SCTV | Pre-Teen World | Rough Trade - High School Confidential

[@johnpatterson4272]

SCTV blew SNL out-of-the-water back in the day. It was untouchable creatively and had savagely talented actors. The show was a must-watch icon for young Canadians and it was inspiring. It made you proud to say you were from the Great White North. Rough Trade was a seriously awesome Toronto band, when you heard them live they had a heavier, funky sound which was never captured on a live album.

[@WB-1]

Agreed. All the smart hip guys and girls in the late 70s early 80s

[@robphillips1797]

They were 100 times funnier. SNL was funny to the stoned audience.

[@KenMcMunn-bp5xv]

I liked them in the movie One Night Stand.I thought she was Alicia Bridges when I first heard her sing.

[@Alan-v8r]

SCTV was always my jam.

[@sumonedum]

I think it's kinda hit or miss, but in hindsight so is SNL, kids in the hall, in living color... maybe sketch comedy in general

[@billyrock8305]

Probably the funniest comedy show ever created in human history Canadians’ humor stems from a unique combination of cultural diversity, a keen awareness of their proximity to the United States, and their ability to self-deprecate without malice. Their wit is a logical outcome of a society that values both politeness and creativity, balanced by a need to endure long winters with good humor. This unique Canadian band is exceptionally talented. Fascinating.

[@macgurrl]

I remember watching this show when it first came out. I had no cable but SCTV was the last show on the CBC before the late night sign off. I thought it was brilliant, way better than SNL

[@kevinsmith9502]

Rough Trade,Rush, Triumph,Max Webster.Toronto had some very cool bands.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Ha ha = you cal this good?? How lame = you will be 51st usa state soon and below Mississippi in culture and everything

[@RosePetal17]

The cast and writers of SCTV were so ahead of their time. This sketch was so adorable and clever, and they captured the innocence and “ goofiness” of teen life in the 1970s, perfectly. The contrast in presenting Carole Pope and Rough Trade as the musical guest was kind of hilarious, and a bit bizarre. Such an interesting time in pop culture.

[@philipgwyn8091]

SCTV had great musical guests - The Plasmatics, Jimmy Buffet, and more.

[@wildoceanappaloosawomangay2535]

John Candy was a lovable hysterical actor I miss him everyday 😞

[@andrewm3561]

He was the only celebrity that I cried for when he died... Because as a kid born in 71 growing up watching him on SCTV and then movies later on, and being Canadian too... He was and still is a Canadian treasure! Yeah, he's missed by millions!

[@ralphd.4857]

I have that Rough Trade album. Never realized they were on SCTV so must have missed that episode. Love how Carol left out the two dirtiest words in the song. LOL.

[@jdolew]

Screwing and Cream!! :D :D

[@n.miller907]

Does anyone remember Goddo's tune "Oh Carole (Kiss My Whip)? 😊 Such a great song. I was fortunate enough to have seen Rough Trade live up in Sudbury so many years ago. They put on a fantastic show.

[@michaelmoricz8422]

This might be the single weirdest segment of SCTV I’ve ever seen. :O

[@jamesstuart3346]

Then you haven't seen The Fishin' Musician with Wendy O. Williams and The Plasmatics 😂

[@gincat8]

I was going to say the same!!! LOL!! @@jamesstuart3346

[@zacharydetrick7428]

You haven't seen "Murder in the Cathedral starring Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin"

[@jamesstuart3346]

@@zacharydetrick7428 Thanks I will definitely check that out

[@macbethpkyiv]

@@jamesstuart3346 That's a great one!

[@cocteaut]

Love that O'Haras character is called 'Alexis'. Meta before Meta was even a concept!

[@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles]

Oh WOW! I would never have caught that!

[@paulscanter5562]

So was the stripper at my brother's bachelor party. 😄

[@michaelglickman1300]

I don't get it.

[@TravelingwithValeman77]

​@@michaelglickman1300same. I was lost with that comment.

[@myqueerplantfamily]

@@michaelglickman1300Catherine O’Hara played a character named Alexis in the opening scene. She more recently played a character on $chitts Creek, named Moira. Moira’s daughter (also main character on the show) is named Alexis.

[@clark9992]

The Eugene Levy character reminds me of a 9th grade classmate. The Who was going to be performing in our city that night, and were doing a promotional appearance at a local radio station. At the end, they took phone calls from listeners. The classmate gets through, and asks just one question of Pete Townsend: "Do you like Simon and Garfunkel?".

[@vanzarockin]

😂

[@craigwyss6035]

Twas my favorite show over all others...I still love it today!

[@MikeFixesThings]

The final line of the credits was the funniest part of this.... "This show was funded by a grant from the American Rifle Club" 😂

[@dopeytripod]

@10:05 "ALL PRE-TEEN FASHION BY PRE-PUBE INC." is funnier

[@mrroofish]

I love every single thing about this skit.

[@squirrelbutler2119]

When Rough Trade came along, I didn't know what to make of them. I loved this song; the vibe, groove and lyrics were amazing. But, as a very naive young man, Carole Pope scared the shit out of me, and I wasn't quite sure why. There was something incredibly intense and menacing in the sexuality she brought to their music. It was only later that I learned what "rough trade" means, and then it all kind of came together. Amazing that they were on SCTV, although I'm sure they knew Ian Thomas, Dave's brother, from the Canadian music scene at the time. Cool clip, thanks for sharing!

[@JacobKacob]

Yeah sure, but does she have her Red Cross Swimming? That's what I wanna know

[@fossefan]

@@JacobKacob And did she ever meet Art Garfunkel?

[@tedmich]

8:18 Carole self censors there, pretty weak IMO ;) And the music is nursery school simple.

[@squirrelbutler2119]

I have no idea what "nursery school simple" means. But, there are many great songs that are amazingly simple and basic. Which you should know, if you're here posing as a knowledgeable fan of music. And to say that Carole Pope is 'weak' for self-censoring a particular word, is pretty weak in itself. She was always an extremely provocative and on-or-over-the-edge performer. If she changed the words, it's because she knew they wouldn't use the song on the show if she sang it without that change. Which means nobody would ever see the performance. See, here's how it works, Ted. Musicians play music. They hope their music gets enough attention that people buy that music and hopefully come to their shows. Which means they make money. Which means they get to eat and pay their bills. Which means they get to make more music. Simple, right? Good. Glad that's sorted. @@tedmich

[@seeharvester]

@ShannonFreng Queer, by the sound of those lyrics.

[@jdolew]

Splendid live performance by that iconic Toronto band in their heyday. For the naysayers in the comments, Rough Trade had a bunch of well-crafted very catchy singles mostly in the '80s, very popular live band in Toronto. My favourite was Weapons... check it out. I bet you will be singing along. Carol Pope can really belt out a song!

[@pablopiquante3227]

Great performance by Carole! I love how she modified her lyrics for TV, classy lady!

[@jameshaslam2048]

They did some really great audio recording on this! If Carole hadn’t self-censored, and did that one over-the-top note, you may have thought this was the original recording. So good on SCTV for doing such amazing audio work, and the band for being so good.

[@RIXRADvidz]

SCTV had a limited run in New Mexico in the 70's I soaked up as much as I could get of Edith Prickly and Guy Cabbaerllo those were the daze

[@schrempskynate8944]

PffFt HA!

[@cassiepittman1489]

I remember Sctv,eh!:)🇨🇦 they are all very talented,very funneigh🤣cool video✨thanks for sharing this 🥰much love from the middle of America ✌️💖🤩

[@marks.3303]

I was pretty much the same age as the pre-teen world characters when this first aired in 1981. My hair and clothes were basically the same as Dave Thomas' character. It's pretty funny how Catherine O'Hara's got the slang right, like "decent" being used to mean cool and pronounced DEE-sent.

[@Nozoki]

How else would you pronounce decent?

[@saliciousable]

High School Confidential is such a great song!!!!

[@vynleshmynle7372]

This hilarious, Can’t imagine what rough trade band mates think of this. I’d be horrified

[@gerryst-aubin5877]

As a Canadian band from the Toronto area, the Rough Trade band members where probably very familiar with SCTV and the hilarity of their skits.

[@jenbloom6848]

SCTV is still the best!

[@pammulholland8687]

Back when bands and singers played live on television and in concert. Talent.

[@willmcbride4435]

We received CBC on our cable package in northern Minnesota in the 1980s. We identified with a lot of the Canadian culture but they just had it together way better than US TV. SCTV was a local favorite before it became available to the general US population.

[@homestudio6196]

All Touch (But No Contact) 🎶

[@brendahedden2683]

"Carol Kiss My Whip" ...Goddo❤

[@randymorash7013]

SCTV was brilliant. Skirting the edge of creepyness in this sketch, (how old do you think I am?) and always throwing in extra shots in the credits. (This show is funded by a grant from the American Rifle Club) The core of SCTV's appeal was how committed the players were to their roles playing even the more absurd sketches dead straight. Every SCTV player was successful after the show was over. Carole Pope and Kevin Staples band Rough Trade actually existed all the way from the late sixties to the late eighties. 80 to 83 were the most commercial years for them. High School Confidential was their most successful single. Pope was one of the first openly lesbian pop stars and was, for for a time Dusty Springfield's lover.

[@georgemarcouxjr6192]

How old am I? Let's just say I had to suffer through ninety minutes of SNL to watch SCTV. Gimme my 80's back!

[@macbethpkyiv]

According to Wikipedia, she also got it on (to use era-appropriate slang) with Andrea Martin.

[@kpag3030]

Rough Trade is the most Canadian thing I have ever seen.

[@ansonjackson6254]

Great show and great cast! I was a huge fan of the original SNL, but I must admit that I looked forward to SCTV coming on right after even more. The success of so many of the cast members after leaving the show just proves how ahead of its time it was ❤

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

This is one of my favourite characters from John Candy, his nervous teen presenter. He absolutely nailed the awkwardness, the dry mouth and all that. It truly cracks me up . I’ve seen him do this character at least two other times : one is in the Mells Rockpile sketch with the queen haters. But there was another one and as I remember it had to do with a quiz show, where the whole cast were doing their awkward teens thing and John did this character again. But for the life of me, I can’t find that sketch on KZbin. Anybody know which sketch I’m talking about or have a link?

[@JacobKacob]

Hey, do you remember whether it's Rick Moranis or Martin short era? I could be wrong but I think this sketch is the first appearance of these characters. I believe there's one more with Rick (Telethon) and then Martin's character replaces him? No promises but I maaaay be able to find it for you!

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

@ thanks. I’m a bit fuzzy on if Rick or Martin short is in the skit. I did find the telethon show and it was hilarious! These cast members capture details that are just brilliant.

[@andywood5699]

I always loved that they had the guest band be in a skit.

[@kmlgraph]

That's the hairiest pre-teen belly ever seen @0:17.

[@Ratboy2004]

Rough Trade...not much happened later. Everyone who was SCTV...massive stars every one of them. 😅

[@macbethpkyiv]

The way the pre-teens jump from asking which is gooder, community college or university, do you know Art Garfunkel, how late are you allowed to stay up--to which is better, bondage or submission. Oh, discipline! SCTV never failed to surprise and delight.

[@The_whimsickal_artist]

Lol.. Sctv is the best 👍🏻💯 i knew a girl that was exactly like Andrea Martians teen character lol..her name was dare she had the morning breath..all bloody day.🤣

[@unclelarryboy1608]

I lost it on "WATCH OUT FOR COOTIES!!!"

[@christrudell7966]

Fun fact: Toronto band Goddo had a song called 'Oh Carol (kiss my whip)

[@manuelkeats296]

Candy was genius!

[@geinikan1kan]

Carol Pope unleashed. Literally.

[@ernietollar407]

funded by a Grant from the American Rifle Club :)

[@michaelkennedy6415]

I believe that this song was the first Black Death Metal track ever. The solo guitar part just blew out my speaker.

[@Nunya_Bidness_53]

Why do I feel like I'm on a list after clicking on this

[@spockboy]

You genuinely believe they're kids. Their talent is off the charts.

[@fed1up]

Ha ha i missed this one back in the day

[@freedomfightersism]

Reminds me of the band NOFX !

[@HippiePirates]

😂😂 Wait! What?😂

[@craigwyss6035]

One of many of my favorite episodes was when they did a reenactment of (Invasion of the body snatchers ) Ugene Levy had a cabbage leaf sticking out from his neck and acting weird to Lloyd Cannon bear?...Who remembers that one?

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

great show

[@clancykobane9102]

The people in that band all look like their in their 40s. andrea martin is brilliant btw.

[@monyschuk]

LOL - SCTV was supposed to be comedy... it was never meant to be prophecy :D (love that they had Rough Trade on, though - super song!)

[@sclogse1]

"Bondage or humiliation?"

[@cherylklaver7233]

More like an honest raw sexuality that still scares the hell out of people. Different stokes and all that. Carol Pope was ahead of her time and her music still rocks. Birds of a Feather and Weapons are worth a listen.

[@bobk18]

Feel pretty lucky to have been in Edmonton when they filmed at ITV. Saw them lots in the studio or out on location. Johnny L. just wanting a crane shot on street beat was a classic. Thanks to Doc. Allard for bringing them to Edmonton when TO didn’t want them.

[@knittingbouvier]

“I prefer discipline!” 😂

[@rockspark1]

Made you what your jeans?

[@OxfordStreetWinnipeg]

Cream.

[@johnschober1819]

Way funnier then SNL

[@MrGreggallman]

Is that Moira Rose?

[@emeral311]

With the name Alexis 😉

[@grabasandwich]

And David's Dad 😂 I wasn't into Schitt's Creek, but my daughter loves it.

[@CJenkinsMusicLover]

06:20 High School Confidential live, with Carole censoring herself.

[@ONETTH]

SCTV THE BEST

[@AUTMUSENETWORK]

I dont hate it… dont know if i should take this seriosly

[@clancykobane9102]

if you take this seriously then you probably need psychiatric evaluation.

[@realamerican6101]

Cool kids and love them all.

[@dixonpinfold2582]

It's almost weird how the show didn't play up the inappropriateness of the band for a pre-teen audience for laughs. It was safer that way, not calling attention to it, I suppose?

[@johnspooner1403]

Well, there was the Bondage or Humiliation question…

[@dixonpinfold2582]

@@johnspooner1403 Yeah but it wasn't funny, so technically it didn't meet the bar of being "for laughs." Yet I do admit I find your point, ironically, rather humiliating.

[@clancykobane9102]

It was the 80s. There wasnt even a concept that this would be inappropriate. So that wasnt a humor option.

[@keithrawlings7633]

@ShannonFreng They let the word 'bitch' through

[@bjohnston3659]

Still couldn't say naughty words back then, eh? Well, EVERYONE comprises

[@4z94]

Too bad they censored it.

[@howardtennenhouse7849]

Can’t believe it.Saw Rough Trade in a bar in Toronto in the ‘70’s.Fun fact: real words ,not for tv,were cream your jeans,not wet your jeans. After this song,and minor success they disappeared.No big loss

[@heosomeheosome6752]

Oh my gosh! She is so young!

[@RedSiegfried]

De-CENT!

[@MultiCappie]

I can't remember the horrifyingly bad Canadian TV show that SCTV is spoofing here, thank goodness.

[@MultiCappie]

omg, yes, I think it was "Teen Beat".

[@jotmon1]

I think it was based on an American show on PBS called Zoom. Same concept. Hilarious take off. It wasn’t bad

[@marks.3303]

It wasn't any specific show, just programming for pre-teens in general.

[@YiskaGudricht]

Mom of Alexis ! :)

[@seeharvester]

Look! It's Kevin's mother!

[@timothym2241]

“Is he…with her…”? LOL. Not quite the original lyrics.

[@stevebrien1041]

Rough Trade soooo good

[@jenbloom6848]

The ultimate Gen X experience.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

2:44 That was my ex-girlfriend at age 41!

[@jaymmzzs]

blocking two words really ?

[@marks.3303]

This was made for US television so there were restrictions. Apparently "bitch" was okay but "cream" and "screwing" were not.

[@ETRdotTV-i1b]

'cream' censored but 'bitch' was not...

[@madfukncdn]

Jeremy Clarkson got shorter

[@barkboingfloom]

That's funny. With a name like Rough Trade I thought that band would be gay men in leather.

[@marks.3303]

The singer Carole Pope is gay as is the keyboard player Kevan Staples. No idea about the rest of the band.

[@jwc_1986]

Song's a little intense for middle schoolers, ain't it?

[@8698gil]

I didn't know until today that a woman sang that song. I remember it way back in the 80's I always thought it was a guy.

[@michaelglickman1300]

Initially, I thought it was the same song by Jerry Lee Lewis.

[@PaulRoos-p3o]

kinda reminds me of "ZOOM" a kids show that was on public tv in new england ,

[@keithmills778]

“Zoom” was on PBS so it was probably all across the US. We got it in Canada on cable as most cable services included US channels. In Calgary, we got KSPS, the Spokane PBS channel.

[@PaulRoos-p3o]

@@keithmills778 yes, again i'm from Maine and i think it was out of Boston, but it does remind me of it .

[@jamessquair6829]

I dont think it was one show - more a composite of contemporaneous bad after school programming

[@onelove1968]

SNL cast members stole so much comedic material from SCTV.

[@Lovethemusic385]

Jesus these people were funny.

[@Lenc753]

Carol bear my kids

[@boebylaybe6477]

do they really say "small vaginas" at 0:15? omg lol

[@boebylaybe6477]

nope, not "tall vaginas" either. "Come and join us." I duh'd.

[@josephlacorte-hv3kl]

SNL hasn’t been funny for 20 yrs

[@Hottubnapper]

oof, this is indescribably cringe..

[@patcaza6166]

*cream

[@RockyMtnHigh-y1j]

Rough Trade were awful. One of the worst bands of the 80s.