BY ROBERT SPUHLER
Special to amNewYork
In 1993, Sarah McLachlan was likely best known for “Possession,” a haunting song from her third album with lyrics from the point of view of a stalker. By the turn of the century, McLachlan may have been most famous for establishing Lilith Fair, the all-female music tour.
In 2014, though, McLachlan’s most famous contribution to pop culture may just be “Angel,” the song backing ASPCA commercials that air in PSA spots on late-night television. Brutally effective when paired with photos and video of dogs and cats in cages, could “Angel” be used to promote other causes or even brands? Let’s pair ?
“Angel” with ? Google
The Company: Global tech overlords with control over all of your personal information.
The Spot: A father emailing the highlights of his daughter’s life to a Gmail inbox, to be opened on her 18th birthday.
Key Lines: “I need some distraction, oh beautiful release, memories seep from my veins.”
The Effect: Having a song called “Angel” in a commercial about a dad and his “little angel” may be too on the nose.
Rating: Three sad kitties out of five.
“Angel” with ? Budweiser
The Company: Mass producer of “beer.”
The Spot: Military man returns from duty to a surprise parade in his hometown.
Key Lines: “You are pulled from the wreckage/of your silent reverie.”
Effect: Gains points for properly lionizing service members. Loses them because Skylar Grey’s “Coming Home” is already the perfect fit.
Rating: Two sad kitties.
“Angel” with ? Nike
The Company: Purveyor of athletic gear and shoes.
The Spot: Various celebrities, athletes and focus-tested “everyday people” tip their hats to Derek Jeter.
Key Lines: “Fly away from here/from this dark, cold hotel room ?”
The Effect: Turns the City of New York into “the arms of an angel,” which makes us happy but likely won’t sell many shoes in flyover country.
Rating: Five sad kitties for Yankees fans, three sad kitties for other New Yorkers, and a happy, sprightly puppy for the rest of the country.
“Angel” with ? “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”
The Show: The wacky adventures of a fame-hungry family and assorted hangers-on.
The Spot: Any involving Kim speaking about her marriage to Kanye West.
Key Lines: “Keep on building the lies/That make up for all that you lack.”
The Effect: The Angel of Death is still an angel, right?
Rating: Four sad kitties for hip-hop fans, none for anyone else.
IF YOU GO: Sarah McLachlan performs at the Beacon Theatre on July 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., 2124 Broadway, 212-465-6500, sold out.
