Before 1982, network television after 2 a.m. was an absolute waste of valuable airtime. That's about the time stations literally signed off until programming resumed later that morning.
But 30 years ago, a dude named Frank Cannella convinced some networks to let him push hair-growth products in the wee hours, giving birth to the infomercial.
Since then, celebrity spokespeople and inventors alike have peddled everything from fitness machines to blenders on the small screen, often hyperbolizing to push more units.
However, every now and again, an infomercial comes along that's honest, like Crocodiles' YouTube teaser for Endless Flowers.
OK, so the infomercial wasn't real, per se. But Crocodiles' latest record, released last month on Frenchkiss, really is packed with songs you'll love and that echo the "soundtrack" of your life -- especially if you live in a 1960s rock 'n' roll time warp.
Endless Flowers is a nostalgic noise-pop record deeply rooted in fuzzy distortion and reverberated vocals. It is, unquestionably, a rocker's rock record. Or as the infomercial suggests, a true "panty dropper" party album.
Crocodiles. Friday, July 20. The Vagabond, 30 NE 14th St., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets cost $10 plus fees via wantickets.com. Ages 18 and up for ladies, 21 and up for men. Call 305-379-0508 or visit thevagabondmiami.com.
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