specsavers Piaf advert

Subject: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:00 PM

We've had many a debate on here about the rights of creative people to their work and I've just seen an ad tonight on TV that's horrified me. Specsavers have taken the iconic film of Piaf singing "No regrets" in French and subtitled it with an English lyric promoting their product.To me it's an unforgivable violation of a great singer and a great song, so evocative of a time and place in musical history.
I've been to Specsavers website to post my complaint but they don't seem to allow feedback or access, therefore I will go to my local town's shop and confront the manager.
Expect my incarceration!
Join my protest!

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Peace
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:01 PM

There was a thread on this less that two weeks back (maybe three). Feelings were mixed.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:16 PM

Money talks...

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:19 PM

Oh, sorry, I've been away and haven't checked.Will now.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Peace
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:38 PM

Wordy, I have no idea how to find it. Sorry if I sounded rude.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:42 PM

Specsavers ad, insult to Edith Piaf

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 06:43 PM

If this winds you up, you don't have enough stress.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Ned at work
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 06:18 AM

I've read the other thread...Most entertaining.Many ads upset me so I watch the Beeb... but Horrors! they now advertise all their other channels I can't get!

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: goatfell
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 06:48 AM

I've seen the advert, and I like it, but Then I like Edith Piaf as well, so these people that don't lik the advert don't have a sense of humour.

I just love the song, I would mind you object to the advert if they di the song in English now that is insulting

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 07:40 AM

Oh well, if we can violate the dead and their work for profit I suppose one day they'll engineer Stan Rogers singing
"If for one more time I could use my Northwest passage..." to sell laxatives.
And no doubt some would find it just a laugh.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 07:46 AM

Wordy, if you've read the other thread you'll see that I'm with you on this one. I have already complained and have received a satisfactory reply.

Arran, not liking the advert doesn't mean we don't have a sense of humour; it just means that our sense of humour is different to yours. Imagine if we all liked exactly the same things!

I love Edith Piaf and when the advert comes on I just close my eyes and listen to her singing and try to forget Specsavers.

For the first time the other night I saw that Specsavers have a new advert and that one is funny but it's a totally different advert.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 10:15 AM

Who's singing "Mo Ghille Mear" in the Specsavers sheepdog advert? (here)

Ross

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 11:11 AM

"so these people that don't lik(e) the advert don't have a sense of humour."

It appears, "Arran" that you simply have no problem with profit over artistic integrity...Typical. ...and this has nothing to do with a sense of humour, unless, that is, you find a lack of artistic integrity funny.



Charlotte (Non, je ne regrette rien)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 03:33 AM

At the Baftas awards on Sunday, Jonathon Ross critised Specsavers for their Piaf advert.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 03:39 AM

Good for Jonathon Ross.

Specsavers and many others don't give a damn, so long as they make the big bucks.

The moral content of many adverts is also highly questionable these days. As is the time they're shown on TV. Everyone's gone 'out to lunch' in the 'Responsibility Department' I'm afraid, but...ringing up the companies and giving them a really good blast of anger DOES help, if you phrase it correctly. I know, I've tried it.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Madge
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 04:19 AM

Mo Ghile Mear, was arranged and sung by Una Palliser.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Betsy
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 05:49 AM

A little joke ....I thought it was Brill.( Abbreviation for "brilliant" ).

In some Euro countries.....Brill means Spectacles ( especially . sun glasses).

Cheers Betsy

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:11 AM

My reaction to this advert is in the other thread (love Piaf, think the commercial is tacky but don't get as upset by it as some folks because her talent is strong enough to outgun any cheap selling tactic).

But at least there's some damage-limitation: if you just listen and focus your eyes on her and try to "squint out" the irritating banner at the bottom (or hold your hand up so it blocks it out) you are still getting a blast of the Real Thing. Just imagine if they'd tried to dub her voice with a jingle, or superimposed a pair of glasses on her face, or something - I wouldn't put anything past advertisers. It's in poor taste but it could definitely be worse. (And probably will be...) (shouldn't give them ideas...)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:16 AM

"focus your eyes on her and try to "squint out" the irritating"

I find I'm doing this more and more, on Mudcat *LOL*

Charlotte (encouraging west country nadge-wurdling)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:28 AM

Come to think of it, trying to squint out their banner is an excellent reason NOT to go to specsavers...

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:37 AM

I shall continue to go to Specsavers for my Bins because:-
1) They're reasonably cheap
2) You get two pairs
3) They've had the good taste to bring one of the most wonderful voices this world has ever known to the attention of many people who might never have heard of her.

Good on them. And some people need to get a life and get offended by something worth getting offended over - like Darfur, Chinese Human Rights violations, American Human Rights violations and, most especially, the violation of the Human Rights of UK citizens by the media who insist on ramming this ridiculous show-biz-farce of American electioneering down our throats at every possible opportunity. :-)

Phew, that's better. I'll be in the little cupboard under the stairs............

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:48 AM

"They've had the good taste to bring one of the most wonderful voices this world has ever known to the attention of many people who might never have heard of her.'

Didn't Volkswagen do the same thing with Nick Drake....?

'And some people need to get a life"

and you're doing what about global human rights violations, exactly?

"the violation of the Human Rights of UK citizens by the media who insist on ramming this ridiculous show-biz-farce of American electioneering down our throats at every possible"

other things are happening outside of the UK you know.

Charlotte (keeping her finger on the pulse)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:49 AM

This is a music forum so I post my musical thoughts here. Okay?

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:59 AM

that's entirely up to you, sunshine. *LOL*

Charlotte (knows a hawk from a handsaw)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:32 PM

Charlotte, Charlotte, Charlotte....Smiley Face = a bit of fun, a leg-pull.
Didn't see the Smiley Face? Try Specsavers! :-) :-)
(Two Smiley Faces = really, really pulling your leg!).

BTW, I'm very much aware of what goes on outside my own country, probably more so than the average American judging by the Americans I know personally, - but shoving it down our throats with a huge shovel doesn't make it any more exciting or interesting, the reverse, in fact. Sometimes more is less! I'm sure it's a huge deal for you (and rightly so) but it's rather less of a deal over here! :-)

S:0)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:35 PM

Sorry sunshine...I'm not American...
note..no smiley faces, no nothing, get the drift?

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,irishenglish
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:40 PM

Anyway, bringing this back on thread, if the people who own the rights to Piaf's music approved then interested parties should complain to them. Ultimately it was their decision to "sell out."

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 04:25 PM

"Sorry sunshine...I'm not American...
note..no smiley faces, no nothing, get the drift?"

I don't give a shit.
4-10.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 04:30 PM

anyway...yes...I wonder who, infact owms the copyrights to Piaf's work, but meanwhile the topic does serve as interesting conversation...most of the time.

Charlotte (Non, je ne regrette rien)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 06:37 PM

The advert is a disgrace and the ad company who made it should be ashamed

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Betsy
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 07:20 PM

I don't know any other song which she sang so I'm not upset - what's the big problem ?

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Andy, Port Erin, I-O-M
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 06:09 AM

I have seen the ad. and personally find nothing offensive whatsoever. Its very tongue in cheek and COULD introduce a potential new audience to investigate more of Piaf's music. I cannot see how it demeans her in any way and I have an idea that she would be delighted!

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 06:48 AM

MUD CLONE: Could we possibly combine these two threads? Their subjects really are identical, and this is starting to repeat the previous one: basically, some folks are outraged, others are not - I have a feeling the ball could bounce back & forth endlessly on this one...

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Cliff
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 08:06 AM

It was pointed out (in the previous thread) that the outrage is because of the preference of the poster for the celebrity.

If it was a matter of principle then why have we seen no previous posts of condemnation concerning adverts using old footage of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart & others.

Personally, I ignore most adverts as nonsense. Lots use what I call 'reverse advertising' which actually puts me off.
Example, the car advert which says if you buy XXXX model, others will be so jealous you have to hide it or it will be trashed.
Great! Buy a competitors car that won't get trashed. Saves trouble.

Storm in a teacup.   (Also I agree with Betsy)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 11:08 AM

"I don't know any other song which she sang so I'm not upset - what's the big problem"

you answered your own question, I think.

Charlotte (not the sort of person ad men and women like)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 12:17 PM

Betsy, Andy, Cliff - spot on.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,KAM
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 12:42 PM

While I'm not a particular fan of the ad it's probably worth considering that the Edith Piaf Foundation would have been paid a LOT by Specsavers for the rights to use the footage. Perhaps then it's them who should 'be ashamed.' Just a thought.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: irishenglish
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:30 PM

Yep, Kam, that's what I thought when I posted before. Ultimately, it was there choice

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Sparkles
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:36 PM

What does the Edith Piaf foundation do? I never heard of them before. Are they like a charity (if so, maybe some good would come of it). Couldn't find anything on Google.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:38 PM

Link to other thread?

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Sparkles
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:41 PM

Bonnie's post, a few down from top ones

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,mituta
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 02:22 PM

I just watched it. Nothing offensive. Nthing memorable. A cheap advertising ploy.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 02:28 PM

Ho-hum. More repetition. Combine with other thread or close.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's Apprentice
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 05:41 PM

"Combine with other thread or close."

says who. sunshine?

Charlotte (in closed mind is a terrible thing)

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: irishenglish
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 05:46 PM

I think Q wants one big massive thread for everything! Therefore, every mention of Fairport, Steeleye, Martin Carthy, etc. should all be one big long post!

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 06:48 PM

An alternative version of the offending ad... (Not by Specsavers)

Irreverent perhaps - but hardly offensive this time, I think.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 02:32 AM

I lost my specs at the weekend. You can tell how incensed I was at the advert. I went straight to Specsavers and order a replacement pair.


DC

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 06:05 AM

I got some VERY expensive hearing aids from Specsavers (too much folk rock in the 1970s you see) and the service was dead good.

Maybe they should buy up some footage of MacColl cupping his earhole and use it on their next ad?

Or get Flossie Malavialle to do the specs ads - bet she needs the wonga.

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 07:16 AM

If Flossie did the ads, the male viewers wouldn't have a clue whose advert it was - they'd be too busy drooling!

And she's a WONDERFUL singer too! Beauty and talent all in one package!

Subject: RE: specsavers Piaf advert
From: GUEST,Acorn4
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 07:30 AM

I think the folk song "Polly Vaughan" might be a good one for specsavers to use.