Heard It On TV: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Ford

Remember that one time I wrote about that Honda commercial and Miriam Makeba? Well, I’m picking back up where I left off, this time with Ford.

Ford’s newest model for 2011 is called the Fiesta, so naturally, its commercial had to convey some fiesta-like vibes. Since taking up a 2-wheeled life, I’m more of an ex-car junkie but this car caught my eye thanks to parachutes, urban acrobats, umbrella-wielding unicyclists, and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros‘ “Janglin’ ” as music. Take a look-see:

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Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is a 10-piece pop-folk band from Los Angeles formed in 2007 by Alex Ebert of Ima Robot following an existential crisis of sorts. “Edward Sharpe” is a fictional character Ebert created who came down to Earth to save mankind and heal. Sound familiar? That part doesn’t really matter, at least to me. The music is just pure fun and if you haven’t heard of the band before, now’s the time.

Hear the full studio version of “Janglin’ ” at YouTube, see a full Tiny Desk Concert by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros at NPR Music, see some photos Laneia took at Bonnaroo, or just watch my favorite, “Home,” below. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such affection for 10 hairy, potentially smelly hippies than when I watched this video for the first time.

More Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros on TV (thanks to Mike for the links):
“Home” on Microsoft Kin commercial
“Home” on Cyrus Trailer

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Jess G.

Jess is a writer/producer with a knack for audio and online production. She grew up in California and now lives in Washington, DC, where she recently graduated from Georgetown University. Jess' jacket collection is obscenely large, and so is her music library. In her spare time, Jess enjoys riding her bike in the city, blogging, writing songs, and eating good food.

Jess has written 44 articles for us.

11 Comments

  1. it really irks me when i see my favorite songs being featured in commercials. like today i’m pretty sure i heard “mardy bum” on a tide commercial?? fucking weird man, fucking weird.

  2. YES. I love Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, especially their song “40 day dream.” I think it’s hard for indie bands to be profitable in this economy when a lot of people illegally download. So…why not commercials?

    Oh, and [*small plug] my bro’s band also has a song on a ford commercial. They’re Still Flyin’ from San Fran and have that similar party (a.k.a. “a hammjamm”) vibe. Maybe you’ve heard “The Hott Chord Is Struck” somewhere on the teevee…I think it’s Taurus.

    • I agree. I used to think the bands sold out, but hey… if that one commercial finances the band for another album, I’m all for it.

      Recalling the wisdom from the movie SLC Punk, I offer this quote: “I didn’t sell out, son. I bought in.”

  3. Waaaghh I’m seeing them at Outside Lands in a few weeks!

    I’m so excited.

    I might die.

  5. for some reason ‘home’ reminds me of skins. perhaps i was just listening to at around the same time i was watching?

    • Jade! I love her too! She used to be an American Apparel model. Then she took too many drugs, tweaked out, quit AmerAppar, met Alex, and started shrooming 24/7. She is fucking awesome.

  7. ““Edward Sharpe” is a fictional character Ebert created who came down to Earth to save mankind and heal.”

    I thought this was referring to Ziggy Stardust for at least ten minutes.

  8. I am a huge fan of Gorillaz so i really loved reading your article on Gorillaz. I am glad i got tickets for The Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour for Madison Square Garden.

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