That Guy on TV - John Graham's Blog, Resume, and Hootenanny
That Guy on TV - John Graham's Blog, Resume, and Hootenanny

Pillsbury Wiener Wraps

My latest Twitter distraction is Discontinued Foods (@Snack_Memories). The account just reached 10,000 followers by digging up photos of supermarket foods from the 1970’s and 1980’s (and beyond) that faded away. From Fruitopia to Screaming Yellow Zonkers to Kellogg’s Product 19 cereal, Discontinued Foods will spark memories of foods you haven’t eaten for decades. Which brings me to Pillsbury Wiener Wraps.

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1970s, 1980s, Food
October 11, 2022 | 10:28 am

The Heritage Charts

Mike Read, a veteran radio DJ and TV host in the UK, has a weekly “programme” called “The Heritage Chart Show.” Not living in the UK, I’ve only every seen clips of the show on YouTube, but basically, Read interviews bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s who are still making music today and plays their music videos. Here’s a clip with Limahl, the lead singer of Kajagoogoo (“Too Shy”) who also had a solo hit with “The NeverEnding Story.” (In case you ever wondered, “Limahl” is an anagram of Christopher Hamill’s original last name.)

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1970s, 1980s, Down the Rabbit Hole, Music
September 2, 2022 | 4:40 pm

Three “Radio” Stations I Enjoy

When I’m concentrating on a writing project, I like music with no lyrics or, at least, lyrics in a language I don’t speak. Amadou & Mariam are good for that. From Mali, they sing in French and Bambara. Since I don’t speak either, the music helps me find a flow, but the words don’t fight with my own thoughts.

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1970s, 1980s, Music
August 31, 2022 | 10:27 am

You Mean That Isn’t … ?

John Valenti’s “Anything You Want” only made it to #37 on the Billboard charts in 1976, so you’re forgiven if you don’t remember it. That said, give a listen and tell me you wouldn’t believe it’s Stevie Wonder vocals over a generic disco stomp. The biggest giveaway is the guitar solo instead of a synth or clavinet.

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1970s, Music, You Mean That Isn't...?
June 2, 2022 | 10:52 am

Lou Reed in Cargo Pants

As a teenager, I wasn’t sure if I should listen to Lou Reed – or his band, The Velvet Underground. I wasn’t sure whether I could handle the drone of “Venus in Furs” or fuzzy, buzzy epic “Sister Ray.” Of course, the tunes that once intimidated me now seem almost quaint or folky in spots. They’re still songs about junkies and BDSM, but everything eventually becomes the music of your mom and dad’s generation.

Despite his rep, Lou Reed also made some very poppy music in his career. This is stuff that’s not going to show up on any of his greatest hits collections – and there are 17 of them according to Wikipedia. “The Original Wrapper” is off Reed’s 1986 album “Mistrial,” which I owned on cassette and most likely bought at the long-gone Streetside Records in Columbia, MO. I’m not sure if Lou is genuinely trying to musically stretch here or if he’s just half-heartedly jumping on the rap train – probably both. Continue reading

1970s, 1980s, Music
February 24, 2022 | 11:42 am
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About John

John Graham is That Guy on TV – an Emmy-winning producer/writer/host and owner of Mosquito County Productions, based in Orlando, FL.

Over the years, John has produced YouTube videos with millions of views, worked with Muppets and Princesses, won two regional Emmys for travel reporting, interviewed celebs from Ariana Grande to Hillbilly Jim, and done thousands of live news broadcasts. (You know it’s me writing this, right?)

Get ahold of me at John@thatguyontv.com

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