Business Insight Zone

Maybe it’s just me, but I find it strange that Lincoln is using “Space Oddity” in the new ads for its MKS sedan. The spot, by the Berlin Cameron unit of WPP, features Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power) singing a cover of David Bowie’s classic song.

Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown, engines on
Check ignition and may God’s love be with you

I’m wondering what sort of message they’re trying to send by pairing a (semi-)luxury car with a song about getting lost in outer space.

Other suggested pairings of songs and companies from the wags here at Hoover’s Galactic HQ:

• Lehman Brothers — “Capital (It Fails Us Now)” by Gang of Four
• Merrill Lynch — “Rescue Me” by (Miner & Smith via) Fontella Bass
• Garmin — “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2
• Prada — “Back in Black” by AC/DC
• Blackwater — “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?” by (Nick Lowe via) Elvis Costello
• FedEx — “All The Way from Memphis” by Mott the Hoople

What would you add to this list?

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UPDATE, later Tuesday afternoon — Colleagues and Twitter friends keep lobbing in suggestions for brand-inappropriate theme songs. Besides those in the comments, consider these:

• Federal Reserve Board — “Dazed and Confused” by Jake Holmes (famously covered by Led Zeppelin)
• Tropicana — “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg
• eHarmony.com — “Gold Digger” by Kanye West

Keep ‘em coming!