Song#: 0225
Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 74
Peak: 30
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Thanks to the demise of the physical single, a double-sided hit is now a thing of the past. When 45 singles ruled in the 50s and 60s, double-sided hits (where both the A and B-sides hit the chart either combined or separately) were not uncommon. By the 80s, they were a rare occurrence, but still happened. The first one of the 80s was this single from Clapton's live album "Just One Night." "Tulsa Time" was the A-side when it hit the chart, but within a couple of weeks the B-side of "Cocaine" proved just as popular and the songs were then listed as a combined entry on the chart. It continues to be one of his most enduring and popular songs.
ReduxReview: I have to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of live recordings. There are exceptions of course, but overall it is very difficult to capture the experience in a recording. To me, the highlight of seeing Clapton would be his guitar work because he's not necessarily an engaging performer nor a powerful vocalist and I think these two songs highlight that for me. They are obviously well-performed, but I'd rather either be their in the audience or hear the studio versions.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) This was the second time that the song "Cocaine" appeared as a B-side on a Clapton single. The original studio version of the song first appeared as the flip-side of his "Lay Down Sally" single (#3, 1978). 2) "Cocaine" was written by J.J. Cale and it originally appeared on his 1976 album "Troubadour," while "Tulsa Time" was originally recorded in 1978 by country artist Don Williams. It became his eighth #1 country hit.
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Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
"Let's Go 'Round Again" by Average White Band
Song#: 0224
Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 76
Peak: 53
Weeks: 8
Genre: R&B, Disco, Pop
Pop Bits: The Average White Band was primarily white, but they were not average. The Scottish group based their sound in R&B and funk and were able to successfully crossover on the pop and R&B charts beginning in 1974 with their smash #1 instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces." They continued to place songs on the charts and sell albums throughout the 70s, but they seemed to be running out of steam when their first album of the 80s, "Shine," barely scratched the album chart. It's smoother, jazzier sound (courtesy of producer David Foster) didn't entice fans and this first single couldn't muster up much support. In fact, it would be their final single to get on the pop chart.
ReduxReview: This is not a bad song, but when you compare it to something like "Pick Up the Pieces," it really pales in comparison. They seemed to have lost the funk by this time and it showed. But it's a nice, smooth dance groove that is listenable, if a little bland.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Okay, so how do you end up with a band name like this? Apparently, the band had a friend who was a British Diplomat and he was famous for using a phrase like "too much for the average white man," such as "Africa is just too hot for the average white man." The band pick up on it and used it for their name as a tongue-in-cheek reference to how average they were not.
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Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 76
Peak: 53
Weeks: 8
Genre: R&B, Disco, Pop
Pop Bits: The Average White Band was primarily white, but they were not average. The Scottish group based their sound in R&B and funk and were able to successfully crossover on the pop and R&B charts beginning in 1974 with their smash #1 instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces." They continued to place songs on the charts and sell albums throughout the 70s, but they seemed to be running out of steam when their first album of the 80s, "Shine," barely scratched the album chart. It's smoother, jazzier sound (courtesy of producer David Foster) didn't entice fans and this first single couldn't muster up much support. In fact, it would be their final single to get on the pop chart.
ReduxReview: This is not a bad song, but when you compare it to something like "Pick Up the Pieces," it really pales in comparison. They seemed to have lost the funk by this time and it showed. But it's a nice, smooth dance groove that is listenable, if a little bland.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Okay, so how do you end up with a band name like this? Apparently, the band had a friend who was a British Diplomat and he was famous for using a phrase like "too much for the average white man," such as "Africa is just too hot for the average white man." The band pick up on it and used it for their name as a tongue-in-cheek reference to how average they were not.
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Monday, January 21, 2013
"Stop Your Sobbing" by The Pretenders
Song#: 0223
Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 83
Peak: 65
Weeks: 6
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Although this song was the follow-up to "Brass in Pocket" (#14) in the US, it was actually The Pretenders' first single release in the UK. It reached #34 and its follow-up "Kid" hit #33. "Brass in Pocket" was the third UK single and it hit #1. "Stop Your Sobbing" is actually a cover version of the Kinks song that originally appeared on their self-titled UK debut album.
ReduxReview: It is a remake and it is not "Brass in Pocket," but they do a great job with the song. I actually prefer it to the Kinks' original, but c'mon - when Chrissie Hynde is singing your song, chances are it is going to be better.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: This song was produced by Nick Lowe and it was the only song featured on their debut album produced by him. Lowe felt that the band was not really going anywhere and declined to continue working with them. Chris Thomas picked up the production reins and finished the now-classic album.
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Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 83
Peak: 65
Weeks: 6
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Although this song was the follow-up to "Brass in Pocket" (#14) in the US, it was actually The Pretenders' first single release in the UK. It reached #34 and its follow-up "Kid" hit #33. "Brass in Pocket" was the third UK single and it hit #1. "Stop Your Sobbing" is actually a cover version of the Kinks song that originally appeared on their self-titled UK debut album.
ReduxReview: It is a remake and it is not "Brass in Pocket," but they do a great job with the song. I actually prefer it to the Kinks' original, but c'mon - when Chrissie Hynde is singing your song, chances are it is going to be better.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: This song was produced by Nick Lowe and it was the only song featured on their debut album produced by him. Lowe felt that the band was not really going anywhere and declined to continue working with them. Chris Thomas picked up the production reins and finished the now-classic album.
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"Alabama Getaway" by the Grateful Dead
Song#: 0222
Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 86
Peak: 68
Weeks: 6
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: The Dead were not known for singles nor even for getting their albums in the Top 10. During the group's lifespan of main releases from 1967-1990 they succeeded in getting one album and one song into the Top 10 (with only six of their singles in total ever getting on the chart). But it hardly mattered. They still sold albums and their relentless tours geared towards their loyal fan base (known as Deadheads) made them hugely successful. Their eleventh album and first of the 80s, "Go to Heaven," produced this rare singles chart entry.
ReduxReview: The Dead just ain't my scene. I never gained a liking for jam bands and although there are a few songs in their catalog that I don't mind, overall their style of music doesn't do much for me. This song is alright and a good listen, but it is nothing that would make me want to explore the group any further. I appreciate their place in rock history, their influence, and their fan dedication, but I just don't connect to the music.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: An oddity seemingly out of the mockumentary "Spinal Tap" where five of the group's drummers died, the Grateful Dead has unfortunately been the subject of a "keyboard curse." It seems each of the group's four keyboardists during their active years met an unfortunate fate while in the group or after their departure. Original keyboardist Pigpen McKernan died from complications from alcohol abuse. Then Keith Godchaux died in a car accident the year after being let go from the band. Then Brent Mydland died of a drug overdose. The final keyboardist was Vince Welnick who committed suicide in 2006 (although 11 years after the group disbanded). Although more coincidence than curse, it certainly is an odd chapter in the book of this group.
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Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 86
Peak: 68
Weeks: 6
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: The Dead were not known for singles nor even for getting their albums in the Top 10. During the group's lifespan of main releases from 1967-1990 they succeeded in getting one album and one song into the Top 10 (with only six of their singles in total ever getting on the chart). But it hardly mattered. They still sold albums and their relentless tours geared towards their loyal fan base (known as Deadheads) made them hugely successful. Their eleventh album and first of the 80s, "Go to Heaven," produced this rare singles chart entry.
ReduxReview: The Dead just ain't my scene. I never gained a liking for jam bands and although there are a few songs in their catalog that I don't mind, overall their style of music doesn't do much for me. This song is alright and a good listen, but it is nothing that would make me want to explore the group any further. I appreciate their place in rock history, their influence, and their fan dedication, but I just don't connect to the music.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: An oddity seemingly out of the mockumentary "Spinal Tap" where five of the group's drummers died, the Grateful Dead has unfortunately been the subject of a "keyboard curse." It seems each of the group's four keyboardists during their active years met an unfortunate fate while in the group or after their departure. Original keyboardist Pigpen McKernan died from complications from alcohol abuse. Then Keith Godchaux died in a car accident the year after being let go from the band. Then Brent Mydland died of a drug overdose. The final keyboardist was Vince Welnick who committed suicide in 2006 (although 11 years after the group disbanded). Although more coincidence than curse, it certainly is an odd chapter in the book of this group.
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Sunday, January 20, 2013
"Someone That I Used to Love" by Natalie Cole
Song#: 0221
Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 87
Peak: 21
Weeks: 21
Genre: Adult Contemporary, R&B
Pop Bits: Being the child of a legendary parent can often make a career in the same field difficult. But Nat King Cole's daughter seemed destined to be a star when she became an instant success with her first album "Inseparable" in 1975. The album boasted two R&B #1's (with "This Will Be" hitting #6 on the pop chart) and it got her two Grammy awards in 1976 including one for Best New Artist. The hit songs and albums continued through to 1979, but when the 80s approached she experienced a slip in popularity. Her 1980 album "Don't Look Back" was her first not to reach gold status and this first single couldn't get much traction on the pop or R&B charts (however, it did reach #3 on the AC chart). The beginning of the 80s would be a rough period for Cole and it would take a few years before her career got a second wind.
ReduxReview: This is a well-written AC ballad that sounds like it should have been a theme from either a TV movie of the week or a feature film. It has her straying even further away from her R&B/Urban beginnings, but it was a solid song even if not the best first-single choice for the album.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Although she grew up surrounded by famous musicians and even performed as a child, Cole did attend college before embarking on a music career. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1972 with a degree in child psychology. 2) This song was covered by Barbra Streisand and released on her 1989 album "A Collection: Greatest Hits...and More."
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Date: 06/21/1980
Debut: 87
Peak: 21
Weeks: 21
Genre: Adult Contemporary, R&B
Pop Bits: Being the child of a legendary parent can often make a career in the same field difficult. But Nat King Cole's daughter seemed destined to be a star when she became an instant success with her first album "Inseparable" in 1975. The album boasted two R&B #1's (with "This Will Be" hitting #6 on the pop chart) and it got her two Grammy awards in 1976 including one for Best New Artist. The hit songs and albums continued through to 1979, but when the 80s approached she experienced a slip in popularity. Her 1980 album "Don't Look Back" was her first not to reach gold status and this first single couldn't get much traction on the pop or R&B charts (however, it did reach #3 on the AC chart). The beginning of the 80s would be a rough period for Cole and it would take a few years before her career got a second wind.
ReduxReview: This is a well-written AC ballad that sounds like it should have been a theme from either a TV movie of the week or a feature film. It has her straying even further away from her R&B/Urban beginnings, but it was a solid song even if not the best first-single choice for the album.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Although she grew up surrounded by famous musicians and even performed as a child, Cole did attend college before embarking on a music career. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1972 with a degree in child psychology. 2) This song was covered by Barbra Streisand and released on her 1989 album "A Collection: Greatest Hits...and More."
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