Paul Nelson

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my Rolling Stone escapades (that makes sitting in a library for hours sound just a touch more important, right?). I’ve covered a good span of time in issues.

Up first, September through December 1976.

I have a staunch appreciation for any ads that actually incorporate illustration. Might have something to do with being the daughter of a man talented in illustration.

September 9th, 1976. I have come across so many ads for Hall and Oates at this point that I can now believe their cultural impact. I once dated a Jewish guy in Manhattan that was very into his vinyl Hall and Oates collection. And De La Soul.

The 70s delivered the best in bizarre ads and useless products. This one seems to make light of abusive uncles. (Sept., 9, ’76).

October 21st, 1976. Ralph Nader. Yes please. I should read more of his books. I read The Good Fight a few years ago and remember it being really powerful. We have seat belts and OSHA and the EPA thanks to this guy!

November of 1976 brought us this jewel. The couple that gets mullets together, stays together. And visits Brian Wilson.

It speaks for itself. heh.

This is the kind of biographical byline I would concoct. Not that I would ever drink Coke.

Here we have a perfect example of how Rolling Stone used to be cool – a Wild Things cover (no relation to a tacky 90s movie).

Maurice Sendak owned this issue!

The December 30th, 1976 issue also had this George Harrison feature, and a cool ad for 33 & 1/3.

In the same sitting I tucked into early 1985. I needed to switch it up a bit. I was eager for the 80s rock stars that I was weened on. And glossy pages.

Of course! Are they trying to tell us something with Hall’s hand in Oate’s pocket? Mischief.

I wish so hard that people still dressed like this. Maybe they do, just not in the lame area where I live.

Was Hall ahead of the game with the no-eyebrow look?

The same issue also delivered these gems:

And that was just the January 17th issue! 1985 has such potential.

Whoa. January 31st. Somebody fetch my smelling salts.

Next are a few snippets from the February 14th issue.

Anybody else remember Perfect Strangers?

I’ve researched the sitcom “Sara” before and unfortunately there isn’t much film evidence online. I bet it was awesome. I mean Geena Davis is a boss! She has dedicated herself to creating a balance of gender in media! http://www.seejane.org/ And she dated Jeff Goldblum!

For the SNL 40 anniversary season, this musical performance actually aired recently during their earlier 10 o’clock airings. It was glorious.

This product is disgusting, but this ad (and there are more!) is fantastic. It reminds me of Monty Python and the Canadian kids tv show You Can’t Do That On Television! In trying to see if any dots connect, I see on the You Can’t Do That On Television wiki that opening animation to the show was created by a Rand MacIvor, overseen by art director Terry Gilliam, he of course, the only non-Brit member of the Monty Python tribe.

You Can’t Do That On Television:

That makes me think that Terry Gilliam’s work must’ve influenced whoever created the beer ads. The internet is failing to supply me with more information on who created these colorful urban ads. Onward!