70's Weekly Countdown with Mark and Pete – Details, episodes & analysis

This week it’s so good, so right, that we have some guest rankings to go along with ours. Still, there is a potential that there will be a heartache tonight. Will we rise above our individual biases and say “enough is enough”?  This week we listen to the pop muzic in the Billboard Top 40 from the week ending November 17, 1979. Will this be ladies night, or something that appeals more to a dirty white boy? Who knows? Damned if I do. This night won’t last forever, so dim all the lights and close your eyes. Perhaps you will dream, just beware of the dream police.

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/1979-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_For_The_Week_Ending_17th_November_1979

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Do That to Me One More Time Dirty White Boy

You Decorated My Tusk

Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough Pop Muzic

Take the Long Way Home to Escape from the Dream Police

Things we talked about in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c617Nh0RHgU

Rory Gallagher – Toads Place New Haven 1979: https://youtu.be/c617Nh0RHgU?si=9CMszdDdOe4aNSl5

Celebrity Comedy Football Classic TV Special Trailer: https://youtu.be/51A08eUGu6c?si=T3BdpPXevjuiktIF

Album Art:

#37 Confusion: https://www.discogs.com/master/17491-Electric-Light-Orchestra-Discovery/image/SW1hZ2U6NTI1MzMxOA==

#33 I Want You Tonight: https://www.discogs.com/master/299747-Pablo-Cruise-Part-Of-The-Game/image/SW1hZ2U6NDY1ODc5Ng==

#26 The Rainbow Connection: https://www.discogs.com/master/110529-The-Muppets-The-Muppet-Movie-Original-Soundtrack-Recording/image/SW1hZ2U6ODg5MTQ5NQ==

# 17 Take the Long Way Home: https://www.discogs.com/master/25362-Supertramp-Breakfast-In-America/image/SW1hZ2U6MjI0NDc1NTU=

#9 Please Don’t Go: https://www.discogs.com/master/180906-KC-And-The-Sunshine-Band-Do-You-Wanna-Go-Party/image/SW1hZ2U6MjA0OTE4NjQ=   (scroll for postcard)

Well it may seem like this podcast is an overnight sensation, but actually, it took an everlasting love and devotion for the need to be the best that got us here. Sure you may be saying “What? You haven’t done nothin’!”.  Well to that we say, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Our 2 listeners can’t get enough of the show, and they consider us the kings of the party. This week the Billboard Top 40 from the week ending October 19, 1974 makes me feel like I got the music in me! So much so that we may just break into our Longfellow serenade, that one is my melody of love.

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/1974-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_Week_Ending_19th_October_1974

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Things we talked about in the episode:

“Straight Down the Middle” Bing Crosby song /video: https://youtu.be/XDkV_41qEVM?si=O6x9Qh2GZOcpMD6d

James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub Party - SNL: https://youtu.be/xeSwrFKFNFw?si=YgPjkvg9kHyrDgkp

This week we talk about how back in the '70s, I grew up on a farm down by the lazy river where I had a horse with no name. The horse was sickly, but it had a heart of gold. Then there was the day that I found myself in the court of king heroin. I realized I was runnin’ away and slipping into darkness with no one to depend on. Then came the day I lost everything I own. This week we take a look around at the Billboard Top 40 for the Week of April 1, 1972, and if you believe any of what has been said here, then I GOTCHA!

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode:  https://top40weekly.com/1972-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_Week_Ending_1st_April_1972

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

I Gotcha

No One to Depend on for the Truth

Precious and Few are the Crazy Momma’s

Give Ireland Back to the Horse with No Name

Precious and Few is Everything I Own

The Lion Sleeps Tonight Because He Has Jungle Fever

Some links to things we discussed in this episode:

Yacht or Nyacht?:  https://www.yachtornyacht.com/

Vintage Commodore Model 886D Electronic Pocket Calculator Circa 1974 – 1975: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vintage_Commodore_Model_886D_Electronic_Pocket_Calculator,_Made_In_USA,_LED_Display,_Circa_1974_-_1975_%2815956114737%29.jpg

Don’t cry out loud, we know it’s St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe I’m a fool, or just falling for what a fool believes, but I once saw a leprechaun and gave chase. I don’t know if it’s right, but I swear it’s got to be real, he was the greatest dancer that I’ve ever seen! This week we go stublin’ in to the Billboard Top 40 from the Week of March 17, 1979. Heaven knows I miss the 70’s, so please take me home.

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/1979-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_For_The_Week_Ending_17th_March_1979

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Do Ya Think I’m Le Freak?

Groove Thing Bustin’ Loose

Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? What a Fool Believes

I Was Made for Music Box Dancin’ Shoes

Stumblin’ In My Dancin’ Shoes

Livin' It Up at the Y.M.C.A

Some links to things we discussed in this episode:

Chic - Feat Slash & Sister Sledge (He's The Greatest Dancer) - Live in Tokyo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teIw5u1SSfQ

Will Ferrell Gap commercial Neil Diamond Forever in Blue Jeans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xABWHG8-1P4

Rick Beato Interview of Michael McDonald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLAcQIfoauQ&t=5s

SCTV 3 Michael McDonald Ride Like the Wind Backing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JLbhEUE_5U

We’re back in ‘75 again and somehow it feels like I’ve been this way before. It seems like it's high time we hop in our Chevy Van, get movin’ on, and roll on down the highway in the express lane. This week it's part of the plan to review the Billboard Top 40 from the Week of March 1st, 1975. What kind of emotion will this episode bring? If you have a strong opinion, don’t call us, we’ll call you!

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/1975-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_Week_Ending_1st_March_1975

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Roll on Down the Highway Chevy Van

Roll on Down the Highway in the Express Lane

Can’t Get It Out Of My Head, I’m a Woman

Poetry Man, Reggae Woman, Lady Marmalade

Have You Never Been on Fire?

As you look back on the times of your life, what was Valentine’s Day like? Back in the 70s, were you a love machine who used your charms to land a money honey? Did you break the heart of a sweet thing?  Perhaps the tables turned at some point and you rode a love rollercoaster with an evil woman.  I am sure you found out that love hurts and oh how breaking up is hard to do. Well, one thing I am sure of is that I love music. So wake up everybody, because this week we are going to take a slow ride through the Billboard Top 40 from the Week of February 14, 1976. We may sing a song or two. Won’t you join me, because I surely can’t do this all by myself?

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/1976-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_Week_Ending_14th_February_1976

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Love to Love You Love Machine

Tracks of My Love Roller Coaster

50 Ways to Leave Your Convoy

Tangerine You Sexy Thing

Dream on Weaver

Some links to things we discussed in this episode:

Evel Knievel on the Sonny and Cher Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0BMon_x57M

Bugs Bunny... "Leopold!": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt1V61SPI_w

The Brady Bunch Hour - All By Myself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSeWcZICF7E

Frank Sinatra - I Sing the Songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad9_cy1znSk

Seems like we never can say goodbye to the 70s, we just can’t get it out of our head. It is probably because as a nightingale would, we were struttin’ our stuff like a free bird back then. This week we call on the entertainer to be the Billboard Top 40 from the Week of January 25, 1975. When we get to the end of the countdown will we be saying “you’re no good”, or will we say it was some kind of wonderful? No matter what, per doctor’s orders, you’d better take a big yellow taxi to the nearest club and get dancin’!

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/1975-all-charts/#US_Top_40_Singles_Week_Ending_25th_January_1975

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne on Doctors Orders

Big Yellow Taxi In the Sky With Diamonds

A Nightingale is a Free Bird

One Man Boogie on Reggae Woman

Bungle in the Black Water Jungle

You’re the first, My Last, My Postman

Some links to things we discussed in this episode:

Enjoli Commercial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_kzJ-f5C9U      The Jackson 5, Carol Burnett Show (1974): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAItLVNBQlo

Mr. Rooney Goes to Washington:  https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/mr-rooney-goes-to-washington/

Grand Funk Railroad - Madison Square Garden 1972 - Full Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNx07lau9hY

Isaac Hayes “Never Can Say Goodbye”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJpN1Jf2I50

Back in the 70s there may have been a little too many visits to the cookie jar. When you chose to dance a little bit closer; you hoped your partner liked a little bit more of you. Alas it is only you who could decide when you’re just the right size. This week, let’s spend the night together and have a listen to Charo and the Salsoul Orchestra Cuchi Cuchi. There is no need to beat the clock, so we’re not going to go through it like Speedy Gonzalez, but instead take it like a slow ride on a borriquito.

Discogs Album Information: https://www.discogs.com/release/418959-Charo-And-The-Salsoul-Orchestra-Cuchi-Cuchi

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Some points of interest we discussed in this episode:

David Soul as “The Covered Man”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqLxxaOtl0c

Ethel Merman “You’re Gonna Love It Here” Theme Song TV Pilot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXRTAs6S2yQ

Album Review at the Second Disk: https://theseconddisc.com/2014/01/31/dance-a-little-bit-closer-with-charo-and-the-salsoul-orchestra-loleatta-holloway/

Charo--La Cucaracha, 1965 TV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXnYQd6cqEc

Charo Guitar Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5niviXZhok

Charo TV Special 1976: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duYMM8xYRGA

Charo Geico Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8U8S8Rm6RI

I don’t know what you are doing this New Year’s Eve, but back in 1972, in places like the city of New Orleans, there were likely people getting ready to bang a gong with the Witch Queen at midnight. I’m not really sure how they celebrate in other parts of the world; in Hawaii perhaps they express their joy with a coconut. Now, I have never been to Spain, and I am sure their celebrations can’t be described in terms of black and white, but I am willing to bet they are drowning in a sea of love. For myself, you can call it a case of puppy love, but I hope just after midnight to kiss an angel in the morning. This week we declare schools out on the bottom 25 of the top 80 songs of 1972. Don’t say you don’t remember any of them because if so, I’ll tell Sylvia’s mother.

Link to a listing of the songs in this week’s episode: https://top40weekly.com/top-100-songs-of-1972/

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Rejected Episode Titles:

Hurting Eachother? Freddie’s Dead After Drowning in the Sea of Love

Sylvia’s Mother Child Reunion

The Happiest Girl in the Whole City of New Orleans

Bang a Coconut

Some points of interest we discussed in this episode:

WDRC Survey Links: http://www.wdrcobg.com/surveys.html

Smothers Brothers The Saga Of The John Henry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHJC5IZ7GiQ

Sonny & Cher Christmas Show 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZCkI-hGzPg

Paul Shaffer Does Cher's "O Holy Night" Letterman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo9DW_O-PKs

Carol Burnett Cobumble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSmMMfSEo4Y

Christmas music and the ‘70s, these are just a few of my favorite things. Since I believe in Father Christmas, our Christmas card to you will include a little St. Nick up on the house top in a winter wonderland.  Hey America, oh come all ye faithful as we take a sleigh ride through some of the most popular Christmas albums of the ‘70s.

BILLBOARD’S TOP-SELLING CHRISTMAS ALBUMS – 1970s: https://christmaslpstocd.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/billboards-top-selling-christmas-album-1970s/

Data Sources: Billboard Magazine, where the charts came from and on what the countdown was based.

Websites: allmusic.com, songfacts.com,  wikipedia.com (because Mark’s lazy)

Books: “Ranking the 70’s” by Dann Isbell, and Bill Carroll

“American Top 40 With Casey Kasem (The 1970’s)" by Pete Battistini.

Album / Song Information

Jackson 5 Christmas Album: https://www.discogs.com/master/121875-Jackson-5-Jackson-5-Christmas-Album

John Denver – Rocky Mountain Christmas: https://www.discogs.com/master/99904-John-Denver-Rocky-Mountain-Christmas

A Motown Christmas: https://www.discogs.com/master/288862-Various-A-Motown-Christmas

The Salsoul Orchestra – Christmas Jollies: https://www.discogs.com/master/124116-The-Salsoul-Orchestra-Christmas-Jollies

Greg Lake – I Believe In Father Christmas: https://www.discogs.com/release/1193313-Greg-Lake-I-Believe-In-Father-Christmas

Carpenters – Christmas Portrait: https://www.discogs.com/master/84977-Carpenters-Christmas-Portrait

Kenny Rogers – Christmas: https://www.discogs.com/release/1542557-Kenny-Rogers-Christmas

NRBQ – Christmas Wish: https://www.discogs.com/master/509985-NRBQ-Christmas-Wish

John Denver & The Muppets – A Christmas Together: https://www.discogs.com/release/3215232-John-Denver-The-Muppets-A-Christmas-Together

Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas: https://www.discogs.com/master/207383-Elvis-Presley-Elvis-Sings-The-Wonderful-World-Of-Christmas

A Partridge Family Christmas Card: https://www.discogs.com/release/1825359-The-Partridge-Family-A-Partridge-Family-Christmas-Card

James Brown – Funky Christmas: https://www.discogs.com/release/1098224-James-Brown-Funky-Christmas