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Post by jamie9012 on Jan 25, 2017 15:48:38 GMT -5
Hello.
Here are half of the Songs from the 1986 Ep. from Sunday. I will list about ten of them now, and I will hopefully list the others tomorrow.
January 25, 1986
20: SIDEWALK TALK - JELLYBEAN - Madonna's only appearance in this Episode. She wrote it, and sang in the background. 19: GOODBYE – NIGHT RANGER - Their last Top 40 hit, and it peaked at #17. 18: IT’S ONLY LOVE – BRYAN ADAMS/TINA TURNER - Very good duet. Like many Hits from Adams, it sounds very modern. 17: HOW WILL I KNOW – WHITNEY HOUSTON - #1 for two Weeks in February 1986 16: CONGA – THE MIAMI SOUND MACHINE - Their first Hit in the US. I think that I can say about 75 percent of the Chorus. 15: TONIGHT SHE COMES – THE CARS - I would have never guessed that the Title could have more than one meaning... 14: SMALL TOWN – JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP - One of my favorites from him. It is easy to remember the Title, because he sings it so often. 13: GO HOME – STEVIE WONDER - The beginning does not sound like as Song from Stevie Wonder. #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Something about which I am curious: after he sings, "She said, 'I've no right...'", it sounded like scatting. Then again, it could have been a Synthesizer. 12: ALIVE & KICKING – SIMPLE MINDS - In addition to Belgium and Italy, it also charted in Germany (#17), and Switzerland (#13). I love the instrumental Piano solo. 11: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING – BILLY OCEAN - Military Music! Only the Hit from Whitney Houston (back at #17) prevented this one from reaching #1. 10: SPIES LIKE US – PAUL MCCARTNEY - He appeared in the Episode from 1984 with "Say Say Say" (along with Michael Jackson), and now is he here solo. I thought that this would have been from the Soundtrack to "A View To A Kill". 9: PARTY ALL THE TIME – EDDIE MURPHY - #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for this Actor and Comedian. He appeared in the Film "Beverly Hills Cop" which was released in the Year before. 8: I MISS YOU – KLYMAXX - I do remember this one from around 2005. Someone in my family had a CD featuring this Hit, and I would often listen to it. I could easily relate to the Lyrics at that Time, because I had been longing for someone that I had not seen in a while. LDD: DON’T STOP BELIVIN’ - JOURNEY - I hope that the Person that wrote in is alive and much better today. 7: WALK OF LIFE – DIRE STRAITS - #7 in the U.S., #15 in Germany, #24 in Switzerland. Musically, it does not sound like the 1980s. In a note somewhat unrelated, a few Weeks ago, I heard their hit "So Far Away" on the Radio! I do not think that I have ever heard it on any Station before. 6: MY HOMETOWN – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - This was the final Single from his highly successful Album "Born In The USA", and all seven of them reached the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100 there. This one featured very good Lyrics. 5: I’M YOUR MAN - WHAM - The Gospel (?) influences in the Music of George Michael are apparent in this hit. How could we lose him so soon? I suppose that we all must go, yet I do not understand it, and I am perhaps not intended to understand it. Anyway, R.I.P. 4: TALK TO ME – STEVIE NICKS - Stevie Nicks developed quite a successful solo Career, while still a member of Fleetwood Mac. This was her first hit from her Album "Rock A Little". 3: BURNING HEART - SURVIVOR - I remember this Song, but not from Rocky IV! Actually, it is on the CD Billboard Top Hits: 1986. It appeared as Track #7 or #8, along with "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets Going" from Billy Ocean and "Kyrie" from Mr. Mister. 2: SAY YOU, SAY ME – LIONEL RICHIE - He starts out singing in a slow tempo, then he rocks out a little, and then back once more to the slower speed. His first Single since "Penny Lover" in 1984, although he was involved with the creation of "We Are The World" from 1985. 1: THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR – DIONNE & FRIENDS - #1 for four Weeks on the Hot 100.
My extra:
ONLY LOVE - NANA MOUSKOURI - Ah, the diva from Greece, known for her Glasses as well as her voice. She has recorded in multiple languages, from German to Spanish, French to English. Although she has had much success throughout the World, this Song, which was the theme to a Television Series called "Mistral's Daughter", was her only hit in the United Kingdom. Even so, it rose very high on the Charts there early in 1986, peaking at #2 (with "The Sun Always Shines On TV" from A-ha preventing it from reaching #1 there). And yes, she did record it in other Languages: "L'amour en heritage" (French) and "Aber die Liebe bleibt" (But Love Remains, German).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4saETJVfkfQ
Thank you for reading.
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Post by Hervard on Jan 28, 2017 12:46:03 GMT -5
American Top 40: The 80s - January 28, 2017 This week's presentation - January 24, 1981 DROPPERS: EVERYBODY'S GOT TO LEARN SOMETIME - THE KORGIS (38) - I love this song - very eerie sounding, like walking through a graveyard on a foggy night! Too bad it dropped off WOMAN IN LOVE - BARBRA STREISAND (31) - The first of three Top Ten hits from the Guilty album, and my second favorite behind "What Kind Of Fool", which would hit the chart three weeks later. ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST - QUEEN (30) - As you know all too well, I'm not a big fan of this song, so no big loss here, IMO. MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN') - STEVIE WONDER (27) - Wonder's first hit from his 19th album Hotter Than July. It was a good song, though not quite his best. ONE STEP CLOSER - DOOBIE BROTHERS (24) - Definitely one of their most underrated songs ever! This one should have at least made the Top Ten, like its predecessor "Real Love". A great song indeed! LW#3: GUILTY – BARBRA STREISAND AND BARRY GIBB LW#2: LOVE ON THE ROCKS – NEIL DIAMOND LW#1: STARTING OVER – JOHN LENNON 40: GAMES PEOPLE PLAY - THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT (debut) - This was their last Top 40 hit before Eric Woolfson took over as lead singer. On this one, Lenny Zakatek provided the lead vocals. I thought it was a pretty decent song, though I generally preferred the Woolfson-lead songs. 39: MY MOTHER'S EYES - BETTE MIDLER (39) - This was the first time I'd ever heard this song, and the only time we'll hear it on this series, as it lasted only two weeks on the chart, one of which was guest hosted. Melodically, it reminded me a little of a similarly-titled song, "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride, an AC hit from late 2004. It was a nice song, but I prefer a few others from the Divine Miss M. 38: I NEED YOUR LOVIN' - TEENA MARIE (40) - Many people thought she was a one-hit wonder, but she actually did have a song before she hit big with "Lovergirl". I actually prefer this song (since the other one was way overplayed). I can see why this song didn't get any higher than it did, since it had more of a seventies sound to it than early-80s. Had this song been released around 1976 or so, it would likely have peaked higher. 37: CRYING - DON McLEAN (debut) - The first of two songs on this week's chart to debut on the entire Hot 100 in the Top 40. That certainly didn't happen very often (though it did happen about two months earlier, with this week's top two songs. As for this song, it was a good one - you can definitely tell that it was a Roy Orbison song. 36: SMOKEY MOUNTAIN RAIN - RONNIE MILSAP (debut) - He was hot on the country chart, but up to now, he'd been a one-hit wonder at Top 40 radio. But things were starting to happen for him there at this point, as he'd have a handful of Top 40 hits, including a Top Ten, which was his next release. As for this song, it was a good one, though I preferred a few others from him. 35: HE CAN'T LOVE YOU - THE MICHAEL STANLEY BAND (37) - Their first of two hits, neither of which made much of an impression on the charts. This one was pretty good, IMO. 34: A LITTLE IN LOVE - CLIFF RICHARD (debut) - He was on the chart in two forms this week - in a duet with Olivia Newton-John and on this song as a solo artist. 33: COLD LOVE - DONNA SUMMER (33) - Wow, this was definitely a departure from her usual disco/dance style. This one rocked out - which might have something to do with the fact that it didn't get any higher than #33. That's too bad, as I thought it was a good one! ARCHIVES: DEEP PURPLE - NINO TEMPO & APRIL STEVENS - We heard the Donny & Marie cover of this song on last week's 1976 show. They both sound very similar, though I did slightly prefer said cover version. OPTIONAL EXTRA: GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY - THE OUTLAWS - Vaughan Monroe had the best chart success with this song, spending twelve weeks at #1 in 1949. This song would peak at #31 a few months later. It was a good song, IMO. Not sure if I've ever heard the original (but I probably have). 32: KILLIN' TIME - FRED KNOBLOCK AND SUSAN ANTON (34) - Knoblock's best song IMO will always be "Why Not Me", but this would definitely be a close second - both songs were great! 31: THE BEST OF TIMES - STYX (debut) - This is the other song that debuted on the Hot 100 way up in the Top 40 this week. It was their first of two Top 40 hits from Styx' Paradise Theater album, as well as my favorite of those two (though I do like the other one, "Too Much Time On My Hands" more than I had previously). Both are great songs! 30: HEARTBREAK HOTEL - THE JACKSONS (35) - Not a "Hot Elvis Remake" - it was actually an original song. Though I'm not generally a fan of their later hits, this one was actually pretty good. 29: MORE THAN I CAN SAY - LEO SAYER (17) - This one featured the oft-told story about Sayer disrupting performances by, if he didn't think the lead singer was any good, jumping up on stage, grabbing the mike, and finishing the song himself (and then being beat up by the band members after the show was over). But his perseverance paid off, as he had much success on the charts, including two #1 songs. This one almost became his third, but Kenny Rogers was too tough for him. 28: HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT - PAT BENATAR (16) - Her first Top Ten hit, and her signature song. I liked it, despite its overplay. 27: WOMAN - JOHN LENNON (36) - The week's biggest mover - a song that was on its way to #2 on the Hot 100 (and would spend a month at #1 on the R&R chart). This was technically Lennon's first posthumous hit, as "Starting Over" had been released before Lennon's untimely death. It is my second favorite song from Double Fantasy behind the song that is coming up (much) later on the countdown. 26: I AIN'T GONNA STAND FOR IT - STEVIE WONDER (32) - This song had sort of a jazz flavor to it. It's a good one, but I slightly preferred his previous song, which was one of this week's droppers. 25: SEVEN BRIDGES ROAD - THE EAGLES (29) - Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this their only live recording to hit the chart (before the Hell Freezes over album, that is)? I never used to like this song, but now I think it's a great one. They sort of sound like they're sitting around a campfire singing this one. 24: SUDDENLY - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & CLIFF RICHARD (20) -This is the duet I mentioned earlier in the countdown. Xanadu fever had pretty much worn off at this point, as this song only got a high as #20, but it did stay on the chart for 11 weeks, which was sort of long for a mid-chart peaker. This was a good song, like Cliff's solo hit ten songs earlier, so I'm not sure which one I prefer. 23: KEEP ON LOVING YOU - REO SPEEDWAGON (28) - I believe this would be considered their biggest hit ever. "Can't Fight This Feeling" may have spent two more weeks on top, but this song had more staying power - it spent two more weeks in the Top 40 than that song spent on the Hot 100. This was a song I definitely remember from its chart run, and I never got tired of it - a great power ballad indeed! LDD FOLLOW-UP: This was in reference to a LDD from 9/23/78. The author had moved to the United States and fallen in with the wrong crowd and a guy named Callum (sp?) had helped to get her back on her feet again. When she moved back to her home country (I forget where she was from), she realized how much she missed him and a mutual friend told him that he felt the same, so they eventually got back together and, at this point of the show, had been married for a year, with a baby named Casey, after Casey Kasem. Definitely a heartwarming story! 22: TOGETHER - TIERRA (23) - Pretty much your run-of-the-mill early 80's slow jam. I liked it. ARCHIVES: I'M LEAVING IT ALL UP TO YOU - DALE AND GRACE - It was okies, but nothing special. Coincidentally, Donny & Marie also covered this one - it was their first Top 40 hit as a duo. OPTIONAL EXTRA: HELLO AGAIN - NEIL DIAMOND - This song was not on the chart yet, but would come roaring onto the Hot 100 way up at #32 the following week (the very same position that "Love On The Rocks" had debuted two months earlier). This song, Neil's second of three hits from the Jazz Singer, would go on to peak at #6 in late March. I liked all three of the Jazz Singer singles, but my favorite was the one coming up later in the Top Five. 21: THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL - ABBA (25) - This, sadly, would be their final Top Ten hit. It, along with "Dancing Queen" w 20: LADY - KENNY ROGERS (9) - This song spent six weeks at #1 in late 1980. Since it had been deferred to 1981, it looked to be in a great position to snag the top spot of that year, but who knew that two other songs had even stronger staying power at the top. As for this song, I guess you could call it a guilty pleasure, since I liked it a lot. 19: SAME OLD LANG SYNE - DAN FOGELBERG (26) - This song used to be played on the radio at any time of year, but now, it seems to be limited to the Christmas season, just because it mentions Christmas Eve at the beginning. This song, of course, tells the story about a chance meeting with an old flame on Christmas Eve, 1975. A great song, like most of Fogelberg's hits. 18: 9 TO 5 - DOLLY PARTON (22) - Dolly Parton's first pop hit peaked at #3, and after four songs that missed the Top Ten, she had her very first #1 hit. It was a great song - one of my favorites from her. 17: MISS SUN - BOZ SCAGGS (21) - Like Dan Fogelberg, I liked most of Scaggs' Top 40 entries. This one was definitely one of his best! 16: GIVING IT UP FOR YOUR LOVE - DELBERT McCLINTON (19) - For some reason, I never was a huge fan of this song. 15: TIME IS TIME - ANDY GIBB (18) - This song kicked off the Top 100 of 1981 countdown. It was a good one, but I preferred many of his earlier hits. 14: HEY NINETEEN - STEELY DAN (15) - One of their last big hits before going their separate ways in 1981. It's a good song, but I preferred many of their 1970s hits, particularly the ones on the Aja album. 13: TELL IT LIKE IT IS - HEART (8) - - A great cover of what, at the time, was Aaron Neville's only Top 40 hit (he has since had several more). Not sure which of the two versions I prefer. 12: CELEBRATION - KOOL & THE GANG (14) - I remember this song quite well - aside from radio airplay, it got a lot of play on juke boxes, such as the one at Pizza Hut, a place that my dad would take my brother and me to every Sunday for dinner. OPTIONAL EXTRA: DOMINIQUE - THE SINGING NUN - As far as I know, Donny & Marie never covered this song OPTIONAL EXTRA: LIVING IN A FANTASY - LEO SAYER - This was debuting on the Hot 100 this week and would enter the Top 40 three weeks later. The song would peak at #23 and end up being Leo's final Top 40 hit. 11: I MADE IT THROUGH THE RAIN - BARRY MANILOW (13) - It seems that more often than not, this song had the second verse cut when played on AT40, and this was one of those times (I sort of figured it would be, due to there being twelve songs in the last hour). Anyway, like most of his hits, this one was a great one. 10: DE DO DO DO, DE DA DA DA DA - THE POLICE (10) - However, that's more than I can say for this one. If this was all that someone had to say to me, I'd be saying "Ba-bye bye bye". I actually prefer their grossly overplayed 1983 hit over this one. 9: IT'S MY TURN - DIANA ROSS (11) - Of her three late 1980/early 1981 songs, this would be my favorite song by far. A great song - very theatrical sounding! 8: I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT - EDDIE RABBITT (12) - This song was on its way to becoming Rabbitt's biggest hit ever, spending a pair of weeks at #1 in February, 1981. 7: PASSION - ROD STEWART (7) - I've mentioned that Rick Springfield seemed to have pairs of songs that sound alike. Rod Stewart has a few of those as well - this one's "counterpart" would be his summer, 1984 hit "Infatuation". I prefer this one, however. LDD: DADDY DON'T YOU WALK SO FAST - WAYNE NEWTON - The title of this song is appropriate for the dedication, as it was from a daughter to her Dad, from whom she had pretty much become estranged. 6: EVERY WOMAN IN THE WORLD - AIR SUPPLY (6) - It definitely looked like this song had peaked, as it was stuck at #6 for a fifth week, but it managed to climb a spot higher the following week, thus barely keeping their Top Five streak alive. 5: HUNGRY HEART - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (5) - This was the song that was responsible for threatening to interrupt Air Supply's Top Five streak, but its hard fall the following week created a vacuum effect. Anyway, this was Springsteen's very first Top Ten, just like Pat Benatar. It's one of my favorite songs from him - even better than my favorites from Born In The USA. 4: GUILTY - BARBRA STREISAND & BARRY GIBB (3) - With my comment about Streisand's recent hit that leaves the chart this week, you've probably deduced that this song is my least favorite of the Guilty singles (that hit the Top 40 anyway). It's still a good song, nonetheless. OPTIONAL EXTRA: HEARTS ON FIRE - RANDY MEISNER - Larry mentioned that Meisner was probably best remembered as the lead singer on the Eagles' "Take It To The Limit". Until about ten years ago, I always thought Joe Walsh was the lead singer of that song - Meisner definitely does not sound like he did in "Take It To The Limit" - his voice sounds lower. Well, anyway, this was my second favorite of his solo hits, behind "Never Been In Love", which charted the following year. 3: THE TIDE IS HIGH - BLONDIE (4) - The tide may have been high, but they would reach the highest ground the following week. This song was not bad, but definitely not my favorite from them. I preferred their next hit, "Rapture" by a fair margin. 2: LOVE ON THE ROCKS - NEIL DIAMOND (2) - Had it not been for the death of John Lennon, this song just might have hit #1. It did, however, sneak in a week on top of the R&R chart, though, which is good, because it was a great song. 1: (JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER - JOHN LENNON (1) - This song was spending the last of five weeks at #1. Definitely a worthy #1 song, as it's one of his best songs ever. Coming up next week - February 6, 1988 as the "A" show and February 4, 1984 as the "B" show.
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Post by jamie9012 on Jan 28, 2017 13:28:51 GMT -5
Hello again.
Hervard's Critique for this Episode is above mine (I believe it was started perhaps 30 minutes before mine), but I will create my own now. I'll acutally list as many as I can now, and continue tomorrow. The Archive Extras were interesting, including hits that have been covered (such as that from Dale & Grace), and one that was somewhat out-of place (Sœur Sourire).
January 24, 1981
40: GAMES PEOPLE PLAY - THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - A Single from their Album "The Turn Of A Friendly Card". The lead Vocals were provided by Lenny Zakatek, who also sang on their hit "I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You". 39: MY MOTHER'S EYES - BETTE MIDLER - Musically, it harkened back to the early to mid 1970s for me. Nice Song, even if it sounds a little sad. 38: I NEED YOUR LOVIN' - TEENA MARIE - I thought that she had had more Pop hits than the ones that she had. Another Song from her, "Behind The Groove", which was on the same Album, appeared on the Soundtrack to the Videogame "GTA: Vice City". 37: CRYING - DON McLEAN - He had an comeback in early 1980s, of which this Song was a part. It took a while for the Album ("Chain Lighting") to become a success, but it did yield some Hits. "Crying" also reached #1 in the Netherlands in March of 1980. 36: SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAIN - RONNIE MILSAP - #24 on the Hot 100. It was written by the same songwriting Team as that which wrote "Nobody" from Sylvia. 35: HE CAN'T LOVE YOU - THE MICHAEL STANLEY BAND - Very Rick Springfield-esque. I remember hearing this a few Years ago, and I believe that it was during the Week in which it debuted onto the Top 40. 34: A LITTLE IN LOVE - CLIFF RICHARD - 1979, 1980 and 1981 were good years for Sir Cliff in the US. He had several solo Hits, and then there was his Duet with Olivia Newton-John. Yet, his only Song that I have really heard beyond these Eps. is "Devil Woman". 33: COLD LOVE - DONNA SUMMER - Is it only me, or did this one sound a bit modern for 1980/1981? The percussion Instruments made me think of Pop music from later in the 1980s.
ARCHIVE EXTRA: DEEP PURPLE - NINO TEMPO AND APRIL STEVENS - #1 In November of 1963 on the Hot 100 for this Brother and Sister Duo. The spoken part of the Song sounded like Diana Ross in "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".
32: KILLIN' TIME - FRED KNOBLOCK AND SUSAN ANTON - Good ballad. 31: THE BEST OF TIMES - STYX - The highest debuting Song in the Countdown. The beginning reminds me of that from "Fall For You" from Secondhand Serenade (from around 2008). 30: HEARTBREAK HOTEL - THE JACKSONS - I was very much enjoying this Episode, when the station was cut-out while this Song played. Such a Disappointment. 29: MORE THAN I CAN SAY - LEO SAYER - This almost became another #1 hit for this Singer from England. Now, he is based in Australia. Alan Tarney, who produced the Album on which it appears (Living In A Fantasy), also produced Cliff Richard's Album "I'm No Hero" (on which appears the hit "A Little In Love". I laughed a little bit when Casey Kasem teased this artist a few Minutes earlier. Immediately, I knew who it was! 28: HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT - PAT BENATAR - One of her most well-known Hits. 27: WOMAN - JOHN LENNON - #2 (posthumously) for this former Beatle. 26: I AIN'T GONNA STAND FOR IT - STEVIE WONDER - #11 on the Hot 100. I don't think that I have heard this one outside of AT40. 25: SEVEN BRIDGES ROAD - THE EAGLES - Their final Top-40 Hit from their biggest time-period (Chart-wise). 24: SUDDENLY - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & CLIFF RICHARD - And here they are! I have never seen "Xanadu", but I do love the Songs from its Soundtrack that became hits. 23: KEEP ON LOVING YOU - REO SPEEDWAGON - Although they had had some smaller Hits, this was their first Top 40, and it went all the way to #1! 22: TOGETHER - TIERRA - #18 on the Hot 100. ARCHIVE EXTRA: I'M LEAVING IT UP TO YOU - DALE & GRACE - #1 for two Weeks in November of 1963. Around this time, US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. 21: THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL - ABBA - An excellent Hit from this great Band! They are finally reuniting again (and they said that they never would). So, one never knows! 20: LADY - KENNY ROGERS - This Song peaked at #1 back in 1980 for six Weeks, but it remains in the Countdown. Such strength! Written by Lionel Richie. 19: SAME OLD LANG SYNE - DAN FOGELBERG - Oddly, I had never before heard this Song before hearing it on American Top 40. Lately and appropriately, I hear it before Christmas. I've also been practicing "Auld Lang Syne" on my Guitar. 18: 9 TO 5 - DOLLY PARTON - From the Film of the same name. Written by Parton, "9 To 5" (not to be confused with a similarly-titled Song from Sheena Easton) reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 17: MISS SUN - BOZ SCAGGS - #14 on the Hot 100, and, until 1988, it remained his last Hit. 16: GIVING IT UP FOR YOUR LOVE - DELBERT MCCLINTON - The only top 40 Hit for this Texan, peaking at #8. 15: TIME IS TIME - ANDY GIBB - One of my favorites from him. Although his biggest hits were disco Songs, this one had a Pop/rock flavor to it. 14: HEY NINETEEN - STEELY DAN - #10 on the Hot 100. Their next-to-last Top 40 Hit. 13: TELL IT LIKE IT IS - HEART - This period almost bridges the Gap between their earlier, harder-rocking Hits and their later Ballads. 12: CELEBRATION - KOOL & THE GANG - It has not aged at all! Their only #1 Billboard Hot 100 Hit, it also reached #17 in Germany and #6 in Switzerland. ARCHIVE EXTRA: DOMINIQUE - Sœur Sourire - #1 for four Weeks in December 1963. Sister Smile, Singing Nun, Jeanne Deckers. A rather unlikely Hit about the person who formed her Congregation, Saint Dominic. It also reached #7 in Germany and #11 in her home Belgium. A Film was made, which was perhaps based loosely on her life (which starred Debbie Reynolds). Unfortunately, her life was not easy. Royalties from the Song were deferred to either the music business or her Convent. Over time, she came into conflict with her Convent, and eventually left. Financial difficulties increased, and in 1985, Deckers, and her lover, ended their lives following a mix of Barbiturates and Alcohol. 11: I MADE IT THROUGH THE RAIN - BARRY MANILOW - I have heard this Song on a Station that plays many Oldies and other Songs that are not often heard anymore. 10: DE DO DO DO, DE DA DA DA DA - THE POLICE - In the US, the first Single from Zenyatta Mondatta. In the UK, this was the second (after "Don't Stand So Close To Me"). 9: IT'S MY TURN - DIANA ROSS - This was actually not from her Album "diana", although she had had two Hits from it by this time. 8: I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT - EDDIE RABBITT - Well, about a Week or so ago, it was very rainy. Now the Weather is great! This was a good period for country music Artists. Juice Newton, Dolly Parton, Eddie Rabbitt, Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap, and perhaps others had big Hits then. 7: PASSION - ROD STEWART - Passion, one of the most important Commodities in the World, according to Rod Stewart. 6: EVERY WOMAN IN THE WORLD - AIR SUPPLY - Peaked at #5 on the Hot 100. 5: HUNGRY HEART - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - When I first heard this, I had no idea who it was. Bruce Springsteen was perhaps one of the last Artists on my mind. It is very different from his industrial Album "Born In The USA". 4: GUILTY - BARBRA STREISAND & BARRY GIBB - #3 in the previous Week. 3: THE TIDE IS HIGH - BLONDIE - Good tropical Hit from this musically diverse band formed in New York. #1 on the Hot 100 at the end of January 1981. 2: LOVE ON THE ROCKS - NEIL DIAMOND - Great Song. Of all of the Singles from "The Jazz Singer", I am most familiar with "America". 1: (JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER - JOHN LENNON - Altogether #1 for five Weeks. No doubt did his death impact the success of this Song (as well as his Album "Double Fantasy"). Then again, as the hit from Kenny Rogers "Lady" spent also several Weeks at #1, who knows what could have happened?
My Extra:
GIVE ME BACK MY LOVE - MAYWOOD - This was one of four Hits from this Duo from the Netherlands, which included sisters Alice May and Caren Wood, that appeared in the German Charts. It reached #27 in Germany, and #5 in the Netherlands.
It took me longer than I expected to finish the Critique. Generally, it has not been the best Week for me. But as always, thank you.
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Post by freakyflybry on Jan 28, 2017 16:47:56 GMT -5
January 24, 1981
Falling off: The Korgis - Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime (38) - Their only top 40 hit, this was a nice, very haunting song. Barbra Streisand - Woman In Love (31) - I normally don't like a lot of her stuff, but this one, produced by the Bee Gees, was one huge exception. Great song! Queen - Another One Bites The Dust (30) - Their biggest hit chart-wise, it still sounds great today! Still love the bass line in this. Stevie Wonder - Master Blaster (27) - A reggae-tinted hit from this Motown legend, it was a refreshing sound for him. Good song! Doobie Brothers - One Step Closer (24) - Their last top 40 hit until 1989, it was a good one, though I prefer most of their other hits.
40. Alan Parsons Project - Games People Play (debut) - While they'd had a few 70's top 40 hits, this would become one of their biggest hits. Great song! 39. Bette Midler - My Mother's Eyes (39) - Another artist who had her last top 40 hit until 1989 here, this live recording was ok but far from her best. 38. Teena Marie - I Need Your Lovin' (40) - One of the most memorable white soul singers ever, she had two top 40 hits and this was the first. Great song, should've been a bigger hit. 37. Don McLean - Crying (debut) - He, however, was ending an 8-year hiatus from the charts with this Roy Orbison cover - it was alright but I prefer his 70's hits. 36. Ronnie Milsap - Smoky Mountain Rain (debut) - One of the biggest country singers at the time, he had his fair share of pop hits too. Great song - definitely my favourite from him! 35. Michael Stanley Band - He Can't Love You (37) - This rocker had a couple minor top 40 entries - good song that also should've done better. 34. Cliff Richard - A Little In Love (debut) - While in the UK he's as big as Elvis, in the US he only had a handful of big hits. This one from "I'm No Hero" was definitely one of my favourites! 33. Donna Summer - Cold Love (33) - The Queen of Disco went full-on rock here, and it was a sound that worked very well. Great song - another very underrated one! Archive: Nino Tempo & April Stevens - Deep Purple - not really into this one, a lot of the pre-Beatles hits weren't really my style. 32. Fred Knoblock & Susan Anton - Killin' Time (34) - No. Just no. 31. Styx - The Best Of Times (debut) - They sure were hot, as "Paradise Theater" was their only #1 album! This was its lead single - great song! 30. The Jacksons - Heartbreak Hotel (35) - Not to be confused with the Elvis song (hence the alternate title "This Place Hotel" for this), it was a good song - another underrated low-charter! 29. Leo Sayer - More Than I Can Say (17) - His last top 10 hit, this got all the way up to #2. Great song - one of his best! 28. Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot (16) - From her "Crimes Of Passion" album, this rock anthem from one of the 80's biggest female rockers became one of her signature songs to this day. Great song! 27. John Lennon - Woman (36) - The second single from "Double Fantasy" - great song! 26. Stevie Wonder - I Ain't Gonna Stand For It (32) - A bit of a different sound for him here, but it worked well! 25. Eagles - Seven Bridges Road (29) - Their last top 40 hit as a group for 13 years, this was a nice change of pace for them, almost sounded like a campfire singalong! 24. Olivia Newton-John & Cliff Richard - Suddenly (20) - From "Xanadu", this was another good song, like most of the soundtrack. 23. REO Speedwagon - Keep On Loving You (28) - "Hi Infidelity" was the top album of 1981, and these Illinois rockers really reaped the rewards here! Great song - a bonafide classic! 22. Tierra - Together (23) - No. Just no. Archive: Dale & Grace - I'm Leaving It All Up To You - not really into this either (how odd that TWO of the archive songs were covered by Donny & Marie Osmond in the 70's?) 21. ABBA - The Winner Takes it All (25) - This Swedish group was nearing the end of their chart run, but this was one of their last memorable classics. Great song! 20. Kenny Rogers - Lady (9) - No. Just no. 19. Dan Fogelberg - Same Old Lang Syne (26) - Inspired by a real-life encounter with his ex-girlfriend on Christmas Eve, this is the kind of story song he did so well. Great song! 18. Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 (22) - While this country legend had several pop hits to that time, this became her first #1. Great song! 17. Boz Scaggs - Miss Sun (21) - A new song from his greatest hits, this had all the elements that made his other big hits memorable. Great song! 16. Delbert McClinton - Giving It Up For Your Love (19) - Best known as a session musician, he had this, his only top 40 hit - it was a good one, very rooted in his 60's origins. 15. Andy Gibb - Time Is Time (18) - Another new track from a greatest hits album, this was pretty good but I prefer his 70's classics. 14. Steely Dan - Hey Nineteen (15) - While they are best known for their 70's hits, this showed they were still great in the 80's. Still love this one today! 13. Heart - Tell It Like It Is (8) - A cover of the Aaron Neville hit from the 60's, this was a good song but I prefer most of their other top 40 hits. 12. Kool & the Gang - Celebration (14) - Another group who had been around for some time prior to this, this became their biggest hit and only #1. Great song - one that has held up very well! Archive: The Singing Nun - Dominique - a bit odd to hear a singing nun from Belgium getting a #1 hit, it was a bit bizarre, but something that I don't mind occasionally due to the novelty factor. 11. Barry Manilow - I Made It Through The Rain (13) - Aside from a few songs, I'm not a Manilow fan either but this wasn't anything special. 10. The Police - De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (10) - Wasn't Sting dared to write a song with a nonsense title just to see if it could be a hit? Clearly it worked - great song! 9. Diana Ross - It's My Turn (11) - This ballad wasn't one of my favourites at first, but I enjoy it a fair bit now. Still, I prefer several others from her. 8. Eddie Rabbitt - I Love A Rainy Night (12) - Another country singer who saw his biggest pop success here, great song that still gets AC airplay to this day and doesn't sound out of place. 7. Rod Stewart - Passion (7) - This showed he could do just as great in the 80's as his 70's classics. Great song - one of his best! LDD: Wayne Newton - Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast - No. Just no. 6. Air Supply - Every Woman In The World (6) - This Australian group was really on a hot streak in the early 80's - they have a lot of guilty pleasure songs for me, this being one of them. 5. Bruce Springsteen - Hungry Heart (5) - He originally wrote this with the Ramones in mind but was advised to keep it for himself - wise decision as it became his first of many top 10 hits! Great song - one of his best! 4. Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb - Guilty (3) - Another rare Streisand song that I like, she and Barry Gibb do a great collaboration here! 3. Blondie - The Tide Is High (4) - Their top 40 hits were all fairly diverse, and this had a reggae influence as it is a cover of an obscure song from the past. Great song - one of their best! 2. Neil Diamond - Love On The Rocks (2) - While I do like his more upbeat stuff, his slower stuff like this does nothing for me. 1. John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over (1) - great song! I still think it would've hit #1 had he not died, but likely wouldn't have been quite as big as it ended up being.
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Post by jamie9012 on Feb 4, 2017 14:54:46 GMT -5
Hello.
I was a little unsure about doing this ten-song Critique, not only for the small number of Songs, but also because I think that I made one from around the same time in the last Year. I am however bored now, so I will list these Songs.
February 3, 1973
10: HI, HI, HI - WINGS - This sounds more like The Beatles (with all four Members), rather than Wings or solo Paul McCartney. It has a 1960s Sound, and the Guitars remind me of George Harrison. 9: DO IT AGAIN - STEELY DAN - Their first hit, peaking at #6 in the US, and #33 in Deutschland. 8: THE WORLD IS A GHETTO - WAR - For some reason, the Verses made me sleepy. From the Album of the same Name. 7: TROUBLE MAN - MARVIN GAYE - With his well-known high-pitched, pleading Vocals. His next big hit after this was "Let's Get It On", which reached #1 in the US. 6: OH BABE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY - HURRICANE SMITH - He worked as an Engineer on many Beatles songs. He was probably among the oldest Performers in this Chart (aged 49). 5: YOUR MAMA DON'T DANCE - LOGGINS & MESSINA - I can imagine The Steve Miller Band performing this Song. 4: WHY CAN'T WE LIVE TOGETHER - TIMMY THOMAS - This had (for me at least) a slight novelty feel to it, from the extra percussion Sounds toward the end. Also charted in Great Britain and Germany. 3: SUPERSTITION - STEVIE WONDER - This spent one Week at #1 in January of 1973. 2: YOU'RE SO VAIN - CARLY SIMON - The only Song that I know that has the term "strategically placed". 1: CROCODILE ROCK - ELTON JOHN - His first #1 hit. It would fit nicely in an Episode of "Scooby Doo, Where Are You", when Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby are being pursued by the Villain.
My Extra:
JEDER WEG HAT MAL EIN ENDE - MARIANNE ROSENBERG - "Every Path has an End." Written by Joachim Heider and Ulli Weigel. One of her earlier Hits, it peaked at #9 in Germany, and appeared on her 1973 Greatest Hits album "Ihre grossen Erfolge" (although her biggest Hits had yet to come).
Lyrically, she sings about her lover who is not around, but she hopes that he will be back. Maybe they broke up, or maybe he is at Work, I do not know (I've always found the Lyrics to be rather vague in that respect). She expresses the Loneliness that she feels when he is not there, and the Happiness that she feels when he is.
Thank you for reading.
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Post by pb on Feb 7, 2017 10:56:23 GMT -5
6: OH BABE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY - HURRICANE SMITH - He worked as an Engineer on many Beatles songs. He was probably among the oldest Performers in this Chart (aged 49). Although it probably would not have meant anything to Casey or his writing staff at the time, he also produced Pink Floyd's early albums.
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Post by slf on Feb 12, 2017 16:19:00 GMT -5
For the week ending February 9, 1980: Well, I'm finally getting around to doing my first chart critique of 2017. There were two or three countdowns from recent weeks that I really wanted and planned to critique, but I never got around to it due to fatigue and a busy schedule. (I've worked a LOT of overtime at my warehouse job, plus I'm taking six credit hours of classes at Ivy Tech, an established vocational school here in Indiana. I'm pursuing an accounting certificate.) But while I have a little down time this afternoon, I'm gonna comment on the music from the 2nd half of my sophomore year in high school, a time full of some good and some bad memories, but a lot of fine music. So here I go. 40. Heartbreaker/Pat Benatar--It's a fairly fun rocker, but it's far from her best single. (That honor probably would go to the stirring "Shadows Of The Night") 39. 99/Toto--This was a song that I was vaguely familiar with at the time, but it was so innocuous to me that found it easy to ignore. But in recent years I have grown to appreciate the breezy, jazzy feel of the song, as well as the uniquely assertive piano flourish that would immediately precede each verse. 38. Send One Your Love/Stevie Wonder--It's mildly pleasant and soothing, but it pales in comparison to most of his past hits, which were far more uptempo and soulful. (That was an interesting story Casey told, however, about that experiment with houseplants in which they seemed attracted to classical music and repelled by hard, psychedelic rock and roll. I guess houseplants are just squares that don't dig cool music, man! ) 37. Ladies' Night/Kool & The Gang--Like most of their hits, I can take it or leave it. 36. Him/Rupert Holmes--It's an enjoyable "Pina Colada" follow-up with a sharp, assertive arrangement and an intriguing theme (finding telltale signs of another man at his girlfriend's place, confronting her about it, and issuing an ultimatum--it's me or it's HIM). 35. How Do I Make You/Linda Ronstadt--Another song I can take or leave. 34. Lost Her In The Sun/John Stewart--This is one of several songs that I didn't hear on the radio at the time and, thus, was unfamiliar with. But I remember it having a nice arrangement, with pretty strings and a thumping bass. 33. Second Time Around/Shalamar--A fine dance song with a sweet, radiant arrangement. I also enjoy the funky, popping synth sound effects heard throughout the song. 32. Another Brick In The Wall/Pink Floyd--Although this classic rock standard is chock full of insolence and attitude (or maybe because of it), I can't help but love it. (Although I wish Casey wouldn't have preempted the hilarious "meat and pudding" ending.) Generally, I don't like pop/rock songs that seem to denigrate school and education, but I think this song was not so much putting down education as putting down undesirable indoctrination, something entirely different. 31. Refugee/Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers--This electrifying bundle of energy is probably my favorite Tom Petty song. I especially love the rhythm he creates in the way he sings the line "don't...have...to liiiiive like a refugee". I remember watching his band perform in the 2008 Super Bowl half-time show and being very disappointed that he didn't include this essential entry from his catalog of hits. What was he thinking to leave out this fantastic rocker? 30. Do You Love What You Feel/Rufus w/ Chaka Khan--Another song I was unfamiliar with, it was fairly lively and danceable, but not exceptional 29. Wonderland/The Commodores--Still another that I was unfamiliar with. It was somewhat better than the above song; it had a sweet, lush string background. But, again, it was nothing exceptional. 28. When I Wanted You/Barry Manilow--This is the third song in a row that flew under my radar at the time. which is perplexing, because WOWO, Ft. Wayne had always been a big fan of Barry Manilow-type MOR music. Anyway, it had the same appealing drama and bombast of a typical Manilow ballad release. (At the "Casey Kasem Jinx" thread, I point out that he made a big deal about this song's ten notch leap from the previous week, yet it would only peak at #20.) 27. Too Hot/Kool & The Gang--Although musically this release is as mediocre as most of their hits, I am intrigued and gratified by the references to God and spirituality in the lyrics. (I remember reading the liner notes to one of their albums once in which they give credit, glory, and thanks to God for their talent and success, so more than likely they are all Christians.) 26. Why Me/Styx--Wow, I am amazed at the number of songs on this countdown I didn't know, this being the latest (and there's one more to come). Anyway, this was a nice surprise, with an assertive keyboard arrangement. 25. Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl/The Spinners--This fantastic song reminds me of my very first chart critique from almost three years ago. (Wow, has it been THAT long?) It was from the May 8, 1980 show, and this song had dropped down to about 28 or 29, or around there. It was among the first songs I ever gave a glowing review of. And, needless to say, my feelings for the song haven't changed one bit. It's still the irresistibly bouncy, peppy, radiant dance song it's always been to me. It's probably my leading example of a cover version blowing the original clear out of the water. (Sorry, Frankie Valli) 24. Third Time Lucky/Foghat--This was the highest-ranking song on the show that I was unfamiliar with, and probably my favorite of all of them. It had an appealingly light, breezy guitar arrangement, quite a departure from the raucous style of their past hits. And its lyrical theme, that the third time is sometimes the charm when pursuing true love, is covered in two other great songs of the '80's---"Three Times In Love" by Tommy James (which was on the verge of debuting on AT40), and "Love Changes Everything" by Climie Fisher (from 1988). 23. We Don't Talk Anymore/Cliff Richard--A fine pop song with a fresh, sharp, radiant arrangement, including some great keyboard work. I was rather amused by the story Casey told of Elton John not recognized Cliff Richard's vocals on the record he had to evaluate, especially given that Elton grew up in the UK, where Cliff Richard was as huge in the late 50's and early 60's as Elvis was. 22. Fool In The Rain/Led Zeppelin--A very worthy swan song (no pun intended) for this legendary group. It has a powerful keyboard riff that I just can't get tired of. (Good thing, too, because it's repeated, like, five billion times. ) I also love the infectious Caribbean rave up at the song's midpoint. (That's if the song is played in its entirety, which, I would guess, was never done on AT40, but, oh well.) 21. September Morn/Neil Diamond--Over the years of doing critiques, I have made many snarky comments about Neil Diamond ballads like this one, but guess what?? I actually LIKE this one. A lot. Maybe it's the lush strings in the chorus, as well as the "boom, boom, BOOM" piano triplicate towards the end of each chorus that sets this song apart from his other slow songs. 20. I Wanna Be Your Lover/Prince--I was completely oblivious to the existence of Prince before "Little Red Corvette" in 1983, and thus, do not remember this song at the time. (Although unlike those other aforementioned songs, I had been exposed to it in the interim.) And, although it's a fun, funky debut Top 40 hit, I like most of his later releases much better. 19. An American Dream/The Dirt Band--Although it's a quirky song lyrically (with its references to "Hillbilly Beer" and "Voila, an American Dream"), it's mostly mediocre musically. I like their follow-up, "Make A Little Magic", much better. (Better still was the splendid "Mr. Bojangles" when they were the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.) 18. Don't Let Go/Isaac Hayes--Although I enjoy this cover version's throbbing, funky beat, it's not as good as the fun, bouncy original by Roy Hamilton from 1958. Is it me, or does this song just not seem to be a good, compatible fit for a raw soul singer like Isaac Hayes? (But it was a fairly successful hit for him, so what do I know?) 17. Daydream Believer/Anne Murray--The original version of this song has always been my favorite Monkees hit. And while this cover isn't quite as good, I was always impressed at how Ms Murray and the producers were able to recapture most of the charm and feel of the great original. 16. Romeo's Tune/Steve Forbert--Other than the sprightly piano, there's nothing all that noteworthy about this song. 15. Deja Vu/Dionne Warwicke--I can take it or leave it. 14. On The Radio/Donna Summer--This was probably Ms Summer's last big pure disco hit, and I'd say it's one of her best. It has a sweet, sparkling, mellow opening verse, which gives way to the sharp, uptempo discofied chorus, and the high energy doesn't let up until Donna's echo-chamber vocals that close the song. 13. Desire/Andy Gibb--Another song that I can take or leave. (Although that was quite a story about how Andy Gibb almost became a full-fledged skinhead punk but, fortunately, changed course to become a pop superstar. I don't imagine his old hardcore skinhead friends were very big fans of the music that was making him famous. I imagine they preferred the Sex Pistols, Motorhead, and Judas Priest.) 12. Escape (The Pina Colada Song)/Rupert Holmes--Ah yes, another one of those Exhibit A songs that people who hate 70's music frequently point to. And yes, it's a campy, cheesy story song, but, of course, I still love it. The irresistible hook is that arresting four-note opening guitar riff that is repeated all throughout the song. 11. This Is It/Kenny Loggins--This bold, urgent, downright inspirational release is one of my favorite Kenny Loggins hit (much better than the overrated "I'm Alright" from later in the year). My appreciation for the song increased when, around that time, I heard it played on TV in conjunction to, from what I remember, was the pregame show to an NCAA playoff basketball game. I thought the inclusion of this song was so fitting. 10. Don't Do Me Like That/Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers--Although not as good a "Refugee", this is still a fun song. I've always enjoyed the rapidfire way in which he recites the rhyming couplets in each verse. (I interrupt this critique to point out that the LDD letter which followed this song was one of my all time favorites. I was very moved at how that seriously injured soldier's path to at least partial recovery was initiated by his sister's stubborn determination to visit the brother she dearly loved in the hospital. It just goes to demonstrate the true healing power of love. Now back to the countdown.) 9. Longer/Dan Fogelberg--An irresistibly sweet love ballad, with gentle strings, a stately horn, and smooth, sincere vocals by a fine singer that we lost way too soon. 8. The Long Run/The Eagles--I can take it or leave it. 7. Sara/Fleetwood Mac--Ditto 6. Yes, I'm Ready/Teri Desario & KC--It's a pleasant enough rendering of the Barbara Mason hit from 1965, but it's not nearly as good as K.C.'s previous hit, the stirring, emotional "Please Don't Go". (I was so hoping it would still be in the Top 40 so I could elaborate more on why I love it, but it had already dropped out.) 5. Crazy Little Thing Called Love/Queen--This future charttopper has a somewhat unique arrangement, with its echo chamber and Freddie's breathy vocals, but it's far from exceptional. 4. Cruisin'/Smokey Robinson--I believe this amazing single is supposed to be the ultimate example of the subgenre of soul known as "Quiet Storm", if I'm not mistaken; i.e., mellow, sophisticated soul with an undercurrent of sensuality. Whatever you call it, this is probably my favorite solo release by Smokey. It just oozes drama and tension, and that explosion of drumwork right before Smokey sings "I love it when we're cruisin' together" gives me goosebumps everytime. 3. Coward Of The County/Kenny Rogers--I have mixed feelings about this intriguing story song, On the one hand, I love how Tommy (aka Yellow) stands up to and beats the tar out of those evil Gatlin boys to defend his woman. On the other hand, even a casual reference to sexual assault in a pop song, even if it's clearly condemned, gives me the creeps. (BTW, an interesting side story: Apparently Kenny Rogers was uncomfortable about the bad guys having the name Gatlin, because there was an actual country band called Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Band, as you might already know. According to the story, Kenny went out of his way to invite this band to tour with him to show that no offense was intended. It was a classy move on Kenny Rogers' part.) 2. Do That To Me One More Time/The Captain & Tennille--Still another song I can take or leave. Give me the vastly superior "Love Will Keep Us Together" anytime. (Even if it didn't keep Daryl & Toni together.) 1. Rock With You/Michael Jackson--It's an above average dance song, with a sprightly flute adding sweetness, but I like his follow-up "Off The Wall" much better, not to mention several of the mighty megahits off his future monster album Thriller.
And my favorite song of the week: One of my all time favorite cover songs of all time, the Spinner's "Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl" Have a good day and Happy Valentine's Day! (Which, by the way is ANOTHER one that I'll be sitting out. You see, I have this particularly unlucky tendency to fall madly in love with women who are already spoken for. Like this co-worker of mine who I've had a big crush on for almost a year. She likes me as a friend and we get along great, but I eventually learned that she's had a serious boyfriend since before we met. Man, does unrequited love stink or what!)
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Post by OnWithTheCountdown on Feb 12, 2017 19:35:00 GMT -5
Great critique, slf. Very enjoyable read. And unrequited love does stink - although I've been on the other side of it several times. That's not easy either. Now, on with the countdown...err, I mean critiques...
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Post by mga707 on Feb 12, 2017 20:53:24 GMT -5
'slf': As always, enjoyed your critique. They're always quite thoughtful and interesting to read. Maybe I should try one again one of these days. This show would've been a good one as it's from one of my 'favorite memory' times, 1980, especially the first half of that year, but you beat me to it! Anyway, must disagree with you on "Sara" by Fleetwood Mac (OK, it's really a Stevie Nicks solo song with the group backing her). By far my favorite song on this countdown, hearing it this weekend prompted me do dig out the "Tusk" LP (on vinyl) and play it. By far my favorite 'Mac' album due to it's complexity and experimental nature. Anyway, I've always loved "Sara". The production is simply awesome. And I always knew there was something very deep and personally painful behind the song. Which there is--Google the meaning behind the song. Two explanations, both quite dark (one more so than the other). The song is probably an expression of elements from both experiences.
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Post by Hervard on Feb 18, 2017 16:27:22 GMT -5
Wow - for the first time in quite awhile, they ran a show that was originally run by Premiere before 2010. In fact, this was run in 2008, before I began posting my critiques here, so guess what - that means a brand-new commentary!
I remember the very weekend that this was run. This was a landmark week for me, as far as countdown shows go. This was the first time that I listened to a countdown show in full. Now, it wasn't AT40. I was flipping through the dial and happened upon B96, which ran a show called "Countdown America", based on the R&R charts. From there, I was listening to the show religiously. The station ran several different shows through the 80s and early 1990s, but they all were based on the R&R CHR Pop chart. By 1997, no stations in my listening area played any countdown shows based on R&R, but that was OK, as I was subscribing to that publication by then. Anyway, also, that day, my Dad took my brother and I to see Tootsie. Then, since it was unusually warm outside, I went for a walk. Oddly enough, it's even warmer out today, with temperatures right now (shortly before 3:30 CST) at 66 degrees. I believe that would be a record high.
But I digress. Here is this week's commentary...
LW#2: BABY COME TO ME - PATTI AUSTIN & JAMES INGRAM LW#1: DOWN UNDER - MEN AT WORK 40: I'VE GOT A ROCK 'N' ROLL HEART - ERIC CLAPTON (debut) - I wasn't generally a huge fan of his music, but this one was actually a good one, IMO. But that line about getting off on '57 Chevies and screaming guitars can be taken wrong nowadays... 39: DREAMIN' IS EASY - STEEL BREEZE (debut) - Their second hit didn't quite measure up to the success of the first. I liked both songs about the same - I felt this one was way underrated. 38: TIED UP - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (debut) - She'd been on a roll for awhile there, but this one, surprisingly, didn't get any higher than #38. I thought it was a pretty decent song, though I already forgot how it goes. Must not have been anything largely impressionable. 37: THE WOMAN IN ME - DONNA SUMMER (39) - A rare slow song from her (slow all the way through, that is - the songs of hers that start out slow and pick up the pace a few bars into the song don't count). It was a good song, as was Heart's remake of it about ten years later. They sounded very much alike, IIRC. 36: THE CRAPPING SONG - PIA ZADORA (38) - WHAT IS THIS CRAP??!! SOUNDS LIKE A KIDDIE SONG! GET IT AWAY FROM ME!! 35: I'M ALIVE - NEIL DIAMOND (35) - Oddly enough, this song spent all of its Top 40 weeks at #35 - four in all. This song was pretty good - I remember hearing it from time to time back in early 1983. 34: MR. ROBOTO - STYX (40) - This was somewhat of a comeback hit for Styx, as they had been absent from the chart for about two years. I was never a huge fan of this song, though - one of my least favorites from them. EXTRA: BLUE SUEDE SHOES - CARL PERKINS - A rather interesting story behind this song - being written on a gunnysack with a piece of chalk, since his family was so poor, they couldn't even afford paper. 33: FALL IN LOVE WITH ME - EARTH, WIND & FIRE (35) - I don't remember this song from back in the day, as the stations I listened to back then never played this. It wasn't bad, but definitely not their best. 32: I KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON - FRIDA (36) - Phil Collins' trademark drumming was featured in this song (and you can hear him on backup vocals). This song was pretty good, but I generally preferred her material with Abba. OPTIONAL EXTRA: DON'T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME - NIGHT RANGER - This was their first hit, and the music style was somewhat misleading, as they were more successful on the charts with power ballads than with hard rockers like this one. I remember hearing this one all the time on WLS back in early 1983, so I'm surprised that this one never got above #40 on AT40. Though it was my least favorite of their charting hits, it was a good one nevertheless. 31: ROCK THE CASBAH - THE CLASH (8) - The 1982 chart system was apparently still in place, where songs spent multiple weeks at their peak position, then dropped fast, so that accounts for this song's long fall. As for the song, it was a good one - my favorite of their songs (that I've heard, that is). 30: SPACE AGE LOVE SONG - A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS (30) - Interesting story about other bands that were named after birds. They played the album version of the song, which has a slightly longer intro. Of their three Top 40 hits, this oune would probably be my favorite. Too bad it didn't get any higher than #30. 29: WHAT ABOUT ME - MOVING PICTURES (29) - When I first heard this song, I thought it was the new song by Elton John (since he had just come off with his Top 20 hit "Blue Eyes"). It's a good song, though for some reason, I couldn't stand the song back in the day, during its chart run. 28: ON THE LOOSE - SAGA (31) - One I remember quite well from early 1983 (since Chicago stations WLS and B96 played it regularly). It's a good song, but surprisingly, I'm a little tired of it, since it's on a mix tape that I used to listen to on a regular basis, but it's still a great song! 27: BREAKING US IN TWO - JOE JACKSON (33) - The verses of this song sound a little like "Day After Day" by Badfinger. LDD: THREE TIMES A LADY - COMMODORES - Wow, what a powerful LDD! Brought a few tears to my eyes, because it reminded me of a similar situation I was in earlier in my life. 26: HEART OF THE NIGHT - JUICE NEWTON (25) - It was clear to see that she'd had her day in the sun. After 1983, she was nowhere to be found in the Top 40, but she continued to do well at Country. Anyway, though it doesn't hold a candle to her three 1983 hits, it's still a good song. 25: MANEATER - DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES (6) - Their ode to cannibalism, which recently spent a month at the top, made an unusually large drop (though not quite as big as "Rock The Casbah"). It was quite overplayed back in the day and IMO is far from being their best song, but it's still pretty good. 24: ONE ON ONE - DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES (28) - The "dynamic duo" was back-to-back on the chart this week - this was their song on its way up, en route to peaking at #8. My favorite of the two songs on the chart from them. 23: SEXUAL HEALING - MARVIN GAYE (3) - As far as I know, this still remains the biggest dropper from #3 in history (of course, anything after 11/30/91 doesn't really count, IMO). 22: SEPARATE WAYS - JOURNEY (27) - "Rock The Casbah" had recently spent four weeks at #8. This song was also en route to peaking at #8, and would spend five weeks there. And, as we all know, it spent a pair of weeks at the top of the R&R chart in April. This was my favorite release from their Frontiers album, but had many other songs from them that I preferred. 21: WE'VE GOT TONIGHT - KENNY ROGERS & SHEENA EASTON (24) - Well, I must say that I do prefer this one over the original by Bob Seger, but it is definitely not my favorite song by either artist. OPTIONAL EXTRA: LITTLE TOO LATE - PAT BENATAR - I sure hope our friend JessieLou wasn't listening to the show on Sunny 97.7, as this was one of the two Extras that they skipped. This was a good song, but I preferred several others from her (especially her last song before this, "Shadows Of The Night"). 20: TWILIGHT ZONE - GOLDEN EARRING (26) - Another great song that the two Chicago stations mentioned above played quite a lot. That said, it's a shock that this song came nowhere near the R&R chart. Here on AT40, it peaked at #10. 19: BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG - THE PRETENDERS (22) - This was their second Top 40 hit and their first Top Ten. Possibly my favorite song from them. 18: YOU ARE - LIONEL RICHIE (21) - This one definitely takes me back to early spring, 1983 - namely, since it receives absolutely no recurrent airplay. Yet "All Night Long" is played regularly - where is the justice I tell ya! But seriously, I liked this song a lot. Glad that it hit #1 on the R&R chart! 17: ALLENTOWN - BILLY JOEL (17) - Again, excluding all Hot 100 chart data past 11/30/91, I believe this could hold the record for the longest peak at #17. It was in its third of six weeks there - and here's a good one - it didn't plummet straight off the chart the week after its last week at #17. Anyway, this was one of his best (and unfortunately, the message in this song is still timely today). 16: ALL RIGHT - CHRISTOPHER CROSS (16) - "Wow, has this song peaked already" was possibly the question being asked by many chart watchers. Well, it did not, but, despite its impressive debut at #29 several weeks prior, this song only got as high as #12. Anyway, like most of Cross' Top 40 hits, this song was a great one, IMO. 15: HEART TO HEART - KENNY LOGGINS (15) - Wow, three songs in a row that missed the Top Ten on the Hot 100 but peaked at #3 on R&R. This was a great song, though I preferred the album version of this song (which was played the previous week) - the single version seems a little too abrupt. 14: YOUR LOVE IS DRIVING ME CRAZY - SAMMY HAGAR (14) - According to my Personal Top 30 charts, this song was the #1 song of 1983, as well as one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. 13: PASS THE DUTCHIE - MUSICAL YOUTH (13) - Wow, this must have been a tight spot on the chart, with all the songs stalled at the same positions as last week. Kind of weird, as three songs dropped out of the Top 20 from inside the Top Ten. This song was OK, but a little weird. 12: GOODY TWO SHOES - ADAM ANT (12) - And here's another such song - one in holding position, not that it's weird. It's a good song - my second favorite song from them, behind "Wonderful", which was a Top 20 hit in late spring, 1995. 11: THE OTHER GUY - THE LITTLE RIVER BAND (11) - Still another song in holding pattern - what gives? Well, whatever the case, this Australian band had pretty much had their day in the sun - this was their final Top 20 hit and, after 1983, they would not see chart action again (at Top 40 radio anyway). This song was a good one, but I prefer several others from them. OPTIONAL EXTRA: SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE - THOMAS DOLBY - I was thinking that they might play the single version of this (which is pretty much a remix of the original album version), but they went with the latter, like they did on the show. 10: YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE - PHIL COLLINS (10) - Here's a song I heard earlier today on Sunny 101.5 when I was taking a leisurely drive, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. It's a good one - even better than the original by the Supremes. EPITAPH TO KAREN CARPENTER - SING - Touching tribute to a singer that, sadly, had recently died to to anorexia-related complications. As for the song - I'm not a big fan of it - I preferred most of their other hits. But they probably chose this one, because its title related to what Karen did best! 9: HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF - DURAN DURAN (19) - Well, with all the stilled songs in the lower half of the Top 20, yet three hard falls out of the Top 20, we knew there had to be a few large leaps into the Top Ten, and 8: DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HURT ME - CULTURE CLUB (18) - And here's another big jumper - one that would make it to the runner-up position, but was shut out of #1 by a song that's coming up a little later. Anyway, this was another song I heard today as I was out driving. I heard the short version then, but this week, they played the version with the whinefest at the beginning, but at least it was without the annoying bridge near the end. 7/LDD: YOU AND I - EDDIE RABBITT W/ CRYSTAL GAYLE (7) - Wow, the subject of the LDD is from Bourbon, Indiana, which isn't far from where I live. In fact, I believe I was close to it on my drive. As for the song, it was a great one - one of my favorites from both artists. 6: BILLIE JEAN - MICHAEL JACKSON (23) - The biggest mover of them all is the one that prevented Culture Club from hitting #1. This song spent seven weeks on top, becoming the biggest single from Jackson's behemoth Thriller album. It was a great one, but I preferred his other #1 song, "Beat It". 5: AFRICA - TOTO (5) - They didn't quite hit the top with "Rosanna" (which spent a month at #1 on R&R), but the tables were turned for this song - it hit #1 two weeks prior on the Hot 100 but peaked at #2 on R&R. Anyway, due to overplay back during its chart run, I detested this song back then, but now that I don't hear it ten times a day, I rather like it. 4: STRAY CAT STRUT - STRAY CATS (9) - The second of two rockabilly songs on the chart (the other being the Adam Ant song). I like both of them about the same. 3: SHAME ON THE MOON - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND (4) - In the intro to my commentary, I mentioned that I began listening to Countdown America this week. This was the song that was #1 on that show this week - its only week at #1. The song would peak at #2 for four weeks here on AT40. It's a good song - sounds sort of like a laid-back version of his 1980 hit "Fire Lake". OPTIONAL EXTRA: COME ON EILEEN - Meh, not much of a fan of this song anymore, due to overplay. I didn't mind the fact that Sunny 97.7 skipped it. 2: DOWN UNDER - MEN AT WORK (1) - This one, along with "Who Can It Be Now", was, and still is, quite overplayed. Too bad the Cargo singles don't get much in the way of airplay anymore - they are far superior to the ones from Business As Usual, IMO. 1: BABY, COME TO ME - PATTI AUSTIN W/ JAMES INGRAM (2) - This was their first of two duets that made the chart - the second was "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" would peak at #45 later in the year, but would do much better at AC radio. This song was a good one, but I preferred said other duet as well as some of their solo hits.
Coming up next week: Happy Days are here again - they have finally gotten around to running the show from February 25, 1984!
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Post by Hervard on Feb 19, 2017 15:27:51 GMT -5
American Top 40: The 70s - February 18, 2017 This week's presentation - February 19, 1977 40: SAM – OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (debut) - This song is sort of a variable for me, since it has ranged from one extreme to the other, although for the past few years, it's been sort of in the middle. Either way, it wasn't her best hit by any means. 39: FANCY DANCER – THE COMMODORES (debut) - As far as I know, this was the only time I've ever heard this song. Entirely possible, as this was the song's only week on the survey. It wasn't anything exceptional by any means. 38: HEAR COME THOSE TEARS AGAIN – JACKSON BROWNE (debut) - I was pleasantly surprised that they left this song intact this week (as they usually edit it). A great song, featuring Bonnie Raitt on backup vocals - my favorite song from him! 37: MAYBE I’M AMAZED - WINGS (debut) - Another song that AT40 seemed to butcher more often than not. This week was no exception, although it didn't seem to be edited as much as usual. Then again, I wasn't paying much attention, as I 36: SAY YOU’LL STAY UNTIL TOMORROW – TOM JONES (40) - Jones' first hit since the summer of 1971 (and his last until he was the featured artist in the Art Of Noise's remake of "Kiss" by Prince). It was a pretty good song - reminds me a little of "You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry" by an artist whose name escapes me (it wasn't the Caravelles). 35: MOODY BLUE – ELVIS PRESLEY (37) - Little did anyone know what would happen to the King about six months later Anyway, this song wasn't bad, but I generally preferred his earlier hits. 34: CRACKERBOX PALACE – GEORGE HARRISON (39) - This song always takes me back to my college years, since I had the song on one of my favorite mix tapes that I compiled early in the school year, and listened to it all the time. Definitely one of Harrison's best solo hits! 33: AFTER THE LOVIN’ – ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK (33) - Anyway, this is my favorite song from him by default, as it's the only song I've ever heard by him - that I know of, anyway (although I vaguely recall "Release Me", which Casey mentioned as his last Top 40 hit before this one). 32: SOMEBODY TO LOVE - QUEEN (31) - Wow, after taking a large fall last week, this song only drops a single spot this week. Anyway, this was definitely not my favorite song from them by any means. I seem to recall that I liked George Michael's live remake of the song in 1993. 31: DON’T GIVE UP ON US – DAVID SOUL (debut) - The only Top 40 single for Hutch. It's a pretty cheesy song, but not bad. 30: JEANS ON – DAVID DUNDAS (23) - Well, I should hope you have your jeans on! I don't want to see you in your briefs, thank you very much! But seriously, this song was pretty good. 29: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A STAR – MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS JR. (26) - The week before, this song was in a two-way tie for the longest running song in the Top 40 . This week, they had that title all to themselves, as the other song, which, of course, was "Tonight's The Night", drops out this week). It's a good song. 28: LONG TIME - BOSTON (32) - Chicago station WLS played this song quite a lot back in the day, and I always thought it was called "Taking My Time", since "take your time" was one of my preschool teacher's favorite sayings when we were working on craft projects. I liked this song, but preferred the other two Top 40 hits from Boston's debut album. 27: LIVING NEXT DOOR TO ALICE - SMOKIE (29) - ALICE?? WHO THE F--- IS ALICE?? 26: WALK THIS WAY - AEROSMITH (18) - Their second Top Ten (and last one for another eleven years). I liked this song, but preferred Run DMC's cover from 1986. 25: CARRY ON WAYWARD SON - KANSAS (30) - Their first Top 40 hit. I preferred the album version, which I don't believe AT40 ever played. 24: HOT LINE – THE SYLVERS (12) - I wonder how many kids who hear this song say, "WTF" to the woman near the beginning saying, "Number, please" As for this song, I like it and Boogie Fever about the same. 23: THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE – 10CC (27) - This song sounds like something Queen might have done, doesn't it? Anyway, this would be my favorite of their two Top Ten hits. 22: SAVE IT FOR A RAINY DAY – STEPHEN BISHOP (25) -Not bad, but it doesn't hold a candle to "On And On", from later in 1977. 21: RICH GIRL – DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES (28) - Good; they didn't edit out the lines that contained the B-word. The song's short enough as it is, and IMO, it's only a bad word when you're calling someone a name or yelling "son of a b----" when you're mad. The context they use it in means a tough situation. But that is only my opinion and nothing more. As for my opinion on the song, I like it - glad it made it to the top. 20: YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING – LEO SAYER (19) - This was the first of two #1 songs from him, during the same year, no less. This would be my favorite of the two songs, by a fair margin. 19: DON’T LEAVE ME THIS WAY – THELMA HOUSTON (24) - This song was taking baby steps up the chart and didn't really look like it would hit the top, but it definitely had perseverance! I like this, but preferred the Communards remake, which peaked at #40 ten years later. 18: BOOGIE CHILD – THE BEE GEES (22) - Not a fan of this one. I preferred their Saturday Night Fever hits. 17: GO YOUR OWN WAY – FLEETWOOD MAC (20) - The first of four singles from one of the biggest albums of all time, Rumors. It's my second favorite of the four, behind "You Make Lovin' Fun". 16: HARD LUCK WOMAN - KISS (17) - Here's another song that, like the Thelma Houston song, had a cover version that hit the chart as well! I think I slightly preferred the cover, which Garth Brooks charted with in 1994. 15: DAZZ - BRICK (6) - Typical roof raising R&B music of the 70s that I wasn't a big fan of. 14: DANCING QUEEN - ABBA (16) - Was there a noticeable edit near the end, or was it just the station I was listening to? I'm thinking it was the former, since they cut out the second verse, d**n them! Well, anyway, this was their biggest hit ever and deservedly so, as it was my absolute favorite from them. 13: YEAR OF THE CAT – AL STEWART (15) - He may have only had four Top 40 hits, but I liked each one of them! Not sure where this one ranks - possibly second behind "Time Passages". 12: I WISH – STEVIE WONDER (8) - The first of two #1 hits he had in 1977. 11: WEEKEND IN NEW ENGLAND – BARRY MANILOW (13) - Not sure I'd want to spend this weekend in New England, what with the big snow that fell there last week - especially since we're experiencing record warmth here in the Great Lakes area! As for this song, like most of Barry Manilow's songs, I thought this was a great one. 10: NIGHT MOVES – BOB SEGER (14) - The title track from one of Seger's best albums ever! I preferred the next single from that album, "Mainstreet". AT40 really butchered this song this week, didn't they? 9: LOST WITHOUT YOUR LOVE - BREAD (10) - They were mainly an early-70s band, but they did have a comeback hit in early 1977, which, as you can see, hit the Top Ten. A great song indeed - one of my favorites from them! 8: FLY LIKE AN EAGLE – THE STEVE MILLER BAND (11) - The third Top 40 single from the album of the same name. It would also be the last, as Miller would release Book Of Dreams soon after this song ended its chart run. This is one of my favorite Steve Miller songs ever! 7: CAR WASH - ROSE ROYCE (4) - For a disco song, this one was pretty good. I remember that about 25 years ago, I started to watch the movie of the same name, but dozed off during the first half hour. Must not have made that big of an impression on me. 6: ENJOY YOURSELF – THE JACKSONS (7) - I wasn't a big fan of them by this point. They were much better in the early 70s, when they were known as the Jackson 5. 5: I LIKE DREAMIN’ – KENNY NOLAN (9) - After years of writing big hits for other artists, Kenny wrote one for himself, and it proved to be worthwhile, as the song climbed all the way to #3. It's a good song when it doesn't stick in my mind all day, like it has done several times before. 4: LOVE THEME FROM “A STAR IS BORN” (EVERGREEN) – BARBRA STREISAND (6) - The soundtrack of "A Star Is Born" was #1 on this week's album chart and the song would do the same on the Hot 100 three weeks later, and deservedly so, as this was one of Streisand's best songs ever! 3: TORN BETWEEN TWO GEEZERS - MARY MacGREGOR (1) - All I have to say is that I'm glad that this borefest dropped out of #1 this week! 2: NEW KID IN TOWN – THE EAGLES (2) - This song looked like it would hit #1 this week, but another song leapfrogged over it. No matter; this song would top the chart the following week, which was good, since this was one of their all-time best hits, IMO. 1: BLINDED BY THE LIGHT – MANFRED MANN’S EARTH BAND (3) - This is the song that beat the Eagles to the top, but it was also the song that dethroned the Mary MacGregor snoozefest. It was a good song - one I remember hearing quite a lot back in the day. And this week, they played the single version intact (as they usually edited out the second verse). Coming up next week: Finally, 1979 gets a turn, and February is the first month to be exhausted of new shows. Next week's show, February 24, 1979, was the first show where they started recapping the previous week's Top Three.
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Post by Hervard on Feb 25, 2017 13:08:11 GMT -5
American Top 40: The 80s - February 25, 2017
This week's presentation - February 25, 1984
This critique might take awhile to complete. Since the 70s show is a four-hour show (and we all know that not many stations run the full show), you gotta get those whenever you can, even if that means jumping ship on the countdown you're listening to, so don't worry - if this one isn't complete now, it will be eventually. Anyway...
Droppers: HOLIDAY - MADONNA (36) - She may have been finished on the charts with her first Top 40 hit, but there was indeed a lot more where that came from! My favorite of her 1984 releases was the next one - "Borderline", which also became her first Top Ten. BANG YOUR HEAD (METAL HEALTH) - QUIET RIOT (31) - Meh, no big loss here - I was never a huge fan of this song. Their other Top 40 hit, "Cum On Feel The Noize" was far superior, IMO. SEND ME AN ANGEL - REAL LIFE (29) - This song had two chart runs - the first one in 1984 and in a slightly new mix in 1989. It was a good song. I STILL CAN'T GET OVER LOVING YOU - RAY PARKER, JR. (27) - "I Want A New Drug" isn't the first song that they ripped off - for this one, they used a line from the Police's monster song from the year before, "Every Breath You Take" I do prefer this song over the former, which was way overplayed. 40: LIVIN’ IN DESPERATE TIMES – OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (debut) - Her second of two Top 40 hits from her Two Of A Kind movie. Too bad this one didn't do as well as 39: HOLD ME NOW – THE THOMPSON TWINS (debut) - A rare case where an act's biggest hit is my favorite by them. This song's overplay back in the day did not tarnish it at all! 38: NEW SONG – HOWARD JONES (debut) - This song lived up to its title this week! It was a good song - one of my favorites by him, but not quite as good as "No One Is To Blame". 37: SO BAD – PAUL McCARTNEY (23) - "Say Say Say" almost outlasted its follow-up, only it dropped out the previous week. This song was pretty good, but I'm not sure why he chose to sing falsetto. 36: RUNNER – MANFRED MANN’S EARTH BAND (39) - We heard him/them on the 1970s show last week (at #1, no less) and now we got their comeback Top 40 hit from seven years later. It was a good song - I believe I like both songs about the same. 35: BACK WHERE YOU BELONG - .38 SPECIAL (40) - Of course, we all know what my three favorite songs by them is, but this song would possibly be my fourth favorite, as it was a great one as well! This one sounds a cross between "If I'd Been The One" and "Like No Other Night". 34: LET’S STAY TOGETHER – TINA TURNER (38) - Definitely one of the most successful comebacks of the 1980s, although this one, a remake of the biggest #1 R&B hit of the 1970s, was one of her lower charting hits. Her next hit, of course, would go all the way to the top. I liked this song, though it wasn't one of her best, IMO. 33: THE POLITICS OF DANCING – RE-FLEX (37) - For some reason, this song never did anything for me. One of my least favorite new wave hits from the 1980s. 32: I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES – ELTON JOHN (18) - A song that might be credited today as "Elton John featuring Stevie Wonder", as the latter does an awesome harmonica solo in this song! One of my favorites of Elton's 80s hits - so glad that they didn't edit this one down as it seemed that they did more often than not. LDD: THROUGH THE YEARS – KENNY ROGERS - Ah, one of about 17 times that this song was used as a LDD. It did fit the dedication like a glove, indeed - and I did notice that they played a slightly longer version, with a longer instrumental bridge near the end. Seems to me I recently heard that version of the song on this show, but I don't remember which one. OPTIONAL EXTRA: AGAINST ALL ODDS (TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW) - PHIL COLLINS - Here's another song that was played to death by radio, yet I never got tired of it! Definitely one of his best and by all means, should have been R&R's #1 song of 1984 instead of the sporting event intro that managed to grab the gold. 31: ADULT EDUCATION – DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES (debut) - The highest debut of the week was no surprise, as it was by the biggest duo of the 1980s. This song wasn't bad, but I prefer many others from them. 30: ALMOST OVER YOU – SHEENA EASTON (34) - I like her ballads best, as we all know, and this is possibly my favorite song from her ever. I felt this one was underrated, as it didn't get any higher than #25 on the Hot 100. It did fare much better at AC radio, peaking at #4 and spending half a year on that chart - not bad! 29: BREAK MY STRIDE – MATTHEW WILDER (17) - I wasn't a big fan of this song back in the day, but now I like it. 28: GIVE IT UP – K.C. (33) - His first (and only) hit without the Sunshine Band (well, unless you count his duet with Teri DeSario from 1980). It was a good song and, with all the airplay it got on the stations I listened to, it's a surprise it didn't get any higher than #18). 27: AUTOMATIC – THE POINTER SISTERS (35) - As I've mentioned many times before, this is when their musical quality began to take a nosedive. I do, however, prefer this song over their next release "Jump (For My Love), though only slightly. 26: PINK HOUSES – JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP (16) - His second hit with his real last name tacked onto his stage name. A good song - possibly my favorite single from Uh Huh. I liked Casey's rundown of colors that have appeared in Top 40 song titles. 25: THIS WOMAN – KENNY ROGERS (30) - Kenny's second hit produced by the Bee Gees. The first one, "Islands In The Stream", of course, hit #1. This song got as high as #23 in March - I actually like this one better than his duet with Dolly Parton, as it wasn't quite as overplayed. 24: MIDDLE OF THE ROAD – THE PRETENDERS (19) - They had a handful of songs that hit the Top 40. This one was pretty good, but I preferred "Brass In Pocket" and "Back On The Chain Gang". 23: THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE – DAN FOGELBERG (28) - Fogelberg's songs were generally tender love ballads by this point but this song, though about love, rocked out a little. It was a great song - one of my favorites from him. 22: FOOTLOOSE – KENNY LOGGINS (32) - The leadoff single and title song from one of the biggest movies of the year. Of course, I preferred his other song from the movie, which would hit the chart that summer. This song wasn't bad either, though it was quite overplayed. 21: GOT A HOLD ON ME – CHRISTINE McVIE (25) - Her first solo hit ever, and it was a good one - sounded a lot like her hits with Fleetwood Mac on which she sang lead. OPTIONAL EXTRA: THEY DON'T KNOW - TRACEY ULLMAN - Wow, I didn't know that her TV show spawned the Simpsons (then again, I never watched her show which featured Simpsons shorts). As for this song, her only Top 40 hit, it was a good one - definitely one I associate with the spring of 1984. 20: YAH MO B THERE – JAMES INGRAM WITH MICHAEL McDONALD (20) - Kind of an odd title, but a great song - one of my favorite songs from both artists. 19: OWNER OF A LONELY HEART - YES (8) - They were more of an album act than anything, but had a handful of chart hits and this, of course, was their biggest. It was a good one - an 80s mix show essential! 18: THINK OF LAURA – CHRISTOPHER CROSS (9) - This song always brings tears to my eyes, as it always reminds me of a friend of mine that died back in the summer of 2009. The lyrics describe her perfectly - except that her name was Kelley, not Laura. 17: RUNNING WITH THE NIGHT – LIONEL RICHIE (11) - The second single from possibly Richie's biggest album ever - it was much better than the first (like basically anything from him), but I preferred the next release, "Hello", which would hit #1 a few months later. 16: NEW MOON ON MONDAY – DURAN DURAN (22) - This was far and away my favorite of their 1984 hits. I'm glad that they played the song intact, instead of cutting the second verse (and second chorus) like they did two weeks before (and, IIRC, several times during the song's chart run). 15: HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN - EURYTHMICS (24) - The third Top 40 single for this British duo and one of their biggest hits, peaking at #4 in late March. It was pretty good, but it doesn't hold a candle to "There Must Be An Angel". 14: TALKING IN YOUR SLEEP – THE ROMANTICS (5) - I preferred their next hit "One In A Million", but this was a great one as well - like the Yes song (as well as several others on this week's show), this was an 80s mix show essential! 13: I WANT A NEW DRUG – HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS (21) - A song that charted twice in 1984 - peaked at #6 the first time around and then came back and hit #1 in August its second time out. It was a good song, but I preferred "If This Is It" from the Sports album. LDD: ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK – BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS - Sort of an odd LDD - one to the cast of the TV sitcom Happy Days, which would be ending its ten-year run at the end of that year. I remember when this show was featured on AT40 Flashback fifteen years ago, I was asleep and had an odd dream while Casey was reading this LDD. I dreamt I was in my parents room (back at my old house, oddly enough) and was watching a tribute to the TV show. The cast was in the Cunningham's living room. Three people were seated on the couch and the others were standing behind the couch (though I don't remember who was seated or standing where, but that's beside the point anyway). A few of them jumped up in delight when their names were mentioned. By the time Casey was a little more than halfway through the dedication, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I remember waking up with tears in my eyes. It was indeed a touching LDD - since the author of it (a college girl named Angie from LA) had moved four times during her childhood, she had trouble making and keeping friends, so she viewed the cast of Happy Days as her friends and she could always see them every Tuesday night, when the show was on. Well, anyway, enough rambling on - now on with the countdown... 12: SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME - ROCKWELL (26) - The fact that Michael Jackson sang the chorus of this song was definitely instrumental in the song doing as well as it did, as Rockwell's next hit, "Obscene Phone Caller" only got as high as #35. Anyway, I liked this song, as well as Jackson's other song in this week's countdown. Odd that they cut out the bridge of the song, yet played an extended ending of the song. 11: THAT’S ALL – GENESIS (6) - After a Top 20 hit, as well as several low-charters, Genesis finally netted their first Top Ten hit ever. The song was pretty good, but I preferred many others from them, as well as many of Phil Collins' solo hits OPTIONAL EXTRA: MISS ME BLIND - CULTURE CLUB - Wow, I never knew that Jermaine Stewart sang back-up on this one. It was a good song, the last big hit by them that I really liked until "Move Away" two years later. 10: AN INNOCENT MAN – BILLY JOEL (13) - Billy Joel said that this was inspired by the music of Ben E. King, but the intro to this song is a dead ringer for that of "Blue Bayou" by Linda Ronstadt. Both are great songs and this is definitely one of my favorites from the album of the same title. 9: WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER – THE POLICE (14) - Of the four singles from Synchronicity, this just might be my favorite, but I still prefer others from both the band and Sting solo. 8: LET THE MUSIC PLAY - SHANNON (10) - I could take it or leave it. 7: NOBODY TOLD ME – JOHN LENNON (12) - This was Lennon's third posthumous hit (and the fourth to peak after his death). I definitely prefer the Double Fantasy singles. 6: JOANNA – KOOL & THE GANG (3) - This song looked like it might become their second #1 hit, but didn't quite make it. Such a shame, because it was a great song - and an even bigger shame was the song that shut them out of #1. 5: THRILLER – MICHAEL JACKSON (7) - This song's single release had been delayed and by the time it was finally released and eligible to chart on the Hot 100, the song had had a head start in radio airplay, so it didn't get much further. This song set a record for the most Top 40 hits from a single album the week before when it hit the Top Ten like the previous six. As for the song, I definitely preferred the album version - the single edit doesn't have the Vincent Price narration near the end, so I'm not sure if this song would have hit #1 even if its single release had been a month earlier, when radio stations began playing this song - especially since virtually everyone had the Thriller album. 4: GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN – CYNDI LAUPER (9) - This is the song that started it all off for the unusual one. It was a great one - not sure if I prefer this one or "She Bop". 3: 99 LUFTBALLONS - NENA (4) - Well, it was back to the German version of the song (as they had played the English version the week before). For the most part, they'd either play the German or the hybrid version. Of all of those, I prefer the English version - since I never took German in High School. OPTIONAL EXTRA: HELLO - LIONEL RICHIE - This was his biggest hit of 1984, and it is my favorite of the bunch, as well as one of my all-time favorites from him! 2: KARMA CHAMELEON – CULTURE CLUB (1) - This is the song that kept Kool & The Gang out of the top spot - definitely one of the cheesiest songs of 1984! Sorry, I just never got into this song. 1: JUMP – VAN HALEN (2) - This was their very first Top Ten hit (second on R&R, as their first Top 40 hit, "Dance The Night Away" peaked at #10 there), and it would be their biggest hit ever, spending five weeks on top. The song was OK, but, as I mentioned earlier, it sounded more like a commercial or music for a sporting event - definitely not worthy of being such a big hit - and I'll never forgive it for beating out "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins as R&R's #1 song of 1984 (though the song did dethrone that annoying Culture Club hit, so it's not all bad. Anyway, I generally preferred the Van Hagar era, which kicked off two years later.
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Post by Hervard on Feb 25, 2017 18:19:45 GMT -5
American Top 40: The 70s - February 25, 2017 This week's presentation - February 24, 1979 Wow, four of my critiques in a row - that some kind of a record But seriously - this was a landmark show since, of course, it began the show with a recap of the previous week's Top Three. I guess they were tired of filling up excess time with random extras. Not sure why they didn't add this feature right when the show was extended to four hours, but whatever. Anyway, here is my commentary of this week's show. This is the first week the last week's top three songs were played at the beginning of the show. LW#3: A LITTLE MORE LOVE - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN LW#2: YMCA - VILLAGE PEOPLE LW#1: DO YA THINK I'M SEXY - ROD STEWART 40: MY LIFE - BILLY JOEL (32) - Definitely my favorite single from 52nd Street - by a fairly wide margin, as well as one of my favorites from him of all-time. As usual, they played the single version, which I never cared for. The way they edited it for the 45 made it sound so abrupt. 39: MAYBE I'M A FOOL - EDDIE MONEY (debut) - The only Top 40 hit from Money's sophomore album Life For The Taking, but a great song it was! One of his all-time best! 38: KNOCK ON WOOD - AMII STEWART (debut) - Meh, this was not one of my personal favorites by any means, but it was indeed a disco classic that has stood the test of time. 37: STUMBLIN' IN - SUZI QUATRO & CHRIS NORMAN (debut) - This was a typical late-70s MOR type hit. It was a good one, though nothing I'd go out of my way to listen to. 36: YOU MAKE ME FEEL (MIGHTY REAL) - SYLVESTER (40) - I wonder if Tweety Pie had any songs out around this time? 35: SEPTEMBER - EARTH, WIND & FIRE (11) - Wow, what a hard fall! This was their fourth Top Ten hit, and one of their best ever! This one still gets a decent amount of recurrent airplay on oldies stations. 34: FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS - NEIL DIAMOND (39) - This was a good song, but it sure didn't last long on the chart, did it? It climbed to #20 and then dropped off the week after it peaked! Perhaps the Top 40 audience was still down on him for doing that awful duet with Barbra Streisand. 33: SONG ON THE RADIO - AL STEWART (38) - This song definitely bears resemblance to Carole King's Jazzman. It's a great song, though I slightly preferred "Time Passages". ARCHIVES: BEN - MICHAEL JACKSON - No. Just no. OPTIONAL EXTRA: I WANT YOUR LOVE - CHIC - In general, I'm not a big fan of them, but I actually liked this one. 32: STORMY - SANTANA (36) - The first of at least two covers originally done by the Classics IV that hit the chart in 1979 (the other would be Atlanta Rhythm Section's remake of "Spooky"). I liked this version of "Stormy" - not sure if I prefer it or the original. 31: HAVEN'T STOPPED DANCIN' YET - GONZALEZ (27) - Meh, just another disco tune... 30: TOO MUCH HEAVEN - THE BEE GEES (23) - I liked most of their slow songs (from 1975 on, that is), but this is possibly my least favorite of them. Not sure; I just have never gotten into this song 29: SULTANS OF SWING - DIRE STRAITS (33) - The only Top single release from their self-titled album, though I do remember hearing a few of the other tracks on AOR stations. This would probably be my favorite from Dire Straits, who remained a one-hit wonder until the summer of 1985. 28: CRAZY LOVE - POCO (31) - One of two songs that they charted with in 1979. I like both about the same, but neither of them hold a candle to "Nothin' To Hide" - by far my favorite Poco song. 27: I JUST FALL IN LOVE AGAIN - ANNE MURRAY (30) - 1979 was definitely her heyday, as she had three Top 40 singles that year, and bookended the year with two others. This was possibly the best of the bunch, though "Shadows In The Moonlight" would be a close second. 26: WHAT YOU WON'T DO FOR LOVE - BOBBY CALDWELL (28) - Interesting how this song was available in limited quantities in red vinyl and heart-shaped. Anyway, this was his only Top 40 hit, but he had a handful of other AC and smooth jazz hits. This song was covered by Go West in 1993, but I preferred this version. 25: BABY I'M BURNIN' - DOLLY PARTON (25) - Interesting that this charted on the Pop, Country, and Disco charts - the first time that ever happened. I liked this song, but preferred most of her other Top 40 hits, as well as a few of her country hits that didn't quite make the pop chart. 24: LADY - LITTLE RIVER BAND (26) - As you probably know all too well, this is my all-time favorite song from them! I prefer the album version, which, in some AT40 rebroadcasts, is edited in, but not this week; the chopped down single version that leaves a lot to be desired was featured. 23: WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES - THE DOOBIE BROTHERS (27) - Glad they didn't edit this song like they did the following week - they left it intact, which is good, as it is my favorite song from them - glad this song made it to #1! ARCHIVES: MY DING-A-LING - CHUCK BERRY - Of course this song had many double-entendres in it - that's all I'm gonna say about it... 22: EVERYTIME I THINK OF YOU - BABYS (24) - This was the second of two Top 20 hits from them, and probably my favorite of the two, though "Isn't It Time" would be an extremely close second. 21: EVERYONE'S A WINNER - HOT CHOCOLATE (6) - Wow, people sure got sick of this one fast - the song fell out of the Top 20 from its #6 peak, and the following week, it dropped straight off the Top 40 chart. That's OK with me, since not a big fan of this one, or them in general. 20: DANCIN' SHOWS - NIGEL OLSSON (22) - With such a title, one would expect an upbeat, disco song, but this one is a slow dance song. I liked it. 19: DON'T CRY OUT LOUD - MELISSA MANCHESTER (20) - Her second of three Top Ten hits. This one is my favorite of those. 18: SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THING - PEACHES & HERB (21) - Indeed a comeback hit, as they had charted several times in the late-60s, and the best was yet to come. This song hit the Top Five, and the follow-up, which is my favorite from them, went all the way to the top! 17: THE GAMBLER - KENNY ROGERS (18) - I used to like this song, but that annoying Geico ad that used it a year or so back has actually dimmed my fascination for this song. 16: BLUE MORNING, BLUE DAY - FOREIGNER (17) - The third and final single from Double Vision, as well as my favorite of the three. 15: NO TELL LOVER - CHICAGO (16) - Sort of a childish sounding title, but it apparently worked, as the song did well on the chart. Did even better on the AC chart, where it hit the Top Five. The song sounded a lot like their older hits, with the horn section heard on many of those songs. I liked this one, but it was definitely not their best. 14: SOUL MAN - THE BLUES BROTHERS (14) - They mainly charted with remakes, this one included. It wasn't bad, but my favorite of their cover versions was, by far, "Gimme Some Lovin'", from the following summer. 13: SHAKE IT - IAN MATTHEWS (13) - This song had the MOR sound that would become more commonplace in the early-80s, shortly after the death of disco. I liked this song - I vaguely remember hearing this one back in the day. 12: GOT TO BE REAL - CHERYL LYNN (12) - A song that was apparently inspired by "Best Of My Love" by the Emotions, since the bass line sounded similar. This was a pretty good song - was sampled twelve years later in Father MC's "I'll Do 4 U". ARCHIVES: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW - JOHNNY NASH - Not bad - I slightly preferred Jimmy Cliff's 1993 cover of this. 11: HEAVEN KNOWS - DONNA SUMMER W/ BROOKLYN DREAMS (15) - As I've said before, "Love Never Felt So Good" by Justin Timberlake & Michael Jackson sounded a lot like this song, which was possibly my favorite of Donna Summer's many 1979 hits. 10: I WAS MADE FOR DANCING - LEIF GARRETT (10) - Meh, I preferred his two remakes. Wasn't this used in a TV commercial back in the day? 9: SOMEWHERE IN THE NIGHT - BARRY MANILOW (9) - As we all know, I like most of Manilow's slow songs, this one included although it's definitely not his best. LDD: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS - QUEEN - Very fitting for the dedicaton, and definitely one of my favorite songs by Queen. 8: LOTTA LOVE - NICOLETTE LARSON (8) - A great song from someone who, sadly, passed away at the end of 1997 7: LE FREAK - CHIC (7) - This is a song that was way overplayed, but is indeed a disco classic - in fact, according to AT40, it was the biggest disco hit of all time. 6: TRAGEDY - THE BEE GEES (19) - This song was definitely on its way to the top, as it was in only its fourth week on the entire Hot 100 with one of their best hits ever, IMO! 5: YMCA - VILLAGE PEOPLE (2) - As I've said before, I used to like this song, but it, along with the popular dance to it, got run into the ground big time. Now I generally reach for the station tuner when it comes on - except for on countdown shows, of course 4: I WILL SURVIVE - GLORIA GAYNOR (5) - The anthem for abused women was poised to take over the top spot the following week. This one used to be so/so, but now is one of my favorite disco hits ever! 3: A LITTLE MORE LOVE - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (3) - She just came off of a great year, with three Top Five hits, all from the movie Grease, in which she starred with John Travolta, and started off 1979 quite well also, with another Top Five hit - one of her best! 2: FIRE - POINTER SISTERS (4) - Bruce Springsteen had only had two Top 40 hits at this point, but he wrote many songs for other artists, like this song. It was a great one - one of my favorite songs by the Pointer Sisters. 1: DO YA THINK I'M SEXY - ROD STEWART (1) - This song was in its third of four weeks at #1. It's not a bad song, but I'll never forgive it for beating out "What A Fool Believes" for R&R's top song of 1979! Coming up next week - March 6, 1971 and March 4, 1978. Guess which one I'll be listening to?
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Post by dth1971 on Feb 25, 2017 23:39:54 GMT -5
American Top 40: The 70s - February 25, 2017 This week's presentation - February 24, 1979 Wow, four of my critiques in a row - that some kind of a record But seriously - this was a landmark show since, of course, it began the show with a recap of the previous week's Top Three. I guess they were tired of filling up excess time with random extras. Not sure why they didn't add this feature right when the show was extended to four hours, but whatever. Anyway, here is my commentary of this week's show. LW#3: A LITTLE MORE LOVE - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN LW#2: YMCA - VILLAGE PEOPLE LW#1: DO YA THINK I'M SEXY - ROD STEWART 40: MY LIFE - BILLY JOEL (32) - Definitely my favorite single from 52nd Street - by a fairly wide margin, as well as one of my favorites from him of all-time. As usual, they played the single version, which I never cared for. The way they edited it for the 45 made it sound so abrupt. 39: MAYBE I'M A FOOL - EDDIE MONEY (debut) - The only Top 40 hit from Money's sophomore album Life For The Taking, but a great song it was! One of his all-time best! 38: KNOCK ON WOOD - AMII STEWART (debut) - Meh, this was not one of my personal favorites by any means, but it was indeed a disco classic that has stood the test of time. 37: STUMBLIN' IN - SUZI QUATRO & CHRIS NORMAN (debut) - This was a typical late-70s MOR type hit. It was a good one, though nothing I'd go out of my way to listen to. 36: YOU MAKE ME FEEL (MIGHTY REAL) - SYLVESTER (40) - I wonder if Tweety Pie had any songs out around this time? 35: SEPTEMBER - EARTH, WIND & FIRE (11) - Wow, what a hard fall! This was their fourth Top Ten hit, and one of their best ever! This one still gets a decent amount of recurrent airplay on oldies stations. 34: FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS - NEIL DIAMOND (39) - This was a good song, but it sure didn't last long on the chart, did it? It climbed to #20 and then dropped off the week after it peaked! Perhaps the Top 40 audience was still down on him for doing that awful duet with Barbra Streisand. 33: SONG ON THE RADIO - AL STEWART (38) - This song definitely bears resemblance to Carole King's Jazzman. It's a great song, though I slightly preferred "Time Passages". ARCHIVES: BEN - MICHAEL JACKSON - No. Just no. OPTIONAL EXTRA: I WANT YOUR LOVE - CHIC - In general, I'm not a big fan of them, but I actually liked this one. Now that I've heard Hour 1, I'll resume this critique sometime tomorrow... 32: STORMY - SANTANA 31: HAVEN'T STOPPED DANCIN' YET - GONZALEZ 30: TOO MUCH HEAVEN - THE BEE GEES 29: SULTANS OF SWING - DIRE STRAITS 28: CRAZY LOVE - POCO 27: I JUST FALL IN LOVE AGAIN - ANNE MURRAY 26: WHAT YOU WON'T DO FOR LOVE - BOBBY CALDWELL 25: BABY I'M BURNIN' - DOLLY PARTON 24: LADY - LITTLE RIVER BAND 23: WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES - THE DOOBIE BROTHERS ARCHIVES: MY DING-A-LING - CHUCK BERRY 22: EVERYTIME I THINK OF YOU - BABYS 21: EVERYONE'S A WINNER - HOT CHOCOLATE 20: DANCIN' SHOWS - NIGEL OLSSON 19: DON'T CRY OUT LOUD - MELISSA MANCHESTER 18: SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THING - PEACHES & HERB 17: THE GAMBLER - KENNY ROGERS 16: BLUE MORNING, BLUE DAY - FOREIGNER 15: NO TELL LOVER - CHICAGO 14: SOUL MAN - THE BLUES BROTHERS 13: SHAKE IT - IAN MATTHEWS 12: GOT TO BE REAL - CHERYL LYNN ARCHIVES: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW - JOHNNY NASH 11: HEAVEN KNOWS - DONNA SUMMER W/ BROOKLYN DREAMS 10: I WAS MADE FOR DANCING - LEIF GARRETT 9: SOMEWHERE IN THE NIGHT - BARRY MANILOW LDD: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS - QUEEN 8: LOTTA LOVE - NICOLETTE LARSON 7: LE FREAK - CHIC 6: TRAGEDY - THE BEE GEES 5: YMCA - VILLAGE PEOPLE 4: I WILL SURVIVE - GLORIA GAYNOR 3: A LITTLE MORE LOVE - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN 2: FIRE - POINTER SISTERS 1: DO YA THINK I'M SEXY - ROD STEWART This is the first week the last week's top three songs were played at the beginning of the show. Hervard: There are 2 stations that you may find the time to hear AT40: The 70's starting with hour 2 on Sunday: KXAC Mankato, Minnesota (In the morning - if it doesn't affect your church time) or WLS 94.7 FM Chicago (If it doesn't play Feb. 16, 1974 as the B show by surprise to end the stations streak of playing A shows since the WLS relaunch of AT40: The 70's in April 2016 though it might hinder your chance to see the 2017 Academy Awards hoping the movie LA LA LAND wins the 2017 BEST PICTURE). By the way, now that AT40: The 80's has played 2/25/1984 originally as an AT40: Flashback show, there's one former AT40 Flashback show yet to be played in full on AT40: The 80's - 12/28/1985 (Will it be played this year finally? We'll find out around December 23-24, 2017 which is a long time to go...)
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Post by slf on Feb 26, 2017 11:22:44 GMT -5
For the week ending February 24, 1979: (I'm critiquing the entire Top 40, even though WUPE-FM, the station I listened to the countdown on, only played the 3 hr version.) 40. My Life/Billy Joel--It's a sharp, catchy, albeit overplayed, mainstay from his massive catalog of hits. For years I thought Billy was addressing his parents in this song. (which is why my own parents hated it; they considered it rebellious.) But in recent years, I've been more inclined to believe he was addressing a former lover or even wife. (BTW, Mr. Piano Man himself is STILL touring; he'll be coming to Indpls later this year.) 39. Maybe I'm A Fool/Eddie Money--In this song, the hard rock sound of his previous hits is toned down and lush strings are introduced. I'm sure that must have left some of his fans cold, but I love this more pop-oriented arrangement. In fact, it's probably my favorite song by this guy. 38. Knock On Wood/Amii Stewart--Although it's a somewhat fun and energetic remake of the Eddie Floyd Stax hit from the '60's, it's not as good as most disco hits of that period, although I've always been fixated by the thunder and lightning sound effects, as well as the freaky-sounding one heard whenever Amii sings "Knock, knock, knock, knock" in the chorus. 37. Stumblin' In/Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman--I've always liked this light, peppy, breezy mid-tempo hit. Of course, most people in the states, me included, remember Ms. Quatro mainly for playing the recurring character Leather Tuscadero on "Happy Days". This American rocker, ironically, had far more success in Great Britain, having five solo Top 10 hits and two charttoppers. 36. You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)/Sylvester--I've always liked this infectious, somewhat dramatic disco release. Although it was produced by Harvey Fuqua, the euro-techno feel is textbook Giorgio Moroder. 35. September/Earth, Wind, Fire--This classic has probably always been my favorite EW&F song. I especially love that lofty, majestic chorus, with Phillip Bailey's spine-tingling falsetto vocals. 34. Forever In Blue Jeans/Neil Diamond--Another lame Neil Diamond song. At least he redeemed himself a year later with the fine, majestic "September Morn". (BTW, Neil Diamond is also back on the road and will also perform here in Indpl later in the year. Even though I sometimes make snarky comments about some of this guy's songs, I do truly admire his longevity as a performing artist and his stamina in being able to tour well into his '70's.) 33. Song On The Radio/Al Stewart--This is the only one of the "missing" eight songs that I am unfamiliar with and, thus cannot comment on. (But if it's half as great as the magnificent "Year Of The Cat" I'm sure I would love it.) 32. Stormy/Santana--I remember it as being a pleasant, stirring cover version of the late 60's hit by the Classics IV. It seemed, to me, to have a similar feel and arrangement as their great 1982 hit "Hold On". 31. Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet/Gonzalez--Like the previous song, I was unfamiliar with this song, but I remember it as being nicely energetic, but not exceptional. 30. Too Much Heaven/The Bee Gees--Although I generally prefer their upbeat disco hits, this is a nicely sweet ballad, with typical fine Bee Gees harmonies. BTW, I may be the only person who's ever made this connection, but this song's trumpet fanfare intro always reminded me of, of all things, the Gillette razor blade jingle from that time. Strange, but true. 29. Sultans Of Swing/Dire Straits--This is one sharp, guitar-based rock classic. The interplay between the guitars truly does make the song "swing". It almost seems that the band was saying that they can "swing" without horns, because, in the lyrics, they seemed to be bashing horn rock. (It's my one bone of contention with this song, because, as you probably all know, I LOVE horn-based rock.) 28. Crazy Love/Poco--I can take it or leave it. 27. I Just Fall In Love Again/Anne Murray--Although far from a great song, this has a pleasant country-pop production and Anne's soothing set of pipes are always enjoyable. 26. What You Won't Do For Love/Bobby Caldwell--Another fairly sweet, smooth love ballad, this time with an R&B bent. I especially like the stately trumpet parts heard intermittently throughout the song. 25. Baby, I'm Burning/Dolly Parton--Although it's fairly fun and energetic, it's a mighty stretch to call this discofied record a "country" song. I imagine some of the old-time pure country pioneers still alive at the time (like Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb) weren't too pleased with songs like this. 24. Lady/The Little River Band--Another song I can take or leave. I like "Lonesome Loser", for later in the year, much better. 23. What A Fool Believes/The Doobie Brothers--Although it's almost as overplayed as their other charttopper "Black Water", I still enjoy hearing this on the radio. I've always loved the assertive, bouncy keyboards that form the backbone of the song, as well as Michael McDonald's equally assertive vocals. 22. Every Time I Think Of You/The Babys--This is similar to the previous big hit "Isn't It Time" in that, the verses are mellow, then segue into delightfully dramatic, bombastic choruses. Although I love the former song better, this is a very respectable follow-up. 21. Every 1's A Winner/Hot Chocolate--Another take-it-or-leave-it song. (But at least it's better than that obnoxious "You Sexy Thing".) If I want Hot Chocolate, I'll just mix up Ovaltine and milk in a mug and nuke it for 45 seconds. 20. Dancin' Shoes/Nigel Olsson--A nicely pleasant, sweet ballad with rather touching lyrics. 19. Don't Cry Out Loud/Melissa Manchester--It's a fine, dramatic ballad with stirring vocals by Ms Manchester. But, man, did she ever knock one out of the park with her follow-up, the glorious, mind-blowing "Theme From Ice Castles (Through The Eyes Of Love)"! That is one of the finest love songs of all time; it's a travesty that it only peaked at #76. 18. Shake Your Groove Thing/Peaches & Herb--It's a fairly fun and bouncy dance hit, but far from exceptional. BTW, this was another song that the late Steve Allen did a mocking poetic recitation of on that pop music show "Solid Gold" (like he did with "Hot Stuff"). Yeah, he was a rather grumpy, square stick-in-the-mud when it came to rock and disco, but seeing and hearing him recite "we're bopping booties; havin us a ball y'all" was hilarious, nevertheless. 17. The Gambler/Kenny Rogers--It's a mildly interesting story song, but he's had better songs. BTW, do you remember a GEICO TV ad from a couple of years back which featured him seated at a card table reciting the chorus of this song, much to the disgust of everyone else at the table. It was great how Kenny was willing to poke fun at himself in this funny ad. 16. Blue Morning, Blue Day/Foreigner--This mid-tempo rocker has a fairly sharp arrangement, but is far from great. 15. No Tell Lover/Chicago--Well, let's see. Ten years earlier, this group released their stellar, groundbreaking debut album Chicago Transit Authority, which garner critical acclaim and praise from, of all people, Jimi Hendrix. And, now, in 1979, they release this lackluster, ponderous, uh, THING. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! 14. Soul Man/The Blues Brothers--It's OK, I guess, but I prefer the original by Sam & Dave. (Speaking of which, Sam Moore once told a story about once performing this song in concert years after both versions were hits, either solo or with Dave, I'm not sure. Anyway, after the show, someone came up and complimented him on doing such a great job singing that great classic by the Blues Brothers. He said he was quite hurt by that unintentional back-handed compliment. Yeah, I can imagine what a kick-in-the-teeth that must have been.) 13. Shake It/Ian Matthews--A nicely breezy, polished forgotten pop gem. I like how his vocals are fine but muffled, all the more to put the emphasis on that pleasant production. 12. Got To Be Real/Cheryl Lynn--And who says there were no truly talented acts on "The Gong Show"? Yes, it was an appearance on this infamous 70's talent show that was this lady's big break. I'm so glad Jamie Farr and Jaye P. Morgan didn't gong her, or else the world would have been denied this vibrant, sassy disco hit. 11. Heaven Knows/Donna Summer with Brooklyn Dreams--This is one of my favorite songs by the late Queen Of Disco. In addition to being as lush, yet danceable, as her other hits (especially the intro), I love the harpsicord-sounding keyboard part following each chorus. 10. I Was Made For Dancin'/Leif Garrett--Although I don't care much for his previous hits, I do like this powerful, well-produced disco hit. 9. Somewhere In The Night/Barry Manilow--Another fine, bombastic (but not too much so) Barry Manilow ballad, an improvement over Helen Reddy's original. (Ms. Reddy recorded some good songs, but that was not one of them.) 8. Lotta Love/Nicolette Larson--It's a nice, smooth, breezy pop standard, with sweet vocals by a fine singer we lost way too soon. (RIP, Ms. Larson) 7. Le Freak/Chic--This monster hit is arguably the biggest disco hit of all time not sung by a Gibb brother. And while it's far from being my favorite disco song of all time, I still love it. I especially love the "Oooowww Freak Out" gimmicky intro, which is repeated frequently throughout the song. 6. Tragedy/The Bee Gees--Speaking of the Gibb brothers, all but Andy get together here for probably my favorite song of theirs apart from their "Saturday Night Fever" songs. This dramatic, pulsating number is one of the all-time great songs for cruising down the highway. I was amazed to discover, a few years ago, that the explosive thunder sounds effect heard towards the end were not from a synthesizer, but from one of the brothers cupping his hands in front of the mic, then blowing hard while simultaneously opening the cupped hands. (I saw it demonstrated on a YouTube video.) 5. Y.M.C.A./The Village People--Sorry, Hervard, but, as campy and overplayed as this disco/wedding reception classic is, I still can't get enough of it. I even danced to it at my sister Elaine's wedding reception eighteen years ago, hand gestures and all. 4. I Will Survive/Gloria Gaynor--Wow, I do believe disco was at its absolute peak of popularity, with all the disco classics on this show. (Although the disco ship would soon hit its iceberg and start sinking before year's end.) Anyway, I have always loved this powerful, danceable declaration of independence from an unfaithful partner. 3. A Little More Love/Olivia Newton-John--This is a rather guilty pleasure for me. Lyrically and musically, it has a sleazy feel to it but, doggone it, it has such infectiously nasty groove that it's irresistible. 2. Fire/The Pointer Sisters--Like most of their songs, I can take it or leave it. 1. Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?/Rod Stewart--No, Rod, I don't, I never have, and I never will! And I don't care for your obnoxious charttopping song by that name, either. (But, to be fair, I did like "Maggie May.") And my favorite song of the countdown: Soon to hit #1, The Bee Gees "Tragedy" Thank you and good day!
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