:50:52 +0000

Apple Evolution

apoc — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:28:29 +0000

Beyond Coke and Pepsi

apoc — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:20:52 +0000

While Coke and Pepsi were battling it out for the top spot there were a number of also-rans along the way.

David (American Werewolf) Naughton, like some Godspell escapee, entreated us to become Peppers while doing his soft-shoe shuffle.

Alka-Seltzer

apoc — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:06:00 +0000

Now Matter What Shape Your Stomach is In
Evidence that this one-minute commercial is from a more relaxed time is that there is no voiceover or mention of the product for nearly 30 full seconds. The montage of undulating torsos and the catchy jingle were presented to hold our attention, draw us in and prepare us for the advertising message.

A thirty second sequence of bouncing bellies probably wouldn’t grab an audience today, but during its run, this commercial was popular and generated a good deal of buzz.

Plop Plop Fizz Fizz
The commercial jingle is a relic from another time. Speedy Alka-Seltzer, voiced here by XXX XXX, sings a little ditty designed to crawl into head and echo there in hidden recessed of your brian until the next time you went to the drug store for a pack of smokes.