There used to be a time when no self-respecting musician would ever bow to corporate pressure and allow their songs to be used to advertise products.

Those days are definitely over, and never more so with the news that Coca-Cola is looking at "incentivising" buskers on the London Underground to include its Holidays Are Coming jingle in their repertoire over the festive period.

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(WWW) Before the advent of the internet, buskers had to figure out which songs were popular enough to perform in public. Now, we can simply surf the net and and learn in a matter of seconds.Of course, sprinkling the list with an original here and there is always an option. But it all depends on the pitch and audience. Some songs are drunken sing-alongs and others are thoughtful hits. One thing most have in common is a upbeat rhythm.

Two lists we've found cover the "best" songs to play. One list has 31 recommendations and the other has a top 7.


TOP 7:

1. Friends in low places
2. Summer of '69
3. Sweet Caroline
4. 3a.m.
5. When I come around
6. Free Fallin'
7. Livin' on a Prayer

These are mostly 1990's songs that tend to go over well. However, the seasoned busker will have at least one song by the Beatles...

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(WWW) An extensive article by Ziggy Samuels at TheBrokeBackpacker.com has what is probably the most comprehensive directions in recent years on beginning busking.Recently updated, it covers chapters such as What Does Busking Mean, Ethics and Moral Philosophy, Busking Setups, How to Busk, Picking Your Pitch, Busking Tips and Secrets, and Just Go Do It!

"With this busking guide in hand, you’re gonna learn both how to busk and how to do it right! That is why you should learn how to busk because it’s an adventure", says Ziggy. He adds, "Busking brings joy to people. It brings entertainment and music to the streets. It makes people smile."

Some interesting observations are also mentioned such as How Not to Be A Knob since "not all buskers are saints - some can be right tos...

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(BOULDER) It's more popular than ever. This month, Busker Central has reached a pinnacle point of three thousand unique members. This landmark achievement exemplifies the power of the internet and the need to know all about busking and street performing. It showcases the research being performed and illustrates how we, as part of the human race, can and do make a difference.Launching in 2005 and standing it's ground, Busker Central has managed to carve out it's niche on the world wide web. There was the Busker Central reference website long before social mega-sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and all the rest ever existed. Reference video shot for Busker Central dates back to 1995.

Busker Central is about the world's arts and humanities. People thrive with diversity and by making Busker Central accessible,...

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(ENGLAND) Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director. His real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. He has also made good from his collection of "Illegal Art". First displaying work on walls for buskers, the movement has blossomed into an artform unto itself.Presenting art in Bristol along with artists like "3D" and "Broken Brain", the movement's attitude can be seen in his film "Exit through the gift shop". Watching some of the films, one can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of Banksy.

Using stencils and computers, Banksy approaches 3D from different perspectives. However, many artworks have been vandalized, painted over, or destroyed.

Banksy's works have dealt with various...

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