Oddity Archive

On the night of Sunday, November 22nd, 1987, a mysterious figure in a Max Headroom mask hijacked two Chicago TV stations. Spoiler alert: The perpetrators were never found.

Première diffusion : 5 juillet 2012

An informal (not to mention, loose) history of Civil Defense Broadcasting in the U.S.

Première diffusion : 19 juillet 2012

Remember when TV stations used to go off the air late at night? Anyone?

Première diffusion : 2 août 2012

Interested in seeing a clown so laid-back, he forgets he's on camera? Now about a Hawaiian teen idol with a pen fetish? Maybe an American Bandstand ripoff with an evil spirit hosting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, watch this episode--then seek immediate professional help.

Première diffusion : 16 août 2012

The Archive's most infamous episode--for some reason.

Première diffusion : 30 août 2012

Meet the artists that made the likes of Joan Baez and Pete Seeger fear for their careers.

Première diffusion : 13 septembre 2012

VHS or Beta? Laserdisc or CED? What the hell is a CED anyway? These burning questions (amongst others) answered in this episode!

Première diffusion : 27 septembre 2012

Join Ben as he launches his own 1-900 number. What could possibly go wrong?

Première diffusion : 11 octobre 2012

We still get a lot of flack for this episode (did you really think there were 37 minutes of odd VHS endings out there?). Nonetheless, it's still a favorite.

Première diffusion : 25 octobre 2012

An Archive double header: The two most famous occurrences of Broadcast Signal Hijacking (well, save for the Max Headroom Incident) are discussed here.

Première diffusion : 8 novembre 2012

The Oddity Archive will now be switching to scrambled mode. Please turn on your (preferably, circa 1984) decoder box now.

Première diffusion : 15 novembre 2012

Because we always like to go the extra mile (at least, when it's convenient), the Archive tackles TWO lists of the worst of the (19)90's: The top 4 Trendy Turkeys and the top 4 Technological Turkeys of the (again, 19)90's.

Première diffusion : 22 novembre 2012

The 13th episode is a very unlucky one for Ben as he discusses some (all too often, rather off) U.S. Kiddie Show hosts from the early 1950's through the late 1990's.

Première diffusion : 6 décembre 2012

All Ben wanted for Christmas was a silent night...

Première diffusion : 20 décembre 2012

Ceefax and Keyfax, Nite-Owl and Cable Chuckles, oh my...

Première diffusion : 3 janvier 2013

It's movie day at the Archive! Unfortunately, due to copyright issues, you're not invited. But, at least you can join us for an intermission reel (conveniently containing all Public Domain footage!).

Première diffusion : 10 janvier 2013

Given how much we discuss TV on the Archive, a history lesson seemed in order.

Première diffusion : 17 janvier 2013

?segassem lanimilbus tahW ?huH Everyone knows there are no subliminal messages in music...(!slatrom nwod wob ,woN)

Première diffusion : 31 janvier 2013

Join Ben as he discusses some of the Dating Services of the 1980's to present. And, if you're good, maybe Ben will let you join him in his own quest for a date.

Première diffusion : 14 février 2013

Temporarily exiled from the big leagues of Internet TV, Ben (again, temporarily) sets up camp at his local Public Access outlet.

Première diffusion : 28 février 2013

It's the feel-good episode of the year as Ben discusses the (in)famous British Nuclear War preparedness campaign.

Première diffusion : 14 mars 2013

Because you can (apparently) never have enough nukes...

Première diffusion : 28 mars 2013

What is it about end logos and FBI Warnings that scared so many children of the VHS era?

Première diffusion : 11 avril 2013

Can pure rock sound really hard-boil an egg? Of course not. It does make for some wicked "deviled" eggs though.

Première diffusion : 25 avril 2013

Things have gotten so dire at The Archive that Ben's been forced to take a "real" job. Join him as he takes a look at his potential employers' training videos.

Première diffusion : 9 mai 2013

Ever wanted to know the absolute root of the Oddity Archive? Well, it involves a creepy guy in a Hamster costume...

Première diffusion : 23 mai 2013

Because nothing says "Happy 200th, America" like crappy "collectibles", Up With People and bizarre Government films.

Première diffusion : 4 juillet 2013

Featuring such great (non-)hits from the likes of Hairy Nielsen, BAAB, William Turkey and many, many more! Order today!!!

Première diffusion : 18 juillet 2013

What do you mean Ben is fashion-challenged?

Première diffusion : 1 août 2013

Seeing as the Archive somehow managed to hit the 30 episode mark, it seemed like a good time to throw a nice, little (tax-deductible) party. Plus, Ben sings a viewer poll-selected song (a move that was instantly regretted by all who voted).

Première diffusion : 15 août 2013

Covert broadcasts...and how to decode them (your results may vary).

Première diffusion : 29 août 2013

Or, as Ben likes to call it, the Max Headroom Incident's annoying, less creative little brother.

Première diffusion : 12 septembre 2013

And Ben thought it would just be another cool toy for his collection. How naive...

Première diffusion : 20 septembre 2013

Learn to gamble--Archive style! God help us...

Première diffusion : 26 septembre 2013

Come visit the Archive Children's Disco before it's condemned!

Première diffusion : 14 octobre 2013

Forced to discuss his fourth knockoff Disco record in a row, Ben has a slight meltdown.

Première diffusion : 24 octobre 2013

VHS vs. Beta? How 1977...

Première diffusion : 7 novembre 2013

Ben's still having nightmares about being forced to play charades with Rich Little.

Première diffusion : 21 novembre 2013

An interesting, but (unsurprisingly) failed, early attempt at multimedia interactivity.

Première diffusion : 5 décembre 2013

Five forgotten holiday albums that will...more than likely remain forgotten.

Première diffusion : 19 décembre 2013

Have you ever wanted to make "melons" in real estate? If so, you've come to the right place!

Première diffusion : 2 janvier 2014

...because salesmen need the comfort of knowing that their product is truly the answer to all problems (consumerist OR existential).

Première diffusion : 16 janvier 2014

Don't screw with Jam Handy!

Première diffusion : 23 janvier 2014

The Archive is currently experiencing technical difficulties...LOTS of them...and Ben refuses to take responsibility. So there.

Première diffusion : 6 février 2014

If V.D. really is for everybody, why don't I have it?

Première diffusion : 20 février 2014

...because only Ben would be stupid enough to devote an entire regular Archive episode to between-show filler.

Première diffusion : 6 mars 2014

Alternate Title: Why Ben should never make a full "behind-the-scenes" episode. Alternate Title #2: Ben stammers for 38 minutes. Alternate Title #3: Why Ben will never get a date.

Première diffusion : 20 mars 2014

The Archive gathers together all your favorite '70's hits--then realizes that the major labels, the RIAA, etc. would have our nuts in a sling over it. More ripoff records it is then! All 70's edition!

Première diffusion : 3 avril 2014

Wait, there's a logic to all this?

Première diffusion : 17 avril 2014

It's time for a few changes in Archiveland.

Première diffusion : 1 mai 2014

***THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A ***SEVERE FALSE NOSTALGIA WARNING*** FOR YOUR AREA UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

Première diffusion : 8 mai 2014

Alternate Title: How to Survive an Unprovoked Attack From Your Electric Mixer.

Première diffusion : 29 mai 2014

So much for taking a break...

Première diffusion : 10 juillet 2014

Another existential crisis in Archive-land? Get your head out of your ass, Benny boy! NOTE: If viewing this episode on a Pioneer VP-1000 unit (Serial #'s: 12467-21804), please turn your frame display function to the ON position.

Première diffusion : 24 juillet 2014

We've only just begun...to hurt.

Première diffusion : 7 août 2014

Copying this video may cause your computer to randomly burst into flames. The Archive assumes no liability.

Première diffusion : 21 août 2014

Is there really such a thing as too much LaserKaraoke? Let's find out with this special double (if not triple) length episode!

Première diffusion : 4 septembre 2014

For all the time we've spent with this format, a full look at it (and its offshoots) seemed only natural.

Première diffusion : 18 septembre 2014

WARNING: This episode is coated in a new, ultra high-tech substance that may cause colorful sparks to emit from your computer. Also, <<

Première diffusion : 2 octobre 2014

The most headache-inducing Archive episode to date. Guaranteed.

Première diffusion : 16 octobre 2014

This year's (apparently now requisite) Halloween album review. This was actually meant to be just a minisode, but it ran really long. Consider it a "bonus" Archive episode.

Première diffusion : 23 octobre 2014

Test-driving a new, potential recurring concept, "Archive Wares". The idea is to look at items from the golden age of infomercials ('80's through early 2000's) and their ads and/or tutorial videos. Given that it's Halloween, it seemed only natural to discuss the most nightmare-inducting product sold via infomercials: the "Rejuvenique Facial Toning System".

Première diffusion : 30 octobre 2014

Well, that only took a year-and-a-half to follow through with another Local TV installment. No, this wasn't painful at all.

Première diffusion : 13 novembre 2014

Ben reviews the Archive (and then the world imploded).

Première diffusion : 27 novembre 2014

And welcome to the Oddity Archive, the show that isn't afraid to piss off VHS fetishists.

Première diffusion : 11 décembre 2014

This episode is dedicated to----you, Amber.

Première diffusion : 23 décembre 2014

After being asked all year about what Ben thinks the next generation of oddities will be, a New Year's special seemed to be in order (somehow).

Première diffusion : 31 décembre 2014

You asked, we gave. $683.43 will now be added to your next phone bill.

Première diffusion : 15 janvier 2015

Ladies' man that Ben and Ed are, they didn't really need this. This is really for all the lonely folks (especially the guys) that watch the Archive.

Première diffusion : 12 février 2015

Maybe all those DuMont jokes in all the 50's-centric Archive episodes will make sense now. Maybe.

Première diffusion : 29 janvier 2015

Q: y u no duvide gams? A: Because I'm not that kind of girl--er, wait. Did you mean "Video Games"? I guess...

Première diffusion : 26 février 2015

Because, you know, VIDEOcassette board games went so well...

Première diffusion : 12 mars 2015

How many times do I have to tell you, China Cabinet? The money is NOT in the fishtank!

Première diffusion : 26 mars 2015

Every now and then we get to thinkin' you'd like to hear somethin' from us done nice and easy. Well, lemme tell ya, we don't do NOTHIN' "nice and easy"...

Première diffusion : 9 avril 2015

An (unintentional) almost-three years in the making...

Première diffusion : 23 avril 2015

It's a computer! It's a home video unit! It's a video game console! It's...a little underdeveloped.

Première diffusion : 7 mai 2015

boxes Boxes. BOXES!!!

Première diffusion : 21 mai 2015

The Archive has been deemed obsolete. Irony noted.

Première diffusion : 4 juin 2015

The Archive is back on YouTube! But, not without (desperately) seeking out some alternatives in the meantime.

Première diffusion : 16 juillet 2015

Today's burning question: Is it pronounced "stare-eo" or "steer-eo"?

Première diffusion : 30 juillet 2015

Naughty words WITHOUT Oddity Archive® – 22 Naughty words WITH Oddity Archive® – 21

Première diffusion : 13 août 2015

The 3rd annual Archive LaserKaraoke Party is on (sort of)!

Première diffusion : 27 août 2015

Breaker for a short-short. This is the Oddity Archive. What's yer handle, good buddy?

Première diffusion : 10 septembre 2015

Oddity Archive®: Also available for birthday parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs.

Première diffusion : 24 septembre 2015

Recently, we came into a small jackpot of Pickwick albums. Given this label's long-standing history with the Archive, it only seemed appropriate to devote an entire episode to the king of all "drugstore" labels.

Première diffusion : 8 octobre 2015

Oddity Archive: Now in high-pile carpetvision!

Première diffusion : 22 octobre 2015

VCR Ephemera, or, Oddity Archive for beginners.

Première diffusion : 5 novembre 2015

I got a message from the Action Max. “I’m crappy. Hope you’re crappy, too.”

Première diffusion : 19 novembre 2015

You wanted a history lesson, you got a history lesson. Hope you don't mind a really, really long slideshow.

Première diffusion : 3 décembre 2015

Some of you aren't singing. Don't think I can't tell.

Première diffusion : 17 décembre 2015

The donations were multiplying like, well, rabbits. I figured y'all were trying to tell me something. (Did I really just type "y'all"? Heaven help me.)

Première diffusion : 31 décembre 2015

Movies pressed on records? Should've waited for the 21st century (the hipsters would love it).

Première diffusion : 7 janvier 2016

Lots of effort for little (or no) reward? Sounds about right for the Archive.

Première diffusion : 21 janvier 2016

The Oddity Archive® keeps you up to date with what’s hot—as long as the system doesn’t crash—again.

Première diffusion : 4 février 2016

Dramamine? Check. Airsick bag? Check. My confidence? Nope.

Première diffusion : 18 février 2016

...or, Ben vs. Another Expensive Hobby or, Ben cures the hams or, Ben was already a total ham. Why make it worse?

Première diffusion : 3 mars 2016

The Oddity Archive® strives to provide the best and latest in home theater tune-ups. They still make laserdiscs, right?

Première diffusion : 17 mars 2016

The most risque episode of the Archive since...the last one.

Première diffusion : 31 mars 2016

The Archive attempts to preserve some (intentionally) disposable culture. It was inevitable.

Première diffusion : 14 avril 2016

It’s the 100th episode of the Archive and the expectations are high. Guess we better do something good and commercial.

Première diffusion : 28 avril 2016

Can you really become “techno-hip” all because of a computer chip?

Première diffusion : 12 mai 2016

It’s been a long and difficult season. Let’s end it with something fun (if I can figure out how to assemble these toys, that is).

Première diffusion : 26 mai 2016

A little success, a little failure, a little intrigue, a little frustration. In other words, your standard between-season break for Ben.

Première diffusion : 7 juillet 2016

…dragging the Record Ripoff concept kicking and screaming out of the 70’s. What the hell was I thinking?!?

Première diffusion : 21 juillet 2016

Have your credit cards handy because we're about to launch our own Home-Shopping-type channel! What could possibly go wrong?

Première diffusion : 4 août 2016

Crank it up and sing along! The madness will naturally follow.

Première diffusion : 18 août 2016

Oddity Archive®: Now in ULTRA lo-fi!

Première diffusion : 1 septembre 2016

Oddity Archive: Your home for absurd, costly and borderline-useless “broadcast” experiments since 2015!

Première diffusion : 15 septembre 2016

…because I haven’t REALLY opened myself up to mass criticism for a long time now.

Première diffusion : 29 septembre 2016

The Archive takes it to the max--the Betamax, that is.

Première diffusion : 13 octobre 2016

This is your Civil Defense announcer speaking (er, typing) with a VERY important message. But first, this nearly 27-minute Oddity Archive episode. NOTE: Yes, I’m well aware that the LP’s discussed in the video have nothing to do with the Conelrad broadcasting stuff—just humor me, will ya?

Première diffusion : 27 octobre 2016

…because as we all know, learning is most fun with famous people.

Première diffusion : 10 novembre 2016

Another Thanksgiving episode? Must be time to unload some more proverbial turkeys (now more cynically than ever)!

Première diffusion : 24 novembre 2016

The second (and hopefully final) installment in the Archive’s “Idiot’s Guide” how-to series.

Première diffusion : 8 décembre 2016

The most deep-hurtingest Christmas ever!

Première diffusion : 22 décembre 2016

Looking at the Interactive Program Guide’s especially awkward adolescence.

Première diffusion : 5 janvier 2017

Bargain Bennie is having his all-time biggest sale on local (and regional) TV commercials! Get ‘em before they’re gone!

Première diffusion : 19 janvier 2017

‘Tis the season for love—and love gone down the garbage disposer.

Première diffusion : 2 février 2017

Crank up the Fisher-Price turntable!

Première diffusion : 16 février 2017

It’s (100% showtune-free) Musical March (read: Audio Geek March, “Musical March” is just a lot catchier) in Archiveland! Let’s kick it off with a little reevaluation of a format that I’ve bashed in the past.

Première diffusion : 2 mars 2017

Oddity Archive®: Now with new Superlife® coating!

Première diffusion : 16 mars 2017

And welcome to the Oddity Archive…the show that rapidly contracts and expands—but clearly not rapidly enough.

Première diffusion : 30 mars 2017

A mere 5 years in the making! You’d never know it though…

Première diffusion : 13 avril 2017

No, this isn’t about those 100 million (or more) copies of “Titanic” and “Jerry Maguire”—useless as they are.

Première diffusion : 27 avril 2017

With all this talk of so-called “mobile devices” these days, it seemed worth taking a look into.

Première diffusion : 11 mai 2017

And welcome to the Oddity Ar-ar-ar-ar-ar-arc-arch-(SLAP)-Archive!

Première diffusion : 25 mai 2017

12 inches of Archivian goodness!

Première diffusion : 6 juillet 2017

What’cha doin’ on your rump? Hopefully, you’re watching this episode!

Première diffusion : 20 juillet 2017

A King-sized episode for a King-sized anniversary. Of course, we can't play any actual Elvis, so let's look at some of the cash-ins based around the man.

Première diffusion : 3 août 2017

A cooking show—Archive style.

Première diffusion : 17 août 2017

New from Sing Alone Video!

Première diffusion : 31 août 2017

I was burning incense on not-quite vinyl (while listening to Playtapes) before you were. Take that, hipsters.

Première diffusion : 14 septembre 2017

This offer will expire without notice! Order now!

Première diffusion : 28 septembre 2017

A double (if not triple) dose of failure.  You know you love it.

Première diffusion : 12 octobre 2017

The scariest (in the existentialist sense, at least) Archive Halloween to date!

Première diffusion : 26 octobre 2017

Let’s reminisce about the great bully/child abductor epidemic of the ‘90’s.

Première diffusion : 9 novembre 2017

The Archive returns to its deepest roots (largely because it was convenient).

Première diffusion : 22 novembre 2017

Oddity Archive® Vinyl: Now 50% lighter and with 50% more foreign debris!

Première diffusion : 7 décembre 2017

Broken equipment, bad records and loopy videos—in other words, your standard Archive Christmas.

Première diffusion : 21 décembre 2017

No fees! No contracts! No service! Dial 1-800 ARCHIVE and save 0%!

Première diffusion : 4 janvier 2018

More hissy (and at times, indecipherable) goodness from the deepest, darkest depths of the Archive.

Première diffusion : 18 janvier 2018

Bring your earplugs! And, no, this isn’t false modesty—these recordings are pretty harsh (in every meaning of the word).

Première diffusion : 1 février 2018

This is what happens when Benny-boy’s control-freak tendencies get the best of him. Honestly, it’s not too terrible. Shame the product is mediocre.

Première diffusion : 15 février 2018

The Archive sets sail for the United Kingdom in search of some unusual computer storage and sharing methods—we weren’t disappointed.

Première diffusion : 1 mars 2018

No Billy Joel songs were harmed in the making of this episode.

Première diffusion : 15 mars 2018

These talking pictures will never catch on…come to think of it, these didn’t.

Première diffusion : 29 mars 2018

Funny how a little kiddie music, a little commercialism and a heaping helping of Easy Listening stewed in someone’s garage for 40+ years equals such a lovely sonic bouquet.

Première diffusion : 12 avril 2018

Finally! An Archive episode with true A E S T H E T I C S!

Première diffusion : 26 avril 2018

…because the first reel-to-reel worked so well.

Première diffusion : 10 mai 2018

The Archive is getting ready to leave Beautiful Downtown Aurora. Better look at some of our local stuff before we go.

Première diffusion : 24 mai 2018

Let’s close our Beautiful Downtown Aurora years without any tears (maybe).

Première diffusion : 7 juin 2018

Archive HQ Version 2.0. Was it worth it?

Première diffusion : 26 juillet 2018

Aucun synopsis disponible.

Première diffusion : 9 août 2018

By (inexplicably) popular demand, the Rock N’ Roll equivalent to “American Movie” rolls on.

Première diffusion : 23 août 2018

Attempting to realize a viewer’s vision of an old-school, drive-in theater—at home.

Première diffusion : 6 septembre 2018

We haven't had a good roast in awhile, have we?

Première diffusion : 20 septembre 2018

More 8 frames-per-second at 1,800 revolutions-per-minute goodness from the darkest pits of the Archive!

Première diffusion : 4 octobre 2018

Well, I kinda killed the Archive’s old LaserKaraoke machine…and I’d been threatening to upgrade the main Laserdisc player. Upgrade time!

Première diffusion : 18 octobre 2018

IT’S BA-ACK!

Première diffusion : 31 octobre 2018

The future of the common audiocassette is (er, was) here!

Première diffusion : 15 novembre 2018

Another fragrant bouquet of dusty, musty, moldy slabs of wax!

Première diffusion : 29 novembre 2018

The Archive finally acquires some genuine off-air U.K. tapes…complete with some genuine U.K. mold (er, mould).

Première diffusion : 13 décembre 2018

Some Christmas oddities (and one not-so-oddity) with a real bang to them!

Première diffusion : 20 décembre 2018

New year, old hindrances…

Première diffusion : 17 janvier 2019

Let us take another dip into the well of televised municipal culture…

Première diffusion : 7 février 2019

Our trucks are currently scouring your neighborhood with sophisticated equipment to detect anyone watching our show illegally. Don’t you dare question how we do it. Punks.

Première diffusion : 21 février 2019

A massive dose of hissy, sticky goodness that should never be degaussed after midnight!

Première diffusion : 7 mars 2019

A genuine(ly twisted) labor of love from your friends at the Oddity Archive®.

Première diffusion : 21 mars 2019

Search Frame 30609. Then, add in 29,000. Then, multiply by .84. Then, write down your findings (in order). You are now ready to begin watching this episode of Oddity Archive.

Première diffusion : 4 avril 2019

Like in sports, sometimes musicians need a rebuilding season. I promise, it starts resembling "real" music this time…

Première diffusion : 18 avril 2019

About a year ago, I came across a pair of unmarked, somewhat damaged 8mm films. Since they both needed some repair, it seemed like a good time for an educational OA episode.

Première diffusion : 2 mai 2019

In the name of commercial appeal, the Archive cheapens itself to toilet humor.

Première diffusion : 16 mai 2019

Recorded not-live at the fabulous Archive Theatre!

Première diffusion : 30 mai 2019

Ben gets far more than he bargained for…and it was hardly a bargain.

Première diffusion : 11 juillet 2019

A special limited addition—because we don’t think this’ll sell too well.

Première diffusion : 25 juillet 2019

Oddity Archive®: On the cutting edge of amateur, home recording (as of 1965).

Première diffusion : 8 août 2019

A banquet of oversaturated and generation-lossy goodness from the Archive! Fill-in-the-blankwave fans will love it.

Première diffusion : 22 août 2019

…and the jackpot goes up to 178…episodes, that is!

Première diffusion : 5 septembre 2019

Our seventh annual marathon of soft rock and mullets…lots and lots of mullets.

Première diffusion : 19 septembre 2019

…or, Ben enters the Loss Prevention Protection Program.

Première diffusion : 3 octobre 2019

Another batch of (no more than) 7.5ips goodness…straight from the hea-a-a-arrt.

Première diffusion : 17 octobre 2019

It takes a LOT of sacrifice to maintain the Archive…

Première diffusion : 31 octobre 2019

Getting the History of Home Video train back on track with the first great (albeit rather dull) camcorder format.

Première diffusion : 14 novembre 2019

Guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days…er, weeks…er, months…er, years after viewing!

Première diffusion : 28 novembre 2019

Would you please make welcome to the Archive…tap-dancing Christmas trees, teddy bears that can wipe out entire armies and…Dennis.

Première diffusion : 19 décembre 2019

Saying goodbye to the decade that brought us selfies, Alexa, and fidget spinners…and not a minute too soon.

Première diffusion : 1 janvier 2020

A history lesson so big, it’s gonna have to be its own subseries.

Première diffusion : 16 janvier 2020

Please silence your phones, mobile devices and other electronics…actually don’t. You won’t be able to hear this episode otherwise.

Première diffusion : 30 janvier 2020

It’s a love obsession at the Archive!

Première diffusion : 13 février 2020

We interrupt this episode of Oddity Archive to bring you…a bunch of other interruptions.

Première diffusion : 27 février 2020

Time to leave the ol’ cassette 4-tracker behind…

Première diffusion : 12 mars 2020

Aucun synopsis disponible.

Première diffusion : 26 mars 2020

A springtime-fresh bouquet of ferric (or chrome) goodness!

Première diffusion : 9 avril 2020

Oddity Archive®: Now in our exclusive EP (Endless Play) Mode!

Première diffusion : 23 avril 2020

…or, the Archive’s idea of nocturnal delight.

Première diffusion : 7 mai 2020

Some shows were pre-destined to land in the dumpster or collide with the ol’ bulk eraser…here are five of them that have (at least) somewhat cheated fate.

Première diffusion : 21 mai 2020

…or, how an unlikely hit album launched an even more unlikely tidal wave of cash-ins and imitators. In a way, it’s the perfect Archivism.

Première diffusion : 4 juin 2020

Well, my (working) Summer Vacation turned into a (working) Summer Staycation…

Première diffusion : 16 juillet 2020

Featuring some of the genuine leg ends of Rock N’ Roll!

Première diffusion : 30 juillet 2020

A film made especially for the occasion by Swedish documentarian Hans Krullitzer.

Première diffusion : 20 août 2020

Either the all-time most beautiful or most psychedelic episode of the Archive…we’re not sure.

Première diffusion : 3 septembre 2020

It’s not just VHS…it’s SUPER VHS!

Première diffusion : 17 septembre 2020

Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t possibly get any more tacky…

Première diffusion : 1 octobre 2020

Looking at a trio of (slightly misguided) discs touting Pioneer Laserdiscs and Home Theater gear…

Première diffusion : 15 octobre 2020

Life has gotten so tangled lately. As such, let’s roll things back to the absolute (commercial) basics of Halloween…

Première diffusion : 29 octobre 2020

You’re not getting older. Just crazier…

Première diffusion : 12 novembre 2020

Spending Thanksgiving with some prime, succulent, deep cuts of…the Archive.

Première diffusion : 26 novembre 2020

With (backhanded, insincere) apologies to Hunter S. Thompson: Film Preservation is a cruel and shallow nitrate ditch, a long celluloid hallway where good films rot. That’s just the negative side.

Première diffusion : 10 décembre 2020

It’s a Vinyl and VHS Christmas! It’s not anywhere near as cool as it sounds…

Première diffusion : 24 décembre 2020

Myasthenia is better than Yourasthenia. So there.

Première diffusion : 7 janvier 2021

…or, how Bing Crosby’s golf game launched a technological revolution.

Première diffusion : 21 janvier 2021

Benny-boy’s unintentional swan song…or is it?

Première diffusion : 4 février 2021

Uh-oh. Benny-boy's playing preservationist again...

Première diffusion : 18 février 2021

Aucun synopsis disponible.

Première diffusion : 4 mars 2021

Oddity Archive®: Where the thrills are cheap as radio, and radio is cheap as thrills…

Première diffusion : 25 mars 2021

The Oddity Archiveland Service (OAS) has issued a WEATHER WARNING…warning.

Première diffusion : 8 avril 2021

Teletext: Not just for Europeans anymore! Well, not really…

Première diffusion : 22 avril 2021

…well, listen now to what the Archive says!* *Apologies to The Byrds

Première diffusion : 6 mai 2021

A serious dissertation on the dangers of workplace stress and how to cope with it…using pure silliness.

Première diffusion : 20 mai 2021

All good things must come to an end…or must they?

Première diffusion : 3 juin 2021

...because cassettes are for poseurs.

Première diffusion : 22 juillet 2021

Some of the most grody tunes we’ve ever covered fer sure, fer sure.

Première diffusion : 12 août 2021

Let us take an all-night flight to remember why USA once was “America’s Favorite Cable Network”…

Première diffusion : 26 août 2021

Whatdaya do when you’ve had your fill of analog media? Start hittin’ the ones and zeros…

Première diffusion : 16 septembre 2021

Benny-boy celebrates the first annual Silent Movie Day by…talking at great length about the silents. Nobody ever accused him of being sharp…

Première diffusion : 29 septembre 2021

As of this posting, we’re right on the edge of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the DVD. Guess it’s finally ripe for Archivedom…

Première diffusion : 14 octobre 2021

“Benny & The Bot”…coming this fall to KLAK…whether Ben likes it or not. NOTE: Just consider this a 20-minute art film.

Première diffusion : 28 octobre 2021

Benny the Script Doctor makes a housecall regarding some bad sitcoms.

Première diffusion : 11 novembre 2021

10 ads (or series thereof) selected by viewers. Any turkeys in this Thanksgiving episode are purely coincidental.

Première diffusion : 25 novembre 2021

Ah, the good, old days. Back when owning a 16mm film or recording something off the TV could get you a visit from the Feds. Good times…

Première diffusion : 9 décembre 2021

Archivisms roasting on an open fire…

Première diffusion : 23 décembre 2021

Hey buddy, wanna hear my (horribly impractical) mixtape?

Première diffusion : 13 janvier 2022

100% pure, shameless, unfettered nostalgia, courtesy of the Oddity Archive®

Première diffusion : 27 janvier 2022

Learn all about the fine art of meeting Ben!

Première diffusion : 10 février 2022

Vinyl Potpourri is back! It’s a (1,885 second) miracle!

Première diffusion : 24 février 2022

A solid-state tuner is recommended for the viewing of this OA episode…in some way we haven’t figured out yet.

Première diffusion : 10 mars 2022

Another (belated) salute to the bottom of the Mom-and-Pop video rental store barrel!

Première diffusion : 24 mars 2022

It’s time for the New $25,000 Pyramid…scheme.

Première diffusion : 7 avril 2022

Times are changing and KLAK-AM needs to keep up. As such, let’s look at some gimmicks (stunts) used by other radio stations to plug their new formats…

Première diffusion : 21 avril 2022

Taking a leisurely, country stroll through the (cowpie-laden) great audiovisual pasture…

Première diffusion : 5 mai 2022

Oddity Archive®: Now available in 64kbps mp3!

Première diffusion : 26 mai 2022

Four months, three countries, two-hundred-plus dollars all in the name of…meh. Or, what Dolby was to cassette, CX was (supposed to be) for vinyl.

Première diffusion : 9 juin 2022

…or, the OA’s (slightly-belated) 10th Anniversary Special.

Première diffusion : 21 juillet 2022

The Archive finally presents some 100%-pure, down-home musical manure!

Première diffusion : 11 août 2022

This episode is dedicated to those that say we don’t do TV stuff anymore. Maybe we shouldn’t…

Première diffusion : 25 août 2022

Slim Whitman? Blech. Boxcar Willie? Poseur. Only the original TV album guru will do.

Première diffusion : 8 septembre 2022

Just how close are we to seeing what moviegoers saw in the 1920’s? In these two cases, as it turns out, not very.

Première diffusion : 29 septembre 2022

We’re all goin’ on a…(quiet, mellow) Autumn Holiday…

Première diffusion : 13 octobre 2022

Watch horror films, keep Archiveland strong, keep Benny-boy (in)sane.

Première diffusion : 27 octobre 2022

It’s a friend! It’s a companion! It’s a lifestyle! It’s…supremely annoying…

Première diffusion : 10 novembre 2022

After 10 years, I guess it’s time for the inevitable “Greatest Hits” package…

Première diffusion : 24 novembre 2022

Super Oddity Archive®: Now with 50% MORE image than Standard Oddity Archive®! Which is 95% LESS image than HD Oddity Archive®…

Première diffusion : 8 décembre 2022

Christmas wrapping is so lame—we’re into Christmas Rapping around here!

Première diffusion : 22 décembre 2022

…because (as we know) what works for 90 minutes once will ALWAYS work for 30 minutes on a regular basis.

Première diffusion : 12 janvier 2023

Snowbound. Let’s sleep in today…and tomorrow…and the day after…and the day after that…

Première diffusion : 26 janvier 2023

The new & improved Oddity Archive®! Now cracks those pesky filberts!

Première diffusion : 16 février 2023

A true horror show—just not in the way you’d expect.

Première diffusion : 2 mars 2023

Finally (partially) fulfilling that long wished-for Archivism—beavers—specifically, disco beavers.

Première diffusion : 16 mars 2023

You won’t believe your CD-I’s!!!

Première diffusion : 30 mars 2023

The Archive drops some MAD flava in your ear…

Première diffusion : 13 avril 2023

Don’t let THE MAN bring you down. That’s what Oddity Archive® is for…

Première diffusion : 27 avril 2023

Pourin’ one out (er, unraveling a tape) for our vidiot homies…

Première diffusion : 11 mai 2023

The OA celebrates Memorial Day with some genuine WTF from the AFN (AFRTS). Presented on the DL of course, ‘cause we gotta think OPSEC.

Première diffusion : 25 mai 2023

Ever wonder what it would’ve been like if Rube Goldberg designed a VCR? Neither did I.

Première diffusion : 8 juin 2023

You’re in for a “great” time! Would you believe “good” time? How ‘bout “adequate” time?

Première diffusion : 15 juin 2023

Quite possibly the ultimate “headphone” episode of OA…for realsies this time.

Première diffusion : 27 juillet 2023

The Archive finds itself caught in a celluloid jam…

Première diffusion : 17 août 2023

The Archive does a little home video archaeology…

Première diffusion : 31 août 2023

Time to fill up on bratwurst and get down to that fonky, fonky, meut-sick!

Première diffusion : 14 septembre 2023

Public Domain stuff, VHS, weird music, surrealist humor--your Oddity Archive® bingo card should be 80% full from this one episode alone!

Première diffusion : 28 septembre 2023

Everybody loves a trilogy…and here’s the last piece of it.

Première diffusion : 31 octobre 2023

Even the comedy gods (and goddesses) have their off days…

Première diffusion : 16 novembre 2023

You’ve heard of turkey coma, right? This one’ll give you Archive coma.

Première diffusion : 23 novembre 2023

Learn all about the ins and out of SCMPF (Simply Can’t Muster Proper Functionality) for your newfangled VCR thing!

Première diffusion : 7 décembre 2023

‘Twas a few days before Christmas and all through the Archive/A Benny-boy was stirring, to madness he’ll drive…

Première diffusion : 21 décembre 2023

An episode that’ll make you want to yell “TB-Yes”!

Première diffusion : 11 janvier 2024

Today’s Oddity Archive® may be taped (analog only) for classroom use until December 31, 2024. After December 31, 2024, all copies must be wiped or destroyed…and don’t think we don’t have the means of finding out if you didn’t.

Première diffusion : 8 février 2024

Oddity Archive® lights up your TV’s* with the ads that please!** *A computer screen will also suffice. **As long as your expectations are suitably low.

Première diffusion : 7 mars 2024

The chocolate and peanut butter of the Archive, together at last in the same episode!

Première diffusion : 4 avril 2024

The episode where cardboard boxes and BoxCars collide…at last!

Première diffusion : 2 mai 2024

Hey, you said you wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark. Be careful what you wish for.

Première diffusion : 6 juin 2024

“Fun” Project. “Fun” Time.* *According to the uber-cheap DIY FM transmitter I bought.

Première diffusion : 25 juillet 2024

Record Ripoffs gets back to its roots…man.

Première diffusion : 29 août 2024

Let’s get real! Surreal, that is… (er, sur-reel?)

Première diffusion : 29 septembre 2024

When this episode was first released, it was an (actual) off-air copy. Thing is, a lot of detail was lost in the microbroadcast. As such, here’s what an “in-house feed” of the proceedings looked like.

Première diffusion : 31 octobre 2024

A 8-course feast of Vertical Helical Schlock for your Thanksgiving!

Première diffusion : 28 novembre 2024

Four stereotypically inedible fruitcakes…and one semi-digestible one for your holiday.

Première diffusion : 19 décembre 2024

Let’s celebrate comedy on cable TV…with only the barest minimum of humor.

Première diffusion : 13 février 2025

It’s new! It’s today! It’s now! It’s…recycled.

Première diffusion : 18 avril 2025

This is it. My own personal “ground zero” for Archivedom…

Première diffusion : 10 juillet 2025

Consider this a “soft-launch” of Season 14 of OA. I’m finally off the sidelines and…things are as dusty as ever.

Première diffusion : 9 octobre 2025

KLAK has had to take on a few advertisers*. Tough times, ya know… *Yes, YouTube, this is a joke. This is NOT a sponsored video.

Première diffusion : 30 octobre 2025

The OA equivalent of popcorn, pretzel sticks and jellybeans as a Thanksgiving feast…

Première diffusion : 27 novembre 2025

The Archive serves up some true Christmas Hams…with a side of Duck A La Wronge.

Première diffusion : 23 décembre 2025

The Archive takes the high road…to a dead-end.

Première diffusion : 22 janvier 2026

…because three hours a night of late 80’s primetime TV lameness just wasn’t enough!

Première diffusion : 5 février 2026

Well, it’s Oscar season. Let’s pretend current Hollywood doesn’t exist.

Première diffusion : 19 février 2026

Another round of classic local TV bliss delivered in easy-to-digest 30-second bites…

Première diffusion : 5 mars 2026

Yes, teenaged Benny-boy managed to blindly stumble into the “digital music revolution” circa Y2K. No, he did NOT turn into a cyberpunk warrior—he just became a prematurely grouchy old man.

Première diffusion : 26 mars 2026

It’s the 300th “regular” OA episode. Let’s make some noise…albeit not necessarily PLEASANT noise.

Première diffusion : 16 avril 2026

Time to get lucky! In the financial sense, that is…

Première diffusion : 30 avril 2026

The first OA episode to be THX-certified! Ten Hungry Xylophones, that is.

Première diffusion : 14 mai 2026

When one more day…turns into four years.

Première diffusion : 28 mai 2026

Corporate shuffling at its most entertaining!* *Your mileage may vary.

Première diffusion : 11 juin 2026

Yes, this is where it all began. Yes, there’s still a bit of a stench in the air…

Première diffusion : 23 juillet 2026

The Archive finally grows some funk…maybe we oughta consider showering.

Première diffusion : 20 août 2026

The Archive takes you to heaven*…TV Heaven, that is. *Don’t we always take you to heaven?

Première diffusion : 10 septembre 2026

The ol’ Archive Saloon is open for business…and is servin’ up some fire water that’ll get ya sued (er, stewed)!

Première diffusion : 24 septembre 2026

The bad news: Benny-Bob Yankton went out of business. The good news: Archiveland’s getting its first haunted house attraction!

Première diffusion : 29 octobre 2026