Sweet Dreams
Before quick clips and media snippets took over as the preferred method of information consumption by attention-deficit audiences, the best song of 1986 was literally a sound“bite.” A 30-second jingle as smooth and delicious as the candy bar it advertised.
Sweet dreams you can’t resist, N-E-S-T-L-E-S
A dream as sweet as this, N-E-S-T-L-E-S
Creamy whites, dreamy whites
NESTLES makes the very best, N-E-S-T-L-E-S
I'm not sure today's generation can appreciate how revolutionary this commercial was. Written by prolific composer Llyod Landesman and produced by the J. Walter Thompson agency, it features a lovely laid-back score with dreamy vocals influenced by Synthpop and New Romantic acts of the day. It was an utter contrast to the usual loud, high tempo, guitar-and-drums-driven drivel accompanying junk food ads. The sound of advertising changed almost overnight to catch up and cash in on the popularity of this radical break from regular brand presentation.
The lush visuals were equally arresting and sophisticated. The ad opens in the clouds as if the viewer is flying in a dream. Product shots are seen in smooth transitions between gorgeous recreations of fantasy paintings by American artist Maxfield Parrish. Silent actors give serious poses in wintry locations. A figure skater spins into melted white chocolate. It ends in an embrace of lovers ready to share almondy goodness.
I took the effort to save the music, boombox held patiently to mono TV speaker until finally captured, and enjoyed listening to it as sincerely as any of my favorite songs. It snuck onto mixtapes and my college radio show years later. I unironically adore its relaxing atmosphere and stripped-down electronic arrangement.
I'm not the only one entranced by the magic of this music. Among the many cover versions that can be found, the most heartfelt take is by alternative radio kings Faith No More who played an extended rendition at many of their live shows in the early 1990s.
It's fitting that a song written for a snow-white candy bar is what led to my interest in Coldwave. I hold this track up there with anything by contemporary minimal synth artists. I'd bet that more than a few of those musicians would cite "Sweet Dreams" as one of their own influences. The Nestlé Alpine White candy bar only lasted until 1993, but the irresistible theme song has lived in my brain and heart ever since.
Cat’s Corner is a collection of commentary by Mike Langlie of Cat Temper about his early synth-fluences.
