Jason Aldean “Let Your Boys Be Country” Video – Camouflage, Cameos, and Kindness

In his first video release since “Try That In A Small Town” (a song I sincerely don’t like but not for the reasons you might think, I explain here), Jason Aldean put together a video representing life outside of cities. Take a look and a listen to his latest called “Let Your Boys Be Country”…

The Director. As I watched this video for the first time, I thought, “This feels a lot like a Shaun Silva video.” Lo and behold, it was directed by Shaun Silva! I was very happy to find that out because I’ve been a fan of Shaun’s for awhile now. Ever since I first started working at Country Music Television, Shaun’s style stood out to me. I’m thinking of videos like Kenny Chesney “I Go Back,” Rascal Flatts “Who You’d Be Today,” and especially this timeless gem…

Shaun Silva’s got a style I’ve tried to mimic in my own editing many times. On top of that, he seems like a really nice dude (I try to mimic that, too). Check out his work here and follow him on Instagram: @shaunmfsilva

Diversity Equity Inclusion. If there was a genre of music that embodies everyone’s favorite phrase these days (diversity equity inclusion), is it not country music? Just this year there was not the gayest music video ever “In Your Love” by Tyler Childers and the sensation that was/is Oliver Anthony, who ripped a new hole for rich men north of Richmond.

And then how would you compare Jason Aldean’s “Let Your Boys Be Country” with the 1978 song from Waylon Jennings, “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”? I guess it’s possible to let the boys be country but not let them grow up to be cowboys?

The Boys. You may seen some famous faces making cameos in Jason’s video. I picked out two: Luke Bryan (who isn’t racist) and Willie Robertson, who you probably know from Duck Dynasty.

Whether you like the song or hate it, the sentiment is this: raise your kids to work hard, play hard, have respect, and treat other people as valuable. Those lessons can be taught in the city or the country. It’s just that in the country, it’s a lot more fun. 😉

Also check out a behind the scenes video from the music video shoot here.

-Out of the Wilderness

The L.L. Bean Just For You Commercial – The Music and More

So let me get this straight: you jump in an ice cold body of water and it’s NOT for charity? That’s a disorder and yes, I’m talking to you Amazon laser hair remover guy. But he’s not the only one to do some kind of polar plunge. There’s an L.L. Bean commercial going around where two guys that may or may not be gay swim in a cold lake. It’s part of a series of L.L. Bean commercials this season. Take a look then scroll down for more info…

The Music. The soundtrack for this ad and the others in the campaign is a song called “Just For You” performed by Olivia Dean.

Olivia’s is a cover of the 1961 original by Sam Cooke.

But Wait, There’s More. Here are a few of the other ads in this series. This first one features a campfire ukulele player. Shhh, don’t tell Dos Equis.

I guess it’s official, winter and Christmastime is upon us.

-Out of the Wilderness

Nike Only Basketball Commercial – The Music, the Irony, and More!

Nike has been airing a basketball ad featuring a few NBA players and a handful of wannabes (does anyone still use that word or am I really old?). It’s a minute-long commercial with a soundtrack from 1969. Check out the ad then scroll down for more info…

The Music. From the late 1960s, it’s a song called “Let Us All Get Together Right Now” by Billy Preston. Here’s the full track…

The Set Up. I’m a little biased in my disdain for Nike but at the end of the day, it’s a company that needs to make money. That’s why they say things like this on their official YouTube channel:

Nike strives to bring innovation and inspiration to every athlete* in the world. (* If you have a body, you are an athlete.)

Not exactly true* but if they can get you to believe them, you might buy their products. (* It’s not true at all. The dictionary definition of athlete is “a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill.”)

I love playing basketball. It’s the sport I played furthest into high school so I appreciate the commercial for that reason. What “athletes” can do with the ball is simply astounding and my mind immediately goes to Jason Williams. OK, yes I’m old.

Ironic that I saw this commercial first during a football game. “Only basketball” doesn’t quite make sense because Nike is involved in almost every sport but if you love basketball, that’s great. It’s a fun way to get some exercise and prove you’re a better athlete than your friends. 😉

-Out of the Wilderness

The Coke More Santas Commercial – Who’s the Singer? Hint, It’s Not Sia!

Coca-Cola is a company that often incorporates Christmas into their ads the same way Publix does Valentine’s Day (or Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or summertime…). In other words, they embrace it as a time to celebrate with friends and family. Take a look at a recent Coke commercial featuring Santa, Santa, and Santa…

The Singer. My first impression was that it was Sia behind this song called “I Could Be Santa Claus.” Well, nope. Not Sia. Also not Amy Winehouse. It’s British singer/songwriter Celeste with the lovely, bluesy voice. You can find a lot more of her music on her YouTube page and be sure to follow her on Instagram, too.

This might become one of my favorite Coke commercials, along with the one that’s currently being featured during football season:

Does Coke Have the Best College Football Commercial?

Coke is spreading the message that we can all be Santa by showing kindness to our neighbors. Sounds kinda *ahem* Biblical which makes sense at Christmas. Not to mention Santa Claus is a character based on Saint Nicholas, who was a real person of Christian faith a couple of millenniums ago. He didn’t write a children’s book, though. That’s me and you can order them online! Check out Big and Small, God Made Them All and The Brave Bamboo. Order now and you’ll have your holiday shopping done early. 🙂

-Out of the Wilderness

State Farm “Not If You Bundle Them” Ad – Who’s the Shaking Football Player?

Along with Jake from State Farm, Patrick Mahomes (MaAuto nowhere in sight) sets up his team with a mantra to help them win games. It’s one word, “Bundle Home and Auto.” An astute teammate points out that that’s 4 words. Check it out then scroll down for the name of this actor…

The actor stealing the show as he shimmies and shakes down to the ground is Brandon Smith. He’s a fitness enthusiast as well as an actor and entrepreneur according to his Instagram @MrGoCrazy80. Here’s one of his more recent posts related to the ad…

He’s also a brand ambassador for Lululemon so maybe one day he’ll be in one of their commercials, like this one featuring famous athletes and influencers: Lululemon Men’s Pants Commercial – The Music and The Men.

Is this one of State Farm’s better ads or are you not buying it? Chime in below!

-Out of the Wilderness