Benny Bell, ‘Shaving Cream’ ad via Cash Box March 08, 1975
Benny Bell wrote the novelty number “Shaving Cream” and issued it as a single on his own label in 1946. The singer, as far as I can gather as it’s a convoluted story, is Phil Winston under the pseudonym Paul Wynn.
After Dr. Demento began playing the record on his syndicated radio show in the 70s, Vanguard Records re-issued the single and it went all the way to #30 on the US Hot 100. Have a listen to the hit – but be careful not to step in a pile of sh…aaaaving cream!
In this assortment of vintage seventies commercials everything is edible. You can even eat the dishes. Well, maybe don’t eat the dishes.
For the first course, we have Fruity Pebbles. Followed by hot Franco-American Spaghetti with Meatballs featuring a Barry Manilow jingle. After that, its Taster’s Choice and Milky Way for dessert. Enjoy your meal.
Melanie, ‘Bitter Bad’ ad via Billboard April 07, 1973
Melanie’s “Bitter Bad” released in early 1973 and made its way to #36 on the US Hot 100. The song was written by Melanie and produced by Peter Schekeryk. As far as I can gather after some internet sleuthing, the studio version of “Bitter Bad” did not appear on an LP at the time. A live version did appear on 1973’s Melanie at Carnegie Hall.
Have a listen to the tune below. It’s a short, sweet slice of pop and a personal favorite from Melanie’s catalog of classics.
Welcome one and all to the latest batch of seventies commercials. Today, you’ll find spots for the 1973 Volkswagen 412 wagon and sedan, Kodak, Tums, and Quasar. I hope your journey back in time is a pleasant one. Have a wonderful weekend!
**Time to pull a classic post from the Bionic Disco vault. The following originally appeared April 3, 2013**
Hangin’ with Mayor McCheese. (‘McDonald’s Setmakers,’ 1972)
Here’s a rare and delightful time warp back to your childhood – when a visit to McDonald’s was still something to look forward to. In this 11-minute industrial film from 1972, Setmakers shows off the large line of park-like attractions they can build and install to attract customers to McDonald’s.
Why not vote for your McDonaldland favorite? Will it be the ‘Captain Crook Spiral Slide,’ ‘Mayor McCheese Roundabout,’ ‘Big Mac Climber’ or the ‘Pond with Filet o’ Fish Fountain’? Me, I’m going with the ‘Apple Pie Tree.’ Oh, yes.
Huge crowds at the first McDonaldland opening. (‘McDonald’s Setmakers,’ 1972)
The ‘Apple Pie Tree.’ I need this in my dining room. (‘McDonald’s Setmakers,’ 1972)
50-Years-Ago This Week: Aretha Franklin, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ ad via Record World, April 10, 1971
Aretha Franklin’s version of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” appeared on two of her 1971 LPs; Live At Fillmore West and Aretha’s Greatest Hits. Franklin’s take on this #1 hit made it to #6 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart. If you’re weary, pull up a pew and have a listen.
ARETHA FRANKLIN, ‘BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER’ (LIVE, 1971)
