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

[efunk_adelic]

I wonder why the MIRACLES - DO IT BABY didn't have any action.... allthough released in July '74 it could've had some recognition on the first chart.... oh well...

[markydefad]

(Updated with more and/or corrected info 2/14/05)

November 23, 1974

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) I CAN HELP - Billy Swan
2) * DO IT ('TIL YOU'RE SATISFIED) -B.T. Express
3) MY MELODY OF LOVE - Bobby Vinton
4) TIN MAN - America
5) LONGFELLOW SERENADE - Neil Diamond

*(items in BOLD charted on the DISCO chart.)

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) WOMAN TO WOMAN - Shirley Brown (2nd week)
__________________________________________________ ___
DISCO ACTION:

A = Top 15 Audience Response Records (NYC Discos)
(#1: EXPRESS)
B= Best Sellers (Downstairs Records -NYC)
(#1: DOCTOR'S ORDERS)
C = Best Sellers (Colony Records- NYC)
(#1: MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING )
D = Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island)
(#1 = EXPRESS)

Four charts with 15 items apiece; 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15. Max points= 60.

(In case of ties: precedence for appearance on more than one chart; precedence for highest ranking on any chart (especially chart A); or alphabetical order by song title.)

Add them up and voila......


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS TOP 27
Chart #5: November 23, 1974


1) DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas
(Midland Intl. 45) (56 total points/charts ABCD) (last week: #1; 2nd week)
2) TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT - Jimmy Ruffin
(Chess 45) (50/ABCD) (#15)
3) EXPRESS - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only) (44/ABCD) (#6)
4) YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING/ b/w MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING (Instrumental) -Barry White (20th Century 45) (36/ABCD) (#4)
5) I'LL BE HOLDING ON - Al Downing
(Chess - Disco Mix) (35/ABCD) (#22)
6) NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor
(MGM 45) (34/ACD) (#2)
7) LOOK ON THE GOOD SIDE - The Invitations
(Silver Blue 45) (26/BCD) (#9)
8. WHERE ARE ALL MY FRIENDS - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
(Phil. Intl. 45) (26/ABC) (#7)
9) GET DANCIN' (PT. 1 & 2) - Disco Tex & His Sex-O-Lettes
(Chelsea 45) (25/ACD) (#3)
10)ROCKIN' SOUL - The Hues Corporation
(RCA 45) (24/ABD) (#5)

11) EACH MORNING I WAKE UP - Major Harris Boogie Blues Band
(Atlantic 45) (20/BC) (#10)
12) TRUSTING HEART - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece 45) (14/BCD) (#8.)
13) ASK ME - Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
(Roulette 45) (11/AD) (#11)
14) GOT TO TESTIFY (LOVE) - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
(UA 45) (10/ABCD) (#21)
15) EVERLASTING LOVE - Carl Carlton
(Backbeat 45) (10/AD) (#20)
16) * I FEEL A BIG ONE (COMIN' ON) - Leonard Caitler
(Sunburst 45) (10/D) (NEW)
17) SOON EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT - Third Time Around
(Denine 45) (10/B) (#19)
18. *HEY GIRL, COME AND GET IT - The Stylistics
(AVCO LP only) (8/A) (NEW)
19) YOU BELIEVED IN ME - Executive Suite
(Babylon 45) (6/B) (#24)
20) SUGAR PIE GUY - The Joneses
(Mercury 45) (5/A) (#14)

21) *WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE - Zulema
(RCA 45) (5/C) (NEW)
22) YOU ARE THE SONG I ALWAYS WANTED TO SING - Timmy Thomas
(Glades 45) (5/B) (#26)
23) YOU BETTER BE CERTAIN - The Futures
(Buddah 45) (3/B) (#27)
24) I FEEL LOVE COMIN' ON - Jay & The Techniques
(Silver Blue 45) (2/D) (#17)
25) *ONE TEAR - Eddie Kendricks
(Tamla 45) (2/C) (NEW)
26) PHILADELPHIA - B.B. King
(ABC/Dunhill 45) (2/A) (#13)
27) *LIVING, LOVING, LAUGHING - Jesus (Alvarez)
(Vibration 45) (1/C) (NEW)
__________________________________________________ ___
STATS:

#9, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 & 27 NOT in Joel Whitburn's book.

* = Debut (5): #16, 18, 21, 25, 27

(R) = Return/Re-entry (0):

DROPPED OFF:

TIME - Mighty Clouds Of Joy (was #12)
DO IT ('TIL YOU'RE SATISFIED) - B.T. Express (#16)
KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas (#18.)
LOVE DOESN'T GROW ON TREES - Darren Green (#23)
WORK TO DO - Average White Band (#25)
ONE DAY OF PEACE - Love Committee (#28.)
ALL THESE CHANGES - Milt Matthews (#29)
WHERE THERE IS LOVE - The Whispers (#30)
DREAMS - Nell Carter (#31)

THE FINAL TALLY:

27 total items; 31 last week
+5 debuts/ -9 dropoffs
6 records on all 4 charts
6 records on 3 charts
3 records on 2 charts
12 records on only 1 chart
__________________________________________________ ___

DISCO ACTION by Tom Moulton

Column #5: November 23, 1974

("MR. MOULTON GOES TO LOS ANGELES")

(Los Angeles) - Local discotheques haven't as yet reached the point where they are programming music exclusively their own. They are relying on their audience's familiarity with the music.

People here don't seem to be getting up and dancing to the newer sounds or those records they aren't familiar with.

In the survey of Pips, Studio One, Starwood, Paradise Ballroom, The Other Side, DOK West, Diamond Horseshoe, they are generally playing the hits, with Gloria Gaynor's "Never Can Say Goodbye" on MGM, Carol Douglas' "Doctor's Orders" on Midland Intl. and "Express" by B.T. Express on Sceptor exceptions, because they're not yet radio hits.

The clubs don't seem to be receiving promotional copies and that's another reason why their programming doesn't seem to be as current as that in New York--where the clubs are tied closer together with communications and are thus able to know about good records when they are available or even before.

Local clubs seem to be weeks behind the New York discos mainly because they aren't receiving the product...product which can get people onto the floor and dancing.

At Pips, a private club, the music is generally the popular records of the day. There is a nice comfortable, plush atmosphere, where people can party without being onstage. The club doesn't have the same volume intensity as is generally heard in the New York clubs where there are over 100 locations in Manhattan and Queens. There the competition is much greater and the volume is more intense--which creates the excitement you need.

Don Tegelar is the disk jockey at Pips and he's been in the city one year.

At Studio One, Paul Dougan is one of the DJs and this location in West Los Angeles (now West Hollywood) is both very big and very popular. It's open to the public and it really jumps.

This place is in the style a New York type club in size, the sound system ( music is played quite loud) and there is a light show run by the DJs. Sound and lights are what creates the excitement.

Studio One plays such popular tunes as "Philadelphia" by B.B. King on ABC, "Can't Get Enough" by Barry White on 20th Century plus the titles already mentioned.

There is a feeling that the disco club scene here is starting to get established. Not as a fad but as a legitimate entertainment outlet.

Audiences here--like in other cities--come to the clubs to "let loose" -- a form of expression where you can be yourself under the common goal of dancing and having a great time.

Two radio stations in New York are playing "Express" by B.T. Express. They are WWRL-AM and WBLS-FM. This is a cut out of their LP and the radio play has to be based on retail sales and disco action....Gloria Gaynor, who had the top New York disco record for eight weeks, is now getting Top 40 play with KHJ-AM in Los Angeles adding it to it's list.

"Hey Girl, Come and Get It" by The Stylistics on their "Heavy Fallin' Out" LP on Avco has the same sound as "Rock Your Baby"[does he mean "Rock The Boat" sound?] :-? so that is is a Stylistics version of the George McCrae hit. The discogoer still wants this sound and the popularity of this record confirms it.

[sfbeary]

do you have any record label info for Jesus?

[markydefad]

Oops, thanks for pointing that out Barry. It was a Vibration 45, according to the chart.

[DISCODISK]

MARKY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR EFFORTS :P
4 barry white well it wasnt so much of a mistake it was the b side unlikely on this but perhaps this side was getting the plays ?

17 third time around was indeed the denine label any info on any other release on this label would be very grateful though i think its unlikely, it was a reactivated label from the early 70s possibly late 60s with a different design but same address,the label releases im askin about is the mid 70s design green with baseball shoe [new york]

27 MARKY you are silly its not THAT jesus :o :lol: SFBEARY try this jesus..jesus alvarez i somehow remember this in the black hole in my mind

[NickNack]

I'm behind the times in my book buying so I ask again: Why doesn't this book appear in Amazon or Barnes & Noble? Is this a ghost story? I type in "joel whitburn" and see everything but a book having to do with disco or dance music. Pop, Country, Rock, Hip-Hop... no Disco.

HELP ME!!!

And Marky, I'm sure if I ever get this mystery volume your charts will prove more interesting. Thanks for taking the trouble.

[efunk_adelic]

Originally Posted by markydefad

DISCO ACTION
November 23, 1974

"Hey Girl, Come and Get It" by The Stylistics on their "Heavy Fallin' Out" LP on Avco has the same sound as "Rock Your Baby" so that is is a Stylistics version of the George McCrae hit. The discogoer still wants this sound and the popularity of this record confirms it.

I wonder why they said that these songs sound the same???? they don't

[sfbeary]

discodisk is correct again!

jesus alvarez is indeed the jesus in question here - his disco claim to fame was singing the male vocal on shirley & co.'s "shame, shame, shame."

[markydefad]

Discodisk is our GOD!!!! He should write the book on this stuff (I'll help you with that pesky punctuation & stuff!!!) :lol: :lol: :lol:

These Billboard charts are sometimes subject to typos--so I try to correct when I know the right answer :o

1) For some reason, the Barry White record has been listed as "More Than Anything, You're My Everything" since day one. After a couple weeks, it was corrected to the #1 hit A-side on the Audience Response chart...but it remains listed as the B-side title on the 3 best seller charts. I think the editors just weren't paying close attention. But it's good to know that title does exist and is not just a paraphrase of the A-side as I suspected.

2) Last week they printed "Denine" as the label..this week it was "Dennas"....so I wasn't sure. :oops:

3) Lastly, they only list "Jesus" as the artist on that record...I'm a tad disappointed that the son of our Lord actually didn't chart--but I guess knowing he has a Hispanic last name will help in the search for this record. :P
Perhaps he was going through his "Cher" period at his time....one name only, one name only.

DD & sfbeary, I'm curious to know if some of these obscure records are any good...your evaluation of the merit of the most obscure titles would be most appreciated. :D

[sfbeary]

here are a few highlights:

14) GOT TO TESTIFY (LOVE) - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose <--- fantastic - their best dancefloor cut - available on 7", LP, and various hits collections

19) YOU BELIEVED IN ME - Executive Suite
(Babylon 45) (6/B) <-- strong follow-up to their bigger and better hit, "When the Fuel Runs Out" and very much in the same style - like that one, it was never issued on an album - classic philly male soul-disco in the style of the tramps - you can find "fuel" on Super Rare Disco

24) I FEEL LOVE COMIN' ON - Jay & The Techniques
(Silver Blue 45) (2/D) poppy-soul - probably the most bubblegum of the obscure tracks, but still worth investigating - another one i think that was 7"-only

26) PHILADELPHIA - B.B. King
(ABC/Dunhill 45) (2/A) - excellent Philly disco instrumental with the MFSB - not at all a typical b.b. king track! - think of this one as a long-forgotten MFSB cut with a bluesy guitar solo - best heard on B.B. King's *Friends* LP (reissued on cd) - the 7" is an edit and too short

[DISCODISK]

Originally Posted by markydefad

(I'll help you with that pesky punctuation & stuff!!!) :lol: :lol: :lol:

MARKY i did find this very funny :lol: youve said this to me before,like how long is this gonna go on....LIKE FOREVER? :lol: im no typist my finger hits where it lands and if it misses an odd comma or full stop HEY it aint the end of the world,and i am a scouser and you know what sir quinny says about scousers

but re checking the chart IVE found another typo could be a billboardo though but im not sure, gonna check with the moderators, i think a 10 cent fine taken out of your pay for every error as disco chart manager may be in order as its becoming too much :lol:

16 i feel a big one [comin'on] should read- leonard [lil man] kaigler
i have this, but where i clubbed we played the other side 'you got me believing in you [dreamin bout you] sunburst was a nice label and i loved this record ,but its another kiddie one, nice uptempo dancer and worth looking out for not available on c.d as far as im aware,and as far as i remember 'believing' was a much better side but i gotta go check it especially with a title like that :o will report back on this when i find it

15 everlasting love carl carlton so so version of the robert knight tune this was dismissed here mainly because his much earlier backbeat recording competition aint nothing was still a favourite

23 futures great record worth looking out for but so was EVERY black music release on buddah in this period

17 invitations look on the good side was a monster where i clubbed any teddy p fan who dosnt know this has to buy it blind cos thats what it sounds like, its that good! available in the spirit of philadelphia c.d along with their other winner they say the girls crazy, these silver blue releases are getting harder to find and expensive because they are class surprised SFBEARY never covered this as hes a fan,and NICKY did this c.d arrive for you and whats the verdict?

and finally the third time around soon everytings gonna be alright, ive said this before one of my big surprises here that nobody ever talks about this i know barry is a fan but everbody here would love this, piano, strings and a cool guitar twang with female vocals that somehow feel like backing vocals instrumental flip and the vocals just slide in at the end and that seems to make it a bit more special a REAL feelgood record,if i could take 3 records to heaven [or scouse hell] this would be one of em,one of new yorks mid 70s finest moments

[markydefad]

Nicky,

The Joel Whitburn book HOT DANCE/DISCO 1974-2003 is available from Record Research, Inc., Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53052-0200

Phone: 262-251-5408
Fax: 262-251-9452
E-Mail: books@recordresearch.com
website: www.recordresearch.com

But the point of my thread is to mention the titles that didn't make the book. The early years are given short shrift--due to the lack of a single comprehensive chart. By the time we get to 1979 or 1980--they were charting 100 records a week--BUT in the early years only 10--then 15--then 20--then 30 and finally 40 by mid-1976. It expanded to 60 in April of 1979; a week later to 80; ironically, it expanded to 100 in Sept. of 1979...just as DISCO was starting to die.

So I just want to get some attention and learn about the unmentioned records that fell through the cracks.

The Invitations record "Look On The Good Side" is a good case in point. Tom Moulton never put this record on the Top 15 Audience Response chart--although it is on the other 3 best seller charts--enough to give it a ranking in the Top 10 on my compilation consensus chart. There are other records in this same predicament. I want to find out about them.

Thanks to sfbeary & discodisk for their capsule reviews. I love to read your comments. You're both so knowledgable and astute in your reactions to these records. And I know I share your taste in most cases.

[markydefad]

(Updated with more and/or corrected info 2/15/05)

November 30, 1974

Billboard Pop Chart #1:
1) I CAN HELP - Billy Swan


Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) I FEEL A SONG (IN MY HEART) - Gladys Knight & The Pips __________________________________________________ ___
DISCO ACTION:

A = Top 15 Audience Response Records (NYC Discos)
(#1: EXPRESS)
B= Best Sellers (Downstairs Records -NYC)
(#1: TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT)
C = Best Sellers (Colony Records- NYC)
(#1: DOCTOR'S ORDERS)
D = Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island)
(#1 = DOCTOR'S ORDERS)

Four charts with 15 items apiece; 15 points for a #1; 1 point for a #15. Max points= 60.

(In case of ties: precedence for appearance on more than one chart; precedence for highest ranking on any chart (especially chart A); or alphabetical order by song title.)

Add them up and voila......


THE DISCO COMPILATION CONSENSUS TOP 30
Chart #6: November 30, 1974

1) DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas
(Midland Intl. 45) (56 point total/ charts ABCD) (last week: #1; 3rd week)
2) TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT - Jimmy Ruffin
(Chess 45) (52/ABCD) (#2)
3) EXPRESS - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only) (51/ABCD) (#3)
4) YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING/ b/w MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING (Instrumental) - Barry White
(20th Century 45) (41/ABCD) (#4)
5) I'LL BE HOLDING ON - Al Downing
(Chess 45 - Disco Mix) (33/ABD) (#5)
6) GET DANCIN' (PT. 1 & 2) - Disco Tex & His Sex-O-Lettes
(Chelsea 45) (31/ACD)(#9)
7) NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor
(MGM 45) (28/ACD) (#6)
8. SOON EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT - Third Time Around
(Denine 45) (21/BCD) (#17)
9) WHERE ARE ALL MY FRIENDS - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
(Phil. Intl. 45) (20/ABC) (#8.)
10) EACH MORNING I WAKE UP - Major Harris Boogie Blues Band
((Atlantic 45) (19/ABC) (#11)

11) ROCKIN' SOUL - The Hues Corporation
(RCA 45) (16/BD) (#10)
12) LOOK ON THE GOOD SIDE - The Invitations
(Silver Blue 45) (13/BD) (#7)
13) HEY GIRL, COME AND GET IT - The Stylistics
(Avco LP only) (11/AB) (#18.)
14) TRUSTING HEART - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece 45) (10/BCD) (#12)
15) * WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - The Three Degrees
(Phil Intl. 45) (10/D) (NEW)
16) ASK ME - Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
(Roulette 45) (8/A) (#13)
17) * PICK UP THE PIECES - Average White Band
(Atlantic 45) (8/C) *(B-side "Work To Do" charted 2 weeks ago; djs have flipped the record to the other side) (NEW)
18. * BERTHA BUTT BOOGIE - Jimmy Castor Bunch
(Atlantic 45) 7/D) (NEW)
19) WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE - Zulema
(RCA 45) (7/C) (#21)
20) * GIRLS - The Moments & The Whatnauts
(Stang 45) (6/B) (NEW)

21) SUGAR PIE GUY - The Joneses
(Mercury 45) (6/A) (#20)
22) * BUMP YOUR BOOTY - Bobby Marchan
(Dial 45) (5/B) (NEW)
23) * E-MAN BOOGIE - Jimmy Castor Bunch
(Atlantic LP --not commerically available) (4/A) (NEW)
24) (R) KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas
(20th Century 45) 4/D) (RETURN)
25) LIVING, LOVING, LAUGHING - Jesus (Alvarez-- NOT of Nazareth) :lol:
(Vibration 45) (3/C) (#27)
26) PHILADELPHIA - B.B. King
(ABC 45) (3/A) (#26)
27) GOT TO TESTIFY (LOVE) - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
(UA 45) (2/C) (#14)
28. YOU BELIEVED IN ME - Executive Suite
(Babylon 45) (2/B) (#19)
29) (R) ONE DAY OF PEACE - Love Committee
(TSOP 45) (1/A) (RETURN)
30) * PARTY IS A GROOVY THING - People's Choice
(TSOP 45) (1/D) (NEW)
__________________________________________________ ___
STATS:

#8-12-15-18-19-22-24-25-30 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book.

* = Debut (8.): # 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 30

(R) = Return (1): #24

Dropped Off:

Everlasting Love - Carl Carlton
I Feel A Big One (Comin' On) - Leonard (Lil Man) Caigler
You Are The Song I Always Wanted To Sing - Timmy Thomas
You Better Be Certain - The Future
One Tear - Eddie Kendricks
I Feel Love Comin' On - Jay & The Techniques * will be back

THE FINAL TALLY:

30 total items; 27 last week
+8 debuts + 1 return/ -6 dropoffs
4 records on all 4 charts
7 records on 3 charts
3 records on 2 charts
16 records on only 1 chart

__________________________________________________ ___

Disco Action by Tom Moulton
Column #6: November 30, 1974

(New York)

Gloria Gaynor's live disco shows at New York's The Sound Machine Nov.17 and Hollywood (18th) proved to be total successes for both the MGM artist and her club followers. With her backup opening the hour-plus sets with "Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys," Ms Gaynor followed onstage to perform "I Like What I Like" and such disco classics as "Love Is The Answer," "Put Your Hands Together," "Dream World" and "A Date With The Rain." Also included in the sets were "Honey Bee" and her current hit "Never Can Say Goodbye."

Comments from the audiences after both shows were unanimous in that the performances will be the talk of the club circuit for some time. One fan did ask her "How does it feel to be a big star?" She replied: "I'm not one yet." The fan's retort was "To us you are."

The Hues Corp.'s new album "Rockin' Soul" has a cut on it called "No End In Sight," and it looks like it'll be the big disco record that "Rockin' Soul" wasn't. Although "Rockin' Soul" has garnered substantial radio airplay, the song just hasn't had the same effect on the disco scene as the group's "Rock The Boat." Alfie Davidson of Buttermilk Botton is already strong on "No End In Sight" as are a number of other club people here.

Watch for "You Need A Friend Like Mine" by Annette Thomas (Truth). It's a good soul record, with strong gospel flavoring provided by the female backup group on the disk.

Robert Guttadaro (Bobby DJ) of Le Jardin recently traveled to St. Louis to open the new Bijou Club. He reports that some of the big audience response records were such tunes as "Get Dancin'," "Doctor's Orders" and "Tell Me What You Want." Guttadaro says that even though the dancers weren't at first familiar with the material they reacted positively to each one of the songs.....On the West Coast, Jim Walters, disk jockey at Los Angeles' Paradise Ballroom, reports that Al Downing's "I'll Be Holding On" is the hottest single in his place. It's the B-side of his new Chess/Janus single, and it's making strong inroads in New York as well. It was released just three weeks ago.

Mike Cappello of Le Jardin is high on Lalo Schifrin's "Escape From Tomorrow," an electronic disk with a strong jungle type rhythm...Ed DeJoy, head of Chess/Janus' West Coast operation, traveled the club circuit here last week with New York-based promotional exec Perry Cooper.... Midland Records reports that Carol Douglas' recently released "Doctor's Orders" has surpassed the 200,000 units sold mark already. The disk is only the third single to be released by the RCA-distributed label....Alexander The Great has instituted a new discotheque luncheon policy for workers who want to dance during their midday break.

The Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, New Jersy has been reopened as a New York-styled disco. Chuck Molinaro, director of the operation, says that the club has a capacity of some 1,000--1,500 people and a 20' x 80' dance area. Plans also call for the booking of label acts for live midweek concerts, starting sometime around the first of the year.

[markydefad]

Originally Posted by efunk_adelic

I wonder why they said that these songs sound the same???? they don't

Hmmm...I see your point. I'm wondering if he didn't mean to reference "Rock The Boat" by the Hues Corporation which has more of the sound of The Stylistics record? Just a guess.

It seems he makes a reference to this "Rock The Boat" sound somewere else in these columns...saying audiences want more of this sound.

[paul]

Originally Posted by efunk_adelic

I wonder why the MIRACLES - DO IT BABY didn't have any action.... allthough released in July '74 it could've had some recognition on the first chart.... oh well...

Hey efunk, if I understand Marky's system properly, the rankings are tied to how well the song did in NYC. I rememeber DO IT BABY and it played well in Connecticut. This song remains one of my many favorites. It's also a song missing from my collection.