Why doesn't Mobil use the original version of "Roadrunner" in their ads?

[Fenris]

I'm guessing that's someone covering the Modern Lovers' "Roadrunner" in their latest television ads. Is there a general aversion to Jonathan Richman?:D

[tuvor]

1. There shouldn't be. He's an unsung hero!

And life will be much better once his Rough Trade recordings are finally rereleased.

ON EDIT: Who's covered the song? All I can think of is the Sex Pistols and Joan Jett.

[AntiCoup2K4]

5. It would be funny if they used the Pistols version in a commercial

"Stop that, it's fuckin' awful....AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHGGGGHHHH torture..."

[flamingyouth]

2. Amen, brother!

:thumbsup:

[Bossy Monkey]

3. You may want to visit here:

http://tinyurl.com/63ue2
What's That Called, specifically their forum for identifying songs from tv commercials. At the moment there's one question about Mobil and one about Roadrunner, but no answers to either and the two haven't found each other yet (as each answers the other's question). Fun site.

[Fenris]

4. Hey, thanks. I'll check that out.

:hi:

[gmoney]

6. I bet it's a royalty-free knock-off

It evokes Roadrunner, but it's instrumental and is mainly organ noodling. The ad agency probably used Roadrunner in the rough cut, but I bet some bean-counter at Mobil decided to save a few bucks by getting a studio guy to change it just enough that they could claim it to be "original" and not pay Jojo a dime.

Jonathan Richman rules... I hope he made good money on the "Something About Mary" success, and has enough to sue Mobil into submission.