Friday, March 29, 2013

NOT One-Hit Wonders


 

We read a great interview this week on Noisecreep.com with our hero, Todd Rundgren. In it he says "in strictly technical terms, I'm not a one-hit wonder as some suggest".   Of course he is correct. Taking our criteria from the American Top 40 radio show that we both grew up listening to, a one-hit wonder is a hit by an artist who never had another song in the top 40. Todd Rundgren has had 4 top 40 hits* in addition to his highest charting single, "Hello, It's Me" at number 5 (and he should have had a lot more).

Todd is not the only artist mistakenly labeled as a one hit wonder by casual music fans. In fact it is kind of a pet peeve of ours when someone refers to an artist or song as such when "in strictly technical terms" it is not true. So together we have come up with our top 5 songs that are often mistaken as one-hit wonders. And the "Not One-Hit Wonders" are:

"I Ran" by A Flock Of Seagulls

Though listed at number 2 on VH-1's Top One Hit Wonders of the 80's list, this number 9 hit was followed up by "Space Age Love Song" at number 30 and "Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)" at number 26.

"Stuck In The Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel

This number 6 hit from this short lived band's self titled album was saved from one-hit wonderdom by a song called "Star" from their next album which reached the number 29 slot.

"867-5309/Jenny" by Tommy Tutone

While undoubtedly a minor hit, especially when compared to "867-5309/Jenny" which hit number 4 in 1982, the number 38 single "Angel Say No" just saves this band from one-hit wonder status.

"Smokin' In The Boys Room" by Brownsville Station

While this number 3 hit is the only Brownsville Station song you will hear played on classic rock stations today, their song "Kings Of The Party" also made the top 40 list, peaking at number 31.

"Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass

Victoria's favorite song since childhood, "Brandy" spent one week at number 1 in 1972 but was not their only top 40 hit. The band went on to have a hit with "Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne" at number 33 the following year.

We could go on but we promised you only 5.  We'd also love to hear what your favorite one-hit or not one-hit wonders are, if you care to comment.

Peace & Love,
Hippie & Victoria


*Todd Rundgren's other top 40 hits were "We've Gotta Get You A Woman" at number 20, "I Saw The Light" at number 16, His cover of the Beach Boy's "Good Vibrations" at number 34 and "Can We Still Be Friends" at Number 29.


Rock & Roll Revolution Canvas Print
Rock & Roll Revolution Canvas Print by kchippie
Look at other Rock star Canvas Prints at zazzle.com

Thursday, March 28, 2013

A Welcome Wish

A Hippie Wish
 
Welcome to the new Hippie's Blog.  There will be a new post soon.
 
In the meantime and all the time, we wish you peace and love.
 
Hippie & Victoria