Spitball Army

Have you heard, or seen, the current television commercial for Aviva Financial Services?

Aviva has licensed the song “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” originally in the musical play Hair, and later recorded by The 5th Dimension as a chart-topping hit.

The arrangement of the song that is used in the Aviva commercial is instrumental until the end of the spot, when a brief part of its title-bearing chorus is sung.

The chord progression sounds remarkably similar to The Eagles’ song “Hotel California.”  I found myself humming “Hotel California” this evening while within earshot of the TV, then was startled when I heard the “Aquarius” chorus join me at the end of the ad.

Can I demonstrate this co-incidence by showing you the commercial via YouTube?  Yes, I can:

Audio clips of the two songs, for your examination:
[audio:5th_Dimension___Aquarius_Let_the_Sunshine_In_(excerpt).mp3]
“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension [edited to begin at 2:18]
[audio:Eagles___Hotel_California.mp3]
“Hotel California” by The Eagles