« Things that make you go ‘Arrrrgh!’ | Main | HBO’s surreal Larry David ads »

Tweedy kids rock out for Quaker oatmeal Element 79 Partners and Errol Morris have teamed up for a fun new Quaker Oats commercial starring a pre-teen rock band called the Blisters. But this isn’t your average pre-teen rock band—two of its members happen to be Spencer Tweedy (on drums) and Sam Tweedy (in the yellow and black), whose father happens to be Jeff Tweedy, the frontman of indie-rock darlings Wilco. The kids’ uncle, Danny Miller, who runs an interesting blog of his own, takes us behind the scenes at the shoot at the Hollywood Center Studios and also reflects on the finished product. He thinks it came out nicely, but then adds: “They cut Spencer’s great line from the commercial, ‘Oatmeal makes you rock more efficiently.’ Apparently two focus groups thought the line sounded fake, that no real 9-year-old would ever say such a thing. But he did say it, and it was far more natural than anything that ever came out of Mariette Hartley’s mouth.” In the comments section of the blog, Element 79 creative director Chris Laubach weighs in: “Of the 32 commercials we produced this summer, this one is my favorite,” he writes. “I really think these kids are gonna go places.” For the record, Laubach adds that the Blisters didn’t get the gig through their Wilco connections—the kids happen to be friends with Laubach’s kids. —Posted by Tim Nudd

September 19, 2005 | Permalink

Comments

Hey thanks for the mention. If anyone is interested, the spot and a short documentary on The Blisters by Project Greenlight finalist Scott Smith (my partner here at element79 and co-CD on the campaign) is now online at: element79.com Just click on the "Special Feature: The Blisters" button on the top of the homepage. Wilco fans and ad geeks all seem to be getting a kick out of it.

Posted by: chris | Sep 20, 2005 4:13:10 PM

Just want to congratulate Chris Laubach for his fine creative work. The Blisters seem to be hot. If you need a great party song you can hear a sample at pianotunes.com it would make a great sound track for a beer commercial. Best Rusty Lehr
813 926 9551

Posted by: Rusty Lehr | Sep 25, 2005 9:50:01 AM

Finally!!! Little Emo kids on TV! and for an oatmeal advertisement, of all things. hmm... is oatmeal even getting too popular now???

Posted by: Deirdre | Nov 9, 2005 8:30:35 AM

i just saw this on tv and had to see the story behind it. i think they put the 'rock more effieciently' line back...i swear i heard someone say that at the end.

Posted by: anon | Jan 31, 2006 3:48:41 PM

I THOUGHT WAS THEM. THANKS FOR HAVING THIS PAGE TO EASE MY CUROISITY!! THOSE BOYS ARE THE CUTEST!!
SIGNED,
WHAT'S A WILCO FROM RAPIDS.

Posted by: BROOKE | Feb 10, 2006 10:43:19 PM

They did put the line back in. I just heard it.

Posted by: Sandy | Feb 12, 2006 1:08:53 PM

Aahh I know those kids!!!! They go to my school lol.

Posted by: Emma | Feb 23, 2006 6:38:30 PM

YOU SUCK! Haley in your class

Posted by: Haley Clarke | Jun 30, 2006 5:06:49 PM

you suck haley~

sincerely,
the other haley

Posted by: haley | Apr 14, 2007 11:06:28 PM

LA HA HA HA HO LA HA HA HE HE! i love that quaker oats song? where can i find it??

Posted by: haley | Apr 14, 2007 11:08:11 PM

i want to know what that song is called ?!?!?

Posted by: george | May 3, 2007 12:29:56 AM

did anybody find the la ha song?

Posted by: willieb | Jun 4, 2007 8:37:30 AM

what is the la ha song called?

Posted by: mark | Jul 8, 2007 10:03:02 PM

Omg, I'm looking for the same song! Someone needs to send a letter to quaker and find out. The public needs that song!

Posted by: Laura | Jul 16, 2007 12:35:35 AM

i agree... i really want to get ahold of that song too!

Posted by: joshgranger | Jul 22, 2007 11:02:55 PM

Please someone find out. I'd love to know

Posted by: Tom | Aug 26, 2007 5:25:03 PM

I've been looking everywhere...can't find it either

Posted by: chris | Sep 11, 2007 10:59:20 AM

I emailed quaker, because I realized I'm not the only one who loves this hilarious song! This is the bummer they wrote back:
RE: Quaker Oats , REF.# 026223411A

Andrea:

We're glad that you are enjoying our commercials. The song you hear in most of our commercials was actually just created for use in our commercials. It was not previously recorded and is unnamed.

Andrea, we hope this helps. We value your business and hope that you continue to enjoy our products.

Michael
Quaker Consumer Response

Posted by: andrea | Sep 14, 2007 12:28:48 PM

well that sux quaker oats screwd us over

Posted by: michel | Sep 7, 2008 10:42:18 PM

got dAMNET i wanted to know the song to...

Posted by: kanube | Sep 25, 2008 10:37:19 PM

Post a comment

Name:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comments:

The opinions expressed in comments are those of the individual poster. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Adweek or Nielsen Business Media. Comments of a promotional nature or comments that are otherwise inappropriate may be removed.