Disc 3 of 25. This disc contains singles that peaked on the charts between August 1970 - August 1971. This contains mostly top 10 singles from that time (a rarity for this series) and ends with a single that never charted (also a rarity for this series). More than a few one-hit wonders on this compilation, which completely falls apart during the final third of the disc. I'm familiar with a few of these songs, but I wasn't listening to much radio at the time unless my parents had it on in the station wagon.
Tracks:
- Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) - Melanie With The Edward Hawkins Singers: Peaked at #6 in July 1970.
A strong late '60s gospel vibe written about Woodstock. Melanie's Joplinesque vocals aren't great, but they're better here than on Brand New Key. - Tighter, Tighter - Alive & Kicking: Peaked at #7 in August 1970.
Alive & Kicking was a one-hit wonder from Brooklyn. Written by Tommy James, it definitely has his sound to it. Not bad at all. With a definitive '70s groove, this probably would have been a hit in any of year of the '70s. - In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry: Peaked at #3 in September 1970.
If this isn't one of the most infectious summer singles ever, I don't know what is. This million-selling hit with the fun call-and-response vocals is so goofy you either love it or love to hate it. - Neanderthal Man - Hotlegs: Peaked at #22 in September 1970.
Never underestimate the power of the communal chant, even if you can't quite make out the lyrics. Legend has it that this was just a few guys messing around with a new 4 track recorder, simply a studio experiment. An interesting listen once or twice; I don't see how it became a hit. Hotlegs would eventually evolve into 10cc. - Green-Eyed Lady - Sugarloaf: Peaked at #3 in October 1970.
This song has had strong staying power over the years, mainly because it sounds like it was written for AOR FM radio, which was a rare animal in 1970. Great boogie shuffle bass line and organ work. - Indiana Wants Me - R. Dean Taylor: Peaked at #5 in November 1970.
Taylor is famous largely for being pretty much the only white guy to have a solo hit on Motown. A story song of a man wanted by the Indiana State Police (sirens, gunfire, and police radio samples included, unfortunately). It has a groove that reminds me of Mac Davis' Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me. I'll pass on this one. - I Think I Love You - The Partridge Family: Peaked at #1 in November 1970.
Classic baroque bubblegum pop. Very infectious. I won't name names, but this song is a favorite of more than one of my colleagues at work. I'll admit to enjoying it from time to time myself. - Montego Bay - Bobby Bloom: Peaked at #8 in November 1970.
As far as reggae goes, this is pretty lame. As a pop song, however, it's fantastic bubblegum concoction full of hooks. With a lyricless chorus, it's very easy to sing along with. - Gypsy Woman - Brian Hyland: Peaked at #3 in December 1970.
A bland cover of a 1961 tune written by Curtis Mayfield. - Amos Moses - Jerry Reed: Peaked at #8 in February 1971.
Hilariously bad novelty song about an alligator-poaching Cajun. Reed is smart enough to play the song for laughs. I'll pass, but I'm surprised this isn't the theme to the TV show Swamp People. - Julie, Do Ya Love Me - Bobby Sherman: Peaked at #5 in September 1970.
Yawn. - Fallin' Lady - Punch: Did not chart.
Not only didn't this song chart (it appeared on the Bubbling Under Chart at #110 in October, 1971), it doesn't even get a mention in the liner notes. That should tell you all you need to know.
Previously revisited for the blog:
| Volume 1 | Volume 2 |
| Volume 6 | Volume 9 |
| Volume 12 | Volume 16 |
| Volume 18 | Volume 19 |
| Volume 21 | Volume 22 |
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