Music For Monday: The Cars, ‘Just What I Needed’ (1978)

"You look so fancy I can tell..." ('Ric Ocasek and The Cars, 1978)

“You look so fancy I can tell…” (‘Ric Ocasek and The Cars, 1978)

The Cars’ debut single, “Just What I Needed,” released in May of 1978, a month before their self-titled L.P. hit record shops. The tune was penned by Ric Ocasek and sung by the band’s bassist, Benjamin Orr.

“Just What I Needed” climbed into the top 20 in the UK and the top 30 in the US. Below, you’ll find a clip of the band performing this pop masterpiece live in ’78 on The Midnight Special. Crank it.

The Cars: ‘Just What I Needed’ Live on ‘The Midnight Special,’ 1978

Previously on Music for Monday: The Police, ‘Can’t Stand Losing You’ (1978)

Daily 70s Ad: Hi-C Grape Drink (1970)

Hi-C Grape Drink ('LIFE' magazine, Nov. 13, 1970)

Hi-C Grape Drink (‘LIFE’ magazine, Nov. 13, 1970)


(Click to enlarge)

“The sensible drink.”

My thirst is quenched just looking at this beauty. Daily 70s Ad #2: Hi-C Grape Drink originally appeared in the November 13, 1970 issue of LIFE magazine.

(Source: LIFE magazine)

Previously on Daily 70s Ad: Lee Work Clothes (1975)

Daily 70s Ad: Lee Work Clothes (1975)

Today we’re firing up a new daily post we’ll be calling the “Daily 70s Ad.” Each day, for the next 365 days, we’ll be posting a fun, fantastic or fashionable magazine advertisement from the 1970s. Let’s jump right in!

Lee Work Clothes. ('Popular Mechanics,' July, 1975)

Lee Work Clothes. (‘Popular Mechanics,’ July, 1975)


(Click to enlarge)

“Living the life of Lee.”

All suited up and ready to build the next discotheque or car wash. Daily 70s Ad #1: Lee Work Clothes originally appeared in the July, 1975 issue of Popular Mechanics.

(Source: Popular Mechanics)

Daily 70s Spot: Heinz French Fries (1978)

The ketchup thing worked out pretty well. The fries...not so much. (Heinz commercial, 1978)

The ketchup thing worked out pretty well. The fries…not so much. (Heinz commercial, 1978)

“Get the fries with the extra step.”

Well, that’s gonna do it for our Daily 70s Spots for now. Today I’m laying spot #365 on you. Don’t fret though. There will still be plenty of vintage 1970s commercials here at the ‘Disco. Beginning next week, we’ll regularly post these 30 and 60-second time capsules over the weekend. Stay tuned for The Saturday 70s Spot and The Sunday 70s Spot.

Here to finish our year-long run is a Heinz french fries commercial featuring frozen, Deep Fries. Spot aired in July of 1978. Narration by Michael Bell.

Daily 70s Spot #365: Heinz French Fries Commercial, 1978

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Posh Puffs Tissues (1977)

Funshine Friday: ‘Space Academy’ (1977)

'Space Academy' TV title,1977

‘Space Academy’ TV title,1977

“Welcome to man’s most magnificent achievement in the conquest of space…”

Filmation’s Space Academy originally aired on CBS beginning in September of 1977. 15, 30-minute episodes were produced.

This short-lived sci fi series starred Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space) as Commander Isaac Gampu, the 300-year-old head of the academy in question. Grampu taught a collection of students from across the universe, portrayed by actors; Pamelyn Ferdin, Ric Carrott, Ty Henderson, Maggie Cooper, Brian Tochi and Eric Greene. Many strange beings were encountered (robot war machines, alien children made of energy, etc.) and valuable lessons were learned.

Jason of Star Command was a spin-off of Space Academy (and you can learn more about that here).

Look as good at 300-years-old you will not.

Look as good at 300-years-old you will not.

Soak up the show’s intro below and have a happy Funshine Friday!

‘Space Academy’ TV Intro, 1977

Space Academy Wiki, IMDb

Previously on Funshine Friday: ‘Tarzan, Lord Of The Jungle’ (Animated, 1976)

Daily 70s Spot: Posh Puffs Tissues (1977)

The Puffs so Posh, they've got a golden box. (Posh Puffs commercial, 1977)

The Puffs so Posh, they’ve got a golden box. (Posh Puffs commercial, 1977)

“The softest way to treat a sore nose.”

How the time flies. Tomorrow, I’ll be posting the 365th Daily 70s Spot, completing a solid year of 1970s commercials. Here now, is #364. A Posh Puffs tissue commercial featuring a “blind nose test.” Spot aired in December of 1977.

I’m so pleased to have used the term “blind nose test” in the above paragraph. Can I get a mental high five? Thanks.

Daily 70s Spot #364: Posh Puffs Tissues Commercial, 1977

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Parker Bros’ ‘Pit’ Card Game (1974)