Kroger’s Bizarre “I’m Too Sexy” Workout Ad

I grew up in Cincinnati, where Kroger is headquartered. In Cincy, it was the dominant grocery chain. Since 2012, I’ve lived in NYC, away from Kroger’s huge footprint. I imagine that if I was in Cincinnati, I’d be seeing this somewhat amusing and somewhat disturbing Kroger spot quite often. It’s a memorable one that’s gotten quite a reaction on YouTube. The schlubby guy in this animated ad is working out as Right Said Fred’s awful early ’90s hit “I’m Too Sexy” plays. Brief aside: Does it seem like more retro/nostalgic music has been playing in commercials lately? Could that have to do with the awful time we’re going through? Anyway, he slurps down his green smoothie drink and realizes there’s nothing left in the fridge. Time for a Kroger run…and luckily they offer free pickup so he doesn’t even have to stop jamming in his convertible.

Scotts Miracle-Gro Uses “Our House” In This Calming Commercial

A version of Madness’s lovely and evocative ’80s hit “Our House” is put to good use in this Scotts Miracle-Gro ad. Images of families having summer fun in their yards flash by with the message “This year is the perfect reminder that the best summer memories can happen in our own backyard.” Aww. Nice work.

Macy’s Has A Back To School Rap Commercial

It’s the end of July, and one of the hottest topics in the United States is what to do about school. Honestly, there’s really no good solution and many will be unhappy either way. But capitalism marches on, and so brings the back to school advertising. Macy’s especially needs the sales. So regardless if the young ones will be returning to the hallowed halls of education or logging in virtually, Macy’s wants your kids to be ready. And what’s the catchy and jazzy rap song they use here? It’s “The Life of a Scholar” by 3 Titans.

Little Caesars: This Man Eats Stuffed Crazy Bread And Encounters A Talking Bear On Roller Skates

Little Caesars had a big hit last month with its absurdist Nuts Von Crazy spot, and it seems like they’ll have another popular one here too. A man sits on a park bench hungrily about to bite into his cheesy Stuffed Crazy Bread. He comments that he must be dreaming…to which a stereo-toting bear on roller skates who looks straight out of the ’70s says that it’s indeed a real thing that he should try because it’s delicious. Haha. I’ll update this post if I find out who plays the man and who voices the cool bear. By the way, in a newer version, Little Caesars changed the voice…and now it’s pretty creepy and sounds distorted, like the bear is a crime witness who wants his identity disguised.

Jake From State Farm Gets Free Pizza (And A Lot Of Other Food)

In this past Super Bowl, State Farm’s big commercial brought the return of one of its most famous characters. Well, sort of. The spots with “new Jake” (played by Kevin Mimms) have had a mixed reaction overall. I haven’t written about them on here, so now I will. Jake answers the door, and it’s Parker, a chipper pizza delivery person. Jake says that he didn’t order any pizza, but Parker insists on a “Parker Promo”. Turns out that Jake caused some major dough savings with State Farm. So he gets two pizzas, pepperoni pockets, an atomic brownie, “coocoo crusties”, an a side (jug) of a ranch. Sounds like some good eatin’! By the way, Parker is played by Izzi Rojas.

That Walmart Commercial With “Bitter Sweet Symphony”

The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is one of the best songs of the ’90s. And Walmart is now requiring everyone to wear masks in its stores, a good albeit delayed move. In its new ad about this mask policy, Walmart uses the music from “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” But much like another advertising favorite also released in 1997, the music is so nice that it’s easy to overlook the lyrics. The song has the lyric “Trying to make ends meet, you’re a slave to the money then you die.” In the words of another iconic song from the same era, “And isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?” It’s not quite as blatant as this, but still.

Bud Light Sings “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”

This has been a rough year for everyone, and if you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably been particularly bored. Netflix and all is cool, but we’ve definitely missed having games. But now, they’re coming back. Opening Day in MLB is today, the NBA comes back next week, and the NFL is on the horizon soon too. I’m still somewhat worried about another outbreak and that the seasons might not be able to finish, but it’ll be a start. So in this spot, Bud Light has restless sports fans come together for a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

Nando’s Says “Now Try Think About Something Else” In These UK Ads

I’ve never had Nando’s, as there isn’t one close to where I live. I’ve heard excellent things though. And I definitely have experienced food cravings that make it hard to think about anything else. That’s what happens in this Nando’s campaign from the UK. Ordinary people meet British celebs like Perrie Edwards, Anthony Joshua, and Roman Kemp. But they’re so focused on that tasty Nando’s to think about anything else. The song playing is “Kulikitaka” by Toño Rosario.

 

 

This Commercial Sucks: Shingles Can Be Whaaat?

Shingles sounds just brutal, and anyone who’s had chickenpox can get it. And that risk is higher for anyone 50 or over. But now you can get vaccinated. That’s all well and good, but this might be the most annoying commercial currently airing. “Shingles can be whaaat”…ugh. Useful information communicated in such a grating manner. By the way, the woman is played by Betsy Zajko.

Klarna’s Swedish Meow

Swedish brand Klarna is well known for their bizarre (and excellent) advertising, and I’ve written about a few of their spots on here. Now they’ve expanded their services to the United States, but the crazy ads still persist. Do you want to see retro-styled footage of a man meowing and speaking Swedish, and then his cute cat? Then you’ll like this one. Klarna’s YouTube presence is quite extensive too, so if you’re a fan, I highly recommend checking it out.