Bionic Disco: The most popular posts of 2012

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Good day, 1970s aficionados! Since everyone loves an informative and sexy list – let’s look at the most popular/most viewed posts here at Bionic Disco for the year 2012.

Not surprisingly, beautiful ladies are at the very top of the list. Coming in at second place we have beautiful cars. Probably, not very surprising either. But who knew The Jerk would be the most popular movie trailer on the site last year? Not me! Have a look at the top 10 – and thanks for your continued readership!

It really was a beautiful decade

It really was a beautiful decade



Bionic Disco: The Most Popular Posts of 2012

1. Babes of the 1970s: Lovely ladies

2. 1970s Corvette Stingray Gallery

3. Then and Now: ‘Car Wash’ film location, Los Angeles

4. Sherwood Schwartz, ‘Brady Bunch’ Creator, Dies

5. 70s Celebs: Flip Wilson

6. Bewitched: The final season

7. Steve Martin’s ‘The Jerk’ Trailer (’79)

8. Good Times: Watch full episodes this week

9. Brady Bunch Moments: Porkchops and Applesauce

10. Funshine Friday: Wacky Races Intro

Trailer Tuesday: Gene Hackman in ‘The Conversation’

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Gene Hackman is Harry Caul in 'The Conversation,' 1974

Gene Hackman is Harry Caul in ‘The Conversation,’ 1974



Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Conversation was released in April of 1974, right between the director’s better-known films; The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II. The thriller, set in San Francisco, stars Gene Hackman as a freelance surveillance expert who secretly records a conversation which may lead to the death of the couple being spied upon.

The Conversation is a compelling, tense picture with an excellent performance from Hackman as the socially-awkward and paranoid lead. Having watched it last night for the first time, I’d definitely recommend a viewing if you’ve let this one slip by. You’ll catch excellent co-stars like John Cazale (Dog Day Afternoon), Cindy Williams (American Graffiti) and a pre-Star Wars Harrison Ford – and take in some San Fran scenery from the early 70s. Watch the original trailer below.

The Conversation Theatrical Trailer, 1974

The Conversation Wiki, IMDb

The_Conversation_1-sheet_1974

Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: The Hindenburg

Music for Monday: B. J. Thomas, ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’

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Doesn't appear to be all wet - but we'll take his word for it. (B.J. Thomas, 1970)

Doesn’t appear to be all wet – but we’ll take his word for it. (B.J. Thomas, 1970)



B. J. Thomas released “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” in October of 1969. The reason you are seeing a 60s tune here, written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach for the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is that it was the very first #1 song of the 1970s.

Although “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” was later covered by many artists, including Engelbert Humperdinck, Johnny Mathis and Perry Como, Thomas’ version went to #1 in the US, Canada, Norway and South Africa and grabbed the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

B.J. Thomas ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,’ 1970

Previously, on Music for Monday: Deep Purple, ‘Highway Star’

70s Spots (International): Jean’s West & Cherry Blossom

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The second skateboard handstand photo I've posted this week. Freestylin'! (Jean's West, 1978)

The second skateboard handstand photo I’ve posted this week. Freestylin’! (Jean’s West, 1978)



This time around on 70s Spots we feature some nifty 70s-era TV commercials from outside of the United States. Whether or not you’re familiar with the products on offer – the ads are fun and bring back memories of the decade.

First, we have a spot from Italy for Jean’s West pantaloni featuring some wicked cool skateboarding and feathered hair. If the YouTube comments (and my internet searches) are correct, the ad features skateboarder Ed Nadalin and was shot in Rome in 1978.

The Beatles called. They want their chocolate submarine back. (Cherry Blossom, 1970s)

The Beatles called. They want their chocolate submarine back. (Cherry Blossom, 1970s)



The second spot on display is a slightly trippy animated commercial from Canada for Lowney’s Cherry Blossom chocolate. You’ll like this one. The animation will remind you of Levi’s & 7-Up ads from the same era. Unwrap it below.

Italian Jean’s West ‘Skateboarding’ TV Commercial, 1978

Canadian Lowney Cherry Blossom Animated TV Commercial, 1970s

Previously, on 70s Spots: Life Savers Candies

Mood Music: Wings, ‘Goodnight Tonight’

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'You can say anything - but don't say 'Goodnight,' tonight.' (Wings, 1979)

‘You can say anything – but don’t say ‘Goodnight,’ tonight.’ (Wings, 1979)



Paul McCartney and Wings released “Goodnight Tonight” in March of 1979. Just about everything McCartney released in the 1970s shot its way into the Top 20 and the man’s first serious flirtation with disco was no exception. “Goodnight Tonight” hit #5 in both the US and UK.

The stand-out sound on the track is McCartney’s bubbling, muscular bass line and it makes this one stand the test of time. Give ‘er a spin.

Wings ‘Goodnight Tonight’ Promotional Video, 1979

Previously, on Mood Music: T-Rex, ‘Metal Guru’

Funshine Friday: The New Adventures of Flash Gordon

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'Blasting off on a desperate mission to save Earth.' ('Flash Gordon,' 1979)

‘Blasting off on a desperate mission to save Earth.’ (‘Flash Gordon,’ 1979)



The New Adventures of Flash Gordon, or simply, Flash Gordon, originally aired on NBC from September, 1979 to November, 1982. Filmation produced 32 episodes of the cartoon and based the cast on the original 1930s newspaper comics. Old Timey characters such as Ming the Merciless, Dale Arden and Hans Zarkov appear in the animated series. Today, the show is considered some of Filmation’s best work.

The man of the hour - fiddling with his joysticks. ('Flash Gordon,' 1979)

The man of the hour – fiddling with his joysticks. (‘Flash Gordon,’ 1979)



Voices for the series were provided by; Robert Ridgely (Flash Gordon), Diane Pershing (Dale Arden), Alan Oppenheimer (Hans Zarkov) and a favorite that keeps popping up here in recent weeks – Allan ‘Sam the Butcher’ Melvin (King Vultan).

The New Adventures of Flash Gordon TV Intro, 1979

The New Adventures of Flash Gordon Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on Funshine Friday: The All New Popeye Hour