(EMI Compilation 1974/75)
So, even if you haven't heard some of these tracks, I suggest you give this LP a spin, and hey; maybe this collection of tracks will become your Explosive Hits of 75' as well. And now, some light reading while you listen to this comp:
John Paul Young became well known when working with producers/composers Harry Vanda and George Young. In March 1975 Alberts released John Paul Young’s recording of Vanda & Young's Yesterday's Hero, a song about the fleeting nature of pop stardom. The record hit the national charts in April, reaching #1 and staying at #1 on the Melbourne charts for six weeks. "Yesterday's Hero" sold strongly in the USA and reached #42 on the Cashbox top one hundred. A key factor to "Yesterday's Hero" success was the film clip made to promote it, which enabled the song to be given exposure on Countdown (following the official start of colour TV broadcasting March 1, 1975. The Hero LP reached #20 on the charts in November 1975 and became a gold record.
The Bay City Rollers are a Scottish pop rock band known for their worldwide teen idol popularity in the 1970s. They have been called the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh" and are one of many acts heralded as the "biggest group since the Beatles". The group's line-up had many changes over the years, but the classic roster during its peak in popularity included guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, singer Les McKeown, bassist Alan Longmuir and drummer Derek Longmuir.
Their debut album, Rollin' debuted atop the UK Albums Charts and spent a combined total of fifty-eight weeks on the UK Albums Chart. Their follow album studio album Once Upon a Star continued this success, again, debuting a top the UK Albums Chart. The album yielded the successful singles "Bye, Bye, Baby", which topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, and "Keep On Dancing". "Bye, Bye, Baby" was the best selling single in the United Kingdom in 1975.
Peter Shelley (alas Peter Southworth) was a British pop singer, songwriter, and music business executive. As a performer in the 1970s, he had UK hits with "Gee Baby" and "Love Me Love My Dog". He also originated the persona of Alvin Stardust, writing, singing and producing the first single released under that name, "My Coo Ca Choo".
Gee Baby is a well constructed, if not slow paced, ‘bubblegum pop’ track that was a hit in the U.K. in 1974.
This was easily the then 32 year old singer/songwriter’s most successful solo release in Australia and, in January 1975, it peaked at the national #3 position published by the ‘Kent Music Report’ (the forerunner of today’s ‘ARIA Charts’)
4. Gary Glitter - Goodbye My Love
Paul Francis Gadd, better known by his stage name 'Gary Glitter', was an English former singer who achieved fame and success during the 1970s and 1980s. He became known for his energetic live performances and glam rock persona of glitter suits, make-up, and platform boots.
The Glitter Band were a British glam rock band, who started out as a backing band for Gary Glitter from 1973.
The Glitter Band were: John Rossall (trombone and musical director), Gerry Shephard (lead guitar and vocals), Pete Phipps (drums and keyboards), Tony Leonard (drums), John Springate (bass and vocals) and Harvey Ellison (saxophone).
While backing Gary Glitter, they showcased their ability to create catchy, glam-infused rock 'n' roll that resonated with audiences around the world.
Their live shows were a spectacle to behold, featuring synchronised dance routines, flamboyant costumes, and an electric atmosphere that left fans begging for more.
But the Glitter Band's success wasn't just about the glitz and glamour. Behind the scenes, they were talented musicians, crafting their unique 'Glitterbeat' sound that blended pounding drums, catchy guitar riffs, and infectious melodies.
As they toured extensively, their fan base grew, and they became a household name in the glam rock scene. Their music and performances had an undeniable impact on the cultural landscape of the time.
"Goodbye My Love" was released in 1975 and was the band's highest charting single at number 2 in the UK Singles charts.
Interesting fact: Gerry Shephard did the lead vocals on "Goodbye My Love" and not Gary Glitter
5. Linda Ronstadt - You're No Good
Linda Ronstadt had her first hit single, “Different Drum,” in 1967 as a member of The Stone Poneys, then had a series of solo albums in the early 1970s following the group’s breakup. But it wasn’t until November 1974, 50 years ago this month, with the release of her album 'Heart Like a Wheel', produced by Peter Asher, and its lead-off single, “You’re No Good,” that the singer landed squarely at the top of the charts, a place she would find herself many times throughout the rest of her career.
"You're No Good" was originally sung by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963, however the song was made more popular by Linda Ronstadt in 1974.
Ronstadt began performing "You're No Good' to close her live shows in early 1973, after her band member Kenny Edwards suggested it to her. She first included it in her setlist while opening for Neil Young. Ronstadt gave an early televised performance of 'You're No Good' on an episode of The Midnight Special, broadcast Dec 21, 1973.
When finally recorded, Ronstadt's version went to number 1 in the United States, number 7 in Canada, number 15 in Australia, number 17 in the Netherlands and number 24 in New Zealand.
6. AC/DC - Baby Please Don't Go
"Baby, Please Don't Go" is a traditional blues song that was popularized by Delta blues musician Big Joe Williams in 1935. Many cover versions followed, leading to its description as "one of the most played, arranged, and rearranged pieces in blues history". In my opinion, the best cover was done by the UK heavy rock band 'Budgie' in 1973, however AC/DC's version comes a close second.
In November 1974, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott recorded it for their 1975 Australian debut album, High Voltage but Albert Productions decided
to issue it as a B-side single. However, the A-side "Love Song (Oh Jene)" was largely ignored and "Baby, Please Don't Go" began receiving airplay. The single entered the chart at the end of March 1975 and peaked at number 10 in April. AllMusic critic Eduardo Rivadavia called the song "positively explosive", while music writer Dave Rubin described it as "primal blues rock".
Gee Baby is a well constructed, if not slow paced, ‘bubblegum pop’ track that was a hit in the U.K. in 1974.
This was easily the then 32 year old singer/songwriter’s most successful solo release in Australia and, in January 1975, it peaked at the national #3 position published by the ‘Kent Music Report’ (the forerunner of today’s ‘ARIA Charts’)
Paul Francis Gadd, better known by his stage name 'Gary Glitter', was an English former singer who achieved fame and success during the 1970s and 1980s. He became known for his energetic live performances and glam rock persona of glitter suits, make-up, and platform boots.
The Glitter Band were a British glam rock band, who started out as a backing band for Gary Glitter from 1973.
The Glitter Band were: John Rossall (trombone and musical director), Gerry Shephard (lead guitar and vocals), Pete Phipps (drums and keyboards), Tony Leonard (drums), John Springate (bass and vocals) and Harvey Ellison (saxophone).
While backing Gary Glitter, they showcased their ability to create catchy, glam-infused rock 'n' roll that resonated with audiences around the world.
But the Glitter Band's success wasn't just about the glitz and glamour. Behind the scenes, they were talented musicians, crafting their unique 'Glitterbeat' sound that blended pounding drums, catchy guitar riffs, and infectious melodies.
As they toured extensively, their fan base grew, and they became a household name in the glam rock scene. Their music and performances had an undeniable impact on the cultural landscape of the time.
"Goodbye My Love" was released in 1975 and was the band's highest charting single at number 2 in the UK Singles charts.
Interesting fact: Gerry Shephard did the lead vocals on "Goodbye My Love" and not Gary Glitter
Linda Ronstadt had her first hit single, “Different Drum,” in 1967 as a member of The Stone Poneys, then had a series of solo albums in the early 1970s following the group’s breakup. But it wasn’t until November 1974, 50 years ago this month, with the release of her album 'Heart Like a Wheel', produced by Peter Asher, and its lead-off single, “You’re No Good,” that the singer landed squarely at the top of the charts, a place she would find herself many times throughout the rest of her career.
"You're No Good" was originally sung by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963, however the song was made more popular by Linda Ronstadt in 1974.
Ronstadt began performing "You're No Good' to close her live shows in early 1973, after her band member Kenny Edwards suggested it to her. She first included it in her setlist while opening for Neil Young. Ronstadt gave an early televised performance of 'You're No Good' on an episode of The Midnight Special, broadcast Dec 21, 1973.
When finally recorded, Ronstadt's version went to number 1 in the United States, number 7 in Canada, number 15 in Australia, number 17 in the Netherlands and number 24 in New Zealand.
"Baby, Please Don't Go" is a traditional blues song that was popularized by Delta blues musician Big Joe Williams in 1935. Many cover versions followed, leading to its description as "one of the most played, arranged, and rearranged pieces in blues history". In my opinion, the best cover was done by the UK heavy rock band 'Budgie' in 1973, however AC/DC's version comes a close second.
In November 1974, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott recorded it for their 1975 Australian debut album, High Voltage but Albert Productions decided
to issue it as a B-side single. However, the A-side "Love Song (Oh Jene)" was largely ignored and "Baby, Please Don't Go" began receiving airplay. The single entered the chart at the end of March 1975 and peaked at number 10 in April. AllMusic critic Eduardo Rivadavia called the song "positively explosive", while music writer Dave Rubin described it as "primal blues rock".
On March 23, 1975, one month after drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Mark Evans joined AC/DC, the group performed the song for the first time on the Australian music program Countdown (this performance would also be repeated on April 6 and 27, which is why there is often conflicting dates for this performance) And to this day, this performance remains as one of the most epic and most watched Countdown clips.
"To the Door of the Sun (Alle porte del sole)" is a 1975 hit single by Al Martino and the title track of his LP.
Al’s renditiuon was an English language treatment of the Italian song “Alle porte del sole,” recorded in 1973 by Gigliola Cinquetti.
In early 1975, "To the Door of the Sun" reached number 17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It spent four months on the chart, equaling the chart run length of Martino's greatest hit, "I Love You Because" (#3, 1963).
It was Al Martino's biggest Top 40 hit in Australia, peaking at #2 in mid-1975, and also became his biggest hit of the 1970s.
Interesting fact: Apart from singing, Martino was also an actor and played the role of Johnny Fontane in the 1972 film The Godfather, as well as singing the film's theme, "Speak Softly Love". Martino had been told about the character by a friend who had read the eponymous novel and felt Martino represented the character of Johnny Fontane. Martino contacted producer Albert S. Ruddy, who initially gave him the part. Martino was stripped of the part, however, after Francis Ford Coppola came on board as director and awarded the role to singer Vic Damone. Martino, in turn, went to Russell Bufalino, his godfather and a crime boss, who then orchestrated the publication of various news articles that claimed Coppola had been unaware of Ruddy having given Martino the part.
Damone eventually dropped the role because he did not want to provoke the Bufalino crime family. Ultimately, the part of Johnny Fontane was given back to Martino. He played the same role in The Godfather Part III and The Godfather Trilogy: 1901–1980 (the television miniseries that combines The Godfather and The Godfather Part II into one film).
The Peppers was a French male instrumental group who had a hit single in 1975 with "Pepper Box". The song reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart, was a minor hit on the US Soul and Hot 100 charts and hit #25 in the Australian Charts.
As with several other pop hits of the early 70's, notably instrumentals, this mega hit started life as a TV commercial soundtrack. The producer Roger Tokarz, however, recognized it's potential early on and instead of the recording being given to the client, held back the tune for a commercial release. Taking inspiration from another 70's instrumental hit called "Popcorn", Tokarz recruited noted musicians Pierre Alain Dahan and Matt Camison (also to be found on Trunk Records recently released production library anthology) to expand on his theme at the Bagatelle Studios (home of the publishers of Serge Gainsbourg). Pepper Box went on to sell over 3.5 million units world wide! Not bad for a commercial jingle.
9. Pilot - January
"January" was sung by Scottish rock band Pilot. Written by the band's guitarist and singer David Paton and produced by Alan Parsons, it was released by EMI Records in January 1975 as the follow-up to the band's breakthrough single, "Magic". "January" gave Pilot their only number-one single in the UK, Ireland and Australia.
In 1973, Paton (singer and bass player), formed Pilot with a former Bay City Rollers member, keyboard player Billy Lyall and soon recruited drummer Stuart Tosh and, a few months later, guitarist Ian Bairnson. Their band name is derived from P(aton), I(an), L(yall) and T(osh) and added an O in for good measure and came up with Pilot.
"January" was actually released in the second week of January 1975, and two weeks later it was number one, had it been released a week earlier, it might have made number 1 whilst still in January, but, no, it peaked in the first week of February. It probably didn’t bother them at the time because it song wasn’t actually about a month.
“My wife was reading a book and the main character was called January, ” Paton explained. “She said, ‘January is a nice name for a girl don’t you think?’ and it just stayed in my head and I wrote the chorus with that in mind. The verse and the chorus are totally unrelated; the verse is about how I felt at the time with the success of our first single "Magic". I didn’t actually write the song in January, it was in October, just after the release of Magic. It was quickly recorded as the next single. We were recording the album, 'Second Flight', in Air Studios in London when January got to number one. I didn’t know the song was number one until I arrived at the studio where I was greeted with handshakes and congratulations.”
10. Ross Ryan - Blue Chevrolet Ballerina
Australian singer / songwriter (moved here from US as a young boy) grew up on a farm in Western Australia. He started writing songs at 14 eventually landing a record deal in 1970. His 1st major success was "I Am Pegasus" which made No. 2 in 1973. One of the most original singles of 1975, "Blue Chevrolet Ballerina" was released in March that year receiving widespread airplay but only charting at No. 38. The song appeared on Ryan's 'After The Applause' LP.
'Blue Chevrolet Ballerina' brings together the banjo feel of Neil Young's 'For The Turnstiles' (from 'On The Beach') and Jeanie C. O' Reilly's 60's hit, 'Ode To Billy Joe'.
I personally think that this is one of Ryan's best songs, and should have received the same success as his first hit "I Am Pegasus".
11. Guys and Dolls - There's A Whole Lot Of Loving
"There's a Whole Lot of Loving" is a song written by Christian Arnold with lyrics by David Martin and Geoff Morrow, released under the name of Guys 'n' Dolls. The song was a number-two hit in both the United Kingdom and Ireland and became the biggest hit for the group. The song also reached number 15 on the US Billboard Easy Listening chart and number 17 on Canada's RPM Pop Music Playlist. Elsewhere, the song reached the top 20 in Belgium, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
The song was originally recorded in 1974 by a group of session singers (including Tony Burrows and Clare Torry) for a TV advertisement for McVitie's biscuits. Guys 'n' Dolls were formed to cash in upon the popularity of the jingle and to present it as a single. However, the group was not ready in time to record an entirely new version for the single's hasty release, so the voices of the session singers remained on the single.
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12. Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)
"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" is a song by British rock band Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, released as the lead single from the band's 1975 album The Best Years of Our Lives. It was written by Harley, and produced by Harley and Alan Parsons. In February 1975, the song reached the number-one spot on the UK chart and received a UK Silver certification. It spent nine weeks in the Top 50. The track marked Harley’s first Number 1 hit single, entered the Top 10 in 15 countries and has sold around 1.5 million copies to date.
“People keep asking me, did I know at the time how successful Make Me Smile would become?,” Harley told Official Charts.com. “I was 23 years old and wouldn't have been considering the long-term future.
“But we all knew, in number two studio at Abbey Road, after we'd re-mixed it, that something special might just be in the air.”
“Alan Parsons, my co-producer and engineer, did a fantastic job,” he continued. “Which is why the record sounds so fresh and bright on the radio to this day, a full 40 years on!"
13. Ralph McTell - The Streets Of London
"Streets of London," was the third song that Ralph McTell ever wrote yet he deliberately left it off his debut album as he didn't think it was anything special. However, at his producer's insistence, he included it on his second album for Transatlantic, 'Spiral Staircase'. After the song was re-recorded in 1974 as a single for Reprise/Warner Bros it became a huge world-wide hit. The song reached number two on the British charts, and in Germany, there were four different versions of the song on the charts at one point, three by McTell and one by a German singer.
Produced by Gus Dudgeon and first released in the UK in 1969, "Streets of London" has become McTell's signature tune. I personally heard this track for the first time, having purchased 'Explosive Hits '75 when the single was re-released by EMI records (which earned him an Ivor Novello Award), and it has been my favourite Folk Song ever since.
14. Sherbet - Summer Of Love
Released in March, 1975, this was another pop classic by Sherbet and their first single to be released in England. It reached the National top five in Australia and became their first number-one hit on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Interestingly, it was their only release on EMI. Sherbet had signed a one-off deal for "Summer Love" with EMI – rival to their regular label Festival Records. This was a ploy to gain leverage when negotiating a more favourable contract. After "Summer Love" peaked at No. 1, Sherbet re-signed with Festival which issued their subsequent material on the group's own Razzle and Sherbet labels.
The song was promoted on the newly aired ABC TV pop series, Countdown, which gave it wide exposure. From early 1975, the group made more appearances on the show than any other band in the programme's history. Through late April and most of May of 1975, Sherbet’s Summer Love spent four weeks at the coveted No.1 spot, which meant that four consecutive Countdown episodes ended with the velvet tones of Gavin Wood declaring that our boys were the biggest and best in the land. For one whole month we had statistical proof that our love for Sherbet was like no other love.
In October, at the King of Pop Awards, "Summer Love" won the Most Popular Australian Single, the band won Most Popular Australian Group and their lead singer, Daryl Braithwaite, won the King of Pop award.
15. Franki Valli - My Eyes Adored You
"My Eyes Adored You" is a 1974 song written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. It was originally recorded by The Four Seasons in early 1974. After the Motown label balked at the idea of releasing it, the recording was sold to lead singer Frankie Valli for $4000. After rejections by Capitol and Atlantic Records, Valli succeeded in getting the recording released on Private Stock Records, but the owner / founder of the label, Larry Uttal, wanted only Valli's name on the label. It is from the album Closeup. The single was released in the US in November 1974 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1975. "My Eyes Adored You" also went to number 2 on the Easy Listening chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 5 song for 1975.
The single was Valli's first number 1 hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100, but only remained there for one week. Ironically, the success of "My Eyes Adored You" triggered a revival of interest in recordings by The Four Seasons. he band was subsequently signed to Warner Bros. Records as Valli's follow-up single "Swearin' to God" was climbing to number 6 on the Hot 100.
16. Gilbert Bécaud – A Little Love And Understanding
The closing track on this 1975 compilation, this cute little recording by French legend Gilbert Becaud actually starts to grow on you (His cute little 'he he' & 'ha ha's are what give this record its quaint charm). 'A little love and understanding' came half way through Gilbert's 50 year career, and provided his only British chart hit, and a number one selling single in Sydney; while strangely making only #19 nationally. Evidently Gilbert did not receive much airplay elsewhere Down Under!
1975 was a turning point in pop culture, as some of the balladeers and superstars of the era were about to be flung aside as disco and novelty pop records became the mainstay of the upper echelons of the hit parade. Around this time, hits by crooners like Joe Dolan, Al Martino, Telly Savalas and Gilbert Becaud were still hitting the charts, but not for long (thankfully).
This post consists of FLACs ripped from my Vinyl (I actually have 2 copies - this one's near mint condition) and includes full album artwork along with label scans. This compilation is a must for your collection.
As with several other pop hits of the early 70's, notably instrumentals, this mega hit started life as a TV commercial soundtrack. The producer Roger Tokarz, however, recognized it's potential early on and instead of the recording being given to the client, held back the tune for a commercial release. Taking inspiration from another 70's instrumental hit called "Popcorn", Tokarz recruited noted musicians Pierre Alain Dahan and Matt Camison (also to be found on Trunk Records recently released production library anthology) to expand on his theme at the Bagatelle Studios (home of the publishers of Serge Gainsbourg). Pepper Box went on to sell over 3.5 million units world wide! Not bad for a commercial jingle.
"January" was sung by Scottish rock band Pilot. Written by the band's guitarist and singer David Paton and produced by Alan Parsons, it was released by EMI Records in January 1975 as the follow-up to the band's breakthrough single, "Magic". "January" gave Pilot their only number-one single in the UK, Ireland and Australia.
In 1973, Paton (singer and bass player), formed Pilot with a former Bay City Rollers member, keyboard player Billy Lyall and soon recruited drummer Stuart Tosh and, a few months later, guitarist Ian Bairnson. Their band name is derived from P(aton), I(an), L(yall) and T(osh) and added an O in for good measure and came up with Pilot.
"January" was actually released in the second week of January 1975, and two weeks later it was number one, had it been released a week earlier, it might have made number 1 whilst still in January, but, no, it peaked in the first week of February. It probably didn’t bother them at the time because it song wasn’t actually about a month.
“My wife was reading a book and the main character was called January, ” Paton explained. “She said, ‘January is a nice name for a girl don’t you think?’ and it just stayed in my head and I wrote the chorus with that in mind. The verse and the chorus are totally unrelated; the verse is about how I felt at the time with the success of our first single "Magic". I didn’t actually write the song in January, it was in October, just after the release of Magic. It was quickly recorded as the next single. We were recording the album, 'Second Flight', in Air Studios in London when January got to number one. I didn’t know the song was number one until I arrived at the studio where I was greeted with handshakes and congratulations.”
Australian singer / songwriter (moved here from US as a young boy) grew up on a farm in Western Australia. He started writing songs at 14 eventually landing a record deal in 1970. His 1st major success was "I Am Pegasus" which made No. 2 in 1973. One of the most original singles of 1975, "Blue Chevrolet Ballerina" was released in March that year receiving widespread airplay but only charting at No. 38. The song appeared on Ryan's 'After The Applause' LP.
'Blue Chevrolet Ballerina' brings together the banjo feel of Neil Young's 'For The Turnstiles' (from 'On The Beach') and Jeanie C. O' Reilly's 60's hit, 'Ode To Billy Joe'.
I personally think that this is one of Ryan's best songs, and should have received the same success as his first hit "I Am Pegasus".
"There's a Whole Lot of Loving" is a song written by Christian Arnold with lyrics by David Martin and Geoff Morrow, released under the name of Guys 'n' Dolls. The song was a number-two hit in both the United Kingdom and Ireland and became the biggest hit for the group. The song also reached number 15 on the US Billboard Easy Listening chart and number 17 on Canada's RPM Pop Music Playlist. Elsewhere, the song reached the top 20 in Belgium, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
The song was originally recorded in 1974 by a group of session singers (including Tony Burrows and Clare Torry) for a TV advertisement for McVitie's biscuits. Guys 'n' Dolls were formed to cash in upon the popularity of the jingle and to present it as a single. However, the group was not ready in time to record an entirely new version for the single's hasty release, so the voices of the session singers remained on the single.
_45.jpg)
"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" is a song by British rock band Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, released as the lead single from the band's 1975 album The Best Years of Our Lives. It was written by Harley, and produced by Harley and Alan Parsons. In February 1975, the song reached the number-one spot on the UK chart and received a UK Silver certification. It spent nine weeks in the Top 50. The track marked Harley’s first Number 1 hit single, entered the Top 10 in 15 countries and has sold around 1.5 million copies to date.
“People keep asking me, did I know at the time how successful Make Me Smile would become?,” Harley told Official Charts.com. “I was 23 years old and wouldn't have been considering the long-term future.
“But we all knew, in number two studio at Abbey Road, after we'd re-mixed it, that something special might just be in the air.”
“Alan Parsons, my co-producer and engineer, did a fantastic job,” he continued. “Which is why the record sounds so fresh and bright on the radio to this day, a full 40 years on!"
"Streets of London," was the third song that Ralph McTell ever wrote yet he deliberately left it off his debut album as he didn't think it was anything special. However, at his producer's insistence, he included it on his second album for Transatlantic, 'Spiral Staircase'. After the song was re-recorded in 1974 as a single for Reprise/Warner Bros it became a huge world-wide hit. The song reached number two on the British charts, and in Germany, there were four different versions of the song on the charts at one point, three by McTell and one by a German singer.
Produced by Gus Dudgeon and first released in the UK in 1969, "Streets of London" has become McTell's signature tune. I personally heard this track for the first time, having purchased 'Explosive Hits '75 when the single was re-released by EMI records (which earned him an Ivor Novello Award), and it has been my favourite Folk Song ever since.
Released in March, 1975, this was another pop classic by Sherbet and their first single to be released in England. It reached the National top five in Australia and became their first number-one hit on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Interestingly, it was their only release on EMI. Sherbet had signed a one-off deal for "Summer Love" with EMI – rival to their regular label Festival Records. This was a ploy to gain leverage when negotiating a more favourable contract. After "Summer Love" peaked at No. 1, Sherbet re-signed with Festival which issued their subsequent material on the group's own Razzle and Sherbet labels.
The song was promoted on the newly aired ABC TV pop series, Countdown, which gave it wide exposure. From early 1975, the group made more appearances on the show than any other band in the programme's history. Through late April and most of May of 1975, Sherbet’s Summer Love spent four weeks at the coveted No.1 spot, which meant that four consecutive Countdown episodes ended with the velvet tones of Gavin Wood declaring that our boys were the biggest and best in the land. For one whole month we had statistical proof that our love for Sherbet was like no other love.
In October, at the King of Pop Awards, "Summer Love" won the Most Popular Australian Single, the band won Most Popular Australian Group and their lead singer, Daryl Braithwaite, won the King of Pop award.
"My Eyes Adored You" is a 1974 song written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. It was originally recorded by The Four Seasons in early 1974. After the Motown label balked at the idea of releasing it, the recording was sold to lead singer Frankie Valli for $4000. After rejections by Capitol and Atlantic Records, Valli succeeded in getting the recording released on Private Stock Records, but the owner / founder of the label, Larry Uttal, wanted only Valli's name on the label. It is from the album Closeup. The single was released in the US in November 1974 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1975. "My Eyes Adored You" also went to number 2 on the Easy Listening chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 5 song for 1975.
The single was Valli's first number 1 hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100, but only remained there for one week. Ironically, the success of "My Eyes Adored You" triggered a revival of interest in recordings by The Four Seasons. he band was subsequently signed to Warner Bros. Records as Valli's follow-up single "Swearin' to God" was climbing to number 6 on the Hot 100.
The closing track on this 1975 compilation, this cute little recording by French legend Gilbert Becaud actually starts to grow on you (His cute little 'he he' & 'ha ha's are what give this record its quaint charm). 'A little love and understanding' came half way through Gilbert's 50 year career, and provided his only British chart hit, and a number one selling single in Sydney; while strangely making only #19 nationally. Evidently Gilbert did not receive much airplay elsewhere Down Under!
1975 was a turning point in pop culture, as some of the balladeers and superstars of the era were about to be flung aside as disco and novelty pop records became the mainstay of the upper echelons of the hit parade. Around this time, hits by crooners like Joe Dolan, Al Martino, Telly Savalas and Gilbert Becaud were still hitting the charts, but not for long (thankfully).
This post consists of FLACs ripped from my Vinyl (I actually have 2 copies - this one's near mint condition) and includes full album artwork along with label scans. This compilation is a must for your collection.Track Listing:
A1 John Young – Yesterday's Hero 3:41
A2 Bay City Rollers – Bye Bye Baby 2:37
A3 Peter Shelley – Gee Baby 2:50
A4 The Glitter Band – Goodbye My Love 3:44
A5 Linda Ronstadt – You're No Good 3:25
A6 AC/DC – Baby Please Don't Go 4:50
A7 Al Martino – To The Door Of The Sun 3:18
A8 The Peppers – Pepper Box 2:18
B1 Pilot – January 3:28
B2 Ross Ryan – Blue Chevrolet Ballerina 3:56
B3 Guys & Dolls – There's A Whole Lot Of Loving 3:13
B4 Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel – Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) 3:30
B5 Ralph McTell – Streets Of London 4:20
B6 Sherbet – Summer Love 3:30
B7 Frankie Valli – My Eyes Adored You 3:09
B8 Gilbert Bécaud – A Little Love And Understanding 3:23
Explosive Hits 75' Link (368Mb)
Thank you for reviving a teenage memory - bought it at the time but unfortunately where it is now is lost to the mists of time.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and sound quality is execellent
ReplyDelete