For more than two decades, the US magazine Musician covered a broader range of music and genres than any other publication of the time. While Rolling Stone was […]
Watch: Vintage record store and hi-fi ads from the 1970s
Retro hi-fi and vinyl salesmanship salvaged from the vaults.
Though it might now seem hard to fathom, there was a time when record retailers and hi-fi shops earned enough bank to advertise on television. Some were local ads hawking super-saver deals; others were paid for by record companies in exchange for placement. Thanks to the magic of the internet, many of these spots have been salvaged and are available to view.
Below, a few highlights.
British retailer W.H. Smith cut this choreographed gem of a commercial, one that mirrors how we at In Sheep’s Clothing enter our favorite shops.
“Here is Jim Coyne, a nice guy in a tough business.” He’s got the deals at the Cleveland Sound Chamber.
“Superstars are here at super values.” This spot for Music Plus highlights classic releases by The Doors, ZZ Top, Black Sabbath, Talking Heads, and Genesis.
This 1978 ad for the Ronco Record Vacuum features a pitchman who’s obviously on a mission. He walks through a dense shop, album in his hand, ready to slide it into his Ronco and save the day.
The best cassette player jingle ever? This song for Panasonic’s Take-N-Tape is way up there.
Finally, if you’ve got a half-hour to kill, this collection of vintage stereo ads offers a lot of inspired retro salesmanship.
