May 30, 2005

Ringtone Tops UK Music Chart

by Guy Brighton

Crazyfrog_4001Last weekend’s UK Music Chart was topped by a ringtone of a frog. The ringtone was originally the idea of Daniel Malmedahl, a computer
salesman from Gothenburg, whose impersonation of a two-stroke motor
scooter reduced his friends to tears of laughter. It was posted on a
website where it was discovered by another Swede, Erik Wernquist, a 3D
graphics designer, who drew a cartoon to match the sound.

His
blue frog with prominent belly button and 1950s-style crash helmet was
picked up by ringtone company Jamster and heavily promoted by the
company across all mediums. Jamster has made more than £10m from people
downloading Crazy Frog ringtones.the chart was actually topped by ringtone king Crazy Frog. An
intensely annoying, half-naked, motorcycle-riding frog who deserves to
be sent to the lowest circle of hell is the most popular record of the
week.

As the Guardian Newspaper blog comments:

"Despite the comedy factor in these shenanigans, it does
show one important thing: the power of ringtones. Go into any school
and you’re likely to hear Crazy Frog - or one of his irritating
siblings - ringing out across the playground."

The tune outsold Coldplay’s new release four to one.

Guardian Blog

Article categories: Music, Telecom, Youth

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