September 1970

I heard up to #27 on the chart this week, and I was amazed at how great American Top 40 sounded so early in its run, having only started a few months earlier.  So many jingles, catch-phrases, and expressions were already in show.  The difference shows this early was that he betrayed more of his own personal feelings for various songs.  

Of note, he introduced James Taylor, who recall was not a superstar in 1970...this was his very first week on the chart ever, with a song that would be in the Grammy and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he noted how some songs are borne out of a sense of deep pain and sadness...."Here's James Taylor."  He should not have known what Taylor would become, but apparently he did!

Stevie Wonder came on, and Casey reminded us that Stevie was on his honeymoon, which may explain the message behind "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" -- and that Stevie was only 20!  Wow.

And a third Wow moment was when he introduced Linda Ronstadt, herself still a new artist, saying her song would be on the charts "for a long, long time."  And while it only made #25 on the weekly chart, it's been a radio staple ever since.

Other classics "Lola" "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", a couple Neil Diamond songs, a song called "War" and a band called "War."

When I heard a countdown from this period last year, I heard the debut of "Rubber Duckie" which Casey previewed as a song by an artist who wasn't really alive, or something like that.  Got my brain spinning trying to think whom he could mean!

My favorite:  I'm gonna love this song for a Long, Long Time.

1 1 AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-8 (2 weeks at #1) (#1)
2 2 WAR –•– Edwin Starr (Gordy)-12 (#6)
3 3 LOOKIN’ OUT MY BACK DOOR / LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT –•– Creedence Clearwater Revival (Fantasy)-8 (#2)
4 4 PATCHES –•– Clarence Carter (Atlantic)-11 (#4)
5 5 JULIE, DO YA LOVE ME –•– Bobby Sherman (Metromedia)-9 (#3)
6 12 CRACKLIN’ ROSIE –•– Neil Diamond (Uni)-6 (#7)
7 9 CANDIDA –•– Dawn (Bell)-10 (#5)
8 13 SNOWBIRD –•– Anne Murray (Capitol)-11 (#12)
9 14 (I Know) I’M LOSING YOU –•– Rare Earth (Rare Earth)-9 (#9)
10 6 25 OR 6 TO 4 –•– Chicago (Columbia)-10 (#8)

11 11 DON’T PLAY THAT SONG –•– Aretha Franklin with the Dixie Flyers (Atlantic)-8 (#10)
12 17 GROOVY SITUATION –•– Gene Chandler (Mercury)-12 (#14)
13 20 ALL RIGHT NOW –•– Free (A&M)-7 (#16)
14 15 I (Who Have Nothing) –•– Tom Jones (Parrot)-6 (#11)
15 7 IN THE SUMMERTIME –•– Mungo Jerry (Janus)-12 (#19)
16 18 RUBBER DUCKIE –•– Ernie (Columbia)-7 (#13)
17 8 (They Long To Be) CLOSE TO YOU –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-15 (#54)
18 39 GREEN-EYED LADY –•– Sugarloaf (Liberty)-7 (#36)
19 40 I’LL BE THERE –•– Jackson 5 (Motown)-2 (#15)
20 10 MAKE IT WITH YOU –•– Bread (Elektra)-16 (#52)

21 16 SPILL THE WINE –•– Eric Burdon and War (MGM)-19 (#33)
22 27 NEANDERTHAL MAN –•– Hotlegs (Capitol)-6 (#22)
23 28 JOANNE –•– Michael Nesmith and the First National Band (RCA)-8 (#18)
24 25 IT’S A SHAME –•– The Spinners (V.I.P.)-10 (#17)
25 26 EXPRESS YOURSELF –•– Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Warner Brothers)-7 (#27)
26 35 INDIANA WANTS ME –•– R. Dean Taylor (Rare Earth)-4 (#25)
27 30 LONG LONG TIME –•– Linda Ronstadt (Capitol)-7 (Not on chart)
28 23 SOLITARY MAN –•– Neil Diamond (Bang)-22 (#34)
29 36 LOLA –•– The Kinks (Reprise)-5 (#31)
30 33 OUT IN THE COUNTRY –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-5 (#21)

31 31 CLOSER TO HOME –•– Grand Funk Railroad (Capitol)-7 (#30)
32 32 PEACE WILL COME (According To Plan) / STOP I DON’T WANNA’ HEAR IT ANYMORE –•– Melanie (Buddah)-6 (#20)
33 34 LOOK WHAT THEY’VE DONE TO MY SONG MA –•– The New Seekers (Elektra)-4 (#29)
34 19 SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I’m Yours) –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-14 (Off)
35 37 THAT’S WHERE I WENT WRONG –•– The Poppy Family Featuring Susan Jacks (London)-8 (#26)
36 21 HAND ME DOWN WORLD –•– The Guess Who (RCA)-11 (#32)
37 42 IT’S ONLY MAKE BELEIVE –•– Glen Campbell (Capitol)-4 (#23)
38 45 EL CONDOR PASA –•– Simon and Garfunkel (Columbia)-3 (#24)
39 46 STILL WATER (Love) –•– The Four Tops (Motown)-5 (#28)
40 50 FIRE AND RAIN –•– James Taylor (Warner Brothers)-3 (#45)

September 1983 -- The Fun of the One Hit Wonder

Back to 1983 this week and that quirky time in pop music.  MTV and general trends had almost taken out all country and older style adult contemporary from the chart (Barbra Striesand, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, ...).  Almost...

Kenny and Dolly are dashing toward the last country flavored #1 or even top 10 for nearly a decade.  Juice Newton has her last hit, which despite being a lead single and not being very country will stall in the low 20's.  Air Supply, with some help from producer Jim Steinman, is crashing the top 10 one last time.

What will eventually fill the gap is the amazing run of veteran artists with the money to put into videos who will define 1984.  For now, you get some iconic one hit wonders in the top 10 like Taco, Michael Sembello, and Men Without Hats... the breakthrough by Eurythmics, a virtual one-hit wonder in Bonnie Tyler.  Further down, Madness, the Fixx, Naked Eyes, Frank Stallone....
2 years later, Michael Jackson would've been gunning for a 4th #1 from Thriller with the amazing "Human Nature," but instead it's held back by quirk and bombast...and I loved it!

And at #1, the beginning of that video-driven, veteran onslaught, Billy Joel.

Favorites:  many, led by Donna Summer, Men without hats, Laura Branigan, and the best:  Bonnie Tyler, one of the few songs I've ever requested on the radio.

1 2 TELL HER ABOUT IT –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-9 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 4 TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART –•– Bonnie Tyler (Columbia)-11 (2)
3 3 THE SAFETY DANCE –•– Men Without Hats (Backstreet)-14 (3)
4 1 MANIAC –•– Michael Sembello (Casablanca)-17 (1)
5 9 MAKING LOVE OUT OF NOTHING AT ALL –•– Air Supply (Arista)-9 (5)
6 5 SWEET DREAMS (Are Made Of This) –•– The Eurythmics (RCA)-20 (1)
7 7 HUMAN NATURE –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-10 (7)
8 8 PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ –•– Taco (RCA)-14 (4)
9 12 (She’s) SEXY + 17 –•– The Stray Cats (EMI-America)-8 (9)
10 10 DON’T CRY –•– Asia (Geffen)-9 (10)

11 16 KING OF PAIN –•– The Police (A&M)-5 (11)
12 14 FAR FROM OVER –•– Frank Stallone (RSO)-9 (12)
13 17 TRUE –•– Spandau Ballet (Chrysalis)-8 (13)
14 15 PROMISES, PROMISES –•– Naked Eyes (EMI-America)-11 (14)
15 6 EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE –•– The Police (A&M)-17 (1)
16 19 HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU –•– Laura Branigan (Atlantic)-13 (16)
17 26 ISLANDS IN THE STREAM –•– Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton (RCA)-5 (17)
18 11 SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY –•– Donna Summer (Mercury)-18 (3)
19 13 LAWYERS IN LOVE –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-12 (13)
20 18 I’LL TUMBLE 4 YA –•– Culture Club (Virgin)-13 (9)

21 29 ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER –•– The Fixx (MCA)-5 (21)
22 23 DEAD GIVEAWAY –•– Shalamar (Solar)-14 (22)
23 28 BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE –•– The Talking Heads (Sire)-9 (23)
24 21 HUMAN TOUCH –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-12 (18)
25 30 TELEFONE (Long Distance Love Affair) –•– Sheena Easton (EMI-America)-6 (25)
26 27 KISS THE BRIDE –•– Elton John (Geffen)-8 (26)
27 20 (Keep Feeling) FASCINATION –•– The Human League (A&M)-18 (8)
28 31 TELL HER NO –•– Juice Newton (Capitol)-7 (28)
29 32 BIG LOG –•– Robert Plant (Es Paranza)-8 (29)
30 37 DELIRIOUS –•– Prince (Warner Brothers)-4 (30)

31 34 TONIGHT, I CELEBRATE MY LOVE –•– Peabo Bryson / Roberta Flack (Capitol)-12 (31)
32 25 DON’T YOU GET SO MAD –•– Jeffrey Osborne (A&M)-11 (25)
33 33 LADY LOVE ME (One More Time) –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers)-10 (30)
34 36 DON’T FORGET TO DANCE –•– The Kinks (Arista)-6 (34)
35 40 SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER –•– The Motels (Capitol)-4 (35)
36 39 SITTING AT THE WHEEL –•– The Moody Blues (Threshold)-4 (36)
37 38 IT MUST BE LOVE –•– Madness (Geffen)-6 (37)
38 22 IT’S A MISTAKE –•– Men At Work (Columbia)-13 (6)
39 47 IF ANYONE FALLS –•– Stevie Nicks (Modern)-3 (39)
40 41 COLD BLOODED –•– Rick James (Gordy)-9 (40)

September 1976

I heard the first half or more of this countdown, and yes, even with the dawn of the disco era, Helen Reddy was still in the top 40!  A huge amount of this countdown would be familiar to your average listener of pop music from that time.  You have to dig into the bottom 15 or so to get unusual ones, including a few of the "I can't believe I've never heard that song" entries:

How have I have never heard a top 20 hit by Diana Ross?  Or any top 40 hit by the Beach Boys?  I also didn't know the Paul Davis, Eric Carmen, or Brothers Johnson songs, but they're not as big stars.

Favorites:  no 5-stars in this period of yacht rock and disco, but these were 4-star: You'll Never Find, You Should be Dancing, Heaven Must be missing an angel, She's gone, Shake Your Booty, and a life-long favorite  "Don't Go Breakin' my Heart"

1 3 PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC –•– Wild Cherry (Epic)-14 (1 week at #1) (1)

2 1 (Shake, Shake, Shake) SHAKE YOUR BOOTY –•– K.C. and the Sunshine Band (T.K.)-11 (1)
3 4 I’D REALLY LOVE TO SEE YOU TONIGHT –•– England Dan and John Ford Coley (Big Tree)-15 (3)
4 5 A FIFTH OF BEETHOVEN –•– Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band (Private Stock)-17 (4)
5 2 YOU’LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER LOVE LIKE MINE –•– Lou Rawls (Philadelphia International)-16 (2)
6 7 LOWDOWN –•– Boz Scaggs (Columbia)-12 (6)
7 13 DEVIL WOMAN –•– Cliff Richard (Rocket)-12 (7)
8 10 SUMMER –•– War (United Artists)-11 (8)
9 11 IF YOU LEAVE ME NOW –•– Chicago (Columbia)-6 (9)
10 6 YOU SHOULD BE DANCING –•– Bee Gees (RSO)-12 (1)

11 12 SAY YOU LOVE ME –•– Fleetwood Mac (Reprise)-12 (11)
12 14 WITH YOUR LOVE –•– Jefferson Starship (Grunt)-9 (12)
13 26 DISCO DUCK (Part 1) –•– Rick Dees and His Cast Of Idiots (RSO)-6 (13)
14 9 DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART –•– Elton John and Kiki Dee (Rocket)-12 (1)
15 17 A LITTLE BIT MORE –•– Dr. Hook (Capitol)-14 (15)
16 18 STILL THE ONE –•– Orleans (Asylum)-8 (16)
17 19 GETAWAY –•– Earth, Wind and Fire (Columbia)-10 (17)
18 20 WHO’D SHE COO? –•– The Ohio Players (Mercury)-13 (18)
19 21 WHAM BAM SHANG-A-LANG –•– Silver (Arista)-14 (19)
20 22 SHE’S GONE –•– Daryl Hall and John Oates (Atlantic)-17 (20)

21 25 THAT’LL BE THE DAY –•– Linda Ronstadt (Asylum)-5 (21)
22 23 SHOWER THE PEOPLE –•– James Taylor (Warner Brothers)-12 (22)
23 27 ROCK’N ME –•– The Steve Miller Band (Capitol)-6 (23)
24 8 LET ‘EM IN –•– Wings (Capitol)-12 (3)
25 15 HEAVEN MUST BE MISSING AN ANGEL (Part 1) –•– Tavares (Capitol)-16 (15)
26 31 MAGIC MAN –•– Heart (Mushroom)-10 (26)
27 28 STREET SINGIN’ –•– Lady Flash (RSO)-10 (27)
28 30 ONE LOVE IN MY LIFETIME –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-7 (28)
29 16 THIS MASQUERADE –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers)-15 (10)
30 24 BABY, I LOVE YOUR WAY –•– Peter Frampton (A&M)-13 (12)

31 38 (Don’t Fear) THE REAPER –•– Blue Oyster Cult (Columbia)-8 (31)
32 29 I CAN’T HEAR YOU NO MORE / MUSIC IS MY LIFE –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-7 (29)
33 35 DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-7 (33)
34 34 KISS AND SAY GOODBYE –•– The Manhattans (Columbia)-23 (1)
35 54 I ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU –•– The Bay City Rollers (Arista)-3 (35)
36 40 SUPERSTAR –•– Paul Davis (Bang)-7 (36)
37 39 (The System Of) DOCTOR TARR AND PROFESSOR FETHER –•– The Alan Parsons Project (20th Century)-9 (37)
38 42 GET THE FUNK OUT MA FACE –•– The Brothers Johnson (A&M)-6 (38)
39 50 IT’S O.K. –•– The Beach Boys (Brother)-5 (39)
40 43 SUNRISE –•– Eric Carmen (Arista)-6 (40)

September 1985 -- Established artists, iconic 80's hits, quirk-free

Solid countdown this week -- Laura Branigan with her first flop debut single, hinting at the end of her career.  Stevie Wonder bombs in with what would be his last #1, 22 years after his first.  The Pointer Sisters will just miss the top 10 in their last major chart surge.

The quirkiness of 1983 is virtually gone, with well-established artists up and down the charts.  #1 was a hear one-hit wonder though...John Parr, and edging its way to #1 is one of my all-time favorites that I heard and purchased on 45 long before it hit #1, and I cheered it all the way... "Take on Me"!

I was surprised "Shout" didn't linger at #1 longer, but it was a year of big turnover at #1, which can mean higher quality songs.

Besides Take on Me, favorites:  Summer of 69, Freeway of Love, Part Time Lover

1 1 ST. ELMO’S FIRE (MAN IN MOTION) –•– John Parr – 13 (1)

2 3 WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER HERO –•– Tina Turner – 11 (2)
3 6 MONEY FOR NOTHING –•– Dire Straits – 10 (3)
4 7 CHERISH –•– Kool & The Gang – 11 (4)
5 2 POWER OF LOVE –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 12 (1)
6 8 DON’T LOSE MY NUMBER –•– Phil Collins – 9 (6)
7 4 FREEWAY OF LOVE –•– Aretha Franklin – 13 (3)
8 12 FREEDOM –•– Wham! – 8 (8)
9 10 POP LIFE –•– Prince & The Revolution – 8 (9)
10 11 INVINCIBLE –•– Pat Benatar – 11 (10)

11 5 SUMMER OF ’69 –•– Bryan Adams – 12 (5)
12 9 YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN (SECOND WIND) –•– Billy Joel – 10 (9)
13 15 DARE ME –•– The Pointer Sisters – 10 (13)
14 17 DRESS YOU UP –•– Madonna – 5 (14)
15 18 OH SHEILA –•– Ready For The World – 7 (15)
16 16 SMOKIN’ IN THE BOYS ROOM –•– Motley Crue – 10 (16)
17 21 TAKE ON ME –•– A-Ha – 10 (17)
18 23 SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU –•– Whitney Houston – 5 (18)
19 25 LONELY OL’ NIGHT –•– John Cougar Mellencamp – 4 (19)
20 24 CRY –•– Godley & Creme – 9 (20)

21 22 SHAME –•– The Motels – 9 (21)
22 13 SHOUT –•– Tears For Fears – 14 (1)
23 14 NEVER SURRENDER –•– Corey Hart – 15 (3)
24 26 THERE MUST BE AN ANGEL –•– Eurythmics – 7 (24)
25 33 DANCING IN THE STREET –•– Mick Jagger & David Bowie – 3 (25)
26 19 LIFE IN ONE DAY –•– Howard Jones – 11 (19)
27 32 FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART –•– Sting – 4 (27)
28 34 C-I-T-Y –•– John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band – 6 (28)
29 30 EVERY STEP OF THE WAY –•– John Waite – 6 (29)
30 20 WHAT ABOUT LOVE? –•– Heart – 16 (10)

31 43 PART TIME LOVER –•– Stevie Wonder – 2 (31)
32 38 I GOT YOU BABE –•– UB40 & Chrissie Hynde – 8 (32)
33 42 LOVIN’ EVERY MINUTE OF IT –•– Loverboy – 4 (33)
34 36 NO LOOKING BACK –•– Michael McDonald – 8 (34)
35 44 THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO / MY GIRL –•– Daryl Hall & John Oates – 3 (35)
36 48 I’M GOIN’ DOWN –•– Bruce Springsteen – 2 (36)
37 37 DO YOU WANT CRYING –•– Katrina & The Waves – 8 (37)
38 27 MYSTERY LADY –•– Billy Ocean – 11 (24)
39 28 IF YOU LOVE SOMEBODY SET THEM FREE –•– Sting – 15 (3)
40 40 SPANISH EDDIE –•– Laura Branigan – 8 (40)

September 1980 -- awesome mix, and the end of disco

Another great 1980 countdown on Sirius XM 80's on 8!  All the usual trends continue -- mix of a/c, pop, jazz, country, R&B, disco, rock, country rock -- hardly a song I don't like.  3 songs from "Xanadu," leading to a repeat of earlier in the year with a songs by two artists (Olivia Newton John, ELO) charting at the same time as a solo hit by each (before it was Kim Carnes & Kenny Rogers). 

Kenny Loggins began his assault of 80's soundtrack songs.  Two charting hits by Billy Joel (normal) & Boz Scaggs...very unusual for a non-superstar artist.

I started listening to pop music in earnest in early 1981, and the top 40 in particular by April.  Yet, until I started listening to this countdown, I had never heard Fred Knoblock, Robert John (both of which seem especially out of place), or Natalie Cole's songs before.  Cole's is most surprising as it charted high, and she was and would continue to be a significant charting artist.

Doobie Brothers' "Real Love" debuted in the Hot 100 all the way at #40...but only reached #7 ultimately.  A few steps behind, Barbra Striesand debuted with the future #1 "Woman in Love"

Benny Mardones peaks at #11 this week (with his very awkward song), but not for lack of trying...it will return in 1989 and make another run to the top 20.

And at #1, a late entry in the disco era, "Upside Down" by Diana Ross.

5 star songs:  All out of Love, Take Your Time, Let Me Love Open the Door, and "Sailing" -- my favorite of the week.

1 2 UPSIDE DOWN –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-9 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 1 SAILING –•– Christopher Cross (Warner Brothers)-13 (1)
3 4 EMOTIONAL RESCUE –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-10 (3)
4 7 ALL OUT OF LOVE –•– Air Supply (Arista)-13 (4)
5 6 FAME –•– Irene Cara (RSO)-13 (5)
6 3 MAGIC –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-16 (1)
7 8 GIVE ME THE NIGHT –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers / Qwest)-10 (7)
8 5 TAKE YOUR TIME (Do It Right) (Part 1) –•– The S.O.S. Band (Tabu)-15 (3)
9 11 LATE IN THE EVENING –•– Paul Simon (Warner Brothers)-5 (9)
10 13 LOOKIN’ FOR LOVE –•– Johnny Lee (Full Moon)-9 (10)

11 12 INTO THE NIGHT –•– Benny Mardones (Polydor)-13 (11)
12 9 LET MY LOVE OPEN THE DOOR –•– Pete Townsend (Atco)-13 (9)
13 16 DRIVIN’ MY LIFE AWAY –•– Eddie Rabbitt (Elektra)-12 (13)
14 10 MORE LOVE –•– Kim Carnes (EMI-America)-15 (10)
15 14 IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-16 (1)
16 26 ONE IN A MILLION YOU –•– Larry Graham (Warner Brothers)-11 (16)
17 19 YOU’RE THE ONLY WOMAN (You & I) –•– Ambrosia (Warner Brothers)-9 (17)
18 22 YOU’LL ACCOMP’NY ME –•– Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (Capitol)-7 (18)
19 21 BOULEVARD –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-10 (19)
20 20 OLD-FASHION LOVE –•– The Commodores (Motown)-12 (20)

21 23 ALL OVER THE WORLD –•– The Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-6 (21)
22 24 HOT ROD HEARTS –•– Robbie Dupree (Elektra)-8 (22)
23 28 ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST –•– Queen (Elektra)-4 (23)
24 30 DON’T ASK ME WHY –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-6 (24)
25 29 SOMEONE THAT I USED TO LOVE –•– Natalie Cole (Capitol)-12 (25)
26 31 XANADU –•– Olivia Newton-John / The Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-5 (26)
27 32 I’M ALRIGHT –•– Kenny Loggins (Columbia)-9 (27)
28 15 TAKE A LITTLE RHYTHM –•– Ali Thomson (A&M)-13 (15)
29 36 JESSE –•– Carly Simon (Warner Brothers)-6 (29)
30 37 NEVER KNEW LOVE LIKE THIS BEFORE –•– Stephanie Mills (20th Century)-5 (30)

31 34 HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK –•– Daryl Hall and John Oates (RCA)-8 (31)
32 35 HEY THERE LONELY GIRL –•– Robert John (EMI-America)-8 (32)
33 39 HE’S SO SHY –•– The Pointer Sisters (Planet)-7 (33)
34 17 JOJO –•– Boz Scaggs (Columbia)-13 (17)
35 18 WHY NOT ME –•– Fred Knoblock (Scotti Brothers)-11 (18)
36 25 MAKE A LITTLE MAGIC –•– The Dirt Band (United Artists)-12 (25)
37 40 YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO KEEP YOUR LOVE FOR ME –•– Jermaine Jackson (Motown)-9 (37)
38 43 NO NIGHT SO LONG –•– Dionne Warwick (Arista)-7 (38)
39 45 LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO ME –•– Boz Scaggs (Columbia)-3 (39)
40 — REAL LOVE –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-1 (40)

September 1977 -- the best of everything

An excellent late 70's countdown today -- it's peak disco, but country, rock, R&B, funk, and a/c all have representation.  Notable newcomer is Ronnie Milsap, who went on to have a nice run of country pop crossovers through 1983.

I listened to a few 1977 countdowns a year ago, and through them have been the only times I've ever heard "Edge of the Universe" by the Bee Gees, despite owning a very extensive greatest hits and that this is right when they were about to release "Saturday Night Fever" and have 10 #1's in a row.  Likewise, I'd never heard "Black Betty" or Meri Wilson's embarrassing "Telephone Man."  Ditto on the Elvis song, which re-enters this week, rebounding in the wake of his death.  Highest charting one I didn't know..."Float On" by the Floaters, which went to #2, a nice R&B ballad typical of the era.

But it you've ever listened to 70's music, this chart is full of long lasting favorites.  The biggest was at #2 this week -- Andy Gibb's "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" which had already been at #1 for 3 weeks, yet in 2 more weeks would rebound to #1, the longest such gap until 2013.  It hung out on the charts long enough to be listed in Billboards top 100 of the biggest hits of all time.

My favorites:  Andy Gibb, Ronnie Milsap, and the best, "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner.

1 1 BEST OF MY LOVE –•– The Emotions (Columbia)-13 (3 weeks at #1) (1)
2 2 I JUST WANT TO BE YOUR EVERYTHING –•– Andy Gibb (RSO)-20 (1)
3 3 (Your Love Has Lifted Me) HIGHER AND HIGHER –•– Rita Coolidge (A&M)-18 (3)
4 4 EASY –•– The Commodores (Motown)-14 (4)
5 5 HANDY MAN –•– James Taylor (Columbia)-12 (5)
6 8 FLOAT ON –•– The Floaters (ABC)-9 (6)
7 7 JUST A SONG BEFORE I GO –•– Crosby, Stills and Nash (Atlantic)-15 (7)
8 9 DON’T STOP –•– Fleetwood Mac (Warner Brothers)-9 (8)
9 10 STRAWBERRY LETTER 23 –•– The Brothers Johnson (A&M)-10 (9)
10 13 TELEPHONE LINE –•– Electric Light Orchestra (United Artists / Jet)-13 (10)

11 12 BARRACUDA –•– Heart (Portrait)-15 (11)
12 14 SMOKE FROM A DISTANT FIRE –•– The Sanford / Townsend Band (Warner Brothers)-12 (12)
13 16 STAR WARS (Main Title) –•– The London Symphony Orchestra / John Williams (20th Century)-9 (13)
14 6 WHATCHA GONNA DO? –•– Pablo Cruise (A&M)-21 (6)
15 15 GIVE A LITTLE BIT –•– Supertramp (A&M)-14 (15)
16 20 COLD AS ICE –•– Foreigner (Atlantic)-7 (16)
17 17 HOW MUCH LOVE –•– Leo Sayer (Warner Brothers)-9 (17)
18 19 BLACK BETTY –•– Ram Jam (Epic)-13 (18)
19 21 ON AND ON –•– Stephen Bishop (ABC)-17 (19)
20 22 SWAYIN’ TO THE MUSIC (Slow Dancin’) –•– Johnny Rivers (Big Tree)-11 (20)

21 24 KEEP IT COMIN’ LOVE –•– K.C. and the Sunshine Band (T.K.)-6 (21)
22 11 I’M IN YOU –•– Peter Frampton (A&M)-15 (2)
23 30 THAT’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL –•– Shaun Cassidy (Warner Brothers / Curb)-7 (23)
24 29 DON’T WORRY BABY –•– B.J. Thomas (MCA)-10 (24)
25 27 CHRISTINE SIXTEEN –•– Kiss (Casablanca)-8 (25)
26 28 EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE –•– Bee Gees (RSO)-7 (26)
27 38 “STAR WARS” THEME / CANTINA BAND (Medley) –•– Meco (Millennium)-5 (27)
28 18 TELEPHONE MAN –•– Meri Wilson (GRT)-14 (18)
29 39 NOBODY DOES IT BETTER –•– Carly Simon (Elektra)-7 (29)
30 40 BOOGIE NIGHTS –•– Heatwave (Epic)-7 (30)

31 35 IT WAS ALMOST LIKE A SONG –•– Ronnie Milsap (RCA)-12 (31)
32 34 SO YOU WIN AGAIN –•– Hot Chocolate (Big Tree)-8 (32)
33 33 YOU MADE ME BELIEVE IN MAGIC –•– The Bay City Rollers (Arista)-14 (10)
34 36 HARD ROCK CAFE –•– Carole King (Capitol)-7 (34)
35 53 WAY DOWN –•– Elvis Presley (RCA)-11 (31)
36 23 DO YOU WANNA MAKE LOVE –•– Peter McCann (20th Century)-20 (5)
37 25 YOU AND ME –•– Alice Cooper (Warner Brothers)-19 (9)
38 43 JUNGLE LOVE –•– The Steve Miller Band (Capitol)-5 (38)
39 42 THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL –•– George Benson (Arista)-6 (39)
40 44 I FEEL LOVE –•– Donna Summer (Casablanca)-5 (40)

September 1972 -- Alone Again, Naturally

On the road I got to hear the top 27 of Casey's countdown from September 1972.  

Much of the usual for the early 70's -- heavy influence of adult contemporary, R&B/soul, and some 60's vestiges (from the easy listening of Bobby Vinton to the 60's rock of the Who), including literal 1967 by the Moody Blues which for some reason debuted years later.

Elton John and Chicago are already a established stars, only 2 years into their top 40 careers.  The Raspberries debut, launching the 15 year career of Eric Carmen.  Gary Glitter hits the top 10 with what would become a stadium classic.  Rick Springfield debuts, 9 years before he really became a star.

And rebounding to #1 is Gilbert O'Sullivan, the first record to do this in Casey's history to date.  It would happen roughly annually through 1983.

Best song:  far and away, Nights in White Satin.  Jim Croce's song was the only other one higher than 3 stars.

1 2 ALONE AGAIN (Naturally) –•– Gilbert O’Sullivan (MAM)-12 (5 weeks at #1) (1)
2 3 LONG COOL WOMAN (In a Black Dress) –•– The Hollies (Epic)-11 (2)
3 4 I’M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU –•– Al Green (Hi)-9 (3)
4 1 BRANDY (You’re a Fine Girl) –•– Looking Glass (Epic)-12 (1)
5 5 HOLD YOUR HEAD UP –•– Argent (Epic)-12 (5)
6 10 BABY DON’T GET HOOKED ON ME –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-10 (6)
7 7 GOODBYE TO LOVE –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-8 (7)
8 9 YOU DON’T MESS AROUND WITH JIM –•– Jim Croce (ABC)-10 (8)
9 17 ROCK AND ROLL (Part 2) –•– Gary Glitter (Bell)-7 (9)
10 14 BACK STABBERS –•– The O’Jays (Philadelphia International)-7 (10)

11 13 THE GUITAR MAN –•– Bread (Elektra)-6 (11)
12 12 MOTORCYCLE MAMA –•– Sailcat (Elektra)-13 (12)
13 6 (If Loving You Is Wrong) I DON’T WANT TO BE RIGHT –•– Luther Ingram (KoKo)-14 (3)
14 23 BLACK & WHITE –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-4 (14)
15 20 SATURDAY IN THE PARK –•– Chicago (Columbia)-5 (15)
16 16 LOOKIN’ THROUGH THE WINDOWS –•– Jackson 5 (Motown)-8 (16)
17 8 COCONUT –•– Nilsson (RCA)-13 (8)
18 24 BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY –•– Daniel Boone (Mercury)-14 (18)
19 22 JOIN TOGETHER –•– The Who (Decca)-7 (19)
20 28 GO ALL THE WAY –•– The Raspberries (Capitol)-10 (20)

21 11 THE HAPPIEST GIRL IN THE WHOLE U.S.A. –•– Donna Fargo (Dot)-15 (11)
22 27 POWER OF LOVE –•– Joe Simon (Spring)-9 (22)
23 40 HONKY CAT –•– Elton John (Uni)-4 (23)
24 25 BABY LET ME TAKE YOU (In My Arms) –•– The Detroit Emeralds (Westbound)-14 (24)
25 15 DADDY DON’T YOU WALK SO FAST –•– Wayne Newton (Chelsea)-20 (4)
26 19 SEALED WITH A KISS –•– Bobby Vinton (Epic)-13 (19)
27 37 RUN TO ME –•– The Bee Gees (Atco)-6 (27)
28 33 POPCORN –•– Hot Butter (Musicor)-9 (28)
29 29 SMALL BEGINNINGS –•– Flash (Capitol)-11 (29)
30 34 POP THAT THANG –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-10 (30)

31 18 WHERE IS THE LOVE –•– Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (Atlantic)-15 (5)
32 42 EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL –•– The Main Ingredient (RCA)-7 (32)
33 44 PLAY ME –•– Neil Diamond (Uni)-4 (33)
34 36 YOU’RE STILL A YOUNG MAN –•– The Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers)-8 (34)
35 49 SPEAK TO THE SKY –•– Rick Springfield (Capitol)-5 (35)
36 26 HOW DO YOU DO –•– Mouth and MacNeal (Philips)-19 (8)
37 38 SWEET INSPIRATION / WHERE YOU LEAD (Medley) –•– Barbra Streisand (Columbia)-11 (37)
38 39 THIS WORLD –•– The Staple Singers (Stax)-5 (38)
39 47 NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN –•– The Moody Blues (Deram)-5 (39)
40 32 WHEN YOU SAY LOVE –•– Sonny and Cher (Kapp)-9 (32)