“Way on down south in London Town.” (Dire Straits, 1978)
Here’s a tune that’s been a radio staple since its release in the 1970s. Dire Straits debut single, “Sultans of Swing” first hit radio in May of 1978 but really sparked when it was re-released in January of 1979.
Here’s the band, featuring a very young-looking Mark Knopfler, performing “Sultans of Swing” live on the UK’s Old Grey Whistle Test show in 1978.
Previously, on Music for Monday: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, ‘My Bologna’ (1979)
Did it just get hotter in here?
“A gentleman knows how to keep her satisfied.”
Here’s a sexy Daily 70s Spot to get your Monday motor revving. A man. A woman. Black Tie “Cologne and Splash On.” And lots of innuendo. Commercial aired in November of 1975. Enjoy.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: ‘Apocalypse Now’ TV promo (1979)
‘Two Men on Stand Pipes Watching Parade, 1975. ‘ (© Paul McDonough. Courtesy Sasha Wolf Gallery, New York City.)
Thanks to Alyssa Coppelman at Slate‘s photo blog, I have discovered photographer Paul McDonough and his wonderful images of New York in the 1970s. Check out a quote and a few choice shots.
‘Street Corner, East Side, Man With Shopping Bag, 1973. ‘ (© Paul McDonough. Courtesy Sasha Wolf Gallery, New York City.)
“McDonough said that tackling street photography today versus the 1960s and 1970s is radically different. He explained via email:
‘The reaction is different today. Cameras are much more ubiquitous now. In the ‘70s there was a whole different atmosphere, it was much more laid back then. People didn’t particularly care if you were photographing them. By today’s standards, where there’s so much media trying to get information from people, people are much more wary. People see cameras as containing the possibility of exploitation. Everyone is spying. Local government, advertisers—they all want to know what it is you are thinking and doing. People were less paranoid in the ‘70s.”
‘Couple, Central Park Cafe, 1973. ‘ (© Paul McDonough. Courtesy Sasha Wolf Gallery, New York City.)
To read about and see more of McDonough”s work hit Slate and Amazon for McDonough’s book.
Previously, on 70s Shots: The Reapers, Bowies & Bee Gees
Martin Sheen in ‘Apocalypse Now,’ 1979
“The most eagerly-awaited motion picture of all time.”
Your Daily 70s Spot is a rare TV promo for Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam epic, Apocalypse Now. Commercial aired in November of 1979.
*Note: If you’d like to see the Apocalypse Now theatrical trailer hit this post.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Golden Grahams cereal (late 1970s)
Curious George and the case of the Golden Grahams
“Oh, those Golden Grahams! Golden honey – just a touch – with Grahams’ golden wheat.”
Time to wake up and and feign great excitement for breakfast in our Daily 70s Spot. Today we have a sun-soaked, family camping trip and much happiness generated by General Mill’s Golden Grahams cereal…and the color yellow. Commercial aired in the late 1970s.
You can thank me later for getting the “Golden Grahams Song” stuck in your head. It’s been hiding in the recesses of your brain patiently waiting for this moment.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Sugar Free Fresca ‘Wow!’ Commercial (1977)
‘Laff-A-Lympics’ TV title, 1977
Hanna-Barbera’s Laff-A-Lympics first appeared on ABC in September, 1977 as a segment of Scooby’s All-Star Laff-A-Lympics which also included The Scooby-Doo Show, The Blue Falcon & Dynomutt and Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels. 24 episodes were eventually produced through 1979.
The Yogi Yahooeys (‘Laff-A-Lympics,’ 1977)
Laff-A-Lympics was inspired by the Olympics (naturally) and ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars (where celebrities competed against one another in Olympic-style events). The cartoon series was hosted and co-announced by Snagglepuss and Mildew Wolf – who wore yellow jackets much like ABC’s top sports announcers Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford. Three teams of Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters; The Yogi Yahooeys, The Scooby Doobies and The Really Rottens battled each week for a gold medal win.
The Scooby Doobies (‘Laff-A-Lympics,’ 1977)
I was a big fan of the series and even picked up a few issues of Marvel’s Laff-A-Lympics comics that were published for a year (1978-79). The heady mix of all of those cartoon characters from across the decades coming together, combined with still-fresh memories of the 1976 Olympics and the magnificent inanity of celebrities competing on Battle of the Network Stars was too much for my young mind to resist. Catch the intro below.
The Really Rottens (‘Laff-A-Lympics,’ 1977)
Previously, on Funshine Friday: ‘Saturday Morning Sneak Peek’ (ABC, 1973)