Various Artists - Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 2 (1990)

A relatively recent addition to my collection, this disc contains singles that peaked on the charts between March and August 1970. An interesting grouping, most of the groups here originated outside the USA. Before hearing this disc, I was only familiar with 5 of the 12 tunes, but I was only 4 or 5 years old when they were on the radio.

Tracks:

• Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - Edison Lighthouse: Peaked at #5 in March 1970.
  A one-hit wonder, but the song sure has staying power - I hear it frequently on the oldies stations.
• Ma Belle Amie - The Tee Set: Peaked at #5 in March 1970.
  Not familiar with this song from a Dutch group that utilizes both French and English lyrics. Or I may have heard it before and forgotten it - it's a forgettable tune.
• Spirit In The Sky - Norman Greenbaum: Peaked at #3 in April 1970.
  A song from a Jewish artist about Jesus and the afterlife. Its got a catchy riff, though, and its hard not to sing along. Had a brief renewal in the '90s with the the movie Apollo 13. Interestingly, this song was included on the list of songs deemed 'questionable' by Clear Channel following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
• Reflections Of My Life - The Marmalade: Peaked at #10 in May 1970.
  Typical rock from the time. The verse is forgettable, but the chorus is catchy. Often noted for the guitar solo which was partially recorded backwards (done earlier, and better, by George Harrison).
• For The Love Of Him - Bobbi Martin: Peaked at #13 in May 1970.
  Not bad. Still holding on to a Petula Clark-ish '60s sound and a early '50s sentimentality. With lyrics like "Make him your reason for living, give all the love you can give him," I'm sure the feminists of the day were all over it.
• Little Green Bag - George Baker Selection: Peaked at #21 in May 1970.
  One the best songs on this disc and one of the better bass licks of its time. Man, that singer sounds just like Tom Jones. Sufficiently offbeat for an appearance in a Tarentino film (titles of Reservoir Dogs).
• Which Way You Goin' Billy? - The Poppy Family: Peaked at #2 in June 1970.
  Yawn. The Poppy Family included Terry Jacks who would later hit big with the mildy irritating Seasons In The Sun.
• My Baby Loves Lovin' - White Plains: Peaked at #13 in June 1970.
  Yeah she does. British bubblegum pop from a group that featured Tony Burrows, who also sang for Edison Lighthouse (see track 1).
• Hitchin' A Ride - Vanity Fare: Peaked at #5 in June 1970.
  I remembered the chorus of this benign hitchhiking song, but I didn't remember the use of recorders. Coincidentally, I may have been learning to play the recorder in pre-school around this time.
• United We Stand - The Brotherhood Of Man: Peaked at #13 in July 1970.
  You've heard this one before; it's been covered over 100 times. We Americans think it very patriotic which is ironic considering it is the work of a British songwriter. It is also used frequently by gay rights groups.
• Everything Is Beautiful - Ray Stevens: Peaked at #1 in May 1970.
  I prefer The Streak, but this is a catchy song which I'd probably enjoy more if I hadn't been forced to sing it ad nauseum in children's choirs in both church and school. Add a couple of upward modulations at the end (à la Barry Manilow) to keep the listeners' interest. Whee!
• Lay A Little Lovin' On Me - Robin McNamara: Peaked at #11 in August 1970.
  An inexplicable one-hit wonder. "Inexplicable" as in I can't figure out how this cracked the Top 40, much less went to #11. At the time this hit, McNamara was playing the lead in the Broadway production of Hair.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Volume 1
Volume 9
Volume 18
Volume 19
Volume 21