Post by jamie9012 on Jul 3, 2020 8:34:58 GMT -5
Greetings.
I hope that everyone is safe and healthy. The times are difficult, but we will get through it.
I did not look to see which Episode(s) would air for this Weekend, however, because it is such a special Year for American Top 40, I thought that I would update my Critique from 2014. As it is, I worked on more than I thought I would, so I definitely enjoyed reviewing these Songs. So, lets go back to the Summer of 1970!
July 4 (or week-ending July 11), 1970
"Here we go with the top 40 Hits in the nation this Week on American Top 40, the best-selling and most played Songs, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico..." - Casey Kasem
40: THE END OF OUR ROAD - MARVIN GAYE - Debut. Our first Song to be heard on AT40 is this break-up message. Interesting guitar work and soulful Vocals ("Every road has got to end somewhere"). Although it is from Gaye, and it peaked at #7 on the R&B Charts, this is the highest it would reach on the Hot 100.
39: SILVER BIRD - MARK LINDSEY - Debut. While a member of Paul Revere and The Raiders, Lindsay struck out on his own with a big Hit called "Arizona" earlier that year.
38: SPILL THE WINE - ERIC BURDON AND WAR - Another Debut. This is the first Song that I can recognize outside of the American Top This atmospheric hit peaked at #3 in that August.
37: GO BACK - CRABBY APPLETON - This one seemed to have a sound that was reminiscent of Glam Rock. It reminded me a bit of Songs that I have heard from Bands like Sweet and Cheap Trick. The Vocals were provided by Michael Fennelly.
36: I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVING - B.J. THOMAS - Several Songs to debut on this Countdown. Written by the Husband and Wife team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. It comes a few Months after his huge hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head”, which was heard in the film Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969).
35: SPIRIT IN THE DARK - ARETHA FRANKLIN - Wow! Did this Song have a good beat! And, yes, I did have the Spirit. This one really had a Gospel influence, as denoted by the Organ and Choir.
34: MISSISSIPPI - JOHN PHILLIPS – This member of The Mamas And The Papas lands on the Top 40 with this country-tinged number. His only solo hit. Musicians heard on the Album include names as Joe Osborn, Hal Blaine, Larry Knechtel, and others. They were part of a well-known group of musicians known as The Wrecking Crew.
33: WESTBOUND #9 - THE FLAMING EMBER - Their biggest Hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (#24 in August). The Singer in this soulful Song sounds like he is ready to leave from the problems in his Life. I also like another Song from The Flaming Ember called "I'm Not My Brother's Keeper."
32: IT'S ALL IN THE GAME - THE FOUR TOPS - Great Song about ups and downs in love. It seems that this was actually written and recorded years earlier by Tommy Edwards. It was sad to read of the death of Edwards in 1969.
31: SAVE THE COUNTRY - THE FIFTH DIMENSION – Here is a number penned by the late Laura Nyro. The Lyrics in this Song reflect unhappy feelings that were prevalent in the United States (and around the World). They call for Peace, and an end to War. Of course, the Message is timeless.
30: OHIO - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND YOUNG - Debut. A Song that protested the deaths of people at Kent State University in Ohio. Of course, these were very difficult times (although I was not alive to see them on the News).
29: EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL - RAY STEVENS - He calls for friendship between all people, although they may be different. After spending two Weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the Spring of 1970, this Song descends to #29. Something that I found out about this Song on this very Forum: of all the Songs that reached #1 on the Hot 100 in 1970, this is considered today to be one of the least heard (possibly the least heard). Indeed the production (with a Choir of children, and to an extent, the message) gives it somewhat of a Novelty factor.
28: CHECK OUT YOUR MIND - IMPRESSIONS - This was the peak position for this Song. Curtis Mayfield was one of this group's founding Members.
27: QUESTION - THE MOODY BLUES - This is now descending on the Charts after peaking at #21. This one really went around the World with the lyrics and Music! #21 US, #9 DE.
26. SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I'M YOURS) – STEVIE WONDER- “Sometime before I began listening to this Episode (I cannot remember how long before), I turned on the Radio and heard a song that I had never heard before. Later, I turned it on again and heard this song. Eventually, I began to think that this was an early Episode (possibly the first), and I was very excited when Larry Morgan re-introduced the show after a commercial intermission.” I just read this Critique from 2014 and I was amazed by it!
25: SUGAR, SUGAR - WILSON PICKETT - At its peak position for this Week lies this Remake of the Classic from The Archies. Very soulful!
24: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG -The second of two Songs from this excellent Band that appear on the Chart for this Week. In two Weeks, it will peak at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike their other Hit, which featured an event that had recently happened, this one seems to be directed toward Families (and possibly Generations of people). The Lyrics here did remind me of some of those from the Song "Silent Running" from Mike and The Mechanics.
23: WHICH WAY YOU GOIN' BILLY - THE POPPY FAMILY - On its way down this Chart is this Hit from this Band from Canada. Originally released in 1969, it peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the Spring of 1970. The Poppy Family included members Susan Jacks and Terry Jacks. In 1974, the Song "Seasons In The Sun" (Terry Jacks) peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
OLDIE: LITTLE OLE MAN - BILL COSBY – The comedian (who has been in the news recently for rather unfortunate things) also dabbled in singing, and even landed some chart Hits. This Song is based on "Uptight (Everything's Alright) from Stevie Wonder. It peaked at #4 in the Autumn of 1967.
22. LOVE ON A TWO WAY STREET- THE MOMENTS- This song, in 1981, was covered by Stacy Lattisaw. Although the latter's Version had obviously been updated, it remains very faithful to the original.
21: MISSISSIPPI QUEEN - MOUNTAIN – Early in the Morning she hitched a ride down to Louisville, holding onto a Hundred-dollar Bill. She dressed herself like a Cajun Queen in New Orleans, and she looked good, like a lady. Later, a man went down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana-way, where lived a Cajun Lady, and they called her “Mississippi Queen”. See where I’m going? It seems that this was the only hit from this Band from New York to appear on the American Top 40 (although some of their other Songs did appear on the Charts). It also appears that this was its peak position. Hard rock that sounds like early Heavy-Metal!
20. MAKE IT WITH YOU- BREAD- The biggest debut Song for this week comes In August of 1970, this soft-rock Tune reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Of course featuring the soothing Voice of David Gates.
19. ARE YOU READY- PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC- The only top 40 Hit for this band from Los Angeles, but I am sure it helped them pay the bills. It was pretty good. #16 DE, #9 CH (September 1970).
18. LOVE LAND- CHARLES WRIGHT AND THE WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND- Another band from LA. I really enjoyed this song! I managed to record it in 2014 and fell in love with it for that Summer. They also performed the song "Express Yourself", which was also, in 1970, a hit.
17. TIGHTER, TIGHTER- ALIVE AND KICKING- Atmospheric number that was co-writtten and co-produced by T
16. MY BABY LOVES LOVIN'- WHITE PLAINS - Here is a nice bubblegum-flavored Tune that I was in love with in June 2015 after I remembered it from the Year before.
15. A SONG OF JOY- MIGUEL RIOS- This was an excellent performance of the Beethoven composition, arranged by Argentinian orchestra leader Waldo de los Rios. This year is Ludwig's 250th Birthday. Along with its Hot 100 peak of #14, it spent an astounding 15 Weeks (non-consecutive) at #1 in Germany and 7 Weeks at the top on the Schweizer (Swiss) Hitparade.
AMERICAN TOP 40 EXTRA: HELLO, DOLLY!- LOUIS ARMSTRONG- As I have read, his correct Date of Birth (August 4, 1901) was not known until after his death. He died in 1971, which was the year after this Episode aired. This song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, after three different songs from the Beatles occupied this position.
14. UNITED WE STAND- THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN - Tony Burrows certainly gets around! Here he is sharing lead Vocals with Sunny Leslie as part of this studio-arranged music act. This is not the same line-up which had several Hits later in the decade, including one named "Save Your Kisses For Me".
13. GET READY- RARE EARTH - If you weren't ready at the #19 Song, this one is sure to get you on your feet. This Remake of the Smokey Robinson and The Miracles hit peaked at #4 on the Hot 100 and #22 in Germany.
12. O-O-H CHILD- THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS- An uplifting R&B number, that has stood the test of time well.The only Top 40 Hit for this family band from Chicago.
11. GIMME DAT DING- THE PIPKINS- Yet again Tony Burrows. He sings the lower raspy lyrics, while Roger Greenaway (the other Member) sings the higher Tenor. This song sounded like a commercial jingle. #9 US, #29 DE. Casey Kasem mentioned that a "Pipkin" is a small pot.
10. HITCHIN' A RIDE- VANITY FARE- The instrumental break in this Hit was catchy for me. From their Album "Early In The Morning" (1969), whose title Song was also a big Hit. The lead vocalist of this Band (from the United Kingdom) sounds like he really needs a ride to his Destination.
AMERICAN TOP 40 EXTRA: SPINNING WHEEL- BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS- This Song reached #2 in 1969. One of their three biggest Hits. A little Jazz-Fusion sprinkled into the Countdown will not hurt!
9. THE WONDER OF YOU- ELVIS PRESLEY- As I remember, this sounded like a live performance.
8. THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD- THE BEATLES- This is so interesting (I think that I used that word a lot!)! Although songs from the Beatles appeared in the Charts in the later years, there is something about hearing their Songs on the very early Episodes of American Top 40 that I find appealing. It really feels that I have stepped back in time! Casey Kasem described this band as "the musical group of the Century", although those words may not be exactly what he said. This Song spent two Weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 1970. Also #26 DE, #8 CH.
7. (THEY LONG TO BE) CLOSE TO YOU- THE CARPENTERS- I have enjoyed all of their songs that I have heard. Sometimes, I imagine that I am a Child in the 1970s, riding in the back seat of a Car that my parents are driving. When a song from The Carpenters comes on the Radio (such as "Close To You", "We've Only Just Begun", or "Yesterday Once More"), we all sing together. It seems that I do not hear their music very often.
6. LAY DOWN (CANDLES IN THE RAIN)- MELANIE SAFKA- She sounded very energetic in this recording! I think that she was very excited. Of course it is one of my own Favorites. Casey Kasem spoke of how successful she was in The Netherlands. If its #1 peak there is an Indication, I can truly believe it. Also, the background vocals in this Song were provided by The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Peak position for this Week.
5. BAND OF GOLD- FREDA PAYNE- Good Classic. It really sounds like a Song from Diana Ross and The Supremes. #3 US, #32 DE.
4. RIDE CAPTAIN RIDE- BLUES IMAGE- Written by band member Mike Pinera, who was inspired by the number of keys on his Piano.The music, along with the theme of the lyrics, reminded me of two different songs: "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" from the band Looking Glass, and "Dance With Me" from the band Orleans.
3. BALL OF CONFUSION (THAT'S WHAT THE WORLD IS TODAY)- THE TEMPTATIONS- Politically and socially-charged Song that remains today very much relevant.
2. THE LOVE YOU SAVE- THE JACKSON 5- Or, as Casey Kasem said, "The Mini-Temptations"! This was another great Single, which, for two weeks, had been at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
AMERICAN TOP 40 EXTRA: (I CAN'T GET NO) SATISFACTION- THE ROLLING STONES- This song, in 1965, spent four Weeks at #1.
1. MAMA TOLD ME (NOT TO COME)- THREE DOG NIGHT- AT40's first #1 Song. A wild party anthem (or perhaps anti-party, according to the Narrator). Very interesting. It was written by Randy Newman, who, later in the 1970s, released the Song "Short People". Before the Song began, Casey told the meaning behind their band Name.
My Extras:
MR. PAUL MCCARTNEY – MARIANNE ROSENBERG - Written by Joachim Heider and Fred Jay. Where it all began for this Singer from Berlin, who was here only 15 years old. In this Song, the narrator , a fan of the famous Beatle speaks of her admiration for him and longs for an Autograph or a word of acknowledgement. In June/July 1970 she reached #33 in Germany with this one.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FhWpaBM8Qo
BONJOUR, BONJOUR - PAOLA - The Swiss entry into the Eurovision Song Contest of 1969 came from this beautiful Singer from St. Gallen. It won 5th place, scoring 13 Points. It also landed on the Swiss Hitparade, reaching #7 in April 1969.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eGeZuMuMTs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0iFzzElBN0 - Studio Version
L’AMOUR EST BLEU – VICKY – Remaining in the ESC corner with this elegant French-language number, written by André Popp and Pierre Cour. Serving as Luxembourg's entry in 1967, it took 4th place, scoring 17 Points. Its chart success included placements at #27 in Germany and #18 in Austria. The Greek-born Vicky Leandros, who was here in her teenage Years, would go on to have several more hits in other Languages.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD4ib9-laGY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u68Z2B36-3c - Studio Version
DU – PETER MAFFAY - One thing that I noticed only halfway through the creation of these extra Critiques: they are from artists who'd either had thus far their biggest hit, or their first Hit of any kind. For Peter, this was a case of both. "Du (You)" was his debut single from his debut album Für das Mädchen, das ich liebe (For The Girl I Love). It reached #1 in Germany, and remained there for two Weeks in June 1970. In Switzerland, it went all the way to #2, with the top spot taken by "El Condor Pasa" from Simon and Garfunkel. Also in Austria, it reached #8.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy-nr1L_YrY
This Critique has been for me much fun to make. Looking back to a Time, that does not feel especially long ago, but seemed a different world. Thank you for reading.
I hope that everyone is safe and healthy. The times are difficult, but we will get through it.
I did not look to see which Episode(s) would air for this Weekend, however, because it is such a special Year for American Top 40, I thought that I would update my Critique from 2014. As it is, I worked on more than I thought I would, so I definitely enjoyed reviewing these Songs. So, lets go back to the Summer of 1970!
July 4 (or week-ending July 11), 1970
"Here we go with the top 40 Hits in the nation this Week on American Top 40, the best-selling and most played Songs, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico..." - Casey Kasem
40: THE END OF OUR ROAD - MARVIN GAYE - Debut. Our first Song to be heard on AT40 is this break-up message. Interesting guitar work and soulful Vocals ("Every road has got to end somewhere"). Although it is from Gaye, and it peaked at #7 on the R&B Charts, this is the highest it would reach on the Hot 100.
39: SILVER BIRD - MARK LINDSEY - Debut. While a member of Paul Revere and The Raiders, Lindsay struck out on his own with a big Hit called "Arizona" earlier that year.
38: SPILL THE WINE - ERIC BURDON AND WAR - Another Debut. This is the first Song that I can recognize outside of the American Top This atmospheric hit peaked at #3 in that August.
37: GO BACK - CRABBY APPLETON - This one seemed to have a sound that was reminiscent of Glam Rock. It reminded me a bit of Songs that I have heard from Bands like Sweet and Cheap Trick. The Vocals were provided by Michael Fennelly.
36: I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVING - B.J. THOMAS - Several Songs to debut on this Countdown. Written by the Husband and Wife team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. It comes a few Months after his huge hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head”, which was heard in the film Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969).
35: SPIRIT IN THE DARK - ARETHA FRANKLIN - Wow! Did this Song have a good beat! And, yes, I did have the Spirit. This one really had a Gospel influence, as denoted by the Organ and Choir.
34: MISSISSIPPI - JOHN PHILLIPS – This member of The Mamas And The Papas lands on the Top 40 with this country-tinged number. His only solo hit. Musicians heard on the Album include names as Joe Osborn, Hal Blaine, Larry Knechtel, and others. They were part of a well-known group of musicians known as The Wrecking Crew.
33: WESTBOUND #9 - THE FLAMING EMBER - Their biggest Hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (#24 in August). The Singer in this soulful Song sounds like he is ready to leave from the problems in his Life. I also like another Song from The Flaming Ember called "I'm Not My Brother's Keeper."
32: IT'S ALL IN THE GAME - THE FOUR TOPS - Great Song about ups and downs in love. It seems that this was actually written and recorded years earlier by Tommy Edwards. It was sad to read of the death of Edwards in 1969.
31: SAVE THE COUNTRY - THE FIFTH DIMENSION – Here is a number penned by the late Laura Nyro. The Lyrics in this Song reflect unhappy feelings that were prevalent in the United States (and around the World). They call for Peace, and an end to War. Of course, the Message is timeless.
30: OHIO - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH AND YOUNG - Debut. A Song that protested the deaths of people at Kent State University in Ohio. Of course, these were very difficult times (although I was not alive to see them on the News).
29: EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL - RAY STEVENS - He calls for friendship between all people, although they may be different. After spending two Weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the Spring of 1970, this Song descends to #29. Something that I found out about this Song on this very Forum: of all the Songs that reached #1 on the Hot 100 in 1970, this is considered today to be one of the least heard (possibly the least heard). Indeed the production (with a Choir of children, and to an extent, the message) gives it somewhat of a Novelty factor.
28: CHECK OUT YOUR MIND - IMPRESSIONS - This was the peak position for this Song. Curtis Mayfield was one of this group's founding Members.
27: QUESTION - THE MOODY BLUES - This is now descending on the Charts after peaking at #21. This one really went around the World with the lyrics and Music! #21 US, #9 DE.
26. SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I'M YOURS) – STEVIE WONDER- “Sometime before I began listening to this Episode (I cannot remember how long before), I turned on the Radio and heard a song that I had never heard before. Later, I turned it on again and heard this song. Eventually, I began to think that this was an early Episode (possibly the first), and I was very excited when Larry Morgan re-introduced the show after a commercial intermission.” I just read this Critique from 2014 and I was amazed by it!
25: SUGAR, SUGAR - WILSON PICKETT - At its peak position for this Week lies this Remake of the Classic from The Archies. Very soulful!
24: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG -The second of two Songs from this excellent Band that appear on the Chart for this Week. In two Weeks, it will peak at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike their other Hit, which featured an event that had recently happened, this one seems to be directed toward Families (and possibly Generations of people). The Lyrics here did remind me of some of those from the Song "Silent Running" from Mike and The Mechanics.
23: WHICH WAY YOU GOIN' BILLY - THE POPPY FAMILY - On its way down this Chart is this Hit from this Band from Canada. Originally released in 1969, it peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the Spring of 1970. The Poppy Family included members Susan Jacks and Terry Jacks. In 1974, the Song "Seasons In The Sun" (Terry Jacks) peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
OLDIE: LITTLE OLE MAN - BILL COSBY – The comedian (who has been in the news recently for rather unfortunate things) also dabbled in singing, and even landed some chart Hits. This Song is based on "Uptight (Everything's Alright) from Stevie Wonder. It peaked at #4 in the Autumn of 1967.
22. LOVE ON A TWO WAY STREET- THE MOMENTS- This song, in 1981, was covered by Stacy Lattisaw. Although the latter's Version had obviously been updated, it remains very faithful to the original.
21: MISSISSIPPI QUEEN - MOUNTAIN – Early in the Morning she hitched a ride down to Louisville, holding onto a Hundred-dollar Bill. She dressed herself like a Cajun Queen in New Orleans, and she looked good, like a lady. Later, a man went down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana-way, where lived a Cajun Lady, and they called her “Mississippi Queen”. See where I’m going? It seems that this was the only hit from this Band from New York to appear on the American Top 40 (although some of their other Songs did appear on the Charts). It also appears that this was its peak position. Hard rock that sounds like early Heavy-Metal!
20. MAKE IT WITH YOU- BREAD- The biggest debut Song for this week comes In August of 1970, this soft-rock Tune reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Of course featuring the soothing Voice of David Gates.
19. ARE YOU READY- PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC- The only top 40 Hit for this band from Los Angeles, but I am sure it helped them pay the bills. It was pretty good. #16 DE, #9 CH (September 1970).
18. LOVE LAND- CHARLES WRIGHT AND THE WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND- Another band from LA. I really enjoyed this song! I managed to record it in 2014 and fell in love with it for that Summer. They also performed the song "Express Yourself", which was also, in 1970, a hit.
17. TIGHTER, TIGHTER- ALIVE AND KICKING- Atmospheric number that was co-writtten and co-produced by T
16. MY BABY LOVES LOVIN'- WHITE PLAINS - Here is a nice bubblegum-flavored Tune that I was in love with in June 2015 after I remembered it from the Year before.
15. A SONG OF JOY- MIGUEL RIOS- This was an excellent performance of the Beethoven composition, arranged by Argentinian orchestra leader Waldo de los Rios. This year is Ludwig's 250th Birthday. Along with its Hot 100 peak of #14, it spent an astounding 15 Weeks (non-consecutive) at #1 in Germany and 7 Weeks at the top on the Schweizer (Swiss) Hitparade.
AMERICAN TOP 40 EXTRA: HELLO, DOLLY!- LOUIS ARMSTRONG- As I have read, his correct Date of Birth (August 4, 1901) was not known until after his death. He died in 1971, which was the year after this Episode aired. This song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, after three different songs from the Beatles occupied this position.
14. UNITED WE STAND- THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN - Tony Burrows certainly gets around! Here he is sharing lead Vocals with Sunny Leslie as part of this studio-arranged music act. This is not the same line-up which had several Hits later in the decade, including one named "Save Your Kisses For Me".
13. GET READY- RARE EARTH - If you weren't ready at the #19 Song, this one is sure to get you on your feet. This Remake of the Smokey Robinson and The Miracles hit peaked at #4 on the Hot 100 and #22 in Germany.
12. O-O-H CHILD- THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS- An uplifting R&B number, that has stood the test of time well.The only Top 40 Hit for this family band from Chicago.
11. GIMME DAT DING- THE PIPKINS- Yet again Tony Burrows. He sings the lower raspy lyrics, while Roger Greenaway (the other Member) sings the higher Tenor. This song sounded like a commercial jingle. #9 US, #29 DE. Casey Kasem mentioned that a "Pipkin" is a small pot.
10. HITCHIN' A RIDE- VANITY FARE- The instrumental break in this Hit was catchy for me. From their Album "Early In The Morning" (1969), whose title Song was also a big Hit. The lead vocalist of this Band (from the United Kingdom) sounds like he really needs a ride to his Destination.
AMERICAN TOP 40 EXTRA: SPINNING WHEEL- BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS- This Song reached #2 in 1969. One of their three biggest Hits. A little Jazz-Fusion sprinkled into the Countdown will not hurt!
9. THE WONDER OF YOU- ELVIS PRESLEY- As I remember, this sounded like a live performance.
8. THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD- THE BEATLES- This is so interesting (I think that I used that word a lot!)! Although songs from the Beatles appeared in the Charts in the later years, there is something about hearing their Songs on the very early Episodes of American Top 40 that I find appealing. It really feels that I have stepped back in time! Casey Kasem described this band as "the musical group of the Century", although those words may not be exactly what he said. This Song spent two Weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 1970. Also #26 DE, #8 CH.
7. (THEY LONG TO BE) CLOSE TO YOU- THE CARPENTERS- I have enjoyed all of their songs that I have heard. Sometimes, I imagine that I am a Child in the 1970s, riding in the back seat of a Car that my parents are driving. When a song from The Carpenters comes on the Radio (such as "Close To You", "We've Only Just Begun", or "Yesterday Once More"), we all sing together. It seems that I do not hear their music very often.
6. LAY DOWN (CANDLES IN THE RAIN)- MELANIE SAFKA- She sounded very energetic in this recording! I think that she was very excited. Of course it is one of my own Favorites. Casey Kasem spoke of how successful she was in The Netherlands. If its #1 peak there is an Indication, I can truly believe it. Also, the background vocals in this Song were provided by The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Peak position for this Week.
5. BAND OF GOLD- FREDA PAYNE- Good Classic. It really sounds like a Song from Diana Ross and The Supremes. #3 US, #32 DE.
4. RIDE CAPTAIN RIDE- BLUES IMAGE- Written by band member Mike Pinera, who was inspired by the number of keys on his Piano.The music, along with the theme of the lyrics, reminded me of two different songs: "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" from the band Looking Glass, and "Dance With Me" from the band Orleans.
3. BALL OF CONFUSION (THAT'S WHAT THE WORLD IS TODAY)- THE TEMPTATIONS- Politically and socially-charged Song that remains today very much relevant.
2. THE LOVE YOU SAVE- THE JACKSON 5- Or, as Casey Kasem said, "The Mini-Temptations"! This was another great Single, which, for two weeks, had been at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
AMERICAN TOP 40 EXTRA: (I CAN'T GET NO) SATISFACTION- THE ROLLING STONES- This song, in 1965, spent four Weeks at #1.
1. MAMA TOLD ME (NOT TO COME)- THREE DOG NIGHT- AT40's first #1 Song. A wild party anthem (or perhaps anti-party, according to the Narrator). Very interesting. It was written by Randy Newman, who, later in the 1970s, released the Song "Short People". Before the Song began, Casey told the meaning behind their band Name.
My Extras:
MR. PAUL MCCARTNEY – MARIANNE ROSENBERG - Written by Joachim Heider and Fred Jay. Where it all began for this Singer from Berlin, who was here only 15 years old. In this Song, the narrator , a fan of the famous Beatle speaks of her admiration for him and longs for an Autograph or a word of acknowledgement. In June/July 1970 she reached #33 in Germany with this one.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FhWpaBM8Qo
BONJOUR, BONJOUR - PAOLA - The Swiss entry into the Eurovision Song Contest of 1969 came from this beautiful Singer from St. Gallen. It won 5th place, scoring 13 Points. It also landed on the Swiss Hitparade, reaching #7 in April 1969.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eGeZuMuMTs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0iFzzElBN0 - Studio Version
L’AMOUR EST BLEU – VICKY – Remaining in the ESC corner with this elegant French-language number, written by André Popp and Pierre Cour. Serving as Luxembourg's entry in 1967, it took 4th place, scoring 17 Points. Its chart success included placements at #27 in Germany and #18 in Austria. The Greek-born Vicky Leandros, who was here in her teenage Years, would go on to have several more hits in other Languages.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD4ib9-laGY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u68Z2B36-3c - Studio Version
DU – PETER MAFFAY - One thing that I noticed only halfway through the creation of these extra Critiques: they are from artists who'd either had thus far their biggest hit, or their first Hit of any kind. For Peter, this was a case of both. "Du (You)" was his debut single from his debut album Für das Mädchen, das ich liebe (For The Girl I Love). It reached #1 in Germany, and remained there for two Weeks in June 1970. In Switzerland, it went all the way to #2, with the top spot taken by "El Condor Pasa" from Simon and Garfunkel. Also in Austria, it reached #8.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy-nr1L_YrY
This Critique has been for me much fun to make. Looking back to a Time, that does not feel especially long ago, but seemed a different world. Thank you for reading.