Feels Like I'm Top of the Pops

Once more a huge thanks to Manorak for uploading this final instalment of Top of the Pops 1980 to vimeo. Again, it won't be shown on BBC4 because one of the hosts is Dave Lee Travis.

Though watching this you wonder if BBC4 could have edited DLT out. Tommy Vance does introduce quite a few of the acts on his own. But there you go.

It feels like 1981

1-1-81: Presenters: Dave Lee Travis & Tommy Vance

https://vimeo.com/128824696


 (-) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing ®
We get underway with a repeat showing of the Quo's recent number 2 hit which was also the year's 31st best selling song. But at least we do have a new studio audience for our presenters!

(73) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
Still in the top 75 at the time and the 5th biggest selling single of 1980, though it never quite made it to number one.

 (67) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers
Also still in the charts and the 13th biggest selling single of the year, peaking at number 3. And a new studio performance here from a snowy Madness.

 (-) THE JAM – Going Underground
A big fuss was made of this going straight in at number one in the spring, though it was (only) the 16th biggest seller of the year. Another new studio performance here, there's no pinny this time but there is a guitar seemingly predicting the rise of Wham!

 (-) BILLY PRESTON & SYREETA – With You I’m Born Again ®
Had peaked at number 2 at the beginning of the year. A repeat but a tremendous live rendition. One last hurrah from the TOTPs orchestra.

(-) THE DETROIT SPINNERS – Working My Way Back To You – Forgive Me Girl (Medley)  ®
A repeat showing of the Legs & Co routine from earlier in the year. And that's it for the Leggers in these festive specials ~ this time next year they would be but a memory.

(-) UB40 – Food For Thought
1980 was the breakthrough year for UB40, and appropriately enough this was the 40th biggest selling single of the year.

 (-) KELLY MARIE – Feels Like I’m In Love
This may be a much maligned song but it was the 3rd biggest seller of the year, only Barbra Streisand and The Police outsold this. And the final new studio performance of this edition.

 (-) HOT CHOCOLATE – No Doubt About It ®
Another number 2 hit from the spring. It's a shame this can't be shown one more time on BBC4 in the year of Errol's death.

(-) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (video)
Perhaps something of a surprise inclusion this one. It had recently peaked at 3 but wasn't one of the years top 40 best sellers.

 (-) STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin’) (video)
This number 2 hit was the 25th best selling single of the year.

 (-) ABBA – The Winner Takes It All (video)
The band's penultimate number one from the late summer was the 18th best seller of 1980.

 (-) THE PRETENDERS – Brass In Pocket ®
The first new number one of the 80's was also the years 35th biggest hit.
Then comes a crowd invasion and the return of the swirly camera effects over the credits!


So that's it for 1980, arguably one of pop music's best ever years. On Top of the Pops the transition from the 70's to the 80's was there to see and it left a fair few casualties behind, especially at the end of the bitter Musician's Union strike in the summer, after which the show was revamped. But even bigger changes were on the way in 1981...

On BBC4 over Xmas this year there are repeat showings of the Christmas Day editions from 1978 and 1979, and for the first time, 1975.
And also over on BBC1, proving the old show still isn't totally dead, there's Christmas Day 2015 and New Years Day 2016!

I'd like to thank everyone for all their comments and input this year, including Stephen Murphy and his team for filling in those strike filled nine weeks in the summer with Game of Top of the Pops, and here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you in 1981!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As a late Xmas present for you all, here is the 1980 strike Xmas Special from Stephen Murphy and team ~ how many of your suggestions did they include? find out here at 4shared:

http://www.4shared.com/video/ZlY4CW-Tce/TOTP_1980_Strike_Xmas_Special.html

or here at Dropbox;

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ah4jfk65bsznab6/TOTP%201980%20Strike%20Xmas%20Special.mp4?dl=0

Top of the Pops Another Year

Huge thanks goes to Manorak for uploading this Christmas Day 1980 edition of Top of the Pops to vimeo. It won't of course be broadcast on BBC4 because one of the hosts is Jimmy Savile. So obviously do not click on the link if you are going to be offended.

All I want for Xmas is....

Top of the Pops 25-12-80: Presenters: Jimmy Savile O.B.E. & Peter Powell

https://vimeo.com/148174220


 (-) THE NOLANS – I’m In The Mood For Dancing
Kicking the show off with their biggest hit, which made it to number 3 at the beginning of the year. Like last year, there's no studio audience present. And best not to say too much about what happens at the very end...

 (-) DEXY’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS – Geno
The first of their two number ones. And a new look for the band for this Xmas performance.

 (-) BLONDIE – Atomic (video)
1980 was a great year for Blondie, three singles and three number ones. Nuclear explosions ~ happy Xmas!

 (-) PAUL McCARTNEY – Coming Up (video)
A good year for Paul too, with three top ten hits (if you include Wonderful Christmastime). And what a video this is too!

 (48) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love
The number one hit from her Bee Gees flavoured number one album, Guilty. This can't have been the one Legs & Co had been rehearsing for the other week, because its a repeat showing from earlier in the year.

(-) LIQUID GOLD – Dance Yourself Dizzy
Had peaked at number 2 in the spring. Looking very festive here but the least said about the drummer's ribcage the better!

 (-) DAVID BOWIE – Ashes To Ashes (video)
This great song had become David's second number one of his career back in the late summer, and the video was of course ground breaking and game changing.

 (-) MARTI WEBB – Take That Look Off Your Face
This Lloyd Webber tune from Tell Me on a Sunday got to number 3 earlier in the year.

 (-) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
The biggest selling single of 1980. Its a video but not the one set in the school. This time they are up on the de doo doo doo ski slopes being chased by Santas!

 (-) FERN KINNEY – Together We Are Beautiful
Perhaps a bit of a surprise number one, from before the summer, performing here surrounded by flashing hat stands.

 (-) JOHNNY LOGAN – What’s Another Year?
1980's Eurovision Song Contest winner.

 (5) ABBA – Super Trouper (video)
Abba's final number one hit, still in the top ten on Christmas Day.

 (-) LIPPS INC – Funky Town
So this is the one Legs & Co had been rehearsing! And it shows, what a gift of a routine surrounded by lots of Xmas toys! Funky Town made it to number 2 during the nine weeks summer strike when Top of the Pops was off the air.

 (-) LEO SAYER – More Than I Can Say
This one reached number 2 during that summer strike. Great to see it performed in the studio at last.

 (-) SHEENA EASTON – 9 To 5
 What a year for Sheena, here she is performing her Big Time breakthrough hit.

 (-) PINK FLOYD – Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) (video)
Last year's bleak Xmas number one couldn't contrast more to this years, even though both feature a children's choir. But at least it didn't put Legs & Co off their chocolates.

 (1) ST. WINIFRED’S SCHOOL CHOIR – There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma (and credits) ®
In some ways maybe it was better that Starting Over wasn't at number one on Christmas Day to remind us of the sadness of John Lennon's murder.....


Next up then is the final instalment of Top of the Pops 1980 (or is it the first instalment of 1981?) with the edition from New Years Day 1981. Again, it won't be shown on BBC4 due to one of the hosts being Dave Lee Travis.

Too Nice to Top of the Pops

And so all too soon we arrive at the final regular edition of Top of the Pops 1980 ~ the 'last Christmas Top of the Pops before the Christmas Top of the Pops' as Simon Bates introduces it....

So whose Xmas jumper is the most special?

18-12-80: Presenter: Simon Bates

(31) THE BEAT – Too Nice To Talk To
A good year for The Beat - this became their fourth top ten hit when it made number 7. Can you spot the imposter from the Specials?

 (2) ST. WINIFRED’S SCHOOL CHOIR – There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma ®
Surely they wouldn't dare to knock John Lennon off the top of the charts for Christmas, would they? So sad, but it was cut from tonight's 7.30 edition.

 (27) THE BARRON KNIGHTS – Never Mind The Presents
It's nearly Xmas so here's another comedy medley from the Barron Knights - but this one was their final top 20 hit. And also cut from the 7.30 edition. But we do get to see 'special' guests Little and Large reminding us how un-pc 1980 comedy still was.

 (34) THE SPECIALS – Do Nothing
Sporting very fashionable Xmas jumpers and having seemingly mugged Madness of their tartan trousers, Do Nothing became the fourth top ten hit of 1980 for The Specials when it reached number 4. Can you spot the imposter from The Beat?

 (35) GARY NUMAN – This Wreckage
Taken from his number one album Telekon, but the single did't do as well, peaking at 20.

 (33) ROBERT PALMER – Looking For Clues ®
Second time on the show but still couldn't make it into the top 30. And cut from the 7.30 showing.

 (18) CHAS & DAVE – Rabbit
Turning the studio into a warren tonight, Rabbit became the boys' first top ten hit when it peaked at number 8. (Rabbit and pork = talk)

 (39) THE NOLANS – Who’s Gonna Rock You
Helped by Santa on the drums, this song became the third hit from their Making Waves album, reaching number 12.

 (3) JONA LEWIE – Stop The Cavalry ®
Couldn't quite march all the way to number one.

The Top Ten Rundown:

 (10) ADAM & THE ANTS – Antmusic (video)
(9) THE STRAY CATS – Runaway Boys (video)
(8) SPANDAU BALLET – To Cut A Long Story Short (video)
(7) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (video)
(6) MADNESS – Embarrassment (clip of TOTP 11-12-80)
(5) THE POLICE – De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (video)
(4) ABBA – Super Trouper (video)
(3) JONA LEWIE – Stop The Cavalry (still picture)
(2) ST. WINIFRED’S SCHOOL CHOIR – There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma (clip of TOTP 4-12-80)

 (1) JOHN LENNON – (Just Like) Starting Over  (and credits)
Starting Over had originally peaked at number 8 at the end of November, and had dropped down to last week's 21. Here, Legs & Co pay tribute to the recently murdered John Lennon in a way that only they can, with a final frame over the credits of a shining star on top of a Christmas tree.


Next up should be the two Christmas specials, but sadly both will be skipped by BBC4 because of the presenters involved.

So then instead we move on to 1981 on Friday the 8th of January with 'The Story of' followed by 'Big Hits'.

And don't forget the annual Xmas edition of TOTP2 on BBC2 Saturday 12th December!

Imagine Top of the Pops

He left England on August 31st 1971 for a new life with his wife Yoko Ono in America, to try to help win custody of Yoko's daughter Kyoko, and having maybe fallen out of love a little at the time with his homeland, and although he never returned to us it wasn't until December 8th 1980 that we finally lost forever our unique musical magician that was John Lennon. This edition of Top of the Pops was recorded two days after he had become one more victim of New York gun crime.

Imagine there's no Top of the Pops....

Top of the Pops 11-12-80: Presenter: Richard Skinner

(16) ADAM & THE ANTS – Antmusic
As soon as Dog Eat Dog left the top 30 in came Antmusic which marched on all the way to number 2. There's even a large screen with the lyrics to sing along to, years before karaoke!

(32) SHOWADDYWADDY – Blue Moon ®
At its peak of 32 and cut from the 7.30 edition. But before the next act along comes special guest Jermaine Jackson, who is handed a cake for his 25th birthday. Richard Skinner also informs us there's no Legs & Co this week because they are rehearsing for the Xmas Day and New Years Day specials, neither of which we will get to see on BBC4 sadly. (Instead, they are showing Xmas Day 1975).

(4) MADNESS – Embarrassment
John Lennon had mentioned being a fan of this group in the interview he recorded for Radio One on December 6th, even doing an impression of 'don't listen to that, listen to this.....'
Good to see the nutty boys make it into the studio, seemingly paying homage to the Bay City Rollers, with Embarrassment now at its chart peak.

(17) STATUS QUO – Lies (video)
With a video that was hard to distinguish from a TOTPs studio appearance, this follow up to What You're Proposing made it to number 11.

(31) MATCHBOX – Somewhere Over The Rainbow
1980 had been a very good year for Matchbox but this would prove to be their final top 20 hit. It wasn't a good 7.30 edition for them tonight though, they got the chop.

(9) THE POLICE – De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (video)
The second single from their number one album Zenyatta Mondatta made it to 5 in the charts. Judging from the video, it looks like they turned up for Wham's Last Xmas party about four years too early!

(20) QUEEN – Flash (video)
Taken from their soundtrack album for the Flash Gordon movie, this was perhaps their most peculiar hit, peaking at number 10.

(10) THE STRAY CATS – Runaway Boys ®
The first of their two top ten hits, both of which peaked at number 9.

The Top Ten Rundown:

(9) THE POLICE – De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (video)
Straight into the charts.

(8) EDDY GRANT – Do You Feel My Love? (still picture)
Peak position.

(7) BLONDIE – The Tide Is High (video)
Not the 'Darth Vader' clip!

(6) SPANDAU BALLET – To Cut A Long Story Short (still picture)
Down from number 5.

(5) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (video)
Down from number 3.

(4) MADNESS – Embarrassment (clip of TOTP 11-12-80)
It got no higher.

(3) JONA LEWIE – Stop The Cavalry (still picture)
Might have got to number one had events in New York not taken place.

(2) ST. WINIFRED’S SCHOOL CHOIR – There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma (clip of TOTP 4-12-80)
Nothing and no one would stop this lot from grabbing the Christmas number one spot.

(1) ABBA – Super Trouper (video) (and credits)
The final week at number one for Abba, ever.

JOHN LENNON – Imagine (live clip)
A sombre Richard Skinner introduces this Top of the Pops tribute, taken from the April 1975 tv show A Salute to Sir Lew Grade, filmed in New York, this was John Lennon's last ever public performance.



Next week then is the final regular edition of Top of the Pops 1980, from December the 18th.

There's No One Quite Like Top of the Pops

December 1980 arrives all too soon with this getting ready for the festive season edition from the 4th hosted by Peter Powell.

And one day when we're older, we'll look back and say......

4-12-80: Presenter: Peter Powell

(9) EDDY GRANT – Do You Feel My Love? ®
Eddy's first solo top tenner would go up one place higher in the charts.
Then its tonight's first special guests, Maurice and Verdine from Earth Wind and Fire, to tell us they will be touring the UK in August of 1981!

(27) NEIL DIAMOND – Love On The Rocks (video)
From his hugely successful top ten Jazz Singer album, this single peaked at 17.
Edited out of the 7.30 show this week.

 (15) JONA LEWIE – Stop The Cavalry
The follow-up to In the Kitchen at Parties became an almost instant Xmas classic. Peter asks us to look out for well known faces in Jona's band ~ did you spot any?

 (22) KENNY ROGERS – Lady
There's no expense spared this week as Legs & Co go Game of Thrones for this week's dance routine. Written and produced by Lionel Richie, Lady peaked at 12.

 (17) AC/DC – Rock ‘N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution (video)
This second single from their huge number one album, Back in Black, became the band's first top 20 hit, and featured new lead singer Brian Johnson.

 (16) ST. WINIFRED’S SCHOOL CHOIR – There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma
Clive Dunn had got to number one with Grandad ten years earlier, so the only surprise is what took so long for someone to do the same with Grandma!
Before the next act we get our second special guest, Mike Oldfield, lamenting about his new single which wasn't in the charts.

 (3) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic
A typically excitable studio performance from Bob and the boys with Bananana Repuberlic at its peak in the charts now.

The Top Ten Rundown:

 (10) JOHN LENNON – (Just Like) Starting Over (still picture)
 (9) EDDY GRANT – Do You Feel My Love? (clip of TOTP 20-11-80)
(8) KOOL & THE GANG – Celebration (still picture)
(7) STEPHANIE MILLS – Never Knew Love Like This Before (video)
(6) DENNIS WATERMAN with THE DENNIS WATERMAN BAND – I Could Be So Good For You (still picture)
(5) SPANDAU BALLET – To Cut A Long Story Short (still picture)
(4) MADNESS – Embarrassment (video)
(3) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (video)
(2) BLONDIE – The Tide Is High (video)

 (1) ABBA – Super Trouper (video)
Second of three weeks at the top for Agnetha's armpits and Abba's final number one.

 (13) DIANA ROSS – I’m Coming Out (crowd dancing) (and credits)
At its peak.


Next week then we move on to the 11th December 1980 for what proves to be an historic edition.

Looking for Top of the Pops

It's November 27th 1980 and Tommy Vance, who seems to be having issues locating the camera, is our Top of the Pops host tonight, introducing the show with a (very) little help from audience member Ann-Marie.

Just make sure you don't come in late with that xylophone at the end......

27-11-80: Presenter: Tommy Vance

(50) SHOWADDYWADDY – Blue Moon
The by now somewhat out of place looking teddy boys get the show(addywaddy) underway with a cover of Blue Moon which peaked at 32.

(10) UB40 – Dream A Lie (video)
Now here's a video...... a black and white minstrel show parody makes for an eye catching presentation of this flip double A side of The Earth Dies Screaming, but nevertheless it got no higher than 10.
Then along come the first of tonight's special guests, Hall & Oats, doing their best to look as gloomy as Robert Palmer had managed to be a couple of weeks earlier....

(42) ROBERT PALMER – Looking For Clues
But it seemed to work for him because here he was now performing his song on the show, but it wouldn't quite make the top 30.
ELO drummer Bev Bevan then becomes the second special guest of the night, and he introduces Legs & Co....

(26) ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA – Don’t Walk Away
And here said girls are with a somewhat pedestrian routine to the fifth and final single from Xanadu, which peaked at 21.

(49) THE STRAY CATS – Runaway Boys
Tommy Vance predicts success for this new band who'd moved to London from New York, and sure enough this single, produced by Dave Edmunds, was heading for the top ten.
Then its Top of the Pops tongue twister time when Marty and Martha from the Motels become the third special guests of the show. But they are far too pleased to be here to have any chance of a hit.

(11) SPANDAU BALLET – To Cut A Long Story Short ®
Was cut from the 7.30pm edition.

(12) MADNESS – Embarrassment (video)
Soon to become the band's fourth top ten hit of 1980 when it reached number 4, what a year this had been for Madness.

The top ten rundown:

(10) UB40 – Dream A Lie (video)
At its peak.

(9) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (video)
Still rising towards the top 3.

(8) JOHN LENNON – (Just Like) Starting Over (still picture)
Now at its initial peak, his first top ten hit for five years, and his first with new material for eight.

(7) KOOL & THE GANG – Celebration (still picture)
Also now in peak position.

(6) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (video)
Falling down the charts.

(5) DAVID BOWIE – Fashion (video)
Stuck at number five, and got no higher.

(4) STEPHANIE MILLS – Never Knew Love Like This Before (video)
Didn't turn up in the studio after all, and now at its peak.

(3) DENNIS WATERMAN with THE DENNIS WATERMAN BAND – I Could Be So Good For You (still picture)
Another record in peak position.

(2) BLONDIE – The Tide Is High (video)
Down from number one.

(1) ABBA – Super Trouper (video)
Tommy tells us that this is Abba's 9th chart topper, maybe he somehow knew that it would also be their last. He also thinks it has a good chance of being the Xmas number one..... Meanwhile, Agnetha really wants to show us her su-per-per arm per-pits.

(20) YOUNG & COMPANY – I Like (What You’re Doing To Me) (crowd dancing) (and credits)
Another song at its peak as Tommy and the special guests wave good night.

Next week we enter the final month of the year with the edition from December 4th 1980.

Do You Feel My Top of the Pops?

Here's the edition of Top of the Pops, hosted by DLT, so it won't be shown on BBC4, from November 20th 1980 with many thanks to manorak for uploading this to the excellent Vimeo site.

I wish I could do the splits like Rod...

20-11-80: Presenter: Dave Lee Travis
https://vimeo.com/129770337

 (15) MOTÖRHEAD – Ace Of Spades
Getting the show off to the loudest start possible is Motorhead, but Ace of Spades got no higher than 15 in the charts.

(23) THE BOOMTOWN RATS – Banana Republic (video)
DLT suggested that this single looked for a while like it wouldn't make the top 30, but now it was in there it was heading for the top 3, although it would prove to be their last top ten or even top 20 hit. But another fine video from the Rats.

(18) DIANA ROSS – I’m Coming Out
This week's Legs & Co routine sees them all frilly and white dancing to Diana's third hit of 1980, this one peaking at 13.

(30) EDDY GRANT – Do You Feel My Love?
Over a year after Living on the Front Line, Eddy returns to the charts with what would become his first solo top ten hit when it made number 8.

(22) ROD STEWART – Passion (video)
Wow if Rod did the splits any further he'd do himself an injury I'm sure! This one peaked at 17.

(12) KOOL & THE GANG – Celebration ®
On its way towards the top ten.

(4) DENNIS WATERMAN with THE DENNIS WATERMAN BAND – I Could Be So Good For You ®
Unlucky Dennis keeps popping up on yewtreed editions and this single was now almost at its number 3 peak.

The Top Ten Rundown:

 (10) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing (video)
(9) ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Enola Gay (video)
(8) ADAM & THE ANTS – Dog Eat Dog (still picture)
(7) BAD MANNERS – Special Brew (still picture)
(6) STEPHANIE MILLS – Never Knew Love Like This Before (video)
(5) DAVID BOWIE – Fashion (video)
(4) DENNIS WATERMAN with THE DENNIS WATERMAN BAND – I Could Be So Good For You (clip of TOTP 6-11-80)
(3) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (video)
(2) ABBA – Super Trouper (video)

 (1) BLONDIE – The Tide Is High (video)
The second and final week at the top for Blondie, their third number one of 1980.

 (11) UB40 – The Earth Dies Screaming (crowd dancing) (and credits)
This went one place higher to make it three top ten hits for UB40 in 1980.

To Cut a Long Top of the Pops Short

We leap forward in time again a little this week to November 13th 1980 with Simon Bates hosting what proves to be a quite fabulous edition....

We hereby give permission for the 80's to officially begin....

13-11-80: Presenter: Simon Bates

(35) IRON MAIDEN – Women In Uniform
Getting the show off to a rousing live start is Iron Maiden featuring pre-Bruce Dickinson lead singer Paul Di'Anno. It got no higher than 35.

 (6) DAVID BOWIE – Fashion (video)
Continuing to raise the video stakes here following on from the ground breaking Ashes to Ashes. Fashion peaked at number 5. Then along come Ray and Dennis from Dr Hook as the first of tonight's special guests plugging their latest album.

 (33) GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS – Bourgie Bourgie
This live studio performance helped the song up just one place higher in the charts. Then the second of tonight's special guests turns up in the form of Stu Francis, to tell us that Crackerjack now has 8 million viewers! I could crush a grape!

 (20) JOHN LENNON – (Just Like) Starting Over (danced to by Legs & Co)
When these Top of the Pops reruns began we had narrowly missed out on John Lennon's last hit before he announced his 'retirement' but five years later he returned with this wonderfully apt single. It would peak at number 8 in early December, begin its fall down the charts and then suddenly go to number one in the saddest of circumstances imaginable.

 (32) LIQUID GOLD – The Night The Wine And The Roses
This one got the 7.30pm chop.

 (43) SPANDAU BALLET – To Cut A Long Story Short
I know we've had OMD and Adam & the Ants already, but for me this is where the 80's truly begin ~ the look, the sound and the soon to follow epic videos.

 (13) ABBA – Super Trouper (video)
No one would have believed at the time that this fabulous song would be Abba's final number one hit ~ indeed less than 18 months later they would be struggling to even get into the top 30.

The Top Ten Rundown:

 (10) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
(9) STEPHANIE MILLS – Never Knew Love Like This Before (video)
(8) ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Enola Gay (video)
(7) ADAM & THE ANTS – Dog Eat Dog (still picture)
(6) DAVID BOWIE – Fashion (video)
(5) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing (video)
(4) DENNIS WATERMAN with THE DENNIS WATERMAN BAND – I Could Be So Good For You (still picture)
(3) BAD MANNERS – Special Brew (still picture)
(2) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (video)

 (1) BLONDIE – The Tide Is High (video)
At the dawn of the era of amazing videos, Blondie come up with something that looks like it was thrown together in five minutes. Still, a great song and the first of two weeks at number one.

 (30) YOUNG & COMPANY – I Like (What You’re Doing To Me) (crowd dancing) (and credits)
Their one and only hit which made it to number 20.


The next edition should be November 20th but it is hosted by DLT so it will be skipped in favour of the 27th. However, next week is a Sky at Night Week so we'll have to wait until the 19th of November to see it.

I Could be so Top of the Pops for You

Our thanks goes here to Robert Thompson for uploading the November 6th edition of Top of the Pops, which won't of course be broadcast on BBC4 due to it being hosted by Jimmy Savile. I've found the best way to access the file is via the 4Shared app for phones, it works without any bother at all on there.

er.... how tall do you think I am?

6-11-80: Presenters: Jimmy Savile O.B.E. & Richard Skinner

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.4shared.com%2Ffile%2FLFPUMqMXce%2Ftotp_061180.html&h=QAQE588o8

Or use this alternative link thanks to Neil B:
http://www.4shared.com/video/XKqERb_cba/TOTP_061180.html

 (33) KOOL & THE GANG – Celebration
A studio appearance for this classic song soon to become their second top ten hit when it made number 7.

 (2) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing ®
Now at its peak position.

(19) DENNIS WATERMAN with THE DENNIS WATERMAN BAND – I Could Be So Good For You
A fine live vocal from Dennis here with the theme tune from Minder which became his only top ten hit reaching number 3. Then comes a guest appearance from a somewhat unenthusiastic Robert Palmer giving away his latest record to a very polite girl.

 (18) STEPHANIE MILLS – Never Knew Love Like This Before (video)
Making its way up the charts towards number 4.

 (NEW) NEIL DIAMOND – Love On The Rocks (video)
A taster from his movie The Jazz Singer, this became Neil's final top 20 hit.

 (29) ROXY MUSIC – The Same Old Scene
A very sparkly dressed Legs & Co do Bryan and the boys proud here with their routine.

 (25) UB40 – The Earth Dies Screaming
Another 1980 nuclear bomb song which gave UB40 their third top ten hit of the year.

 (21) MOTÖRHEAD – Ace Of Spades
Perhaps their best known tune, though surprisingly it only made it to number 15.

The top ten rundown:
 (10) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
(9) ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Enola Gay (video)
(8) DAVID BOWIE – Fashion (video)
(7) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
(6) MATCHBOX – When You Ask About Love (video)
(5) BLONDIE – The Tide Is High (video)
(4) ADAM & THE ANTS – Dog Eat Dog (still picture)
(3) BAD MANNERS – Special Brew (still picture)
(2) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing (clip of TOTP 23-10-80)

 (1) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (video)
The final week at number one for Barbra.

 (30) JOHN LENNON – (Just Like) Starting Over (crowd dancing) (and credits)
Oh boy, it's that time already. But we'll have to wait a little longer to hear this one as its missing from the end of this recording.

Top of the Pops Brew

I'm away from home this week so I've prepared this blog before actually watching this edition on BBC4, so I don't know who if anyone got the 7.30 chop. One thing to note though is that this marks the point where Legs & Co enter into their final twelve months on the show....

What's another year?

30-10-80: Presenters: Peter Powell & Colin Berry

(13) ADAM & THE ANTS – Dog Eat Dog
Barking its way to number 4 in the charts.

 (6) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
Now at its peak.

 (5) BAD MANNERS – Special Brew ®
About to go two place higher and become their joint biggest hit.

 (20) DAVID BOWIE – Fashion (danced to by Legs & Co)
The follow-up to Ashes to Ashes, from his Scary Monsters album.

 (17) SHEENA EASTON – One Man Woman (video)
Her third single already, peaking at number 14.

 (25) OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & CLIFF RICHARD – Suddenly (video)
The fifth single from Xanadu, this one peaking at 15. Although the movie flopped, a stage version become a surprise hit on Broadway in 2007, and the show has recently opened in London at the Southwark Playhouse Theatre.

 (22) SHOWADDYWADDY – Why Do Lovers Break Each Other’s Hearts ®
This was now the peak position for their final top 30 hit.

The Top Ten Rundown:
(10) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
(9) THE NOLANS – Gotta Pull Myself Together (video)
(8) ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Enola Gay (still picture)
(7) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers (video)
(6) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
(5) BAD MANNERS – Special Brew (still picture)
(4) MATCHBOX – When You Ask About Love (still picture)
(3) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
(2) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing (clip of TOTP 23-10-80)

 (1) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (video)
The second of three weeks for Barbra's only number one.

 (26) STEPHANIE MILLS – Never Knew Love Like This Before (crowd dancing) (and credits)
This one reached number 4 to become Stephanie's only top ten hit.


The next show should be the 6th November, but it was hosted by Jimmy Savile and so won't be shown, so instead BBC4 will move on to November 13th 1980.

All Out of Top of the Pops

It's October the 23rd 1980, and we reach another edition that won't be broadcast on BBC4 due to the host being DLT...

So a huge thanks to Manorak for making it available on Vimeo

Top of the Pops 23-10-80: Presenter: Dave Lee Travis
https://vimeo.com/130003915

(4) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing
On its way to number 2.

 (9) THE NOLANS – Gotta Pull Myself Together (video)
Now at its chart peak.

 (27) GILBERT O’SULLIVAN – What’s In A Kiss? ®
Would make it to 19.

 (37) KELLY MARIE – Loving Just For Fun
The follow up to Feel Like I'm In Love, made it to number 21.

 (20) AIR SUPPLY – All Out Of Love (video)
The group's only top 30 hit, peaked at number 11.

 (26) KATE BUSH – Army Dreamers (video)
The third single from her Never Forever album, made it to number 16.

 (12) ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Enola Gay ®
On its way to number 8 in the charts.

(2) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (danced to by Legs & Co)
At its peak position.

The Top Ten Rundown:
 (10) GEORGE BENSON – Love X Love (video)
(9) THE NOLANS – Gotta Pull Myself Together (video)
(8) SWEET PEOPLE – Et Les Oiseaux (And The Birds Were Singing) (still picture)
(7) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
(6) MATCHBOX – When You Ask About Love (still picture)
(5) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers (video)
(4) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing (clip of TOTP 23-10-80)
(3) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
(2) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)

 (1) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (danced to by Legs & Co)
A new number one, and Barbra's only number one in the UK.

 (13) COFFEE – Casanova (crowd dancing) (and credits)
At its peak in the charts.

Top of the Pops Eat Dog

We have seen some decade milestone debuts so far in 1980 ~ the Human League, OMD, but could it be that this edition from October 16th is where the 80's New Romantics movement truly went mainstream, with the debut of Adam and the Ants......

Well I certainly didn't expect Michael Palin

16-10-80: Presenter: Tommy Vance

(3) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers ®
Now at its peak in the charts. Then along comes the first of tonight's special guests, Suzi Quatro, to plug her new song, Rock Hard, which just about made the top 70.

(36) SHOWADDYWADDY – Why Do Lovers Break Each Other’s Hearts
For a moment it looked like Dave Bartram had joined the 80's with a mullet haircut, but it turned out to be only a wig! Maybe that's why this was their final top 30 hit.

(9) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love
Six Cinderellas in the shape of Legs & Co do their routine to what will be next week's number one.
Then along comes the second of tonight's special guests, Michael Palin, to plug the new banned Monty Python album, and to introduce.....

(37) ADAM & THE ANTS – Dog Eat Dog
Tommy Vance predicts this band will do quite well. Dog Eat Dog became the first of 7 top ten hits for the band over the next two years, and the sound of the early 80's has well and truly arrived.
Then along comes Dollar to plug their new song, Takin a Chance on You, which didn't quite make the top 60. Thereza was also keen to show Tommy her ring. She'd just got engaged to David.

(21) GEORGE BENSON – Love X Love (video)
This became George's second top ten hit of 1980 when it peaked at number 10.

(10) MATCHBOX – When You Ask About Love
This was the band's biggest hit by far, making it to number 4.

(25) BAD MANNERS – Special Brew
Fell victim to the 7.30 edit!

The top, er... 9 rundown:

 (9) BARBRA STREISAND – Woman In Love (still picture)
(8) DIANA ROSS – My Old Piano (video)
(7) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
(6) STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin’) (video)
(5) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing (still picture)
(4) SWEET PEOPLE – Et Les Oiseaux (And The Birds Were Singing) (still picture)
(3) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers (video)
(2) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)

 (1) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
Final week at number one.

(2) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (crowd dancing) (and credits)
Penultimate week at number 2.

Next up on BBC4 should have been October 23rd, but it is hosted by DLT, so instead we will move on to October 30th with Peter Powell and Colin Berry.

What's in a Top of the Pops

With the studio audience already dancing to D.I.S.C.O. by Ottawan, Peter Powell gets the 9th October edition underway.....

Arfur Daley, you should be proud of your little Terry today....

9-10-80: Presenter: Peter Powell

(27) STATUS QUO – What You’re Proposing
Is this the first time we've seen the Quo in the studio since these reruns began? What You're Proposing became the first of ten top ten hits for the group in the 80's. And I propose what a great way to start a show!

(5) DIANA ROSS – My Old Piano (video)
Now at its peak in the charts. And edited out of the 7.30 show. Instead we get guest Dennis Waterman going all coy about plugging his new 'sing the theme tune' single. But we don't mind.

(35) ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Enola Gay
This iconic follow-up to Messages became the first of five top ten hits in the 80's for OMD.

(9) BLACK SLATE – Amigo
A new studio performance here, and a smaller hat, but Amigo was at its peak and this was their only time in the top 30.

(19) COFFEE – Casanova
Legs & Co do a sort of period drama can-can with lots of adlibbed 'Ooohs' to Casanova which then peaked at 13.

(25) THE NOLANS – Gotta Pull Myself Together (video)
This became the second of three top ten hits for the sisters. Dennis Waterman seemed to approve. And then up pops guest number two Paul Jones to plug his new Blues Band album.

(23) LINX – You’re Lying ®
On its way to a peak of 15, this is a repeat performance from two weeks previous.

(36) GILBERT O’SULLIVAN – What’s In A Kiss?
Gilbert's first chart hit for five years, but it was also to be his final time in the top 30. And what's in a Top of the Pops? Well not Gilbert, he was edited out of the 7.30 showing!

(10) THIN LIZZY – Killer On The Loose (video)
Their final top ten hit now at its peak.

(9) BLACK SLATE – Amigo (clip of TOTP 25-9-80)
Also at its peak.

(8) RANDY CRAWFORD – One Day I’ll Fly Away (clip of TOTP 4-9-80)
Had been at number 2.

(7) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
Got one place higher.

(6) THE SPECIALS – International Jet Set (still picture)
This one seems to have passed the show by ~ and now at its chart peak.

(5) DIANA ROSS – My Old Piano (video)
Also at its peak.

(4) STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin’) (video)
Had been a number 2 and was the 25th biggest selling single of 1980.

(3) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers (video)
Three was as high as this one got, though it was the thirteenth biggest seller of 1980.

(2) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
Despite being the fifth biggest selling single of the year, this could get no further than number 2.

 (1) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
Third week at the top for the number one biggest selling single of 1980.

(2) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (crowd dancing) (and credits)


Next up is the 16th of October hosted by Tommy Vance, in two weeks time, due to the Sky at Night.

If You're Looking for a Top of the Pops....

Very big thanks to Manorak for making the 2nd October 1980 edition of Top of the Pops available at Vimeo. This show won't be broadcast on BBC4 next week because it is hosted by DLT.

I'd like to drive that London proof car!

Top of the Pops 2-10-80: Presenter: Dave Lee Travis

https://vimeo.com/130001870


 (22) GILLAN – Trouble
His first solo top 20 hit.

 (2) STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin’) (video)
At its peak in the charts now.

 (38) MATCHBOX – When You Ask About Love
The third of four top 30 hits for Matchbox in 1980, and this one would become their only top ten hit.

 (18) THIN LIZZY – Killer On The Loose (video)
Soon to become their fourth and final top ten hit.

 (11) CHANGE – Searching (danced to by Legs & Co)
This cheeky Legs routine couldn't help Change get any higher than 11.

 (20) ODYSSEY – If You’re Looking For A Way Out (video)
On its way to becoming a top ten follow up to Use it Up and Wear it Out.

 (4) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers
A studio performance here which helped pull Baggy Trousers up one place higher.

The Top Ten:
 (10) BLACK SLATE – Amigo (clip of TOTP 25-9-80)
(9) ELVIS PRESLEY – It’s Only Love (clip of Legs & Co TOTP 11-9-80)
(8) QUEEN – Another One Bites The Dust (video)
(7) KELLY MARIE – Feels Like I’m In Love (video)
(6) DIANA ROSS – My Old Piano (video)
(5) RANDY CRAWFORD – One Day I’ll Fly Away (clip of TOTP 4-9-80)
(4) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers (video)
(3) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
(2) STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin’) (video)

 (1) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
The second of four weeks at number one.

 (17) BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – Three Little Birds (crowd dancing) (and credits)
Now perched at its chart peak.

Top of the Pops so Close to Me

It's a welcome return to BBC4 then of Top of the Pops 1980, in what will prove to be a momentous final quarter of the year, and for the first time since the Spring we are (almost) back in sync with 2015!

Whatever happens Mike, don't do your Cliff Richard impression.....

25-9-80: Presenters: Mike Read, Leo Sayer & Russ Abbot

(35) BLACK SLATE – Amigo
Mexican flavoured Amigo would make it into the top ten but it was the band's only top 40 hit.

 (22) SPLIT ENZ – I Got You ®
Another band who only had the one top 40 hit, and this is it.

(13) DIANA ROSS – My Old Piano (video)
The follow-up to Upside Down, and the 11th top ten hit for Diana since leaving the Supremes. Nice of her to make a proper video for this one ~ but seeing she was in the TOTPs studio as a guest just a couple of weeks earlier, maybe she could've recorded a performance then?

 (7) QUEEN – Another One Bites The Dust
Legs & Co look dressed to kill for this week's routine, with Another One Bites the Dust at its peak.

 (8) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
The first of two top ten hits for the energetic duo from Guadeloupe.

 (16) SHALAMAR – I Owe You One (video)
Their biggest hit to date when it peaked at 13. And edited out of the 7.30pm showing!

 (43) LINX – You’re Lying
The first of 3 top 30 hits for David Grant and the boys from their upcoming debut album, Intuition. This somewhat echoey version must have been a re-recording for the show.

 (10) HAZEL O’CONNOR – Eighth Day (video)
Had peaked at 5.

 (9) SHEENA EASTON – Modern Girl (video)
Reached number 8.

 (8) OTTAWAN – D.I.S.C.O. (video)
On its way to number 2.

 (7) QUEEN – Another One Bites The Dust (video)
At its chart peak.

 (6) ELVIS PRESLEY – It’s Only Love (clip of Legs & Co TOTP 11-9-80)
Got to number 3.

 (5) MADNESS – Baggy Trousers (video)
Also a number 3.

 (4) KELLY MARIE – Feels Like I’m In Love (video)
Former number one.

 (3) STEVIE WONDER – Masterblaster (Jammin’) (video)
Peaked at number 2.

 (2) RANDY CRAWFORD – One Day I’ll Fly Away (still picture)
Didn't quite make it to number one.

 (1) THE POLICE – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (video)
Straight in at one, and Mike Read making a big deal of that (only the 7th act ever to do it!) the first single from their third album, Zenyatta Mondatta. Least said about the lyrics the better given today's climate!

 (24) CHANGE – Searching
This follow up to A Lovers Holiday became the band's biggest hit when it made it to 11, and Mike, Leo and the crowd are joined in catastrophic fashion by 'Cooperman' for a spot of over the credits dancing.

Next week should have been the 2nd October 1980 with host DLT, but it will be skipped in favour of October the 9th with (a guest presenterless) Peter Powell.

Top of the Pops Takes it All

I'd just like to give a huge thanks to Stephen Murphy, Alan Fish and the team for all the effort and great work they have invested to recreate all nine strike editions of Top of the Pops from the summer of 1980. We missed out on so much all those years ago but now I feel we have had an ample taste of what those missing shows might have been like.

So this brings us to the final strike edition, from July 31st 1980........

The winner takes it all, Arthur Nibble....

 

 

 

Top of the Pops July 31st 1980

Hosted by Steve Wright and Cliff Richard

 http://www.4shared.com/video/-wKsm6Zlba/TOTP_31_07_80.html

 

The show begins with the Whole Lotta Love menu.....

 

(34) ULTRAVOX - Sleepwalk

Soon to become the band's first top 30 hit.

 

(2) LEO SAYER - More Than I Can Say

A big hit for Leo but it didn't quite make it to the top of the charts.

 

(31) GRACE JONES - Private Life

Soon to become a first top 20 hit for Grace.

 

(28) GENE CHANDLER - Does she have a friend

The first Legs & Co routine of this week's show.

 

Next we have the chart rundown from 30 to 21....

 

 

(21) JOAN ARMATRADING - Me Myself I

Just peaking outside the top 20.

 

And now the rundown from 20 to 11....

 

(22)  GEORGE BENSON - Give Me The Night  

This was to become the first of two top ten hits for George in 1980.

 

(47)  BOW WOW WOW - C30 C60 C90 GO

Looking and sounding not too unlike Adam and the Ants, this was the band's first top 40 hit when it peaked at 34.

 

(9) ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

About to become the new number one just in time for next week's  return of the show after the strike.

 

(11) UNDERTONES - Wednesday Week

At its peak.

 

(5) KATE BUSH – Babooshka

Also at its peak (sadly).

 

(53) ADAM AND THE ANTS - Kings Of The Wild Frontier

Looking and sounding a lot like Adam and the Ants, here they are with their first top 50 hit, although this song would eventually reach number 2 when it re-entered the charts in early 1981.

 

The Top Ten:

 

(10) DETRIOT SPINNERS – Cupid

Had peaked at number 4.

(9) ABBA – Winner Takes It All

Next week's number one.

(8) STACEY LATTISAW – Jump To The Beat

Had peaked at 3.

(7) DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS – There There My Dear

At its peak now.

(6) BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – Could You Be Loved

Could get no higher than number 5.

(5) KATE BUSH – Babooshka

Ditto for Babooshka.

(4) OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN & ELO – Xanadu

Former number one.

(3) DIANA ROSS – Upside Down

Made it to number 2.

(2) LEO SAYER – More Than I Can Say

Didn't make it to number one.

(1) ODYSSEY - Use It Up Wear It Out

Danced to by Legs & Co for its final week at the top.

 

(30) ROXY MUSIC – Oh Yeah

And so Roxy Music play us out of this final special edition of Top of the Pops.

 

 

 

Next up, it's back to BBC4 on Thursday 1st October with the edition from the 25th September 1980.

 

 

Oops Upside Your Top of the Pops

As we reach this bumper penultimate edition and Stephen Murphy's 'strike' episodes of Top of the Pops, the charts are beginning to take on a look that we were familiar with when the show returned  to our screens on August 8th....

Only two more weeks to go and then it really is the Big Time!

 

 

 

Top of the Pops 24th July 1980

Hosted by Mike Read and Tommy Vance

http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.4shared.com%2Fvideo%2FPCuU9Gv4ba%2FTOTP_24_07_80.html&h=0AQH8b4Vc&s=1

 

 

(17) YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA - Computer Game

This one hit wonder chart run down tune was now at its peak.

 

(50) BODYSNATCHERS - Easy Life

The follow-up to Lets Do Rock Steady which got no higher than 50.

 

(8) DIANA ROSS - Upside Down

On its way up towards the top two.

 

(9) ROLLING STONES - Emotional Rescue

A big leap up the charts this week but number 9 proved to be its peak.

 

(21) BAD MANNERS - Lip Up Fatty

This is the way to get lots of appearances on the show, have yourself a very slow climber.

 

(23) GIBSON BROTHERS – Mariana

With their final top 20 hit, and a little help from Legs & Co.

 

(14) CHANGE - A Lover's Holiday

The first of two Legs & Co routines on this week's show, with Lover's Holiday now at its peak.

 

(38) JOHN FOXX - Burning Car

His third top 40 single of 1980, all narrowly missing out on a top 30 place, though his album Metamatic did make the top 20.

 

(33) TOM BROWNE - Funkin' For Jamaica

This would become Tom's only UK top ten hit.

 

(22) BLACK SABBATH - Neon Knights

At its peak.

 

(19) THE GAP BAND - Oops Upside Your Head

A big summer hit, and their first of two top tenners, though they would have to wait another six years for the second one!

 

(25) HOT CHOCOLATE - Are You Getting Enough of what Makes you Happy

The follow-up to No Doubt About It, this one reached 17.

 

(12) DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS - There There My Dear

Still heading towards the top ten.

 

(26)  WHISPERS - My Girl

This 70's style cover of the Temptations song was already at its peak in the charts.

 

(29)  SHEENA EASTON - 9 To 5

Fresh from appearing on the Big Time tv series and straight into the top 30 as a result.

 

(31) NEW MUSIK - sanctuary

This proved to be the band's final hit, and like their previous single it fell just one place short of the top 30.

 

(1) ODYSSEY - Use It Up Wear It Out

The second Legs & Co routine this week as Odyssey knock Olivia and ELO off the top of the chart.

 

(5) BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - Could You Be Loved

Playing us out is Bob Marley who had just got as high as he could with this song.

 

I'm Not Your Top of the Pops

Although not included in our Game, here's Alan Fish's 'pilot 2' edition for July 17th 1980, the first time the team have put together a 'new style' Michael Hurll episode, which as you can appreciate involves a higher level of complexity than putting together the Robin Nash ones.......

So which one of us is going to be the celebrity presenter?

 

 

Top of the Pops July 17th 1980

Hosted by Mike Read and DLT

 http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.4shared.com%2Fvideo%2FVJftqPF9ba%2FTOTP_17_07.html&h=-AQF1_x6I&s=1

 

We begin with the new style Whole Lotta Love intro to the show.......

 

 

(36) AC/DC ~ Whole Lotta Rosie

Launching the new era with a lot of noise, a post Bon Scott AC/DC.

 

(5) BOB MARLEY ~ Could You Be Loved

Now at its peak.

 

(4) DETROIT SPINNERS ~ Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time

The first of this edition's Legs & Co routines.

 

(21) SEX PISTOLS ~ I'm Not Your Stepping Stone

Looking slightly older here than in 1980 :-)

This is followed by the chart rundown from 30 to 11 and of course a guest appearance....

 

(24) SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES ~ Christine

Still climbing its way up to 22.

 

(34) GERARD KENNY ~ Fantasy

This one got no higher than 34 but was his biggest UK hit.

 

(25) BLACK SABBATH ~ Neon Knights

Post Ozzy Osbourne and on its way to 22.

 

(3) STACY LATISAW ~ Jump to the Beat

The second of this edition's Legs & Co routines.

 

(39) GENE CHANDLER ~ Does She Have a Friend?

On its way to a peak of 28.

 

The Top Ten Rundown:

 

(10) LEO SAYER ~ More Than I Can Say

On its way to number 2.

(9) PAUL MCCARTNEY ~ Waterfalls

At its peak.

(8) DON MCLEAN ~ Crying

Former number one.

(7) KATE BUSH ~ Babooshka

Still rising towards the top 5.

(6) UB40 ~ My Way of Thinking/I Think it's Going to Rain

At its peak.

(5) BOB MARLEY ~ Could You Be Loved

Peak position for this one.

(4) DETROIT SPINNERS ~ Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time

Also at its peak.

(3) STACY LATISAW ~ Jump to the Beat

Another that jumped no higher.

(2) ODYSSEY ~ Use it Up and Wear it Out

About to become the new number one.

(1) OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN & ELO ~ Xanadu

Second and final week at the top.

 

(7) KATE BUSH ~ Babooshka

Plays us out over the credits.

 

Huge thanks to Alan and the team for this!

 

 

Top of the Pops Rescue

On July 9th 1980 the BBC made a 'new style' Top of the Pops pilot which was of course never broadcast, but this week Stephen Murphy and his team have come up with what an 'old style' edition might have looked like had it gone out on Thursday the 10th of July 1980......

Oh no no no, I can't get no Top of the Pops!

 

 

Top of the Pops 10th July 1980

Hosted by Peter Powell

http://www.4shared.com/video/DShkocWmce/TOTP_10_07_80.html

 

 

(5) DETROIT SPINNERS ~ Cupid

Over the charts this week is the final top ten hit for the Detroit Spinners.

 

(44) THE VAPOURS ~ News at Ten

Their follow-up to Turning Japanese was not so successful, getting no higher than 44.

 

(24) DARTS ~ Let's Hang On

A breath of fresh air when we first saw them towards the end of 1977, but less then three years later they seem tired and old hat with their final hit of note.

 

(14) SAXON - 747 (Strangers In The Night)

This one flew to just one place higher in the charts.

 

(20) ROLLING STONES - Emotional Rescue   

The title track from their number one album, this was to become their penultimate top ten hit.

 

(18) JOY DIVISION - Love Will Tear Us Apart

Their only top 20 hit, peaking at 13 in the charts.

 

(22) LEO SAYER – More Than I Can Say

Almost made it to number one for Leo, this was also his penultimate top ten hit.

 

(7) UB40 – My Way Of Thinking

Peaked at 6.

 

(2) ODYSSEY – Use It Up And Wear It Out

This one just had to be the Legs & Co routine!

 

(16) KATE BUSH – Babooshka

The second of three singles from her number one album, Never Forever. This would also be her last top ten hit for five years.

 

(11) PAUL McCARTNEY – Waterfalls

The second single from his number one album, McCartney 2, peaked at nine in the charts.

 

(30) THE UNDERTONES – Wednesday Week

The follow-up to their biggest hit, My Perfect Cousin, became their second biggest hit when it made number 11.

 

(45) DEXY’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS – There There My Dear

The follow-up to Geno peaked at number 7.

 

(1) OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & ELO – Xanadu

The first of two weeks at the top of the charts for Olivia and ELO.

 

(29) CHANGE – A Lover’s Holiday

Playing over the credits is the first of two top 20 hits for Change in 1980.