‘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.
‘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)
‘There’s a new girl in town, ’cause I’m feelin’ good!’ (‘Alice,’ TV title, 1978)
Alice first aired on CBS in August of 1976 and ran for nine seasons until July of 1985. The show was based on the 1974 movie Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (which netted its star, Ellen Burstyn, an Oscar.)
The film and series follows a New Jersey mom who moves to Arizona with her young son while looking for work as a singer. She ends up employed as a waitress at a greasy eatery called Mel’s Diner.
The TV cast stars Linda Lavin as Alice, Vic Tayback (reprising his movie role) as Mel, Beth Howland as Vera and the show-stealing Polly Holliday as Flo – famous for the catchphrase “Kiss my grits!”
The pride of Mel’s Diner: Flo (Polly Holiday,) Vera (Beth Howland,) and Alice (Linda Lavin,) 1976
Below, you’ll find the intro for Alice season one. I did a fair bit of scrounging around and the version embedded is the best available. As a bonus treat, I’ve included a better quality short scene, also from season one.
Sure. That looks safe. (‘Skateboard Sense,’ mid-1970s)
Here’s a great little discovery for you to enjoy today. A nine-minute film from the mid-1970s (I’d guess around ’75 or ’76) called Skateboard Sense.
Dude took a spill. (‘Skateboard Sense,’ mid-1970s)
This gnarly and radical movie from Sid Davis Productions and the Pro/Am Skateboarding Racing Association features some seriously old school boards (and haircuts). If you keep your eyes peeled you’ll also get a nice look at 70s-era L.A. and the Hollywood area. What are you waiting for? Grab your green sparkle helmet and Santa Cruz board and view it!
‘Skateboard Sense,’ Sid Davis Productions, Mid-1970s
Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope 2013 finds you well and all of your hopes and dreams are fulfilled. At the very least, I hope you have a year free of parking tickets and “fiscal cliffs.”
Many 40th anniversaries are approaching in this chilly month of January. Let’s look at some of the significant events of four decades ago and see what we need to prepare ourselves for.
Elvis wishes you a Happy New Year! (‘Aloha from Hawaii,’ Jan. 1973)
Events of 40-Years-Ago – January, 1973
(Jan. 01) United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark become members of the European Economic Community (which later evolves into the European Union). Britain’s Prime Minister at the time is Edward Heath.
(Jan. 01) CBS sells the New York Yankees to a group led by George Steinbrenner. The price: 10 million dollars.
(Jan. 13) Eric Clapton performs at the Rainbow Theatre in London, England and the show is later released as an L.P.
(Jan. 14) Super Bowl VII is played. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins (14–7). The Dolphins achieve the NFL’s first “Perfect Season.”
(Jan. 14) Elvis Presley performs in Hawaii and the worldwide satellite broadcast ratings are record breaking.
(Jan. 15) President Nixon announces the end of offensive action in Vietnam.
Machine Head is Deep Purple’s most successful album and spent 118 weeks(!) on the US Billboard chart, reaching a high of #7. “Smoke on the Water” is the best-known track on the L.P. but if you prefer something more hard-driving you’ll want to spin “Highway Star.”
Here’s the band performing live on German TV’s Beat-Club in 1972. Watch for Ian Gillian’s improvised vocals and Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord’s awesome guitar and organ solo freak-outs. Drive on!
Deep Purple “Highway Star,” Live On ‘Beat-Club,’ German TV, 1972
