It's funny what you remember from when you're a kid - I remember JK in the wig - but not the song!!
I was amused at the spectacle of JK in this wig of many colours when he appeared as a panelist on Juke Box Jury compered by Noel Edmonds in the summer of 1979.
Ure produced the Skids (in their twilight years) - but I don't think he performed with them ... not least because Ultravox would have been in full swing by then.
I have in the back of my mind (though I could be wrong) that he was a 'temporary member' of the band briefly when they were in the midst of line-up changes..
Has the missing DLT episode from 19.01.78 been uploaded to You Tube? If not, is there a setlist of what was on it? It's a pity BBC4 missed it out.
Post #632 on page 26 of this thread contains a full setlist (also available at invision popscene) and YouTube links for most of the performances from that edition.
This is veering off-topic but last night I came across this rare HD video clip of T. Rex miming to 'Solid Gold Easy Action' from the 7 December 1972 edition of TOTP complete with early seventies "psychedelic" camera effects so here's the link for anyone who's interested and hasn't already seen it:
Post #632 on page 26 of this thread contains a full setlist (also available at invision popscene) and YouTube links for most of the performances from that edition.
Post #632 on page 26 of this thread contains a full setlist (also available at invision popscene) and YouTube links for most of the performances from that edition.
Thanks for that. Smokie and the Sweet are the only two performances I like, so hopefully they will be on again in a future episode.
I thought Kid Jensen had said it was its 8th week at the top but I thought I had misheard. He got it wrong, it was its 9th week at number 1.
What he said was something like "What can I say about the number one that hasn't been said for the last 7 weeks?", suggesting that it was its 8th week at the top. Mind you it had only been top of seven previous charts since the one announced on 20 December counted for a fortnight, which could explain it - no, he was wrong wasn't he?!
As a chart watcher I was really hoping Wings would make it ten weeks at number one, which would have been the first double-figure run since Slim Whitman - seven years before I was born and therefore prehistory. But yes of course they were foiled by A&D after that rather unimpressive performance of a charming song. Wings were deposed in the chart announced on 31 January. So in the history of the UK chart there's only been one Christmas number 1 that's still been there at the start of the following February - which one? I expect someone will answer that quiz question pretty quickly.
This was the stressful fortnight of my mock O-levels if I remember rightly, all the misery of the exams without the consolation of decent weather (although the World Cup was to provide a serious distraction for the real thing!) Some of the songs on here helped get me through, notably Heartsong which I loved - particularly the little drum fill followed by the keyboard flourish at the end.
While I'm looking at my trusty chart log (in a 1977-issue school maths exercise book) I notice there's a bit of a clearout next week with an unusually high 8 new entries in the 30 - none of which were in this week's Pops.
Thanks for that. Smokie and the Sweet are the only two performances I like, so hopefully they will be on again in a future episode.
Smokie -a few dollars more are on the TB hosted 2nd feb show being aired next week and sweet-love is like oxygen is on the 16th feb 1978 episode hosted by kid jensen so we will eventually get to see most of the songs from the missed DLT show
What he said was something like "What can I say about the number one that hasn't been said for the last 7 weeks?", suggesting that it was its 8th week at the top. Mind you it had only been top of seven previous charts since the one announced on 20 December counted for a fortnight, which could explain it - no, he was wrong wasn't he?!
As a chart watcher I was really hoping Wings would make it ten weeks at number one, which would have been the first double-figure run since Slim Whitman - seven years before I was born and therefore prehistory. But yes of course they were foiled by A&D after that rather unimpressive performance of a charming song. Wings were deposed in the chart announced on 31 January. So in the history of the UK chart there's only been one Christmas number 1 that's still been there at the start of the following February - which one? I expect someone will answer that quiz question pretty quickly.
This was the stressful fortnight of my mock O-levels if I remember rightly, all the misery of the exams without the consolation of decent weather (although the World Cup was to provide a serious distraction for the real thing!) Some of the songs on here helped get me through, notably Heartsong which I loved - particularly the little drum fill followed by the keyboard flourish at the end.
While I'm looking at my trusty chart log (in a 1977-issue school maths exercise book) I notice there's a bit of a clearout next week with an unusually high 8 new entries in the 30 - none of which were in this week's Pops.
Interesting post and I can relate to this. I was also born in 1962 and can remember doing mock exams in January 1978. I do look back at this year with affection. I think it is one of the best years for pop music ever. Really looking forward to going through the year with the TOTP repeats.
I have a really good pop trivia memory so knew the answer to the question What was the only Christmas number one still at the top in February. It was I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston.
I have in the back of my mind (though I could be wrong) that he was a 'temporary member' of the band briefly when they were in the midst of line-up changes..
This has been bugging me, so did some digging ... how sad am I?!
The Skids Wikipedia page lists everyone who played with them ... and Ure isn't amongst them. The reason I can't quite believe it is that Ure's activities are quite well-documented through 1978-1980 (Rich Kids/Thin Lizzy/Visage/Ultravox) - and this was when The Skids rose, hit their peak and fell ... and guitarist Stuart Adamson was pretty constant throughout (bar one blip which is covered by a named session musician).
There is a link with Ure in that period, however: the group's original drummer left just before the recording of their second album, to be replaced by ... Rusty Egan, ex-Rich Kids and soon-to-be DJ at the Blitz Club and contributor to Visage.
Lick a Smurp for Christmas (all fall down) by Father Abrafart and the Smurps
It was initially released on 7" flexi disc and was possibly the first single to chart in that format. I can remember the disc being displayed in HMV on Northumberland Street in Newcastle. Once the single was in the charts it was then released on the more conventional 7" vinyl.
I was looking through my Virgin book of Top 40 charts for the charts at the start of 1978 earlier. Some of my all-time favourites were new entries at the beginning of the year. A pity that the fabulous 'Galaxy' by War, which was a top 20 hit in January 1978, didn't get featured on TOTP at the time, or so it seems anyway.
Stargard's 'Theme Song from 'Which Way is Up,'' Rose Royce's 'Wishing on a Star,' Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Fantasy,' Generation X's 'Ready Steady Go' and Nick Lowe's 'I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass' are amongst the many favourites. An extra special mention should go to the Stargard track, which I haven't heard on the radio in ages.
This is veering off-topic but last night I came across this rare HD video clip of T. Rex miming to 'Solid Gold Easy Action' from the 7 December 1972 edition of TOTP complete with early seventies "psychedelic" camera effects so here's the link for anyone who's interested and hasn't already seen it:
That's one of my favourite songs and clips. I have that clip on the video of 'Marc Bolan and T. Rex - The Ultimate Collection.' That was one CD that I actually wore out through playing so much. They liked using those "psychedelic" effects a bit in that era: it's like something out of a Doctor Who episode from around that time.
'Solid Gold Easy Action' should have been a #1 hit, so thanks a lot to all those who bought 'Long Haired Lover from Liverpool!'
Onto Uptown Top Ranking, and unfortunately the TOTP orchestra absolutely ruined this song! Not a bad song when you listen to the single, but without the right backing this has to be one of the most boring TOTP performances of the year so far!...
It's an example of the TOTP orchestra at its worst. I can't believe they didn't even attempt to recreate what is probably the most musical part of the track: the bridge between 2:13 and 2:37. For those of us who know that single well, it's painful to listen to their arrangement.
What I would like to know though is which of the two options is the worst: (1) the TOTP orchestra; or (2) the other recording of the track,which has appeared on the occasional 70s and reggae compilation over the years - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZh2c1VfNI
For me there is only one version of Uptown Top Ranking and it's none of the above!!
It's an example of the TOTP orchestra at its worst. I can't believe they didn't even attempt to recreate what is probably the most musical part of the track: the bridge between 2:13 and 2:37. For those of us who know that single well, it's painful to listen to their arrangement.
What I would like to know though is which of the two options is the worst: (1) the TOTP orchestra; or (2) the other recording of the track,which has appeared on the occasional 70s and reggae compilation over the years - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZh2c1VfNI
For me there is only one version of Uptown Top Ranking and it's none of the above!!
That 'rendition' - and I use the term loosely - demonstrates perfectly why the Musicians' Union was so badly out of step with TOTP, and why the show didn't need a full-time orchestra. It's a wonder the single made number one after that broadcast ...
For me, that's worse than the re-recording, which may be bad, but can't quite plumb the depths the BBC studio version managed. I can only assume the reason for the re-recording is that Virgin, who signed Althea and Donna after 'Up Town Top Ranking' became a huge hit, were too mean to pay for the rights to the original.
Would this have included Loving you will make me bananas by Guy ...?
I knew somebody would have mentioned this one! Guy Marks's 'Loving You Has Made Me Bananas' is something of a family joke. It has been known for my Grandmother to sing 'I asked the waiter for Iodine...' when we've gone out for a meal.
That 'rendition' - and I use the term loosely - demonstrates perfectly why the Musicians' Union was so badly out of step with TOTP, and why the show didn't need a full-time orchestra. It's a wonder the single made number one after that broadcast ...
For me, that's worse than the re-recording, which may be bad, but can't quite plumb the depths the BBC studio version managed. I can only assume the reason for the re-recording is that Virgin, who signed Althea and Donna after 'Up Town Top Ranking' became a huge hit, were too mean to pay for the rights to the original.
It is a wonder that the TOTP performance didn't prevent Uptown Top Ranking from reaching number 1. I wonder what the viewing figures were for that episode at the time? I can only imagine that the song must have been getting a lot of play on the radio and thus contributed to it outselling even the mighty 'Mull of Kintyre.' I know it's been a track that gets played at lots of discos since. I myself was guilty of playing it!
I think what you've said about the re-recording is right on both counts. I'm almost 100% sure that one of those former boyband singers (think it was a guy from Five) sampled the re-recorded version of Uptown Top Ranking on one of his solo hits in the early 2000s.
P.S. Had a look on t'internet and identified the above hit as 'What you Got' by Abs.
The re-recording is better than most re-recording of 'big hits' I've heard.
There was a version I had on a 4cd box set, of Clarence Frogman Henry's 'But I Do'(Remember it was famous again a fair few years ago, for a car ad!), which I spotted straightaway, but luckily I had an original recording, courtesy of the shortlived 'Replay / Gold' mag, which had a free CD on every month!
By the way, what is everyone's opinion of the '100 Hits' range from Spectrum Music?
They seem to be original or 'digitally remastered' recordings.
(I spotted one mistake, where The Wurzels 'Combine Harvester' on one 100 Hits turned out to be the Wurzels with Tony Blackburn version!)
It is a wonder that the TOTP performance didn't prevent Uptown Top Ranking from reaching number 1. I wonder what the viewing figures were for that episode at the time? I can only imagine that the song must have been getting a lot of play on the radio and thus contributed to it outselling even the mighty 'Mull of Kintyre.' I know it's been a track that gets played at lots of discos since. I myself was guilty of playing it!
I have a feeling that 'Uptown Top Ranking' may have topped the charts as much by default, probably due to sales for 'Mull Of Kintyre' going into freefall as much as there was any real interest in the Althia & Donna song. It was the only number 1 single in 1978 not to make the year end top 40 and was outsold by some records that didn't even make the top 5.
The viewing figures for Top Of The Pops in 1978 were still high, about 12m to 14m if I recall though perhaps that was later in the year when we start to get all the big sellers including a number of songs from Grease.
The re-recording is better than most re-recording of 'big hits' I've heard.
There was a version I had on a 4cd box set, of Clarence Frogman Henry's 'But I Do'(Remember it was famous again a fair few years ago, for a car ad!), which I spotted straightaway, but luckily I had an original recording, courtesy of the shortlived 'Replay / Gold' mag, which had a free CD on every month!
By the way, what is everyone's opinion of the '100 Hits' range from Spectrum Music?
They seem to be original or 'digitally remastered' recordings.
(I spotted one mistake, where The Wurzels 'Combine Harvester' on one 100 Hits turned out to be the Wurzels with Tony Blackburn version!)
Other than that, I like them.
I'm a fan - in general, they are a source of tracks which are quite often otherwise unavailable. But they seem to be running out of material - the last 70s collection ('Classic 70s', I think, was v patchy and contained quite strange inclusions ...). Are some record companies happier to open up their archives than others? I can only assume so.
Comments
I didn't think there could be anything worse than The Smurfs.
This would do it,:eek:
Hopefully it is never seen again.
I liked the Smurfs when I was 8!
Not as much as the Barron Knights spoof mind......
I was amused at the spectacle of JK in this wig of many colours when he appeared as a panelist on Juke Box Jury compered by Noel Edmonds in the summer of 1979.
I have in the back of my mind (though I could be wrong) that he was a 'temporary member' of the band briefly when they were in the midst of line-up changes..
Post #632 on page 26 of this thread contains a full setlist (also available at invision popscene) and YouTube links for most of the performances from that edition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwyWwVUg1fE
Easy on the left eye - not so sure about the right
Thanks for that. Smokie and the Sweet are the only two performances I like, so hopefully they will be on again in a future episode.
What he said was something like "What can I say about the number one that hasn't been said for the last 7 weeks?", suggesting that it was its 8th week at the top. Mind you it had only been top of seven previous charts since the one announced on 20 December counted for a fortnight, which could explain it - no, he was wrong wasn't he?!
I've loved seeing that video again week after week, sorry all you detractors but it's never lost its appeal for me. See this thread on Popular for my Douglas Adams theory: http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2008/07/wings-mull-of-kintyregirls-school/?cp=0
As a chart watcher I was really hoping Wings would make it ten weeks at number one, which would have been the first double-figure run since Slim Whitman - seven years before I was born and therefore prehistory. But yes of course they were foiled by A&D after that rather unimpressive performance of a charming song. Wings were deposed in the chart announced on 31 January. So in the history of the UK chart there's only been one Christmas number 1 that's still been there at the start of the following February - which one? I expect someone will answer that quiz question pretty quickly.
This was the stressful fortnight of my mock O-levels if I remember rightly, all the misery of the exams without the consolation of decent weather (although the World Cup was to provide a serious distraction for the real thing!) Some of the songs on here helped get me through, notably Heartsong which I loved - particularly the little drum fill followed by the keyboard flourish at the end.
While I'm looking at my trusty chart log (in a 1977-issue school maths exercise book) I notice there's a bit of a clearout next week with an unusually high 8 new entries in the 30 - none of which were in this week's Pops.
Interesting post and I can relate to this. I was also born in 1962 and can remember doing mock exams in January 1978. I do look back at this year with affection. I think it is one of the best years for pop music ever. Really looking forward to going through the year with the TOTP repeats.
I have a really good pop trivia memory so knew the answer to the question What was the only Christmas number one still at the top in February. It was I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston.
Spot on Jeff!
This has been bugging me, so did some digging ... how sad am I?!
The Skids Wikipedia page lists everyone who played with them ... and Ure isn't amongst them. The reason I can't quite believe it is that Ure's activities are quite well-documented through 1978-1980 (Rich Kids/Thin Lizzy/Visage/Ultravox) - and this was when The Skids rose, hit their peak and fell ... and guitarist Stuart Adamson was pretty constant throughout (bar one blip which is covered by a named session musician).
There is a link with Ure in that period, however: the group's original drummer left just before the recording of their second album, to be replaced by ... Rusty Egan, ex-Rich Kids and soon-to-be DJ at the Blitz Club and contributor to Visage.
Lick a Smurp for Christmas (all fall down) by Father Abrafart and the Smurps
Stargard's 'Theme Song from 'Which Way is Up,'' Rose Royce's 'Wishing on a Star,' Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Fantasy,' Generation X's 'Ready Steady Go' and Nick Lowe's 'I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass' are amongst the many favourites. An extra special mention should go to the Stargard track, which I haven't heard on the radio in ages.
Cheers for that link!
That's one of my favourite songs and clips. I have that clip on the video of 'Marc Bolan and T. Rex - The Ultimate Collection.' That was one CD that I actually wore out through playing so much. They liked using those "psychedelic" effects a bit in that era: it's like something out of a Doctor Who episode from around that time.
'Solid Gold Easy Action' should have been a #1 hit, so thanks a lot to all those who bought 'Long Haired Lover from Liverpool!'
It's an example of the TOTP orchestra at its worst. I can't believe they didn't even attempt to recreate what is probably the most musical part of the track: the bridge between 2:13 and 2:37. For those of us who know that single well, it's painful to listen to their arrangement.
What I would like to know though is which of the two options is the worst: (1) the TOTP orchestra; or (2) the other recording of the track,which has appeared on the occasional 70s and reggae compilation over the years - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZh2c1VfNI
For me there is only one version of Uptown Top Ranking and it's none of the above!!
That 'rendition' - and I use the term loosely - demonstrates perfectly why the Musicians' Union was so badly out of step with TOTP, and why the show didn't need a full-time orchestra. It's a wonder the single made number one after that broadcast ...
For me, that's worse than the re-recording, which may be bad, but can't quite plumb the depths the BBC studio version managed. I can only assume the reason for the re-recording is that Virgin, who signed Althea and Donna after 'Up Town Top Ranking' became a huge hit, were too mean to pay for the rights to the original.
I knew somebody would have mentioned this one! Guy Marks's 'Loving You Has Made Me Bananas' is something of a family joke. It has been known for my Grandmother to sing 'I asked the waiter for Iodine...' when we've gone out for a meal.
It is a wonder that the TOTP performance didn't prevent Uptown Top Ranking from reaching number 1. I wonder what the viewing figures were for that episode at the time? I can only imagine that the song must have been getting a lot of play on the radio and thus contributed to it outselling even the mighty 'Mull of Kintyre.' I know it's been a track that gets played at lots of discos since. I myself was guilty of playing it!
I think what you've said about the re-recording is right on both counts. I'm almost 100% sure that one of those former boyband singers (think it was a guy from Five) sampled the re-recorded version of Uptown Top Ranking on one of his solo hits in the early 2000s.
P.S. Had a look on t'internet and identified the above hit as 'What you Got' by Abs.
There was a version I had on a 4cd box set, of Clarence Frogman Henry's 'But I Do'(Remember it was famous again a fair few years ago, for a car ad!), which I spotted straightaway, but luckily I had an original recording, courtesy of the shortlived 'Replay / Gold' mag, which had a free CD on every month!
By the way, what is everyone's opinion of the '100 Hits' range from Spectrum Music?
They seem to be original or 'digitally remastered' recordings.
(I spotted one mistake, where The Wurzels 'Combine Harvester' on one 100 Hits turned out to be the Wurzels with Tony Blackburn version!)
Other than that, I like them.
The viewing figures for Top Of The Pops in 1978 were still high, about 12m to 14m if I recall though perhaps that was later in the year when we start to get all the big sellers including a number of songs from Grease.
I'm a fan - in general, they are a source of tracks which are quite often otherwise unavailable. But they seem to be running out of material - the last 70s collection ('Classic 70s', I think, was v patchy and contained quite strange inclusions ...). Are some record companies happier to open up their archives than others? I can only assume so.