Billboard Disco Compilation/Consensus Charts-Part 1:1974-75

[markydefad]

May 3, 1975

Observation:

Except for Elton's terrific tribute to the Philly soul of Gamble/Huff, that "disco feelin'" is noticeably gone this week. This week's chart has a more Branson, MO feel. :lol: That's a middle-American polyester leisure-suit and white shoes refuge for over-the-hill country and pop acts-- for you foreigners.

I can see the marquee now.

Headliners: ***Tony Orlando & Dawn***

Opening acts: *B.J. Thomas/Freddy Fender/ Sammy Johns*

I think I'd stay in my hotel room and watch porno. Wholesome Christian family-values porno, of course. :lol:

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) HE DON'T LOVE YOU (Like I Love You) - Tony Orlando & Dawn
(originally a #7 pop hit for Jerry Butler in December, 1960; wriiten by Butler, Clarence Carter & Curtis Mayfield!!!)
2) (Hey Won't You Play Me) ANOTHER SOMEBODY DONE SOMEBODY WRONG SONG - B.J. Thomas
3) BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS - Freddy Fender
4) PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM - Elton John
5) CHEVY VAN - Sammy Johns

Billboard Soul /R&B Chart #1:
1) WHAT AM I GONNA DO WITH YOU - Barry White
(previously on Disco charts; peaked at #5, never crossing over to the Audience Response chart)
_______________________________________________

Disco Action

A= Audience Response (NYC Discos) (#1= BAD LUCK)
B= Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC) (#1 = FREE MAN)
C= Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC) (#1: FREE MAN)
D= Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island) (#1= FOOT STOMPIN' MUSIC/ DISCO STOMP)

4 charts with 15 items apiece. 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; 60 points max. Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS
May 3, 1975

1) EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - Consumer Rapport
(Wing And A Prayer 45) (42 total points/Charts ACD) (Last week: #1; 5th consecutive week @#1)
(Note: this is the first #1 on this chart NOT on all 4 individual charts and the lowest total of points for a #1 so far; methinks it's time to "ease on down, ease on down the charts" .
2) FREE MAN - South Shore Commisssion
(Wand 45 - Disco Mix) (37/ABC) (#10)
3) THE HUSTLE - Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
(Avco 45) (35/ABCD) (#5)
4) CRYSTAL WORLD - Crystal Grass
(Polydor 45) (33/ABCD) (#3)
5) BAD LUCK - Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes
(Phila. Intl. 45) (33/ACD) (#6)
6) WHERE IS THE LOVE - Betty Wright
(Alston 45) (33/ABC) (#13)
7) SWEARIN' TO GOD - Frankie Valli
(Private Stock 45) (25/AC) (#9)
8. TRAMMPS DISCO THEME/ STOP AND THINK - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece LP only) (24/AD) (#2)
9) ARE YOU READY FOR THIS - The Brothers
(RCA 45) (22/ACD) (#4)
10) HELPLESSLY - Moment of Truth
(Roulette 45 - Disco Mix) (22/AB) #8.)

11) * FOOT STOMPIN' MUSIC/ DISCO STOMP - Bohannon
(Dakar 45) (20/AD) (NEW/#11)
12) I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (Doo Dat Dance) - Disco Tex & His Sex-o-lettes
((Chelsea 45) (17/AD) (#7)
13) BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Spaghetti Head
(Private Stock 45) (15/BC) (#12)
14) FLATTERY - Jeree Palmer
(Columbia 45) (12/BC) (#20)
15) * CASTLES - The Futures
(Buddah 45) (11/BC)
16) (R) WE'RE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER - Kaleidoscope
(TSOP 45) (11/B) (RETURN)
17) TAKE IT FROM ME - Dionne Warwick(e)
(Warner Bros. 45) (10/AD) (#16)
18. {tie} HIJACK - Herbie Mann
(Atlantic 45) (9/A) (#21)
18. {tie} HIJACK - Barrabas
(Atlantic LP only) (9/A) (#21)
20) (R) ROLLING DOWN A MOUNTAINSIDE - The Main Ingredient
(RCA 45) (9/D) (RETURN)

21) AND YOU CALL THAT LOVE - Vernon Burch
(UA LP only) (8/D) (#19)
22) SUN GODDESS - Ramsey Lewis w/ Earth, Wind & Fire
(Columbia 45) (7/B) (#23)
23) * LOVE SHORTAGE - T.U.M.E. (The Ultimate Musical Experience)
(MGM 45) (6/C) (NEW)
24) * PEACE AND LOVE - Ron Butler & The Ramblers
(Playboy 45) (5/BC) (NEW)
25) * LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT - Tapestry
(Capitol 45) (5/C) (NEW)
26) * SHOTGUN SHUFFLE - The Sunshine Band
(T.K. 45) (5/B) (NEW)
27) * SURVIVAL - The O'Jays
(Phila. Intl. LP only) (5/D) (NEW)
28. EVERYBODY HUSTLE - Funky People
(Roulette 45) (4/B) (#18.)
29) MISTER MAGIC - Grover Washington, Jr.
(Kudu 45) (4/D) (#31)
30) I CAN UNDERSTAND IT - Kokomo
(Columbia 45) (3/D) (#27)

31) * IS IT TRUE - Barrett Strong
(Capitol 45) (3/B) (NEW)
32) (R) MORE SHAME - Seldon Powell & Company
(Stang 45) (2/B) (RETURN)
33) * DOWN WHERE IT'S AT - Peaches & Herb
(B & S 45) (1/C) (NEW)
34) GLASSHOUSE - The Temptations
(Gordy LP only) (1/D) (#15)
35) LOVE IS EVERYWHERE - City Limits
(TSOP 45) (1/A) (14)

_______________________________________________

(half) #8 (TDT), 13, 14, 16, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32 & 33 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book.

* = Debut (9): (1/2) #11, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 33

(R) = Return/Re-entry (3): #16, 20, 32

Dropped off:
EXPANSIONS - Lonnie Liston Smith (was #17) * will be back
FORGET THAT GIRL - De-lite-ful (#24)
WHAT AM I GONNA DO WITH YOU - Barry White (#25)
HIGHWAY DRIVER - Randy Pie (#26)
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE - Liquid Smoke (#28.)
FREE AND EASY - Satyr (#29)
GET DOWN TONIGHT - KC & The Sunshine Band (#30) *
MISTERI - The Jones Girls (#32)


Stats & Random Notes:

35 total items; 32 last week
+ 9 debuts + 3 return/re-entries/ -8 dropoffs
2 records on all 4 charts: #3 & 4; NOT #1 or 2!!!!!
(chart B dropped "EODTR" and chart "D" hasn't yet picked up "FM")
5 records on 3 charts
10 records on 2 charts
18 records on only 1 chart

It's a transitional week; "EODTR" is fading in popularity in the charts from the retail stores; "FREE MAN" is picking up steam. Note that in the motherload chart A; "Bad Luck" is still #1; "Ease on" will replace it for the first time next week!!! (It's been #1 here for 5 weeks!!!) So this "Consensus" chart is sorta ahead of the curve, based on the sway of 3 retail outlets which chart the hottest things instantly and drop the hits like hot potatoes while they are still very big records in the discos. The record buyers bought their copy of "Bad Luck" months ago--but it remains the biggest hit in the clubs this week.

Next week a STRONG MUY MACHO #1. :D

In 2 weeks , the first LA chart is added into the mix. It ain't New York City, baby.
______________________________________________


Artist Spotlight

(from the 1979 edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide, edited by Dave Marsh with John Swenson...

DIONNE WARWICK (#17 this week)

"Dionne Warwick was something of an anomaly in Sixties pop music. She was black, yet not an R&B singer, though she wasn't a straight pop interpreter like Nancy Wilson, either. Warwick walked a thin line between the genres, and the result, thanks to her long collaboration with producer/writers Burt Bacharach and Hal David, was an impressive stream of hit records. The string began in 1962 with "Don't Make Me Over," continuing with "Anyone Who Had A Heart," "Walk On By," "You'll Never Get to Heaven," "Mesage To Michael," "Trains and Boats and Planes," I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" and "Alfie," among many others, before it petered out in 1971 with "Make It Easy on Yourself." This is among the best romantic music ever made, and Warwick's best singles as collected on the various Springboard repackages (the originals were on Scepter) still make fine listening. But when she began recording for Warner Bros. in 1972, she lost her touch, except for "Then Came You," a single recorded with the Spinners in 1974, ( book says 1976!!!) :oops: she's never quite regained it, despite a succession of approaches and producers." (DM = Dave Marsh)

(I'd say that "Take It From Me" was one the exceptions. Very smooth Philly soul; and the followup LP "Track of the Cat" produced and written by the great Thom Bell is another exception...especially the title track and "Once You Hit The Road" which will make a small blip on these charts later in the year.)



FRANKIE VALLI (#7 this week)

(Note: this one's real mean. Up front, if you recall, I said they could sometimes be "hateful") :evil: :evil: :evil:

(In reference to the one Valli LP in print at the time...Frankie Valli Is The Word)....

"In plain English, the word means garbage. Despite his association with the Four Seasons, Valli's career is really notable because he's managed to extend the nasal whining of the Fabian/Frankie Avalon style well into the Seventies. Pure pop for poor fools." (DM = Dave Marsh)

Ouch. :evil: :evil: :evil:
______________________________________________

DISCO ACTION - by Tom Moulton
May 3, 1975

(New York) MFSB's "Universal Love" LP (Philadelphia International) is by far its best album to date. There are three strong disco cuts: "Sexy" (starts off with a very strong r&b rhythm and builds to the complete orchestration), "T.L.C." and "K-Jee" (the same song that the Niteliters had out two years ago, or very similar to it).

There is also another cut on the LP called "Let's Go Disco" which sounds nothing like MFSB and has some male vocals singing "Let's go disco." It's not a dance record (compared with the other cuts on the LP). On the whole, the LP is one fo the best soulful LPs to ever come out.

Scepter has obtained the rights in this country for the European smash "El Bimbo" by Bimbo Jet. Already, a number of clubs all over the country are picking up on this record (as an import), and from the response, it looks like it will do the same here as it did in France. It is being rush-released this week.

Private Stock is releasing Frankie Valli's disco smash "Swearin' To God" as a single this week. There had been reports that this LP cut would not be Valli's next single because of the different direction it marks for the artist and the length of the cut (10:09). But, because of its popularity in the clubs, this was the natural follow-up to his last hit.

RCA is releasing the debut record of New Orleans-based group Chocolate Milk. It has a very funky r&b sound on the slow side, but strong rhythm and lyrics make the record. Also, on the label is Charles Drain's "Is It Really Love" which is being rush-released. This is a record that was cut in St. Louis with a "Detroit Sound." Producer Kent Washington was able to capture the feel as well as the sound of Detroit. There will be a short and long version. There is a lot of talk around town about a record called "7654321 (Blow Your Whistle)." (Actually..."7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (Blow Your Whistle)")... We finally tracked the record down, and it is by Gary Toms (NOT Tom's) Empire on the PIP label. It seems that there were some unlabeled test pressings going around and it created a lot of excitement. The record is definitely a disco record with a strong electric piano and sax along with strong female vocals. It has an exciting party feel to it, with whistles blowing to add to the excitement. The disk, with a disco version (5:00) and a short version (2:45), is being rush-released. There will also be a Gary Toms Empire LP shortly.

[markydefad]

Bernie, thanks for the tip about copying the post before submitting . I've been typing these for a while now and have had no trouble until now. I would have lost this last chart too had I not copied it first. I went to submit and it said I wasnt logged in....so this old problem which I haven't experienced for several years, is now back.

But I'm smarter now, eh?

Won't get fooled again...til the next time. :oops:

[Mixmachine]

24) * PEACE AND LOVE - Ron Butler & The Ramblers
(Playboy 45) (5/BC) (NEW)

13) BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Spaghetti Head
(Private Stock 45) (15/BC) (#12)

Ahhh, great cuts!

[shootyourshot]

Three weeks of charts in one sitting . . . too many numbers! :o

April 19, 1975

Top LPs & Tape:

19, 19, Al Green, Greatest Hits
26, 15, Labelle, Night Birds
44, 65, Barry White, Just Another Way To Say I Love You
45, 31, Average White Band, s/t
47, 35, B.T. Express, Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)
51, 41, Stylistics, Best Of
61, 71, Blackbyrds, Flying Start
64, 68, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, To Be True
76, 118, Major Harris, My Way
80, 91, Average White Band, Put It Where You Want It
82, 69, Al Green, Explores Your Mind
101, 111, Jimmy Castor Bunch, Butt Of Course
113, 98, Gloria Gaynor, Never Can Say Goodbye
134, 131, Love Unlimited Orchestra, White Gold
168, New, Herbie Mann, Discotheque
171, 161, Barry White, Can’t Get Enough
192, New, Billy Paul, Got My Head On Straight

Hot 100:

1, 1, Elton John, Philadelphia Freedom
6, 12, Ben E. King, Supernatural Thing
8, 9, Barry White, What Am I Gonna Do With You
11, 7, Labelle, Lady Marmalade
12, 15, Blackbyrds, Walking In Rhythm
13, 14, Al Green, L-O-V-E
18, 10, Rufus, Once You Get Started
19, 4, B.T. Express, Express
20, 25, Jimmy Castor, The Bertha Butt Boogie
21, 24, Barry Manilow, It’s A Miracle
27, 32, Eddie Kendricks, Shoeshine Boy
39, 51, Major Harris, Love Won’t Let Me Wait
41, 22, Love Unlimited Orchestra, Satin Soul
43, 35, Shirley & Company, Shame, Shame, Shame
45, 65, Herbie Mann, Hijack
56, 67, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Bad Luck
58, 76, Average White Band, Cut The Cake
64, 75, Ecstasy, Passion, & Pain, One Beautiful Day
66, 70, Bloodstone, My Little Lady
78, 60, Gloria Gaynor, Reach Out
80, 91, Tavares, Remember What I Told You To Forget / My Ship
81, 88, Carol Douglas, A Hurricane Is Coming Tonight
84, New, Consumer Rapport, Ease On Down The Road
86, New, Disco Tex, I Wanna Dance Wit Choo
88, 100, Bazuka, Dynomite
95, New, Van McCoy, The Hustle
96, New, Stylistics, Thank You Baby

April 26, 1975

Top LPs & Tape:

18, 19, Al Green, Greatest Hits
31, 44, Barry White, Just Another Way To Say I Love You
38, 26, Labelle, Night Birds
46, 45, Average White Band, s/t
49, 64, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, To Be True
50, 61, Blackbyrds, Flying Start
55, 47, B.T. Express, Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)
65, 51, Stylistics, Best Of
66, 76, Major Harris, My Way
68, 80, Average White Band, Put It Where You Want It
83, 82, Al Green, Explores Your Mind
89, 101, Jimmy Castor Bunch, Butt Of Course
119, 113, Gloria Gaynor, Never Can Say Goodbye
133, 134, Love Unlimited Orchestra, White Gold
139, 168, Herbie Mann, Discotheque
167, New, Mandrill, Solid
181, 192, Billy Paul, Got My Head On Straight
187, 171, Barry White, Can’t Get Enough
190, New, Van McCoy, Disco Baby

Hot 100:

2, 1, Elton John, Philadelphia Freedom
5, 6, Ben E. King, Supernatural Thing
9, 8, Barry White, What Am I Gonna Do With You
10, 12, Blackbyrds, Walking In Rhythm
13, 13, Al Green, L-O-V-E
16, 20, Jimmy Castor, The Bertha Butt Boogie
17, 21, Barry Manilow, It’s A Miracle
23, 11, Labelle, Lady Marmalade
25, 27, Eddie Kendricks, Shoeshine Boy
31, 39, Major Harris, Love Won’t Let Me Wait
34, 45, Herbie Mann, Hijack
36, 58, Average White Band, Cut The Cake
43, 56, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Bad Luck
45, 18, Rufus, Once You Get Started
48, 19, B.T. Express, Express
52, 64, Ecstasy, Passion, & Pain, One Beautiful Day
60, 66, Bloodstone, My Little Lady
69, 80, Tavares, Remember What I Told You To Forget / My Ship
73, 84, Consumer Rapport, Ease On Down The Road
75, 43, Shirley & Company, Shame, Shame, Shame
76, 86, Disco Tex, I Wanna Dance Wit Choo
79, 41, Love Unlimited Orchestra, Satin Soul
82, 88, Bazuka, Dynomite
84, 95, Van McCoy, The Hustle
85, 96, Stylistics, Thank You Baby

May 3, 1975

Top LPs & Tape:

17, 18, Al Green, Greatest Hits
25, 31, Barry White, Just Another Way To Say I Love You
37, 49, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, To Be True
40, 50, Blackbyrds, Flying Start
50, 38, Labelle, Night Birds
54, 46, Average White Band, s/t
58, 68, Average White Band, Put It Where You Want It
60, 66, Major Harris, My Way
68, 55, B.T. Express, Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)
78, 139, Herbie Mann, Discotheque
79, 89, Jimmy Castor Bunch, Butt Of Course
81, 65, Stylistics, Best Of
109, 83, Al Green, Explores Your Mind
130, 133, Love Unlimited Orchestra, White Gold
134, New, Manhattan Transfer, s/t
141, 119, Gloria Gaynor, Never Can Say Goodbye
152, New, Ben E. King, Supernatural
156, 167, Mandrill, Solid
178, 190, Van McCoy, Disco Baby
180, New, Disco Tex & The Sex-o-lettes, s/t
193, 187, Barry White, Can’t Get Enough

Hot 100:

4, 2, Elton John, Philadelphia Freedom
8, 10, Blackbyrds, Walking In Rhythm
13, 17, Barry Manilow, It’s A Miracle
16, 16, Jimmy Castor, The Bertha Butt Boogie
18, 13, Al Green, L-O-V-E
21, 5, Ben E. King, Supernatural Thing
22, 9, Barry White, What Am I Gonna Do With You
23, 25, Eddie Kendricks, Shoeshine Boy
26, 34, Herbie Mann, Hijack
27, 31, Major Harris, Love Won’t Let Me Wait
32, 36, Average White Band, Cut The Cake
38, 43, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Bad Luck
41, 23, Labelle, Lady Marmalade
48, 52, Ecstasy, Passion, & Pain, One Beautiful Day
56, 45, Rufus, Once You Get Started
57, 60, Bloodstone, My Little Lady
58, 76, Disco Tex, I Wanna Dance Wit Choo
59, 69, Tavares, Remember What I Told You To Forget / My Ship
63, 73, Consumer Rapport, Ease On Down The Road
73, 48, B.T. Express, Express
78, 82, Bazuka, Dynomite
80, 84, Van McCoy, The Hustle
85, 85, Stylistics, Thank You Baby

Marky, do you want me to email you the continuations of the Moulton columns or simply post them here?

[markydefad]

May 10, 1975

Billboard Pop Chart #1:
1) HE DON'T LOVE YOU (LIKE I LOVE YOU) - Tony Orlando & Dawn (2nd week @ #1)

Billboard R&B/Soul Chart #1:
1) GET DOWN, GET DOWN (GET ON THE FLOOR) - Joe Simon (Great dance record; NEVER mentioned on the Disco charts!!!) :o
______________________________________________

Disco Action

A= Audience Response (NYC Discos) (#1= EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD)
B= Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC) (#1 = FREE MAN)
C= Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC) (#1: FREE MAN)
D= Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island) (#1= FREE MAN)

4 charts with 15 items apiece. 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; 60 points max. Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS
May 10, 1975

1) FREE MAN - South Shore Commission
(Wand 45) (58 total points/ charts ABCD) (Last week: #2)
2) EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - Consumer Rapport
(Wing & A Prayer 45) (51/ABCD) (Last week: #1; 5 weeks)
3) BAD LUCK - Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes
(Phila. Intl. 45) (39/ABCD) (#5)
4) THE HUSTLE - Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
(Avco 45) (38/ABCD) (#3)
5) SWEARIN' TO GOD - Frankie Valli
(Private Stock 45) (29/ACD) (#7)
6) STOP AND THINK/ TRAMMPS DISCO THEME - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece LP only) (27/ABD) (#8.)
7) FOOT STOMPIN' MUSIC/ DISCO STOMP - Bohannon
(Dakar LP only) (23/AD) (#11)
8. * EL BIMBO - Bimbo Jet
(Scepter 45) (22/ACD) (NEW)
9) ARE YOU READY FOR THIS - The Brothers
(RCA 45) (18/ABC) (#9)
10) CRYSTAL WORLD - Crystal Grass
(Polydor 45) (18/CD) (#4)

11) PEACE AND LOVE - Ron Butler & the Ramblers
(Playboy 45) (17/BC) (#24)
12) HELPLESSLY - Moment of Truth
(Roulette 45 - Disco Mix) (15/ABC) (#10)
13) TAKE IT FROM ME - Dionne Warwick(e)
(Warner Bros. 45) (14/AD) (#17)
14) WE'RE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER - Kaleidoscope
(TSOP 45) (13/B) (#16)
15) * A.I.E. (A MWANA) - Black Blood
(Mainstream 45) (12/D) (NEW)
16) BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Spaghetti Head
(Private Stock 45) (12/B) (#13)
17) SHOTGUN SHUFFLE - The Sunshine Band
(TK 45) (11/B) (#26)
18. (R) EXPANSIONS - Lonnie Liston Smith
(Flying Dutchman/Signature 45) (8/C) (RETURN)
19) WHERE IS THE LOVE - Betty Wright
(Alston 45) (8/A) (#6)
20) IS IT TRUE - Barrett Strong
(Capitol 45) (6/BC) (#31)

21) * LOVE DO ME RIGHT - Rockin' Horse
(RCA LP version) (6/AB) (NEW)
22) * DISCO QUEEN - Peabo Bryson
(Shout 45) (6/C) (NEW)
23) I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (DOO DAT DANCE) - Disco Tex & His Sex-o-lettes
(Chelsea 45) (5/AD) (#12)
24) HIJACK - Herbie Mann
(Atlantic 45) (5/A) (#18.)
25) HIJACK - Barrabas
(Atlantic LP only) (5/A) (#19)
26) LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT - Tapestry
(Capitol 45) (5/C) (#25)
27) ROLLING DOWN A MOUNTAINSIDE - The Main Ingredient
(RCA LP version) (5/D) (#20)
28. FLATTERY - Jeree Palmer
(Columbia 45) (3/B) (#14)
29) * 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (BLOW YOUR WHISTLE) - Gary Toms Empire
(P.I.P. 45) (2/C) (NEW)
30) (R) WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU - Labelle
(Epic 45) (2/D) (RETURN)

31) AND YOU CALL THAT LOVE - Vernon Burch
(UA LP only) (1/D) (#21)
32) * MAN WAS MADE TO LOVE WOMAN - Bobbi Martin
(Green Menu 45) (1/B) (NEW)
_______________________________________________

(Half) #6: "T.D.T.", 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29 & 32 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book.

* = Debut (6): #8, 15, 21, 22, 29, 32

(R) = Return/Re-entry (2): #18, 30

Dropped Off:

CASTLES - The Futures (was #15) * will be back
SUN GODDESS - Ramsey Lewis w/ Earth, Wind & Fire (#22)
LOVE SHORTAGE - T.U. M. E. (#23) *
SURVIVAL - The O'Jays (#27)
EVERYBODY HUSTLE - Funky People (#28.)
MISTER MAGIC - Grover Washington, Jr. (#29)
I CAN UNDERSTAND IT - Kokomo (#30) *
MORE SHAME - Seldon Powell & Company (#32)
DOWN WHERE IT'S AT - Peaches & Herb (#33)
GLASSHOUSE - The Temptations (#34) *
LOVE IS EVERYWHERE - City Limits (#35)


Stats & Random Notes:

32 total items; 35 last week
+ 6 debuts + 2 returns / - 11 dropoffs
4 records on all 4 charts (#1, 2, 3, 4) CONSENSUS!!!
5 records on 3 charts
6 records on 2 charts
17 records on only 1 chart

Strong new #1: "Free Man"(58 total points out of a possible 60 points); It's #1 on all 3 sales charts and #3 on chart A.

Chart A finally moves "Ease On Down The Road" to #1 as it slips to #2 here after reigning as #1 for 5 weeks. Chart A will chart "Free Man" as #1 on May 31, 1975. We be ahead o' things here.

More Eurodisco hits the chart as "Bimbo Jet" is released domestically on Scepter and debuts at #8; This has #1 potential along with one other record that is currently bouncng up and down in the top 5 but will emerge as a "surprise" (to me, at least) chart topper in a few weeks.
_______________________________________________

The Big Tease:

Next week, for the first time, a Los Angeles Top 15 Chart is introduced (from Bahama Mama's- a disco at the time, I guess). This will appear for 2 weeks; disappear for 2 weeks; then return as a permanent 5th chart addition. The name will be changed to "LA/San Diego Top Audience Response," however.

So, what's interesting?

Of the Top 15--NOT ONE of the LA Top 10 is currently on any NYC chart. A couple made brief appearances in past weeks--the rest never charted. So some new titles will appear--enough to give us a total of 45 items next week.

However, the addition of the LA chart doesn't shake things up too much; the top songs remain pretty much the same. As 1975 progresses, the LA chart will get the top NYC records faster. The record companies will make sure that the major U.S. dance markets have access to most things charting big in NYC. There won't be the 2 or 3 month lagtime we will see at first.
_______________________________________________


Artist Spotlight

(reviews from the 1979 edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide edited by Dave Marsh with John Swenson....

LONNIE LISTON SMITH (#18 this week)

"On his first LP, Astral Traveling, Smith made acoustic, chordally limited, rhythmically ostinatoed, texture-laden music. But by Smith's fourth record, he'd given his work a funkier background, through mild electrification and an approach that owed more to R&B than to Coltrane. Cosmic Funk and Expansions evince this transition's growing pains, but Smith's next three albums, culminating in Renaissance, bring it to fruition. Currently, the keyboardist has a unified, original approach to fusion. He writes tunes that rely on the whimsical beauty of certain minor-key chordal situations; beneath them chug vaguely danceable beats. There's something uniquely compelling about this juxtaposition, and it's enhanced by Smith's brother Donald, who sings stylishly yet poignantly in a cool, blissful near falsetto." (M.R. = Michael Rozek)

ROCKIN' HORSE (#21)

"Competent mid-Seventies hard rock." (D.M. = Dave Marsh)

THE MAIN INGREDIENT (#27)

"Black MOR, a little tougher and funkier than the Fifth Dimension, but not by much. The hits--particularly "Everybody Plays The Fool"--were about the best of it, but in general, this is a good example of how characterless black pop has become in the past decade". (DM = Dave Marsh) (Wonder what Dave would say about today's crap???) :roll:

GARY TOMS EMPIRE (#29)

"One of the hundreds of one-shot disco acts, the Empire had its moment with "Blow Your Whistle," a raucous Kool and the Gang derivative." (J.MC. = John McEwen)
_______________________________________________

DISCO ACTION by Tom Moulton
May 10, 1975

(New York) "Free Man" by South Shore Commission on Wand is the top seller at all 3 retailers : Downstairs Records, Colony Records, and Melody Song Shops. Melody's owner, Mike Greenberg, says 1,000 copies were sold in a week's time.

The original version of "El Bimbo" by Bimbo Jet on Scepter is now available to disco deejays and stores. ...There are some dubs being played in the clubs of a longer version of "Ease On Down The Road" by Consumer Rapport which are not available to the public. Atlantic's new Disco Series is initially servicing deejays only. The 6:15 version has the complete 3:02 commercial cut--then it sounds like the record is stuck, with some instrumental music following. (Ah...remixing in it's infancy!!!) :lol:

All Platinum will soon be releasing Retta (says Petta) Young's "Sending Out An S.O.S." and the flip instrumental "More S.O.S.," already a popular record in England and soon to emulate that success here. The disk has a strong melody and lyric, and the flow just keeps building--a different sound for the label.

Joey Palmentieri, the Sound Machine's deejay, is getting very good reaction to Bobbi Martin's "Man Was Made To Love Woman" on the Green Menu label. The disk has the "Gloria Gaynor sound" because it was arranged by the same Harold Wheeler who also did her big hit, "Never Can Say Goodbye." Both Joey, and Tommy Savarese of Manhattan's new 12 West, are getting strong reaction to the LP version of "Love Do Me Right" by Rockin' Horse on RCA.

It looks like The Trammps will go to Atlantic Records, which may be their big break. Without a doubt, they are the biggest underground group in Philadelphia and are at the point in their career where they are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

[markydefad]

Hey shootyourshot,

Next week's Moulton chart is continued on another page. Either e-mail it to me and I'll type it...or I'll just say "to be continued"...and you can type it in your post.

Your call. I have the next few week's charts (thru 6/21/75) compiled, so I can post anytime you send me the info. If you're gonna e-mail why not send every continuation that applies to that time period. Or you can complete them in your posts.

Thanks for your help. :D

[efunk_adelic]

Originally Posted by markydefad

May 10, 1975


Billboard R&B/Soul Chart #1:
1) GET DOWN, GET DOWN (GET ON THE FLOOR) - Joe Simon (Great dance record; NEVER mentioned on the Disco charts!!!) :o
______________________________________________

I can't believe it either :-? I play this song frequently throughout the year.

[markydefad]

"Second verse, same as the first"....

Yes it looks the same as last week--BECAUSE IT IS!!! :P

May 17, 1975

Billboard Pop Chart #1:
1) HE DON'T LOVE YOU (LIKE I LOVE YOU) - Tonly Orlando & Dawn (3rd & final week @ #1)

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) GET DOWN, GET DOWN (GET ON THE FLOOR) - Joe Simon (2nd week @ #1)
_______________________________________________

Disco Action

A= Audience Response (NYC Discos) (#1= EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD)
B= Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC) (#1 = FREE MAN)
C= Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC) (#1: FREE MAN)
D= Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island) (#1= FREE MAN)

& for the first time....a new 5th chart...

E= Bahama Mama's Top 15 Titles (Los Angeles) (#1: DYNOMITE) ( I will type the whole Top 15 later in the Stats section to show ya the vast differences)

5 charts with 15 items apiece. 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; 75 points max. Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS
5/17/75

1) FREE MAN - South Shore Commisssion
(Wand 45) (58 total points /Charts ABCD) (Last week: #1; 2 weeks total)
2) EL BIMBO - Bimbo Jet/*G___? Dunn (Latin version)
(Scepter 45/ *Salsoul 45) (54/ABCD) (#8.)
*(this Latin version on Salsoul is only mentioned this one time on the "C" list--anyone know the first name of the artist?; I can't read it on my copy)
3) EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - Consumer Rapport
( Wing & A Prayer 45) (52/ABCD) (#2)
4) SWEARIN' TO GOD - Frankie Valli
(Private Stock 45) (39/ABCD) (#5)
5) THE HUSTLE - Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
(Avco 45) (32/ABDE) (#4)
6) PEACE AND LOVE - Ron Butler & the Ramblers
(Playboy 45) (25/ABC) (#11)
7) BAD LUCK - Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes
(Phila. Intl. 45) (24/ABE) (#3)
8. STOP AND THINK/ TRAMMPS DISCO THEME - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece LP only) (19/ADE) (#6)
9) 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (BLOW YOUR WHISTLE) - Gary Toms Empire
(p.i.p. 45) (17/BD) (#29)
10) FOOT STOMPIN' MUSIC/ DISCO STOMP - Bohannon
(Dakar 45/LP) (16/AD) (#7)

11) CRYSTAL WORLD - Crystal Grass
(Polydor 45) (15/BCD) (#10)
12) LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT - Tapestry
(Capitol 45) (15/BC) (#26)
13) * THREE STEPS FROM TRUE LOVE - The Reflections
(Capitol 45) (15/BC) (NEW)
14) (R) DYNOMITE - Tony Camillo's Bazuka
(A&M 45) (15/E only) (RETURN; charted for 2 weeks beginning 3/15/75)
15) * SPIRIT OF THE BOOGIE - Kool & the Gang
(De-Lite 45) (14/E only) (NEW)
16) * PERSON TO PERSON/ CUT THE CAKE - Average White Band
(Atlantic 45) (13/E only) (NEW)
17) * (YOU'VE GOT TO) KEEP ON BUMPIN' - The Kay Gee's
(Gang 45) (12/E only) (NEW)
18. EXPANSIONS - Lonnie Liston Smith
(Flying Dutchman 45) (11/C) (#18.)
19) I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (DOO DAT DANCE) - Disco Tex & His Sex-o-lettes
(Chelsea 45) (11/E only) (#23)
20) SHOTGUN SHUFFLE - The Sunshine Band
(T.K. 45) (11/B) (#17)

21) BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Spaghetti Head
(Private Stock 45) (10/D) (#16)
22) * SHAKEY GROUND - The Temptations
(Gordy 45) (10/ E only) (NEW)
23) LOVE DO ME RIGHT - Rockin' Horse
(RCA 45) (9/AC) (#21)
24) HELPLESSLY - Moment of Truth
(Roulette 45 - Disco Mix) (9/A) (#12)
25) * YOUNG AMERICANS - David Bowie
(RCA 45) (9/E only) (NEW)
26) (R) WORK TO DO - Average White Band
(Atlantic 45; b-side of "Pick Up the Pieces") (8/E only) (RETURN; #25; 11/16/74)
27) * STONE COLD LOVE AFAIR - The Real Thing
(20th Century 45) (7/BE) (NEW)
28. WHERE IS THE LOVE - Betty Wright
(Alston 45) (7/AE) (#19)
29) IS IT TRUE - Barrett Strong
(Capitol 45) (7/C) (#20)
30) * JAM BAND - Disco Tex & His Sex-o-lettes
(Chelsea LP cut) (7/E only) (NEW)

31) * SHINING STAR - Earth, Wind & Fire
(Columbia 45) (6/ E only) (NEW)
32) (R) CASTLES - The Futures
(Buddah 45) (5/D) (RETURN)
33) * SUPERSHIP - George Benson
(CTI 45) (5/C) (NEW)
34) TAKE IT FROM ME - Dionne Warwick(e)
(Warner Bros. 45) (5/A) (#13)
35) A.I.E/ (A'MWANA) - Black Blood
(Mainstream 45) (4/CD) (#15)
36) DISCO QUEEN (Instrumental) - Peabo Bryson
(Shout 45) (4/B) (#22)
37) * HEY BABY - Anthony White
(Phila. Intl. 45) (4/C) (NEW)
38. HIJACK - Herbie Mann
(Atlantic 45) (4/A) (#24)
39) HIJACK -Barrabas
(Atlantic LP only) (4/A) (#25)
40) * HYPERTENSION - Calendar
(Pi Kappa 45) (4/D) (NEW)

41) WE'RE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER - Kaleidoscope
(TSOP 45) (3/D) (#14)
42) * YOUR LOVE (GIVES ME FEVER) - Joe Anderson
(Buddah 45) (2/B) (NEW)
43) ARE YOU READY FOR THIS - The Brothers
(RCA 45) (1/A) (#9!!!)
44) (R) LOVE SHORTAGE - T.U.M.E. (The Ultimate Musical Experience)
(MGM 45) (1/C) (RETURN)
45) ROLLING DOWN A MOUNTAINSIDE - The Main Ingredient
(RCA 45) (1/D) (#27)
_______________________________________________

(1/2) #8, (T.D.T.), 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 44 & 45 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book.

* = Debut (13): #13, 15, 16, 17, 22, 25, 27, 30, 31, 33, 37, 40, 42

(R) = Return/ Re-entry (4): #14, 26, 32, 44

Dropped off:
FLATTERY - Jeree Palmer (was #28.)
WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU - Labelle (#30)* will be back
AND YOU CALL THAT LOVE - Vernon Burch (#31)
MAN WAS MADE TO LOVE WOMAN - Bobbi Martin (#32)*


Stats & Random Notes:

45 total items; last week 32
+13 debuts + 4 returns/ - 4 dropoffs
0 records on all 5 charts
4 records on all 4 NYC charts + 1 record on 3 NYC charts + LA ("The Hustle"); LA LOOOOOOOVES "The Hustle"; it will be #1 there almost all summer!!!!!)
4 records on 3 charts
8 records on 2 charts
28 records on only 1 chart

Well the big news this week this week is obviously the first time the LA chart appears. It's back next week; then gone for two weeks , then returns permanently.

Whole lotta differences from the right coast to the left coast; LA's Top 10 totally comprised of records not on any NYC chart; In general, I'd say, at this point LA is in more of a FUNK GROOVE (Kool & the Gang, Kay Gee's, AWB, EW&F, Bazuka, coming soon: Ohio Players, Isley Brothers, Gary Toms Empire, KC & SB. Their taste is more towards the funky stuff played on radio; as the year progresses, LA gets more in sync with NYC; However, David Bowie will only chart in LA!!!

For the Record, LA charted:

1) DYNOMITE
2) SPIRIT OF THE BOOGIE
3) PERSON TO PERSON/ CUT THE CAKE
4) (YOU'VE GOT TO) KEEP ON BUMPIN'
5) I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (DOO DAT DANCE)
6) SHAKEY GROUND
7) YOUNG AMERICANS
8. WORK TO DO
9) JAM BAND
10) SHINING STAR
11) BAD LUCK (just entering here)
12) STONE COLD LOVE AFFAIR
13) TRAMMPS DISCO THEME
14) THE HUSTLE (just entering here)
15) WHERE IS THE LOVE (just entering here)
______________________________________________



The Big Tease:

Next week, another LA chart...

EEK!!! What do I see? Could it be a dorky dude with a captain's hat and a toothy-grinned blonde with a Prince Valiant hairdo???? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
_______________________________________________

Artist Spotlight

(from the 1979 edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide, edited by Dave Marsh with John Swenson...)

(Tony Camillo's) BAZUKA (#14 this week)

"Produced, composed and arranged by Tony Camillo, this sprightly disco one-shot features (predictably) the assembled cast of New York session all-stars. The 1975 hit was "Dynomite." (JS = John Swenson)
("Dy-no-miiiiite" was the catchphrase spoken by Jimmie "JJ" Walker" in the hit sitcom "Good Times")

KOOL & THE GANG (#15)

"As the first important funk and horn band of the Seventies, predating even James Brown's JB's, Kool and the Gang, derived from the soul revues of the Sixties. Most of the major soul acts of the time carried large bands that verged on being orchestra, in which the most prominent solo instrument was the saxophone. While the crowd piled in, the band would often warm up by playing whatever pop-jazz pieces were then fashionable.

Kool and the Gang, with their obvious affection for jazz, added a party atmosphere to such instrumentals that gave their songs a deranged flavor; the horns sputter a staccato riff, while in the background, band members whoop and holler in seemingly uncontrollable delight. After the first few successful instrumentals, Kool (bassist Robert Bell) and the Gang added loose vocal lines. On "Who's Gonna Take the Weight," there is a short spoken intro about world responsibility that leads into a driving track punctuated periodically by shouts of the title. "Funky Man" was an even more crazed vision--a good humored song whose principal character is a man whose clothes stink. :lol:

The group has made more than a dozen LPs, (it's 1979, remember), and what's left is hardly representative of nearly a decade's work..The zenith of the approach is Wild and Peaceful, in which burping vocals and good-time horn charts are anchored by a metronomic beat. Songs like "Hollywood Swingin' and "Funky Stuff" found an unexpected home with the white disco audience. Subsequent records have seen little variation from that formula; although spiritual concerns have seeped into the lyrics, the albums all revolve around the similar sounding instrumentals--with an incessant rhythmic approach and horn charts that haven't altered in years." (J.MC = John McEwen)

THE KAY GEE'S (#17)

"The Kay Gee's are proteges of Kool and the Gang. Not surprisingly, their records sound markedly like their mentors'. Keep on Bumpin' has the Gang's burping horn riffs, loony atmosphere and staccato horn riffs. Its successor, Find A Friend, is milder and reflects Kool and the Gang's preoccupation with the ethereal." (J.MC)

AVERAGE WHITE BAND (#16 & #26)

"At first, the Average White Band seemed little more than a gimmick with an ironic moniker. They played black music so convincingly that even blacks bought it. But the debut LP, Put It Where You Want It, also suggested considerable songwriting facility, and AWB's energy, especially the rhythmic drive of bassist Alan Gorrie and drummer Robbie McIntosh, was far more propulsive than what slavish imitators could hope to generate.

The Average White Band, you see, had a leg up on white American bands who wanted to play black--as Scots they were British colonials, so they understood cultural oppression. :D For AWB, black music spoke a language to be internalized, not aped.

The second album, AWB, proved to be the one classic the band had in them.. Nine of the ten tunes were memorably melodic and bristled with hooks. The singing of Alan Gorrie and Hamish Stuart, gracefully mixed to the fore by producer Arif Mardin, brimmed over with an authoritative enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, this glorious success was not to be repeated. Cut the Cake and Soul Searching, both given to disco and modal monotony, suggested that with Robbie McIntosh's accidental-overdose death in September, 1974, something in the group died as well". (PH=Peter Herbst)

THE REFLECTIONS (#13)

"The Reflections carry a rugged baritone lead singer whose raspy voice adds some needed rough edges to adequate production. The title song "Love On Delivery" and "Three Steps From True Love," based on the melody of the Detroit Emeralds' Do Me Right," are the highlights." (J.MC)

THE FUTURES (#32)

"This nondescript modern soul quintet would like to give Harold Melvin and the Blunotes a run for thier money, but it just doesn't have the chops." :o (DM= Dave Marsh)

_______________________________________________

DISCO ACTION by Tom Moulton

May 17, 1975

New York) Capitol has been coming out with some good disco products lately. The Reflections' "Three Steps From True Love," a strong uptempo pop/soul song that has the bass line of the disco classic, "Do Me Right," will put the label right in the running with other labels gearing product specifically for the discos. The record is arranged by Bert DeCoteaux of Sister Sledge and Ben E. King fame.

David Chrysostomas, DJ at Le Cocu here has been getting good reaction on the forthcoming Hubert Laws single "Chicago Theme" (CTI). The record is 5:37 and is in a pop/Latin vein.

The Brecker Bros. (Arista) have a good disco record out called, "Sneakin' Up Behind You"--very New York/Kool & The Gang sound. The single is 2:56 and their LP has a longer 4:50 version.

The LP leans more to the jazz side than the pop/soul sound. Cotton Records, distributed by Arista, will be releasing shortly "The New York City Bump" by Black Rock. There will be a short and a long version. A number of DJs have heard the record via the producer Sonny Casella. The comments about the disk are all the same. The sound effects (subways, street noise, car horns, etc.) add to the excitement of the song which has a sound like "Do It Til You're Satisfied" with "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" type vocals. The word of mouth among DJs is travelling fast. The long version will be one of the longest records ever put on a single.

20th Century has just released a strong disco record "Stone Cold Love Affair" by The Real Thing. It's a medium tempo, Philly sounding record with a very strong male group singing tight harmony. There are very few group records that feature a group sound so predominant in the mix. This one does and it works.

Buddah has signed the popular disco group The Sound Experience, and will be releasing a LP and a single. The single will probably be "He's Lookin Good and Movin' Fast", a good commercial pop record as well as disco. The group has had an LP out for some time on another label (Soulville) and DJs are just getting into the LP now.

This is another Philadelphia group that was ahead of its time and if you have their first (Continued on another page....)

****Now, thanks to shootyourshot :D :D :D :D ...the last paragraphs can be typed...*****

which is very difficult to get, play a cut called "YOU'VE BROKEN MY HEART," which a large number of clubs are starting to play.

The Kiki Dee Band has a new single, "HOW GLAD I AM," the Nancy Wilson hit of several yers ago, on Rocket. This single is more soulful than their last hit, and it could prove to be a big record in the discos for the group. A number of clubs have already started programming it. (I'd love to hear this!!!)

"CLAP YOUR HANDS" by the Manhattan Transfer on Atlantic will be coming out on the label's special disco series soon. Douglas Riddick, former DJ and now handling disco promotion for the label, says if there is enough demand for the series they will become commercially available to the public. Most of the product on the special disco series are LP cuts and/or longer disco-mix versions.

[rhessel]

Hi Marky and everybody:

Just trying to give a help. By '75 George Benson was using "BAD" in the middle of his name, so...

33) * SUPERSHIP - George "BAD" Benson

Cheers,

rhessel

[markydefad]

May 24, 1975

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) SHINING STAR - Earth, Wind & Fire
2) BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS - Freddy Fender
3) JACKIE BLUE - Ozark Mountain Devils
4) ONLY YESTERDAY - The Carpenters
5) THANK GOD, I'M A COUNTRY BOY - John Denver

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) BABY THAT'S BACKATCHA - Smokey Robinson
_____________________________________________

Disco Action

A= Audience Response (NYC Discos) (#1= EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD)
B= Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC) (#1 = THREE STEPS FROM TRUE LOVE)
C= Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC) (#1: FREE MAN)
D= Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island) (#1= FREE MAN)
E= Bahama Mama's Top 15 Titles (Los Angeles) (#1: BAD LUCK)

5 charts with 15 items apiece. 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; 75 points max. Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS
5/24/75

1) THE HUSTLE - Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
(Avco 45) (48 total points/ Charts ABCDE) (Last week: #5)
2) FREE MAN - South Shore Commission
(Wand 45) (47/ACDE) (#1; 2 weeks)
3) EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - Consumer Rapport
(Wing and a Prayer 45) (44/ACDE) (#3)
4) BAD LUCK - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
(Phila. Intl. 45) (40/ABCE) (#7)
5) THREE STEPS FROM TRUE LOVE - The Reflections
(Capitol 45) (31/ABC) (#13)
6) PEACE AND LOVE - Ron Butler & the Ramblers
(Playboy 45) (30/ABCD) (#6)
7) SWEARIN' TO GOD - Frankie Valli
(Private Stock 45) (30/ACD) (#4)
8. EL BIMBO - Bimbo Jet
(Scepter 45) (28/ACD) (#2)
9) HIJACK - Herbie Mann
(Atlantic 45) (21/ABE) (#38!!! it's a resurrection!!)
10) LOVE DO ME RIGHT - Rockin' Horse
(RCA 45) (17/ACE) (#23)

11) A.I.E. (A mwana) - Black Blood
(Mainstream 45) (16/BC) (#35)
12) SHOTGUN SHUFFLE -The Sunshine Band
(T.K. 45) (15/BC) (#20)
13) IS IT TRUE - Barrett Strong
(Capitol 45) (14/CD) (#29)
14) STOP AND THINK/ TRAMMPS DISCO THEME - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece LP only) (14/AE) (#8.)
15) SPIRIT OF THE BOOGIE - Kool & the Gang
(De-lite 45) (14/E) (#15)
16) HELPLESSLY - Moment of Truth
(Roulette 45 - Disco Mix) (13/AB) (#24)
17) I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (DOO DAT DANCE) - Disco Tex & his Sex-o-lettes
(Chelsea 45) (13/E) (#19)
18. * SNEAKIN' UP BEHIND YOU - The Brecker Brothers
(Arista 45) (13/B) (NEW)
19) (R) FIRE - The Ohio Players
(Mercury 45) (12/E) (RETURN)
20) BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Spaghetti Head
(Private Stock 45) (11/D) (#21)

21) CASTLES - The Futures
(Buddah 45) (10/B) (#32)
22) LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT - Tapestry
(Capitol 45) (10/C) (#12)
23) WE'RE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER - Kaleidoscope
(TSOP 45) (10/D) (#41)
24) (R) MAN WAS MADE TO LOVE WOMAN - Bobbi Martin
(Green Menu 45) (9/BC) (RETURN)
25) WHERE IS THE LOVE - Betty Wright
(Alston 45) (9/AE) (#28.)
26) 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (BLOW YOUR WHISTLE) - Gary Toms Empire
(p.i.p. 45) (9/D) (#9)
27) TAKE IT FROM ME - Dionne Warwick(e)
(Warner Bros. 45) (8/ACD) (#34)
28. DYNOMITE - Tony Camillo's Bazuka
(A&M 45) (7/E) (#14)
29) EXPANSIONS - Lonnie Liston Smith
(Flying Dutchman 45) (7/C) (#18.)
30) FOOT STOMPIN' MUSIC/ DISCO STOMP - Bohannon
(Dakar 45) (7/A) (#10)

31) HYPERTENSION - Calendar
(Pi Kappa 45) (7/D) (#40)
32) * LOVE LIGHTS - Chuck Jackson
(All Platinum 45) (7/B) (NEW)
33) CUT THE CAKE/ PERSON TO PERSON - Average White Band
(Atlantic 45) (6/E) (#16)
34) SUPERSHIP - George "BAD" Benson
(CTI 45) (6/B) (#33)
35) SHAKEY GROUND - The Temptations
(Gordy 45) (5/E) (#22)
36) (R) GLASSHOUSE - The Temptations
(Gordy LP) (4/D) (RETURN)
37) HIJACK - Barrabas
(Atlantic LP only) (3/A) (#39)
38. (R) JUST A LITTLE BIT OF YOU - Michael Jackson
(Motown 45) (3/B) (RETURN)
39) * BABY GET IT ON - Ike & Tina Turner
(United Artists 45) (2/B) (NEW)
40) (R) I CAN UNDERSTAND IT - Kokomo
(Columbia 45) (2/D) (RETURN)

41)* LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER - The Captain & Tennille :lol:
(A&M 45) (1/E ONLY) (NEW)
_______________________________________________

#11, 12, 13, (1/2) 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39 & 41 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's book.

* = Debut (4): #18, 32, 39, 41

(R) = Return/Re-entry (5): #19, 24, 36, 38, 40


Dropped Off:
CRYSTAL WORLD - Crystal Grass (#11 last week)* will be back
YOU'VE GOT TO KEEEP ON BUMPIN' - The Kay Gees (#17) *
YOUNG AMERICANS - David Bowie (#25)
WORK TO DO - Average White Band (#26)
STONE COLD LOVE AFFAIR - Real Thing (#27)*
JAM BAND - Disco Tex & His Sex-o-lettes (#30)
SHINING STAR - Earth, Wind & Fire (#31)
DISCO QUEEN (Instrumental) - Peabo Bryson (#36)
HEY BABY - Anthony White (#37)
YOUR LOVE (GIVES ME FEVER) - Joe Anderson (#40)
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS - The Brothers (#43)
LOVE SHORTAGE - T.U.M.E. (#44)
ROLLING DOWN A MOUNTAINSIDE - The Main Ingredient (#45)

Stats & Random Notes:

41 total items; last week 45
+ 4 debuts + 5 returns / -13 dropoffs
1 record on all 5 charts: #1 "THE HUSTLE"!!!
4 records on 4 charts
6 records on 3 charts
7 records on 2 charts
23 records on only 1 chart

LA has INFLUENCE....

But blame it on "B" (Downstairs Records) for dropping the potent "Free Man" this week; it does return later.

"Free Man" misses a third week at #1 by just one point; "The Hustle", charted on all 5 charts ups it by one point: 48 to 47. And the one point is contributed by a #15 placing of "The Hustle" on the "B" chart; Otherwise, we woulda had a "tie". Lotsa "ties" in upcoming weeks. I don't like "ties". :evil: :roll:

The LA chart looked like this:

1) BAD LUCK (#11 last week)
2) SPIRIT OF THE BOOGIE (#2)
3) I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (#5)
4) FIRE (New)
5) THE HUSTLE (#14)
6) LOVE DO ME RIGHT (New)
7) HIJACK (New)
8. WHERE IS THE LOVE (#15)
9) DYNOMITE (#1)
10) CUT THE CAKE/ PERSON TO PERSON (#3)
11) SHAKEY GROUND (#6) (says "Stampin Ground") :oops:
12) TRAMMPS DISCO THEME (#13)
13) FREE MAN (New)
14) EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD (New)
15) LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER (New)

So LA, has just discovered "Bad Luck" & "Free Man" & "Ease On Down the Road" and "Where Is The Love" and "The Hustle," which will outlast all of 'em here.

______________________________________________

Next week, a new number one and NOT THE ONE YOU'D EXPECT!!!!
_______________________________________________

Artist Spotlight

(from the 1979 edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide, edited by Dave Marsh & John Swenson....)

THE BRECKER BROTHERS (#18.)

"This is the perfect illustration of how sideman become leaders. The Breckers are the most ubiquitous New York session players: Randy is Miles Davis' only peer on electronic trumpet: Michael is recognized as being among the best of countless young tenor saxophonists. They formed their band with other New York sessioneers and proceeded to track a first album calculated to appeal to the disco market, giving themselves a commercial leg up when "Sneakin' Up Behind You" became a minor hit. Their formula took over as the group went on, and by Back to Back, the playing is pure funk process. They remained vital in live performances, as Heavy Metal Be-Bop indicates." (J.S. = John Swenson)

CHUCK JACKSON (#32)

"Chuck Jackson's early-Sixties hits, which included "Any Day Now" and "I Don't Want To Cry," combined an "uptown" production style (strings, heavy choral backups and nodescript band tracks) with his muscular baritone. Jackson is not the most flexible of vocalists; consequently the feel of those songs is too homogenous. But the quality of the lyrics and the intensity of the performance lend them vitality. "Needing You," a 1975 soul hit, was a welcome re-creation of the old style. The subsequent album (Patty) is anachronistic and often crude, but not without charm." (J.MC = John McEwen)

THE CAPTAIN AND TENNILLE (#41)

"One good hit, "Love Will Keep Us Together," written and performed better by Neil Sedaka; smiley, mechanical pop for the rest. The Captain (Daryl Dragon) has been a Beach Boys sideman; Toni Tennille looks like a toothpaste-commercial reject, and acts the part. As sanctimonious as they are banal." (K.T. = Ken Tucker) (OUCH!!! THAT STINGS!!!!) :lol:

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DISCO ACTION by Tom Moulton

May 24. 1975

New York) -- "Can't Give You Anything But My Love" by The Stylistics is one of the hottest new songs in Canada. It is on their "Thank You Baby" LP. The album is scheduled for release in the U.S. this week. The exciting thing about this record is it is a lot like their disco smash of last year, "Love Is The Answer."

Shirley and Company's "Shame, Shame, Shame" LP will be available in two weeks on Vibration. This should be a big disco LP. It contains the stereo version of "Shame, Shame, Shame", never commercially available, plus a new longer mix on the "Shame" instrumental. There is also an instrumental version of her current hit "Cry, Cry, Cry." There are two new cuts which are the most exciting: "I Gotta Get Next To You," which has a similar feel to "Girls" and a beautiful haunting melody in "Love Is" which is faster and has vocal background singers doing similar things like the Chordettes did on "Mr. Sandman." (I LOVE TOM!!!!) All Platinum will be releasing all it's singles in stereo from now on and we can thank All Platinum's Rowena Harris for that.

Joe Palminteri, DJ at New York's Sound Machine, has been getting good reaction to Fay Henser's ( does he mean Fay Hauser???) new single "You Bring The Sun In The Morning" (Satellite Music International). The record is in the Gloria Gaynor vein, though slightly slower. Joe will be doing some type of disco show on WBLS-FM soon.

"Sexy" is the new single by MFSB. It's from their "Universal Love' LP, which has been temporarily held back for release. "Sexy" is one of the strongest cuts on the LP, but not as strong as "T.L.C." and that could be one of the reasons the LP is being held up.

A number of DJ's are playing the English single by The Three Degrees "Take Good Care Of Yourself,' and it should be available here soon.

A number of disco DJs are starting to band together here to form an organization to solve the problem of getting records. The DJs feel that labels are getting annoyed with so many DJs coming up for records. Some companies require proof of being a DJ, and some DJs have it and some don't. It has now gotten to the point where the legitmate DJs have certain days to go to the companies and are asked to wait if the person they are supposed to see is in a meeting or out to lunch, etc. (continued on page 66...)

(now thanks to the library efforts of shootyourshot...I can complete this column....)

They are also getting remarks such as "I only have a couple of copies and I want to give it to the right DJ or the club where it will do the most good."

The DJs want to solve this problem before it gets to the point where they will not communicate with one another "because you get records that I don't." They had one meeting already, and another is planned at 99 Prince St., June 20, at 3:00 p.m. for DJs only.

What they expect to come out of this is: (1) Companies will be able to send a specific amount of records when everyone else does. (2) Each package of records will have a sel-addressed card with a place for comments about the product, such as: yes, I like it; I am or am not playing it; (a number of companies will not service a DJ unless he reports on a record in writing). (3) DJs will all get the product at the same time and not feel slighted. (4) A cutting down on the amount of records given out to people at the clubs who are not spinners.

[DISCODISK]

[quote]Joe Palminteri, DJ at New York's Sound Machine, has been getting good reaction to Fay Henser's ( does he mean Fay Hauser???) new single "You Bring The Sun In The Morning" (Satellite Music International). The record is in the Gloria Gaynor vein, though slightly slower. Joe will be doing some type of disco show on WBLS-FM soon.[quote]


yes he did mean fay hauser great looking label, great record and great follow up 'reachin out for happiness' and then zilch :o wahappen :o i thought fay was gonna be a star!reachin was remixed on 12" in 79 forget that grab that original sexy yellow 7" :P

i wanted to comment on the real thing record 'stone cold love affair' but too late you quickly knocked up the next chart [you hollywood boys and your deadlines ] and it fell off :o that REALLY surprises me,its my favourite real thing track and it bombed here dont recall ever hearing it on the radio or in a club,dont think the boys agree with me as i spoke to them once about this,but their wives were in agreement

[markydefad]

Hey DD,

1) Fay Hauser was a fairly successful actress in the 1980s. ("Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling" with Richard Pryor, for example.) I didn't know she'd been a singer til more recently. Wasn't she in a group that recently charted on the 1975 charts? Seems like I saw her name in a Philly type group in my research. :o

2) Real Thing comes back next week; then drops off, then comes back, then drops off....get the picture? Say "Yes, we see."

It's one of those "nuisance" records that I keep dropping and adding....no offense to the record itself, just a pain for the typing process. I looked at my Real Thing compilation and I didn't see this title on it...so I don't know it.

[markydefad]

May 31, 1975

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS - Freddy Fender
2) THANK GOD I'M A COUNTRY BOY - John Denver
3) HOW LONG - Ace (I love this one!!!) :D
4) ONLY YESTERDAY - The Carpenters
5) SISTER GOLDEN HAIR - America (I have a soft spot for this one too!!) :oops:


Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) SPIRIT OF THE BOOGIE - Kool & the Gang
_______________________________________________

Disco Action

Record World charting in it's National "Disco File Top 20" at #1: EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD (2nd week). This is the chart used by Joel Whitburn's book at this point in time, because it was one chart--not 4.

Billboard charts:

A= Audience Response (NYC Discos) (#1= FREE MAN)
B= Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC) (#1= (SENDING OUT AN) S.O.S.)
C= Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC) (#1: EL BIMBO)
D= Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island) (#1= SEXY)
* (NOTE: The 5th LA chart is not printed again until 6/14/75)

4 charts with 15 items apiece. 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; 60 points max. Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS
5/31/75

1) EL BIMBO - Bimbo Jet
(Scepter 45) (49 total points/ Charts ABCD) (Last week: #8.)
2) FREE MAN - South Shore Commission
(Wand 45) (37/ACD) (#2)
3) THREE STEPS FROM TRUE LOVE - The Reflections
(Capitol 45) (36/ABCD) (#5)
4) THE HUSTLE - Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
(Avco 45) (34/ACD) (#1)
5) EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - Consumer Rapport
(Wing & a Prayer 45) (32/ACD) (#3)
6) SWEARIN' TO GOD - Frankie Valli
(Private Stock 45) (32/ACD) (#7)
7) * SEXY - MFSB
(Phila. Intl. 45) (30/BCD) (NEW)
8. LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT - Tapestry
(Capitol 45) (24/ABC) (#22)
9) * (SENDING OUT AN) S.O.S. - Retta Young
(All Platinum 45) (22/ABCD) (NEW)
10) FOOT STOMPIN' MUSIC/ DISCO STOMP - Bohannon
(Dakar 45/LP) (21/AD) (#30)

11) BAD LUCK - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
(Phila Intl. 45) (15/AC) (#4)
12) * I COULD DANCE ALL NIGHT - Archie Bell & the Drells
(TSOP 45) (15/BC) (NEW)
13) * I WAS A LONELY MAN - The Philly Devotions
(Columbia 45) (15/BC) (NEW)
14) 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (BLOW YOUR WHISTLE) - Gary Toms Empire
(p.i.p. 45) (12/B) (#26)
15) SNEAKIN' UP BEHIND YOU - The Brecker Brothers
(Arista 45) (12/D) (#18.)
16) LOVE DO ME RIGHT - Rockin' Horse
(RCA 45) (11/AB) (#10)
17) EXPANSIONS - Lonnie Liston Smith
(Flying Dutchman 45) (11/C) (#29)
18. * RICH GET RICHER - The O'Jays
(Phila. Intl LP only) (10/D) (NEW)
19) (R) CRYSTAL WORLD - Crystal Grass
(Polydor 45) (8/D) (RETURN)
20) STOP AND THINK/ TRAMMPS DISCO THEME - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece LP only) (8/A) (#14)

21) HELPLESSLY - Moment of Truth
(Roulette 45- Disco Mix) (7/A) (#16)
22) * JIVE TALKIN' - The Bee Gees
(RSO 45) (7/B) (NEW)
23) PEACE AND LOVE - Ron Butler & the Ramblers
(Playboy 45) (6/AB) (#6)
24) I CAN UNDERSTAND IT - Kokomo
(Columbia 45) (5/D) (#40)
25) (R) STONE COLD LOVE AFFAIR - The Real Thing
(20th Century 45) (5/B) (RETURN)
26) SUPERSHIP - George "BAD" Benson
(CTI 45) (4/B) (#34)
27) CASTLES - The Futures
(Buddah 45) (3/D) (#21)
28. (R) GET DOWN TONIGHT - KC & the Sunshine Band
(TK 45) (2/B) (RETURN)
29) GLASSHOUSE - The Temptations
(Gordy LP only) (2/D) (#36)
30) MAN WAS MADE TO LOVE WOMAN - Bobbi Martin
(Green Menu 45) (2/C) (#24)

31) * RUN JOHNNY - Jimmy Maelen
(Epic 45) (1/C) (NEW)
32) SHOTGUN SHUFFLE - The Sunshine Band
(T.K. 45) (1/B) (#12)
33) TAKE IT FROM ME - Dionne Warwick(e)
(Warner Bros. 45) (1/A) (#27)

_______________________________________________

Stats:

#8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, (half) 20, 22, 25, 26, 30, 31 & 32 NOT LISTED in Joel Whitburn's Billboard Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003 book.

* = Debut (7): #7, 9, 12, 13, 18, 22, 31
(R) = Return/Re-entry (3): # 19, 25, 28


Dropped Off:

HIJACK - Herbie Mann (last week: #9)
A.I.E. (A MWANA) - Black Blood (#11)
IS IT TRUE - Barrett Strong (#13)
SPIRIT OF THE BOOGIE - Kool & the Gang (#15)
I WANNA DANCE WIT' CHOO (DOO DAT DANCE) - Disco Tex & his Sex-o-lettes (#17) * will be back
FIRE - Ohio Players (#19)
BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA - Spaghetti Head (#20)
WE'RE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER - Kaleidoscope (#23)
WHERE IS THE LOVE - Betty Wright (#25)*
DYNOMITE - Tony Camillo's Bazuka (#28.) *
HYPERTENSION - Calendar (#31)
LOVE LIGHTS - Chuck Jackson (#32)*
CUT THE CAKE/ PERSON TO PERSON - Average White Band
(#33) *
SHAKEY GROUND - The Temptations (#35)
HIJACK - Barrabas (#37)
JUST A LITTLE BIT OF YOU - Michael Jackson (#38.)
BABY GET IT ON - Ike & Tina Turner (#39)
LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER - Captain & Tennille (#41)


Stats & Random Notes:

33 total items; 41 last week (with the 5th chart)
+7 debuts + 3 return/re-entries/ - 18 dropoffs
3 records on all 4 charts: #1, 3, 9
6 records on 3 charts
6 records on 2 charts
18 records on only 1 chart

With no LA chart, "The Hustle" loses the top spot to "El Bimbo", mostly by virtue of it's presence on all 4 NY charts. I"ll admit, I didn't see this one coming. :roll: I figured "Free Man" would regain the top position...but "B" didn't chart it again...so it's "El Bimbo", baby!!! It's a relatively "soft" #1 with 49 total points--but has 12 points more than it's closest competitor; last week it only had 28--BUT the week before it had 54 points and then only qualified for #2. Go figure.

Of note is the debut of the Bee Gees this week. But, this is it--until "You Should Be Dancing" is released next summer. Chart "B" (Downstairs Records)
ranks "Jive Talkin'" at #9 this week. It's gone for good next week. :evil: It will be #1 Pop for 2 weeks beginning August 9, 1975.

MFSB & Retta Young debut in the Top 10. Both will be around for a few weeks--but no chart toppers here. Archie Bell & the Drells will hit #10 next week and then hover just below the Top 10 for awhile. Nice record--but never crosses over to the "A" chart.

______________________________________________

Next week:

More o' the same....BUT 2 auspicious debuts will take place, one from Motown and one from De-lite.

______________________________________________

Artist Spotlight

(reviews from the 1979 edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide, edited by Dave Marsh with John Swenson)


Debuting this week:

MFSB (#7)

"MFSB is the driving instrumental force--horns and rhythm section-- behind the remarkable Philadelphia soul sound of producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. But aside from "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)," a major 1973 pop & R&B hit, and a decent version of "Philadelphia Freedom," this is a long way from the heyday of Booker T. & the MGs. For the most part, it's just competent dance funk." :oops: :oops: :oops: (DM = Dave Marsh)

ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS (#12)

"The Drell's first Philly soul efforts (for Atlantic in the late Sixties) were quintessential Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff productions: trashy, slick and rauchy, epitomized by "Tighten Up." :o (NOTE: actually G&H had nothing to do with "Tighten Up"--but did write & produce the followup "I Just Can't Stop Dancing"). :o By the mid-Seventies, however, disco had changed the prerequisites of dance songs, and most of these songs weigh in at four minutes plus, often too much for comfort. :evil: Still, Bunny Sigler's "I Could Dance All Night," from Dance Your Troubles Away, harks back to the old sound, and "Let's Groove" is rocking nouveau boogie. The other albums echo the previous successes