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

[SandraDee]

Didn't know somebody else did the 'theme from SWAT'; I only know THP Orchestra's version.

[markydefad]

Hey thanks for the kind words, guys. :D

SandraDee!!!! Well I guess you took my nickname to heart? Is that you--Steely Dan ???? :-? :lol: :P

Rhythm Heritage had a #1 Pop hit in the U.S. with "Theme from S.W.A.T.".....it's mentioned a few times on the disco charts.

BTW, I'm attempting to update the earlier charts with the info in the current format. Things sorta evolved as I typed them over the months. As time went by, I thought of new info to add --so I'm going back and adding stuff to the early ones, a few weeks at a time. I'll tell ya when I've finished.

I'm also starting to compile the year-end listings based on the period of 10/26/74-the end of 1975. I'm gonna do a chart of that whole period based on the performance of records here. Maybe a Top 100? I's a lotta work--but this is my current hobby, at the expense of cleaning my apartment, I'm afraid. Anyone wanna do my dishes? :lol:

[SandraDee]

Hi, yes it's me & I'm gonna stick with this name now as I've given up trying to log in as Steely Dan. It was meaningful while it lasted but I'm afraid we've just drifted apart :lol: So now I've changed my sex (isn't the internet good?!) & look forward to many years together after my brief but erotic flirtation with Bona boy (I think I'm going a bit nuts!).

Strange you should mention cleaning Marky as I've spent all this afternoon mopping the kitchen & bathroom floors & generally flicking a feather duster round the place (no slings unfortunately!) so I really don't feel like donning a pair of rubber gloves again to wash your dishes; sorry; it's a shame 'cos I'm good with dirty dishes!

[markydefad]

Welcome, Sandy!!!! Have you met Phyllis Hyman? She posts here occasionally from the internet in "heaven," I guess. Maybe I'll change my name to Miss Ross!!!

markydeMISSROSS???? hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Too GAY??? :-? :-? :-?

[SandraDee]

Isn't judydoggie another 'transexual' member? (so to speak :o )

[Discomanic]

Marky: I also enjoy the columns and appreciate what you're doing. I know it must be time consuming.
Regarding your Barry White question "20th Century is releasing for discos only a special album prepared by Barry White of his greatest disco hits, all remixed especially for clubs. (Did this ever happen?)

I recall seeing a few copies up for grabs on Ebay a few months ago. They were specifically DJ/Promotion for discos only. I suspect these are the ones you are referring to.

[Salsoul1975]

It's interesting to note that 5,000 Volts' "I'm On Fire" and the O'Jays' "I Love Music" would both make the Billboard Top 40 two or three weeks after the 10/25/75 "Disco Action" column. Is it safe to say that by this time the prolonged gap between Disco charted records to the pop-and-soul charts was no longer necessary?

[markydefad]

November 1, 1975

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) ISLAND GIRL - Elton John
2) I'M SORRY/ CALYPSO - John Denver
3) MIRACLES - Jefferson Starship
4) LYIN' EYES - The Eagles
5) THEY JUST CAN'T STOP IT (GAMES PEOPLE PLAY) - The Spinners

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) SWEET STICKY THING - Ohio Players
__________________________________________________ ___

DISCO ACTION

Record World "National Disco File Top 20" #1: LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (week #2); (This is the chart being used by Joel Whitburn in his book for this time period--you know, the one chart versus 5 or 6, sometimes 7-- chart thang.)

But I've resolved that issue by combining the 6 (this week) Billboard charts into one.

Billboard charts:

A= Top 15 Audience Response Records in NYC Discos
(#1= LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY
B= Top 15 Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC)
(#1= I LOVE MUSIC)
C= Top 15 Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC)
(#1= I LOVE MUSIC)
D=Top 15 Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island)
(#1= LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY)
E= Top 15 Audience Response Records in LA/ San Diego Discos:
(#1= FLY, ROBIN, FLY)

+ Special 6th Chart from Guest City--Boston:
F= Top Audience Response Records In Boston Discos:
(#1= BABY FACE) :oops: :oops: :oops:

6 charts with 15 items apiece; 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; = 90 points max.

Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS TOP 40 + 6

Chart #54: 11/01/75

1) LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY - Donna Summer
(Oasis LP) (69 total points/ charts ABCDEF) (last week: #2)
2) CASANOVA BROWN/ (If You Want It) DO IT YOURSELF/ HOW HIGH THE MOON (Medley) - Gloria Gaynor
(MGM LP) (54/ACDF) (#3)
3) I LOVE MUSIC - The O'Jays
(Phila. Intl. 45) (54/ABCD) (#4)
4) UNDECIDED LOVE - The Chequers
(Scepter Disco Mix) (41/ABCDF) (#8.)
5) FLY, ROBIN, FLY - Silver Convention
(Midland Intl. LP) (40/ACEF) (#1)
6) EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART - Crown Heights Affair
(De-Lite LP) (35/ACDEF) (#12)
7) SUNNY - Yambu
(Montuno Gringo 45) (35/ABDF) (#11)
8. LOVE MACHINE - The Miracles
(Tamla LP) (32/ABCDE) (#17)
9) LET'S DO THE LATIN HUSTLE - Eddie Drennon & B.B.S. Unlimited
(Friends & Co. 45) (30/ACDF) (#7)
10) CARAVAN/ WATUSI STRUT - Deodato
(MCA LP) (27) ACF) (#16)

11) THAT'S THE WAY(I Like It) - KC & The Sunshine Band
(TK 45) (22/CE) (#5)
12) CHANGE WITH THE TIMES - Van McCoy
(Avco 45) (20/EF) (#9)
13) (R) OVERTURE - The Miracles
(Tamla LP) (19/ABCD) (RETURN)
14) DATE WITH THE RAIN - Frankie Gee
(Claridge 45) (19/BD) (#37)
15) YOU SET MY HEART ON FIRE (vocal & instrumental) - Tina Charles
(Columbia 45) (16/ABF) (#18.)
16) * HEAVY LOVE - David Ruffin
(Motown LP) (16/CD) (NEW)
17) NOBODY LOVES ME LIKE YOU DO DO - Jeanne Burton
(Cotton 45) (16/CD) (#6)
18. (R) BABY FACE - Wing & A Prayer Fife & Drum Corps.
(Wing & A Prayer 45) (15/F ONLY!!!!) (RETURN)
19) * LIFE IS FASCINATION - The Ritchie Family
(20th Century LP) (14/BE) (NEW)
20) PEACE PIPE - B.T. Express
(Roadshow LP) (14/AE) (#10)

21) CHANGE (Makes You Want To Hustle) - Donald Byrd
(Blue Note 45) (14/B) (#36)
22) I LIKE IT - Silver Convention
(Midland Intl. LP) (14/AC) (#15)
23) (R) MAGIC OF THE BLUE - Blue Magic
(Atco Special Disco Version) (14/DF) (RETURN)
24) (R) LET ME BE THE #1 - Dooley Silverspoon
(Cotton 45) (12/B) (RETURN)
25) DISCO SAX - Houston Person
(Westbound 45) (11/BC) (#26)
26) MESSIN' WITH MY MIND - Labelle
(Epic 45) (11/AE) (#13)
27) * EARTHQUAKE - Van McCoy
(Avco 45) (11/E) (NEW)
28. * SUMMER PLACE '76 - Percy Faith
(Columbia 45) (10/D) (NEW)
29) * I AM SOMEBODY - Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
(Pye LP) (9/B) (NEW)
30) {TIE} SUMMER OF '42/ EXODUS (Main Theme) - Biddu Orchestra
(Epic 45/ Import Only) (8 each/A) (#29)

31) (R) NOWHERE - Hokis Pokis
(Black Magic 45) (8/B) (RETURN)
32) * JOYCE -Papa John Creach
(Buddah LP) (7/BC) (NEW)
33) * BOOM BAM BUMP - Freeman Nehls
(RCA 45) (7/D) (NEW)
34) BRAZIL - The Ritchie Family
(20th Century LP) (7/E) (#20)
35) HOLLYWOOD HOT - Eleventh Hour
(20th Century 45) (6/E) (#31)
36) I'M IN HEAVEN - Touch Of Class
(Midland Intl. 45) (6/B) (#32)
37) * NEW YORK CITY BUMP - Black Rock
(Black Rock 45) (6/F) (NEW)
38.* AGGRAVATION - Martha Velez
(Sire LP) (5/D) (NEW)
39) * DRIVE MY CAR - Gary Toms Empire
(P.I.P. 45) (5/E) (NEW)
40) (R) L.O.D. (Love On Delivery) - The Reflections
(Capitol 45) (5/F) (RETURN)

41) WHO LOVES YOU - The Four Seasons
(Warner/Curb 45) (4/E) (#21)
42) (Do You Wanna) DANCE, DANCE, DANCE - Calhoon
(Warner/Spector 45) (3/E) (#23)
43) IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE - Tavares
(Capitol 45 (2/E) (#25)
44) HIGHER THAN HIGH - Undisputed Truth
(Gordy 45) (1/E) (#38.)
45) HOOKED FOR LIFE - The Trammps
(Atlantic 45- Long Version) (1/A) (#35)
46) OUR DAY WILL COME - Frankie Valli (w/Patti Austin)
(Private Stock 45) (1/F) (#24)
__________________________________________________ ___

STATS:

#4, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, & 44 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book.

* = DEBUT (10): #16, 19, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39
(R) = RETURN (6): #13, 18, 23, 24, 31, 40


Dropped Off:

SOUL TRAIN '75 - Soul Train Gang (#14) *will be back
THEME FROM S.W.A.T. - Rhythm Heritage (#19)*
LOVE ROLLERCOASTER - Ohio Players (#22)
SOMEBODY'S GOTTA GO (Sho Ain't Me) - Mike & Bill (#27)
HEY THERE LITTLE FIREFLY - Firefly (#28.)
VOLARE - Al Martino (#30) *
PEANUT VENDOR - Ritchie Family (#33) *
DROP IT IN THE SLOT - Tower Of Power (#34)


THE FINAL TALLY:

46 total items this week; 38 last week (6 charts vs. 4 charts)
+ 10 debuts + 6 returns/ -8 dropoffs
1 records on all 6 charts ( #1: Donna Summer)
3 records on 5 charts
6 records on 4 charts
2 records on 3 charts
13 records on 2 charts
21 records on only 1 chart




Analyze, baby analyze:

"Margo, have you met Eve?"

Just as the reigning stage diva, Margo Channing (Bette Davis) was introduced to bright-eyed newcomer Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) in the classic 1950 film "All About Eve," so this week the reigning Queen Of Disco, Miss Gloria Gaynor, meets her future replacement as the Queen, Miss Donna Summer. Donna steps over Gloria to the number one spot here. ("Outta my way, bitch") :P I wonder if Gloria realized her reign as the Queen of Disco was almost over? Hmmmm.... probably not. Donna was viewed as a "novelty" at this point..only in the next few years did she prove her durability. Gloria was about to hit a slump...her next few releases will be more moderate "hits"-- not the smashes she's had thus far...until 'I Will Survive" rescues & restores her back to the top in 1979.

(sorry, but I just had to go there.)

Essentially, Gloria is tied with the O'Jays (54 points apiece and 4 chart listings); since Gloria is ranked at #2 on chart A, she gets the higher ranking. The O'Jays are #4 on chart A.

Donna's rankings: A=#1, B=#6; C= #4; D= #1; E= #6; F= #9....so she wins the top spot this week.

B & E have dropped Gloria G.
B, D & E not charting Deodato.
E & F haven't charted the O'Jays yet (only all 4 NYC charts).
B & D have dropped Silver Convention.
E never charts Chequers; this is their peak--big drop next week.
Only B not charting the new Crown Heights Affair.
B & E not charting Eddie Drennon.
Tina Charles dropped by C & D.
Yambu not on C & E.
E only charting "Love Machine"; all NYC charts list it with "Overture."
C actually charts KC at #8 this week: #2 in LA. No other listings this week.
Guest chart F (Boston) lists "Baby Face" at #1; Moulton says it was "tested" there--not released elsewhere--yet.
Gary Toms is back on E with his cover of "Drive My Car"; this record does well everywhere except NYC.
Percy Faith "discotizes" his 1960 movie theme hit '(Theme from) "A Summer Place" ' into a disco tune. This will go Top 10 next week...then sorta faaaaaaaade away. Our very own serial-poster and sling-duster, Sandra Dee starred opposite Troy Donahue in "A Summer Place"-- back in her youth. Hey Sandy!!! :P

The current "cover list" includes:

HOW HIGH THE MOON
SUNNY
CARAVAN
DATE WITH THE RAIN
BABY FACE
SUMMER PLACE '76
SUMMER OF '42 (hmmm...coincidence or not?--you decide)
BRAZIL (of course---it's a cockroach--it won't go away!!!)
DRIVE MY CAR ( originally by The Beatles/ Paul McCartney opened his Superbowl halftime show with this)
OUR DAY WILL COME

Many more titles will be added to this list before the end of the year. MANY MORE!!! I kid you not.

__________________________________________________ __

Artist Spotlight

(reviews from the 1979 edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide, edited by Dave Marsh and guaranteed to piss off Paul). :P

Debuting this week.........

DAVID RUFFIN (#16)

"When David Ruffin left the Temptations in 1969 and scored an immediate success with "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)," his future seemed as bright as any singer in soul. His raspy leads on many Temptations songs had earned him a wide following--Rod Stewart draws heavily on Ruffin's singing in his interpretation of soul songs--that needed only nurture (adequate production, good material) to flower. Unfortunately, he began to suffer from a program of benign neglect from the Motown production corps, which tossed him around like a hot potato, and he's never lived up to a fraction of that promise. There are a few good moments on the Best of, but nothing any ordinary singer couldn't do on the rest." (DM = Dave Marsh)
("Walk Away From Love" redeems him in my book) :D

JIMMY JAMES & THE VAGABONDS (#29)

"This is a soul harmony group name, and in 1968, when "Come to Me Softly" was a big R&B hit, this is what the gang was. By 1977, when Life was released, disco was the name of the game, and they played it, probably wisely but not terribly well." (DM)


PAPA JOHN CREACH (#32)

"This hoary fiddler was resurrected by the Jefferson Airplane toward the end of its career; the Grunt albums were part of the Airplane's solo deal with RCA/Grunt. The first was made while Creach was still in the band, and features the usual cameos from members of the Airplane clan. The other two Grunt records, recorded with an anonymous backup group called Zulu, and the subsequent Buddah records show Creach's thinness, both conceptually and musically. His only dramatic move is the hokey glissando that is repeated endlessly over the course of these albums." (JS = John Swenson)

MARTHA VELEZ (#38.)

"Velez is a veteran New York Latin-soul singer with a more than passing interest in rock trends. In 1975, she made Escape From Babylon with Bob Marley as producer; it survives as one of the more eccentric moments in either career, a hybrid of soul and reggae that could have been great if Velez had a mite more voice. Matinee Weepers, however, is simply forced and none too soulful--whatever Velez learned in Jamaica, she left it there before returning to Manhattan." (DM)
__________________________________________________ ___

DISCO ACTION/CLUB DIALOG by Tom Moulton

Column # 53: 11/01/75

(My thanks to shootyourshot once again for providing this entire column.) :D :D :D

(New York) Van McCoy's classic production technique is available again this week on the new David Ruffin LP (Motown), with "Heavy Love" already showing up in store reports as the strongest cut. Equally strong is "It Takes All Kinds Of People To Make A World", which is more uptempo but just as melodic. Several other cuts worth noting are "Love Can Be Hazardous To Your Health," "I've Got Nothing But Time, and Van's remake of his Choice Four hit, "The Finger Pointers."

Motown is doing more outside productions now, with the Ruffin LP recorded, mixed, and mastered at Media Sound here, and Norman Harris and Allen Felder producing Eddie Kendrick's new LP at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia.

This month All Platinum will be releasing two strong LPs: Retta Young's "S.O.S." will have the complete version of the title cut single, and a new single to be released in two weeks, the old Mary Wells hit, "You Beat Me To The Punch."

It will be commercially available as a 6 minute disk and has a strong rhythm break in the middle which takes it even higher. The song also is much faster than her last hit, but more exciting. The other new release will be the new Rimshots LP, with two strong disco cuts - "Do Do Do What You Feel which will probably be released as a single prior to the LP release, and "Hypertension." This LP is funkier and has a full orchestration backing the group.

Flamingo had its seasonal "grand opening" Saturday (18.) with Vincent Caleo returning as DJ. About 2,000 were on hand to see the complete redecoration, including a "wall of lights" for fantastic light shows. As one guest observed, "it was a spectacular event and Vincent couldn't have been better."

Already getting some good play in the clubs is a cut from the new Black Blood LP on Mainstream called "Chicano," featuring the Afro-Latin sound extremely popular in this area, and it is also catching on in a number of other larger cities.

"Baby Face" by Wing And A Prayer Fife & Drum Corps on Wing & A Prayer label is the top audience response cut in Boston for the second week. The record was given out in the area as a "pre-release test" and apparently proved out well as several stations added the cut before its official release this week.

The new Notations' single on Gemigo, "It's Alright (This Feeling)," is very much in the Spinners' sound vocally, with the drums and tambourines way out front of the mix, a very popular effect at the clubs. This disk should do much better than their last single.

More news on John Addison's new club in Boston, which will be called 15 Lansdowne St. instead of Brazil. Official opening is set for Wednesday (29) for members only. David Rodriguez, from New York, is set as the DJ. It is said to be one of the most expensive renovation and decoration jobs on any disco.
__________________________________________________ ___



The Big Tease....

Next week, 11/08/75, 6 charts are printed with the guest city being the lovely San Francisco. 12 records debut, 3 return and 9 dropoff.

New items are due from MFSB, the Ritchie Family, David Ruffin, Paul Jabara, Polly Brown, the Duprees, the Commodores, People's Choice, Urszula Dudziak and most significantly, the Salsoul Orchestra.

There will be a new number one (with 80 out of a possible 90 points!!!)

If I'm counting correctly, there will only be 3 new number ones before the end of the 1975 year; starting with next week's title, and a debut next week and another one that will debut on 11/15/75. (Hint: it's a solo turn by a member of a group that recently charted number one here.)

__________________________________________________ __

For the record, this chart was typed listening to

Here's To Life - Shirley Horn (slooooooow but lovely jazz)
JeffH burned me a cd with "Neverending Disco Cuts"
Martin Circus LP:
Disco Circus (14:01)
Ite Missa Est (6:33)
Before it Gets Dark (7:51)

Love De-Luxe LP version:
Here Comes That Sound Again (16:40)

Lightning:
Disco Symphony (10:02)

Camoflage feat. Mysti:
Disco Symphony/MacArthur Park (14:38.)

Theo Vaness:
No Romance/ Keep On Dancin' (9:40)

I played this almost 3 times!!!!!!! "Never-ending Disco indeed!!!" :lol: :lol: :lol:

[markydefad]

November 8, 1975

Billboard Pop Chart #1:
1) ISLAND GIRL - Elton John (2nd week)

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) LOW RIDER - War
__________________________________________________ ___

Disco Action:

Record World "National Disco File Top 20" #1: LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (week #3); (This is the chart being used by Joel Whitburn in his book for this time period--you know, the one chart versus 5 or 6, sometimes 7-- chart thang.)

But I've resolved that issue by combining the 6 (this week) Billboard charts into one.

Billboard charts:

A= Top 15 Audience Response Records in NYC Discos
(#1= I LOVE MUSIC)
B= Top 15 Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC)
(#1= SUMMER PLACE '76)
C= Top 15 Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC)
(#1= I LOVE MUSIC)
D=Top 15 Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island)
(#1= LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY)
E= Top 15 Audience Response Records in LA/ San Diego Discos:
(#1= LOVE MACHINE)

+ Special 6th Chart from Guest City--San Francisco:
F= Top Audience Response Records In San Francisco Discos:
(#1= BRAZIL/ DANCE WITH ME) (how "Hooterville" of us!! ; think "Petticoat Junction") :oops: :oops: :oops: :P



6 charts with 15 items apiece; 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15; = 90 points max.

Add them up and voila!....


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS TOP 50

Chart #55: 11/08/75

1) I LOVE MUSIC - The O'Jays
(Phila Intl. 45) (66 total points/charts ABCDEF) (last week: #3)
2) LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY - Donna Summer
(Oasis LP) (63/ABCDEF) (#1; one week in total)
3) CASANOVA BROWN/ (If You Want It) DO IT YOURSELF/ HOW HIGH THE MOON (ABDF); "EXPERIENCE GLORIA GAYNOR" LP (C)- Gloria Gaynor
(MGM LP) (47 + 8 = 55/ ABDF + C) (#2)
4) FLY, ROBIN, FLY - Silver Convention
(Midland Intl. LP) (46/ACEF) (#5)
5) EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART - Crown Heights Affair
(De-Lite LP) (41/ACDEF) (#6)
6) SUMMER PLACE '76 - Percy Faith
(Columbia 45) (41/BCDF) (#28.)
7) LOVE MACHINE - The Miracles
(Tamla LP) (30/ADEF) (#8.)
8. SUNNY - Yambu
(Montuno Gringo 45) (29/ABD) (#7)
9) * THE ZIP - MFSB
(Phila. Intl. 45) (20/BC) (NEW)
10) YOU SET MY HEART ON FIRE (vocal & instrumental) - Tina Charles
(Columbia 45) (19/ABDF) (#15)

11) BRAZIL - The Ritchie Family
(20th Century LP) (19/EF) (#34--it won't go away!!!!!)
12) CARAVAN/ WATUSI STRUT - Deodato
(MCA LP) (19/AC) (#10)
13) DRIVE MY CAR - Gary Toms Empire
(P.I.P. 45) (19/EF) (#39)
14) I LIKE IT - Silver Convention
(Midland Intl. LP) (19/AC) (#22)
15) UNDECIDED LOVE - The Chequers
(Scepter disco mix) (18/AD) (#4)
16) DATE WITH THE RAIN - Frankie Gee
(Claridge 45) (17/BCD) (#14)
17) BABY FACE - Wing & A Prayer Fife & Drum Corps.
(Wing & A Prayer 45) (16/AC) (#18.)
18. NOBODY LOVES ME LIKE YOU DO DO - Jeanne Burton
(Cotton 45) (15/CD) (#17)
19) * (I Want To Dance With You) DANCE WITH ME - The Ritchie Family
(20th Century LP) (15/F) (NEW)
20) CHANGE (Makes You Want To Hustle) - Donald Byrd
(Blue Note 45) (13/B) (#21)

21) NOWHERE - Hokis Pokis
(Black Magic 45) (12/B) (#31)
22) OVERTURE - The Miracles
(Tamla LP) (12/AD) (#13)
23) THAT'S THE WAY (I Like It) - KC & The Sunshine Band
(TK 45) (12/E) (#11)
24) LET'S DO THE LATIN HUSTLE - Eddie Drennon & B.B.S. Unlimited
(Friends & Co. 45) (11/AD) (#9)
25) HEADLINE NEWS - Carol Douglas
(Midland Intl. special disco version) (11/F) (RETURN)
26) HEAVY LOVE/ * IT TAKES ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE TO MAKE A LOVE - David Ruffin
(Motown LP) (11 each/D) (#16/NEW)
27) MESSIN' WITH MY MIND - Labelle
(Epic 45) (11/E) (#26)
28. LET ME BE THE #1 - Dooley Silverspoon
(Cotton 45) (10/BC) (#24)
29) I'M IN HEAVEN - Touch Of Class
(Midland Intl. 45) (8/BC) (#36)
30) CHANGE WITH THE TIMES/ EARTHQUAKE - Van McCoy
(Avco LP) (8 each/E) (#12/#27)

31) * ERUCU/ SHE'S THE IDEAL GIRL - "Mahogany" Soundtack (both co-composed by Jermaine Jackson)
(Motown LP) (8 each/B) (NEW)
32) * TANGERINE - The Salsoul Orchestra
(Salsoul LP) (8/F) (NEW)
33) BOOM BAM BAP - Freeman-Nehls
(RCA 45) (7/D) (#33)
34) * ONE MAN AIN'T ENOUGH - Paul Jabara
(A&M 45) (7/F--only in SF!!!) (NEW)
35) PEACE PIPE -B.T. Express
(Roadshow 45) (7/E) (#20)
36) (R) TO EACH HIS OWN - Faith, Hope & Charity
(RCA 45) (6/F--SF is waaaay behind the times!!!) (RETURN)
37) AGGRAVATION - Martha Velez
(Sire LP) (5/D) (#38.)
38. DISCO SAX - Houston Person
(Westbound 45) (5/C) (#25)
39) HOLLYWOOD HOT - Eleventh Hour
(20th Century 45) (5/E) (#35)
40) * SPECIAL DELIVERY - Polly Brown
(Ariola-America 45) (5/F) (NEW)

41) LIFE IS FASCINATION - The Ritchie Family
(20th Century LP) (4/E) (#19)
42) * SALSOUL RAINBOW/ TALE OF THREE CITIES - The Salsoul Orchestra
(Salsoul LP) (4 each/A) (NEW)
43) * DELICIOUS - The Duprees
(RCA 45) (3/B) (NEW)
44) (Do You Wanna) DANCE, DANCE, DANCE - Calhoon
(Warner/Spector 45) (3/E) (#42)
45) I AM SOMEBODY - Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
(Pye LP) (2/A) (#29)
46) * SWEET LOVE/ GIMME MY MULE - The Commodores
(Motown LP) (2 each/ E) (NEW)
47) * NURSERY RHYMES - People's Choice
(TSOP 45) (1/E) (NEW)
48. * PAPAYA - Urszula Dudziak
(Arista 45) (1/B) (NEW)
49) SUMMER OF '42/ EXODUS ( Main Theme) - The Biddu Orchestra
(Epic 45/ Epic Import only) (1 each/A) (#30)
50) (R) VOLARE - Al Martino
(Capitol 45) (1/C) (RETURN)
__________________________________________________ __

STATS:

#6, 9, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, (half) 30, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, (half) 42, 43, 46, 47, 48 & 50 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book.

* = Debut (12): #9, 19, (half) 26, 31, 32, 34, 40, (half) 42, 43, 46, 47, 48

(R) = Return (3): #25, 36, 50

Dropped Off:

MAGIC OF THE BLUE - Blue Magic (was #23)
JOYCE - Papa John Creach (#32) * will be back
NEW YORK CITY BUMP - Black Rock (#37)
L.O.D. (LOVE ON DELIVERY) - The Reflections (#40)
WHO LOVES YOU - The Four Seasons (#41)
IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE - Tavares (#43)
HIGHER THAN HIGH - Undisputed Truth (#44)
HOOKED FOR LIFE - Trammps (#45)
OUR DAY WILL COME - Frankie Valli (w/Patti Austin) (#46) *


The Final Tally:

50 total items; 46 last week
+ 12 debuts +3 returns/ -9 dropoffs
2 records on all 6 charts (#1 (O'Jays) & #2 (Donna Summer)
2 records on 5 charts
4 records on 4 charts
2 records on 3 charts
12 records on 2 charts
28 records on only 1 chart

The Cover List:

HOW HIGH THE MOON
SUMMER PLACE '76
SUNNY
BRAZIL
CARAVAN
DRIVE MY CAR
DATE WITH THE RAIN
BABY FACE
* TANGERINE (#1 Pop hit for Jimmy Dorsey in 1942) * Debut
SUMMER OF '42
EXODUS
VOLARE





What's New and/or Interesting?

"Philly Soul trumps Euro-Disco!!!!!"

The O'Jays hit #1 after only 3 weeks in release.
A= #1; B= #2; C= #1; D= #4; E= #10; F= #12

Donna Summer slips to #2; (Record World still lists Donna at #1 for 2 more weeks)

E is over Gloria Gaynor; she's still charting everywhere else.
#4 in SF

B still not charting Crown Heights Affair.

Percy Faith's remake of his own 1960 movie theme as a disco record "Summer Place '76" moves up to #6 this week; on all 3 NYC retail charts + SF; waaaaaaaaay too old-fogey "beautiful music" for LA!!!! :P Drops next week to #18.

SF is still charting BRAZIL at #1; this record has peaked everywhere else. They are also still charting TO EACH HIS OWN @ #10; dropped off everywhere else.

The Ritchie Family LP is represented by 3 tracks this week: BRAZIL (of course), (I Want To Dance With You) DANCE WITH ME (this is how J. Whitburn lists it) & LIFE IS FASCINATION. Next week, PEANUT VENDOR & FRENESI come back!!!

The Salsoul Orchestra charts 3 titles: TANGERINE, SALSOUL RAINBOW & TALE OF THREE CITES. Next week, the ENTIRE LP is listed. This is the first time an "ALL CUTS" ( well, except "LOVE LETTERS") is printed.

__________________________________________________ ___



Artist Spotlight:

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

Debuting this week.........

PAUL JABARA (#34)

(In reference to The Perils of Paul)
"Disco concept LP in which an attempt is made to turn a white soul singer into a male answer to Donna Summer. The beat's right, but the story doesn't match Summer's Once Upon A Time, and the singing's just this side of wretched." :P :P :P (DM = Dave Marsh)

THE COMMODORES (#46)

"The Commodores took black rock to a kind of plateau in the late Seventies. They began in 1975 as a fairly nondescript but essentially powerful post-Sly revue act, but as the guitars and percussion stepped forward more boldly, they began to seem more like black music's answer to heavy metal. This came home most forcefully with Machine Gun, although succeeding records would be more popular." (DM)

URSZULA DUDZIAK (#48.)

"The vocalist wife of violinist Michal Urbaniak is showcased here (Urszula) by her husband's production and band. Using her amazing range, she shrieks high, low and strikingly (there are no lyrics on the LP), and more extensively than on Urbaniak's records. However, at times the electric synthesized envirionment that surrounds her seems to be constricting, at least in comparison to her work on the out-of-print Newborn Light. There, in duets with Adam Makowicz, her yelps and moans achieve more nuance, and turn more tricks of timing." (MR = Michael Rozek)
__________________________________________________ __

DISCO ACTION/ CLUB DIALOG by Tom Moulton

(Column #55/ 11/8/75)

(my thanks to shootyourshot for once again providing this entire column) :D

"I Love Music" by the O'Jays (PIR) is now the top disco record in town here, and it took all of three weeks from its release date. The LP will be available shortly. Also coming soon is the new Archie Bell and the Drells LP on TSOP. It should be a very hot dance product.

Atlantic Records will be releasing two the new Trammps single "That's Where The Happy People Go." There will be a long disco version for club play and a shorter one for commercial sales. There's been a lot of DJ talk about the record ever since the label introduced it at a press party announcing the group's signing. An album will be released sometime in January, and it will include three other strong disco cuts.

The new Blackbyrds album will be available soon, and it should prove out as one of their best efforts to date. "Rock Creek Park" and "Happy Music" are the strongest cuts on the disk. Both songs feature the synthesizer and are reminiscent of their last big hit, "Walking In Rhythm." Another strong disco cut on the LP, but with more of a funky flavor to it, is "Hash and Eggs."

TK is getting stronger with its own product as well as with disks from several labels it distributes. Notably, the label is no longer just coming with a Miami sound, but with a diversified musical approach. Three singles recently released by TK with good potential are "Fools Rush In" by Joey Porrello [says "Forello"] (Drive), with a fantastic up track; "Baptize Me With Your Love" by Clarence Reid (Alston), featuring a straight from Memphis sound with good lyrics and a fine production job by Steve Alaimo; and "Get Down With It" (Part 1 & 2) by Cashmere (Lotta), a slower, mellower sound with a slight overtone of the B.T. Express.

Thanks to Mike Webb for helping with the San Francisco report.

Atlantic is rush-releasing "Lady Bump" by Penny McLean, one of the lead singers from the group Silver Convention.
__________________________________________________ __


The Big Tease:

Next week, 6 charts are printed; 48 items chart; + 9 debuts + 6 returns; -17 dropoffs.

The guest city is Boston.

Debuts from Grover Washington, Jr. (#1 on B), South Shore Commission (their LP is released); the Armada Orchestra (LP of disco covers of familiar tunes), Floyd Smith & the Salsoul Orchestra, Jim Gilstrap, Ernie Bush, Gerri Grainger, Moon Lion, and Miss Penny McLean ("Look at meeeeeeeeeeeee!!!")

"BABY FACE" leaps up into the Top 5 and Salsoul Orchestra LP jumps into the Top 10.
__________________________________________________ ___

This column was typed while listening to:

The Salsoul Orchestra Anthology (BOTH discs!!!)....I'm not quite done with disc 2 as I type this!!! That's a whole lotta muuuuuusik!!!!

[nrgbeat]

If memory serves isn't "Sweet Love" by The Commodores a ballad??

Never heard the other cut "Give Me My Mule" :roll:

[DISCODISK]

PAPAYA - Urszula Dudziak
(Arista 45) (1/B) (NEW)

run for your life!! urszula has landed :o WARNING DANGER dont even dare play the b.side :o :o

[markydefad]

nrg: yeah, "Sweet Love" is more of a ballad; (it's listing surprised me too)..but they bundle it this week with "Gimme My Mule." It disappears next week. It's actually around 100-105 bpm, if I remember correctly...so ya could make a claim for "morning music" but I think the tempo often changes ...so dancing would be difficult...except as a "slow dancer." Great record, though.

DD...so is Urszula a "Horror"???...Yoko Ono before Yoko Ono????

Do tell. :lol:

[DISCODISK]

was she a horror, not sure as i never saw a pic of her its just the wierdest record ever, hard to explain no words just noises and wailing from her mouth [at times she sounds like a dying cat that was run over by a car]funk rings the other side is stranger it is actually like shes smoking and blowing smoke rings and making the noises, ian levine actually played this at my club a few times :o i actually have this on an english promo that was possibly witdrawn,just very strange marky very strange indeed :lol:

[QUINNY]

Not as bad as Yoko Ono and the wailings DD talks about are presumably something in Portugese akin to Jazz scat singing, as Urzula was from Brazil via Poland, if memory serves me correctly. I gave the record a few spins BITD and yes DD, it was weird wasn't it. Out on Arista?, I recall having a U.S. 7" of it.

[totoman]

Does anyone know what "The Perils Of Paul" was in the artist review of Paul Jabara?

toto