There’s something remarkable about finding a body of music so engrossing that – though it’s designed to entice you to buy someone else’s wares – you’d be willing to splash your cash on the tunes rather than the product. But, as any long-time Trunk follower will know, on the evidence of Mikes Sammes’ Music For Biscuits, there can be gold in them there jingles.
Not to mention Barry Gray, who’s superlative UFO TV music Trunk issued as a strictly limited vinyl back in 2004. Combine a visionary composer with commissions for banks, petroleum and popular drinks and what do you get? Eighty-one remarkable cues that run the gamut of creativity. Eerie spinning sound effects recorded in 1960 for a Hoover Keymatic Washing Machine documentary point towards Gray’s mastery of the sci-fi tradition in years to come. A spot for Booth’s Dry Gin is a wonderful trip around the globe, Gray taking us to Times Square, the “frozen north of the Eskimos”, the Far East and Africa – where, not only does everyone love Booth’s booze, but they do so with the camp abandon you’d only ever find in this era of commercial-making.
With wonderful spots for both big-time corporations and local outposts (Joan Gray’s Shop, Guernsey), mastery of Swinging 60s charm, cool jazz and exhortations to drink Ovaltine because it “helps the young ones to grow”, Stand By For Adverts is evidence that less is more. In just 28 seconds, Gray’s ECKO Radio And Television spot conjures up a whole wireless world. This is a window into its past, where Art + Commerce = The Strangest Things.
