Chart Critiques

[mkarns]

Sept 28, 2008 17:17:52 GMT -5 jdelachjr2002 said:

38. The Hooters - And We Danced (debut) - dancing at Hooters? I wonder what was on their mind when they came up with their name?

Casey Kasem said that the group was from Philadelphia. I'm surprised given the name that the group wasn't formed in Tampa Bay (specifically Clearwater). The Hooters franchise (which personally I'm not a fan of) was just two years old back then

I've heard that the Hooters' moniker was not an anatomical or restaurant reference, but rather is the name of a special harmonica that they developed (I guess that's what they're playing at points in "And We Danced").

[JessieLou]

Great thread! I'll do one later.

[vto66]

;DOkay folks!! I've got a critique of today's (10/4) AT40 on XM broadcast of the October 14, 1978 countdown.

And here we go....

40. Heartbreaker--Dolly Parton (Nice, country-flavored ballad. I like how Dolly can sound emotional without overdoing it)
39. London Town--Paul McCartney and Wings (Not one of his better known tunes, but it has a nice, mellow-rock flavor to it)
38. Sweet Life--Paul Davis (The mellow mood continues with this classic mid-tempo love song. I enjoyed most of Paul Davis' music, and this one is one of his most enjoyable)
37. Sharing The Night Together--Dr. Hook (Not much I can say about this one except that those Dr. Hook guys sure knew how to make a great song, and this is truly one of their greatest)
36. Took The Last Train--David Gates (Did not care for this one at...all!!! It sounded to me like a lame ripoff of a funky Bee-Gees "Saturday Night Fever"-styled tune. I prefer to remember Gates for his work with Bread and "Goodbye Girl")
35. Come Together--Aerosmith (Rollicking rocker that remains true to the spirit of the Beatles classic. I'm not a big fan of hard rock, but I enjoyed this one!)
34. Oh Darling--Robin Gibb (Another Beatles remake. While Robin doesn't belt it out quite the way Paul did, the soulful feel remains, thanks to some blues-tinged guitar work and Robin's throaty vocals. Decent song)
33. Almost Like Being In Love--Michael Johnson (Another less-enjoyable entry for me. I liked his first ("Bluer Than Blue") and third ("This Night" ) hits far better.
32. I Will Still Love You--Parachute (Here's one we don't hear too often. I found this one very listenable and enjoyable, and yet another perfect "mellowing out" number.)
31. Ready To Take A Chance Again--Barry Manilow (Ballads were pretty big on this week's show. This one certainly qualifies as a big, pretty ballad.)
30. Dance (Disco Heat)--Sylvester (Where's Tweety?? [Only Kidding!!! ] This one's OK, but I kind of liked "Mighty Real" better.)
29. I Just Wanna Stop--Gino Vannelli (Fair song. Hard for me not to think of that SCTV skit where one of the cast lip-syncs to this song while turning into a werewolf. ;D)
28. An Everlasting Love--Andy Gibb (One of my faves from this particular countdown!! I always enjoy hearing this song whenever I can!!)
27. 5705--City Boy (Another long-lost gem. Good, catchy pop-rocker that reminds me a little of an edgier ELO. Wouldn't mind hearing this one more often on XM 70s)
26. Josie--Steely Dan (One of my favorites by the 'Danny boys. Pleasant blend of jazzy pop and funky rock)
25. It's A Laugh--Hall and Oates (Ehhhh...I can take this one or leave it. I do enjoy those high Beach-Boy-styled backup vocals on the chorus, however)
24. Beast Of Burden--The Rolling Stones (The Stones roll on with a catchy, ear-pleasing rocker. I got a kick out of hearing Bette Midler remake this one a few years later, but the original is by far the best)
23. Talking In Your Sleep--Crystal Gayle (Impressive performance from Loretta Lynn's sister, who will probably be more fondly remembered for "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." Another lost gem worth listening to again)
22. I Love The Nightlife--Alicia Bridges (Never cared for this one, though some regard it as a dance-floor classic. Alicia's vocals are soulful without going over the top, which is the best thing I can say about this song)
21. Three Times A Lady--Commodores (Classic, timeless love ballad. Another favorite of mine)
20. Double Vision--Foreigner (Decent blend of rock and funk foreshadowing 1981's "Urgent". I like this one much better, though)
19. Who Are You--The Who (Otherwise known as the "CSI Theme" I prefer their stuff from "Tommy")
18. You Never Done It Like That--Captain and Tenille (One of my favorites by this duo. Mellow yet funky)
17. She's Always A Woman--Billy Joel (Billy at his best!! Mellow, soulful and witty. I love those lyrics!! ;D)
16. Back In The USA--Linda Ronstadt (Here's someone who can sing any style of music and sound great singing it. She sure did Chuck Berry proud here!)
15. Get Off--Foxy (Love this one!! ;D Especially that "talking guitar" break in the middle. A classic.)
14. How Much I Feel--Ambrosia (Another classic!! Sounds as fresh today as it did 30 years ago. Easily Ambrosia's all-time best number)
13. Right Down The Line--Gerry Rafferty (Nice, brisk-moving pop-rock tune. I like this one much better than "Baker Street." [please don't hate me for saying that!! ;D]
12. Hollywood Nights--Bob Seger (Another "take it or leave it" tune for me)
11. MacArthur Park--Donna Summer (The "big jumper" of the week, up 10 notches from the previous week. Donna perfomed the full version of this song at her concert I saw in August. Classic song by a classic performer)
10. Hopelessly Devoted to You--Olivia Newton-John (My favorite song from "Grease." A pleasant ballad that could have been just as big a hit in the late-50s or early-60s. Another of the "great voices" in pop music)
9. Summer Nights--Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta (My second favorite "Grease" tune. Very fun to listen to)
8. Whenever I Call You Friend--Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks (Tolerable tune, but both have done better IMHO.)
7. Love Is In The Air--John Paul Young (I enjoyed this one for its blend of mellow pop-rock with a slight hint of disco)
6. You Needed Me--Anne Murray (Whenever I hear this song, I always feel like smiling and remembering all those in my life who mean so much to me. One of THE best songs I've ever heard and another all-time classic)
5..Reminiscing--Little River Band (Pleasant and nostalgic)
4. Don't Look Back--Boston (Not as memorable to me as "More Than A Feeling" or "Amanda" but a decent anthem-styled rocker nonetheless)
3. Boogie Oogie Oogie--A Taste Of Honey (Classic disco anthem with a rocking fuzz-guitar break and one of the greatest bass riffs I've ever heard)
2. Hot Child In The City--Nick Gilder (Decent mid-tempo rocker. I always liked this song)
1. Kiss You All Over--Exile (Another all-time favorite of mine, blending rock, pop, country-tinged vocals and a light disco beat. Well-deserving of its No. 1 ranking)

[freakyflybry]

October 6, 1984

40. Joyce Kennedy And Jeffrey Osbourne – The Last Time I Made Love – I hadn't woken up yet when this was on, so I didn't get to hear it, and since it wasn't on the previous week's show (which was aired last year), I still haven't heard this.
39. Naked Eyes – (What) In The Name Of Love – I like this but I prefer their first 2 hits. Is it just me, or did this remind me of something Human League would do?
38. Hall & Oates – Out Of Touch – They are one of my favourite 80's acts, and this is one of their best.
37. Barry Gibb – Shine Shine – I didn't think this was bad, but I think he's generally better with the Bee Gees.
36. Lionel Richie – Stuck On You – I think 1984 had some of Lionel's best, and this song is one of those I like.
35. Sheena Easton – Strut – I'm not sure what my favourite Sheena song is, but this is right up there, definitely in my top 5 from her.
34. Tina Turner – Better Be Good To Me – I think this is good, one of her best.
33. Chaka Khan – I Feel For You – I slightly prefer this one over "Ain't Nobody". The intro on here is classic!
32. Wham! – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – I love this song, it's just plain fun! Always brings me up on 80's mix shows.
31. Dennis DeYoung – Desert Moon – I think it's good but I prefer him with Styx.

30. Jermaine Jackson – Dynamite – I'm normally not a fan of his, but this song was good. I do prefer his other song on the chart though.
29. Billy Idol – Flesh For Fantasy – I like this one too, but I generally prefer his bigger hits.
28. Prince – Purple Rain – it's definitely one of my favourites from Prince.
LDD: The Beatles – The Long And Winding Road – This song's decent, but far from my favourite Beatles song.
27. Elton John – Who Wears These Shoes – I usually like Elton's stuff. I prefer his 70's and 90's stuff but he had plenty of good songs in the 80's too, this included. Shame his quality slipped a little after this, but he did get it back by the end of the decade, particularly "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That".
26. Diana Ross – Swept Away – This wasn't bad, but far from her best. For me, her quality slipped a little after "Mirror, Mirror".
25. Rick Springfield – Bop ‘Til You Drop – it's a good song like most of his 80's stuff, even if he explored a different sound here.
24. Lindsey Buckingham – Go Insane – this isn't bad but I prefer him with Fleetwood Mac.
23. David Bowie – Blue Jean – I usually like him, and this is no exception. Still I prefer his 1983 hits.
22. Donna Summer – There Goes By Baby – Out of all her songs to make the R&R chart, this is probably my least favourite (I generally don't know those that only made Billboard but not R&R). But I still think it's okay.
21. Rod Stewart – Some Guys Have All The Luck – I like this but I think he's had many better.
20. Laura Branigan – The Lucky One – I actually think this is one of her more underrated songs. Still, I prefer "Gloria" and "Self Control".
19. The Fixx – Are We Ourselves – this is where I tuned in. It's quite repetitive in parts but I like it, still I prefer their big 1983 hits.
18. Night Ranger – When You Close Your Eyes – I like this, definitely one of my favourites from them.
17. The Jacksons – Torture – This was pretty good, but I generally prefer their early 70's stuff (shocking, I know... but their songs from that period are just so classic)
16. John Cafferty – On The Dark Side – I like this even if it can get overplayed sometimes.
15. Pointer Sisters – I’m So Excited – I love this! Definitely one of my favourites from them.
14. Huey Lewis & The News – If This Is It – I like all 5 singles from Sports about the same, this included. And all 5 are among my favourites from Huey.
EXTRA: The Police – Every Breath You Take – This is a great song, one that's held up well despite the overplay.
13. Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It – good song, but there are a few others I prefer. Still, it's a well-deserved classic, despite the overplay.
12. Bananarama – Cruel Summer – I prefer their other 2 big hits but I like this too.
11. Billy Ocean – Caribbean Queen – Definitely one of my favourites from him, although I do prefer the 2 singles that came after this.
10. Bruce Springsteen – Cover Me – I like this but he had some better from the "Born In The U.S.A." album. "Dancing In The Dark", "Glory Days" and the title track are all better.
9. Scandal – The Warrior – this was a great one. I probably prefer this over Patty Smyth's 90's comeback stuff.
8. Madonna – Lucky Star – I like this but she's had dozens of better songs.
LDD: Lionel Richie – Hello – I actually prefer this over the other Lionel song on the show. One of my favourites from him! Still, the dedication about giving up a child for adoption is sad.
7. Sheila E. – The Glamorous Life – I like this one, always great to hear on 80's mix shows.
6. Chicago – Hard Habit To Break – I like this but Chicago had many better songs than this.
5. Cyndi Lauper – She Bop – Great song! Definitely one of her best.
4. John Waite – Missing You – Another one I like despite overplay.
3. The Cars – Drive – I really like it, even if it's quite sad and a departure from their fun, feel-good songs.
2. Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You – I actually really like this, and I feel its appeal was in its simplicity. Definitely one of my favourites from him!
1. Prince – Let’s Go Crazy – Great song! Definitely one of my favourite Prince songs, and that says a lot because I like most of his stuff.

[mstgator]

Oct 4, 2008 20:12:58 GMT -5 vto66 said:

32. I Will Still Love You--Parachute

Do you mean Stonebolt? Never heard of Parachute.

[vto66]

Oct 5, 2008 8:54:38 GMT -5 mstgator said:

Oct 4, 2008 20:12:58 GMT -5 vto66 said:

32. I Will Still Love You--Parachute

Do you mean Stonebolt? Never heard of Parachute.

Sorry...My Bad. I did mean Stonebolt, but I put Parachute (Which was the label Stonebolt recorded for) by mistake. Thanks for the correction. Glad someone was paying attention.

[laura]

Here's October 6, 1984 (my version of the critique)

40: THE LAST TIME I MADE LOVE – JOYCE KENNEDY & JEFFREY OSBORNE (a very slow start to the show this week, even though they did play the No 1 song)
39: (WHAT) IN THE NAME OF LOVE – NAKED EYES (I prefer their more well-known songs to tell you the truth)
38: OUT OF TOUCH – DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES (one of my favorites from the group!)
37: SHINE SHINE – BARRY GIBB (didn't care for this one a whole lot. I much rather the Bee Gees)
36: STUCK ON YOU – LIONEL RICHIE (used to not like this song, but after a few listens, I find it alright)
35: STRUT – SHEENA EASTON (a very good up-tempo number)
34: BETTER BE GOOD TO ME – TINA TURNER (in my opinion, better than her other song on the chart)
33: I FEEL FOR YOU – CHAKA KHAN (a great song! Makes me think of Saturday Night Live for some weird reason)
32: WAKE ME BEFORE YOU GO-GO - WHAM (no matter how many times or how hard I resist, this song always makes me dance around like a lunatic)
31: DESERT MOON – DENNIS DE YOUNG (another one that just didn't catch on for me)
30: DYNAMITE – JERMAINE JACKSON (very decent and a funky sounding beat to match)
29: FLESH FOR FANTASY - BILLY IDOL (pretty good rock song)
28: PURPLE RAIN – PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION (not particularly my fave from Purple Rain, but still pretty good)
LDD: THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD – THE BEATLES (in my honest opinion, the girl who wrote the dedication should have chosen a better Beatles song)
27: WHO WEARS THESE SHOWS – ELTON JOHN (okay, but not up there like his previous songs)
26: SWEPT AWAY – DIANA ROSS (never as good as her early 80s stuff)
25: BOP ‘TIL YOU DROP – RICK SPRINGFIELD (a very great song! Shame it wasn't as big as his other songs)
24: GO INSANE – LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM (a wonderful song by him, but my absolute faave is a song that never made the 40: Holiday Road)
23: BLUE JEAN – DAVID BOWIE (decent)
22: THERE GOES MY BABY – DONNA SUMMER (another meh song)
21: SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK – ROD STEWART (not his greatest, but still good I guess)
20: THE LUCKY ONE – LAURA BRANIGAN (a great song from her!! Not as good as her really big hits, but still a very nice tune)
19: ARE WE OURSELVES – THE FIXX (I rather "One Thing Leads To Another", but I'll cut a bit of slack and say it is good)
18: WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES – NIGHT RANGER (not a really solid song, but still it's okay)
17: TORTURE – THE JACKSONS (a very good effort)
16: ON THE DARK SIDE – JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND (too short for me, and I'm only saying it because it's another favorite of mine)
15: I’M SO EXCITED – THE POINTER SISTERS (I get kinda excited when I hear this song, actually)
14: IF THIS IS IT – HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS (pretty good, though this was not up to par with their other hits, imho)
EXTRA: EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE – THE POLICE (despite being overplayed, it's still enduring)
13: WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT – TINA TURNER (good, but see #34 about my opinion)
12: CRUEL SUMMER - BANANARAMA (great song)
11: CARIBBEAN QUEEN (NO MORE LOVE ON THE RUN) - BILLY OCEAN (only like a handful of his songs. this one I'm a bit indifferent for)
10: COVER ME – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (wonderful song! The Boss really hit his stride with songs like this!)
9: THE WARRIOR – SCANDAL FEATURING PATTY SMYTHE (too cheesy for my own taste)
8: LUCKY STAR - MADONNA (I liked it. It wasn't as great as some of her later songs, but great otherwise)
LDD: HELLO – LIONEL RICHIE (makes me snore)
7: THE GLAMOROUS LIFE – SHEILA E. (another really solid dance song)
6: HARD HABIT TO BREAK - CHICAGO (slow, but not really boring like, say, #40)
5: SHE BOP – CYNDI LAUPER (very fun, despite the actual message of the song lol)
4: MISSING YOU – JOHN WAITE (personally, I did not really like this one)
3: DRIVE – THE CARS (took me a while to get used to not hearing Rick Ocasek singing, but I guess I adjusted to it now)
2: I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU – STEVIE WONDER (a very pretty and sweet song)
1: LET’S GO CRAZY – PRINCE (a wondeful way to close out this week's episode!)

[coldcardinal]

I'm going to do something a little different. Here's the show I'd most like to hear on XM: 4/23/83. (I purchased a copy of it from someone, but it has several serious flaws.)

40: ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME - NAKED EYES (Well-done remake. Better with age)
39: AFFAIR OF THE HEART - RICK SPRINGFIELD (My favorite RS song. I love the intensity and sexually charged vibe)
38: STRANGER IN MY HOUSE - RONNIE MILSAP (Probably my favorite from the country crossover era. Although, by 1983, much of it was more crossover than country)
37: MORNIN' - JARREAU (Don't really care for it. One of the few chances to catch my breath if I'm singing along to this show)
36: SO WRONG - PATRICK SIMMONS (Didn't know it at all back then; but I love it now. Anyone have an mp3 of it? I can't find it anywhere)
35: I LIKE IT - DEBARGE (I like it, not really)
34: STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART - BRYAN ADAMS (Pleasant low-key intro to the American charts.)
LDD: EYE OF THE TIGER - SURVIVOR (Even the LDD's were good this week!)
33: FLASHDANCE…WHAT A FEELING - IRENE CARA (My dad's all-time favorite song. I like quite a bit as well)
32: MY LOVE - LIONEL RICHIE (Yawn)
31: RIO - DURAN DURAN (Possibly my least favorite single from my favorite 80s band -- but still good)
30: SOME KIND OF FRIEND - BARRY MANILOW (Very new-wavy for Mr. Manilow)
29: IT MIGHT BE YOU - STEPHEN BISHOP (Gorgeous, heart-breaking ballad. LOVE it!)
28: WHIRLY GIRL - OXO (A fun little number from Ish)
27: WELCOME TO THE HEARTLIGHT - KENNY LOGGINS (What the hell does that even mean? Is it about E.T., like I assumed back then? A catchy tune, though)
26: PHOTOGRAPH - DEF LEPPARD (Nice pleasant chart intro for them)
25: SHAME ON THE MOON - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND (Man, this one stayed on the charts forever)
24: I'VE GOT A ROCK 'N' ROLL HEART - ERIC CLAPTON (Pleasant, mellow jam -- grown on me with age)
23: TWILIGHT ZONE - GOLDEN EARRING (INCREDIBLE song -- one of my all-time favorites)
22: CHANGE OF HEART - TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS (Eh, I need a breath after Twilight Zone anyhow)
21: BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG - THE PRETENDERS (Beautiful guitar work, great middle part -- this one's grown a lot with age)
20: I KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON - FRIDA (Love this one too)
19: WE'VE GOT TONIGHT - KENNY ROGERS AND SHEENA EASTON (Decent remake)
18: SOLITAIRE - LAURA BRANNIGAN (not my favorite of hers)
17: YOU ARE - LIONEL RICHIE (so-so)
16: I WON'T HOLD YOU BACK - TOTO (Beautiful, profoundly sad song -- I've really been into this over the last couple of years)
15: OVERKILL - MEN AT WORK (Couldn't appreciate this until adulthood -- but I love it now. Super-intense third verse)
14: DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HURT ME - CULTURE CLUB (leading edge of the 2nd British Invasion -- has held up pretty well thanks to movies and stuff)
13: EVEN NOW - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND (eh)
LDD: DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ - JOURNEY (2 good LDDs? This show can do no wrong)
12: LITTLE RED CORVETTE - PRINCE (the beginning of his ascendancy)
11: HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF - DURAN DURAN (the first 45 I ever owned, and one of my childhood favorites)
10: SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE - THOMAS DOLBY (cute)
9: LET'S DANCE - DAVID BOWIE (another one I like better now)
8: SEPARATE WAYS - JOURNEY (One of my favorites from the decade. Incredibly intense choruses -- picks you up and takes you along with it)
7: ONE ON ONE - DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES (pretty ballad)
6: DER KOMMISAR - AFTER THE FALL (quintessentially 1983 -- and still awesome)
5: BILLIE JEAN - MICHAEL JACKSON (Never gets old. May be the perfect pop song)
4: JEOPARDY - GREG KINH BAND (Love this one too -- catchy beat and memorable chorus)
3: MR. ROBOTO - STYX (Probably one of my 5 or so favorite songs from childhood -- still good)
2: BEAT IT - MICHAEL JACKSON (didn't like it as much as the other singles)
1: COME ON EILEEN - DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS (I love it when the best song on the countdown is #1! From being my favorite song of my first 3 years of AT40 listening, to being played as the last song at my wedding 3 years ago, it's probably one of the 3-5 favorite songs of my entire life)

[Caseyfan4everRyanfanNever]

4/23/83 HAS been played on XM a number of times and chances are good that it probably will be broadcast again. It was one of the shows played when XM broadcast AT40 in 2002-2003 and it has been broadcast on XM since 2006 and, I think, on terrestrial radio, too.

I used to think that Billboard deliberately made "Come on Eileen" #1 for one week to prevent Michael Jackson from having back to back #1s but after researching further, have found out that "Come on Eileen" would have probably been #1 no matter what. Don't get me wrong-I like the song but given the movement of "Beat It" that same week and the fact that "Come on Eileen" had been #2 for a couple of weeks previously, made me wonder if Billboard had done such a thing.

[cpastrick]

In reply to coldcardinal:
I have to agree, this could be my favorite countdown also. My preferrence MIGHT have to go to the previous week, only for the reason that it was the first week I bought my first copy of Billboard. Up to then, I would only thumb through the mag in the store.

But this countdown (which is VERY close to the week before) has to have just about every song that brings back memories of that era for me.

Great choice!!!

(and i agree about "Come on Eileen" being a great song. To me, it is THE song that defines the ’80s)

[jdelachjr2002]

For those who don't already know, Bob Eubanks filled in for Casey on the 4/16/1983 show.

[coldcardinal]

Oct 12, 2008 10:17:46 GMT -5 Caseyfan4everRyanfanNever said:

4/23/83 HAS been played on XM a number of times and chances are good that it probably will be broadcast again. It was one of the shows played when XM broadcast AT40 in 2002-2003 and it has been broadcast on XM since 2006 and, I think, on terrestrial radio, too.

Thanks. I'm glad to know it's in their queue. (I only got XM in late 2006, and they definitely haven't played it since then)

[jdelachjr2002]

Here's my attempt to critique. Here's the 10/17/1981 show:

40: "Burnin' For You" - Blue Oyster Cult: Liked the song but it's sad that it couldn't get any higher on this chart.
39: "In The Dark" - Billy Squire: Not as good as his other songs were.
38: "The Old Songs" - Barry Manilow: Does it make me a bad person to admit I like Barry's work? Especially on this one?
37: "Sausalito Summer Night" - Diesel: I wish this song got a lot more airplay.
36: "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" - The Commodores: One of their last great hits before Lionel Richie went solo.
35: "There's No Gettin' Over Me" - Ronnie Milsap: Not big on country but this and "I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World" are his best works.
34: "The Beach Boys Medley" - The Beach Boys: Lots of great songs from "Good Vibrations" to "Fun, Fun, Fun".
33: "Alien" - Atlanta Rhythm Section: Not that great of a song.
32: "He's A Liar" - The Bee Gees: "One" was their lone standout hit from the 1980's.
31: "Physical" - Olivia Newton-John: With apologies to briguy, I love this song. Right up there with Olivia's work from "Grease".
30: "The Voice" - The Moody Blues: Never heard this before but it's an OK tune.
LDD: "Just The Two Of Us" - Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers: Grover's best work. R.I.P.
29: "Atlanta Lady" - Marty Balin: "Hearts" by far was his best solo effort.
28: "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" - The Police: Wonderful song from this group.
27: "Oh No" - The Commodores: Last big hit for this group with Lionel.
26: "Queen Of Hearts" - Juice Newton: Catchy tune.
Archive Extra: "Hey Jude" - The Beatles: Best. Beatles. Song. Ever.
25: "Waiting For A Girl Like You" - Foreigner: Group's earliest foray into the easy-listening category.
24: "She's A Bad Mama Jama" - Carl Carlton: Great rhythm here.
23: "Here I Am" - Air Supply: Honestly they had better songs than this.
Archive Extra: "Love Child" - Diana Ross & The Supremes: OK song but I liked their earlier hits better.
22: "The Theme From Hill Street Blues" - Mike Post: Nice instrumental to listen to.
21: "Just Once" - Quincy Jones & James Ingram: James Ingram really stood out here.
20: "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" - Billy Joel: I like a lot of Billy Joel songs - this one included.
19: "We're In This Love Together" - Al Jarreau: Great talent but this was his only standout song.
18: "I Could Never Miss You" - Lulu: I wish I did.
17: "Super Freak" - Rick James: You can really move to this song.
16: "When She Was My Girl" - The Four Tops: OK song but forgettable compared to past hits.
15: "Share Your Love With Me" - Kenny Rogers: Not one of Kenny's better songs.
14: "Tryin' To Live My Life Without You" - Bob Seger: Third straight song in this list that doesn't stand out.
13: "Hold On Tight" - ELO: Now this song stands out. Good even without the commercials for which this song was in.
12: "I've Done Everything For You" - Rick Springfield: His career starting to take off.
11: "Urgent" - Foreigner: Their song clearly was more upbeat than #25.
10: "The Night Owls" - The Little River Band: Sorry but they had better songs than this.
9: "Hard To Say" - Dan Fogelberg: Nice song but somehow I confuse this with "Make Love Stay".
8: "Who's Crying Now" - Journey: One of their greatest along with "Don't Stop Believing"
LDD: "The Way We Were" - Barbra Streisand: Love this song but the story behind the LDD almost hits close to home for me. Can't go further than that.
7: "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" - Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty: This song really rocked.
6: "Private Eyes" - Hall & Oates: One of my favorite songs from this duo.
5: "Step By Step" - Eddie Rabbitt: Remember this song well. Wish this got more airplay.
4: "For Your Eyes Only" - Sheena Easton: Great year for her capped with a James Bond tune.
3: "Start Me Up" - The Rolling Stones: Last big smash for Mick, Keith, etc.
2: "Endless Love" - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: Song clearly was more bigger than the movie it was featured in (who remembers that movie anyway?)
1: "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" - Christopher Cross: I really really loved this song. R.I.P. Dudley Moore.

[mkarns]

My impressions of yesterday's 70s show (10/14/72):

40: DON'T DO IT - THE BAND –interesting cover of Marvin Gaye
39: SPACEMAN – NILSSON—characteristically offbeat
38: ROCK ME BABY - DAVID CASSIDY—harder edged, more of an R&B rocker than most probably expected from him.
37: GERONIMO'S CADILLAC - MICHAEL MURPHY—his singing sounds different than on “Wildfire” and his 80s country hits. Interesting lyrics but his delivery was a bit strident.
36: I AM WOMAN - HELEN REDDY—some may find it dated, but still memorable and pretty powerful.
35: I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME – LOBO—pretty, if musically routine
34: BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY - DANIEL BOONE—good, driving song that has gotten lost with time.
33: LOVING YOU JUST CROSSED MY MIND - SAM NEELY--meh
32: I'LL BE AROUND – SPINNERS—great song that started a long run of top 10s
31: MIDNIGHT RIDER - JOE Cocker—very good
30: I BELIEVE IN MUSIC – GALLERY—didn’t like this one
29: THUNDER AND LIGHTNING - CHI COLTRANE—great, brassy rocker
28: IF I COULD REACH YOU - FIFTH DIMENSION--lovely
27: WITCHY WOMAN – EAGLES—not my favorite from them, but it’s the Eagles so it’s still good.
26: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW - JOHNNY NASH—upbeat, reggae-flavored classic. (Just 3 weeks later it was #1).
25: STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN - MEL AND TIM—very nice
24: JUST DON'T WANT TO BE LONELY - CORNELUIS BROTHERS AND SISTER ROSE—missed this one
23: SATURDAY IN THE PARK – CHICAGO—good, evocative imagery; I found the lyrics more interesting than the music.
22: LISTEN TO THE MUSIC - DOOBIE BROTHERS—their first hit, and it nicely exemplifies their early (1972-75) hits.
21: BLACK AND WHITE - THREE DOG NIGHT—another reggae influenced song; an interesting departure for 3DN.
20: THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS - ARLO GUTHRIE—one of several good versions of this classic song
19: GOOD FOOT (PART #1) - JAMES BROWN—what you’d expect from JB; can’t help but dance to it.
18: GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES - DANNY O' KEEFE—another good (not great) lost hit.
17: FREDDY'S DEAD - CURTIS MAYFIELD—vivid soundtrack hit that conjures up appropriate “Superfly” images.
16: WHY - DONNY OSMOND—so-so at best; one of many 50s/60s covers he did
15: TIGHT ROPE - LEON RUSSELL—I didn’t particularly like this song, but I do appreciate Leon’s songwriting and instrumental skills and talents.
14: SPEAK TO THE SKY - RICK SPRINGFIELD—interesting folk/almost ragtime-ish feel, with spiritual lyrics; but it should be noted that it sounds very little like his better-known 80s hits.
13: YOU WEAR IT WELL - ROD STEWART--great. Should've been a bigger hit (this was its peak position.)
12: GARDEN PARTY - RICK NELSON & THE STONE CANYON BAND—good comeback hit with interesting story behind it, which Casey told; that helps to understand the lyrics.
11: PLAY ME - NEIL DIAMOND—softly acoustic with a subtle flow; sounds almost like Neil was going for a James Taylor-ish approach.
10: POPCORN - HOT BUTTER—catchy, Moog-synthezised instrumental novelty; I heard this in a newly produced commercial a few days ago.
9: BACK STABBERS - O'JAYS—like the Spinners’ song, a soul classic that started a strong Top 10 run.
8: NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN - MOODY BLUES—I’m not a big fan of progressive rock, but the Moodies made some excellent singles; this one is still a thing of beauty.
7: MY DING-A-LING - CHUCK BERRY—umm, what was he thinking? Or, more to the point, what was the public thinking when they sent this to #1? I’ll just say it must be heard to be believed.
6: BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME - MAC DAVIS—nice, laid back country pop song that typifies his style.
5: GO ALL THE WAY – RASPBERRIES—classic that exemplifies 70s power pop. (Wish the bridge hadn’t been edited out, though.)
4: BURNING LOVE - ELVIS PRESLEY—Elvis’ biggest and best 70s hit.
3: EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL - MAIN INGREDIENT—good spoken/sung debut hit.
2: USE ME - BILL WITHERS—excellent.
1: BEN - MICHAEL JACKSON—a love song about a rat in a horror film? But MJ pulled it off well, getting his first solo #1.

[freakyflybry]

40. Blue Oyster Cult - Burnin' For You (40) - This was decent, surprised it only got to #40 as it does still get some airplay on classic rock stations. This was not heard on either of the XM shows on either side of this, but I've heard it enough to be familiar with it regardless.
39. Billy Squier - In The Dark (new) - I prefer his other top 40 hits over this, but this is good too.
38. Barry Manilow - The Old Songs (new) - No. Just no. In fact, I think this just might be my most hated song from him. Give me literally any other Manilow song over this (but preferably something like "Mandy", "Could It Be Magic", "Copacabana" or "Some Kind of Friend" as those are the ones I actually like)
37. Diesel - Sausalito Summer Night (new) - I've always liked it, but never knew who sang it or what it was called until 2 years ago when I heard it on an AT40 from this time period!
36. The Commodores - Lady (You Bring Me Up) (28) - Definitely one of my favourites from them; they've had some good, some bad, but this was definitely one of the good ones. Such a funky tune!
35. Ronnie Milsap - (There's) No Getting Over Me (24) - One of only 2 songs I like from him ("Smoky Mountain Rain" is the other).
34. The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys Medley (12) - This was a nice collage of their big hits... but yeah, I prefer the individual songs over the medley (like I do with pretty much every medley that's charted!)
33. Atlanta Rhythm Section - Alien (38) - This one wasn't bad but I think I prefer their 70's stuff.
32. Bee Gees - He's A Liar (37) - I usually like them, especially their 1975-79 stuff. This was okay but one of my least favourites from them.
Archive: The Beatles - Hey Jude - Definitely one of my favourite Beatles songs!
31. Olivia Newton-John - Physical (new) - I think her 1978-81 stuff is definitely her best, this song included. I generally like her a a rule though.
30. Moody Blues - The Voice (15) - I prefer "Nights In White Satin", "Gemini Dream", "Your Wildest Dreams" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere". This was good though.
LDD: Grover Washington Jr. - Just The Two Of Us - I like both this original and Will Smith's remake but prefer the remake.
29. Marty Balin - Atlanta Lady (34) - This one isn't bad... but I agree, "Hearts" was definitely better, as are some of his Jefferson Starship songs.
28. The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (36) - One of my top 5 from them. I'd say "Roxanne", "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "King of Pain" and "Every Breath You Take" are my other top 5 songs from them.
27. The Commodores - Oh No (39) - I like this one, kinda reminds me of Lionel's later solo ballads. Unlike a lot of previous Commodores songs, this one I didn't find boring at all.
26. Juice Newton - Queen of Hearts (14) - It's my favourite from her for sure.
25. Foreigner - Waiting For A Girl Like You (new) - This is definitely one of my favourite Foreigner songs... always has been. I wonder if they knew they'd get what they did in their acronym when they titled this song?
24. Carl Carlton - She's A Bad Mama Jama (26) - I like this one... very funky!
23. Air Supply - Here I Am (27) - I'm not really a fan of this one or "The One That You Love", both of which I find rather meh. I like all of their other top 20 hits though.
Archive: Diana Ross & the Supremes - Love Child - I prefer the Sweet Sensation remake but I like the original too.
22. Mike Post - Theme From Hill Street Blues (29) - No. Just no. If you want a good TV theme, don't get Mike Post to compose an instrumental!
21. Quincy Jones & James Ingram - Just Once (23) - Not a fan of this one, really, but I prefer James's later songs generally.
20. Billy Joel - Say Goodbye To Hollywood (25) - This isn't one of my absolute favourites from him but I like it. I'd say he has dozens better.
19. Al Jarreau - We're In This Love Together (20) - No. Just no.
18. Lulu - I Could Never Miss You (18) - I completely forgot how this song goes.
17. Rick James - Super Freak (19) - Great song! I like both this and MC Hammer's sampling of it.
16. Four Tops - When She Was My Girl (21) - I'm surprised they were still hitting this strong in the 80's, considering I associate them a lot more with the 60's. This is so-so, I generally prefer their 60's classics, "I Can't Help Myself" probably being my favourite.
15. Kenny Rogers - Share Your Love With Me (16) - No. Just no. I can actually tolerate some of his more upbeat songs these days, but his Lionel Richie-produced ballads such as this one are just horrible.
14. Bob Seger - Tryin' To Life My Life Without You (22) - I like many other songs from him better, but this is good too.
13. ELO - Hold On Tight (10) - Loves it! Definitely one of my favourite ELO songs.
12. Rick Springfield - I've Done Everything For You (17) - His 1981-84 stuff is generally really good, this song included.
11. Foreigner - Urgent (9) - I prefer the other Foreigner song on this show, but this was good too.
10. Little River Band - The Night Owls (11) - I'm actually liking the Little River Band more now, including this song, but I do prefer a few others, such as "Reminiscing", "Lonesome Loser", "Take It Easy On Me" and "The Other Guy"
09. Dan Fogelberg - Hard To Say (13) - This wasn't bad, but I prefer songs like "Longer" and "Leader Of The Band".
08. Journey - Who's Crying Now (4) - I like this one a lot... but they've had several better.
LDD: Barbra Streisand - The Way We Were - Not really a fan of this one... she's had better, but she's also had worse!
07. Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty - Stop Draggin' My Heart Around (3) - Loves it! One of my favourites from both acts.
06. Hall & Oates - Private Eyes (8) - Can't go wrong with Hall & Oates, this is definitely one of my favourites!
05. Eddie Rabbitt - Step By Step (6) - This isn't bad but I prefer "I Love A Rainy Night" and "Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight".
04. Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only (5) - If I didn't know this was a James Bond theme, I wouldn't have guessed it! It's not bad but I generally prefer her upbeat songs
03. Rolling Stones - Start Me Up (7) - I like most of their stuff, and this is definitely one of their most classic. Good song!
02. Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love (1) - I actually really like this one, despite the cheese factor and the overplay. Still, I think I prefer the remake by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey.
01. Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme (2) - There are a few others I prefer but this one's quite good too.