20:40 one day, for some unknown reason, the algorithm put this Peter Lemongello in my recommendations on my TV. I still don't know why this name picked my attention. It was this name alone that makes me watch this video. And now I watched most of your back catalog, subscribed, etc. Also, there's something in common between you and other content creators like Vwestlife and Techmoan that I consider something very classy and I really appreciate: you does not beg us to subscribe and give likes.
18:06 - hey that's me! lol I continue to thank you for that kick in the ass, and those words ring truer now as I keep going further with my art. I am an illustrator and comic book artist, and during that time it was still during lockdown and the future was looking uncertain. I struggle a lot with anxiety, depression and rejection sensitivity outside of just managing outside world stuff. Your words at the end of that episode, along with some help and advice from friends and colleagues really helped me push forward and to just keep going, make the art I want to create, trust the process and to not be too precious or attached to any outcome. Continuing to create and putting stuff out into the world not only helps you gain more experience points in terms of skill and accepting blowbacks and pitfalls but also solidifies your place in the world, what you have to share and what you have to say. If you want to make it, just go for it. Whether or not it's a smashing success, it's all an opportunity for learning and growth. Thanks for the encouragement. Also RIP to the Great Daryl Nathan. I'm from Grand Rapids and he passed away in 2020. Thanks for putting a spotlight on a local treasure. Happy Turkey Day to you and yours, Ben, and everyone out in Archiveland :)
I love the “scrambled” thumbnail. I have so many favorite episodes, but “Pay TV” is your magnum opus! Tele1st was like New Coke, it was just peak ‘80s.
Here's my Top 12: 12. American Exxtasy and other C-Band Nastiness. (Benny, who was the Guy you had do the Snarky Dish GTE CSR that trolled you for buying old Tapes from off the Internet? That was hilarious!) 11. Public Domain Distributors(Ed "American United Video" Rant is STILL a riot). 10. Format Wars.(The First Study in Contrast Two Parter you ever did on your Channel, Starship's "We Built This City" was a Perfect Fit for its subject theme. 9. Dumont Network. Brilliant and Educational Video. I'm so shocked on how there's only a couple of YT Videos that discuss this Network besides yours Ben. 8. LaserDisc and their Children. In my Opinion, hands down, the BEST Video on LD and its history on the Entire Internet. It was both like a Brilliant,Easy to Follow Oral College Essay on LaserDisc as a whole and a Love Letter to LaserDisc Collectors and Aficionados, The Luther Vandross 1981 Sears Jingle playing over the End Credits was the Icing on the Cake! 7. Philips CDi. A Masterpiece of TED Talk if I've ever seen one. Most CDi Rants only discuss or riff on the Abysmal Quality of its titles or the infamous Mario and Zelda games, but your video does a Perfect Full Textbook "Show and Tell" Demonstration and Summarization of ALL of the Drawbacks and Problems of the CD-i itself. 6. Philips DCC. Loved this Video. Because it brought back hazy memories of this, Dated, Late-To-the-Game" Variation of DAT Cassette that Philips Botched and brought out WAY too late to the Market. 5. RCA CED. Don't get me Wrong, Technology Connections 5 Part Series is a Joy to watch, But Ben's CED video is tightly wound and simplistic to follow, with no Rabbit Holes, it basically points out how RCA DOOMED this Format and took WAY too long on its Development. 4. Top 10 Local Commercials. SO many Infectious Earworms here! Greyhound Motors, Cal Worthington Ford "Go See Cal", Dial-a-Chicken, RB Furniture, Alexanders, Franklin Mills(ITS ELECTRIC). I've watched this episode hundreds of times. 3. VHS Vol 19 Business Scams. Its Rare when Benny Rips Apart Pyramid Schemes and MLMs, but when he does its Glorious! Sure Blair is the Master of Analyzing and Tearing Pyramid Schemes a New one with her Sass and Woman Principle Attitude (Her 2020 Amway Rant is among one the BEST Videos on Amway Global that's through and explains how the Pyramid Scheme Ecosystem Functions) but when Ms. Blair tears apart Ponzi Scams its more like her Expressing Indignancy, when Benny does it, its PURE Contempt. And I Love it. Like it TRULY rubs him the Wrong Way. He Doesn't laugh at the utter Ridiculousness of Moronic MLM Brands like Matol "Buy Our Expensive Cereal"~ Rich Evans and TSI Calling Cards, he's Generally REALLY offended by them without really expressing it. Its Subtle, therefore its GENIUS. 2. VHS Vol 21 How To Outwit The Main. I'm Glad Ben did another MLM Segment, and I hope he does MORE. The "Taxed People Dot Net" one truly shows the idiocy and stupidity that exists in the World. I just about lose it when I hear Ben Riffing on the Motorboat Ride foreshadowing of Michael C. Cooper. #1. Cult Distributors Part 1 "Something Weird/Rhino". Probably the Most Warm Hearted Episode I've seen. Mike Franhey's Story is heartwarming, and its an honor to know that his Widow knew how much Something Weird meant to him. I'm so glad SHE refused to let it shut down after his Passing, and it was even more Heartwarming of how Bettie Paige's Legal Misfire let to her not only patching things up with Frahney, but it Turned her Fortunes around and She was able to live 14 more years with a Revival of her Image and Brand of her Sexploitation 50s labels and films thanks to Frahney. The Camaraderie he developed with Hershel Gordon Lewis and Co was a Nice Touch. Bonus: Teletext Heaven(Or Hell). I LOVE this Episode. I love the pacing, the Colorful Music Choices "Sunlife". "The Beatles" "Carpet Of the Sun "Hard Candy Christmas" and Whitney Houston's 1987 Balled "Didn't We Almost Have it All?", and the easy to learn learn Chronology and Finally topped off with the Berlin "Muszak" Cover at the end.
Yep, the "Prevue Channel/Sneak Prevue" episode is my favorite along with "Pay-TV", "Theatre Policy Trailers", "All of Ben's Junk" and more! Oh and Happy Thanksgiving, Ben!
It’s always a treat to watch a new Oddity Archive. Such a neat idea for a series. Not everything hits, but that’s true with every piece of content that’s created. For every Master of Puppets, there’s a St. Anger. For every Stunt or Maroon, there’s a Born On A Pirate Ship. For every Moving Pictures, there’s a Caress of Steel. But even with the misses, there’s always at least one or two somethings interesting under the hood. I absolutely love what you do, and I look forward to it every time.
Maybe I’m just strange, but my favorite episodes are the ones dealing with early television (the Dumont network, UHF, etc), and the ones on silent film. I was particularly fond of the Raymond Rohauer episode, as I’d read some about him and it was fun to get more information on this notorious character.
My fave episodes of the Archive: the Max Headroom Incident, both the 1-900-Archive episodes, The Drive-In Intermissions, Protect and Survive, both the scary logo episodes, Amvest Video, the 1st 2 record ripoff episodes, both the PSA episodes, the prevue guide, airline safety videos, the home shopping channels, and the video magazines. So happy that I found your channel back in 2013, and you come up with some interesting and obscure stuff to talk about, and that's what makes this channel very unique. Happy Thanksgiving to you Ben.
I came across your channel years ago while looking for something on the Dumont Network, as I met someone who had worked for them. My favorite episodes are the Thrift Store hauls. I help out at a Animal Rescue Thrift Store and actually have purchased or picked up items over the last year of things for Ben that I thought he would have purchased if he came to our thrift store and the price was right. Of course we would have recognized him, he would have been the guy with the box in front of his face! I need to get it out to you soon. Two of the things are something I think could be Oddity Archive episode material.
That was definitely interesting, and it's good to get some insight into those episodes. Personally, if you had another earworm poll I'd vote for the prevue guide music - I'm a bit surprised that didn't make it into the last one. On another note: Happy...Thanks...Giving From G...A...T...O...R...G...I...R...L
Honestly I like a lot of the episodes on here (and the ones you’ve done in general), but I think my favorites of this lot are the VHS one since I like the format ones (This, Betamax, Laserdisc , and CED are my favorite of that sub series), and Disco Beaver from outer space partly since the movie itself is basically everything stereotypical about the late 70s: Disco music, Sex (Beaver), and Sci-Fi stuff (from outer space), and also just the Wild West of cable tv, especially in Manhattan, was back then.
My Favorites are as Listed: 12. American Exxtasy. 11. Public Domain Distributors(Ed's "Rant" Still gets me up in Stiches!) 10. Format Wars. 9. Dumont Network. 8. LaserDisc and their Children. 7. Philips CDi. 6. Philips DCC. 5. CED. 4. Top 10 Local Commercials. 3. VHS Vault Vol 19. 2. VHS Vol 21 and #1. Cult Distributors Part 1 "Something Weird(I love hearing about Mike Frahney's Story). Bonus: Teletext Heaven(The 2015 Revision with the Incredible indivertible Mid 90s Earworm "Sunlife" by Jimmy Fifth Band.)
I don't always get a chance to watch the episodes the day they come out, but I always look forward to them each week when I do have the time, and anything you're able to put out is always awesome in my book, as I've learned so much about early TV, and home movie formats I did not know beforehand. Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving👍
I do find I stand by the basic of the more mainstream episodes like Record Ripoffs or weird video based thing, I feel those weirder, more obscure topics are some of your best work. I come here to learn about these strange little topics, weird little commercials, odd classic cable bits, unhinged indie music, and I'm never disappointed. And you should be proud of this year's Halloween special. It was a glorious piece of movie parody and a fine little short film in its own right.
Thank you Ben, your timing with this is perfect. A lousy holiday (one thing after another stuff). Therefore, when I finally found time to watch your work without distraction or interruption, it indeed made me feel better. I truly enjoy your viewpoints, humor, and general feeling to what you do. One thing though..If ever I get out your way, I would greatly enjoy collaborating on a musical adventure. Your career and mine are not too far apart, but I have been at this mess a lot longer. Collaborating on a few songs would be a fun job for me, even if that never comes to pass.... Take care Ben, and Thanks again for the work.
Oddity Archive has a Black Friday sale? I'll be first in line! Featuring copies of the Disco Beaver program in the obscure media format you choose, clearance masks from Rolling Clover Industries, and Maria's latest crossover with Love Buzz, "What Are YOU Looking At?" I hear Sergei from KLAK will also be signing autographs!
@@OddityArchive they were low power UHF stations; they didn't have any cable presence. The closest thing now is the digital stations that run old reruns like METV
That's one more cover than I was able to pick out (and that's only because it was the one and only track in English). I still have no idea how much of it is covers and how much is original.
im late to this one, but i think the death of analog tv episode is way up there as a favorite for me. its not the one that drew me into archiveland, but it certainly kept me there
I loved your Lemonjello video too! during lockdown, I watched a pay only, now sands of time, The Dollop livestream episode, about the guy. They played clips and dug up a... a lot of info for a dude who is Lemonjello. It was fun as hell, and then your episode popped up later and I was JAZZED. I was like--- * I KNOW THAT GUY OH SHIT *. very fun~! thanks!
Greatest hits compilations are good for casual fans who just like the hits, but of no interest to serious fans (unless they slip in an unreleased track or two... I'm thinking of Bob Dylan's first greatest hits album here). But a collection of what the artist considers their best work, that's interesting for the serious fan. Regarding the 'music career' series, so they didn't do well from the youtube stats aspect, but how many of us became fans of your music and bought your albums/tracks on Bandcamp because of them? I certainly did.
Ben (no relation) discovered that one. Here's his writeup on it--scroll to the bottom. www.classicalgasemissions.com/2019/10/junq-tour-2019-winkler-gospel-echoes.html
Insofar as your detractors - especially the comment you put front and center while you were narrating - I will never understand why anyone deliberately makes themselves watch or listen to something that they "hate". And certainly this is isn't limited to your channel or RUclips. That people would sit through hours of content they don't enjoy, is beyond incomprehensible to me. You're taking your limited time on this earth, and devoting it to being an annoying nuisance at best, or a human trash barrel at worst. That is to say nothing of the fact that you aren't - at least to my sensibilities - being the slightest bit venomous or cruel. (I always take your brand of comedy as something akin to MST3K; giving a good ribbing, but ultimately all in good fun) Especially not when you take the long view and look at other content out there that is nasty, disingenuous or straight up evil, for views and ad dollars. By and large, the social portions of any site today make me reiterate, "I miss when stupid people were afraid of computers," so much, it's like I'm chanting a mantra. i.e. - Don't let the rabble get you down. Keep doing your thing. You have a pretty unique voice amongst your techie peers, covering ephemera and flashes in the pan that few others remember, and even fewer know about. And if you ever feel down, just remember, at least you aren't doing reaction videos. Ugh.
Here's my Top 12: 12. American Exxtasy and other C-Band Nastiness. (Benny, who was the Guy you had do the Snarky Dish GTE CSR that trolled you for buying old Tapes from off the Internet? That was hilarious!) 11. Public Domain Distributors(Ed "American United Video" Rant is STILL a riot). 10. Format Wars.(The First Study in Contrast Two Parter you ever did on your Channel, Starship's "We Built This City" was a Perfect Fit for its subject theme. 9. Dumont Network. Brilliant and Educational Video. I'm so shocked on how there's only a couple of YT Videos that discuss this Network besides yours Ben. 8. LaserDisc and their Children. In my Opinion, hands down, the BEST Video on LD and its history on the Entire Internet. It was both like a Brilliant,Easy to Follow Oral College Essay on LaserDisc as a whole and a Love Letter to LaserDisc Collectors and Aficionados, The Luther Vandross 1981 Sears Jingle playing over the End Credits was the Icing on the Cake! 7. Philips CDi. A Masterpiece of TED Talk if I've ever seen one. Most CDi Rants only discuss or riff on the Abysmal Quality of its titles or the infamous Mario and Zelda games, but your video does a Perfect Full Textbook "Show and Tell" Demonstration and Summarization of ALL of the Drawbacks and Problems of the CD-i itself. 6. Philips DCC. Loved this Video. Because it brought back hazy memories of this, Dated, Late-To-the-Game" Variation of DAT Cassette that Philips Botched and brought out WAY too late to the Market. 5. RCA CED. Don't get me Wrong, Technology Connections 5 Part Series is a Joy to watch, But Ben's CED video is tightly wound and simplistic to follow, with no Rabbit Holes, it basically points out how RCA DOOMED this Format and took WAY too long on its Development. 4. Top 10 Local Commercials. SO many Infectious Earworms here! Greyhound Motors, Cal Worthington Ford "Go See Cal", Dial-a-Chicken, RB Furniture, Alexanders, Franklin Mills(ITS ELECTRIC). I've watched this episode hundreds of times. 3. VHS Vol 19 Business Scams. Its Rare when Benny Rips Apart Pyramid Schemes and MLMs, but when he does its Glorious! Sure Blair is the Master of Analyzing and Tearing Pyramid Schemes a New one with her Sass and Woman Principle Attitude (Her 2020 Amway Rant is among one the BEST Videos on Amway Global that's through and explains how the Pyramid Scheme Ecosystem Functions) but when Ms. Blair tears apart Ponzi Scams its more like her Expressing Indignancy, when Benny does it, its PURE Contempt. And I Love it. Like it TRULY rubs him the Wrong Way. He Doesn't laugh at the utter Ridiculousness of Moronic MLM Brands like Matol "Buy Our Expensive Cereal"~ Rich Evans and TSI Calling Cards, he's Generally REALLY offended by them without really expressing it. Its Subtle, therefore its GENIUS. 2. VHS Vol 21 How To Outwit The Main. I'm Glad Ben did another MLM Segment, and I hope he does MORE. The "Taxed People Dot Net" one truly shows the idiocy and stupidity that exists in the World. I just about lose it when I hear Ben Riffing on the Motorboat Ride foreshadowing of Michael C. Cooper. #1. Cult Distributors Part 1 "Something Weird/Rhino". Probably the Most Warm Hearted Episode I've seen. Mike Vraney's Story is heartwarming, and its an honor to know that his Widow Lisa Petrucci Vraney knew how much Something Weird meant to him. I'm so glad SHE refused to let it shut down after his Passing, and it was even more Heartwarming of how Bettie Page's Legal Misfire let to her not only patching things up with Vraney, but it Turned her Fortunes around and She was able to live 14 more years with a Revival of her Image and Brand of her Sexploitation 50s labels and films thanks to Vraney. The Camaraderie he developed with Hershel Gordon Lewis and Co was a Nice Touch. Bonus: Teletext Heaven(Or Hell). I LOVE this Episode. I love the pacing, the Colorful Music Choices "Sunlife". "The Beatles" "Carpet Of the Sun "Hard Candy Christmas" and Whitney Houston's 1987 Ballad "Didn't We Almost Have it All?", and the easy to learn learn Chronology and Finally topped off with the Berlin "Muszak" Cover at the end.
The American EXXXtasy "operator" was an intern of sorts I had very early on--who fell off the face of the planet a year or two later--no idea whatever happened to him.
20:40 one day, for some unknown reason, the algorithm put this Peter Lemongello in my recommendations on my TV. I still don't know why this name picked my attention. It was this name alone that makes me watch this video.
And now I watched most of your back catalog, subscribed, etc.
Also, there's something in common between you and other content creators like Vwestlife and Techmoan that I consider something very classy and I really appreciate: you does not beg us to subscribe and give likes.
18:06 - hey that's me! lol
I continue to thank you for that kick in the ass, and those words ring truer now as I keep going further with my art.
I am an illustrator and comic book artist, and during that time it was still during lockdown and the future was looking uncertain. I struggle a lot with anxiety, depression and rejection sensitivity outside of just managing outside world stuff. Your words at the end of that episode, along with some help and advice from friends and colleagues really helped me push forward and to just keep going, make the art I want to create, trust the process and to not be too precious or attached to any outcome. Continuing to create and putting stuff out into the world not only helps you gain more experience points in terms of skill and accepting blowbacks and pitfalls but also solidifies your place in the world, what you have to share and what you have to say. If you want to make it, just go for it. Whether or not it's a smashing success, it's all an opportunity for learning and growth. Thanks for the encouragement.
Also RIP to the Great Daryl Nathan. I'm from Grand Rapids and he passed away in 2020. Thanks for putting a spotlight on a local treasure.
Happy Turkey Day to you and yours, Ben, and everyone out in Archiveland :)
I love the “scrambled” thumbnail. I have so many favorite episodes, but “Pay TV” is your magnum opus! Tele1st was like New Coke, it was just peak ‘80s.
Here's my Top 12:
12. American Exxtasy and other C-Band Nastiness. (Benny, who was the Guy you had do the Snarky Dish GTE CSR that trolled you for buying old Tapes from off the Internet? That was hilarious!)
11. Public Domain Distributors(Ed "American United Video" Rant is STILL a riot).
10. Format Wars.(The First Study in Contrast Two Parter you ever did on your Channel, Starship's "We Built This City" was a Perfect Fit for its subject theme.
9. Dumont Network. Brilliant and Educational Video. I'm so shocked on how there's only a couple of YT Videos that discuss this Network besides yours Ben.
8. LaserDisc and their Children. In my Opinion, hands down, the BEST Video on LD and its history on the Entire Internet. It was both like a Brilliant,Easy to Follow Oral College Essay on LaserDisc as a whole and a Love Letter to LaserDisc Collectors and Aficionados, The Luther Vandross 1981 Sears Jingle playing over the End Credits was the Icing on the Cake!
7. Philips CDi. A Masterpiece of TED Talk if I've ever seen one. Most CDi Rants only discuss or riff on the Abysmal Quality of its titles or the infamous Mario and Zelda games, but your video does a Perfect Full Textbook "Show and Tell" Demonstration and Summarization of ALL of the Drawbacks and Problems of the CD-i itself.
6. Philips DCC. Loved this Video. Because it brought back hazy memories of this, Dated, Late-To-the-Game" Variation of DAT Cassette that Philips Botched and brought out WAY too late to the Market.
5. RCA CED. Don't get me Wrong, Technology Connections 5 Part Series is a Joy to watch, But Ben's CED video is tightly wound and simplistic to follow, with no Rabbit Holes, it basically points out how RCA DOOMED this Format and took WAY too long on its Development.
4. Top 10 Local Commercials. SO many Infectious Earworms here! Greyhound Motors, Cal Worthington Ford "Go See Cal", Dial-a-Chicken, RB Furniture, Alexanders, Franklin Mills(ITS ELECTRIC). I've watched this episode hundreds of times.
3. VHS Vol 19 Business Scams. Its Rare when Benny Rips Apart Pyramid Schemes and MLMs, but when he does its Glorious! Sure Blair is the Master of Analyzing and Tearing Pyramid Schemes a New one with her Sass and Woman Principle Attitude (Her 2020 Amway Rant is among one the BEST Videos on Amway Global that's through and explains how the Pyramid Scheme Ecosystem Functions) but when Ms. Blair tears apart Ponzi Scams its more like her Expressing Indignancy, when Benny does it, its PURE Contempt. And I Love it. Like it TRULY rubs him the Wrong Way. He Doesn't laugh at the utter Ridiculousness of Moronic MLM Brands like Matol "Buy Our Expensive Cereal"~ Rich Evans and TSI Calling Cards, he's Generally REALLY offended by them without really expressing it. Its Subtle, therefore its GENIUS.
2. VHS Vol 21 How To Outwit The Main. I'm Glad Ben did another MLM Segment, and I hope he does MORE. The "Taxed People Dot Net" one truly shows the idiocy and stupidity that exists in the World. I just about lose it when I hear Ben Riffing on the Motorboat Ride foreshadowing of Michael C. Cooper.
#1. Cult Distributors Part 1 "Something Weird/Rhino". Probably the Most Warm Hearted Episode I've seen. Mike Franhey's Story is heartwarming, and its an honor to know that his Widow knew how much Something Weird meant to him. I'm so glad SHE refused to let it shut down after his Passing, and it was even more Heartwarming of how Bettie Paige's Legal Misfire let to her not only patching things up with Frahney, but it Turned her Fortunes around and She was able to live 14 more years with a Revival of her Image and Brand of her Sexploitation 50s labels and films thanks to Frahney. The Camaraderie he developed with Hershel Gordon Lewis and Co was a Nice Touch.
Bonus: Teletext Heaven(Or Hell). I LOVE this Episode. I love the pacing, the Colorful Music Choices "Sunlife". "The Beatles" "Carpet Of the Sun "Hard Candy Christmas" and Whitney Houston's 1987 Balled "Didn't We Almost Have it All?", and the easy to learn learn Chronology and Finally topped off with the Berlin "Muszak" Cover at the end.
Peter Lemongello was my gateway into OA. I was a teenager at the time I first saw his ads. Really enjoyed remembering something I totally forgot.
Yep, the "Prevue Channel/Sneak Prevue" episode is my favorite along with "Pay-TV", "Theatre Policy Trailers", "All of Ben's Junk" and more! Oh and Happy Thanksgiving, Ben!
The Prevue/Sneak Prevue episode ended up in my suggested videos one day in 2017 and it's how I discovered the OA.
It’s always a treat to watch a new Oddity Archive. Such a neat idea for a series. Not everything hits, but that’s true with every piece of content that’s created. For every Master of Puppets, there’s a St. Anger. For every Stunt or Maroon, there’s a Born On A Pirate Ship. For every Moving Pictures, there’s a Caress of Steel. But even with the misses, there’s always at least one or two somethings interesting under the hood. I absolutely love what you do, and I look forward to it every time.
Maybe I’m just strange, but my favorite episodes are the ones dealing with early television (the Dumont network, UHF, etc), and the ones on silent film. I was particularly fond of the Raymond Rohauer episode, as I’d read some about him and it was fun to get more information on this notorious character.
I have a certain affection for the Rohauer episode as well.
You're not alone, as I love the early history of TV episodes as well. 🙂
My fave episodes of the Archive: the Max Headroom Incident, both the 1-900-Archive episodes, The Drive-In Intermissions, Protect and Survive, both the scary logo episodes, Amvest Video, the 1st 2 record ripoff episodes, both the PSA episodes, the prevue guide, airline safety videos, the home shopping channels, and the video magazines.
So happy that I found your channel back in 2013, and you come up with some interesting and obscure stuff to talk about, and that's what makes this channel very unique. Happy Thanksgiving to you Ben.
I came across your channel years ago while looking for something on the Dumont Network, as I met someone who had worked for them.
My favorite episodes are the Thrift Store hauls. I help out at a Animal Rescue Thrift Store and actually have purchased or picked up items over the last year of things for Ben that I thought he would have purchased if he came to our thrift store and the price was right. Of course we would have recognized him, he would have been the guy with the box in front of his face! I need to get it out to you soon. Two of the things are something I think could be Oddity Archive episode material.
That was definitely interesting, and it's good to get some insight into those episodes. Personally, if you had another earworm poll I'd vote for the prevue guide music - I'm a bit surprised that didn't make it into the last one.
On another note:
Happy...Thanks...Giving
From G...A...T...O...R...G...I...R...L
Honestly I like a lot of the episodes on here (and the ones you’ve done in general), but I think my favorites of this lot are the VHS one since I like the format ones (This, Betamax, Laserdisc , and CED are my favorite of that sub series), and Disco Beaver from outer space partly since the movie itself is basically everything stereotypical about the late 70s: Disco music, Sex (Beaver), and Sci-Fi stuff (from outer space), and also just the Wild West of cable tv, especially in Manhattan, was back then.
My Favorites are as Listed: 12. American Exxtasy. 11. Public Domain Distributors(Ed's "Rant" Still gets me up in Stiches!) 10. Format Wars. 9. Dumont Network. 8. LaserDisc and their Children. 7. Philips CDi. 6. Philips DCC. 5. CED. 4. Top 10 Local Commercials. 3. VHS Vault Vol 19. 2. VHS Vol 21 and #1. Cult Distributors Part 1 "Something Weird(I love hearing about Mike Frahney's Story). Bonus: Teletext Heaven(The 2015 Revision with the Incredible indivertible Mid 90s Earworm "Sunlife" by Jimmy Fifth Band.)
I don't always get a chance to watch the episodes the day they come out, but I always look forward to them each week when I do have the time, and anything you're able to put out is always awesome in my book, as I've learned so much about early TV, and home movie formats I did not know beforehand. Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving👍
Happy Thanksgiving Ben! Still here, and still appreciate all you do!
Always great to hear from you/see you, Rob! :)
Hope you would be glad to know that your vids on the history of VHS is my reference point to anyone interested in the subject! Be Kind..Rewind!
This Prevue Channel one is coincidentally my all time favorite OA Episode that you ever did Ben!
The Analogue TV, Prevue, VHS and Musical Career episodes are some of my favorites, so I account for a good number of those replays.
23:56 🎶Airplane! endless stream of scrolling controls plays*🎶
I do find I stand by the basic of the more mainstream episodes like Record Ripoffs or weird video based thing, I feel those weirder, more obscure topics are some of your best work. I come here to learn about these strange little topics, weird little commercials, odd classic cable bits, unhinged indie music, and I'm never disappointed. And you should be proud of this year's Halloween special. It was a glorious piece of movie parody and a fine little short film in its own right.
Thank you Ben, your timing with this is perfect. A lousy holiday (one thing after another stuff). Therefore, when I finally found time to watch your work without distraction or interruption, it indeed made me feel better. I truly enjoy your viewpoints, humor, and general feeling to what you do.
One thing though..If ever I get out your way, I would greatly enjoy collaborating on a musical adventure. Your career and mine are not too far apart, but I have been at this mess a lot longer. Collaborating on a few songs would be a fun job for me, even if that never comes to pass.... Take care Ben, and Thanks again for the work.
Oddity Archive has a Black Friday sale? I'll be first in line! Featuring copies of the Disco Beaver program in the obscure media format you choose, clearance masks from Rolling Clover Industries, and Maria's latest crossover with Love Buzz, "What Are YOU Looking At?" I hear Sergei from KLAK will also be signing autographs!
I'd love to see a segment on Channel America; it had to be the last analogue-only network, but there's not much footage of it online
I thought Channel America was 100% low-power. They'd have been long gone before HDTV.
@@OddityArchive they were low power UHF stations; they didn't have any cable presence. The closest thing now is the digital stations that run old reruns like METV
Well, I now know there are more lyrics to “Why Do You Think You Are Nuts”. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.
America is gathered together to groove on the Tryptophan buzz
Ben working to entertain us on a holiday!!!
Disco Beaver's theme song is the best!
Happy Thanksgiving, OA!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Ben and everybody in America! Hope everyone will have a great day, take care!
Disco Beaver is in it's entirety on RUclips actually I found out.
At least twice over.
@@OddityArchive Got to thank you for mentioning it. It's definitely something you have to see once.
@@OddityArchivegood to spread out the beaver
That clip of Maria from the random tapes ep is her singing "Timber, I'm Falling in Love" by Patty Loveless.
Maybe I'll listen to that episode soon.
That's one more cover than I was able to pick out (and that's only because it was the one and only track in English). I still have no idea how much of it is covers and how much is original.
I'm three weeks late due to working and stuff, love what you to and always will, my personal favorites is the sign off episode
im late to this one, but i think the death of analog tv episode is way up there as a favorite for me. its not the one that drew me into archiveland, but it certainly kept me there
happy thanksgiving. Benny Boy! glad to enjoy a treat after wine and family time!
I loved your Lemonjello video too!
during lockdown, I watched a pay only, now sands of time, The Dollop livestream episode, about the guy. They played clips and dug up a... a lot of info for a dude who is Lemonjello. It was fun as hell, and then your episode popped up later and I was JAZZED. I was like--- * I KNOW THAT GUY OH SHIT *.
very fun~! thanks!
I love the Record Ripoffs episodes!
The best turkeys on turkey day.
Devo also put out a pair of Greatest Hits/Greatest Misses releases.
Thanks Ben…for another wonderful holiday episode!...You’re becoming a holiday tradition around here!!...Looking forward to your Christmas video!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Ben.
You know what I miss? Weatherscan.
Yes, you need to get back to Boxcar Willie. And maybe Slim Whitman and Zamfir, Master of the Pan Flute, too.
Man, I love those music “career” episodes.
I dunno, I guess I like storytimes like that.
Happy Thanksgiving Ben, I hope you enjoy eating Turkey.
Even if it feels a bit like cannibalism at times (being a total turkey myself, ya know).
@@OddityArchive I know.
I wish I could get this channel on a drip
Okay, I don't know if I said this at first, but Maria sounds like a low-rent Bjork or something.
29:00 💕💕
Greatest hits compilations are good for casual fans who just like the hits, but of no interest to serious fans (unless they slip in an unreleased track or two... I'm thinking of Bob Dylan's first greatest hits album here). But a collection of what the artist considers their best work, that's interesting for the serious fan. Regarding the 'music career' series, so they didn't do well from the youtube stats aspect, but how many of us became fans of your music and bought your albums/tracks on Bandcamp because of them? I certainly did.
I won't deny it helped clear out the remaining Minn-Knot CD's.
Beware of pretty fine girls? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE NUTS?!
That's a turkey on the box? I thought it was furry art featuring the NBC peacock with an inflation fetish.
I just thought it had a cool 3-D effect.
@@OddityArchive I've been on the Internet for too long.
Limongello!
10:05 - It's JD Vance!!
I still think the lead singer of LoveBuzzz sounds like you. (No offense intended :) )
Ya got me. I was 7 when I cut those vocals--puberty hit really early. :D
Jesus Ben where did you find that terrible music with the ladies singing horribly? Lol
You'll have to be more specific.
@@OddityArchiveI meant at 30:41
Ben (no relation) discovered that one. Here's his writeup on it--scroll to the bottom. www.classicalgasemissions.com/2019/10/junq-tour-2019-winkler-gospel-echoes.html
I downloaded the album from his site. I had to
Insofar as your detractors - especially the comment you put front and center while you were narrating - I will never understand why anyone deliberately makes themselves watch or listen to something that they "hate". And certainly this is isn't limited to your channel or RUclips. That people would sit through hours of content they don't enjoy, is beyond incomprehensible to me. You're taking your limited time on this earth, and devoting it to being an annoying nuisance at best, or a human trash barrel at worst. That is to say nothing of the fact that you aren't - at least to my sensibilities - being the slightest bit venomous or cruel. (I always take your brand of comedy as something akin to MST3K; giving a good ribbing, but ultimately all in good fun) Especially not when you take the long view and look at other content out there that is nasty, disingenuous or straight up evil, for views and ad dollars. By and large, the social portions of any site today make me reiterate, "I miss when stupid people were afraid of computers," so much, it's like I'm chanting a mantra. i.e. - Don't let the rabble get you down. Keep doing your thing. You have a pretty unique voice amongst your techie peers, covering ephemera and flashes in the pan that few others remember, and even fewer know about. And if you ever feel down, just remember, at least you aren't doing reaction videos. Ugh.
Here's my Top 12:
12. American Exxtasy and other C-Band Nastiness. (Benny, who was the Guy you had do the Snarky Dish GTE CSR that trolled you for buying old Tapes from off the Internet? That was hilarious!)
11. Public Domain Distributors(Ed "American United Video" Rant is STILL a riot).
10. Format Wars.(The First Study in Contrast Two Parter you ever did on your Channel, Starship's "We Built This City" was a Perfect Fit for its subject theme.
9. Dumont Network. Brilliant and Educational Video. I'm so shocked on how there's only a couple of YT Videos that discuss this Network besides yours Ben.
8. LaserDisc and their Children. In my Opinion, hands down, the BEST Video on LD and its history on the Entire Internet. It was both like a Brilliant,Easy to Follow Oral College Essay on LaserDisc as a whole and a Love Letter to LaserDisc Collectors and Aficionados, The Luther Vandross 1981 Sears Jingle playing over the End Credits was the Icing on the Cake!
7. Philips CDi. A Masterpiece of TED Talk if I've ever seen one. Most CDi Rants only discuss or riff on the Abysmal Quality of its titles or the infamous Mario and Zelda games, but your video does a Perfect Full Textbook "Show and Tell" Demonstration and Summarization of ALL of the Drawbacks and Problems of the CD-i itself.
6. Philips DCC. Loved this Video. Because it brought back hazy memories of this, Dated, Late-To-the-Game" Variation of DAT Cassette that Philips Botched and brought out WAY too late to the Market.
5. RCA CED. Don't get me Wrong, Technology Connections 5 Part Series is a Joy to watch, But Ben's CED video is tightly wound and simplistic to follow, with no Rabbit Holes, it basically points out how RCA DOOMED this Format and took WAY too long on its Development.
4. Top 10 Local Commercials. SO many Infectious Earworms here! Greyhound Motors, Cal Worthington Ford "Go See Cal", Dial-a-Chicken, RB Furniture, Alexanders, Franklin Mills(ITS ELECTRIC). I've watched this episode hundreds of times.
3. VHS Vol 19 Business Scams. Its Rare when Benny Rips Apart Pyramid Schemes and MLMs, but when he does its Glorious! Sure Blair is the Master of Analyzing and Tearing Pyramid Schemes a New one with her Sass and Woman Principle Attitude (Her 2020 Amway Rant is among one the BEST Videos on Amway Global that's through and explains how the Pyramid Scheme Ecosystem Functions) but when Ms. Blair tears apart Ponzi Scams its more like her Expressing Indignancy, when Benny does it, its PURE Contempt. And I Love it. Like it TRULY rubs him the Wrong Way. He Doesn't laugh at the utter Ridiculousness of Moronic MLM Brands like Matol "Buy Our Expensive Cereal"~ Rich Evans and TSI Calling Cards, he's Generally REALLY offended by them without really expressing it. Its Subtle, therefore its GENIUS.
2. VHS Vol 21 How To Outwit The Main. I'm Glad Ben did another MLM Segment, and I hope he does MORE. The "Taxed People Dot Net" one truly shows the idiocy and stupidity that exists in the World. I just about lose it when I hear Ben Riffing on the Motorboat Ride foreshadowing of Michael C. Cooper.
#1. Cult Distributors Part 1 "Something Weird/Rhino". Probably the Most Warm Hearted Episode I've seen. Mike Vraney's Story is heartwarming, and its an honor to know that his Widow Lisa Petrucci Vraney knew how much Something Weird meant to him. I'm so glad SHE refused to let it shut down after his Passing, and it was even more Heartwarming of how Bettie Page's Legal Misfire let to her not only patching things up with Vraney, but it Turned her Fortunes around and She was able to live 14 more years with a Revival of her Image and Brand of her Sexploitation 50s labels and films thanks to Vraney. The Camaraderie he developed with Hershel Gordon Lewis and Co was a Nice Touch.
Bonus: Teletext Heaven(Or Hell). I LOVE this Episode. I love the pacing, the Colorful Music Choices "Sunlife". "The Beatles" "Carpet Of the Sun "Hard Candy Christmas" and Whitney Houston's 1987 Ballad "Didn't We Almost Have it All?", and the easy to learn learn Chronology and Finally topped off with the Berlin "Muszak" Cover at the end.
The American EXXXtasy "operator" was an intern of sorts I had very early on--who fell off the face of the planet a year or two later--no idea whatever happened to him.
@@OddityArchive Weird. That he completely Disappeared around 2013 or so.
All This Nonsense Is More Than
Self Indulgent And Jejune😮 I am Embarrassed To Watch It👁️😢❗👎🏼💔🏁😎
Not too embarrassed to comment though. Coulda had a clean getaway otherwise.