Stalking! Day 5!

This week, the week of July 25-July 29, 2016, we'll look at songs from men who wouldn't take no for an answer!

We call it:  "Stalkers!"

July 29, 2016

On the surface these songs sound like a man just longing for the woman he loves...or reciting all the ways they can be good together.

Underneath?  Well...oh....and sometimes women can get in on the act too!

Barely getting into the top 25 in 1979 "One Way or Another" by Blondie is actually about one of Debbie Harry's exes so it still fits the men stalking women theme!

~ Glenn

Stalking! Day 4!

This week, the week of July 25-July 29, 2016, we'll look at songs from men who wouldn't take no for an answer!

We call it:  "Stalkers!"

July 28, 2016

On the surface these songs sound like a man just longing for the woman he loves...or reciting all the ways they can be good together.

Underneath?  Well...

Released in 1968 by The Vogues, "Turn Around, Look At Me" reached number 7 that year and was the most successful version of the song which was originally released by Glen Campbell in 1962.

~ Glenn

Stalking! Day 3!

This week, the week of July 25-July 29, 2016, we'll look at songs from men who wouldn't take no for an answer!

We call it:  "Stalkers!"

July 27, 2016

On the surface these songs sound like a man just longing for the woman he loves...or reciting all the ways they can be good together.

Underneath?  Well...

1984's "Obsession" was a remake by the group Animotion of a song released just one year earlier.

It went to number six that year.  The group avoided one hit wonder status when their next song "Let Him Go" cracked the top 40 in 1985.

~ Glenn

Stalking! Day 2!

This week, the week of July 25-July 29, 2016, we'll look at songs from men who wouldn't take no for an answer!

We call it:  "Stalkers!"

July 26, 2016

On the surface these songs sound like a man just longing for the woman he loves...or reciting all the ways they can be good together.

Underneath?  Well...

"Every Breath You Take" sat in the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks in its release year of 1983.  A spot The Police never got to again.

~ Glenn

Stalking! Day 1!

This week, the week of July 25-July 29, 2016, we'll look at songs from men who wouldn't take no for an answer!

We call it:  "Stalkers!"

July 25, 2016

On the surface these songs sound like a man just longing for the woman he loves...or reciting all the ways they can be good together.

Underneath?  Well...

Another (18th) number one on the country charts for Ronnie Milsap, "(There's) No Getting Over Me" proved a cross-over hit also when it got to number five on the Billboard pop charts in August of 1981.

~ Glenn

This week in 1962! Day 5!

This week, the week of July 11-July 15, 2016, we'll countdown the top five songs this week in 1962!

We call it:  "1962!"

July 15, 2016

Sitting at humber on this week for the first of four consecutive weeks in 1962 was the first big hit for the Polish Prince, Bobby Vinton.

The first of four number songs "Roses are Red (My Love)" kickstarted a long career that saw Vinton continue to chart in the top ten through the mid 1970's.

~ Glenn

This week in 1962! Day 4!

This week, the week of July 11-July 15, 2016, we'll countdown the top five songs this week in 1962!

We call it:  "1962!"

July 14, 2016

At number two this week in 1962 is the song that was number one the week before.

"The Stripper" was written and recorded four years earlier in 1958 by David Rose and pulled out by the record company to be the "B" side of a remake of"Ebb Tide" in 1962.

~ Glenn

This week in 1962! Day 3!

This week, the week of July 11-July 15, 2016, we'll countdown the top five songs this week in 1962!

We call it:  "1962!"

July 13, 2016

At number three this week in 1962 was an R&B remake of a country song.

The original Don Gibson version, released in 1958, went to number 7 on the US Country charts and cracked the Hot 100 at #81.

That same year a version by Kitty Wells went to number 3 on the Country charts.

Ray Charles version went all the way to number one on multiple charts in many countries.

~ Glenn

This week in 1962! Day 2!

This week, the week of July 11-July 15, 2016, we'll countdown the top five songs this week in 1962!

We call it:  "1962!"

July 12, 2016

Number four this date in 1962 was the first top five hit for this Philadelphia based group The Orlons.

"The Wah-Watusi" went as high as number two in 1962 and for the first of three straight top five hits for the group.

It was also their highest charting single.

~ Glenn

This week in 1962! Day 1!

This week, the week of July 11-July 15, 2016, we'll countdown the top five songs this week in 1962!

We call it:  "1962!"

July 11, 2016

Number five this date in 1962 was a remake of a single released two years earlier.

Peaking at number 3, "Sealed With a Kiss" was Brian Hyland's second top five hit.  Coming two years after his chart topping "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini".

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs, Pt 2! ~ Day 5!

This week, the week of June 27-July 1, 2016, we'll continue our song songs theme!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs, Pt 2!"

July 1, 2016

Sunshine, hot weather, vacations...

It is summer time...let's turn up the heat!

"Cruel Summer", recorded and released by Bananarma in 1983, hit the top ten in the native UK and then found success stateside after its inclusion in the film "The Karate Kid" when it reached #9 in 1984.

That's it for this week kids!  Enjoy your weekend (and your long, Independence Day holiday if you are in the US) and we'll have a new theme and more midday musical interludes next week!


~ Glenn

Solstice Songs, Pt 2! ~ Day 4!

This week, the week of June 27-July 1, 2016, we'll continue our song songs theme!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs, Pt 2!"

June 30, 2016

Sunshine, hot weather, vacations...

It is summer time...let's turn up the heat!

"Summer in the City" was released by The Lovin' Spoonful in 1966 and held the number one spot on the Billboard chart for three weeks in August of that year.

Wanted to add this double shot just because I love both songs!

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs, Pt 2! ~ Day 3!

This week, the week of June 27-July 1, 2016, we'll continue our song songs theme!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs, Pt 2!"

June 29, 2016

Sunshine, hot weather, vacations...

It is summer time...and sometimes that means the heartache or memories.

The first single of The Motels' 1983 Album "Little Robbers", "Suddenly Last Summer" was the bands second (and final) foray into the top ten on the Billboard charts reaching #9 in November of 1983.

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs, Pt 2! ~ Day 2!

This week, the week of June 27-July 1, 2016, we'll continue our song songs theme!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs, Pt 2!"

June 28, 2016

Sunshine, hot weather, vacations...

It is summer time...and sometimes that means love!

"Summer Nights" made it all the way to #5 on the US charts and topped the chart in the UK.

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs, Pt 2! ~ Day 1!

This week, the week of June 27-July 1, 2016, we'll continue our song songs theme!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs, Pt 2!"

June 27, 2016

Sunshine, hot weather, vacations...

It is summer time!

"Vacation" was the title track of the Go-Go's 1982 album and followed "We've Got the Beat" (which peaked at #2) into the top ten that year, reaching #8.

The group only managed two more top 40 hits after.

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs! ~ Day 5!

This week, the week of June 20-24, 2016, we'll look at the start of summer!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs!"

June 24, 2016

This week starts with the longest day of the year (sunshine wise in the northern hemisphere where I am) and starts the long, slow, movement toward winter.

Let's enjoy the sunshine!

If "Sunshine Day" and "Keep On Dancing" by the Brady Bunch doesn't get you in the summertime mood I can't help any more this week!

Have a great weekend everyone!

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs! ~ Day 4!

This week, the week of June 20-24, 2016, we'll look at the start of summer!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs!"

June 23, 2016

This week starts with the longest day of the year (sunshine wise in the northern hemisphere where I am) and starts the long, slow, movement toward winter.

Let's enjoy the sunshine!

UK group Mungo Jerry went to number three in the US in September of 1970 with "In The Summertime" for their only top 100 hit here.

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs! ~ Day 3!

This week, the week of June 20-24, 2016, we'll look at the start of summer!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs!"

June 22, 2016

This week starts with the longest day of the year (sunshine wise in the northern hemisphere where I am) and starts the long, slow, movement toward winter.

Let's enjoy the sunshine!

Blue Cheer's version of "Summertime Blues" was released ten years after Eddie Cochran's 1958 original, reaching #14.  (The original went  to #8.)

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs! ~ Day 2!

This week, the week of June 20-24, 2016, we'll look at the start of summer!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs!"

June 21, 2016

This week starts with the longest day of the year (sunshine wise in the northern hemisphere where I am) and starts the long, slow, movement toward winter.

Let's enjoy the sunshine!

"Summertime, Summertime" was a hit TWICE for The Jamies...but their only hit!

It reached #26 in 1958 and then #38 when re-released in 1962!

~ Glenn

Solstice Songs! ~ Day 1!

This week, the week of June 20-24, 2016, we'll look at the start of summer!

We call it:  "Solstice Songs!"

June 20, 2016

This week starts with the longest day of the year (sunshine wise in the northern hemisphere where I am) and starts the long, slow, movement toward winter.

Let's enjoy the sunshine!

One my personal, all-time favorite Monkee's songs!

"The Door Into Summer", released in 1967 on the "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones LTD" LP is less a ballad to the fun days ahead as a look back at missed opportunities given up in the pursuit of more materialistic things.

Here is a "cleaner" version than the one in the show.

~ Glenn

Hitting the road! ~ Day 5!

his week, the week of June 13-17, 2016, we'll look at music to drive to!

We call it:  "Hitting the road!"

June 16, 2016

Even in these days of rising gas prices and more and more cars on the road there is still a thrill in opening the windows and turning the radio up and just driving.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

"Free Ride" was a top 15 hit for the Edgar Winter Group in 1973!

Thanks for dropping by!

New theme and five new songs next week!

~ Glenn

Hitting the road! ~ Day 4!

This week, the week of June 13-17, 2016, we'll look at music to drive to!

We call it:  "Hitting the road!"

June 15, 2016

Even in these days of rising gas prices and more and more cars on the road there is still a thrill in opening the windows and turning the radio up and just driving.

Let's keep it with the easy, summer cruising sounds from yesterday with this top five hit from (ironically) Autumn of 1969.

If you play the video you get a two-fer there from Sly & The Family Stone.  

"Hot Fun in the Summertime", which hit #2 on the billboard Hot 100 on October 18, 1969 and "I Want To Take You Higher" which was the "B" side (look it up kids) to another top 25 hit "Stand" in May of 1969.

~ Glenn

Hitting the road! ~ Day 3!

This week, the week of June 13-17, 2016, we'll look at music to drive to!

We call it:  "Hitting the road!"

June 14, 2016

Even in these days of rising gas prices and more and more cars on the road there is still a thrill in opening the windows and turning the radio up and just driving.

Not every song to drive to is a pulse pounding rock song.

Sometimes you just want to go out for a nice leisurely cruise....

"Groovin'" was The Young Rascals' second number song, topping the charts in May of 1967.

The group followed it up with two more top ten songs that year and last hit the hot 100 in 1968.

~ Glenn

"Hitting the road! ~ Day 2!

This week, the week of June 13-17, 2016, we'll look at music to drive to!

We call it:  "Hitting the road!"

June 14, 2016

Even in these days of rising gas prices and more and more cars on the road there is still a thrill in opening the windows and turning the radio up and just driving.

Today's entry didn't hit the Hot 100 even though the title track from the album it was on did go all the way to #23 in October of 1977.

"Too Hot To Handle" by UFO was the first track on the "Lights Out" album and features the guitar work of Michael Shencker (formerly joined the Scorpions at the age of 17) who was all of 21 at the time.

He left the band the following year.

~ Glenn

"Hitting the road!" ~ Day 1!

This week, the week of June 13-17, 2016, we'll look at music to drive to!

We call it:  "Hitting the road!"

June 13, 2016

Even in these days of rising gas prices and more and more cars on the road there is still a thrill in opening the windows and turning the radio up and just driving.

A top five hit in 1968, Deep Purples' version of "Hush" kicks off the week!

One of two songs to reach number four for the band it barely cracked the top 100 in their native UK.

~ Glenn

They can sing AND act! Day 5!

This week, the week of June 6-10, 2016, we'll look at television actors who crossed over and had hit songs!

We call it:  "They can sing AND act!"

June 10, 2016

Our last actor turned hit song maker is kind of a cheat as he was a singer long before coming to America to act.

Rick Springfield played as a solo act and as a group member in Australia a decade before coming to America and landing a role on "General Hospital".  During that time he even managed to chart a few singles:

"Speak to the Sky" ~ #14, October 1972

"American Girls" ~ #98, July 1974

"Take a Hand" ~ #41, October 1976

His exposure on the popular soap opera however helped him to his first number hit "Jesse's Girl".

Fourteen more top 20 hits followed throughout the decade of the 80's.

That is it for this week kids!

Next week a new theme and five new entries! 

Thanks for stopping in!

~ Glenn

They can sing AND act! Day 4!

This week, the week of June 6-10, 2016, we'll look at television actors who crossed over and had hit songs!

We call it:  "They can sing AND act!"

June 9, 2016

Today's entry features another star who made it on television and in the movies.

After bursting to fame on Saturday Night Live in the early 80's Eddie Murphy found success on film AND in the studio when, with some help from Rick James, he reached number two with "Party All The Time" in December of 1985.

Murphy avoided the one hit wonder tag when he returned to the charts four years later cracking the top 30 with "Put Your Mouth on Me". (#27, September, 1989)

~ Glenn

They can sing AND act! Day 3!

This week, the week of June 6-10, 2016, we'll look at television actors who crossed over and had hit songs!

We call it:  "They can sing AND act!"

June 8, 2016

We tend to think of the star using his fame (and ego) to try and sing as a new thing in pop culture.

But back in the early days of television Ricky Nelson turned his (real life) part as the son of Ozzie and Harriet into a string of hits.

In 1958 he had his  first number one with "Poor Little Fool".

Nelson had four more top ten songs over the next three years and another three in the top forty and a long career as a singer before passing away in a plane accident on New Years Eve, 1985.

Nelson's last top 40 hit, "Garden Party", is a personal favorite so I wanted to share it also.

~ Glenn

They can sing AND act! Day 2!

This week, the week of June 6-10, 2016, we'll look at television actors who crossed over and had hit songs!

We call it:  "They can sing AND act!"

June 7, 2016

Today's television star also reached the top 10 on the charts with his initial release.

Just two years into his starring role on "Miami Vice" Don Johnson released the album "Heartbeat" and saw the title song hit number five on October 18, 1986.

A second song, "Heartache Away" reached number 56 in December of 1986.  A second album failed to have the same success.

~ Glenn

They can sing AND act! Day 1!

This week, the week of June 6-10, 2016, we'll look at television actors who crossed over and had hit songs!

We call it:  "They can sing AND act!"

June 6, 2016

Today's entry released two albums in the 80's while riding high on his television stardom...which also lead to major motion picture stardom also!

Hit hit the Hot 100 three times but it was the first time that netted him his highest charted single reaching number five in March of 1987:

"Respect Yourself" was followed on the charts by "Young Blood" (#68, May, 1987) and "Under the Boardwalk" (#59, July, 1987).  After that Bruce Willis charted no more...but he seems to have been okay with the acting thing.

~ Glenn

Top 10: 1974 #2 and #1

This week, the week of May 30-June 3, 2016, we'll look at the top 10 hits of 1974!

We call it:  "1974!"

June 3, 2016

Coming in at #2 is the sole top 40 hit for Terry Jacks.

Recorded in 1973 after the Beach Boys recorded a version with Jacks producing but decided to not use it.  Jacks' version reached number one in March of 1974 and spent 21 weeks on the charts.

Finally the number one song of all of 1974!

Hitting the top of the chart in February of 1974 "The Way We Were" was the title song from the movie of the same name starring Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford.  It was also Streisand's first number one single, spending three non-consecutive weeks there.

And that's another week!

Have a great weekend and there will be a new list next week!

~ Glenn

Top 10: 1974 #4 and #3

This week, the week of May 30-June 3, 2016, we'll look at the top 10 hits of 1974!

We call it:  "1974!"

June 2, 2016

The #4 song for the year reach number and spent 18 weeks in the top 40 alone.

Native America group Redbone members wrote and produced the song which was the group's second and final top 40 hit.

At #3 is the only instrumental on the list.

"Love's Theme", performed by Barry White & Love Unlimited Orchestra reached number one in February of 1974 and remained on the charts for 22 weeks.  It was also the second and final top 40 hit for this group.

~ Glenn 

Top 10: 1974 #6 and #5

This week, the week of May 30-June 3, 2016, we'll look at the top 10 hits of 1974!

We call it:  "1974!"

June 1, 2016

The #6 song for the year hit the Billboard top five three different times in three different decades...twice going to number one.

Grand Funk's remake of the Little Eva hit from 1962 duplicated her chart topping success while he Kylie Minouge version only went to number three in 1988.

At #5 is a song recorded in 1973 but released as a single in 1974 and marked a return to the top ten for the Jackson Five.

"Dancing Machine" only reached number two it spent an amazing 22 weeks on the chart.


(While doing this list I saw where this song was also listed as the number three song for the year, but I stuck with the original list I was using.)

~ Glenn