Tricks N' Treats

When pressed about their all-time favorite Halloween jam, a lot of people would probably go with Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Especially now that he's dead. Or maybe Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast." But my money's on Kid Koala's "Tricks N' Treats" from his turntablist masterpiece Scratchcratchratchatch. It's a beautiful melange of hip-hop and Charlie Brown's world weary holiday ennui.

Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp

Secret agent chimpanzees equipped with banana phones led by a commander named "Darwin" who are pitted against "CHUMP" (Criminal Headquarters For Underworld Master Plan), a clandestine organization of super-villains led by a monocled ape master criminal with a terrible German accent? An all-chimp rock band called "The Evolution Revolution"? Creepy fake moustaches worn by chimpanzee actors? How in God's name had I never heard of this? I feel like every moment up until now has been a complete waste of time.

Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp aired on Saturday mornings on the ABC network from 1970 to 1972. I don't think that I've ever been more proud of American television. (via: Dangerous Minds)

The Electric Kool-Aid Madison Avenue Test

The key to successful advertising is a nuanced understanding of your target demographic. It seems fairly apparent by the T.V. ads below that the most lucrative marketing target in the 1970's was stoned teenagers and Quaalude addled housewives. "Oooh......trippy!"



One of the most impressive examples of this was a Levi's campaign featuring the inimitable Ken Nordine.

I really do love Ken Nordine but I wish he would stop talking about "dacron polyester." It makes me uncomfortable.

In response to the ad above, in what may very well be the single greatest Youtube comments section contribution ever, one commenter lamented:

"This is when Levi's were made with acid in them, and you would trip just wearing them. Then they started washing the acid out in the 80's with the "Acid Washed" Levi's. Levi's have never been as good since."

"Come on, old trademark. Time for your walk."

"Hey there, stoned drive-in theater patrons. Just a little reminder that you are constantly hungry. Also, have you noticed that you have 'cotton mouth?' Maybe you should go to the concession stand. Come on. Your bong will still be there when you get back."

Although this lysergically inspired ad may not make me want to drink 7-Up, it does kind of make me feel like I have synesthesia. What a triumph.

Sing Sang Sung

"Sing Sang Sung" by Air. Obviously quite influenced by "Yellow Submarine," Sesame Street's "Pinball Number Count" and consciousness expansion. Fucking hippies.