Hidden Gems: The Manhattans, ‘Strange Old World’ (1972)

Posted on by

Time to put on our bulky headphones, take out a vinyl LP, and pop it on the turntable for another Hidden Gem. Today, as you may have surmised from the headline, we’re going to enjoy a melodic and funky tune from The Manhattans entitled “Strange Old World.”

“Strange Old World” was written by the group’s Richard Taylor and first appeared on their 1972 album A Million To One. The song was so good it showed up again on the The Manhattans 1974 LP That’s How Much I Love You. Soak it up.

The Manhattans “Strange Old World” (1972)

Previously on Hidden Gems: Cymande, ‘The Message’ (1972)

70s Spots: Buc-Wheats, Yogi Berra, AMC, Philco (1973)

Posted on by

1973 is the theme for today’s quartet of commercials. Click the clickers below for vintage spots for Buc-Wheats cereal, Jockey underwear with Yogi Berra, AMC, and Philco.

Buc-Wheats Cereal Commercial (1973)

General Mills Buc-Wheats cereal commercial featuring a stone-grinding water mill aired October 1973.

Jockey Underwear Commercial (Yogi Berra & Sons, 1973)

Jockey underwear commercial with baseball great Yogi Berra and his sons; Dale, Tim, and Larry aired September 1973.

AMC Car Comparison Commercial (1973)

AMC Buyer Protection Plan (Gremlin, Hornet, Javelin, Matador, Ambassador) commercial featuring a comparison to Ford, GM, and Chrysler. Spot aired December 1973.

Philco Ford TV Set Commercial (1973)

Philco Ford television set commercial featuring a 2-year guarantee aired October 1973.

Previously on 70s Spots: Pillsbury Wiener Wrap, International Coffees (1976)

More General Mills: 70s Spots: Introducing Boo Berry Cereal, 1972

More Jockey: Saturday 70s Spots: Haggar & Jockey Clothing (1977 & ’79)

More AMC: Daily 70s Ad: AMC’s Jeep Wagoneer (1973)

More Philco: 70s Spots (Holidays) Firestone Christmas Gifts (1972)

Classic 70s Ads: Sammy Johns, “Chevy Van” (1975)

Posted on by

Sammy Johns – “Chevy Van” ad via Cash Box March 08, 1975

Sammy Johns‘ “Chevy Van” was originally released in 1973 and didn’t cause much of a stir. However, when a re-release hit the airwaves in early 1975 it climbed all the way to #5 on the Hot 100.

It doesn’t get much more seventies than this one. We even get to enjoy instrumentation by the legendary studio musicians known as the Wrecking Crew. Rev your engines and have a listen.

Sammy Johns, “Chevy Van” (1975)

Previously on Classic 70s Ads: Ringo Starr, ‘Oh My My’ (1974)

70s Spots: Pillsbury Wiener Wrap, International Coffees (1976)

Posted on by

Time for a new batch of seventies commercials. The Pillsbury Doughboy makes a grand return and this time around he’s got Wiener Wraps on offer. Naming this product must have been an interesting day at the ol’ advertising agency.

You’ll also find spots for General Foods International Coffees, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and the Audi 5000. For more 70s commercials than you can shake a stick at visit the Bionic Disco YouTube channel.

Pillsbury Wiener Wrap Commercial (1976)

Pillsbury Wiener Wrap commercial featuring the Pillsbury Doughboy (voice by Paul Frees). Spot aired March 1976 (produced in ’75).

General Foods International Coffees Commercial (1976)

General Foods International Coffees commercial featuring Café Vienna and spokesperson, singer-actor Carol Lawrence. Spot aired March 1976.

Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer ‘Volcano’ Commercial (1977)

Pabst Blue Ribbon beer commercial featuring a surveying team and an erupting volcano aired September 1977.

Audi 5000 Commercial (USA, 1978)

Audi 5000 car commercial featuring European scenery. Spot aired November 1978.

Previously on 70s Spots: Keebler Elves & G.I. Joe (1975-76)

More Pillsbury: 70s Spots: Pillsbury Rich ‘N Easy Frosting & Ruffles Potato Chips (1974)

More General Foods: 70s Spots: Increda Bubble Gum & Colgate Fluorigard (1978)

More Pabst: 70s Spots: Pabst ‘First Flight’ (1972) & Budweiser ‘Basketball’ (1973)

More Audi: Daily 70s Spot: Audi 4000 (1979)

Classic 70s Ads: Ringo Starr, ‘Oh My My’ (1974)

Posted on by

Ringo Starr – ‘Oh My My’ ad via Billboard March 02, 1974

Ringo Starr’s Ringo album released in November of 1973 and spawned a number of radio hits for the former Beatle. In addition to “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen” there was “Oh My My.”

“Oh My My” was written by Ringo and features Billy Preston on keyboards and Merry Clayton and Martha Reeves on backing vocals. The tune hit #5 on the Hot 100.

Ringo Starr, ‘Oh My My’ (1973)

Previously on Classic 70s Ads: Mick Ronson, ‘Love Me Tender’ (1974)

More Ringo: Music For Monday: Ringo Starr, ‘It Don’t Come Easy’ (1971)

Hidden Gems: Cymande, ‘The Message’ (1972)

Posted on by

Cymande – (early 1970s) from cymandeofficial.com

Today, we’re taking a listen to a fantastic tune from the seventies that unfortunately we’d have to classify as a hidden gem. Sure, you can hear “Play That Funky Music” or “I Shot The Sheriff” on the radio now and again, but when’s the last time you caught a Cymande tune? Our loss.

Cymande (pronounced Sah-Mahn-Day and meaning “dove”) are a British band originally from a variety of nations including Jamaica and Guyana. Their 1972 self-titled debut LP contains a wealth of wonderful grooves, but today, let’s open our ears to “The Message.” No, not the 80s blockbuster – this is the original “Message,” damnit.

Cymande’s “The Message” hit #22 on Billboard‘s Soul chart and #48 on the Hot 100 in early ’73. Spin it!

Cymande, “The Message” (1972)