**A classic post from the Bionic Disco vault. The following originally appeared January 2, 2015**
Tonka Dioramas. (‘Boy’s Life’ magazine, January, 1975)
“Authenticated and approved by the Smithsonian Institution.”
These are right up my authenticated alley scene. Daily 70s Ad #356: Tonka Dioramas originally appeared in the January, 1975 issue of Boy’s Life magazine.
(Source: Boy’s Life)
Previously on From the Vault: Avon Calling (1970)
Alice Cooper’s second solo album Goes To Hell hit record shops in June of 1976. The disc carries on the concept theme from Cooper’s prior solo LP Welcome To My Nightmare.
Goes To Hell features the single “I Never Cry” which documented the artist’s ongoing troubles with alcohol addiction. The song made it to #12 on the US Hot 100. The album grabbed #27 on Billboard’s chart. Give it a listen.
ALICE COOPER, ‘I NEVER CRY’ (1976)
Previously on Classic 70s Music Ads: Elvis Presley, ‘I’m Leavin” (1971)
1978 is here and we’ve achieved “Prime Seventies.” Just watch the following ABC promo for back-to-back TV specials featuring The Carpenters, John Davidson, Suzanne Somers, Olivia Newton-John, Andy Gibb, and ABBA. Just…wow!
Following that, enjoy spots for Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips, the Subaru Brat, and C.W. Post cereal. On a minor note, I never saw an Arthur Treacher’s growing up in 70s-80s Southern California. Guess they were/are more of a Midwest and East Coast thing.
‘CARPENTERS’/’OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN’ TV SPECIALS PROMO (1978)
ABC promo for ‘The Carpenters: Space Encounters’ and ‘Olivia!’ TV specials. In addition to Karen and Richard Carpenter & Olivia Newton-John, guest stars include John Davidson, Suzanne Somers, Andy Gibb, and ABBA. Narration by Ernie Anderson. Spot aired May 1978.
ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS COMMERCIAL (1978)
Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips restaurant commercial. Narrator may be Danny Dark. Spot aired in 1978.
SUBARU BRAT COMMERCIAL (1978)
Subaru Brat car commercial featuring a ‘fun’ theme. Spot aired May 1978.
C.W. POST CEREAL COMMERCIAL (1978)
C.W. Post cereal commercial. Spot aired January 1978 (likely produced in ’77).
Previously on 70s Commercials: McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, Honeycomb Cereal, VW Rabbit, Spray ‘N Wash (1977)
More Carpenters: 70s Spots: The Carpenters – Rare Japanese Commercials
More Olivia Newton-John: 70s Stories In The News: Little Richard, Susan Dey, Grease, Saturday Night Fever
More Arthur Treacher’s: 70s Spots (Winter Holidays): Arthur Treacher’s ‘Santa’ (1979)
More Subaru: 70s Spots: ’74 Subaru, Snoopy’s Doghouse & More
More Post Cereals: 70s Spots: Pink Panther Flakes Cereal (1971 & ’72)
Bill Chase’s rocking jazz band Chase released their biggest hit “Get It On” in 1971. The song was written by Bill Chase and Terry Richards and appeared on the group’s eponymous debut LP. 50-years-ago this month “Get It On” grabbed a #24 chart placing on the US Hot 100.
Tragically, Bill Chase and band members Walter Clark, John Emma, and Wally Yohn were killed in a plane crash in August of 1974. Let’s spin the tune below in their memory.
CHASE, ‘GET IT ON’ (LIVE, 1971)
CHASE, ‘GET IT ON’ (STUDIO VERSION, 1971)
Previously on Music For Monday: Norman Greenbaum, ‘Canned Ham’ (1970)
A very happy Friday to you. Today’s batch of commercials aired in 1977. You can enjoy spots for McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, Honeycomb cereal, Volkswagen Rabbit, and Spray ‘n Wash. Stay safe out there and have a great weekend.
MCDONALD’S FILET-O-FISH COMMERCIAL (1977)
McDonald’s commercial featuring the Filet-O-Fish sandwich and Henry aka ‘Jaws’ played by actor Paul O’Keefe. Spot aired March 1977.
HONEYCOMB CEREAL ‘MUMMY’ COMMERCIAL (1977)
General Foods ‘New’ Post Honeycomb cereal commercial featuring ‘Big Mummy,’ ‘Big Monster’ aka Frankenstein, and the Honeycomb Hideout Gang. Spot aired in 1977.
VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT COMMERCIAL (1977)
Volkswagen Rabbit commercial featuring a “General Motors 5-Car Showdown” with Buick Opel, Toyota Corolla, Subaru DL, and Datsun B-210. Spot aired August 1977.
SPRAY ‘N WASH COMMERCIAL (1977)
Spray ‘n Wash stain remover commercial featuring actor Ron Masak covered in mustard aired August 1977.
Previously on 70s Commercials: ‘Bad News Bears,’ Chex Mix, Samsonite, United Airlines (1976)
More McDonald’s: 70s Spots: McDonald’s ‘The Big Meal’ (1971)
More Honeycomb Cereal: Saturday 70s Spots: Super Sugar Crisp & Honeycomb Cereal (1977)
More Volkswagen: Daily 70s Spot #488, 489: Volkswagen Scirocco & Rabbit (1975)
More Spray ‘n Wash: Daily 70s Spot: Betty White for Spray ‘n Wash (1976)
Elvis Presley ‘I’m Leavin” ad via Billboard magazine July 10, 1971
50-years-ago this week Elvis was gearing up to perform in Tahoe and releasing his new single “I’m Leavin’.” “I’m Leavin'” was written by Sonny Charles and Michael Jarrett and did not appear on an Elvis LP until the 1980 boxed collection Elvis Aron Presley.
There’s something about the plethora of “La La La’s” heard in this tune that I find appealing. The public liked it enough to award a chart placing of #36 on the US Hot 100 and #23 in the UK. Spin it below.
ELVIS PRESLEY, ‘I’M LEAVIN'” (1971)
Previously on Classic 70s Music Ads: The Guess Who, ‘Hand Me Down World’ (1970)