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.