10cc - I think it's up to 11...
Pick Of The Pops - Radio 2
103 of 366
Originally Posted by alcockell:
“Thanks for that - corrected it here and on the POTP Facebook thread”
“Thanks for that - corrected it here and on the POTP Facebook thread”
You sure keep busy. Never even knew POTP had a facebook thread. No doubt it has a twitter account come to think of it, aside from Tony's personal one that mentions POTP frequently.
Hour 2 - http://www.officialcharts.com/archiv.../1/1981-06-20/
TOTP -
18/06/81 (Peter Powell) (rpt UK Gold)
Linx – “Throw Away The Key” (32)
Phil Collins – “If Leaving Me Is Easy” (27) (rpt from 04/06/81)
Odyssey – “Going Back To My Roots” (6)
Kool & The Gang – “Take It To The Top” (22) (Legs & Co)
Champaign – “How ‘Bout Us” (5) (video)
Siouxsie & The Banshees – “Spellbound” (23) (rpt from 04/06/81)
The Specials – “Ghost Town” (21) (video)
Imagination – “Body Talk” (19)
Smokey Robinson – “Being With You” (1) (video/credits)
TOTP -
18/06/81 (Peter Powell) (rpt UK Gold)
Linx – “Throw Away The Key” (32)
Phil Collins – “If Leaving Me Is Easy” (27) (rpt from 04/06/81)
Odyssey – “Going Back To My Roots” (6)
Kool & The Gang – “Take It To The Top” (22) (Legs & Co)
Champaign – “How ‘Bout Us” (5) (video)
Siouxsie & The Banshees – “Spellbound” (23) (rpt from 04/06/81)
The Specials – “Ghost Town” (21) (video)
Imagination – “Body Talk” (19)
Smokey Robinson – “Being With You” (1) (video/credits)
Originally Posted by Rich Tea.:
“You sure keep busy. Never even knew POTP had a facebook thread. No doubt it has a twitter account come to think of it, aside from Tony's personal one that mentions POTP frequently.”
“You sure keep busy. Never even knew POTP had a facebook thread. No doubt it has a twitter account come to think of it, aside from Tony's personal one that mentions POTP frequently.”
Yep - several hashtags..
1981 can do no wrong for me. I can still recall what I was doing virtually every day that summer.
Never knew that All Those Years Ago was a tribute to John Lennon by George Harrison.
Body Talk is simply exquisite. Imagination at their best in 1981/82.
Isn't the sax solo in Hazel O'Connor's Will You one of the best ever on any track. Class personified.
Never knew that All Those Years Ago was a tribute to John Lennon by George Harrison.
Body Talk is simply exquisite. Imagination at their best in 1981/82.
Isn't the sax solo in Hazel O'Connor's Will You one of the best ever on any track. Class personified.
Originally Posted by alcockell:
“mmm - love that sax solo..
And a bit of fretless...”
“mmm - love that sax solo..
And a bit of fretless...”
I'm a sax addict.
Originally Posted by ClareB:
“Drippy ballads from now on to no. 1
”
“Drippy ballads from now on to no. 1
”
This Kate Robbins song is a real stain on this 1981 chart. It sounds like the kind of slop from a late 80's chart rather than the brilliant 1981. I believe it had a connection to TV soap Crossroads which accounts for its over performing all the way to No2 in the charts.
The other ballads are fabulous though, and this month was the only time in UK chart history when one Motown single knocked another Motown single off the No1 position, when Michael Jackson displaced Smokey Robinson.
5 years this coming week since Michael Jackson passed. How quick that went.
More excellent sax appeal from Smokey!
Originally Posted by ClareB:
“Only caught the show from Ultravox onwards. Totally loving 1981, as expected.”
“Only caught the show from Ultravox onwards. Totally loving 1981, as expected.”
Snap. I had been on a country walk and just got into the car to drive home and turned the key in the ignition to hear Tony introduce Ultravox!! I recorded the show to listen to later.
Originally Posted by Rich Tea.:
“I'm a sax addict.”
“I'm a sax addict.
”
I think you can get something at the chemist for that.
Originally Posted by ClareB:
“Just had to switch off. Where the hell did the get that version of More Than In Love from
”
“Just had to switch off. Where the hell did the get that version of More Than In Love from
”
When she sang that in Crossroads she was drop dead gorgeous!!!!!
Adam & The Ants, Toyah and Shaky summed up all I hated about 1981. Granted, still some good songs in that chart - Memory, Will You, One Day in Your Life, Going Back to My Roots and How 'Bout Us (although a very boring Number 1). However, for me, 1977 was far better, songs of the calibre of Lido Shuffle, Telephone Line, I Don't Want to Talk About It, Evergreen, Lucille, So You Win Again and Got to Give It Up better than most in 1981.
Originally Posted by The Gatherer:
“Adam & The Ants, Toyah and Shaky summed up all I hated about 1981. Granted, still some good songs in that chart - Memory, Will You, One Day in Your Life, Going Back to My Roots and How 'Bout Us (although a very boring Number 1). However, for me, 1977 was far better, songs of the calibre of Lido Shuffle, Telephone Line, I Don't Want to Talk About It, Evergreen, Lucille, So You Win Again and Got to Give It Up better than most in 1981.”
“Adam & The Ants, Toyah and Shaky summed up all I hated about 1981. Granted, still some good songs in that chart - Memory, Will You, One Day in Your Life, Going Back to My Roots and How 'Bout Us (although a very boring Number 1). However, for me, 1977 was far better, songs of the calibre of Lido Shuffle, Telephone Line, I Don't Want to Talk About It, Evergreen, Lucille, So You Win Again and Got to Give It Up better than most in 1981.”
Agree with you there, The Gatherer. I'd take this 1977 chart over the 1981 chart any day. I have never been truly convinced of Toyah's pop star credentials (she seems rather too contrived to me), although Hazel O'Connor's 'Will You' was brilliant. I don't mind Shakin' Stevens, though. Pop in 1981, was still overwhelmingly good, though the feel of the music is generally 'lighter' with a thinner production sound than those 1977 songs. I like the rich orchestrations of 1977 generally a lot more - the songs displayed generally, a little more gravitas. I like Tony Etoria, for example, more than Imagination.
Even as early as 1981, i can feel just a little, elements of the pure pop sounds, which would flourish more substantially by the latter half of the eighties.
Originally Posted by david1956:
“When she sang that in Crossroads she was drop dead gorgeous!!!!!”
“When she sang that in Crossroads she was drop dead gorgeous!!!!!”
Funny as I remember that like it were yesterday. A recording studio suddenly sprung up out of nowhere in the motel basement.
Talented family. Kate, her bother Ted Robbins and of course Kate's drop dead gorgeous daughter Emily Atack.
Great chart yesterday, both hours good especially 1981
Next weekend Tony takes us all back to 1966, 1975 and 1985 on Pick of the Pops
Here are my faves from each chart.
1966
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
This became the Kinks third single to reach number one and I consider it to be the very best of all of their singles. Very much of its time, a song about the excessive amount of tax the rich were forced to pay back then. A summer classic if ever there was one. Written of course, by Ray Davies.
River Deep Mountain High – Ike and Tina Turner
A classic in every sense of the word. A record so full of energy. The disc was produced by Phil Spector who was distraught when the song flopped in America. It went to number 3 here. Even though Ike is credited on the label he did not actually appear on the record at all. He had been banished from the studio for creating problems during recording sessions.
Monday Monday – Mamas and Papas
A beautiful summer song from a group who only ever had two top ten songs in the UK. The other was ‘Creeque Alley’ in 1967. ‘Monday Monday’ was written by group leader John Phillips for their album ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears’. The single went to number 1 in America and 3 in Britain. The Mamas and Papas won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song. Deservedly so.
Bus Stop – The Hollies
A very clever song written by Graham Gouldman who later became a founding member of 10CC. ‘Bus Stop’ was the story of a young man sharing his umbrella with a girl while they stood waiting in the rain for a bus. ‘Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say please share my umbrella’ She accepted his invitation, love blossomed and The Hollies had a number 5 hit. Watch them performing their hit on Top Of The Pops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPu83ggTlM
Paint it Black – Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this song became a number 1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. It was also very unusual in that it utilised the sitar. A classic single, but with a very dark meaning. All about depression and death. Lets move on.
Come on Home – Wayne Fontana
This guy had a fantastic voice but he never really got the success he deserved. When Wayne split from his former backing group The Mindbenders it was the group who had the biggest success with ‘A Groovy Kind of Love’. After that they struggled. So did Wayne who never made the top ten with any of his singles. ‘Come On Home’ managed a number 14 placing. Graham Gouldman wrote his only other decent sized hit ‘Pamela Pamela’ which made number eleven at the end of 1966.
Pretty Flamingo – Manfred Mann
This was the second number 1 for the Manfreds. It was also the last big hit for them on the HMV label before they made the move to Fontana Records. They also lost Paul Jones as their lead singer, who decided to stay with HMV as a solo performer. This record features future Cream bassist Jack Bruce. A classic lyric including the line 'cause her hair glows like the sun and her eyes can light the sky".
I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love – Petula Clark
Every time I hear this song I pump up the volume. A very catchy song and a brilliant performance by one of the very best girl singers of the sixties. This got to number 6 in the charts. The song was written by Tony Hatch for his girlfriend Jackie Trent who later became his wife.
1975
The Hustle – Van Mcoy and the Soul City Symphony
This was one of the big summer hits of 1975. Number 1 in the USA and number 3 in the UK. It seemed that it was played a million times a night in the discos at the time. Van McCoy was also an accomplished songwriter, having composed more than 700 songs. His first success as a song composer was ‘Stop The Music’, an American hit for the Shirelles in 1962. Fortunately, the music did not stop.
Sing Baby Sing – Stylistics
The Stylistics had formed in 1968 and Russel Tompkins Junior was their lead singer. Yes, he of the tight trousers. A really uplifting song, guaranteed to put a smile on even the glummest of faces.
Listen To What The Man Said – Wings
This was a single lifted from the album ‘Venus and Mars’. It reached number 1 in the USA and number 6 here. Paul Nelson of Rolling Stone magazine called it "deliciously catchy" and "as fine an example of slick, professional entertainment and carefully crafted 'product' as has ever hit the airwaves". I think he liked it too.
Mama Never Told Me – Sister Sledge
This was the first UK hit for the girls. This song was originally released in 1973 as the ‘B’ side to a single called ‘The Weatherman’ but it flopped on that occasion. This is a comply different type of sound to the disco beats for which they are better known. The Sledge sisters are Debbie, Joni, Kathy and Kim. I think on this one they sound rather like The Supremes. See what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0LkENNxHYs&feature=kp
Walking in Rhythm – Blackbirds
The Blackbirds were a jazz funk group formed in Washington DC in 1973. This single came from their third album which was entitled ‘City Life’ It remains their only UK hit to date. However the Blackbirds reformed in 2012, so you never know.
(Sending out an) SOS – Retta Young
A classic soul, disco song, very much of its time. There is very little information about Retta Young. This was her one and only record release in the UK. Enjoy it again. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx5...o-s-1975_music
1984
Thinking Of You – Sister Sledge
Yes, they are back. Another chart entry from the girls from Philly, and another re-released ‘B’ side. This song first saw the light of day on the other side of their 1979 hit ‘Lost In Music’ In 1984 the track was remixed and released as a single in its own right. It proved to be a wise choice. The single peaked at number 11.
Only When You Leave – Spandau Ballet
This song came from the album ‘Parade’. The LP got to number 2 while the single managed two places lower. The album is a very polished production which also includes the wonderful ‘I’ll fly For You’. Another one for sax fans.
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes – Ultravox
This came from the band’s seventh album ‘Lament’ and as a single it returned Ultravox to the top three for the first time in over three years. This song also has a dark, hidden meaning. The subject has just witnessed an explosion at a nuclear power station.
Love Resurrection – Alison Moyet
Taken from Alisons debut album ‘Alf’. This was her first solo hit single after leaving Vince Clark and Yazoo. Alison was born in Essex in 1961 and sang in various pub bands during the later seventies. In various interviews over the years she discussed how work pressures pushed her and Vince Clarke apart, leading to their split in 1983. Speaking on The Graham Norton Show in 2009, she said "there was no time for ourselves" and "we weren't mates", yet also saying "I was gutted...I never wanted to be a solo singer". 'Love Ressurrection' is an awesome single.
Here are my faves from each chart.
1966
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
This became the Kinks third single to reach number one and I consider it to be the very best of all of their singles. Very much of its time, a song about the excessive amount of tax the rich were forced to pay back then. A summer classic if ever there was one. Written of course, by Ray Davies.
River Deep Mountain High – Ike and Tina Turner
A classic in every sense of the word. A record so full of energy. The disc was produced by Phil Spector who was distraught when the song flopped in America. It went to number 3 here. Even though Ike is credited on the label he did not actually appear on the record at all. He had been banished from the studio for creating problems during recording sessions.
Monday Monday – Mamas and Papas
A beautiful summer song from a group who only ever had two top ten songs in the UK. The other was ‘Creeque Alley’ in 1967. ‘Monday Monday’ was written by group leader John Phillips for their album ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears’. The single went to number 1 in America and 3 in Britain. The Mamas and Papas won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song. Deservedly so.
Bus Stop – The Hollies
A very clever song written by Graham Gouldman who later became a founding member of 10CC. ‘Bus Stop’ was the story of a young man sharing his umbrella with a girl while they stood waiting in the rain for a bus. ‘Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say please share my umbrella’ She accepted his invitation, love blossomed and The Hollies had a number 5 hit. Watch them performing their hit on Top Of The Pops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPu83ggTlM
Paint it Black – Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this song became a number 1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. It was also very unusual in that it utilised the sitar. A classic single, but with a very dark meaning. All about depression and death. Lets move on.
Come on Home – Wayne Fontana
This guy had a fantastic voice but he never really got the success he deserved. When Wayne split from his former backing group The Mindbenders it was the group who had the biggest success with ‘A Groovy Kind of Love’. After that they struggled. So did Wayne who never made the top ten with any of his singles. ‘Come On Home’ managed a number 14 placing. Graham Gouldman wrote his only other decent sized hit ‘Pamela Pamela’ which made number eleven at the end of 1966.
Pretty Flamingo – Manfred Mann
This was the second number 1 for the Manfreds. It was also the last big hit for them on the HMV label before they made the move to Fontana Records. They also lost Paul Jones as their lead singer, who decided to stay with HMV as a solo performer. This record features future Cream bassist Jack Bruce. A classic lyric including the line 'cause her hair glows like the sun and her eyes can light the sky".
I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love – Petula Clark
Every time I hear this song I pump up the volume. A very catchy song and a brilliant performance by one of the very best girl singers of the sixties. This got to number 6 in the charts. The song was written by Tony Hatch for his girlfriend Jackie Trent who later became his wife.
1975
The Hustle – Van Mcoy and the Soul City Symphony
This was one of the big summer hits of 1975. Number 1 in the USA and number 3 in the UK. It seemed that it was played a million times a night in the discos at the time. Van McCoy was also an accomplished songwriter, having composed more than 700 songs. His first success as a song composer was ‘Stop The Music’, an American hit for the Shirelles in 1962. Fortunately, the music did not stop.
Sing Baby Sing – Stylistics
The Stylistics had formed in 1968 and Russel Tompkins Junior was their lead singer. Yes, he of the tight trousers. A really uplifting song, guaranteed to put a smile on even the glummest of faces.
Listen To What The Man Said – Wings
This was a single lifted from the album ‘Venus and Mars’. It reached number 1 in the USA and number 6 here. Paul Nelson of Rolling Stone magazine called it "deliciously catchy" and "as fine an example of slick, professional entertainment and carefully crafted 'product' as has ever hit the airwaves". I think he liked it too.
Mama Never Told Me – Sister Sledge
This was the first UK hit for the girls. This song was originally released in 1973 as the ‘B’ side to a single called ‘The Weatherman’ but it flopped on that occasion. This is a comply different type of sound to the disco beats for which they are better known. The Sledge sisters are Debbie, Joni, Kathy and Kim. I think on this one they sound rather like The Supremes. See what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0LkENNxHYs&feature=kp
Walking in Rhythm – Blackbirds
The Blackbirds were a jazz funk group formed in Washington DC in 1973. This single came from their third album which was entitled ‘City Life’ It remains their only UK hit to date. However the Blackbirds reformed in 2012, so you never know.
(Sending out an) SOS – Retta Young
A classic soul, disco song, very much of its time. There is very little information about Retta Young. This was her one and only record release in the UK. Enjoy it again. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx5...o-s-1975_music
1984
Thinking Of You – Sister Sledge
Yes, they are back. Another chart entry from the girls from Philly, and another re-released ‘B’ side. This song first saw the light of day on the other side of their 1979 hit ‘Lost In Music’ In 1984 the track was remixed and released as a single in its own right. It proved to be a wise choice. The single peaked at number 11.
Only When You Leave – Spandau Ballet
This song came from the album ‘Parade’. The LP got to number 2 while the single managed two places lower. The album is a very polished production which also includes the wonderful ‘I’ll fly For You’. Another one for sax fans.
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes – Ultravox
This came from the band’s seventh album ‘Lament’ and as a single it returned Ultravox to the top three for the first time in over three years. This song also has a dark, hidden meaning. The subject has just witnessed an explosion at a nuclear power station.
Love Resurrection – Alison Moyet
Taken from Alisons debut album ‘Alf’. This was her first solo hit single after leaving Vince Clark and Yazoo. Alison was born in Essex in 1961 and sang in various pub bands during the later seventies. In various interviews over the years she discussed how work pressures pushed her and Vince Clarke apart, leading to their split in 1983. Speaking on The Graham Norton Show in 2009, she said "there was no time for ourselves" and "we weren't mates", yet also saying "I was gutted...I never wanted to be a solo singer". 'Love Ressurrection' is an awesome single.
Enjoyed both of them charts yesterday, with the exception of 2 songs. Firstly, the Kate Robbins track, quite liked the song but that 90s version killed it stone dead for me. And secondly, Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye. Now I know that The Gatherer has praised this track up, but am I in the minority of people that loathe it? As much as I love the Marvin Gaye classics, I just can't hear anything nice about it, musically or vocally, just a repetitious din with lyrics that can't be heard and it goes on and on and on....... I think Rock Follies could have had an airing as it is always missed. Next weeks trio should be a good listen.
Originally Posted by Ian 57:
“Enjoyed both of them charts yesterday, with the exception of 2 songs. Firstly, the Kate Robbins track, quite liked the song but that 90s version killed it stone dead for me. And secondly, Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye. Now I know that The Gatherer has praised this track up, but am I in the minority of people that loathe it? As much as I love the Marvin Gaye classics, I just can't hear anything nice about it, musically or vocally, just a repetitious din with lyrics that can't be heard and it goes on and on and on....... I think Rock Follies could have had an airing as it is always missed. Next weeks trio should be a good listen.”
“Enjoyed both of them charts yesterday, with the exception of 2 songs. Firstly, the Kate Robbins track, quite liked the song but that 90s version killed it stone dead for me. And secondly, Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye. Now I know that The Gatherer has praised this track up, but am I in the minority of people that loathe it? As much as I love the Marvin Gaye classics, I just can't hear anything nice about it, musically or vocally, just a repetitious din with lyrics that can't be heard and it goes on and on and on....... I think Rock Follies could have had an airing as it is always missed. Next weeks trio should be a good listen.”
Yes that Kate Robbins track was a bit dodgy, not as good as the original. I am with you about Marvin Gaye. His records from the sixties were brilliant. His first American hit 'Stubborn Kind of Fellow' from 1962 was much better than 'Got to Give it Up'. It was not typical of the rest of his output at all.
Originally Posted by david1956:
“Next weekend Tony takes us all back to 1966, 1975 and 1985 on Pick of the Pops
Here are my faves from each chart.
1966
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
This became the Kinks third single to reach number one and I consider it to be the very best of all of their singles. Very much of its time, a song about the excessive amount of tax the rich were forced to pay back then. A summer classic if ever there was one. Written of course, by Ray Davies.
River Deep Mountain High – Ike and Tina Turner
A classic in every sense of the word. A record so full of energy. The disc was produced by Phil Spector who was distraught when the song flopped in America. It went to number 3 here. Even though Ike is credited on the label he did not actually appear on the record at all. He had been banished from the studio for creating problems during recording sessions.
Monday Monday – Mamas and Papas
A beautiful summer song from a group who only ever had two top ten songs in the UK. The other was ‘Creeque Alley’ in 1967. ‘Monday Monday’ was written by group leader John Phillips for their album ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears’. The single went to number 1 in America and 3 in Britain. The Mamas and Papas won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song. Deservedly so.
Bus Stop – The Hollies
A very clever song written by Graham Gouldman who later became a founding member of 10CC. ‘Bus Stop’ was the story of a young man sharing his umbrella with a girl while they stood waiting in the rain for a bus. ‘Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say please share my umbrella’ She accepted his invitation, love blossomed and The Hollies had a number 5 hit. Watch them performing their hit on Top Of The Pops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPu83ggTlM
Paint it Black – Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this song became a number 1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. It was also very unusual in that it utilised the sitar. A classic single, but with a very dark meaning. All about depression and death. Lets move on.
Come on Home – Wayne Fontana
This guy had a fantastic voice but he never really got the success he deserved. When Wayne split from his former backing group The Mindbenders it was the group who had the biggest success with ‘A Groovy Kind of Love’. After that they struggled. So did Wayne who never made the top ten with any of his singles. ‘Come On Home’ managed a number 14 placing. Graham Gouldman wrote his only other decent sized hit ‘Pamela Pamela’ which made number eleven at the end of 1966.
Pretty Flamingo – Manfred Mann
This was the second number 1 for the Manfreds. It was also the last big hit for them on the HMV label before they made the move to Fontana Records. They also lost Paul Jones as their lead singer, who decided to stay with HMV as a solo performer. This record features future Cream bassist Jack Bruce. A classic lyric including the line 'cause her hair glows like the sun and her eyes can light the sky".
I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love – Petula Clark
Every time I hear this song I pump up the volume. A very catchy song and a brilliant performance by one of the very best girl singers of the sixties. This got to number 6 in the charts. The song was written by Tony Hatch for his girlfriend Jackie Trent who later became his wife.
1975
The Hustle – Van Mcoy and the Soul City Symphony
This was one of the big summer hits of 1975. Number 1 in the USA and number 3 in the UK. It seemed that it was played a million times a night in the discos at the time. Van McCoy was also an accomplished songwriter, having composed more than 700 songs. His first success as a song composer was ‘Stop The Music’, an American hit for the Shirelles in 1962. Fortunately, the music did not stop.
Sing Baby Sing – Stylistics
The Stylistics had formed in 1968 and Russel Tompkins Junior was their lead singer. Yes, he of the tight trousers. A really uplifting song, guaranteed to put a smile on even the glummest of faces.
Listen To What The Man Said – Wings
This was a single lifted from the album ‘Venus and Mars’. It reached number 1 in the USA and number 6 here. Paul Nelson of Rolling Stone magazine called it "deliciously catchy" and "as fine an example of slick, professional entertainment and carefully crafted 'product' as has ever hit the airwaves". I think he liked it too.
Mama Never Told Me – Sister Sledge
This was the first UK hit for the girls. This song was originally released in 1973 as the ‘B’ side to a single called ‘The Weatherman’ but it flopped on that occasion. This is a comply different type of sound to the disco beats for which they are better known. The Sledge sisters are Debbie, Joni, Kathy and Kim. I think on this one they sound rather like The Supremes. See what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0LkENNxHYs&feature=kp
Walking in Rhythm – Blackbirds
The Blackbirds were a jazz funk group formed in Washington DC in 1973. This single came from their third album which was entitled ‘City Life’ It remains their only UK hit to date. However the Blackbirds reformed in 2012, so you never know.
(Sending out an) SOS – Retta Young
A classic soul, disco song, very much of its time. There is very little information about Retta Young. This was her one and only record release in the UK. Enjoy it again. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx5...o-s-1975_music
1984
Thinking Of You – Sister Sledge
Yes, they are back. Another chart entry from the girls from Philly, and another re-released ‘B’ side. This song first saw the light of day on the other side of their 1979 hit ‘Lost In Music’ In 1984 the track was remixed and released as a single in its own right. It proved to be a wise choice. The single peaked at number 11.
Only When You Leave – Spandau Ballet
This song came from the album ‘Parade’. The LP got to number 2 while the single managed two places lower. The album is a very polished production which also includes the wonderful ‘I’ll fly For You’. Another one for sax fans.
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes – Ultravox
This came from the band’s seventh album ‘Lament’ and as a single it returned Ultravox to the top three for the first time in over three years. This song also has a dark, hidden meaning. The subject has just witnessed an explosion at a nuclear power station.
Love Resurrection – Alison Moyet
Taken from Alisons debut album ‘Alf’. This was her first solo hit single after leaving Vince Clark and Yazoo. Alison was born in Essex in 1961 and sang in various pub bands during the later seventies. In various interviews over the years she discussed how work pressures pushed her and Vince Clarke apart, leading to their split in 1983. Speaking on The Graham Norton Show in 2009, she said "there was no time for ourselves" and "we weren't mates", yet also saying "I was gutted...I never wanted to be a solo singer". 'Love Ressurrection' is an awesome single.”
“Next weekend Tony takes us all back to 1966, 1975 and 1985 on Pick of the Pops
Here are my faves from each chart.
1966
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
This became the Kinks third single to reach number one and I consider it to be the very best of all of their singles. Very much of its time, a song about the excessive amount of tax the rich were forced to pay back then. A summer classic if ever there was one. Written of course, by Ray Davies.
River Deep Mountain High – Ike and Tina Turner
A classic in every sense of the word. A record so full of energy. The disc was produced by Phil Spector who was distraught when the song flopped in America. It went to number 3 here. Even though Ike is credited on the label he did not actually appear on the record at all. He had been banished from the studio for creating problems during recording sessions.
Monday Monday – Mamas and Papas
A beautiful summer song from a group who only ever had two top ten songs in the UK. The other was ‘Creeque Alley’ in 1967. ‘Monday Monday’ was written by group leader John Phillips for their album ‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears’. The single went to number 1 in America and 3 in Britain. The Mamas and Papas won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song. Deservedly so.
Bus Stop – The Hollies
A very clever song written by Graham Gouldman who later became a founding member of 10CC. ‘Bus Stop’ was the story of a young man sharing his umbrella with a girl while they stood waiting in the rain for a bus. ‘Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say please share my umbrella’ She accepted his invitation, love blossomed and The Hollies had a number 5 hit. Watch them performing their hit on Top Of The Pops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPu83ggTlM
Paint it Black – Rolling Stones
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this song became a number 1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. It was also very unusual in that it utilised the sitar. A classic single, but with a very dark meaning. All about depression and death. Lets move on.
Come on Home – Wayne Fontana
This guy had a fantastic voice but he never really got the success he deserved. When Wayne split from his former backing group The Mindbenders it was the group who had the biggest success with ‘A Groovy Kind of Love’. After that they struggled. So did Wayne who never made the top ten with any of his singles. ‘Come On Home’ managed a number 14 placing. Graham Gouldman wrote his only other decent sized hit ‘Pamela Pamela’ which made number eleven at the end of 1966.
Pretty Flamingo – Manfred Mann
This was the second number 1 for the Manfreds. It was also the last big hit for them on the HMV label before they made the move to Fontana Records. They also lost Paul Jones as their lead singer, who decided to stay with HMV as a solo performer. This record features future Cream bassist Jack Bruce. A classic lyric including the line 'cause her hair glows like the sun and her eyes can light the sky".
I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love – Petula Clark
Every time I hear this song I pump up the volume. A very catchy song and a brilliant performance by one of the very best girl singers of the sixties. This got to number 6 in the charts. The song was written by Tony Hatch for his girlfriend Jackie Trent who later became his wife.
1975
The Hustle – Van Mcoy and the Soul City Symphony
This was one of the big summer hits of 1975. Number 1 in the USA and number 3 in the UK. It seemed that it was played a million times a night in the discos at the time. Van McCoy was also an accomplished songwriter, having composed more than 700 songs. His first success as a song composer was ‘Stop The Music’, an American hit for the Shirelles in 1962. Fortunately, the music did not stop.
Sing Baby Sing – Stylistics
The Stylistics had formed in 1968 and Russel Tompkins Junior was their lead singer. Yes, he of the tight trousers. A really uplifting song, guaranteed to put a smile on even the glummest of faces.
Listen To What The Man Said – Wings
This was a single lifted from the album ‘Venus and Mars’. It reached number 1 in the USA and number 6 here. Paul Nelson of Rolling Stone magazine called it "deliciously catchy" and "as fine an example of slick, professional entertainment and carefully crafted 'product' as has ever hit the airwaves". I think he liked it too.
Mama Never Told Me – Sister Sledge
This was the first UK hit for the girls. This song was originally released in 1973 as the ‘B’ side to a single called ‘The Weatherman’ but it flopped on that occasion. This is a comply different type of sound to the disco beats for which they are better known. The Sledge sisters are Debbie, Joni, Kathy and Kim. I think on this one they sound rather like The Supremes. See what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0LkENNxHYs&feature=kp
Walking in Rhythm – Blackbirds
The Blackbirds were a jazz funk group formed in Washington DC in 1973. This single came from their third album which was entitled ‘City Life’ It remains their only UK hit to date. However the Blackbirds reformed in 2012, so you never know.
(Sending out an) SOS – Retta Young
A classic soul, disco song, very much of its time. There is very little information about Retta Young. This was her one and only record release in the UK. Enjoy it again. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx5...o-s-1975_music
1984
Thinking Of You – Sister Sledge
Yes, they are back. Another chart entry from the girls from Philly, and another re-released ‘B’ side. This song first saw the light of day on the other side of their 1979 hit ‘Lost In Music’ In 1984 the track was remixed and released as a single in its own right. It proved to be a wise choice. The single peaked at number 11.
Only When You Leave – Spandau Ballet
This song came from the album ‘Parade’. The LP got to number 2 while the single managed two places lower. The album is a very polished production which also includes the wonderful ‘I’ll fly For You’. Another one for sax fans.
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes – Ultravox
This came from the band’s seventh album ‘Lament’ and as a single it returned Ultravox to the top three for the first time in over three years. This song also has a dark, hidden meaning. The subject has just witnessed an explosion at a nuclear power station.
Love Resurrection – Alison Moyet
Taken from Alisons debut album ‘Alf’. This was her first solo hit single after leaving Vince Clark and Yazoo. Alison was born in Essex in 1961 and sang in various pub bands during the later seventies. In various interviews over the years she discussed how work pressures pushed her and Vince Clarke apart, leading to their split in 1983. Speaking on The Graham Norton Show in 2009, she said "there was no time for ourselves" and "we weren't mates", yet also saying "I was gutted...I never wanted to be a solo singer". 'Love Ressurrection' is an awesome single.”
Why are you clogging up a radio forum with your own music reviews?
Originally Posted by up to the vocal:
“Why are you clogging up a radio forum with your own music reviews?”
“Why are you clogging up a radio forum with your own music reviews?”
Why not? It is connected to the show in question.
Why do you clog up a radio forum with vacuous posts?
Originally Posted by david1956:
“Why not? It is connected to the show in question.
Why do you clog up a radio forum with vacuous posts?”
“Why not? It is connected to the show in question.
Why do you clog up a radio forum with vacuous posts?”
Your post goes on for paragraphs and paragraphs of your own personal opinion on music. This is a radio forum.and in case you had nt noticed. my post is just one line.Sadly though I had to quote all your paragraphs.
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