Here’s mine. The Maisonettes – Heartache Avenue. Fantastic stuff.
What’s your Werther’s Original?
Uncommonly good one-hit wonders
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Musings on the byways of popular culture
Weirdly enough I was listening to this yesterday. Very much agreed, bloody great single. Absolutely love it. Got to feel sorry for the lead singer who was with City Boy for many years who did pretty much nothing aside from one hit single (sung by the drummer,) then he ended up a one hit wonder himself with Heartache Avenue. Great song tho.
Big Sound Authority – This House (Is Where Your Love Stands)
Not heard that for years. Thanks for posting.
Oooh, I think I’ve got a 12″ single version of that somewhere. I too have not heard it in years by virtue of not having a working vinyl player thingie.
I’ve yet to hear a better one:
Yes, it’s a great record. Produced by Pete Townshend with the man himself on bass (as “Bijou Drains”)
I think it’s one of the great singles – fantastic production by Pete to get that otherworldly sound and feel. Inextricably linked with the moon landings for me.
The album’s a bit of a disappointment, though.
I’ve written a modest defence of the Thunderclap Newman LP on the blog (typos notwithstanding)
Strange – I think of the moon landings too when I hear this. Was it in the charts when that happened or has it been played since accompanying footage of the landings?
I was 13 at the time and thought the single was earlier than that or is my mind playing tricks?
It was indeed Number 1 on 21 July 1969
(replaced 2 days later by Rolling Stones Honky Tonk Women)
(I have no recollection of this as I did not start annoying the world for another 365 days)
It’s such a gentle, dreamy record, most people miss the fact that the lyrics are about civil unrest and fighting in the street. Thanks to the Stones, that was all the rage in the late 60s
Twiggys #1 on DID if I recall correctly.
Sacre Bleu! It’s got to be Starlight’s Music Sounds better with you.
Charles & Eddie – would I lie to you.
Oh yeah! Stonking record.
If Carlsberg did hippy bandwagon jumping…
https://youtu.be/mJ_WG3d3GL8
Scott MacKenzie – San Francisco.
Wonderful record.
Written by John Phillips of The Mamas and Papas
Didn’t know that. Thought it was too good to be a mere cash-in (although many a great record has been produced within those parameters). Whatever – impeccably sung by Philip Wallach Blondheim.
It also has one of the best b-sides ever:
That is lovely.
The whole album is lovely and well worth a listen.
It’s on Spotify but with the wrong title (listed as “San Francisco”) and the wrong album cover. Also the tracks are in the wrong order (but they are all there).
This is what it should look like:
There’s not another record that sounds quite like this one….
That would be like hearing Psycho-Killer for the first time if you were 17 in 1963.
Fascinating. I’d only ever heard this version:
This thread could run and run. Here’s a great one.
Being a bit pickey but Bruce isn’t a one hit wonder! Keep On was a big(ish) hit.
You’re right, of course. Forgot that.
Brilliant.
Crikey! That’s the first response to a post I’ve had for ages. (I was so hoping the Bandit one would provoke some discussion regarding the highs and lows of waiting for success.)
’tis a great record which sadly only made number 22 in the Hit Parade.
Yep. Wonderfully evocative of an early 70s, Withnail & I, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy period.
Twas featured in the 4th episode of Cradle to the Grave. Sad I know but trying to make up a playlist of the songs featured in the programme. This one is a corker.
Seconded. Wonderful tune.
Thirded.
The inspiration for Noel Gallagher’s song Riverman, after Morrissey played it to him on a drunken night out in LA with Russell Brand.
http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/interviews/a33449/noel-gallagher-morrissey-new-album/
That was excellent.
I had never heard that before.
Thank you!
Harder than it looks, this. A quick check reveals that Crash isn’t The Primitives only hit, Plastic Bertrand had a successful follow up to Ca Plane Pour Moi, and Hanson had SIX top twenty hits!
So here’s Sugar Minott:
on a similar ‘tip’…
https://youtu.be/KVBmeWAsRAA
One-hit wonders tend to be defined geographically – in the US Dexy’s Midnight Runners are considered one-hit wonders for “Come On Eileen”…in Australia, they’re a two-hit wonder (add “Geno”)….I believe in the UK they had considerably more.
I think this is rather good
Yep, bought that on cd single when it came out, very good.
If there’s been a better hit parade rekkid than this, why, I’ll eat my arse-hair pie.
Brilliantly hilarious clip, too. From the comments: “I wish the clothing designers would come back with the “neat” look for both sexes.”
As true today as it was in 1988. Apart from singing along with Yazz.
I’d Rather Jack was, in its own way, as important as Anarchy in the UK or Heartbreak Hotel. The corporates and the media closed them down of course.
I have noticed there’s a reunion video on YouTube from a few years ago. I daren’t look.
I remember it well.
Not aged well. I would rather Fleetwood Mac or Jack(son) Browne.
Sultry.
Kit Hain won’t be happy with that screen grab.
Great record. And ‘borrowed’ to great commercial success by Paul Weller for Broken Stones…
Love that record
Was the background music to one of the funniest Frazier sequences when Niles tried to iron his trousers!
The Harper Valley P**** T*** & A**.
Que?
It doesn’t stand for Parent-Teachers Association. Allegedly.
All right – well go on…
Pretty Tits and Ass? (No that’s one too many letters for P****)
I mean come on Mr Heinz don’t be so coy FFS
Like fussy. Except with a p. That will be what the old saucepot is on about I suspect.
Speaking of which, this soundalike surely qualifies too:
Drivers Seat an all time classic!
Best of the lot
I thought this would be the first of many…
Also this; great debut but no follow-up (that I remember; far too lazy to check)
Brilliant thread, BTW. So many belters I’d forgotten.
The album from whence the single comes is pretty good actually. Prior to that they had a hit with ‘Superman’s Song’ which won them a Juno award. Also, it’s their version of ‘The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead’ which is heard on the soundtrack of Dumb and Dumber.
Ironically for a band called Crash Test Dummies the lead singer Brad Roberts had a serious car accident which nearly did for the band in 2000.
From the baggy era, this is a nice tune.
Featuring Steve Coogan’s brother, I’m reliably informed.
Great tune and I recall the album from which it came was ok a well.
Help me out. I can’t remember the song or the band, but the video had them zipping around Miami (or somewhere similar) on scooters, intercut with other scenes of them behaving like the globe-trotting behemoth of a band they so clearly weren’t. It was a puzzling but delightful thing. It had a really cool girl in it.
Sounds like: Len – “Steal My Sunshine”.
That’s the one. Wonderful!
In fairness to them, it’s a bit of a tune.
It is great. Made from a tiny little loop from More, More More, – Andrea True Connection
And then when you have THAT song, the next one in my head is another one hit wonder
Their other one hit was even better:
(Astounded)
I actually bought this album.
and another lot called Space (or should that be Espace?)
I thought they were a good band, Space. In the Neighbourhood, the Ballad of Tom Jones were both good – as well as the Female of the Species.
I quite fancied the young lady in the deodorant advert that featured ‘Female of the Species’ as the soundtrack
Echo Beach – Martha & The Muffins
Great one.
Many moons ago I bought a compilation record largely for Something In the Air .
The album includes 4 classic one hit wonders
Here’s a good one- kiwi band headed by phil judd ex split enz
Just one more -this sublime song from the Avalanches one and only album from 2009. Still waiting for the follow up.
More Here:
http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/musicnews/s4162536.htm
The wait is even more frustrating when you realise the release was 2000 not 2009!! Great song though although think Frontier Psychiatrist did OK in the UK so probably counts them out of the one hit wonder
Thanks for the correction
No problem, just highlighting how long and frustrating the wait has been!
Were they as popular over in Oz as here?
err hard to tell coz I was here and not where you are.
Think so, and Steerpike’s link indicates the continung interest/
I found a copy of their mix album “When I Met You” in a small backstreet record shop once. Not in the slightest bit legit, but it’s brilliant, mixing tracks from the album with Madonna, Dylan, The Beatles, The Smiths, Hendrix, loads of hip hop, and more. I can’t find it on YouTube, but it’s well worth tracking down.
sounds fascinating
Evocative of a period when Armageddon seemed a clear and present danger. along with headbands and leather trews. “Everyone’s a superhero, everyone’s a Captain Kirk”…wise words, young lady, wise words.
Nena – 99 Red Balloons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEyKe8bRdWk
I’ll have to hurry hurry Super scurry to Spotify to hear that again. “Interestingly” the Germam original did the business in the States.
It sounds much better in German. The lyrics actually scan!
this is a cracker of a song
Great record
Seconded!
Good choice. I believe he was actually a two-hit wonder (if a number 47 counts) but on neither occasion with that superb record.
Nor with this one, which I’ve always loved:
What about
or this
Second time I’ve posted this in about a week. Straight in at number 45, it’s The Waitresses with Christmas Wrapping.
Ah but they also had this:
No. 62 in the US, didn’t bother the UK chart
Sorry about the poor quality recording.
One of my favourites from my early teens.
Norman greenbaum – Spirit in the sky (1970)
monster riff
absolutely timeless
as opposed to norman who died a little while back
Fantastic song and phenomenal riff. One of my favourite ever numbers.
Dr and the Medics became one hit wonders in Australia with the same song. That’s weird.
Anybody Remember THIS!!!!!!!!!
Here’s Another
You know, for years I thought I must have imagined Leap Up and Down…….
I was only 7.
Isn’t it a Jonathan King song?
I believe that St Cecelia were an actual band from Northants and the song was written by their bass player. Jonathan King produced and promoted the record though.
I doubt that’s on their current CV!
Another Reminder???
See If Your “Imagination Remembers This”
“Lift Up Your Skirt & Fly”
This is a great thread – someone should do a Spotify playlist …. ? Ok own up who’s got some free time out there
I remember they had a ‘Best & Worst’ one hit wonders feature in the old Word mag in which they gave the number one best ever spot to Captain Of Her Heart.
Whistle that refrain in any office and you will be hearing it hummed and whistled back for the rest of the day. A total ear worm tune.
The New Radicals – You Get What You Give’
An absolute belter of a single.
Agreed. Gregg Alexander also wrote stonking great chart hits ‘Love is a Rollercoaster’ and ‘Lovin’ Each Day’ for Ronan Keating and ‘There’s Been a Murrdurrr on the Dancefloor’ for Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Play that funky music white boy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRr2kf84V2M
Everybody has to love Ce Plane Pour Moi.
I do . I am the king of the divan.
Did I read recently that he didn’t sing on it? Another famous Belgian, btw.
My standard responses to one hit wonder threads is either “Pinball” (but someone bagged that one) or this….funky, you can dance to it, great hook and fantastic lead guitar
Warning – contains whitefro action.
I don’t even like dance-y / club-y music, but there was something about this.
Oceanic – Insanity
Furniture – Brilliant Mind
Tune. I still have the 12 inch I think.
Gigolo Aunts – Where I Find My Heaven
(even now, every time I hear that visions of Samantha Janus appear before my eyes (Well, I was young(er) and impressionable))
Terrific power pop record. I always liked this of theirs:
I may have to explore further than merely accepting them as the providers of the theme to a 90s sitcom
Oh, you should. “Flippin’ Out” is great, and ” Minor Chords and Major Themes” is well worth a listen.
Monaco – What Do You Want From Me
Great!
Rod Stewart played on all of these tunes.
Stan Ridgway – Camouflage
Although, it probably doesn’t count as he’d already had a UK hit (number 64 so Wikipedia informs me) with Wall Of Voodoo
which is worth an airing too:
As is
I always thought this lot would be rather good when they grew up. But they didn’t.
Vehicle by The Ides of March. Apparently the singer went on to form Survivor and co-wrote Eye of the Tiger. This is a recent performance, but dang, he can still sing!
Absolute classic
Always loved this song. I inherited the album it came from when my brother in law died suddenly. Didn’t much care for the album but this is a great single, very haunting:-
Still makes the hairs on your neck stand!
I think this phenomenon is more common these recently. How were they ever going to follow this?
Gotye “Somebody That I Used To Know”
I prefer “Hearts a Mess” which was a prior hit in Oz at least. Great video too.
Climax Blues Band
Couldn’t Get It Right
Why Did You Do It?
Stretch
Life In A Northern Town
A truly beautiful song.
Oh, brilliant! I was vaguely aware of the melody of that song, but didn’t know what it was or who it was by.
I do now, and I agree, it is lovely.
Not only that, but years ago pre-Shazaam, I’d heard a record on a jukebox, which was also being used on the tv for a trailer. A quick visit now to whosampledwho, and finally I know it was:
by the long time manager of Crewe Alexandra.
And it’s an homage to Nick Drake too.
Using the guitar that’s on the cover of Bryter Layter, no less. It was originally called Morning Lasted All Day, but new friend Paul Simon said that was no good, so it got changed.
Susan Fassbender – Twilight Cafe
oh yes.
Clout – Substitute
Love it – it always puts me in mind of this one:
We did this at the old place and I think I nominated this. UK top 40 … if that counts as a hit.
This one is a corker. Mink DeVille – Spanish Stroll
The Valentine Brothers – Money’s Too Tight To Mention
Still relevant today, 33 years on!
Betcha expecting some Prog. I bought this when it came out. So there.
Clarence Carter – Patches
A couple from me:
(Richard Harris – Macarthur Park)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH2x5pARGdE
(Laurie Anderson – O Superman)
Nearly forgot this one.
(Lee Marvin – I Was Born Under a Wandering Star)
The record that rejuvenated Steely Dan
Rosie Vela – Magic Smile
Absolutely. Jeff Lynne’s squeeze for a while apparently. The bastard.
😉
I know. The video is easily the sexiest on this thread!
OMC. 2 Brothers from New Zealand. Both died tragically young:
Dutch cool:
More Dutch cool – Radar Love by Golden Earring. Still love the Moontan album
Eighties pop with Indian influences/instruments.
(“Ever So Lonely” – Monsoon)
Her single “Shakti (The Meaning of Within)” reached 41. Does that count?
This single was fab gear but not a hit.
“Tomorrow Never Knows” (a Beatles cover ), features guest appearances from Bill Nelson (Be-Bop Deluxe), Preston Heyman (Kate Bush), Dave Balfe (The Teardrop Explodes) and Merrick (Adam and the Ants).
Things are going great, and they’re only getting better…
(“The Future’s So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades)” – Timbuk 3)
One last one, for now anyway 😉
(“No Memory” – Scarlet Fantastic)
Speaking of Jonathan King, as someone did up there, there’s this. Apparently he wrote to prove you could write a song that rhymed “moon” and “June” and no-one would notice. Beautiful melody.
And yeah I know he was a creepy guy. And that looks like another creepy guy at the very beginning of the clip too.
I met Jonathan King once. Still have the rejection letter (just as well probably)
Reportedly HMHB once covered this and changed the last line to “everyone’s gone to the police”
Two for one, folks.
There’s Lesley Gore :
(yes I know she had a minor hit on its coattails, doesn’t count…)
Then there’s Gaskin/Stewart:
“(yes I know she had a minor hit on its coattails, doesn’t count…)”
“You Don’t Own Me” was surely not a minor hit….”Sunshine. Lollipops and Rainbows” I’ll concede
Fair enough, @Sniffity, I avow. Was actually thinking of Judy’s Turn to Cry. Obviously don’t know LG that well.
Four weeks at number one for Dave & Barb. Their version of Walking The Dog got lots of push from DLT but was not a hit. However they were the musicians behind Neil’s Concept Album and appear with him in this TOTP clip,
The Lotus Eaters
Flash & The Pan
It’s all in the geography, as Cookieboy confirms below – Flash and the Pan had two other big local hits “Hey St Peter” and “Down Among The Dead Men”
Regional differences are interesting. The Easybeats for example are one hit wonders elsewhere but are legends in Australia with a string of classic songs.
This song by Canadian Tom Cochrane may never have been a hit in the UK but it was massive in Australia and the USA and I’ve not heard of him since.
It’s like a Bon Jovi song, except it’s good.
It’s called Life is a Highway.
Neglected to mention he is huge in Canada.
Coincidentally, those two guys in Flash & The Pan were in The Easybeats.
Pigbag
The Perfecto Allstarz version (I understand Paul Oakenfold was responsible) is the run out music at The Riverside. We also have to put up with former Radio 1 ‘legend’ ‘Me’ Mark Page as stadium announcer (and to think Fulham have Diddy David Hamilton, former owner of the entertainment world’s least convincing combover).
Cheesy pop at its finest.
From 1981 – Keith Marshall – only crying.
Todd is famous for only having the one hit – I’m toolazy to check if it’s true or not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXq81-cGJr4
Not quite true…
I’ve always loved this one
Number 21 in 1969 and never troubled the singles charts again. I wonder what happened to this bunch of one hit wonders?
Remember the Pinkees? Here’s a live version from Pebble Mill, with notes apparently from the band:
OK THIS IS A FUNNY ONE
WE HAD JUST FINISHED A GIG IN GRENWICH LONDON
WE RECIEVED A CALL TELLING US THAT WE HAD A SPOT ON PEBBLE MILL AT ONE IF WE COULD GET TO BIRMING HAM FOR THE LIVE LUNCHTIME TV SHOW
WE LEFT LONDON STRAIGHT AWAY AND DROVE TO BIRMINGHAM
NO SLEEP FOR THE BAND AND THEN A TOTALLY LIVE PERFORMANCE
ON LIVE TV
THE SOUND MAN FOR THE SHOW HAD NO IDEA AT ALL
BUT THE WORST THING WAS THE AUDIENCE
30 OAPS ON A COACH TRIP
I remember them being played on Radio Luxembourg and latching on to them as I did anything fab-four related. Stars on 45, even!
Did I dream it or wasn’t the Pinkees’ biggest (airplay at least) hit ‘101 Damnations’. Wiki is no help on this point.
Decent Lennon impression anyway…
Seem to recall it was Scarlet Party who did 101 Damnations….
John McLaughlin’s first chart hit (really – he’s on rhythm guitar, Joe Moretti on lead). He appeared on Thank Your Lucky Stars and Ready Steady Go! withit in January 1964 (the Oct-Dec 1963 band, only conceived as a tour contracts-fulfilling act for Tony given that Jet was out of action, for some reason recorded this one single and then seemingly regrouped to promote it on TV a few weeks later):
Lots of goodies from the 60s we haven’t had yet. Here’s Simon Dupree & His Big Sound with their sole hit (who then became Gentle Giant, who had no hits):
Classic
Great thread.
I am really surprised that this hasnt made an appearance yet.
Keith West – Excerpt from a teenage opera. (Commonly known as Grocer Jack)
Not forgetting the Even Better followup (which didn’t quite make it, chartwise)
The (slightly superior IMO) followup, “Sam” did make a brief appearance at the arse end of the charts, but wasn’t quite a hit, I s’pose.
Uncommonly good.
A great song from a truly great album.
No Rope As Long As Time is an underrated classic from that album albeit a bit dated for a modern audience!
The Kursaal Flyers – “Little Does She Know”
Extra points for levering the words “quandry” and “detergent” into a belter of a song.
Co-author Graeme Douglas was also responsible for another “One Hit Wonder” (or at least one hit a major note).
Eddie and The Hot Rods – Do Anything You Wanna Do
I’d like to also claim 2nd worst teeth in a TOTP appearance (almost certainly Shane Mc Gowan pipped him).
Ooh yes. And from around the same time, this corker:
(The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven)
Blue Boy – Remember Me
Whenever I logon here, the little “Remember Me” box gives me this as an earworm.
Warren G
This is my go-to karaoke tune.
Jilted John – “Jilted John”
I’ve started a Spotify playlist
71 songs so far but there are lots more to add.
Well played sir!
About bloody time too…
I’m still pissed.
Just the thing I need, to pass out and wake up with a hangover to.
Incidentally, the version of “Something In The Air” is not the right one.
This is the right one.
Damn it! So did I. Theres an hour of my life I wont get back. Well as our resident Spotify list king I will defer to you.
The film clip’s a bit of a fib, but the song’s great
How about this stonker? No other hits AFAIK.
There isn’t anything I don’t love about this.
Deee-Lite – Groove is in the heart
House of Pain – Jump Around
Both great tunes and perfect wedding disco tracks.
Bob & Earl – Harlem shuffle
Should think this lot qualify.
And this lot, Southend’s finest.
Can I be the first to add: The Paramounts are the band who became Procol Harum
I left the goal wide open for you, JC.
What a pairing. We’re like George Best and Rodney Marsh during the twilight of their careers at Fulham
Who’s Bobby Moore, then? I made a special pilgrimage to Craven Cottage just to see the three of them play.
It could be HP, except I doubt he’s heard of the blonde bombshell
I hate these so-called “humourous” asides that are really quite bitter and belittling. Sir Bobby Moore may not have been the best Bond but he brought a certain élan to the role sadly missing in later incarnations.
Sir Bobby Moore was hardly cut out to be a master spy with a licence to kill, as he couldn’t even steal a bracelet from that jeweller’s shop in Bogotá without getting nicked!
I like the part where Pickles the dog arrives at the last minute to save Sir Bobby as the laser beam was about to cut off his Jules Rimet Trophy
I see HP as another player who went to Fulham in the twilight of his career. The great Peter Storey – thuggish, alcoholic hatchet man, later jailed for, inter alia, running a brothel, making counterfeit coins and importing 20 porno videos (in a car tyre).
I offer this alternative rather than having the great Bobby’s name sullied by association.
Yes, that makes more sense.
*thumbs aloft*
What is it about Southend-on-Sea and one-hit wonders, eh? First the Paramounts and then the Kursaal Flyers!
Let’s have a Southend sub-thread! Here’s Houston Wells and the Marksmen with a bit of top 30 minor Meek (not compulsory to listen to the stereo version!).
PS: not actually uncommonly good…
Did someone say Sarfend? Here’s Tonight and Drummer Man from ’78
Warning: contains clips of Peter Powell
The Passions – I’m In Love With A German Film Star. Mmm, dreamy….
A great, great song.
A top tune.
You may rule this out on a technicality (something to do with Kid Creole And The Coconuts), but I love this single more than crispy bacon, without which I cannot live. It saved me from a quiet death during a sabbatical in Edinburgh. The rap is easily the best to emerge from a human mouth, including the immortal line, ‘When I came from the VD clinic, I thought our love was finished.’
Coati Mundi – Que Pasa/Me No Pop I
Only the full version will do.
Rule it out? Don’t even think about it!
A wonderful track. Better than bacon indeed!
An all-time great.
Spin Doctors – Two Princes
Quite a few songs from the 80s thread are reappearing here. And why not?
Like this magnificent floorfiller by Mory Kante: Yeke yeke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca5mbh3DbOY
Here’s a good one. The rumour at the time was that this was Michael Jackson – but Wikipedia tells me he just sings the chorus because Rockwell was a childhood friend. When they were both children, I hasten to add.
The champagne ran out for Evelyn after this song. But what a song!
She’s a nifty little mover. I would be too if I was singing the hottest hit on the planet.
That can’t be true can it? Tony Blackburn had Love Come Down on more or less continuous play on his Radio London show back in the day. That was a hit for sure.
After writing this marvelous song, Davittt became a novelist.
youtube.com/watch?v=QDXZsydJU2c
Try again.
PHWOARRRR!!!!!
(*makes car sound*)
Hey – that “video” is a frost – I had to wait until 1:36 or whatever to see that red car!
(This was a “hit”, K?)
I’m sure it made some impression on the lower echelons of the Indie Chart. Doesn’t that count?
No? I thought not.
Here’s the uncommonly good Joe Dolce:
I want you to know, HP, that I never for one moment thought of you as Bobby Moore.
I’m more of a George Lazenby.
Did Ms Tikaram have any other hits?
Her album was the first CD I ever bought, because of this rather catchy song. And it was going cheap and I wanted to see if the CD player I’d been given actually worked.
“Twist in my Sobriety” was Ms Tikaram’s second biggest hit.
The big one was her debut single, “Good Tradition”
I’d like to table a motion to have K’s Afterword licence revoked for not knowing about Tanita Tikaram’s two-hit wonder status. He’s let us down ectect.
He’s got previous. Look up at the Evelyn “Champagne” King blooper.
Skärpning KFD!
Hmm. And he hadn’t heard the “thin, wild mercury sound” quote which every true Afterworder has tattooed somewhere about his (or her) person.
I’m beginning to think K is a narc.
That is a scandalous accusation. Me? An undercover cop?
I’m here because I dig the groovy vibrations and the mellow pop sounds that you cats are into.
“Excuse me man, I have reason to believe you can turn me on.” He leered suggestively…
Speaking of which…
(I’m The Urban Spaceman)
Oftentimes this is just too perky for me, but right now I’m sitting in sunshine and today is one I’ve been looking forward to for some time, so
http://youtu.be/y-gz-yddE6Q
(Shanice -I Love Your Smile)
She can sing in the whistle register don’t cha know..
My cred is these parts is seriously on the wane.
But surely the Subway Sext’s Nobody’s Scared must have been a hit? Real TOTP stuff!
“Subway Sext” is the Freudian typo of the year so far….
Your cred is on the up Mr K! Seriously good tune from the Sect and the b sides a belter too.
But if we are talking hits surely the prize goes to Ambition?
No one has done this one yet? I thought this would follow on from Brian Protheroe and his Pinball. I have both placed in the same space in my head.
A Mickey Most Production!
Duncan Browne – Journey
*Name dropping alert*
The night I met the lovely lass who would later become my wife in 1976, she was drinking in a Holland Park boozer* with Duncan Browne and his recording artist mate Peter Godwin. Effete poseurs, both of them. One of them is dead now.
*The boozer is the one the inside gatefold sleeve of Rod Stewart’s 1974 LP Smiler. It’s closed down now.
Dare we ask what you were doing in said boozer that evening, JC?
Playing pinball with Brian Protheroe? Discussing budget airlines with Plasric Bertrand?
Asking Thunderclap Newman for some advice on ventilation?
Well, this may sound improbable but I swear every word is true:
On the night in question I was with a girl, a seamstress by trade, who made shirts for the bands. Her sister lived with the keyboard player Peter Bardens. He was there too.
I was sitting with them across the table from Brian Patten, the Liverpool poet and erstwhile member of multi-media band GRIMMS.
At the next table sat Brian “Blinkey” Davison one-time drummer with The Nice.
Over in the corner stood the imposing figure of Bernard Bresslaw, The Army Game and Carry On actor and singer of 1958 minor hit single Mad Passionate Love/You Need Feet.
In walked Duncan Browne and his mate Peter Godwin with a stunning Aussie lass. Our eyes met and we began talking.
Sadly many of the people in this story are no longer alive.
Allow me to post Browne’s rather good one hit!
I remember being impressed by Duncan Browne because he was signed to the impossibly cool Immediate label, home to the Small Faces etc
One of his songs was later covered by Bowie I think.
aye, twas Criminal World on the Let’s Dance album
Oops, sorry Jarrox.
It’s the way you tell them, JC. I believe every word.
And we’ve got one more one hit wonder.
What they used to call a novelty song back in the day.
And we’re back on track!
This blog really lacks inter-galactic glamour. Thank heavens for
Sheila & B Devotion
and the Rah Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROEsE2A8J6Y
(They may have had a few hits but as it’s his missus doing the vocals as a one off, it counts.)
In a similar vein
Dee D. Jackson – Automatic Lover
Sheila B was a two hit wonder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf83D0ypQwM
That was a hit, Wayfarer? Did the record buying public take leave of their senses. It’s not in the same galaxy as Spacer.
A cute French girl in silver hot pants is not enough to rock my space ship.
I agree, but it got further up the charts than Spacer, apparently.
(I wonder what happened to them?)
Lando Cakes wondered exactly the same thing higher up the thread!
Great minds etc.
No doubt about this one’s OHW status. Still wonderful.
this came up on shuffle the other day – astonishingly soulful
The Vibrators – Automatic Lover
Rarely does a band’s name and a song title seem so appropriate
(well, it made me laugh when I was 13 (still does now, if I’m honest)).
Featuring a soon to be several hit wonder, and named in one of the songs – step forward Mr Gary Tibbs
Baby Baby was a great tune, dunno if it was a hit. I bought it.
I don’t think ? And The Mysterians had another hit. There are cleaner clips but I like the live footage on this. When the bridge eventually comes it takes you by surprise.
Make a ‘V’ sign. Throw back your hair.
Atlanta Rhythm Section – Spooky. I know nothing about this band.
Was this not a hit in your neck of the woods?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIc8krqspIc
At the time of its release, it was said that if you played the album version at 45rpm, it sounded like a Fleetwood Mac track.
Nope – checked Guinness, they had just the one hit in the YUK.
They supported Genesis first time they played Knebworth. They came on to the Gone With The Wind Theme if I remember correctly.
Good grief, so they did. I’d completely forgotten about them for the last – eek! – 37 years.
Redbone – The Witch Queen Of New Orleans.
That place, New Orleans, kept popping up in records when I was wee. It always sounded like a great place! Indians and New Orleans with a difference. Again, I know nothing of the band.
Have we really not had this yet?
Feelin’ made #43 in the UK charts in 1991
Hmm, any good? You’re relentless 🙂
It is. I could hum it right now. It what comes of a misspent youth collecting singles. Not atchally buying them, more a case of being on the mailing list of several record companies at the time. They are mostly stuck in boxes in the attic right now. Future antiques/pension pot.*
*not a chance
Shake Some Action
Turning Japanese
Beds Are Burning
A really good Stock/Aitken/Waterman production and a big hit
Love it. Damn. 30 years old, just like Back To The Future.
This big: 1985: “Say I’m Your Number One” (#7 UK, #8 AUS, #2 New Zealand, #4 Switzerland, #6 The Netherlands, #2 Germany, #11 Ireland, #29 Austria, #22 US Dance, #19 US R&B)
Just reminded me of this, acoustic is nice
A topical one,doncha’ think
Troubling the arse end of the charts..
Have we had this classic? Don’t know if they are actually one-hit wonders, but they’re certainly known for just the one song.
Horse With No Name
https://youtu.be/fFYt6w7XXUY
Ventura Highway made #43 in the UK charts in 1972
Oh come on. That counts?
See my response above. I bet you could hum this tune. I used to peruse the top 50 charts on a weekly basis to dictate my buying habits. Going to a top 75 was pushing it. Now I could not name a single record in the charts. Do they still have charts?
You’re quite right. Know it quite well, not consciously. Charts do still exist, with Taylor Swift and lots of unknown names. And as usual, the answer is…Top of the vinyl chart this week is Space Oddity. Huh?
Heavily sampled on this (along with a bit of Erik Satie)…
http://www.veoh.com/watch/v2990578CyJ43AEQ
Janet Jackson – Someone To Call My Lover
And what of Tin Man, or Sister Golden Hair?
Centrefold
@walter-rego Shouldn’t this be on the ‘Songs that are universally hated- but you like’ thread?! 😉
Ok, it’s not the greatest song ever written, but of it’s time….
A guy’s song, I think. 😀
Lyrically of it’s time admittedly 🙂
or as the famous mondegreen has it ‘My anus is a centre hole’
Rather appropriate given the subject-matter.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
M
Moonlight and Muzak made #33 in the UK charts in 1979
May I refer the Right Honourable Gentleman to the above?
But you’re on fire, Beany, and no mistake.
Cornershop – Brimful of Asha
Please don’t tell me that they have a whole cavalcade of other hits.
I think you will find their 1977 single Open All Hours got to #37 in the UK charts.
If Speedin’ Spedding had any hits I never heard them.
He was a Womble (Wellington, the one with the long nose and furry body)
(Apologies for the inclusion of Noel Tidybeard)
Was Mike Batt actually a womble or did he just write and sing the songs?
Mike Batt was Orinoco.
Other names to have filled Womble suits were Clem Cattini, Robin LeMesurier and on one episode of Top Of The Pops, Steeleye Span.
I sort of knew this, but wikipedia filled some of the gaps:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wombles_(band)
Re: the Wombles.
‘Minuetto Allegretto’ really got my goat.
Oh please let it be the edition of Steeleye Span that featured Martin Carthy. The idea of the sainted Martin Carthy being a one-off Womble really does appeal.
I bet he’d have been up for it too.
Research shows:
Steeleye Span appeared as Wombles performing Superwomble on either:
24 July 1975 or 14 August 1975.
It was the sharing of producer Mike Batt that got them the gig, rather than being in the studio at the same time, so there is a good chance that Martin Carthy was indeed a Womble
except he wasn’t in Steeleye Span in 1975, so he probably didn’t appear
I was chatting to a rather cute German optician this afternoon about my daughter’s glasses, when suddenly my phone, which was in my trouser pocket, started to play this.
She was perplexed.
“Achtung! You have a party in the pants!”
Brandy (You’re a fine girl)
Looking Glass
Kissing With Confidence – Will Powers
Money – The Flying Lizards
Something or other by Sean (Shawn?) Mullins that I can’t remember the title of, but was very catchy at the time.
Great thread – I’ve OD’d on You Tube tonight!
Shawn Mullins – was it Lullaby? Cracking record:
An Aussie band who had a moment in the limelight thanks perhaps to having Rod singing. They play rather well too. Peel was involved in these recording sessions and Rod’s pay was some seat covers for his car, according to a Wiki.
Python Lee Jackson – In a broken dream
Carpets for his Spitfire, according to a recent interview he did with Robert Elms.
The memories!
Peel protégés, Medicine Head, reached no 3 with One and one is one in 1973.
Quite a hit makers need his day, Mr Ravenscroft. A few plays on his show and a band could enjoy some serious chart action. Principal Edwards Magic Theatre never had a hit though. Probably because they were crap.
Oops. That should read:Quite a hitmaker in his day, Mr Ravenscroft.
How about Jennifer Paige with Crush?
Better late than never… I hope.
Loved this a kid – “You messed about, I caught you out. Howzat!”
… that should have been “… as a kid…”
Kelly from Paisley. Doo doo, doo doo, doo doo, doo doo.
Omar…unless Beany knows better. The songs not actually called that of course
Say Nothin’ got to #29 in 1997. This single only got to #37 but is an interesting cover I had never heard before today.
Sorry, should have warned you that that Omar song features Pino Palladino, though thankfully not on full on fret less wank mode.
Tasmin Archer? Great song I thought
Unless Beany knows better.
Her next single got to #16 (see clip). Her third single, Lords of the New Church, got to #26.
Incidentally The Lords of the New Church never had a hit single in the UK.
This is classed as good in my household. Got to #4 in 1966.
Now you’re talking, Beany. I’ve got that single too. Some b-side, eh? And no follow up to be argued about by that chap..
Oh wait.
This is the “proper” response record by Josephine XV. Sadly not a hit.
Beany DOES know better!
Smoke From A Distant Fire
Sanford Townsend Band
Someone halfway claimed to have the sexiest clip in this thread.
He was wrong:
Sizzling! 7.00 here and that was Not Suitable For Breakfast, Campo.
It took me years to track this one down. I remembered the chorus from my childhood.
Al Mathews. No 16 in 1975, but more famous for playing the part of Sergeant Apon in Aliens.
There must be a few more ska and reggae OHWs!
Like the wonderful Millie Small’s My Boy Lollipop. Here she in on Finnish telly in 1964.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYj9J4UH8ck
Or how about Snow’s Informer? From Canada.
Not in the same league as Millie, but then who is?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byh5k-m2SqI
OHWs don’t come much odder than Tom Hark by Elias and his Zig Zag Flutes.
South African kwela music suddenly invaded the charts.
Tom Hark was the theme to a 1958 TV show called “The Killing Stones” which probably helped it into the charts
And Acker’s Stranger on the shore was also of course the theme tune for a long forgotten BBC drama about a French girl in Brighton. A lot of the unexpected hits of the time can be traced to a movie or TV show.
Don’t recall seeing this on the list – slice of Nimble anyone?
Honeybus – I can’t let Maggie go
Thanks Billy. That will fit nicely on my 60s playlist too.
I just remembered this one…