Today in Billboard Chart History - October 18

[Dawn]

It's back! Instead of a top 10 chart each day, though, I thought I would do it a little differently this time - a top 40 chart about once or twice a week.

Here's how the top 40 looked for the week ending October 18, 1969. (From a mailing list)

1. I Can't Get Next To You – Temptations
2. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone
3. Sugar Sugar - Archies
4. Jean - Oliver
5. Little Woman - Bobby Sherman
6. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
7. That's The Way Love Is - Marvin Gaye
8. Wedding Bell Blues - 5th Dimension
9. Easy To Be Hard - 3 Dog Night
10. Tracy - Cuff Links
11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie
12. This Girl Is A Woman Now - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
13. Baby It's You - Smith
14. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones
15. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson
16. Oh What A Night - Dells
17. Is That All There Is - Peggy Lee
18. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Tom Jones
19. Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival
20. Something - Beatles
21. Jealous Kind Of Fellow - Garland Greene
22. Sugar On Sunday - Clique
23. Come Together - Beatles
24. What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler
25. You, I - Rugbys
26. When I Die - Motherlode
27. Going In Circles - Friend Of Distinction
28. Get Together - Youngbloods
29. Hurt So Bad - Lettermen
30. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Dionne Warwick
31. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) - Lou Rawls
32. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes
33. Baby I'm For Real - Originals
34. In A Moment - Intrigues
35. Make Believe - Wind
36. Jesus Is A Soul Man - Lawrence Reynolds
37. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Isaac Hayes
38. Smile A Little Smile For Me - Flying Machine
39. Here I Go Again - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
40. Carry Me Back - Rascals

Any thoughts on this chart?

[Pete70s]

Awesome! I'd rather a top-40 chart, simply because I tend to like the lesser-known hits better. Lots of great ones here, winding down the 60's, in good shape for the 70's!

1. I Can't Get Next To You – Temptations (Love it!)
2. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone (The Beach Boys did a decent remake of this in '92 on their otherwise horrible "Summer In Paradise" album. Original is better!)
3. Sugar Sugar - Archies (Catchy, but I'm a bit tired of it.)
4. Jean - Oliver (Never cared for this one, but LOVE "Starshine").
5. Little Woman - Bobby Sherman (Not a bad debut hit).
6. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley (Always a great one! Love the backgrounds).
7. That's The Way Love Is - Marvin Gaye (I know I have this, I just can't place it. I think I have it on a Time-Life 1969 collection).
8. Wedding Bell Blues - 5th Dimension (Not my fave by them, but OK).
9. Easy To Be Hard - 3 Dog Night (Great band on it's way up! How could they miss with material like this?)
10. Tracy - Cuff Links (Catchy bubblegum tune. Another Ron Dante smash).
11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie (One of his better songs, IMO. I never cared much for his earlier stuff).
12. This Girl Is A Woman Now - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (LOVE this one! I think this was their last hit. Like the Buckinghams, they came and went in a very short time, but they made an impact that lasted for many years).
13. Baby It's You - Smith (Not the best version of this, but a good remake nonetheless!)
14. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones (CLASSIC! But I'm probably one of three people who prefer the album version on "Let It Bleed", titled "Country Honk").
15. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson (Oh, to have been able to listen to the radio in 1969! I feel so jealous of those who did. Better than the crappy radio of today!)
16. Oh What A Night - Dells (Like this one better than the original. They were another one of those great soul groups that had a good run in the late 60's, but tend to be forgotten. I like "There Is" the best).
17. Is That All There Is - Peggy Lee (OK, the first song on this chart I don't know. Now I have to look for it. Didn't know she had a hit that late).
18. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Tom Jones (Dionne's was better).
19. Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival (I like this one, as well as the b-side, "Commotion").
20. Something - Beatles (What more can I say about "Abbey Road" that I havent said already..)
21. Jealous Kind Of Fellow - Garland Greene (Not that great. I hunted this song down after seeing it listed in the Billboard Book Of One-Hit-Wonders, but wasn't that impressed when I finally found it).
22. Sugar On Sunday - Clique (I like this version, as well as the Tommy James & The Shondells version (which I actually knew first). the Clique were a good group, I know two songs by them and want to hear more. I think a collection may be available).
23. Come Together - Beatles (SO good..)
24. What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler (Another one I'm not familiar with, though I know the title).
25. You, I - Rugbys (I have this, It's a decent rocker. Reminds me a little of Rare Earth).
26. When I Die - Motherlode (Excellent tune, I'm sure there was confusion at the time with BS&T's "AND When I Die", which I think came out earlier in the year).
27. Going In Circles - Friend Of Distinction (Really great follow-up to "Grazing In The Grass").
28. Get Together - Youngbloods (I like this, I even have both copies of the 45, the orange label RCA issue from'69 AND the black label RCA Victor issue from '67).
29. Hurt So Bad - Lettermen (Anthony's is better).
30. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Dionne Warwick (Never knew she covered this, let alone had a hit with it. WOW..)
31. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) - Lou Rawls (Never knew of this one either).
32. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes (Good cover! I think the b-side, "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" charted top-40 as well).
33. Baby I'm For Real - Originals (Nice mellow soul).
34. In A Moment - Intrigues (I like this, always thought it was earlier than fall, '69).
35. Make Believe - Wind (Tony Orlando does the 4 Seasons).
36. Jesus Is A Soul Man - Lawrence Reynolds (Heard this once, didn't care for it).
37. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Isaac Hayes (Well whadya know!! Thought so!)
38. Smile A Little Smile For Me - Flying Machine (Always liked it).
39. Here I Go Again - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (I have alll their hits on CD, I copied the box set from a friend. I should check this one out).
40. Carry Me Back - Rascals (Last Rascals hit, and a great rocker! Those later Rascals singles should be better remembered!)

So I know all but about 5 of these. Not too shabby...

[55dodger]

Hey Dawn, welcome back to the Old Days board.

1. I Can't Get Next to You - Pretty good song from the Temptations.

2. Hot Fun in the Summertime - Sly & the Stoned Family trying to extend summer, but a great song.

3. Sugar Sugar - Bubblegum to the extreme, but I still like it.

4. Jean - Want to say this went on to win the Oscar. Good Song.

5. Little Woman - Bobby's first and probably his best.

6. Suspicious Minds - Not discounting all his previous hits, this is probably my favorite Elvis song.

7. That's the Way Love Is - Another good one from the late great Marvin Gaye.

8. Wedding Blue Blues - Loved the way they used this song in the movie My Girl.

9. Easy to be Hard - Another favorite from TDN

10. Tracy - Was in love with a girl named Tracy at the time, lots of great memories.

11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie did some fun songs, this was one.

12. This Girl is a Woman Now - Not really one of Gary's best, but a good song.

13. Baby It's You - 1969 seemed to have it's fair share of one hit wonders, and this was a great one.

14. Honky Tonk Woman - An all-time favorite from the Stones.

15. Everybody's Talkin' - Great song, great movie.

16. Oh What a Night - Don't remember this version of this song.

17. Is That All There Is? - Peggy Lee still charting, love it.

18. I'll Never Fall in Love Again - Ok song from Tom
19. Green River - One of my top 5 favorite CCR songs.

20. Something - Love it

21. Jealous Kind of Fellow - Don't know it.

22. Sugar on Sunday - Another good one hit wonder

23. Come Together - Probably one of my all-time top 5 Beatles' songs

24. What the Use of Breaking Up - Didn't really like this song.

25. You, I - Don't know it.

26. When I Die - Third one hit wonder in the chart. Good song.

27. Going in Circles - Not as good as their other chart songs.

28. Get Together - One of the best one hit wonders ever.

29. Hurt So Bad - Never was a really big Letterman's fan.

30. You've Lost That Loving Feelin' - Not familiar with this version of this song.

31. Your Good Thing - Don't know it.

32. Walk On By - Not familiar with this version of this song either.

33. Baby I'm for Real - Don't know it.

34. In a Moment - Don't Know it

35. Wind - Seldom heard song, to bad, it's a really good one.

36. Jesus is a Soul Man - Don't know it.

37. By the Time I Get to Phoenix - Don't know this version of this song.

38. Smile a Little Smile for Me - This was a cute song. Really liked it.

39. Here I Go Again - Ok song

40. Carry Me Back - Fun song from the Rascals.

[lora]

Glad to have your feature back, Dawn!

1. Good tune.

2. Nice song from Sly & the Family Stone.

3. Fun tune!

4. Don't know it.

5. Ditto.

6. Another great one from Elvis.

7. I don't think I've ever heard this song.

8. Love it!

9. Don't know it.

10. Never heard of this song.

11 - 15. Don't know them.

16. Great tune.

17. I don't know this song, but Peggy Lee is just fabulous. She's so talented.

18. This one's okay.

19 - 22. Not familiar with these.

23. Wow! Two songs in the Top 40 at the same time for the Beatles. They're awfully close together too. I really love the drum in this song.

24 - 40. Don't know any of these actually!

[Ken]

This is so great! I'm so glad it has returned.A real mix of songs today!


1.I have this included on a mail order CD compilation . Such a great track. One of their best.

2.This get's played plenty during the summer months.

3.A bubblegum classic that I never get tired of hearing.Great childhood memories.


4.It's good but I also prefer Good Morning Starshine.

5.The title is familiar but I've never heard it before.

6.A very fine late period hit for Elvis.

7. I didn't hear this until a few years ago when I borrowed a Very Best of collection from the library. One of Marvin's best ever.

8. I think I have the clip of them performing this on Ed Sullivan. Always liked it.

9. Amazing vocals, a big fave of mine from Danny , Chuck and Cory . Mu neighbor had the 45 when I was little.

10.My brother had this 45 in the house and played it many times. I found my copy while in high school.

11.Don't know this.

12.I haven't heard this as much locally usually it's either Young Girl or Lady Willpower that recieve any airplay.

13.Smith get funky! - it's good though.

14.Simply a classic!

15.Nilsson had his share of great tunes - including this RIP.

16.Superb track - I believe I have this on either CD or cassette somewhere.

17.I had no idea this was released in '69 wow!

18. Not bad - I've never heard this particular song before.

19.I listened to this so many times as a kid - my brother had the album and 45. It's still one of my CCR favorites.

20.Such a beautiful tune, featuring a flawless guitar solo from George.

21.Don't know it.

22. A great version - Tommy's is excellent as well .This is the one I heard first (Ihave it on 45) The b side of this, a song called Superman, REM did a cover of I think in the late 80's .

23.A fab beatles tune with some of the best bass playing I've ever heard. The Abbey Road album along with all the other Beatles albums were played in the house on a regular basis.

24.I know a few of Jerry's tunes but not this one.

25. Nope , I've never heard this before but I found a sample clip , good tune. that is very similiar to Rare Earth

26.A big hit here in Canada Know it well

27.I know Grazing in The Grass but that's it.

28.LOVE this - I also have the orange RCA label 45 and on CD as well.

29.Also prefer Little Anthony's version.

30.Hmmm I also didn't realize she did a cover?

31.Don't know this one either but I love Lou's voice.

32 Is this the same Walk on By from Dionne? wow!

33.No , not familiar with it at least I don't think so.

34.See #33

35.A buddy of mine found a copy of this when we were in high school we liked the band name so he bought it( for something like 50 cents (!) Later found out Tony Orlando did the vocals a cool little tune.

36. Title sounds familiar.

37.Wow Isaac covers all different genre's of music!

38.An awesome track - the b side if I remember is really good too - also have this on CD.

39.Don't know it.

40. Cool gospel feel on this one - It's too bad their later singles don't get the airplay although I hear See every so often.

[Dawn]

Pete70s said:

Awesome! I'd rather a top-40 chart, simply because I tend to like the lesser-known hits better. Lots of great ones here, winding down the 60's, in good shape for the 70's!

1. I Can't Get Next To You – Temptations (Love it!)
2. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone (The Beach Boys did a decent remake of this in '92 on their otherwise horrible "Summer In Paradise" album. Original is better!)
3. Sugar Sugar - Archies (Catchy, but I'm a bit tired of it.)
4. Jean - Oliver (Never cared for this one, but LOVE "Starshine").
5. Little Woman - Bobby Sherman (Not a bad debut hit).
6. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley (Always a great one! Love the backgrounds).
7. That's The Way Love Is - Marvin Gaye (I know I have this, I just can't place it. I think I have it on a Time-Life 1969 collection).
8. Wedding Bell Blues - 5th Dimension (Not my fave by them, but OK).
9. Easy To Be Hard - 3 Dog Night (Great band on it's way up! How could they miss with material like this?)
10. Tracy - Cuff Links (Catchy bubblegum tune. Another Ron Dante smash).
11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie (One of his better songs, IMO. I never cared much for his earlier stuff).
12. This Girl Is A Woman Now - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (LOVE this one! I think this was their last hit. Like the Buckinghams, they came and went in a very short time, but they made an impact that lasted for many years).
13. Baby It's You - Smith (Not the best version of this, but a good remake nonetheless!)
14. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones (CLASSIC! But I'm probably one of three people who prefer the album version on "Let It Bleed", titled "Country Honk").
15. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson (Oh, to have been able to listen to the radio in 1969! I feel so jealous of those who did. Better than the crappy radio of today!)
16. Oh What A Night - Dells (Like this one better than the original. They were another one of those great soul groups that had a good run in the late 60's, but tend to be forgotten. I like "There Is" the best).
17. Is That All There Is - Peggy Lee (OK, the first song on this chart I don't know. Now I have to look for it. Didn't know she had a hit that late).
18. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Tom Jones (Dionne's was better).
19. Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival (I like this one, as well as the b-side, "Commotion").
20. Something - Beatles (What more can I say about "Abbey Road" that I havent said already..)
21. Jealous Kind Of Fellow - Garland Greene (Not that great. I hunted this song down after seeing it listed in the Billboard Book Of One-Hit-Wonders, but wasn't that impressed when I finally found it).
22. Sugar On Sunday - Clique (I like this version, as well as the Tommy James & The Shondells version (which I actually knew first). the Clique were a good group, I know two songs by them and want to hear more. I think a collection may be available).
23. Come Together - Beatles (SO good..)
24. What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler (Another one I'm not familiar with, though I know the title).
25. You, I - Rugbys (I have this, It's a decent rocker. Reminds me a little of Rare Earth).
26. When I Die - Motherlode (Excellent tune, I'm sure there was confusion at the time with BS&T's "AND When I Die", which I think came out earlier in the year).
27. Going In Circles - Friend Of Distinction (Really great follow-up to "Grazing In The Grass").
28. Get Together - Youngbloods (I like this, I even have both copies of the 45, the orange label RCA issue from'69 AND the black label RCA Victor issue from '67).
29. Hurt So Bad - Lettermen (Anthony's is better).
30. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Dionne Warwick (Never knew she covered this, let alone had a hit with it. WOW..)
31. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) - Lou Rawls (Never knew of this one either).
32. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes (Good cover! I think the b-side, "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" charted top-40 as well).
33. Baby I'm For Real - Originals (Nice mellow soul).
34. In A Moment - Intrigues (I like this, always thought it was earlier than fall, '69).
35. Make Believe - Wind (Tony Orlando does the 4 Seasons).
36. Jesus Is A Soul Man - Lawrence Reynolds (Heard this once, didn't care for it).
37. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Isaac Hayes (Well whadya know!! Thought so!)
38. Smile A Little Smile For Me - Flying Machine (Always liked it).
39. Here I Go Again - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (I have alll their hits on CD, I copied the box set from a friend. I should check this one out).
40. Carry Me Back - Rascals (Last Rascals hit, and a great rocker! Those later Rascals singles should be better remembered!)

So I know all but about 5 of these. Not too shabby...

Thanks, Pete. I agree - there are a lot of great songs that never made the top 10.

I couldn't agree with you more about radio in 1969 - it would have been so great to have listened to these songs when they were current. Today's music is sadly lacking, unfortunately.

'There Is' is my favorite of the Dells' music also! Love it!

I really like Tommy James & the Shondells' version of 'Sugar On Sunday', but I don't think I've heard the Clique's version of it. Is it pretty similar in style?

I'm with you on 'When I Die' - it's outstanding. I heard it for the first time only a few years ago, and liked it right away. It should be getting more airplay on the oldies stations.

[Dawn]

55dodger said:

Hey Dawn, welcome back to the Old Days board.

1. I Can't Get Next to You - Pretty good song from the Temptations.

2. Hot Fun in the Summertime - Sly & the Stoned Family trying to extend summer, but a great song.

3. Sugar Sugar - Bubblegum to the extreme, but I still like it.

4. Jean - Want to say this went on to win the Oscar. Good Song.

5. Little Woman - Bobby's first and probably his best.

6. Suspicious Minds - Not discounting all his previous hits, this is probably my favorite Elvis song.

7. That's the Way Love Is - Another good one from the late great Marvin Gaye.

8. Wedding Blue Blues - Loved the way they used this song in the movie My Girl.

9. Easy to be Hard - Another favorite from TDN

10. Tracy - Was in love with a girl named Tracy at the time, lots of great memories.

11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie did some fun songs, this was one.

12. This Girl is a Woman Now - Not really one of Gary's best, but a good song.

13. Baby It's You - 1969 seemed to have it's fair share of one hit wonders, and this was a great one.

14. Honky Tonk Woman - An all-time favorite from the Stones.

15. Everybody's Talkin' - Great song, great movie.

16. Oh What a Night - Don't remember this version of this song.

17. Is That All There Is? - Peggy Lee still charting, love it.

18. I'll Never Fall in Love Again - Ok song from Tom
19. Green River - One of my top 5 favorite CCR songs.

20. Something - Love it

21. Jealous Kind of Fellow - Don't know it.

22. Sugar on Sunday - Another good one hit wonder

23. Come Together - Probably one of my all-time top 5 Beatles' songs

24. What the Use of Breaking Up - Didn't really like this song.

25. You, I - Don't know it.

26. When I Die - Third one hit wonder in the chart. Good song.

27. Going in Circles - Not as good as their other chart songs.

28. Get Together - One of the best one hit wonders ever.

29. Hurt So Bad - Never was a really big Letterman's fan.

30. You've Lost That Loving Feelin' - Not familiar with this version of this song.

31. Your Good Thing - Don't know it.

32. Walk On By - Not familiar with this version of this song either.

33. Baby I'm for Real - Don't know it.

34. In a Moment - Don't Know it

35. Wind - Seldom heard song, to bad, it's a really good one.

36. Jesus is a Soul Man - Don't know it.

37. By the Time I Get to Phoenix - Don't know this version of this song.

38. Smile a Little Smile for Me - This was a cute song. Really liked it.

39. Here I Go Again - Ok song

40. Carry Me Back - Fun song from the Rascals.

Thanks, Woody. It's good to be back!

I was surprised to see 'Hot Fun in the Summertime' charting this high that late in the year - I've always thought of it as a summertime anthem. One of their best 60s songs, IMO.

'Suspicious Minds' ranks pretty high on my list of Elvis favorites also. I like the way his voice sounded on his later cuts - richer, and more mellow.

'Something' and 'Come Together' are two excellent Beatles songs, I agree. I like the sophisticated, polished sound on those singles (and the other Abbey Road cuts.)

[Dawn]

Lora said:

Glad to have your feature back, Dawn!

1. Good tune.

2. Nice song from Sly & the Family Stone.

3. Fun tune!

4. Don't know it.

5. Ditto.

6. Another great one from Elvis.

7. I don't think I've ever heard this song.

8. Love it!

9. Don't know it.

10. Never heard of this song.

11 - 15. Don't know them.

16. Great tune.

17. I don't know this song, but Peggy Lee is just fabulous. She's so talented.

18. This one's okay.

19 - 22. Not familiar with these.

23. Wow! Two songs in the Top 40 at the same time for the Beatles. They're awfully close together too. I really love the drum in this song.

24 - 40. Don't know any of these actually!

Thanks, Lora!

My dad has always especially liked 'Suspicious Minds', and I remember hearing it often when I was growing up. Elvis' later material is great.

'Wedding Bell Blues' is a favorite of mine also. I love to sing along with Marilyn McCoo's vocals on it. I really liked the episode of Designing Women where it was used in Charlene's pre-wedding slumber party.

I'm with you about Peggy Lee - she really was a fine vocalist. I'm not too familiar with this one either, but I love her version of 'Fever'.

[Dawn]

Ken said:

This is so great! I'm so glad it has returned.A real mix of songs today!


1.I have this included on a mail order CD compilation . Such a great track. One of their best.

2.This get's played plenty during the summer months.

3.A bubblegum classic that I never get tired of hearing.Great childhood memories.


4.It's good but I also prefer Good Morning Starshine.

5.The title is familiar but I've never heard it before.

6.A very fine late period hit for Elvis.

7. I didn't hear this until a few years ago when I borrowed a Very Best of collection from the library. One of Marvin's best ever.

8. I think I have the clip of them performing this on Ed Sullivan. Always liked it.

9. Amazing vocals, a big fave of mine from Danny , Chuck and Cory . Mu neighbor had the 45 when I was little.

10.My brother had this 45 in the house and played it many times. I found my copy while in high school.

11.Don't know this.

12.I haven't heard this as much locally usually it's either Young Girl or Lady Willpower that recieve any airplay.

13.Smith get funky! - it's good though.

14.Simply a classic!

15.Nilsson had his share of great tunes - including this RIP.

16.Superb track - I believe I have this on either CD or cassette somewhere.

17.I had no idea this was released in '69 wow!

18. Not bad - I've never heard this particular song before.

19.I listened to this so many times as a kid - my brother had the album and 45. It's still one of my CCR favorites.

20.Such a beautiful tune, featuring a flawless guitar solo from George.

21.Don't know it.

22. A great version - Tommy's is excellent as well .This is the one I heard first (Ihave it on 45) The b side of this, a song called Superman, REM did a cover of I think in the late 80's .

23.A fab beatles tune with some of the best bass playing I've ever heard. The Abbey Road album along with all the other Beatles albums were played in the house on a regular basis.

24.I know a few of Jerry's tunes but not this one.

25. Nope , I've never heard this before but I found a sample clip , good tune. that is very similiar to Rare Earth

26.A big hit here in Canada Know it well

27.I know Grazing in The Grass but that's it.

28.LOVE this - I also have the orange RCA label 45 and on CD as well.

29.Also prefer Little Anthony's version.

30.Hmmm I also didn't realize she did a cover?

31.Don't know this one either but I love Lou's voice.

32 Is this the same Walk on By from Dionne? wow!

33.No , not familiar with it at least I don't think so.

34.See #33

35.A buddy of mine found a copy of this when we were in high school we liked the band name so he bought it( for something like 50 cents (!) Later found out Tony Orlando did the vocals a cool little tune.

36. Title sounds familiar.

37.Wow Isaac covers all different genre's of music!

38.An awesome track - the b side if I remember is really good too - also have this on CD.

39.Don't know it.

40. Cool gospel feel on this one - It's too bad their later singles don't get the airplay although I hear See every so often.

Thanks, Ken! I agree, there is quite a variety of songs here!

Like you, I didn't hear 'That's the Way Love Is' until a few years ago, but it's an excellent song. I can't figure out why it isn't getting more play on the oldies stations.

I remember I was surprised when I learned that 'Everybody's Talkin' charted in the 60s - I had always thought of it as an early-to-mid 70s hit. Such a great, mellow feel to it - always loved it.

'Something' is definitely one of George's best compositions - everything about it is perfectly done. Truly a classic!

I agree about the Rascals' later hits - they should be getting more airplay than they do.

[H2IZCOOL]

Glad to see this back, Dawn.

Lot of good songs in the fall of '69.

1. I Can't Get Next To You – Temptations
I always liked the way all the different Temps'voices were featured on this. Great song!

2. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone
Fine song -- but it WAS October.

3. Sugar Sugar - Archies
Always fun to listen to.

4. Jean - Oliver
This was OK, but some people thought it was the greatest song ever written. I couldn't see it. I agree with Pete; I liked Oliver's interpretation of Good Morning Starshine better.

5. Little Woman - Bobby Sherman
The song wasn't bad, but I wish someone who could carry a tune had sung it.

6. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
The initial emergence of Fat Elvis. I liked the song at the time, but then, I didn't know what was coming. Now I see it as the harbinger of the ruination of a superstar.

7. That's The Way Love Is - Marvin Gaye
Decent; not his best.

8. Wedding Bell Blues - 5th Dimension
Great song! In my top 250!

9. Easy To Be Hard - 3 Dog Night
Two in a row! Top 250! Love 3DN. Great interpretation of the song from Hair.

10. Tracy - Cuff Links
Very catchy bubblegum tune. I have always enjoyed listening to it.

11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie
Not bad, but not his best.

12. This Girl Is A Woman Now - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
Really like Gary's voice. It basically saved this song.

13. Baby It's You - Smith
So-so interpretation. Gail McCormick was no Janis Joplin.

14. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones
A classic! If you think of the Stones, you gotta be thinking Honky Tonk Women.

15. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson
Not bad, but I liked some of his later hits a lot more.

16. Oh What A Night - Dells
I think they originally sang this song much earlier. This wasn't bad, but I have one version of this song -- I think it's the '69 version, that seemed like it would never end.

17. Is That All There Is - Peggy Lee
Ugh! This was depressing. Don't like it at all.

18. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Tom Jones
Draggy. Way too slow, and not one of his best, anyway.

19. Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival
I like listening to just about any of CCR. -- One at a time. This is a good song. But I don't own a compilation, and I wouldn't want to.

20. Something - Beatles
Might be the best of all that features George. Love it!

21. Jealous Kind Of Fellow - Garland Greene
Sounds familiar, but I can't place it.

22. Sugar On Sunday - Clique
Always liked this one. Kinda light and bubblegummy.

23. Come Together - Beatles
Flip of "Something" - or was Something the flip of Come Together? Good song. Full of "clues" about Paul being dead.

24. What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler
Not bad, but he had done MUCH better.

25. You, I - Rugbys
Again -- both the title and artist sound familiar, but I can't place it.

26. When I Die - Motherlode
This was OK, but is not to be confused with AND When I Die, by BS&T., which is a very different and much better song.

27. Going In Circles - Friend Of Distinction
Love it! Great soul ballad with fine orchestration. All time top 250!

28. Get Together - Youngbloods
Eh. WAAAY to preachy for my taste.

29. Hurt So Bad - Lettermen
May have been their worst cover ever. If Little Anthony were alive today, he'd be spinning in his grave.

30. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Dionne Warwick
I like a lot of Dionne's music, but NO ONE should have covered this song.

31. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) - Lou Rawls
Pretty good. I do like Lou's voice.

32. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes
Can't quite place this. Is this a cover of the Dionne song?

33. Baby I'm For Real - Originals
Fairly typical of late '60s soul ballads. There are much better ones out there.

34. In A Moment - Intrigues
Don't recall this one.

35. Make Believe - Wind
Always liked this. At the time I didn't realize it was Tony O either. I remember that after Tony really hit it big with Dawn in the '70s, the value of this 45 shot up.

36. Jesus Is A Soul Man - Lawrence Reynolds
Nope.

37. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Isaac Hayes
Again, I don't recall Isaac covering this.

38. Smile A Little Smile For Me - Flying Machine
One hit wonder. Not bad, but a little draggy. -- well... a lot draggy.

39. Here I Go Again - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Don't recall this one.

40. Carry Me Back - Rascals
Never cared for this one.

[lora]

Dawn said:

Thanks, Lora!

My dad has always especially liked 'Suspicious Minds', and I remember hearing it often when I was growing up. Elvis' later material is great.

'Wedding Bell Blues' is a favorite of mine also. I love to sing along with Marilyn McCoo's vocals on it. I really liked the episode of Designing Women where it was used in Charlene's pre-wedding slumber party.

I'm with you about Peggy Lee - she really was a fine vocalist. I'm not too familiar with this one either, but I love her version of 'Fever'.

The Designing Women episode is my fondest memory of that song. It's always been one of my favorite episodes.

I love Fever also. And the song she does in Lady and the Tramp...I think it's called He's a Tramp.

[SAT-I need more room!!]

What a great year & chart to start with!

1. My fave from them, by far!
2. Such a great song-one of their several legendary tracks.
3. A classic, if bubblegummy track.
4. Don't know it, but my dad has it.
5. Not bad, not great.
6. Proof the King still had it.
7. Don't know it.
8. A great one from them. I should look into a compilation.
9. Like this one even more these days.
10. Don't remember how it goes half the time, but I like it.
11. A good song I am surprised was such a hit given the year.
12. Don't know it.
13. My fave version of this-trying to get it on CD.
14. Back to basics Stones, kindof tired of it.
15. A great one.
16. Don't know it.
17. Don't know it.
18. Don't know it.
19. Typical CCR-good.
20. What can you say?
21. Don't know it.
22. Don't know their take on it.
23. A classic, but I like the flip better.
24. Don't know it.
25. A classic that I discovered on one of those CD compilations the local DJ here put together. Love it.
26. Don't know it.
27. Don't know it, despite having it on a reissue B side.
28. Good one.
29. Don't know it.
30. Don't know her version.
31. Don't know it.
32. Is this the Warwick song? He covers her, she covers someone else....
33.-37. Don't know em.
38. Great tune.
39. Don't know it.
40. Don't know it-but have it on a Greatest Hits.

[Pete70s]

Dawn said:

I really like Tommy James & the Shondells' version of 'Sugar On Sunday', but I don't think I've heard the Clique's version of it. Is it pretty similar in style?

The Clique version is done exactly the same, but maybe a little bit faster.

[Dawn]

H2IZCOOL said:

Glad to see this back, Dawn.

Lot of good songs in the fall of '69.

1. I Can't Get Next To You – Temptations
I always liked the way all the different Temps'voices were featured on this. Great song!

2. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone
Fine song -- but it WAS October.

3. Sugar Sugar - Archies
Always fun to listen to.

4. Jean - Oliver
This was OK, but some people thought it was the greatest song ever written. I couldn't see it. I agree with Pete; I liked Oliver's interpretation of Good Morning Starshine better.

5. Little Woman - Bobby Sherman
The song wasn't bad, but I wish someone who could carry a tune had sung it.

6. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
The initial emergence of Fat Elvis. I liked the song at the time, but then, I didn't know what was coming. Now I see it as the harbinger of the ruination of a superstar.

7. That's The Way Love Is - Marvin Gaye
Decent; not his best.

8. Wedding Bell Blues - 5th Dimension
Great song! In my top 250!

9. Easy To Be Hard - 3 Dog Night
Two in a row! Top 250! Love 3DN. Great interpretation of the song from Hair.

10. Tracy - Cuff Links
Very catchy bubblegum tune. I have always enjoyed listening to it.

11. I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Lou Christie
Not bad, but not his best.

12. This Girl Is A Woman Now - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
Really like Gary's voice. It basically saved this song.

13. Baby It's You - Smith
So-so interpretation. Gail McCormick was no Janis Joplin.

14. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones
A classic! If you think of the Stones, you gotta be thinking Honky Tonk Women.

15. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson
Not bad, but I liked some of his later hits a lot more.

16. Oh What A Night - Dells
I think they originally sang this song much earlier. This wasn't bad, but I have one version of this song -- I think it's the '69 version, that seemed like it would never end.

17. Is That All There Is - Peggy Lee
Ugh! This was depressing. Don't like it at all.

18. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Tom Jones
Draggy. Way too slow, and not one of his best, anyway.

19. Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival
I like listening to just about any of CCR. -- One at a time. This is a good song. But I don't own a compilation, and I wouldn't want to.

20. Something - Beatles
Might be the best of all that features George. Love it!

21. Jealous Kind Of Fellow - Garland Greene
Sounds familiar, but I can't place it.

22. Sugar On Sunday - Clique
Always liked this one. Kinda light and bubblegummy.

23. Come Together - Beatles
Flip of "Something" - or was Something the flip of Come Together? Good song. Full of "clues" about Paul being dead.

24. What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler
Not bad, but he had done MUCH better.

25. You, I - Rugbys
Again -- both the title and artist sound familiar, but I can't place it.

26. When I Die - Motherlode
This was OK, but is not to be confused with AND When I Die, by BS&T., which is a very different and much better song.

27. Going In Circles - Friend Of Distinction
Love it! Great soul ballad with fine orchestration. All time top 250!

28. Get Together - Youngbloods
Eh. WAAAY to preachy for my taste.

29. Hurt So Bad - Lettermen
May have been their worst cover ever. If Little Anthony were alive today, he'd be spinning in his grave.

30. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Dionne Warwick
I like a lot of Dionne's music, but NO ONE should have covered this song.

31. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) - Lou Rawls
Pretty good. I do like Lou's voice.

32. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes
Can't quite place this. Is this a cover of the Dionne song?

33. Baby I'm For Real - Originals
Fairly typical of late '60s soul ballads. There are much better ones out there.

34. In A Moment - Intrigues
Don't recall this one.

35. Make Believe - Wind
Always liked this. At the time I didn't realize it was Tony O either. I remember that after Tony really hit it big with Dawn in the '70s, the value of this 45 shot up.

36. Jesus Is A Soul Man - Lawrence Reynolds
Nope.

37. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Isaac Hayes
Again, I don't recall Isaac covering this.

38. Smile A Little Smile For Me - Flying Machine
One hit wonder. Not bad, but a little draggy. -- well... a lot draggy.

39. Here I Go Again - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Don't recall this one.

40. Carry Me Back - Rascals
Never cared for this one.

Thanks, H2!

About the Beatles - both my Whitburn Top 40 and the Billboard Book of Number One Hits list 'Come Together' as the A side, but I've also read that 'Something' was George's first Beatles A side.

I like a lot of Dionne's music, but I can't picture her singing 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - she should have probably left that one alone.

Yes, 'Walk On By' is a cover of Dionne's song, although it's very different from her version. I wasn't familiar with it until pretty recently.

[Dawn]

Lora said:

The Designing Women episode is my fondest memory of that song. It's always been one of my favorite episodes.

Mine too! Another favorite of mine is when they go to the fancy spa 'La Place Sans Souci' and end up throwing mud all over each other - that was hilarious!