But obtaining the rights to the Sony/ATV-published "Paperback Writer" was "not a walk in the park," admits Marketing Entertainment Group of America founder Danny Socolof, the music supervisor for the Buick ads.

The Beatles' songs have selectively been used in past commercials, most notably "Revolution" in a Nike campaign. Sony/ATV "simply wanted to make sure that such a song would be treated with the reverence and respect it deserves," Socolof says. "They had to feel comfortable with the band that would ultimately cover a song in its repertoire."

Socolof also notes that Sony/ATV liked that "we were doing something innovative and original to the song."

He would not disclose how much Buick paid to use the song.

While the thought of hearing "Paperback Writer" in a car ad may seem out of context, the concept centers on a car owner's manual-"a paperback," says David Moore, chief creative officer at McCann-Erickson ad agency, which developed the campaign.

The idea of the B-52's covering "Paperback Writer" came to Moore during a "weird karma moment" while he was playing the original version. He says he kept hearing "Roam" by the B-52's in his head.

The ad arrives at a pivotal time for the B-52's, who are recording a new dance-rock album after parting ways with Reprise/Warner Bros.

"We saw it as a great opportunity," B-52's member Keith Strickland says. "We all thought it was an interesting concept. So, we went into the studio with Nile (Rodgers) and had some fun."

B-52's co-managers Martin Kirkup and Steve Jensen are in talks with Web sites about download opportunities for "Paperback Writer."

Although there is no question that the exposure keeps the sound of the B-52's out there, "our immediate objective with this ad is not to get the band a label deal," Kirkup says. "They're busy touring and recording a new album. The rest will follow."