September 1997 -- pop is back, but not on the Hot 100

I listened to the Back in the Day Replay on SiriusXM's 90's on 9 this weekend since it had a lot of songs from when I first joined the Air Force.  I commissioned the month before, and I showed up at my first duty station in September.  Big news of the day:  Mother Teresa and Princess Diana had both just died.

Back in the Day Replay's DJ, Downtown Julie Brown, plays the Billboard top 30 from that week from a given year, which for most of the 90's is the first time those 30 have all been plaed in a countdown format.  By 1997, all the major countdown shows (like American Top 40) had switched to Radio and Records Pop airplay chart.  Why?  Billboard had started actually capturing which records were really being played, scaling that by the market size, and electronically counting singles sales, across all genre's (in contrast to simply receiving reports from radio stations and record stores of what they were playing/selling).  End result:  a lot of songs made the top 30 which were not suited to be played on a pop station (R&B/rap and country)...see below.

Meanwhile, by 1997 pop music itself was making a resurgence with the arrival of the Hansen, Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls.  Britney was soon to follow.  Female singer-songwriters (Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow) had a surge, as did female country-crossover artists (Faith Hill, Leann Rimes).  And Hootie & the Blowfish had paved the way for a late decade resurgence in pop-rock (Third Eye Blind, Sugar Ray). 

All in all, a great time to listen to pop radio, even if the Billboard chart had veered far from it.  The top 2 were by bonafide pop/R&B stars, but on the pop airplay charts, these songs only hit #10 and #7 respectively.  Boys II Men would hit #1 on the Hot 100 next week, only to be replaced by another sales-driven hit, Elton John's Candle in the Wind '97.  Biggie and Puff Daddy's #1's were nowhere near the top 10 in pop airplay.  On the airplay charts, Jewel and Third-Eye Blind ruled over this period, reflecting what I heard on the radio.

In a Billboard oddity, Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me" and "Foolish Games" were on the same 45 rpm record / Cassette single, so it charted as one song, breaking the record at the time for chart longevity (hence at #10 in its 45th chart week!), finally lasting 65 weeks on the Hot 100.  Meanwhile, the traditional chart record had been about 40 weeks.  But up at #4, Leann Rimes outdid it, lasting 69 weeks as the song slowly climbed and lingered on first country, then pop, then a/c charts.

Another Chart oddity:  consecutive songs by an artist (Notorious BIG) and a tribute to that artist (I'll be Missing you), both featuring the same artist!  Diana Ross was stunningly uncredited on Biggie's #1 hit.

First hits: Backstreet Boys, Usher, Third Eye Blind, 98 Degrees, and plenty of other artists who didn't go on to a long string of hits.

Favorites:  MANY, certainly compared to the late 80's!  (4-stars): Mark Morrison, Mr. President, Verve Pipe, favorite (5): Third-Eye Blind

Duncan Sheik – 44 (16)

1 1 HONEY –•– Mariah Carey – 3 (1)
2 — 4 SEASONS OF LONELINESS –•– Boyz II Men – 1 (2)
3 3 YOU MAKE ME WANNA… –•– Usher – 6 (3)
4 5 HOW DO I LIVE –•– LeAnn Rimes – 15 (4)
5 2 QUIT PLAYING GAMES (WITH MY HEART) –•– The Backstreet Boys – 14 (2)
6 4 MO MONEY, MO PROBLEMS –•– Notorious B.I.G. Featuring Puff Daddy & Mase – 9 (1)
7 6 I’LL BE MISSING YOU –•– Puff Daddy & Faith Evans Featuring 112 – 16 (1)
8 7 2 BECOME 1 –•– Spice Girls – 7 (4)
9 8 SEMI-CHARMED LIFE –•– Third Eye Blind – 13 (4)
10 10 YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME / FOOLISH GAMES –•– Jewel – 44 (2)

11 9 BARBIE GIRL –•– Aqua – 4 (7)
12 13 INVISIBLE MAN –•– 98 Degrees – 12 (12)
13 11 ALL FOR YOU –•– Sister Hazel – 12 (11)
14 16 BUILDING A MYSTERY –•– Sarah McLachlan – 4 (14)
15 17 ALL CRIED OUT –•– Allure Featuring 112 – 5 (15)
16 12 UP JUMPS DA BOOGIE –•– Magoo & Timbaland – 11 (12)
17 15 NOT TONIGHT –•– Lil’ Kim Featuring Da Brat, Left Eye, Missy Elliott & Angie Martinez – 12 (6)
18 14 NEVER MAKE A PROMISE –•– Dru Hill – 8 (7)
19 18 SUNNY CAME HOME –•– Shawn Colvin – 12 (7)
20 19 DO YOU KNOW (WHAT IT TAKES) –•– Robyn – 18 (7)

21 21 YOU SHOULD BE MINE (DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME) –•– Brian McKnight Featuring Mase – 4 (21)
22 31 MY LOVE IS THE SHHH! –•– Somethin’ For The People Featuring Trina & Tamara – 5 (22)
23 23 WHAT ABOUT US –•– Total – 5 (23)
24 20 BITCH –•– Meredith Brooks – 23 (2)
25 22 RETURN OF THE MACK –•– Mark Morrison – 31 (2)
26 25 COCO JAMBOO –•– Mr. President – 9 (21)
27 24 THE FRESHMEN –•– The Verve Pipe – 32 (5)
28 26 BARELY BREATHING –•– Duncan Sheik – 44 (16)
29 — EVERYTHING –•– Mary J. Blige – 1 (29)
30 34 I MISS MY HOMIES –•– Master P Featuring Pimp C & The Shocker – 4 (25)

September 1980 -- Xanadu!

The annoyance of the 80's on 8 team to play nearly identical rotations of top 40's, this is another one from September 1980.

Movie songs continue to dominate with 2 songs from Fame joining Urban Cowboy and Xanadu.  Speaking of Xanadu, this is another chart with a duet and both artists in it (ELO and ONJ) all charting simultaneously.  Billy Joel also had 2 simultaneous hits as well.

Country crossover is undaunted by the rock, pop, and disco records around it.

First hits:  Irene Cara with 2 (!)
Last hits: Al Stewart
Favorites: many, but Sailing is still the best.

1 1 UPSIDE DOWN –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-12 (4 weeks at #1) (1)
2 2 ALL OUT OF LOVE –•– Air Supply (Arista)-16 (2)
3 3 ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST –•– Queen (Elektra)-7 (3)
4 6 GIVE ME THE NIGHT –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers / Qwest)-13 (4)
5 5 LOOKIN’ FOR LOVE –•– Johnny Lee (Full Moon)-12 (5)
6 7 LATE IN THE EVENING –•– Paul Simon (Warner Brothers)-8 (6)
7 8 DRIVIN’ MY LIFE AWAY –•– Eddie Rabbitt (Elektra)-15 (7)
8 4 FAME –•– Irene Cara (RSO)-16 (4)
9 9 ONE IN A MILLION YOU –•– Larry Graham (Warner Brothers)-14 (9)
10 11 I’M ALRIGHT –•– Kenny Loggins (Columbia)-12 (10)

11 12 XANADU –•– Olivia Newton-John / Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-8 (11)
12 25 WOMAN IN LOVE –•– Barbra Streisand (Columbia)-4 (12)
13 13 YOU’RE THE ONLY WOMAN (You & I) –•– Ambrosia (Warner Brothers)-12 (13)
14 14 YOU’LL ACCOMP’NY ME –•– Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (Capitol)-10 (14)
15 16 ALL OVER THE WORLD –•– Electric Light Orchestra (MCA)-9 (15)
16 17 REAL LOVE –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-4 (16)
17 18 HOT ROD HEARTS –•– Robbie Dupree (Elektra)-11 (17)
18 20 HE’S SO SHY –•– The Pointer Sisters (Planet)-10 (18)
19 19 DON’T ASK ME WHY –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-9 (19)
20 22 NEVER KNEW LOVE LIKE THIS BEFORE –•– Stephanie Mills (20th Century)-8 (20)

21 21 SOMEONE THAT I USED TO LOVE –•– Natalie Cole (Capitol)-15 (21)
22 23 JESSE –•– Carly Simon (Warner Brothers)-9 (22)
23 24 LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO ME –•– Boz Scaggs (Columbia)-6 (23)
24 10 EMOTIONAL RESCUE –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-13 (3)
25 26 NO NIGHT SO LONG –•– Dionne Warwick (Arista)-10 (25)
26 15 SAILING –•– Christopher Cross (Warner Brothers)-16 (1)
27 27 MAGIC –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-19 (1)
28 32 HOW DO I SURVIVE –•– Amy Holland (Capitol)-8 (28)
29 28 INTO THE NIGHT –•– Benny Mardones (Polydor)-16 (11)
30 43 THE WANDERER –•– Donna Summer (Geffen)-2 (30)

31 41 MIDNIGHT ROCKS –•– Al Stewart (Arista)-5 (31)
32 52 DREAMING –•– Cliff Richard (EMI-America)-3 (32)
33 36 WHO’LL BE THE FOOL TONIGHT –•– The Larsen-Feiten Band (Warner Brothers)-7 (33)
34 29 TAKE YOUR TIME (Do It Right) (Part 1) –•– The S.O.S. Band (Tabu)-18 (3)
35 50 ON THE ROAD AGAIN –•– Willie Nelson (Columbia)-4 (35)
36 30 BOULEVARD –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-13 (19)
37 35 IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-19 (1)
38 45 THE LEGEND OF WOOLEY SWAMP –•– The Charlie Daniels Band (Epic)-7 (38)
39 40 (Sartorial Eloquence) DON’T YA WANNA PLAY THIS GAME NO MORE –•– Elton John (MCA)-8 (39)
40 44 OUT HERE ON MY OWN –•– Irene Cara (RSO)-7 (40)

September 1972 -- A bit of nostalgia

Fun countdown today filled with little interesting facts, and I almost got to hear every song. A few key veterans were charting well, including Rick Nelson's nostalgic comeback record, Elvis on his way to his last top 10, and Chuck Berry on his way to his only #1 hit with a naughty little novelty record.

Michael Jackson was also heading for his first solo #1, and he'd be the only person (check this) to have #1 featuring a man's name and then also a woman's name ("Billie Jean.")

Having their very first hit, the Doobie's went on to a solid decade of fame, the Raspberries lead singer Eric Carmen would do the same, and more oddly, there's Rick Springfield with a country-tinged song about prayer (!!).  Jim Croce would only live one more year, sadly.

Casey made a big point about a recent survey naming Moody Blues as the best group in rock -- they took "Nights" with a full symphony orchestra to #2, their only top 10 in the 70's (matched by one each in the 60's and 80's), despite being first released in 1968!

Favorites:  Jim Croce (4) and Nights in White Satin (5)

1 2 BABY DON’T GET HOOKED ON ME –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-13 (1 week at #1)

2 1 BLACK & WHITE –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-7
3 4 SATURDAY IN THE PARK –•– Chicago (Columbia)-8
4 5 BACK STABBERS –•– The O’Jays (Philadelphia International)-10
5 3 ALONE AGAIN (Naturally) –•– Gilbert O’Sullivan (MAM)-15
6 13 BEN –•– Michael Jackson (Motown)-8
7 16 EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL –•– The Main Ingredient (RCA)-10
8 9 HONKY CAT –•– Elton John (Uni)-7
9 12 GO ALL THE WAY –•– The Raspberries (Capitol)-13
10 7 ROCK AND ROLL (Part 2) –•– Gary Glitter (Bell)-10

11 14 POWER OF LOVE –•– Joe Simon (Spring)-12
12 17 PLAY ME –•– Neil Diamond (Uni)-7
13 25 USE ME –•– Bill Withers (Sussex)-5
14 18 POPCORN –•– Hot Butter (Musicor)-12
15 15 BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY –•– Daniel Boone (Mercury)-17
16 19 RUN TO ME –•– The Bee Gees (Atco)-9
17 20 NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN –•– The Moody Blues (Deram)-8
18 22 BURNING LOVE / IT’S A MATTER OF TIME –•– Elvis Presley (RCA)-6
19 23 SPEAK TO THE SKY –•– Rick Springfield (Capitol)-8
20 26 MY DING-A-LING –•– Chuck Berry (Chess)-8

21 6 LONG COOL WOMAN (In a Black Dress) –•– The Hollies (Epic)-14
22 33 GARDEN PARTY –•– Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band (Decca)-9
23 8 BRANDY (You’re a Fine Girl) –•– Looking Glass (Epic)-15
24 24 POP THAT THANG –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-13
25 11 THE GUITAR MAN –•– Bread (Elektra)-9
26 31 THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS –•– Arlo Guthrie (Reprise)-9
27 39 YOU WEAR IT WELL –•– Rod Stewart (Mercury)-5
28 35 GET ON THE GOOD FOOT (Part 1) –•– James Brown (Polydor)-8
29 29 YOU’RE STILL A YOUNG MAN –•– The Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers)-11
30 38 WHY / LONELY BOY –•– Donny Osmond (MGM / Kolob)-5

31 10 I’M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU –•– Al Green (Hi)-12
32 37 STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN –•– Mel and Tim (Stax)-12
33 21 YOU DON’T MESS AROUND WITH JIM –•– Jim Croce (ABC)-13
34 41 TIGHT ROPE –•– Leon Russell (Shelter)-5
35 27 JOIN TOGETHER –•– The Who (Decca)-10
36 44 FREDDIE’S DEAD (Theme From “Superfly”) –•– Curtis Mayfield (Curtom)-6
37 52 LISTEN TO THE MUSIC –•– The Doobie Brothers (Warner Brothers)-4
38 49 DON’T EVER BE LONELY (A Poor Little Fool Like Me) –•– Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose (United Artists)-4
39 40 EASY LIVIN –•– Uriah Heep (Mercury)-9
40 51 GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S GOT THE BLUES –•– Danny O’Keefe (Signpost)-4

September 1988 -- I Don't Wanna

I'm not sure I wanted to listen to this top 40, which featured some dreadful big hits, but it still had some chart curiosities.

Bobby Brown and New Edition were charting simultaneously, as were Peter Cetera and Chicago.  Chicago and Elton John's songs were the previous week joined by "I Don't Wanna Be a Hero" making quite a theme.  Both artists first charted in 1970, part of another big week for veterans -- Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Steve Winwood (2x), and various artists from later in the 70's.

Kenny Loggins had his last top 40 hit with hit 7th soundtrack hit -- definitely the King of Soundtracks (especially since none were his own, like Madonna or Prince)

Michael Jackson missed the top 10 -- the first time that had happened in the 80s for him* (not counting back catalog re-releases, or songs with his brothers) -- 16 solo in a row, plus "Say Say Say" -- 10 #1s, 28 weeks at #1.  Wow!

Last hit: REO Speedwagon, Kenny Loggins, Glenn Frey
First Hit: Kylie Minogue, GnR, 

Favorites:  Sweet Child of Mine, Simply Irresistible, Monkey, and the one 5-star by Elton John.

1 1 SWEET CHILD O’ MINE –•– Guns N’ Roses – 13 (1)
2 2 SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE –•– Robert Palmer – 12 (2)
3 3 PERFECT WORLD –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 10 (3)
4 9 DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY –•– Bobby McFerrin – 8 (4)
5 7 I’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU –•– Taylor Dayne – 15 (5)
6 5 WHEN IT’S LOVE –•– Van Halen – 12 (5)
7 8 IF IT ISN’T LOVE –•– New Edition – 12 (7)
8 10 NOBODY’S FOOL –•– Kenny Loggins – 11 (8)
9 16 LOVE BITES –•– Def Leppard – 6 (9)
10 13 IT WOULD TAKE A STRONG STRONG MAN –•– Rick Astley – 10 (10)

11 14 ONE GOOD WOMAN –•– Peter Cetera – 9 (11)
12 11 ANOTHER PART OF ME –•– Michael Jackson – 9 (11)
13 4 MONKEY –•– George Michael – 11 (1)
14 17 I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU –•– Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – 13 (14)
15 18 DON’T BE CRUEL –•– Cheap Trick – 8 (15)
16 6 FAST CAR –•– Tracy Chapman – 16 (6)
17 19 A NIGHTMARE ON MY STREET –•– D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – 8 (17)
18 21 PLEASE DON’T GO GIRL –•– New Kids On The Block – 13 (18)
19 28 RED RED WINE –•– UB40 – 21 (19)
20 23 DON’T BE CRUEL –•– Bobby Brown – 9 (20)

21 25 FALLEN ANGEL –•– Poison – 8 (21)
22 26 WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND (PURE ENERGY) –•– Information Society – 10 (22)
23 15 I DON’T WANNA LIVE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE –•– Chicago – 16 (3)
24 12 I DON’T WANNA GO ON WITH YOU LIKE THAT –•– Elton John – 14 (2)
25 20 HERE WITH ME –•– REO Speedwagon – 13 (20)
26 30 STAYING TOGETHER –•– Debbie Gibson – 7 (26)
27 36 DON’T YOU KNOW WHAT THE NIGHT CAN DO? –•– Steve Winwood – 5 (27)
28 37 TRUE LOVE –•– Glenn Frey – 5 (28)
29 34 WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET –•– Brenda K. Starr – 7 (29)
30 35 FOREVER YOUNG –•– Rod Stewart – 7 (30)

31 42 GROOVY KIND OF LOVE –•– Phil Collins – 3 (31)
32 38 CHAINS OF LOVE –•– Erasure – 8 (32)
33 43 NEVER TEAR US APART –•– INXS – 6 (33)
34 22 ALL FIRED UP –•– Pat Benatar – 12 (19)
35 27 HANDS TO HEAVEN –•– Breathe – 23 (2)
36 45 WILD, WILD WEST –•– The Escape Club – 5 (36)
37 31 1-2-3 –•– Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – 16 (3)
38 24 LOVE WILL SAVE THE DAY –•– Whitney Houston – 12 (9)
39 29 ROLL WITH IT –•– Steve Winwood – 15 (1)
40 50 THE LOCO-MOTION –•– Kylie Minoque – 4 (40)

THIS WEEKS DROPS

47 32 I DON’T WANT TO BE A HERO –•– Johnny Hates Jazz – 11 (31)

September 1970 -- songs were shorter then

I reviewed the following week a year ago... and all I said then is true.  Songs were clearly a bit shorter then as he played at least one extra "oldie" per hour including a song that had spent 8 weeks at #2 without hitting #1, the #1 from 10 years earlier "The Twist," the first Beach record, and a Beatles #1.

By the mid-70s, any extras were very rare.  Later in the decade a 4th hour was added giving LOTS of room for oldies, recaps of the previosu week, and the iconic "Long Distance Dedications"

The Supremes were called "the New Supremes" without Diana Ross, who Casey was very excited to tell us was having her first true solo #1.  At the other end of the chart, her proteges, the Jackson 5, debuted way up on the Hot 100 -- no surprise after 3 #1's in a row!

First hits:  Carpenters, War, Anne Murray, Bread, Dawn-- quite a list!

Last hits -- none I could see

Favorites: (4-star) -- Cracklin Rose, Chicago, and (5-star) Long, Long Time

1 2 AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH –•– Diana Ross (Motown)-7 (1 week at #1) (#2)
2 1 WAR –•– Edwin Starr (Gordy)-11 (#3)
3 5 LOOKIN’ OUT MY BACK DOOR / LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT –•– Creedence Clearwater Revival (Fantasy)-7 (#4)
4 6 PATCHES –•– Clarence Carter (Atlantic)-10 (#1)
5 7 JULIE, DO YA LOVE ME –•– Bobby Sherman (Metromedia)-8 (#5)
6 4 25 OR 6 TO 4 –•– Chicago (Columbia)-9 (#6)
7 3 IN THE SUMMERTIME –•– Mungo Jerry (Janus)-11 (#8)
8 8 (They Long To Be) CLOSE TO YOU –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-14 (#52)
9 11 CANDIDA –•– Dawn (Bell)-9 (#7)
10 9 MAKE IT WITH YOU –•– Bread (Elektra)-15 (#32)

11 12 DON’T PLAY THAT SONG –•– Aretha Franklin with the Dixie Flyers (Atlantic)-7 (#10)
12 22 CRACKLIN’ ROSIE –•– Neil Diamond (Uni)-5 (#9)
13 14 SNOWBIRD –•– Anne Murray (Capitol)-10 (#14)
14 16 (I Know) I’M LOSING YOU –•– Rare Earth (Rare Earth)-8 (#12)
15 15 I (Who Have Nothing) –•– Tom Jones (Parrot)-5 (#11)
16 10 SPILL THE WINE –•– Eric Burdon and War (MGM)-18 (#17)
17 20 GROOVY SITUATION –•– Gene Chandler (Mercury)-11 (#16)
18 18 RUBBER DUCKIE –•– Ernie (Columbia)-6 (#15)
19 13 SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I’m Yours) –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-13 (#56)
20 26 ALL RIGHT NOW –•– Free (A&M)-6 (#24)

21 17 HAND ME DOWN WORLD –•– The Guess Who (RCA)-10 (#13)
22 19 HI-DE-HO –•– Blood, Sweat, and Tears (Columbia)-8 (#21)
23 21 SOLITARY MAN –•– Neil Diamond (Bang)-21 (#20)
24 23 (If You Let Me Make Love To You Then) WHY CAN’T I TOUCH YOU –•– Ronnie Dyson (Columbia)-14 (#62)
25 25 IT’S A SHAME –•– The Spinners (V.I.P.)-9 (#18)
26 39 EXPRESS YOURSELF –•– Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Warner Brothers)-6 (#29)
27 29 NEANDERTHAL MAN –•– Hotlegs (Capitol)-5 (#23)
28 30 JOANNE –•– Michael Nesmith and the First National Band (RCA)-7 (#19)
29 27 EVERYBODY’S GOT THE RIGHT TO LOVE –•– The Supremes (Motown)-10 (#15)
30 31 LONG LONG TIME –•– Linda Ronstadt (Capitol)-6 (Not on Chart)

31 33 CLOSER TO HOME –•– Grand Funk Railroad (Capitol)-6 (#34)
32 34 PEACE WILL COME (According To Plan) / STOP I DON’T WANNA’ HEAR IT ANYMORE –•– Melanie (Buddah)-5 (#22)
33 35 OUT IN THE COUNTRY –•– Three Dog Night (Dunhill)-4 (#25)
34 52 LOOK WHAT THEY’VE DONE TO MY SONG MA –•– The New Seekers (Elektra)-3 (#35)
35 45 INDIANA WANTS ME –•– R. Dean Taylor (Rare Earth)-3 (#36)
36 40 LOLA –•– The Kinks (Reprise)-4 (#46)
37 43 THAT’S WHERE I WENT WRONG –•– The Poppy Family Featuring Susan Jacks (London)-7 (#27)
38 38 EVERYTHING’S TUESDAY –•– The Chairmen Of the Board (Invictus)-8 (#37)
39 46 GREEN-EYED LADY –•– Sugarloaf (Liberty)-6 (#47)
40 — I’LL BE THERE –•– Jackson 5 (Motown)-1 (#28)

September 1974 - still a little awkward

Disco and all that came with it weren't dominating the chart yet, so we still had the combination of early 80's A/C of Cat Stephens, the Osmonds, Helen Reddy, and Tony Orlando alongside some country, funk, and R&B. 

But oddest was the 3rd and final Cheech and chong hit which features a young man listening to a rather standard 70's hard rock record being interrupted by his dad who proceeds to berate him and smack him around.

Next oddest was a largely spoken-word novelty record about marijuana (Wildwood Weed), plus a Guess Who record featuring a current DJ.

Another odd record was "Rub it In," a Jimmy Buffett-style record that would fit in very well on today's country charts, I think, but at the time seemed rather racy.  These all fared better on the top 40 than... It's Only Rock and Roll by the Stones.

The next few weeks would be among the oddest in chart history and song after song would climb to #1 and then drop straight out of the top 10.  Of the top 14 records, a full 9 spent at least 1 week at #1 ultimately.

First or last hits?  None that I know

Favorite:  I Honestly Love You


1 2 I SHOT THE SHERIFF –•– Eric Clapton (RSO)-10 (1 week at #1)
2 1 (You’re) HAVING MY BABY –•– Paul Anka (with Odia Coates) (United Artists)-11
3 4 ROCK ME GENTLY –•– Andy Kim (Capitol)-13
4 5 I’M LEAVING IT (All) UP TO YOU –•– Donny and Marie Osmond (MGM / Curb)-11
5 6 CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOUR LOVE, BABE –•– Barry White (20th Century)-7
6 7 NOTHING FROM NOTHING –•– Billy Preston (A&M)-10
7 3 TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD –•– Rufus (ABC)-14
8 10 THEN CAME YOU –•– Dionne Warwick and the Spinners (Atlantic)-8
9 9 YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-14
10 13 CLAP FOR THE WOLFMAN –•– The Guess Who (RCA)-9

11 15 YOU HAVEN’T DONE NOTHIN –•– Stevie Wonder (Tamla)-7
12 19 I HONESTLY LOVE YOU –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-5
13 12 HANG ON IN THERE BABY –•– Johnny Bristol (MGM)-12
14 8 THE NIGHT CHICAGO DIED –•– Paper Lace (Mercury)-14
15 27 ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT –•– Cat Stevens (A&M)-7
16 20 BEACH BABY –•– First Class (UK)-9
17 17 IT’S ONLY ROCK ‘N ROLL (But I Like It) –•– The Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones)-7
18 22 SWEET HOME ALABAMA –•– Lynyrd Skynyrd (MCA)-8
19 23 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE –•– Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (ABC)-8
20 21 LET’S PUT IT ALL TOGETHER –•– The Stylistics (Avco)-8

21 11 FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE –•– Roberta Flack (Atlantic)-13
22 16 RUB IT IN –•– Billy “Crash” Craddock (ABC)-12
23 30 EARACHE MY EYE (Featuring Alice Bowie) –•– Cheech and Chong (Ode)-6
24 24 FREE MAN IN PARIS –•– Joni Mitchell (Asylum)-8
25 14 WILD THING –•– Fancy (Big Tree)-14
26 32 CAN’T GET ENOUGH –•– Bad Company (Swan Song)-5
27 33 NEVER MY LOVE –•– Blue Swede (EMI)-4
28 35 YOU LITTLE TRUSTMAKER –•– The Tymes (RCA)-5
29 29 I LOVE MY FRIEND –•– Charlie Rich (Epic)-7
30 18 WILDWOOD WEED –•– Jim Stafford (MGM)-11

31 39 STEPPIN’ OUT (Gonna Boogie Tonight) –•– Tony Orlando and Dawn (Bell)-4
32 40 STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-4
33 45 SKIN TIGHT –•– The Ohio Players (Mercury)-2
34 31 KEEP ON SMILIN’ –•– Wet Willie (Capricorn)-17
35 26 DON’T CHANGE HORSES (In the Middle Of the Stream) –•– The Tower Of Power (Warner Brothers)-9
36 25 PLEASE COME TO BOSTON –•– Dave Loggins (Epic)-16
37 28 SIDESHOW –•– Blue Magic (Atco)-18
38 36 ONE HELL OF A WOMAN –•– Mac Davis (Columbia)-25
39 57 JAZZMAN –•– Carole King (Ode)-3
40 44 DO IT BABY –•– The Miracles (Tamla)-4

September 1983 -- She's a Maniac!

A couple weeks ahead of the chart played last year -- this one catches Michael Sembello at #1 with yet another soundtrack song from the era.

Chart notables: The Police had the last 8-week run at #1 until 1992.  Michael Jackson became the first artist to have 5 top 10's from one album -- it went on to crush the record with 7 top 10's.  "Sweet Dreams" waited 5 weeks at #2 before hitting #1 for one week.

On the other end is the last hit by 50's icon Paul Anka, backed up by Peter Cetera.  The version they played was not the original, though strangely Cetera's vocals sounded like the original.  Ither last hit was Little River Band, who were never huge, but had a song in the top 100 of the year each year 1977-1983.

Lots of first hits, but not many went on to long careers, except the Eurythmics.

Favorite: Total Eclipse of the Heart

1 2 MANIAC –•– Michael Sembello (Casablanca)-15 (1 week at #1) (1)
2 1 SWEET DREAMS (Are Made Of This) –•– The Eurythmics (RCA)-18 (1)
3 6 THE SAFETY DANCE –•– Men Without Hats (Backstreet)-12 (3)
4 4 PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ –•– Taco (RCA)-12 (4)
5 7 TELL HER ABOUT IT –•– Billy Joel (Columbia)-7 (5)
6 3 EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE –•– The Police (A&M)-15 (1)
7 5 SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY –•– Donna Summer (Mercury)-16 (3)
8 15 TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART –•– Bonnie Tyler (Columbia)-9 (8)
9 10 HUMAN NATURE –•– Michael Jackson (Epic)-8 (9)
10 9 I’LL TUMBLE 4 YA –•– Culture Club (Virgin)-11 (9)

11 13 DON’T CRY –•– Asia (Geffen)-7 (11)
12 11 (Keep Feeling) FASCINATION –•– The Human League (A&M)-16 (8)
13 14 LAWYERS IN LOVE –•– Jackson Browne (Asylum)-10 (13)
14 17 (She’s) SEXY + 17 –•– The Stray Cats (EMI-America)-6 (14)
15 18 MAKING LOVE OUT OF NOTHING AT ALL –•– Air Supply (Arista)-7 (15)
16 8 IT’S A MISTAKE –•– Men At Work (Columbia)-11 (6)
17 22 FAR FROM OVER –•– Frank Stallone (RSO)-7 (17)
18 20 HUMAN TOUCH –•– Rick Springfield (RCA)-10 (18)
19 21 PROMISES, PROMISES –•– Naked Eyes (EMI-America)-9 (19)
20 23 HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU –•– Laura Branigan (Atlantic)-11 (20)

21 25 KING OF PAIN –•– The Police (A&M)-3 (21)
22 24 TRUE –•– Spandau Ballet (Chrysalis)-6 (22)
23 12 CHINA GIRL –•– David Bowie (EMI-America)-15 (10)
24 16 STAND BACK –•– Stevie Nicks (Modern)-15 (5)
25 26 DEAD GIVEAWAY –•– Shalamar (Solar)-12 (25)
26 19 TAKE ME TO HEART –•– Quarterflash (Geffen)-13 (14)
27 30 DON’T YOU GET SO MAD –•– Jeffrey Osborne (A&M)-9 (27)
28 32 KISS THE BRIDE –•– Elton John (Geffen)-6 (28)
29 27 HOT GIRLS IN LOVE –•– Loverboy (Columbia)-14 (11)
30 33 LADY LOVE ME (One More Time) –•– George Benson (Warner Brothers)-8 (30)

31 35 TELL HER NO –•– Juice Newton (Capitol)-5 (31)
32 34 BIG LOG –•– Robert Plant (Es Paranza)-6 (32)
33 39 BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE –•– The Talking Heads (Sire)-7 (33)
34 43 ISLANDS IN THE STREAM –•– Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton (RCA)-3 (34)
35 36 YOU’RE DRIVING ME OUT OF MY MIND –•– The Little River Band (Capitol)-8 (35)
36 38 TONIGHT, I CELEBRATE MY LOVE –•– Peabo Bryson / Roberta Flack (Capitol)-10 (36)
37 41 TELEFONE (Long Distance Love Affair) –•– Sheena Easton (EMI-America)-4 (37)
38 45 ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER –•– The Fixx (MCA)-3 (38)
39 28 AFTER THE FALL –•– Journey (Columbia)-10 (23)
40 40 HOLD ME ‘TIL THE MORNIN’ COMES –•– Paul Anka (Columbia)-13 (40)

September 1987 -- Say hello to Debbie and Richard

Two weeks after a chart played last year, this is still quite the mix of very good to awful, including many by popular artists.  New, good songs by Levert, Expose', John Mellencamp, and Alexander O'Neal tip this one better than the earlier one.

Notable only hit:  Grateful Dead

Is it a duet?  The MJ duet with Siedah Garrett, one of the hardest records to tell who is who that I've ever heard!

Last hits:  Smokey Robinson & ABC (ironically, with a tribute record to Smokey), Dionne Warwick, and the Whispers, all artists I generally liked.

First hits: Debbie Gibson, Richard Marx

Favorites:  Bananarama, though Whitney's is one of my favorites by her.

1 1 LA BAMBA –•– Los Lobos – 11 (1)
2 6 I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU –•– Michael Jackson & Siedah Garrett – 5 (2)
3 2 WHO’S THAT GIRL –•– Madonna – 9 (1)
4 5 ONLY IN MY DREAMS –•– Debbie Gibson – 18 (4)
5 8 DIDN’T WE ALMOST HAVE IT ALL –•– Whitney Houston – 6 (5)
6 3 DON’T MEAN NOTHING –•– Richard Marx – 13 (3)
7 10 CAN’T WE TRY –•– Dan Hill & Vonda Shepard – 14 (7)
8 15 HERE I GO AGAIN –•– Whitesnake – 10 (8)
9 7 ROCK STEADY –•– The Whispers – 14 (7)
10 14 DOING IT ALL FOR MY BABY –•– Huey Lewis & The News – 8 (10)

11 16 WHEN SMOKEY SINGS –•– ABC – 10 (11)
12 12 LOVE POWER –•– Dionne Warwick & Jeffrey Osborne – 9 (12)
13 4 LUKA –•– Suzanne Vega – 14 (3)
14 9 IT’S NOT OVER (‘TIL IT’S OVER) –•– Starship – 11 (9)
15 19 TOUCH OF GREY –•– Grateful Dead – 7 (15)
16 20 WIPE OUT –•– Fat Boys & Beach Boys – 9 (16)
17 21 I HEARD A RUMOUR –•– Bananarama – 8 (17)
18 24 I NEED LOVE –•– L.L. Cool J. – 6 (18)
19 13 I WANT YOUR SEX –•– George Michael – 14 (2)
20 25 WHO FOUND WHO –•– Jellybean Featuring Elisa Fiorillo – 9 (20)

21 30 LOST IN EMOTION –•– Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam – 6 (21)
22 31 CARRIE –•– Europe – 6 (22)
23 26 MARY’S PRAYER –•– Danny Wilson – 14 (23)
24 29 ONE HEARTBEAT –•– Smokey Robinson – 8 (24)
25 11 I STILL HAVEN’T FOUND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR –•– U2 – 13 (1)
26 17 LIVING IN A BOX –•– Living In A Box – 12 (17)
27 27 LIES –•– Jonathan Butler – 11 (27)
28 18 HEART AND SOUL –•– T’Pau – 19 (4)
29 35 U GOT THE LOOK –•– Prince – 6 (29)
30 33 JUMP START –•– Natalie Cole – 7 (30)

31 38 WHO WILL YOU RUN TO –•– Heart – 4 (31)
32 37 PAPER IN FIRE –•– John Cougar Mellencamp – 4 (32)
33 23 GIVE TO LIVE –•– Sammy Hagar – 12 (23)
34 45 CASANOVA –•– Levert – 4 (34)
35 39 NAME (A SONG FOR MISSY) –•– Off Restriction – 8 (35)
36 47 LET ME BE THE ONE –•– Expose – 4 (36)
37 22 BACK IN THE HIGH LIFE AGAIN –•– Steve Winwood – 15 (13)
38 28 CROSS MY BROKEN HEART –•– The Jets – 14 (7)
39 48 NEVER LET ME DOWN –•– David Bowie – 5 (39)
40 46 FAKE –•– Alexander O’Neal – 7 (40)

September 1975 -- Rhinestones

Only a couple months ago, they played a 1975 chart when the top 2, both long time favorites of mine, were still climbing.  It's also right around my earliest memories of listening to music, and there was Glen Campbell at #1.  Very fond memories of childhood.  Casey emphasized how this was the 4th #1 country hit to top the pop charts this year, for the first time since the 50's.

The top 6 are all good, and #8 was interesting as it contains a prominent vulgarity you still can't say on TV, and there was no apparent attempt to edit it.  

Casey made the joke that Ambrosia was "holding on" at #17, and he talked about how the Pointer Sisters had already been #1 on the R&B charts.  This was only their third top 40 hit, and they had 7 top 10's to come, but never again hit #1 R&B.

Prominent first or last hits: none

Best songs -- the top 2!  Honors to Glen Campbell this week.

1 3 RHINESTONE COWBOY –•– Glen Campbell (Capitol)-15 (1 week at #1)
2 2 FALLIN’ IN LOVE –•– Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds (Playboy)-12
3 1 GET DOWN TONIGHT –•– K.C. and the Sunshine Band (T.K.)-9
4 7 AT SEVENTEEN –•– Janis Ian (Columbia)-13
5 5 HOW SWEET IT IS (To Be Loved By You) –•– James Taylor (Warner Brothers)-12
6 6 JIVE TALKIN’ –•– The Bee Gees (RSO)-15
7 11 FAME –•– David Bowie (RCA)-11
8 10 FIGHT THE POWER (Part 1) –•– The Isley Brothers (T-Neck)-12
9 12 COULD IT BE MAGIC –•– Barry Manilow (Arista)-11
10 4 ONE OF THESE NIGHTS –•– The Eagles (Asylum)-15

11 13 WASTED DAYS AND WASTED NIGHTS –•– Freddy Fender (ABC / Dot)-12
12 14 FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE –•– Bad Company (Swan Song)-10
13 15 THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD –•– Earth, Wind and Fire (Columbia)-10
14 16 BALLROOM BLITZ –•– Sweet (Capitol)-13
15 20 I’M SORRY / CALYPSO –•– John Denver (RCA)-4
16 18 THIRD RATE ROMANCE –•– The Amazing Rhythm Aces (ABC)-12
17 17 HOLDIN’ ON TO YESTERDAY –•– Ambrosia (20th Century)-13
18 8 SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT –•– Elton John (MCA)-10
19 23 RUN JOEY RUN –•– David Geddes (Big Tree)-6
20 21 TUSH –•– ZZ Top (London)-8

21 26 SOLITAIRE –•– The Carpenters (A&M)-6
22 24 BLACK SUPERMAN / MUHAMMAD ALI –•– Johnny Wakelin and the Kinshasa Band (Pye)-24
23 25 I BELIEVE THERE’S NOTHING STRONGER THAN OUR LOVE –•– Paul Anka with Odia Coates (United Artists)-7
24 27 DAISY JANE –•– America (Warner Brothers)-8
25 28 DANCE WITH ME –•– Orleans (Asylum)-8
26 29 FEELINGS –•– Morris Albert (RCA)-12
27 30 THE PROUD ONE –•– The Osmonds (Kolob)-7
28 34 AIN’T NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY –•– Helen Reddy (Capitol)-5
29 32 HOW LONG (Betcha’ Got a Chick On the Side) –•– The Pointer Sisters (ABC / Blue Thumb)-8
30 9 WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS –•– War (United Aritsts)-19

31 35 IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE –•– Tavares (Capitol)-7
32 19 LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER –•– The Captain and Tennille (A&M)-21
33 38 ROCKY –•– Austin Roberts (Private Shock)-8
34 39 THEY JUST CAN’T STOP IT THE (Games People Play) –•– The Spinners (Atlantic)-5
35 42 GONE AT LAST –•– Paul Simon and Phoebe Snow (Columbia)-4
36 22 HELP ME RHONDA –•– Johnny Rivers (Epic / Soul City)-9
37 31 PLEASE MR. PLEASE –•– Olivia Newton-John (MCA)-14
38 45 BRAZIL –•– The Ritchie Family (20th Century)-6
39 33 TWO FINE PEOPLE –•– Cat Stevens (A&M)-8
40 50 GIVE IT WHAT YOU GOT / PEACE PIPE –•– B.T. Express (Roadshow)-5