3 More Lost Hits from 1979

[Dawn]

This particular year seems to have more than the usual share of forgotten hits, so let's blow the dust off of three more singles from 1979.

Damned If I Do - Alan Parsons Project (Billboard #27)
Some of the APP's single releases get fairly regular play on classic rock radio, but this one seems to have fallen through the cracks. I'm not sure if that is because of the title (although the context isn't offensive), or possibly because the arrangement is more "symphonic" in nature, or some other reason. It's unfortunate, though, because this is a superb song with a wonderful horn arrangement. I've always thought it sounded similar to the the instrumental scores used for sporting events coverage in the '70s. Here is a sample: www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000002VCB001006 .

Stormy - Santana (Billboard #32)
The mid-to-late '70s were not Santana's most successful period in terms of chart success, as they managed only two top 40 singles during that time (although several more achieved top 100 status). Interestingly, both were covers of '60s hits. Stormy, the later of the two releases, was from their Inner Secrets album, and can be heard in part here: www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B0000025EB001004 .

Hold On - Ian Gomm (Billboard #18)
Ian had been a member of the popular British pop group Brinsley Schwarz in the early '70s before releasing his first solo album in 1978, Summer Holiday, which contained this single. Although Ian would go on to record more albums, Hold On would be his only top 40 hit. This is one of my very favorite songs from the '70s, a great track all-around. Here is the entire song on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW7dOhYHuYI .

What are your thoughts on these songs?

[Dawn]

Just wanted to add that I also found the entire track of Damned If I Do on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkqAEjZfVv8 .

[Ken]

Damned If I Do - Alan Parsons Project (Billboard #27)
I've loved this ever since it was current.
I remember my oldest brother buying the album "The Turn of a Friendly Card" at the time. I bought my vinyl copy a few years back at our local swap meet.I seem to remember my classic rock station playing this occasionally, but I haven't heard it in awhile.


Stormy - Santana (Billboard #32)
I have Santana's cover of She's Not There on a mix tape, but I have never heard this cover before. I like it, it has a nice laid back feel to it.


Hold On - Ian Gomm (Billboard #18)
I remember hearing this back in '79 and I loved it right away. I'm so glad Rhino included it on their "Have a Nice Day" series.I also have that first solo album on both CD and vinyl.

I"ve read about Brinsley Schwartz over the years and I'm very interested in checking them out. I'm on the lookout for a few of their albums.

[Pete70s]

I know, and love, all three, especially Ian Gomm. I always thought it was cool that both "Spooky" and "Stormy" were hits again in the late 70's. And ALL of Alan Parsons Project's hits were GREAT!

[Laura--I wuv u all :)]

Those are all good!

[smittykins--70s pop RULES!]

I remember "Damned If I Do" and "Hold On," but not Santana's version of "Stormy." Actually, I had to listen to the track of "Hold On" because I've always tended to get it mixed up with the Kansas song of the same name, which I think was also a hit around that time.

[55dodger]

1. Damned If I Do: Liked it from the beginning. Great song.
2. Stormy: Don't remember it from back in the day, but am listening now. Great version of the song. I was living in England in 1979, and Santana didn't make a lot of their charts, as I recall.
3. Hold On: Vaguely remember it, probably only because I was in England in 1979.