Saturday 70s Spots: Black & Decker & Solar Panels (1978)

Posted on by

It's Dave Lennox - the solar power man. (Lennox commercial, 1978)

It’s Dave Lennox – the solar power man. (Lennox commercial, 1978)

“Save energy with sunshine.”

It’s time to switch on the tube for some dusty, 1970s commercials. Our theme this weekend is home improvement and the do-it-yourself spirit.

First, we have a Black & Decker Workmate commercial featuring Bob Lilly of the Dallas Cowboys. After that, a vintage spot showing off some early solar power tech from Lennox. Look at those clunky solar panels slapped on the roof! Well, it’s a start.

Black & Decker Workmate With Bob Lilly, 1978

Lennox Solar Energy Commercial, 1978

Previously on 70s Spots: Tuborg Gold & Schlitz Beer (1978)

Daily 70s Ad: Phone-Mate ‘Answering Machine’ (1973)

Posted on by

Phone-Mate 'Answering Machine.' ('New York' magazine, June 04, 1973)

Phone-Mate ‘Answering Machine.’ (‘New York’ magazine, June 04, 1973)


(Click to enlarge)

“What it does is answer your phone in your voice and then records the message of your caller. It’s that simple.”

Direct from the 1973 Consumer Electronics Show. What a concept! But will it catch on? Daily 70s Ad #147: Phone-Mate ‘Answering Machine’ originally appeared in the June 04, 1973 issue of New York magazine.

(Source: New York)

Previously on Daily 70s Ad: Stars & Stripes Karate Gi (1976)

Funshine Friday: ‘Willy Wonka’ – Veruca Salt Sings ‘I Want It Now’ (1971)

Posted on by

Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt in 'Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,' 1971.

Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt in ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,’ 1971.

A very good Funshine Friday to you, Bionic Pals! Here’s the bratty and magnificent Veruca Salt singing “I Want It Now” from 1971’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

Veruca Salt is portrayed by Julie Dawn Cole and “I Want It Now” was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Watch it now – it’s a real bean feast!

‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’: Veruca Salt Sings ‘I Want It Now,’ 1971

Previously on Funshine Friday: ‘Doctor Dolittle’ (Cartoon Series, 1970)

More Willy Wonka at Bionic Disco: ‘Willy Wonka’ – ‘Pure Imagination’ Song (1971)

Daily 70s Ad: Stars & Stripes Karate Gi (1976)

Posted on by

Stars & Stripes Karate Gi. ('Black Belt' magazine, Jun. 1976)

Stars & Stripes Karate Gi. (‘Black Belt’ magazine, Jun. 1976)


(Click to enlarge)

“Celebrate The Bicentennial With A Stars & Stripes Gi.”

Bicentennial-themed merch ruled the mid-70s. Daily 70s Ad #146: Stars & Stripes Karate Gi originally appeared in the June, 1976 issue of Black Belt magazine.

(Source: Black Belt)

Previously on Daily 70s Ad: Arrow Shirts ‘Mach II’ (1970)

Partridge Pop: ‘I Can Feel Your Heartbeat’ (1970)

Posted on by

"I'm a man of my word..." (David Cassidy, 'The Partridge Family,' 1970)

“I’m a man of my word…” (David Cassidy, ‘The Partridge Family,’ 1970)

“I Can Feel Your Heartbeat” appeared on The Partridge Family Album, the fictional pop rockers’ debut disc. The tune is a funky, wah-wah pedal-flavored number written by Wes Farrell, Jim Cretecos and Mike Appel.

"Love. Love. Can't you feel your heartbeat..?" (Susan Dey, 'The Partridge Family,' 1970)

“Love. Love. Can’t you feel your heartbeat..?” (Susan Dey, ‘The Partridge Family,’ 1970)

“I Can Feel Your Heartbeat” has always been a favorite of mine. And at a brief two minutes in length – it’s over much too soon. Feel the heart…beat.

The Partridge Family: ‘I Can Feel Your Heartbeat,’ 1970

Previously on Partridge Pop: ‘One Day At A Time’ (1973)

Daily 70s Ad: Arrow Shirts ‘Mach II’ (1970)

Posted on by

Arrow Shirts ‘Mach II.' ('Flying' magazine, June, 1970)

Arrow Shirts ‘Mach II.’ (‘Flying’ magazine, June, 1970)


(Click to enlarge)

“Pants are striped to match the shirt, and feature a full-flare leg.”

So very modern! Daily 70s Ad #145: Arrow Shirts ‘Mach II’ originally appeared in the June, 1970 issue of Flying magazine.

(Source: Flying)

Previously on Daily 70s Ad: Jermaine Jackson’s ‘Feel The Fire’ (1977)