The Frinklin and Fred Show

Quickie #2

I’ve grown accustomed to hearing favorite songs used in commercials. Usually it is a new song or a old chestnut, but sometimes odd things come to the fore via commercials. The easy example is Nick Drake’s haunting “Pink Moon” used to sell Volkswagens. I loved the commercial, and it was wonderful to see the mini-revival of Drake’s music. I first discovered Way to Blue in college, and I had resigned myself to having to explain him whenever someone would ask me about my favorite music.

Well, it seems to be happening again. The Band, the hippie-era powerhouse led by Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson shamefully ignored since The Last Waltz, has received a serious shot in the arm with Cingular using The Weight in a cell phone commercial. While nothing as memorable as the VW ad, it’s great to hear that song again anywhere.

I pulled into Nazareth, was feeling about half-past dead

...still one of the 3-4 best opening lines to any rock song ever.