Best Pitchman
STAFF PICK: While we may disagree with his sometimes inflammatory politics, there's no denying the power of John C. Scott as master salesman. This local talk-show host could sell condoms to the Pope, elect Salman Rushdie as leader of Iran, or make Bob Dole seem as warm and cuddly as Leo Buscaglia. His commercials, broadcast on KTUC-1400 AM, are 30-second masterpieces of riveting drama and schizophrenic urgency. "There's no living person alive who doesn't like ribs," Scott mellifluously intones, his voice smooth, placating, almost hypnotic; then suddenly, without warning, it leaps three octaves and six volume levels. "YOU'VE GOT TO TRY THESE RIBS!" he bellows, like some crazed, snake-handling backwoods Baptist preacher. There's no denying The Voice; yes, we WILL try the ribs, and we WILL like them. Chinese restaurants, janitorial supplies, tile layers, photography studios, law firms...all receive the same breathless acclaim, the same fervor and faith, the same unwavering assurance.
Arts & Culture |
Cafés |
Chow |
City Life |
Kids |
Media Blitz
Music |
Outdoors |
Shopping |
Spirits