What's That Song in the Ford Edge Commercial?

Posted on Dec 11th 2007 1:00PM by Kim Davis
Comments

'The Funeral,' by Band of Horses

Everything old is new again and nothing is as it seems. Or at least that's what Ford wants you to think while rollin' -- not top-down, but panorama vista roof-open -- in its new SUV through the concrete jungle that is New York City ... or wherever you live. In the company's latest television ad, the doe-eyed protagonist becomes so completely consumed by the glowing, urban images she sees above, that she forgets her surroundings -- her moment of transfixion soundtracked by the magestic guitars and eerie cooing in Band of Horses' dourly titled, but not-so-dour song, 'The Funeral.'

Formed from the ashes of frontman Ben Bridwell's Pacific Northwest rock band Carissa's Wierd, Band of Horses garnered attention in 2004, after opening shows for folk rockers Iron & Wine in Seattle, and were signed to Sub Pop soon after. Horses, who, after a few lineup changes, have relocated to Bridwell's home state South Carolina, are often compared to My Morning Jacket, thanks to its massively bearded frontman's soaring vocals. That's not to say that MMJ's singer Jim James' shared affinity for shaggy facial hair has anything to do with otherworldly vocal capabilities, but surely this can not be ruled out. Moving on.

Undoubtedly the band's most popular song, 'Funeral' is the first single off Horses' 2006 sparkling debut album 'Everything All the Time,' which made it onto more than a few best-of lists last year. It's an emotive track, where depressing, yet stoic lyrics like "Every occasion I'll be ready for the funeral" are contrasted by ascending, gorgeous guitar arrangements -- a schizophrenic characteristic that reverberates through much of BOH's music, album titles ('iEverything All the Tme,' 'Cease to Begin') and surely its frontman's demeanor.

Bridwell's always been both a laid back drinkin' buddy type (read: pick-up trucks, dogs, flannel) and an outspoken critic. Just note his candid interviews, wherein he's talked about everything from binge drinking and anonymous sex to despising his fans. So, when fans called out him and his Band for "selling out" by liscencing their music for the less-than-hip Ford (and Walmart -- a deal which they later recinded), Bridwell was quick to offer a response. "I drive a 1986 F-150 that still runs great. Maybe I'll get the a/c fixed with the cash they kicked down," he said. "I'm also stoked that people will hear our song on TV and we might pick up some new listeners in the process. I see no negative ... and I'm okay with it."

BOH's sophomore album received a warm reception from critics this year and the band is currently in the middle of an aggressive touring schedule, which includes a sold-out New Year's Eve show in Atlanta.

Listen to the Song!
Buy it on iTunes

Next: Dentyne Ice Commercial

Watch 'The Funeral' Video

Ben Bridwell's Potent Quotable

Can't find that song from that commercial? Send the commercial, movie or TV show to us at whatsthatsong@aim.com.