Oddity Archive

Jul 26, 2012 · 8m

Michael Bay directed music videos? That would explain a lot.

Aug 23, 2012 · 4m

This video has been censored by "The Man" for your pleasure.

Sep 20, 2012 · 8m

What the hell would make this overplayed moldy-oldie count as an oddity? Find out...

Oct 18, 2012 · 12m

The first Archive Riffs episode. Ben tackles a supposed promotional film for the "Butter & Egg Days Festival" that the Rifftrax guys already did--but they don't know real art (like Ben does).

Oct 31, 2012 · 5m

A nice, compact little review of one of the most (in)famous "drugstore" records ever released. Bet you thought we didn't have a copy!

Dec 13, 2012 · 15m

An informal discussion of the TV Sign-Offs episode.

Feb 7, 2013 · 17m

Something about February always gets Ben thinking about Civil Defense Broadcasting.

Mar 7, 2013 · 9m

At the time of the Conservative Folk Music episode, some of the artists discussed had yet to make their digital debuts. Naturally, Ben would want to take a look at the CD that rounds up the complete folk-rock works of Janet Greene.

Apr 4, 2013 · 16m

Perhaps the Archive's most infamous episode needed a little more context. Maybe not. Nevertheless, it got it anyway--the context, that is.

May 2, 2013 · 8m

Ever wanted to get an (impersonal) birthday greeting from Milton Berle? How 'bout an answering machine message from "Richard Simmons"? Yeah, didn't think so.

May 30, 2013 · 12m

An informal Q & A session. Yep, that's about it.

Jun 6, 2013 · 5m

The first Archive Riffs episode. Ben tackles a supposed promotional film for the "Butter & Egg Days Festival" that the Rifftrax guys already did--but they don't know real art (like Ben does).

Jun 13, 2013 · 21m

A commentary cut for the Local TV Special that was originally shelved due to a factual error regarding Indianapolis-based Horror Movie Host, Sammy Terry. Well, that and a couple of other brain farts.

Jun 20, 2013 · 10m

Ben riffs the sole survivor of his childhood Public Domain VHS collection.

Jun 27, 2013 · 23m

Recorded before the original episode premiered. Since then, we've learned that: 1. Audiofidelity Records started in the mid/late 1950's and issued some of the first stereo records. 2. Someone at Audiofidelity went berserk sometime in the '70's and started issuing pirated Beatles albums. 3. Those that signed up for the Kid Pics newsletter wound up on mailing lists for sleazy child beauty pageants (are there any other kind?). Ben has since learned that: 1. Playing a record at 75% of it's original speed is equivalent to flattening the "key" by a fourth, not a flat-fifth. 2. Audio frequencies are exponential. 2. Ben cannot do math in his head.

Jul 25, 2013 · 12m

Learn to take the safe way to school (but only if you have to walk through Chinatown).

Aug 22, 2013 · 5m

One of the Archive's earliest episodes seems to have gone missing. As such, Ben has been forced to remake it. Or, this was Ben's (unsurprisingly, failed) submission to the ConBravo indie video showcase.

Oct 17, 2013 · 10m

An all-too-brief look back at the Archive's first Halloween special.

Oct 31, 2013 · 11m

Given we followed up the first Halloween Special with a review of a "spooky sound effects" album, we figured it wouldn't hurt to do it again.

Nov 28, 2013 · 12m

Chain Aunt Phyllis to the family piano and enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving.

Dec 12, 2013 · 24m

A much-maligned commentary to a forgotten Archive episode.

Dec 24, 2013 · 7m

Because nothing says "Christmas" quite like creepy wax figures and a bargain-basement Bing Crosby.

Jan 9, 2014 · 5m

...because the local stations suck.

Jan 30, 2014 · 14m

Sid Davis would like to remind you that he loves his wallpaper and hates your child.

Feb 27, 2014 · 6m

Since we spent so much time with anti-smoking propaganda last time out, in the name of fairness, we thought we'd share some pro-smoking propaganda. Sorry, no dancing Luckies here (seriously, what can you say about it? Insert smart-ass comments below).

Mar 27, 2014 · 13m

Everything Ben has to say about the Backwards Masking episode in a mere 12 minutes!

Apr 24, 2014 · 11m

Can your heart take the sheer sex appeal of the Philips N1500? No (prescription) pills necessary!

May 15, 2014 · 5m

Alternate Title: Why The Archive isn't terribly conducive to outtake specials.

Jun 5, 2014 · 24m

One of those rare occasions where there was a little TOO much to say in an episode.

Jun 12, 2014 · 12m

Released about five minutes before the Conelrad system was established (and featuring some nice undercranking), 1951's Atomic Alert teaches you how to keep your nuclear experience nice and peaceful.

Jun 19, 2014 · 8m

A new spin-off of the Archive in which a piece of equipment is discussed that either has already been discussed in greater detail or that simply wouldn't amount to even a minisode of Archive.

Jun 23, 2014 · 5m

The rejected pilot of Ben's Junk (for reasons that should become readily apparent fairly quickly). This time out, Hasbro's failed attempt at a portable DVD player for kids.

Jul 3, 2014 · 14m

By request, Ben discusses "Format Wars". By unilateral action, Ben discusses both "Format Wars" videos in one convenient (for him) commentary.

Jul 31, 2014 · 8m

A "by request" Ben's Junk. Taking a look at the camcorder used to film "Going Analog" and "Y2K Apocalypse Party".

Aug 28, 2014 · 24m

Who'da thunk the making of this episode AND the episode itself was about rediscovery?

Sep 25, 2014 · 12m

Perhaps a too-personal installment of Ben's Junk. Don't take that the wrong way...

Oct 9, 2014 · 12m

Must be that magic time of year again when Ben lazily dusts off the previous year's Halloween episode for a commentary.

Nov 20, 2014 · 8m

SPOILER ALERT: Whoa-oh here it comes/Watch out boy, it'll chew them up/Whoa-oh here it comes/It's a tape eater!

Dec 4, 2014 · 11m

Finally, a VCR that can play all international formats! What do you mean, it only has mono sound?!? What you do mean I need converter boxes?!?

Dec 18, 2014 · 9m

The long-awaited conclusion to the two-part Ben's Junk VHS extravaganza. Does this count as the climax?

Jan 8, 2015 · 9m

Two episodes of LaserKaraoke and still no demonstration of the machine? Yeah, I'm kinda slow...

Jan 22, 2015 · 26m

A dual commentary for both 1-900 ARCHIVE volumes. WARNING: Wrestling aficionados may not like what I have to say.

Feb 5, 2015 · 9m

The DuMont episode ran ridiculously overlong (gotta love that molasses-slow early TV!). Here is a deleted segment giving an overview on the Game Shows aired on the DuMont Network.

Mar 5, 2015 · 5m

Pouring some additional salt in the gamer wounds...

Apr 2, 2015 · 10m

Slightly bastardizing the usual Ben's Junk format--but not Ben's Junk itself (that'd hurt).

Apr 30, 2015 · 11m

...and welcome to (probably the only edition of) "Ben Tries"!

May 28, 2015 · 8m

A day late, a dollar short--you know the deal.

Jun 11, 2015 · 23m

Little did I know... NOTE: If you don't like my dry, rambling (and stutter-heavy) commentaries, you might wanna skip this one.

Jun 18, 2015 · 10m

Nothing but the cutting edge in home video technology in Archive-land!

Jun 25, 2015 · 12m

I'm so vain, I KNOW I think this short is about me...

Jul 2, 2015 · 24m

I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!

Jul 9, 2015 · 7m

The original "demo" segment in the CD-I episode ran long. REALLY LONG! This is the complete, intended segment shamelessly re-purposed as a "Ben's Junk" episode.

Aug 6, 2015 · 7m

Just going through some (relatively) recent additions to the Archive's 8-track (and associated) pile.

Sep 3, 2015 · 6m

DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.

Sep 17, 2015 · 6m

Made as a thank you to the viewer who sent this. A thank you for not sending us any Magic Clown ephemera, that is.

Oct 1, 2015 · 14m

Looking back on the mental and physical scars sustained while making the Rejuvenique episode--and the mask too.

Oct 15, 2015 · 26m

Recounting one of the Archive's more memorable production experiences.

Oct 29, 2015 · 11m

I hate it when my ideas for holiday specials fall through...

Oct 31, 2015 · 1m

Nov 12, 2015 · 12m

Discussing what was arguably the most difficult restoration project I’ve (successfully) undertaken. Special thanks once again to Stephen Greer for his generous donation.

Nov 26, 2015 · 11m

'Cause, you know, Thanksgiving, food...it all makes sense.

Dec 10, 2015 · 12m

What's with the box? Who's that creepy guy in the intro? Is Chuck Swirsky really a freakin' nerd? Those questions (and more) will be answered in this video.

Dec 24, 2015 · 13m

The Archive dusts off a minor (albeit severely butchered) art-house classic. Merry Christmas!

Jan 14, 2016 · 4m

Filmed for inclusion on the CED episode (Episode 92), but left off for time.

Jan 28, 2016 · 25m

Ben geeks out about guitars for 25 minutes. Watch at your own peril.

Feb 11, 2016 · 14m

Let’s just say it all just kind of fell into my lap.

Mar 10, 2016 · 9m

As promised, here's the second installment on the CD-I collection. Was it worth the wait?

Mar 24, 2016 · 17m

The one time where it's ok to giggle at Ben's Junk.

Apr 7, 2016 · 6m

It takes a steady hand to run one of these. Unfortunately, that's something I sorely lack.

May 5, 2016 · 11m

A wise man once said: “Save the big (stuff) for Ben’s Junk—it needs all the help it can get.”

May 19, 2016 · 16m

Sometimes it takes a while for Ben's Junk to get in motion.

Jun 2, 2016 · 32m

Admittedly, a very stream-of-consciousness commentary here, but a(n apparently) necessary one.

Jun 9, 2016 · 10m

I already discussed this one back on the VCR Ephemera episode, but didn't have one, so I couldn't test it. Let's rectify that situation.

Jun 16, 2016 · 10m

Taking a look at a (rather cryptic) promo reel for a series of silent, educational two-reelers.

Jun 23, 2016 · 23m

A look at the first installment (and, to a lesser degree, the subsequent installments) of the recurring Record Ripoffs series. This is a commentary I’ve been wanting to do for awhile.

Jun 30, 2016 · 11m

A look at one of the many competitors to the Atari 2600.

Jul 14, 2016 · 8m

Discussing another bit of donated junk--'cause, you know, everybody apparently wants a hand in Ben's Junk.

Aug 11, 2016 · 42m

Lately, I've been getting asked quite a bit about my music collection. All I can say is, be careful what you wish for.

Aug 25, 2016 · 14m

Oh-oh, won’t you tell me again…and again…and again…

Sep 8, 2016 · 6m

Taking another stab at the now-infamous "zombie" disc.

Sep 22, 2016 · 12m

Fairly recent for an Archivism—let’s take a look at how the current generation of middle and high-schoolers grew up to be such narcissists.

Oct 20, 2016 · 20m

Yeah, there were some ghosts in the camera—or were they gremlins?

Nov 3, 2016 · 15m

ACTUAL (paid) TESTIMONIAL: Parenthood turned out to be a real bitch and we were totally unprepared. Thanks bob!

Nov 17, 2016 · 11m

Another weapon in the Archive’s—well, archiving arsenal.

Dec 15, 2016 · 13m

Well, I already discussed Big Mouth Billy Bass. Might as well finish the 90’s/Gemmy/Talking Novelty Item concept.

Jan 12, 2017 · 22m

Superheroes? What are those?

Feb 23, 2017 · 16m

A soldering kit for kids? Yeah, that about fits my skillset.

Mar 9, 2017 · 9m

Like clockwork, I get my hands on a MD Walkman with a mic input just after I finish making the Minidisc episode. I swear it's a conspiracy.

Mar 23, 2017 · 13m

I was downright embarrassed by my old CED Player (see the CED episode). Obviously, an upgrade was in order.

Apr 6, 2017 · 14m

For all the overpriced hunks of plastic in my possession, it’s kind of a wonder that this segment of my record collection is so small.

May 4, 2017 · 18m

(conversation overheard at VTech, 1988) Boss: What’s a name that sounds good and smart for our quasi-educational video game console? Engineer: Um, Socrates! Boss: Is he smart? Engineer: Yeah. Boss: Perfect! What’s for lunch?

May 18, 2017 · 15m

A couple of obsolete, useless (to me) bits of Pay-TV history—so, of course, I bought them.

Jun 8, 2017 · 8m

Ben helps save the environment—with bad audiobooks on a cheap, low-capacity, unalterable mp3 player!

Jun 15, 2017 · 13m

I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.

Jun 22, 2017 · 17m

Effectively tackling the three “(100% showtune-free) Musical March” episodes all at once. Who’da thunk old audio gear could be so controversial?

Jun 29, 2017 · 20m

A decidedly different installment in the Ben’s Junk series. This time, I take a(n admittedly lengthy) stroll down memory lane about a family vacation from 20 years earlier.

Jul 13, 2017 · 12m

Alternate Title: God, Ben! Don’t you listen to anything from this century?!?!

Jul 27, 2017 · 12m

Remember kids, these are MY favorite albums, not yours. If there’s any overlap, consider it a happy accident.

Aug 10, 2017 · 6m

A slightly askew edition of Ben’s Junk. Let’s rectify that situation.

Aug 24, 2017 · 7m

When researching the DBX episode, as best as I could gather, there were no (legit) pre-recorded DBX-encoded audiocassettes. Turns out there was a line of Classical tapes.

Sep 7, 2017 · 8m

…and the great Archive A/V tune-up continues.

Sep 21, 2017 · 8m

The Archive kicks it up a notch—or at least about one-fifth of one.

Oct 5, 2017 · 10m

Remember the single-use 35mm camera? How ‘bout a single-use camcorder?

Oct 19, 2017 · 22m

The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…

Nov 2, 2017 · 19m

Ben gets nostalgic for nostalgia—he’s meta like that.

Nov 16, 2017 · 6m

Taking a look at an external preamp for the turntable—largely only because the cool kids are into it.

Nov 30, 2017 · 9m

An especially dull (or sharp) edition of Ben’s Junk—it’s capable of both.

Dec 14, 2017 · 9m

Ben gets ambitious with his Christmas lights—in that, he’s putting any up at all.

Dec 27, 2017 · 13m

…or, Telecine redux.

Jan 11, 2018 · 8m

It’s no secret that the LP’s discussed on Archive were usually (presumably) buried in someone’s backyard. Naturally, we’re open to any new method of cleaning them up.

Jan 25, 2018 · 12m

Ben’s second new (to him) cassette deck in a year. What makes this one so special?

Feb 8, 2018 · 8m

Taking a look at (possibly) the first-ever CD cleaner/repair thing to ever hit the market. Is it a lost classic?

Feb 22, 2018 · 6m

The second installment on CD cleaning/repair devices. Is it Royally good or Royal garbage?

Mar 8, 2018 · 25m

What’s that thing with the face in the background? This, and many (well, a few) other questions will be answered at long last!

Mar 22, 2018 · 7m

Let’s commit a bit of Luddite blasphemy, shall we?

Apr 5, 2018 · 15m

Testing out a new, potential subseries—and hitting every conceivable pothole along the way.

Apr 19, 2018 · 13m

…figured I’d better shoot at least one episode in Beautiful Downtown Aurora before leaving.

May 3, 2018 · 12m

At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!

May 17, 2018 · 12m

The MCS deck kinda got fried. Time for another fixer-upper!

May 31, 2018 · 15m

Let’s unearth some (unintentional) pre-DVD Easter Eggs…

Jun 21, 2018 · 11m

An early, talking board game—whose (nearly) every move is dictated by a tiny record.

Jun 28, 2018 · 9m

Rather serendipitously, just in time to move, we’ve unearthed a promo video for an item that we’ve used on Archive many times—namely, the Talking House Transmitter. Talk about timing!

Jul 5, 2018 · 24m

…because I totally needed a bunch more junk to try and pack up.

Aug 2, 2018 · 7m

There were a precious few hallmarks of the old Archive HQ that I did NOT want to carry over. Speaker wire running all over the room was one of them.

Aug 16, 2018 · 19m

Already went over to a direct-drive cassette deck, might as well do the same with vinyl…

Aug 30, 2018 · 12m

Looking into the most intimate areas of Ben’s…half-baked stereo system.

Sep 13, 2018 · 11m

Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?

Sep 17, 2018 · 30m

The Archive’s first livestream since 2014…and just as lo-fi as ever.

Sep 26, 2018 · 29m

Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!

Oct 11, 2018 · 25m

A mere 3½ months in the making!

Oct 25, 2018 · 14m

The return of the Halloween album reviews! Now in screaming, spooktacular stereo!

Nov 8, 2018 · 12m

I’ve got search-for-a-reissue-of-the-original-Pac-Man-arcade-game fever…it’s driving me crazy.

Nov 22, 2018 · 7m

A (non-filling) seven-course meal of Turkey Day commercialism!

Dec 6, 2018 · 12m

So, what is the Oddity Archive guy doing with a reissue console?

Dec 24, 2018 · 5m

A little stocking stuffer of yuletide caterwauling—er, caroling!

Jan 3, 2019 · 14m

New year, more audio kit. It’s tradition, ya know?

Jan 10, 2019 · 16m

Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.

Jan 24, 2019 · 12m

Wait, didn’t we already cover this? Talk about déjà vu…

Jan 31, 2019 · 18m

Ben’s recovering from a virus (and middle-ear dysfunction). Sounds like a good time to do a (kiddie) camcorder review.

Feb 14, 2019 · 6m

We’re just a bunch of old softies…with a taste for bent story arcs.

Feb 28, 2019 · 21m

Will our scrappy hero escape the clutches of the snow monster? Find out in our next installment: “Frosty The Slowman, or, Snow Thanks to You”!

Mar 14, 2019 · 12m

Tagline: Ben: Hey, good lookin’! How ‘bout I pick you up later? Attractive Lady: (smacks Ben so hard his fillings are rearranged) Ben: But it worked for the guy in the commercial…

Mar 28, 2019 · 15m

Another fixer-upper? In Archiveland? Never!!!

Apr 11, 2019 · 18m

While researching the recent VHS Distributors episode, I kept running into references to a publication known as the “Big Reel”. Turns out, it’s most (in)famous of the old film collector publications—and it’s easy to see why.

Apr 25, 2019 · 24m

In a way, Laserdiscs never really outgrew their experimental phase. Here’s an informal, overview of SOME of the more idiosyncratic Laserdiscs out there (and/or their packaging).

May 9, 2019 · 13m

DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.

May 23, 2019 · 15m

A double dose of turn-of-the-millennium PC goodness!

Jun 13, 2019 · 14m

After a long delay…well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.

Jun 20, 2019 · 11m

The Archive finally gets to “see the X”! Spoiler: It’s a rock.

Jun 27, 2019 · 24m

Let’s see if we can’t clear up some misconceptions about this episode…

Jul 4, 2019 · 20m

I was going a little stir crazy at the end of last season. So, naturally, I decided to add a little to my at-home clutter.

Jul 18, 2019 · 20m

New from K-Smell Records, it’s all those irritating moments that lead off each Record Ripoffs episode in one convenient package! ORDER NOW!!!

Aug 1, 2019 · 15m

Readin’ and dreamin’ ‘bout those Archivisms that’ll probably never happen.

Aug 9, 2019 · 8m

All seven minutes of the Archive’s low-grade, wannabe Frippertronics experiment! Earplugs are highly recommended.

Aug 15, 2019 · 49m

Uh, oh. Ben’s geeking out again. Get comfy.

Aug 29, 2019 · 25m

…or, how Ben unwittingly jumped on the “lo-fi” bandwagon.

Sep 12, 2019 · 19m

Who says Ben’s got no rhythm? He’s got 10 of them!

Sep 26, 2019 · 17m

…or, The Space-Age Sounds of the Oddity Archive! (now available on vinyl and 3¾ips reel)

Oct 10, 2019 · 25m

Featuring our very Special Guest: Zippy The Chimp!

Oct 24, 2019 · 11m

Can your heart (or better yet, head) stand a trip through this haunted house? No, seriously, this is our most headache-inducing one yet.

Nov 6, 2019 · 4m

The first new piece of music I've written and released since 2012. As a challenge to myself, I tasked myself with creating a song using nothing but my old Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1 synthesizer--which is a REAL challenge given that I'm not a synth geek and my keyboard skills are dodgy at best. It also had to sound like something that could've been made and released around the time the synth was made (circa 1982). As such, effects are used sparingly and are confined to the basics (read: EQ, reverb & compression). Written as part of my ongoing attempts at creating some new, original incidental music for Oddity Archive. NOTE: Just in case you couldn't tell, the synth pics shown are NOT representative of the patches used.

Nov 7, 2019 · 24m

Whatdaya mean you forgot you had a Moog? Also, synth snobs need not apply.

Nov 21, 2019 · 15m

Since we were already talkin’ Video8, it only seemed right to cover the Archive’s first camcorder…not to mention, a piece of gear still (as of this episode, at least) in regular use around Archive HQ.

Dec 5, 2019 · 13m

Guaranteed to keep this (internet) video from rolling!

Dec 9, 2019 · 7m

Can online audio mastering render audio mastering engineers obsolete? The short answer: No. Having said that, it’s not as bad as you’d think.

Dec 12, 2019 · 26m

Just your standard, good, old-fashioned, combustible, unnerving, overpriced Country Christmas…

Dec 26, 2019 · 7m

Celebrating the true meaning of Boxing Day… a whole lotta furniture and carpet sales.

Jan 9, 2020 · 12m

A would-be full-fledged video format episode…which got curtailed by (amazingly enough) a lack of computer stuff at Archive HQ.

Jan 23, 2020 · 29m

An informal stroll few some cherry-picked titles from Ben’s (somewhat unintentional) collection of B-Movies and Cult Classics.

Feb 6, 2020 · 18m

…or, what happens when ol’ Benny-boy decides he needs more than 2 microphone inputs.

Feb 20, 2020 · 24m

Yes, I bought another synth. Yes, I swatted myself on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper over my lack of self-control.

Mar 2, 2020 · 3m

Now you can enjoy a classic OA sign-off without all that pesky talking and technical junk! F.D.G. = Fully Digital Gunk? Faulty Daily Gherkins? Make up your own acronym.

Mar 5, 2020 · 17m

Lookin’ under the hood of Ben’s laserdisc player (quite appropriately) with some General Motors discs.

Mar 19, 2020 · 32m

Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is now in session!

Apr 2, 2020 · 22m

Please note that this episode may not run correctly unless your monitor is running at a minimum of 256 colors and your system has at least 12MB of available RAM.

Apr 16, 2020 · 18m

Well, my last attempt at a semi-regular home audio recording rig failed…and my regular laptop is on its last legs. Here’s my attempt at solving both issues at once.

Apr 30, 2020 · 19m

Time to take a bet(t)a look at the Archive’s first Betamax—from before the Archive even existed (in every sense).

May 14, 2020 · 26m

A genuine televisual feast.

May 28, 2020 · 13m

Question #196.5: What is the Quiz Wiz lacking? Multiple Choice: A. An objective B. A reward C. Entertainment value D. All of the above

Jun 3, 2020 · 1m

In honor of the "Switched-On Archive" episode, I figured I'd make two pieces of music, one to represent both extremes of the trend of late '60's/early '70's Moog Synthesizer albums--the good and the "bad". This rendition of the Archive's usual theme song is intended to salute/work within the realm of the album that (unwittingly) started it all, Wendy Carlos' "Switched-On Bach" (1968). This was created entirely on a Moog MG-1 and was done strictly within the realm of what was possible in the late '60's and early '70's. Keeping in spirit with the original, monophonic synths of the '60's, I used NONE of the polyphonic settings.

Jun 5, 2020 · 2m

My half-salute to/half-parody of those especially tacky late '60's/early '70's Moog Synthesizer albums. The cheese factor goes to 11 here. This was created...without a Moog. Instead, I used a Behringer Neutron monophonic synth (more potential whiz-bang sound effects than my Moog MG-1) and a circa 1972 Whippany Rhythm Master. This was recorded with the general limitations of this period of recording gear.

Jun 18, 2020 · 13m

The Archive gets secure...or just paranoid.

Jun 25, 2020 · 15m

OA calling CQ, hopefully DX, lookin’ for the QT on the DL while TCB.

Jul 2, 2020 · 19m

Archive Thrifting is a magical tool of last resort…Why? Because it NEVER fails!

Jul 9, 2020 · 21m

…or, Ben’s weirdest pet-project to date! (kerchunk)

Jul 20, 2020 · 4m

Initially intended as a full-band "electric" tune, but recorded as a folk piece back in 2004. Sixteen years later, I'm finally getting around to an electric version--albeit with some slightly cinematic modifications.

Jul 23, 2020 · 27m

Aug 6, 2020 · 18m

Meet the Archive’s new (to us) 8-track deck…

Aug 13, 2020 · 14m

A rare, intimate, bedroom edition of Ben’s Junk…

Aug 24, 2020 · 1m

I was informed that the regular version was too upbeat and concise for the Episode 200 OA documentary. This was my best attempt at making it as dreary and hazy as possible.

Aug 24, 2020 · 2m

Representing the dry, yet thoughtful end of Episode 200...

Aug 27, 2020 · 15m

Ok, time for my side of the story...

Sep 10, 2020 · 2m

Somehow I started with what I thought was a pretty cool-sounding canned rhythm (running through a guitar delay pedal) and wound up with a Jean-Michel Jarre pastiche. No idea how I got there.

Sep 24, 2020 · 19m

Since I had S-VHS and VCR’s on the brain already (moreso than usual), it seemed like the right time to revisit one of the early, ultra-wonky Ben’s Junk topics.

Oct 8, 2020 · 41m

October 4, 2020 marked the 125th anniversary of comedian/filmmaker Buster Keaton’s birth. Consider this the Archive’s (slightly belated and rambling) tribute to one of the greats…

Oct 22, 2020 · 25m

It’s the first Archive Thrifting Spooktacular! Strangely enough, it’s probably one of the least scary Thrifting episodes to date.

Nov 5, 2020 · 10m

You can keep your fancy digital cameras, thank you very much.

Nov 19, 2020 · 36m

A slow-speed ramble for a slow-speed format.

Dec 3, 2020 · 16m

We be stylin’…stylus(in’), that is…y’all.

Dec 17, 2020 · 26m

Fillin’ up the ol’ one-horse open sleigh with…some junk.

Jan 28, 2021 · 47m

Time to get back in the groove! (dodges tsunami of rotten produce)

Feb 11, 2021 · 17m

Finishing up the trilogy of belatedly-acquired, nostalgically-motivated miniature video game consoles…

Feb 25, 2021 · 29m

Only about seven years in the making… With the occasional small liberty, a recreation of the first, commercially-available home videotape recording setup in North America. Depending on your perspective, it’s either hardcore or half-baked.

Mar 11, 2021 · 12m

No one should ever get this excited over something this mundane… Or, this CRT is 20 AF…y’all.

Mar 18, 2021 · 21m

You’ll be green with envy over these finds…or not.

Apr 1, 2021 · 12m

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

Apr 15, 2021 · 8m

It’s time to get down to business in Archiveland!

Apr 29, 2021 · 23m

Can a (relative) cheapie from Menard’s drag the Archive’s off-air recording capabilities (kicking and screaming) into the 21st century? Sort of…

May 13, 2021 · 32m

A late-night, low-light, romantic fishing expedition with everybody’s favorite Oddity Archivist…fishing for ArchiveAnnex material, that is.

May 27, 2021 · 23m

Could it be I’ve finally stumbled onto the rightful heir of the VCR? Looks like it…

Jun 10, 2021 · 16m

A double-(4)-header of D-VHS (when possible) goodness!

Jun 17, 2021 · 27m

If ever an OA episode needed a commentary track, it’s this one…

Jun 24, 2021 · 18m

Featuring deals so far outta sight, they’re outta mind!

Jul 8, 2021 · 21m

Of course, I had to pick up a rare and unusual deck for a tape cleaning rig. Also, not to be confused with the Akai GX-220D.

Jul 15, 2021 · 1h 44m

You wanted a history lesson? You got a history lesson!

Jul 29, 2021 · 7m

The Archive delivers its first real travelogue…granted, it was all of a half-hour away from home, but still.

Aug 5, 2021 · 22m

Thrifting can be a real drag…but not when Ben’s around!

Aug 19, 2021 · 31m

A bit of VHSMR for everyone…

Sep 2, 2021 · 25m

There’s plenty in the OA oven right now, just none of it is rising.

Sep 9, 2021 · 26m

I got things just a hare wrong the first time around, so let’s hop to another round of tests…

Sep 23, 2021 · 27m

Most people would rent a video once…Benny-boy was just insane enough to rent the same tapes over and over…then eventually buy them.

Oct 7, 2021 · 30m

A half-hour Ben’s Junk? You might say the machine caused it to run reely long.

Oct 21, 2021 · 25m

Get a witches shawl on and find a broomstick you can crawl on…and go thrifting with Benny-boy! (snap, snap)

Oct 31, 2021 · 6m

0:01 - Thereminiature (featuring Sty Lo Phone) (A bit of B-Movie cheese) 1:36 - Pavanned (Version 6.66) (A half parody of/half tribute to the Alan Parsons Project)

Nov 4, 2021 · 18m

Finally getting into this newfangled digital camera stuff…whatdaya mean you can’t get 3.5” floppies anymore?!?

Nov 18, 2021 · 22m

Does Ben really think he’s better than Chuck Swirsky? That freakin’ liberal…

Dec 2, 2021 · 25m

‘Tis the season…for holiday specials. Here’s some of my favorites…

Dec 16, 2021 · 26m

Run, run Rudolph…towards another pile of junk!

Dec 30, 2021 · 3h 22m

Move over, “History of the Eagles”. There’s a new rock doc opus in town…

Jan 6, 2022 · 21m

Going down a mental rabbit hole…in the most Archivian way possible.

Jan 12, 2022 · 2m

Not so much chosen for musical content, but because of the long spaces between phrases and major volume drops. Shame it isn't more EQ'd, this'd the ultimate stress test for a PCM unit otherwise.

Jan 20, 2022 · 19m

Feeling nostalgic for those early YouTube potato video captures? I’ve got just the scratch for that itch…

Feb 3, 2022 · 17m

At long last, Ben’s Junk gets the clap…per.

Feb 17, 2022 · 24m

A little mythbusting (and philosophizing)…OA style.

Mar 3, 2022 · 15m

After last week’s video, I had to seek a 600-second miracle of my own. It seems to involve turning into a less-charming Daniel Johnston.

Mar 17, 2022 · 14m

An addendum to the “Prehistoric UHF” episode…and the “ONTV/Pay TV Vol. 2” episode—about three years too late.

Mar 31, 2022 · 24m

For those about to rock (in 11/4 time), we salute you…

Apr 14, 2022 · 15m

Ben recreates the best TV program of all time—the color bars!

Apr 22, 2022 · 1h 40m

Flying by the seat of Benny's ripped (by wear and tear) jeans using only an iPad and his (half-)wit to try and raise money for a new computer.

Apr 28, 2022 · 23m

It takes a lot to keep Ben’s Junk together…‘cause Ben’s Junk ain’t no good when it’s distorted and out-of-sync.

May 7, 2022 · 2h 22m

A little (non-alcoholic) wine, a little song...which'll all cease if the price is right. Otherwise, we'll chat and I may pick a techie brain or two.

May 12, 2022 · 20m

A casual chat…if only because the prospect of the sixth “Ben’s Junk” in a row was too much to bear.

May 19, 2022 · 22m

Please note, these are the statements of an analog-brained lunatic and are probably woefully inaccurate. In other words, never give an analog brain a computer.

Jun 2, 2022 · 24m

CRT’s are for squares…which we proudly are.

Jun 23, 2022 · 17m

Tackling one of the great urban legends of the Laserdisc format. Are there any “good” copies of Eraser? And, no, I’m not referring to the film itself.

Jun 30, 2022 · 26m

Got a new phone (not by choice)…which means a new camera…which means…test drive time!

Jul 7, 2022 · 7m

It’s a(n apparent) fine line between deep expressionism and wonky student film.

Jul 14, 2022 · 24m

Mother Nature: (throws flash floods, tornadoes, derechos and blizzards at Archive HQ) Ben: I get the hint already! Geez…

Jul 20, 2022 · 10m

A truly nice little radio (especially on the AM front)…and a nice little prelude to the OA 10th Anniversary episode.

Jul 28, 2022 · 17m

Taken while shooting the AM Stereo episode. If nothing else, it was the least sticker-shock-intensive part of the trip.

Aug 4, 2022 · 18m

Testing out a potential, new occasionally recurring thing in which I undertake minor repairs on some item…and, as always, mock it a bit.

Aug 18, 2022 · 34m

…and the single most challenging project I’ve ever taken on…continues to kick my butt. Share in the frustration, won’t you?

Sep 1, 2022 · 46m

Hope you like fussy, fidgety, unintuitive setups…and 45-minute Ben’s Junks.

Sep 15, 2022 · 24m

Hey Buddy, wanna see some early 20th century movie theater slides? Didn’t think so.

Sep 22, 2022 · 24m

…or, Ben gets nostalgic for other people’s nostalgia.

Oct 6, 2022 · 25m

A rather unprofessional look at a truly professional piece of gear. Such is the Archive… And, yes, “Junk” is used in the loosest way possible here.

Oct 20, 2022 · 19m

Mom, can we buy some Halloween? (see title for answer)

Oct 24, 2022 · 22m

I think I have some ‘splainin’ to do regarding this one. NOTE: I recorded this back in early June (2022) as a fail-safe in case the thrifting episode I was trying to make fell through. Some of the points discussed here are now outdated.

Nov 3, 2022 · 4m

…or, as some might call it, “Ben’s Final Descent Into Madness”.

Nov 17, 2022 · 21m

It’s (apparently) a fine line between your TV and a taxi meter…

Dec 1, 2022 · 42m

Even old scrooge Benny-boy has those Christmas tunes that get his foot (arrhythmically) a-tappin’.

Dec 15, 2022 · 22m

The merriest* thrifting video of the year! *FACT CHECK: Mostly false.

Dec 29, 2022 · 21m

Old year, old junk. Poetic, ain’t it?

Jan 5, 2023 · 26m

And the quest for that form of copy protection that’ll make my VCR burst into flames continues…

Jan 19, 2023 · 26m

Please inspect Ben’s Junk for damage before use…and let it warm up for awhile…and don’t point it at anything bright for more than a second or two. You know what, forget it.

Feb 2, 2023 · 15m

You wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark? Here ya go. Just don’t expect anything too hot.

Feb 23, 2023 · 20m

For those looking to up their YouTube microphone game…had such a thing existed in 1988.

Mar 9, 2023 · 30m

For how much TV I watched when I was younger, it’s a wonder my brains didn’t completely leak out of my ears. See the beginning of the de-evolution of Benny-boy here…

Mar 23, 2023 · 21m

…because I MUST get my Diamond Rio loaded (ideally, with Diamond Rio songs)!

Apr 6, 2023 · 27m

What—Me Ramble?

Apr 20, 2023 · 24m

Some like roses on a date, some like candy. Benny-boy likes uncatalogued analog magnetic media.

May 4, 2023 · 29m

Oddity Archive and MTV have a momentary cease-fire to appreciate some 80’s tuneage.

May 18, 2023 · 11m

Hey! Nice rack, Benny-boy! (snicker)

May 22, 2023 · 13m

A ferric-oxide (or metal, depending on the tape) baptism…by fire.

Jun 22, 2023 · 20m

Hope you have your June tree up (ideally, something deciduous), 'cause we're about to celebrate Christmas in June.

Jul 6, 2023 · 25m

Some things don’t come easy…like the first thrifting video of 2023 (more than halfway into the year, no less).

Jul 13, 2023 · 19m

Coming right at the end of the usefulness for something like this. Let’s see if it’s too little, too late…or right on time.

Jul 20, 2023 · 12m

Some people’s sinuses come back from Arizona…my AV-3600 came back from Arizona—arguably the same headache.

Aug 10, 2023 · 30m

Celebrating the 25th OA Thrifting video by doing one in Minnesohta, doan ‘cha know?

Aug 10, 2023 · 19m

It’s everybody’s favorite new (not quite) nerdy game show…Fix It or Forget It!!!

Aug 24, 2023 · 16m

The Archive phones it in…phoneVISION, that is.

Sep 7, 2023 · 15m

Oddity Archive®: Only for the most SelecTiVe viewers!

Sep 21, 2023 · 37m

A little device with a lot of potential…but does it live up to it?

Oct 5, 2023 · 19m

Well, it does du all, I’ll give it that…

Oct 12, 2023 · 25m

Dragging out the Summer a little longer…whether you like it or not.

Nov 30, 2023 · 21m

Oddity Archive®: Now in glorious Hi-Fi Mono!

Dec 14, 2023 · 24m

Just hear those cash tills jing-a-ling’—ring-ting-tinga-ling…

Dec 28, 2023 · 18m

From that part of the Archive that’s a bit like that old take-out in the back of your fridge…that you forgot about.

Jan 4, 2024 · 26m

Looking at the Rifftrax collection…with only minimal snark…which may very well go against the laws of riff comedy.

Jan 18, 2024 · 37m

…because Benny-boy apparently goes through mini stereos like (insert absurdly famous pop star) goes through boyfriends.

Jan 25, 2024 · 24m

The tech geek equivalent of rummaging through someone’s medicine cabinet…

Feb 15, 2024 · 22m

Archiveco Home Theatre®: Now serving Lawn Guyland & New Joisey!

Feb 22, 2024 · 27m

Some livestreamers run PC games…Benny-boy likes to run Betamax tapes.

Feb 29, 2024 · 7m

For us old fartknockers that haven’t yet warmed up to stretch-o-vision…

Mar 14, 2024 · 35m

Thumbing through the catalog of the hottest new video format (by OA standards).

Mar 21, 2024 · 24m

Come on down to Crazy Benny’s for…a bunch of audiocassettes that you probably don’t care about.

Mar 28, 2024 · 9m

Trying to bulk dump the contents of the DVR. Here’s how NOT* to do it… *No Hard Drives were harmed in the making of this episode. It was reinstalled and all material is still 100% intact.

Apr 11, 2024 · 21m

Inconvenience and mildly annoy those evil VCR thieves with the Videolok!

Apr 18, 2024 · 15m

Don’t wanna wait for Stereo TV’s to be invented? Here ya go!

Apr 25, 2024 · 12m

The saga continues. On and on…and on…and on…

May 9, 2024 · 27m

Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Physical Media Studies class is now in session!

May 16, 2024 · 48m

An unintentional episode of Oddity Archive…After Dark…in the most literal sense.

May 23, 2024 · 23m

Ben christens his newly-functional laptop…by playing a little Slim Whitman.

Jun 20, 2024 · 26m

Ben’s 3(.0)rd attempt at FM, Part 15-legal microbroadcasting! Let’s see if it’s the charm…

Jun 27, 2024 · 30m

A quick experiment evolves (er, devolves) into a borderline documentary…on the subject of cleaning mold off an old ¾” “U-Matic” videotape. And they say OA isn’t mainstream…

Jul 4, 2024 · 19m

Spend the 4th of July the American way…shopping for junk.

Jul 11, 2024 · 28m

(with apologies to Frank Sinatra) …’cause it’s Vidicraft, wicked Vidicraft. And, although I know it’s strictly taboo…

Aug 1, 2024 · 10m

After making the Great Time Machine episodes in 2023, I was offered another unit in exchange for transferring some tapes. I may not have gotten the better part of that deal.

Aug 8, 2024 · 31m

Something I never thought I’d have…warm, gooey nostalgia for the Y2K era.

Aug 15, 2024 · 23m

A trip back to the late-90’s. Of course, that means being unnecessarily EXTREEEEME!!!! (insert dorky camera zoom)

Aug 22, 2024 · 20m

The little brats are finally back in school. Let’s go thrifting…

Sep 5, 2024 · 13m

Mold®: Now available in yellow and brown!

Sep 12, 2024 · 22m

Truly from the audiovisual litterbox, an impractical solution to a problem that didn’t/doesn’t exist. Or, Benny-boy officially becomes a cat herder...and hoarder.

Sep 19, 2024 · 13m

A color bar generator called “Little HUEy”. No, it’s not a Norm MacDonald joke…I think.

Oct 10, 2024 · 18m

Keep losing that remote control? Perhaps there’s just too many gosh-darn buttons? We’ve got a (borderline-toy) solution for you!

Oct 17, 2024 · 25m

I set out to discuss laserdiscs and wound up on a tear about various movies. Ain’t that always the way?

Oct 24, 2024 · 23m

Grab yer pardner, do-si-do…and go thrifting with ol’ Benny-boy!

Oct 28, 2024 · 21m

Discussing the great swindle that is my little parody of “Halloween III”…and mustaches.

Nov 9, 2024 · 18m

A radio that’ll send you into outer space…8 times!

Nov 14, 2024 · 17m

An Up Beat (by my standards) look at an issue of Down Beat magazine. Now, excuse me while I clap out-of-rhythm…

Nov 21, 2024 · 20m

You can get anything you want at Benny-boy’s (non-existent) Restaurant…

Dec 5, 2024 · 26m

A product so nice, I had to review it twice…

Dec 12, 2024 · 18m

Out in the stores there’s so much clutter/Let’s listen to Benny-boy groan and mutter…

Dec 26, 2024 · 16m

My first steel string acoustic guitar…which was even cheaper than the ones Esteban was hawking on TV at the time.

Jan 9, 2025 · 18m

The OA soundtrack album was SUPPOSED to be the most tricked-out CD of all time…of course, things didn’t pan out. And, yes, this may very well be the geekiest, most jargon-heavy discussion I’ve ever given.

Jan 16, 2025 · 18m

Mono reprocessed for stereo? How quaint. How ‘bout stereo reprocessed for surround sound?

Jan 23, 2025 · 19m

Benny-boy covers a projector…but not a film projector. Blasphemy, I know.

Feb 27, 2025 · 23m

…because it’s (apparently) cool to be contrarian.

Mar 6, 2025 · 22m

Hey, hey…the Ben’s Junk items I was gonna cover fell through. Let’s get nostalgic.

Mar 13, 2025 · 9m

You’ve heard of “oddware”, right? This is outright “deadware”.

Mar 20, 2025 · 23m

Easter Eggs are earned, my friend…

Mar 27, 2025 · 25m

Fulfilling another one of my utterly pointless life missions…almost.

Apr 10, 2025 · 16m

True Archive® excitement, doled out by the pound…

May 1, 2025 · 19m

Let’s celebrate (Halfway to) Halloween with…half a Halloween movie franchise collection.

May 8, 2025 · 18m

Sportsarama®: Somehow even less convenient than scheduling an actual game of tennis (or hockey or handball)!

May 17, 2025 · 17m

With all the hype about the 50th anniversary of the Betamax home video format, let’s not forget the 40th anniversary of…SuperBeta(max).

May 23, 2025 · 22m

I always wanted a pinball machine…

Jun 5, 2025 · 2h 17m

Jun 12, 2025 · 1h 2m

77 LP’s (and a stray 45) in an hour. Now, THAT is efficiency…

Jun 19, 2025 · 14m

Some people take in stray dogs and cats. I (apparently) take in stray early home video tapes.

Jun 26, 2025 · 37m

Well, I haven’t really been able to go thrifting in the better part of a year. Time for the thrifting to come to me!

Jul 3, 2025 · 19m

Taking a look at quite possibly the world's last working Action-brand portable TV. Last, not because it's rare or anything, it's just THAT poorly made.

Jul 17, 2025 · 16m

WARNING: This update includes some unpleasant and frank medical discussion which may upset some viewers. Please watch at your own discretion.

Jul 24, 2025 · 1h 58m

Ya coulda had a Keaton, but instead the viewers spoke and chose...AliExpress Martin & Lewis.

Jul 28, 2025 · 4m

Hot off the presses--recorded overnight. Let's just say things are moving a bit quickly right now.

Jul 31, 2025 · 22m

The most un-portable portable TV of all time! I like it anyway.

Aug 14, 2025 · 19m

Ain’t no microphone gonna tie me down!

Aug 18, 2025 · 11m

This should be the last of these update videos…

Aug 21, 2025 · 23m

Rotting DVD-R’s and shedding videotapes? Must be Archiveland.

Aug 27, 2025 · 28m

Yes, more shiny, 12-inchers…laserdiscs, that is. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Sep 4, 2025 · 15m

…because a plain old screwdriver was just too gosh darn simple.

Sep 11, 2025 · 18m

Oddity Archive®: Now presented in “Mosquito Net-Vision”*! *patent pending

Sep 18, 2025 · 16m

NOTE: OA-generated content will vary in quality, will be inaccurate, and shouldn’t be relied on for professional advice.

Sep 25, 2025 · 17m

We will only accept the most wood-grain and polyester sounds here in Archiveland!

Sep 26, 2025 · 2h 19m

Probably the only time you'll ever see a drama on PD Theatre. It just seemed appropriate right now.

Oct 2, 2025 · 16m

Karaoke is back in Archiveland! No lasers this time though.

Oct 16, 2025 · 20m

Let’s scare ourselves to death with…a discussion of a handful of comedies.

Oct 23, 2025 · 20m

A bubbling cauldron of...things that would make a witch gag.

Nov 6, 2025 · 48m

Here we go trying to time travel again…

Nov 13, 2025 · 27m

Another one from the “couldn’t afford it back then” file…

Nov 20, 2025 · 29m

Maybe I need to join RCA (Record Collectors Anonymous, that is)…

Dec 4, 2025 · 30m

Just looking over some uniquely Archivian gift ideas…

Dec 11, 2025 · 16m

SPOILER ALERT: No, “Die Hard” is not on my list.

Dec 18, 2025 · 24m

All I want for Christmas is…a nice, little tree for Archive HQ.

Dec 19, 2025 · 1h 6m

Three tasty morsels from the kinescope era...

Dec 19, 2025 · 48m

Jan 1, 2026 · 17m

All thrifting footage must go! No reasonable offer will be refused!

Dec 21, 2025 · 2h 4m

Jan 8, 2026 · 16m

Let’s take an affectionate look at the Archive’s second-most famous resident (second only to the cardboard box). Benny-boy falls somewhere much farther down the list.

Jan 15, 2026 · 23m

Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is back in session!

Jan 12, 2026 · 1h 2m

Jan 29, 2026 · 18m

Not intended as a flex in any way, shape or form.

Feb 12, 2026 · 23m

As close to J-Pop as we’re ever getting in Archiveland…