Hunt’s, the well-known producer of ketchup and other tomato products, has picked up the song “Tomatoes,” by local stalwart songwriters Ménage for a national television advertising campaign. Sarah McDonald, who wrote the playful tune, said she recently caught the 15-second version on daytime television. “I saw it during a soap opera,” she says, offering up the caveat that she was tuned in because, “I’ve been glued to the TV trying to see it.”
That version, as well as a 30-second spot, have been airing on the Lifetime, TNT and Bravo networks, and popped up during an Oprah broadcast, McDonald says.
The song was originally released on the album Miss Conduct, but the version played on the commercial is from the band’s 2005 release Seven Songs. They have since released the album Tell Me.
In the meantime, the band is gearing up for the Shakori Festival in upstate New York and our own upcoming Lake Eden Arts Festival. They are also putting together a winter tour with Chris Barron, former front man for the Spin Doctors. That lineup will appear at the Gray Eagle in December, McDonald says.
— Brian Postelle, staff writer
Has anyone uploaded this to YouTube yet? I couldn’t find it anywhere.
Did they change the lyrics to make allowances for genetically modified tomatoes?
No offense to the wonderful Manage. Just asking.
as a longtime spin doctors fan, i have to add that chris is the CURRENT frontman for the band. the group is alive and well, though touring on a much more limited basis these days.
Naturally, you would expect someone in Asheville to give a local band sh*t for actually making some money off their work. Thanks Chuck.
now now, trouble-stirrer.
My quote actually was “No offense to the wonderful Manage. Just asking”
Seems like a relevant question for an alternative, Asheville-based weekly who liks to report on environmental topics.
Do you know much about Hunt’s?
GMO’s are not cool, even when they are being sold by one of Asheville’s amazingly talented, wonderfully joyful and truly enjoyable bands.
I am truly happy for them and hope this brings them commercial and public recognition that they can parley for years to come.
Your Welcome, Don MAk.
“Naturally”
After searching the internet much, tho, I have still been unable to find said commercial. Hunt’s crappy website doesn’t even list it.
Sorry Chuck. Probably could have worded my comment in a nicer tone.
I’ve just seen lots of Asheville bands get skewered for “selling out” and it strikes a nerve with me. Even back-handed compliments like yours passive-aggressively rain on the parade of some of our hardest working super talented bands.
My biggest fear is that other Asheville bands will fall prey to the “Anti-sellout” propaganda prevalent in town and miss great opportunities to get their music out to wider audiences. That’s all.
Keep on truckin Chuck!
Here’s a link to a somewhat low-fi version of the commercial on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjiI06WG0jA
thanks for posting this! steve!
menage menage menage!
“fresh from the genetically modified vine…”
We were lucky to have been presented with this truly exciting opportunity! The music scene in A-ville deserves to be on the map! I think you’re on to something with the genetically modified line…Hmmmm…I might steal that for my next song about produce…