Welcome pop pickers to an ambitious series of articles covering 6 genres, each with 6 episodes. To give a bit of variation, the next episode of each genre will be published 6 weeks after the previous episode.
This is based on stuff like what I like, there will be various bands and artists to try and cheer you up and kick-start your weekend. Hopefully for many of you, to bring back some fond memories and get your foot tapping.
This week is back to stuff like what I like. This week one hit wonders. It is easy enough to find the top 10, based on such things as record sales, downloads etc. To me though, it is whether you like it. You will be singing along to it for decades and know the artist, but nothing much about them.
Thank you to Wiki, Top of the Pops, and the Ed Sullivan Show.
The Tunes:
The featured song is what I consider to be the No 1 all time one hit wonder, which is of course Norman Greenbaum and Spirit in the Sky. There is video footage of him perform this just a few years ago. He does not need to work, has a fantastic income from this one song as it is used a lot in films and the telly:
Norman Greenbaum – Spirit In The Sky (1970) – turn that volume up t No 11.
Ricky Valance – Tell Laura I Love Her (1960) – Ricky Valance – born David Spencer – became the first male Welsh singer to have a UK number one when he sold over 1 million copies of ‘Tell Laura I Love Her’. Sadly Ricky passed away 3 years ago in 2020, but a good age of 84. I can hear you all doing the deep voice “Bom, Bom,. Bom, Bom”
Lukas Graham – 7 Years – This one I have always found very haunting. Here they are, a Danish pop group, live in 2015.
Just a quick mention that the one-hit wonder of Joe Dolce and “Shaddap you face” is not considered to be suitable “music” for the delicate audience here tonight. Nor is mention of the fact it stopped Ultravox and “Vienna” from achieving the No 1 spot. Pretty much the same as the name of the dog that found the world cup. Also, the Winnifred school choir have been part of several hits, so they do not count.
I am not a fan of techno “music”, but this one does get my foot tapping for some reason:
M|A|R|R|S – Pump Up The Volume (Official Video)
Zager And Evans – In The Year 2525 – here is a live version.
Matthews Southern Comfort – Woodstock (1970) – Always enjoyed this. “Woodstock” was written by Joni Mitchell and a version by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young had been an American top 20 hit earlier in 1970. Matthews’ Southern Comfort was led by Iain Matthews, who despite his membership in other noted folk-rock groups such as Fairport Convention and Plainsong, never had another hit as a performer.
Althea and Donna – (Visual video) Uptown Top Ranking – TOTP – 1978. A good happy song, no idea what the lyrics are, never have. I have found a lyrics only version. Did you think Hogz invented “and ting” Lyrics- Uptown top Ranking
Now, call me a big old softy, but I have always enjoyed, and still singalong to:
Brian and Michel – Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk Cats & Dogs ~ Top of The Pops 1978
Lena Martell – One Day At A Time – (TOTP2). This version is good, but I was singing this song well before as I am a big fan of Kris Kristofferson.
To finish off, perhaps a surprising one as it really is cheesey:
Los del Río “Macarena” – I think they had a decent career after this in Spain. It just makes me smile and tap my feet. Before you judge, ask your wife/girlfriend or any female for their opinion. Guaranteed to get people on the dance floor!
Singalong, enjoy and be happy!
Links to Origins Series:
| Genre 1 Episode 1 – Motown – The Beginning | Genre 1 Episode 2 – Motown | Genre 1 Episode 3 – Motown |
| Genre 1 Episode 4 – Motown | Genre 1 Episode 5 – Motown | Genre 1 Episode 6 – Motown |
| Genre 2 Episode 1 –
|
Genre 2 Episode 2 – | Genre 2 Episode 3 –
Glam Rock |
| Genre 2 Episode 4 –
Glam Rock – The beginning |
Genre 2 Episode 5 –
Glam Rock |
Genre 2 Episode 6 –
Glam Rock |
| Genre 3 Episode 1 – The Singers
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Genre 3 Episode 2 – The Singers – The early Days | |
| G4E1 – Origins of Northern Soul & Disco – The Beginning | G4E2 – Northern Soul and Disco – Early days | |
| G5E1 – Origins of Rock ‘n’ Roll – The Beginning | G5E2 – Origins of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Early Days | |
| G6E1 – Those different ones like what I like | ||
Featured image: “greenbaum, norman- back home again” by cdrummbks is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .
© Phil the ex test manager 2023
