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

[rhessel]

Reading the last chart, I saw B.B.King and then I remembered Ben Eduard King (aka B. E. King) which released a song "We got love". Have you ever heard about it?? Did it appear on the Disco charts?

Cheers,

rhessel.

[shootyourshot]

Originally Posted by markydefad

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.

In his January 11, 1975 column, Tom says The Richmond Extension's new single "Let's Get Into Something" is in the same vein as "Hey Girl, Come And Get It". He then talks about both records having, and I quote, "the "Rock The Boat/Rock Your Baby" sound".

I guess that answers all questions. :lol:

[efunk_adelic]

Originally Posted by shootyourshot

In his January 11, 1975 column, Tom says The Richmond Extension's new single "Let's Get Into Something" is in the same vein as "Hey Girl, Come And Get It". He then talks about both records having, and I quote, "the "Rock The Boat/Rock Your Baby" sound".

I guess that answers all questions. :lol:

I feel much better now... :D

[markydefad]

Another song with the "Rock The Boat/Hey Girl, Come and Get it" sound (it's that distinctive drum "bum ba bum-bum" sound) is "To Each His Own" by Faith, Hope & Charity. This gets released later--in 1975.

[efunk_adelic]

Originally Posted by markydefad

Another song with the "Rock The Boat/Hey Girl, Come and Get it" sound (it's that distinctive drum "bum ba bum-bum" sound) is "To Each His Own" by Faith, Hope & Charity. This gets released later--in 1975.

I'm really glad we brought this up.... because I like that sound a lot! Other than Van McCoy hits.... I wonder if there are any more that didn't fair as well? Anybody? or maybe I should just start another thread...

[markydefad]

(Updated with new and/or corrected info 2/16/05)

December 7, 1974

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas
2) I CAN HELP - Billy Swan
3) WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - Three Degrees
4) DO IT ('TIL YOU'RE SATISFIED) -B.T. Express
5) CAT'S IN THE CRADLE - Harry Chapin

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

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) I FEEL A SONG (IN MY HEART) - Gladys Knight & The Pips (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: DOCTOR'S ORDERS)
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 34
Chart #7: 12/7/74

1) EXPRESS - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only) (58 points total/charts ABCD) (last week:#3)
2) DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas
(Midland Intl. 45) (56/ABCD) (#1)
3) I'LL BE HOLDING ON - Al Downing
(Chess 45- Disco Mix) (48/ABCD) (#5)
4) TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT - Jimmy Ruffin
(Chess 45) (34/ABCD) (#2)
5) GET DANCIN' (PART 1 & 2) - Disco Tex & His Sex-O-Lettes
(Chelsea 45) (28/ACD) (#6)
6) NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor
(MGM 45) (27/ACD) (#7)
7) YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING/ b/w MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING (Instrumental) - Barry White
(20th Century 45) (21/ABD) (#4)
8. HEY GIRL, COME AND GET IT - The Stylistics
(Avco LP only) (21/AB) (#13)
9) * LOVE DON'T YOU GO THROUGH NO CHANGES ON ME - Sister Sledge
(Atco 45) (20/BC) (NEW)
10) * LADY MARMALADE - Labelle
(Epic 45) (18/ACD) (NEW)

11) EACH MORNING I WAKE UP - Major Harris Boogie Blues Band
(Atlantic 45) (15/AB) (#10)
12) SOON EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT - Third Time Around
(Denine 45) (13/BC) (#8.)
13) (R) I FEEL LOVE COMIN' ON - Jay & The Techniques
(Silver Blue 45) (10/C) (RETURN)
14) E-MAN BOOGIE - JImmy Castor Bunch
(Atlantic LP cut--not avialable commercially yet) (9/A) (#23)
15) * GUILTY - First Choice
(Philly Groove 45) (9/D) (NEW)
16) ONE DAY OF PEACE - Love Committe
(TSOP 45) (9/B) (#29)
17) *ESCAPE FROM TOMORROW - Lalo Schifrin
(20th Century 45) (8/C) (NEW)
18. *HAPPY PEOPLE - The Temptations
(Gordy 45) (7/CD) (NEW)
19) WHERE ARE ALL MY FRIENDS - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
(Phil. Intl. 45) (7/BC) (#9)
20) ASK ME - Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
(Roulette 45) (7/A) (#16)

21) ROCKIN' SOUL - Hues Corporation
(RCA 45) (7/B) (#11)
22) WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE - Zulema
(RCA 45) (7/C) (#19)
23) LOOK ON THE GOOD SIDE - The Invitations
(Silver Blue 45) (6/B) (#12)
24) GIRLS - The Moments & The Whatnauts
(Stang 45) (5/B) (#20)
25) SUGAR PIE GUY - The Joneses
(Mercury 45) (5/A) (#21)
26) WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - The Three Degrees
(Phil. Intl. 45) (5/D) (#15)
27) * BABY, BABY, LOVE IS WAITING - Gary Bonner
(Atlantic 45) (4/B) (NEW)
28. * STOMP AND BUCK DANCE - The Crusaders
(Blue Thumb LP only) (4/D) (NEW)
29) PHILADELPHIA - B.B. King
(ABC 45) (3/A) (#26)
30) (R) TIME - Mighty Clouds Of Joy
(ABC 45) (3/D) (RETURN)

31) TRUSTING HEART - The Trammps
(Golden Fleece 45) (2/D) (#14)
32)* YOU'VE GOT TO TRY HARDER - Ronnie Walker
(Event 45) (2/C) (NEW)
33) * IT'S A MIRACLE - Barry Manilow
(chart says Bell (Arista) LP only) (1/A) (NEW)
34) *WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU - Labelle
(Epic LP only) (1/D) (Next week, it's bundled with "Lady Marmalade" on most of the charts) (NEW)
__________________________________________________ __
STATS:

#12, 13, 15, 17, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 NOT in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco 1974-2003 book.

* = Debut (10): #9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34

(R) = Return/Re-entry (2): #13. 30

DROPPED OFF:

PICK UP THE PIECES - Average White Band (was #17) * will be back
BERTHA BUTT BOOGIE - Jimmy Castor Bunch (#18.) *
BUMP YOUR BOOTY - Bobby Marchan (#22) *
KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas (#24) *
LIVING, LOVING, LAUGHING - Jesus (Alvarez) (#25)
GOT TO TESTIFY (LOVE) - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose (#27)
YOU BELIEVED IN ME - Executive Suite (#28.)
PARTY IS A GROOVY THING - People's Choice (#30) *


THE FINAL TALLY:

34 total items this week; 30 last week
+10 debuts + 2 returns /-8 dropoffs
4 records on all 4 charts
4 records on 3 charts
6 records on 2 charts
20 records on only 1 chart
__________________________________________________ ___
DISCO ACTION by Tom Moulton
Column #7: 12/07/74

(New York) Radio station WPIX-FM here has introduced a four-hour disco show on Saturday nights from 8-12 p.m. The program features current discotheque hits as well as a number of disco oldies mixed in.

Showing up on the station's disco playlist are such selections as "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", "Love Is The Answer", Sugar Pie Guy" and "Get Dancin' ". Records are announced either before or after they're played and spots are used after two or three plays.

While the techniques of cueing found at the clubs aren't used, WPIX is programming most of what is hot on the club level and initial (reaction) to the station's move into the disco field has been favorable.

Avco Records has mailed out a special promo single of "Hey Girl, Come & Get It" by the Stylistics to disco d.j.'s. and they in turn are telling their audiences that it will probably be available soon as a commercial single. It's rated by the same dj's as the strongest cut on the group's current album.

The new Kay Gees album on Gang Records will be coming out in the next two weeks, and there are several good disco cuts on the LP, including "Ain't No Time (Part 1&2)" and "Get Down." "Aint' No Time" featuring synthesizer and vocal harmonies throughout, is a different sound for the group, giving them more of a pop music flavor.

Already, there are several test copies of "Get Down" at a few of the clubs here and reaction to it has been strong. Al Garcia of The Twinkle Zone says it's "probably the group's most commercial sounding effort."

"Lady Marmalade" by Labelle has made the top 15 this week, after sharing split play for some time now with the cut "What Can I Do For You" from their same titled Epic LP. The stronger response is now behind "Lady Marmalade".

About nine months ago, a record was released on Silver Blue Records titled "We Can't Get Enough" by Bingo and, for some strange reason, no one ever heard the disk.

Now, Downstairs Records has copies to sell and Colony is trying to acquire the single, which is a lot like a Trammps record. Word from Siver Blue is that if initial reaction is strong enough they may reissue the disk with the track on a B-side.

Steve Santoro, formerly of Nepentha IL, is the disk jockey at the George Whitliegh's Dance Palace in Journal Square in Jersey City, N.J. Styled after a New York club, the Dance Palace opened Friday (29) and has a 800-person capacity.

Buttermilk Bottom, a private club here which was growing in popularity, was closed last week because of problems with city authorities over it's exits. Word is that the club will move to another location and Alfie Davidson will still be spinning for them. Ironically, the club was closed by the officials during the height of crowded Saturday night.

Carl Carlton's ABC LP "Everlasting Love" will be available within two weeks. "La, La, La, I Love You Girl" and the Ruby & The Romantics' oldie "Our Day Will Come" are the two strong disco cuts. ......Ritchie Kaczor, dj at the Hollywood here, is getting strong audience response from Sister Sledge's "Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me" (Atco)

Look for Atlantic Records to have a strong disco month this January. Coming out will be the new Sister Sledge LP, which has several good disco cuts; the Major Harris LP, with the long version of "Each Moning I Wake Up", and the Jimmy Castor LP with "E Man Boogie", "Hallucinations", and "Bertha Butt Boogie".

[sfbeary]

Al Garcia of The Twinkle Zone

love that!

not sure if it's your mistake or tom's, but barry manilow's LP was on arista, not atlantic.

[markydefad]

Barry,

Well "Atlantic" was my mistake...it was the label for the preceding record. Tom has "Bell" as the label. Was this soon to be absorbed into Arista?...seems so.

Thanks for the input.

Anything new of note here?

[sfbeary]

oh, right. barry manilow was first on bell, and then bell turned into arista, and his early records were then reissued on arista. i'm gonna embarrass myself and publically admit that i quite like "it's a miracle" - sort of like his later cut "new york city rhythm" in its almost-disco-ness.

guilty by first choice is fierce, but you probably already know that.

stomp and buck dance by the crusaders is also a killer - it's a funky/jazzy instrumental with a drum intro beloved by the hip-hop peeps - not strictly disco, but don't let that scare ya, it's a goodie.

and of course the sister sledge track is early disco magnificence personified (or should that be vinylified?)

[markydefad]

What about the Ronnie Walker & Gary Bonner tracks? I don't know those.

[markydefad]

I searched for the Ronnie Walker record over at AMG and found it in a compilation..."Masterpieces of Modern Soul"...went to Amoba and bought it!!!

15. You've Got to Try Harder (Times Are Bad) performed by Ronnie Walker - 3:01

I haven't had time to listen yet. :oops:

They have no mention of the Gary Bonner record.

Barry,

I do agree about Barry Manilow's "It's A Miracle". Pure Technicolor pop delight...cheesy, but pleasantly so. In fact, I bought "Ultimate Manilow" just to get this track. When I first moved to SF this was a radio hit there...don't recall it being played in the clubs....but I guess Tom tried to influence some to do so. This title doesn't appear in the Billboard charts again. So I guess it might have failed to live up to the crossover potential hype.

This reminds me of the 2 Four Seasons hits "Who Love's You" and "December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)" from 1975. Whereas, Frankie Valli's "Swearin' To God" was considered a bonafide disco classic & a pop hit.... I just recall the 2 Four Seasons records as pop radio hits...but the disco influences on their production are very evident when listening to them today. According to AMG, "Who Loves You" was a disco hit. I don't recall this being played at Buzzby's in SF...but maybe, my mind's playing tricks on me again. :oops:

My point is that pop radio songs were starting to use the disco production (hi-hats and groovier beats) heard in the Barry White & Gloria Gaynor records released in 1974. Later, in 1989 after the Soul II Soul record was released in the U.S. -- suddenly everything sounded like "Back To Life" or "Keep On Movin". The sounds keep on a changin' and the copycats were on that, to quote Miss Clifford, "like white on rice".

[DISCODISK]

[quote="markydefad"]I searched for the Ronnie Walker record over at AMG and found it in a compilation..."Masterpieces of Modern Soul"...went to Amoba and bought it!!!

15. You've Got to Try Harder (Times Are Bad) performed by Ronnie Walker - 3:01

I haven't had time to listen yet. :oops: [quote]


hey MARKY were still waiting i saw this in the week and i was gonna do it, then i thought how do you describe that intro :-? ill let you try :lol:

[markydefad]

My computer is infected with some damn virus that I obtained getting those damn lyrics for that Sparks song---it's turned slow as sludge. :evil: :evil: :evil:

So I'm gonna try this on someone else's computer---never an easy task. :roll:

First off, I realized seeing the songs that were topping the Pop & R&B charts at this time might put the Disco charts into perspective. I've been amazed that some songs that were giant Pop & R&B songs that were also danceable haven't done much on the Disco chart ("When Will I See You Again" , "Kung Fu Fighting" for example).

So I'm gonna do a little catchup here....

October 26, 1974 (first Disco chart)

Disco #1:NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: HIGHER PLANE - Kool & The Gang

Pop #1: THEN CAME YOU - Dionne Warwick(e) & The Spinners
_______________________________________________

November 2, 1974

Disco #1: NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: LET'S STRAIGHTEN IT OUT - Latimore

Pop #1: YOU HAVEN'T DONE NOTHIN' - Stevie Wonder w/ The Jackson Five
_______________________________________________

November 9, 1974

Disco #1: YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING - Barry White (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: LET'S STRAIGHTEN IT OUT - Latimore

Pop #1: YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET - Bachman-Turner Overdrive
_______________________________________________

November 16, 1974

Disco #1: DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: WOMAN TO WOMAN - Shirley Brown

Pop #1: WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT - John Lennon
_______________________________________________

November 23, 1974

Disco #1: DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: WOMAN TO WOMAN - Shirley Brown

Pop #1: I CAN HELP - Billy Swan
_______________________________________________

November 30, 1974

Disco #1:DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: I FEEL A SONG (IN MY HEART) - Gladys Knight & The Pips

Pop #1: I CAN HELP - Billy Swan
_______________________________________________

December 7, 1974

Disco #1: EXPRESS - B.T. Express (compilation consensus)

R&B #1: I FEEL A SONG (IN MY HEART) - Gladys Knight & The Pips

Pop #1: KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas
#2 I CAN HELP - Billy Swan
#3 WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - The Three Degrees
#4 DO IT ('TIL YOU'RE SATISFIED) - B.T. Express
#5 CAT'S IN THE CRADLE - Harry Chapin

OK, that catches us up.

[markydefad]

(Updated with new and/or corrected info 2/19/05)

December 14, 1974

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas (2nd week)

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

Billboard Soul/R&B Chart #1:
1) YOU GOT THE LOVE - Rufus feat. Chaka Khan __________________________________________________ ___
DISCO ACTION:

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

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 33
Chart #8: 12/14/74

1) DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas
(Midland Intl. 45) (54 total points / charts /ABCD) 9last week: #2)
2) EXPRESS - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only) (52/ABCD) (#2)
3) I'LL BE HOLDING ON - Al Downing
(Chess 45) (42/ABCD) (#3)
4) TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT - Jimmy Ruffin
(Chess 45) (30/ABCD) (#4)
5) LOVE DON'T YOU GO THROUGH NO CHANGES ON ME - Sister Sledge
(Atco 45) (23/BC) (#9)
6) HEY GIRL, COME AND GET IT - The Stylistics
(Avco LP only) (21/AB) (#8.)
7) GET DANCIN' - Disco Tex & His Sex-O-Lettes
((Chelsea 45) (21/AD) (#5)
8. YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING- Barry White
(20th Century 45) (20/AD) (#7)
9) YOU'VE GOT TO TRY HARDER - Ronnie Walker
(Event 45) (18/BC) (#32)
10) ONE DAY OF PEACE - Love Committee
(TSOP 45) 16/ABC) (#16)

11) ESCAPE FROM TOMORROW - Lalo Schifrin
(20th Century 45) (16/BC)(#17)
12) LADY MARMALADE/WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU - Labelle
(Epic 45/LP cut) (14/ABC) (#10/#34)
13) NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor
(MGM 45) (14/AB) (#6)
14) SOON EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT - Third Time Around
(Denine 45) (13/BD)(#12)
15) (R) BERTHA BUTT BOOGIE - Jimmy Castor Bunch
(Atlantic 45) (12/D) (RETURN)
16) HAPPY PEOPLE - The Temptations
(Gordy 45) (11/BC) (#18.)
17) EACH MORNING I WAKE UP - Major Harris Boogie Blues Band
(Atlantic 45) (11/B) (#11)
18. (R) KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas
(20th Century 45) (11/D ONLY) (RETURN)
19) E-MAN BOOGIE - Jimmy Castor Bunch
(Atlantic LP cut- not commercially available yet) (10/A) (#14)
20) (R) PARTY IS A GROOVY THING - People's Choice
(TSOP 45) (10/D) (RETURN)

21) ASK ME - Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
(Roulette 45) (9/A) (#20)
22) LOOK ON THE GOOD SIDE - The Invitations
(Silver Blue 45) (8/BD) (#23)
23) I FEEL LOVE COMIN' ON - Jay & The Techniques
(Silver Blue 45) (8/C) (#13)
24) (R) BUMP YOUR BOOTY - Bobby Marchan
(Dial 45) (7/D) (RETURN)
25) WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE - Zulema
(RCA 45) (7/C) (#22)
26) * I DON'T KNOW - Bobby Womack
(UA 45) (5/C) (NEW)
27) WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - The Three Degrees
(Phila. Intl. 45) (5/D ONLY) (#26)
28. SUGAR PIE GUY - The Joneses
(Mercury 45) (4/A) (#25)
29) * THAT'S WHAT I WANT FOR YOU BABY - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only) (3/A) (NEW)
30) * FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT - The New Censations
(Pride 45) (2/C) (NEW)

31) * AFRICAN SYMPHONY - Van McCoy
(Avco Lp only) (1/A) (NEW)
32) * BUMP ME BABY - Dooley Silverspoon
(Cotton 45) (1/C) (NEW)
33) ROCKIN' SOUL - The Hues Corporation
(RCA 45) (1/D) (#21)
__________________________________________________ ___
STATS:

#9,11,14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30 & 32 NOT in Joel Whitburn's Hot Disco/Dance (1974-2003) chart book.

* = Debut (5): #26, 29, 30, 31, 32
(R) = Re-entry to chart (4): #15, 18, 20, 24


Dropped off:

GUILTY - First Choice (was #15)
WHERE ARE ALL MY FRIENDS - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes(#19)
GIRLS - The Moments & Whatnauts(#24) *will be back
BABY, BABY LOVE IS WAITING - Gary Bonner (#27)
STOMP AND BUCK DANCE - The Crusaders (#28.) *
PHILADELPHIA - B.B. King (#29) *
TIME - Mighty Clouds of Joy (#30)
TRUSTING HEART - The Trammps (#31) *
IT'S A MIRACLE - Barry Manilow (#33)*



THE FINAL TALLY:

33 total items this week; 34 last week
+5 debuts + 4 returns /-9 dropoffs
4 records on all 4 charts
3 records on 3 charts
9 records on 2 charts
17 records on only 1 chart
__________________________________________________ ___


Disco Action by Tom Moulton
Column #8: 12/14/74

(New York) Barry Lederer (Tom's successor in writing this column, BTW) reports from Miami that the disco scene there has been going strong for some two-and-a half years now, having originally sprung from jukebox clubs to places with both disk jockeys and live bands.

One of the most popular places in the heart of Miami is Rumbottoms. Wayne Scott, who used to spin at the Alley in Queens, is the disk jockey there. The club has a 2,000 person capacity, and the disk jockey alternates with a live group, Calhoune, (Calhoon????) also originally from New York. On Weekends the club also books such top name disco acts as Ecstasy, Passion & Pain and Eddie Kendricks.

Another popular Miami spot is the Warehouse, which has a 3,000 person capacity. The main disk jockey there is Bill Kelly. (George Martinez alternates with him). The club doesn't have live entertainment, but does feature casual rooms and an outdoor deck for relaxing.

While the above clubs are the two most popular and the largest, there are several other discos in Miami with strong followings. Among them are the Ambassadors, where Doug DJ spins nightly, and Keiths. The sound systems at both clubs are close to New York standards.

As in a number of other disco cities, the complaints from disk jockeys in Miami are similar, mainly that they are having a difficult time getting some of the popular disco records.

The most difficult record to obtain in the Miami area now is Al Downing's "I'll Be Holding On," currently the No. 2 disco selection in New York this week. Miami disk jockeys also had a hard time getting Jimmy Ruffin's latest disco effort, although that problem has been recently alleviated.

Over-all, the top records in Miami are basically the same as in New York. There are a few exceptions, though. One of these would be You Are The Song I've Always Wanted To Sing" by Timmy Thomas (Glades). At the top of most disk jockey lists for being serviced with product in Miami is Gary Schaffer of T.K. Productions. He has the reputation for constantly keeping the clubs up-to-date with his product.

Turning back to the New York scene, RCA Records, getting more and more disco oriented, is set to release "Free & Easy" by Satyr. The disk will have the vocal version on one side and the instrumental on the other. Although the label has scheduled an early January release, most New York disk jockeys are already aware of the record and are hoping for an earlier release date.

Event Records is going to re-release "I Feel Love Comin' On" by Jay & The Techniques. The disk was deleted from Silver Blue Records a few months back, even though it's disco popularity has been maintained. Word is that Event will be going all out for this record.

Columbia Records will be releasing, within the next two weeks, "I Just Can't Say Goodbye" by the Philly Devotions. The record, which was going to be released several months ago but was held up because of contractual negotiations, has an instrumental version on the flip side.

[markydefad]

(Updated with new and/or corrected info 3/06/05)


December 21, 1974

Billboard Pop Chart Top 5:
1) CAT'S IN THE CRADLE - Harry Chapin
2) KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas
3) ANGIE BABY - Helen Reddy
4) WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - Three Degrees
5) YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING - Barry White

*(items in BOLD charted on the DISCO chart

Billboard R&B Chart #1:
1) SHE'S GONE - Tavares
__________________________________________________ ___

DISCO ACTION

12/21/1974
A= Audience Response (NYC Discos)
(#1= EXPRESS)
B= Retail Best Sellers: Downstairs Records (NYC)
(#1= LOVE DON'T YOU GO THROUGH NO CHANGES ON ME)
Retail Best Sellers: Colony Records (NYC)
(#1: DOCTOR'S ORDERS)
D= Retail Best Sellers: Melody Song Shops (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island)
(#1= MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING)

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 TOP 33
Chart #9: 12/21/74

1) EXPRESS - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only) (46 total points/ charts ABCD) (last week: #2)
2) I'LL BE HOLDING ON - Al Downing
(Chess 45) (45/ABCD) (#3)
3) DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Carol Douglas
(Midland Intl. 45) (38/ACD) (#1)
4) LOVE DON'T YOU GO THROUGH NO CHANGES ON ME - Sister Sledge
(Atco 45) (31/ABC) (#5)
5) ESCAPE FROM TOMORROW - Lalo Schifrin
(20th Century 45) (25/BC) (#11)
6) YOU'VE GOT TO TRY HARDER - Ronnie Walker
(Event 45) (24/BC) #9)
7) NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Gloria Gaynor
(MGM 45) (23/ABC) (#13)
8. TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT - Jimmy Ruffin
(Chess 45) (20/ABC) (#8.)
9) HAPPY PEOPLE - The Temptations
(Gordy 45) (19/BCD) (#16)
10) LADY MARMALADE/WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU - Labelle
(Epic 45/LP cut) (18/ACD) (#12)

11) GET DANCIN' - Disco Tex & His Sex-o-lettes
(Chelsea 45) (18/AD) (#7)
12) HEY GIRL, COME AND GET IT - The Stylistics
(Avco LP cut only) (17/AB) (#6)
13) YOU'RE THE FIRST, THE LAST, MY EVERYTHING/ b/w MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING (Instrumental) - Barry White
(20th Century 45) (17/AD) (#8.)
14) KUNG FU FIGHTING - Carl Douglas
(20th Century 45) (13/D ONLY) (#18.)
15) SOON EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT - Third Time Around
(Denine 45) (12/BC) (#14)
16) ONE DAY OF PEACE - Love Committee
(TSOP 45) (12/B) (#10)
17) WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN - Three Degrees
(Phila. Intl. 45) (12/D ONLY) (#27)
18. ROCKIN' SOUL - Hues Corporation
(RCA 45) (11/D) (#33)
19) E-MAN BOOGIE - Jimmy Castor Bunch
(Atlantic LP cut-NOT commercially available yet) (10/A) (#19)
20) I FEEL LOVE COMIN' ON - Jay & The Techniques
(Slver Blue 45) (9/C) (#23)

21) PARTY IS A GROOVY THING - People's Choice
(TSOP 45) (8/D) (#20)
22) ASK ME - Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
(Roulette 45) (7/A) (#21)
23) BUMP ME BABY - Dooley Silverspoon
(Cotton 45) (6/C) (#32)
24) EACH MORNING I WAKE UP - Major Harris Boogie Blues Band
(Atlantic 45) (6/B) (#17)
25) (R) PICK UP THE PIECES - Average White Band
(Atlantic 45) (6/D) (RETURN)
26) (R) EVERLASTING LOVE - Carl Carlton
(Backbeat 45) (5/D) (RETURN)
27) THAT'S WHAT I WANT FOR YOU BABY - B.T. Express
(Scepter LP only (5/A) (#29)
28. *UP IN A PUFF OF SMOKE - Polly Bown
(GTO Records: ABC/Dunhill) (4/BCD) (DEBUT)
29) *SHAME, SHAME, SHAME - Shirley & Company
(Vibration 45) (4/BC) (DEBUT)
30) (R) PHILADELPHIA - B.B. King
(ABC/Dunhill 45) (3/D) (RETURN)

31) SUGAR PIE GUY - The Joneses
(Mercury 45) (3/A) (#28.)
32) LOOK ON THE GOOD SIDE - The Invitations
(Silver Blue 45) (2/B) (#22)
33) AFRICAN SYMPHONY - Van McCoy
(Avco LP only) (1/A) (#31)
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STATS:

#5, 6, 9, 14, 15,17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28 & 32 NOT listed in Joel Whitburn's Hot Dance/Disco (1974-2003) book

* = Debut (2): #28, 29 (UP IN A PUFF OF SMOKE/ SHAME, SHAME, SHAME)

(R) = Return/Re-entry (3): #25, 26, 30 (PICK UP THE PIECES/EVERLASTING LOVE/ PHILADELPHIA)


Dropped off chart:

BERTHA BUTT BOOGIE- Jimmy Castor Bunch (was #15)
BUMP YOUR BOOTY - Bobby Marchan (#24)
WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE - Zulema (#25)
I DON'T KNOW - Bobby Womack (#26)
FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT - New Censations (#30)

THE FINAL TALLY:

33 items on chart (same as last week)
2 new items + 3 returns/-5 drop-offs
2 records on all 4 charts
7 records on 3 charts
7 records on 2 charts
17 records on only 1 chart


Random Notes & Thoughts:

"EXPRESS" returns to #1 after slipping to #2 last week; but only has 46 points this week as opposed to 52 last week.
NOT MUCH CONSENSUS here: 1/2 chart (17 of 33 records are only on ONE CHART)
ONLY 2 RECORDS ON ALL 4 CHARTS!!!!!
Hey, it's almost Christmas--not much new stuff released this time of year.
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Disco Action by Tom Moulton
Column #9: 12/21/74

(New York) Bruce Kova, buyer for Colony Records here, says that "Dreams" by Nell Carter is selling well to out-of-state disk jockeys, as well as to visiting spinners from such countries as France, Germany and the U.K. The record has not caught on in New York, though, as it has in other parts of the country.

"African Symphony" is a cut from Van McCoy's "Love Is The Answer LP (Avco) which local players are hoping to have available as a single soon.

Gloria Gaynor and Carol Douglas have completed taping a "Midnight Special" show, now scheduled for airing Jan 3. Both singers were excited about the opportunity to do the show, as well as the actual taping in California.

"Crystal World" by Crystal Grass on the French Philips label has been known in the New York area for several months now. But, several disk jockeys who have heard and known about the record, have kept quiet about it until it's release here. They want to avoid a similar situation to the Jimmy Ruffin single in that, although dj's had copies, the public couldn't obtain them because several labels were trying to obtain the rights to the song at the same time.

Without a doubt, the most talked about record in New York this week is "Shame, Shame, Shame" by Shirley and Company. It's all about going to every discotheque in town and dancing all night. Spinners are also happy about the flip side having a 4:10 instrumental version of the song. The vocal side is 3:50 in length.

Ecstasy, Passion & Pain put on a fantastic show at the Sound Machine here Dec. 8. The group performed for more than an hour, showcasing such disco hits as "I Wouldn't Give You Up," "Good Things Don't Last Forever" and "Ask Me". As a self-contained group, they also played a number of instrumental disco selections. Judging from audience reaction to the show, there's a good chance the group will be back shortly, possibly during the New Year's holiday.

"Up In A Puff Of Smoke" by Polly Brown, sounding like an up-tempo, up-dated Diana Ross record, is already getting some store sales and disco play here. The disk is on ABC/Dunhill, distributed by GTO Records.

"Give Me Your Best Shot Baby" by Ebbtide (Sound Gems Records) is starting to break in Philadelphia discos. It's a local record, which is also starting to be picked up by New York clubs.

"Blue-Eyed Soul" on the Carl Douglas "Kung Fu Fighting" LP is receiving strong audience response at Le Jardin and Hollywood here.

Buddah Records hosted a party for local disco spinners at the Levitcus Club here last week. The affair was coordinated by the label's Sharon Heyward. Steady Records has begun a weekly series of reggae shows at the Ipanema Club here. Radio station WWRL-FM disk jockey Jeff Barnes is hosting the affairs.
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