So it looks like Sony/ATV, who hold the copyrights to the majority of Lennon & McCartney songs, are gradually allowing more and more "interpolations" of Beatles songs in other artists' recordings and - gasp - advertising. This very thorough Reuters article cites Wu Tang Clan's recent use of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and Luvs Diapers' current ad campaign which declares (steel yourself), "All You Need Is Luvs".

Unsurprisingly, Sony/ATV head Martin Bandier, who decides where the Beatles' back catalogue can / can't be used, isn't averse to licensing (i.e. "cashing in on") Beatles tracks to artists and ad agencies. Most of the useage so far has been in the States where, one would imagine, the bucks are much bigger than here in the Beatles' homeland.

But, as they say, what happens over there happens over here eventually - plus, with record sales falling record companies are bound to look at an increasing number of alternative sources of revenue. Which means you can probably expect Beatles songs to feature more prominently in the Corrie ad break over the next few years

OK, so let's think - what UK ad campaigns could benefit from a little Beatles boost?

"Strawberry Fields Forever" - I'm seeing Nesquik, I'm seeing fields, I'm seeing fields made of Nesquik. Forever.

"Twist and Shout" - I'd say the fact this song may be available begs someone to come up with "Extreme Twister".

"Come Together" - Would go nicely in a spot for those Durex vibrating rings and things, I reckon.

"When I'm 64" - Viagra, obviously.

"Help!" - The Samaritans, obviously.

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"Free As A Bird" - Do criminal lawyers advertise on TV yet? No? OK, Senokot then.

"Drive My Car" - Take your pick of car manufacturers.

"I Want To Hold Your Hand" - Take your pick hand moisturisers.

"Helter Skelter" - Butlins, or any number of provincial fairground-type places. Forget about all the nasty death-y stuff associated with the song - ad soundtracks are all about literalism.

"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" - I think it's only a matter of time before extreme sports eejits start proposing while skydiving. The companies organising such fun-fests could use this ditty.

"The Long And Winding Road" - Um, motion sickness tablets? Yeah, this is getting more difficult now.

"Let It Be" - Those "don't drink too much and get in a fight and kill someone this Christmas" fright-mercials.

"Love Me Do" - Internet dating.

"You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" - Anti-flashing ads for dubious gentlemen. I know they don't exist but they probably will, nanny state, etc etc.

"I Feel Fine" - Berocca / Sanatogen, accompanied by footage of someone in bright clothes jumping for joy in the sunshine.

"If I Fell" - Those ambulance-chasing "injured at work?" shysters. Or BUPA, at a stretch.

"Happiness Is A Warm Gun" - Um, I suppose America's National Rifle Association might start trying to recruit over here?

And to scrape the bottom of the taste barrel:

"I Am The Walrus" - Weightwatchers.

"Baby's In Black" - Funeral directors.

Anymore for anymore? You know where the comments go...

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