Dean wrote:
Periodically, I produce a show called COUNTDOWN CLASSICS. The latest episode features Billboard magazine's top forty for the week ending April 24, 1961. You can hear it at the link below.
https://www.mixcloud.com/dean-fiora/countdown-classics-april-24-1961/
Editorial Note: When it comes to the years 1959-1962, I've had a hard time finding a weekly top forty that wasn't loaded with puke-inducing crap. If it's only a few songs, I'll go with it; but much of the time, a high percentage of what's on a chart
from that period is unadulterated garbage.
FWIW here's my take on that particular BB chart :-
1. RUNAWAY – Del Shannon
HUGE favorite from day one in 1961. #1 on both sides of Atlantic.A high 9
2. BLUE MOON – The Marcels
Same comments apply (even the #1 in both countries). An even higher 9
3, MOTHER-IN-LAW – Ernie K-Doe
On his way to US #1 memorable New Orleans favorite. Another 9
4. BUT I DO – Clarence “Frogman” Henry
Excellent number originally out in 1960 under original “I Don’t Know Why” title. An 8 here
5. ON THE REBOUND - Floyd Cramer
Likeable piano hit. A 6 for me
6. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
Never liked it then and nothing has changed
7. I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
YUKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!
8. YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME – Brenda Lee
Hardly Brenda’s best of the year but still worth a low 7
9. Take Good Care Of Her – Adam Wade
Sickly sweet and sentimental. What’s not to dislike?
10. ONE MINT JULEP – Ray Charles
Instrumental highlight from the “Genius+Soul=Jazz” LP. A 7 for me
11. Apache – Jorgen Ingmann
Weak and watery version of the MUCH,MUCH better UK #1 Shadows hit
12. Please Love Me Forever – Cathy Jean & Room Mates
The “so-bad-it’s-good” thing worked with Rosie & The Originals—but not here
13.. DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE – The Shirelles
My fave version of the song. Originally from 1959 and a 9 on my list that year
14. Baby Blue – The Echoes
So very twee it hurts. Excellent record to throw up to
15. ASIA MINOR – Kokomo
First out in 1960 and as I said about the Cramer above “Likeable piano hit. A 6 for me”
16. Tonight My Love,Tonight – Paul Anka
Typical Anka sugary pop for small girls
17. Portrait Of My Love – Steve Lawrence
Cover of the UK Matt Monro hit. This one is even more over orchestrated
18. Don’t Worry – Marty Robbins
Out in 1960 but this one falls way short of some of his other hits
19. Surrender – Elvis Presley
Not exactly Elvis’ finest hour
20. DADDY’S HOME – Shep & The Limelites
Excellent reworking of “A Thousand Miles Away”. High 8 on my list
21. Breakin’ In A Brand New Broken Heart – Connie Francis
Connie at her most cloying.
22. Please Tell Me Why – Jackie Wilson
A below par Jackie Wilson outing that never appealed to these ears
23. PONY TIME – Chubby Checker
Top notch Checker dancer! Boogitty boogitty boogitty shoo! An 8 here
24 WALK RIGHT BACK – The Everly Brothers
The Everlys manage to turn a then-unfinished Sonny Curtis song into a classic!! High 8
25. GEE WHIZ – Carla Thomas
First out on Satellite in 1960 always liked this one. A solid 7
26. Just For Old Time’s Sake – The McGuire Sisters
Shrill uninspiring pop. No thanks!
27. Find Yourself Another Girl – Jerry Butler
I have fond memories of meeting Jerry on a US trip but he’s far from his best here
28. TONIGHT I FELL IN LOVE – The Tokens
Liked this one a lot…but loathed the one later in 1961 that…um..roared…up those charts
29. THINK TWICE – Brook Benton
Beautiful ballad by Brook gets a 7 here. But check out the much later Jackie & LaVern XXX rated version!
30. FUNNY – Maxine Brown
One of my favorite femme records of the year gets a healthy 8
31. Tenderly – Bert Kaempfert
Trumpet solo on the old standard guaranteed to cure your insomnia
32. SHU-RAH – Fats Domino
Even second or even third tier Fats is better than lots of others. A 7 here
33. BUMBLE BOOGIE – B. Bumble & The Stingers
Bubbling under my instrumentals list is this updating of the old Rimsky-Korsakov rocker. A 6
34. Flaming Star – Elvis Presley
Uninspiring title song from his 1961 movie of the moment
35. Frogg - The Brothers Four Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!
36. Brass Buttons - The String-A-Longs
Forgettable instrumental (and no, I didn’t like “Wheels” either)
37. HIDEAWAY – Freddy King
NOW you’re talkin’!!!
My Favorite Instrumentals List
1. Green Onions Booker T. & The MG’s - 1962
2. Honky Tonk-Part 2 Bill Doggett - 1956
3. Raunchy Bill Justis - 1957
4. Hideaway Freddy King - 1961
5. Last Night Mar-Keys – 1961
38. RUNNING SCARED – Roy Orbison
Roy at his Monument-al best on this dramatic ballad on its way to #1 spot. A 9 with me
39. WHAT’D I SAY – Jerry Lee Lewis
Can’t compare with Ray’s original but still helped bring Jerry back from the dead on both sides of the pond. A high 7
40. TRUST IN ME – Etta James
Etta’s attempt at another “At Last” doesn’t quite come off but still good enough to get a decent 7
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