Jan/27/12
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Girls on the Pull, Vanilla Ice: Friday Links

I’m sure I’m not the only one who cringes whenever they hear unimaginative use of ukuleles on TV. So Rob Manning’s score for Channel 4’s Girls on the Pull a refreshing change (if you’re unfamiliar with 4’s naming tactics it’s a documentary about compulsive hair-pulling).

Vanilla Ice plays ukulele for hipsters (seems like the video only works in the US though), Warren Buffett ukes for the Chinese, and The Rock plays to promote his film.

Makers of the film The Descendants attempt to bribe Oscar judges with a ukulele. Although Brett McKenzie is the true uker’s choice for an Oscar.

The Ukes for UNICEF festival takes place in Berkhamsted (UK) on the 3rd March and features Uke Hunt friends Ken Middleton and Krabbers and plenty more.

Coverage of the industry-fest NAMM on Ukeeku and Ukulele Underground.

On Uker Tabs: Coheed and Cambria, Bombay Bicycle Club and Charlie McDonnell.

Pictures: Taylor Swift in Vogue, mustachioed paper valentine ukulelists.

How to learn the ukulele well enough to (almost) get you laid.

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  • Written by Woodshed
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9 Comments

  1. Ron Hale January 27th, 2012 11:47 pm

    Unimaginative use of ukuleles? In what alternate dimension, Al? I find the New Match ad to be superb. Absolutely fabulous. Premium PR for the ukulele.

    I believe Jeff put it up on HU a while back. Anyone who cringes at this, cringes at romance, period. I say run a poll on it.

    Speaking of polls, any plans for a video contest?

  2. Dan January 28th, 2012 1:24 am

    The link of Warren Buffet playing “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” for Chinese State TV is a classic.

    My work mate said that could have been some sort of late night TV comedian joke of “things you would never see” – and he is right!

    Vanilla Ice is funny too, but we don’t get to hear his uke skills.

    Thanks Woodshed!

  3. pepamahina January 28th, 2012 2:37 am

    Awwwww, come on Al, Ron’s right, I think it’s sweet, (and a great deal less disturbing than the soundtrack to pulling your hair out, for heaven’s sake). When it comes to despising all things romantic, the gentleman doth protest too much, me thinks.

  4. RobNY January 28th, 2012 4:46 am

    However inane, I love when I hear the ukulele on TV. Boy courts girl via uke and song superb.

  5. Woodshed January 28th, 2012 1:51 pm

    Ron: It’ll be up in about 15 minutes. Although I did wonder whether I’d bother doing it this year.

    Dan: I think this is Warren Buffet working very hard to present himself as not a threat to anyone.

    pepamahina: Ron’s never right about anything!

    Rob: We’ll have to agree to disagree on that.

  6. Mander Mae January 28th, 2012 3:42 pm

    I too find the new match ad to be charming, right up until the announcer begins talking. Possibly because I’m a girl and somewhat readily go all gooey inside. On those credentials I’d say it makes a better (albeit less hilarious) how to than your other pick.

  7. Kempo January 30th, 2012 11:45 pm

    I really liked the documentary score (ever listened to Fourtet, Al?) it’s good to hear the uke be used in new and interesting ways, and not just ad agency shorthand for ‘light hearted whimsy’. I worry that this kind of saturation will return the instrument to joke status.

    Maybe I’m just saying that as I’ve never managed to use my little ukulele (in a non Formby sense) to wind up with a comely lass like that, even my jolly strum alongs turn get infected by my sarcasm (exhibit A):

    http://soundcloud.com/mrkempokempo/too-much-to-notice-not-the#new-timed-comment-at-14597

  8. Woodshed January 31st, 2012 9:06 am

    Kempo: Excellent work on the tune!

  9. Melissa January 31st, 2012 2:40 pm

    I have to wonder what kind of men wait around at train stations with ukuleles looking for girls to sing to…

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