MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (9-12)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Best Of TRACEY ULLMAN **3 weeks #1**
     (Rhino - 1992)



2.  My Colouring Book - AGNETHA FALTSKOG
     (WEA - 2004) Sweden

3.  Tapestry - CAROLE KING
     (Epic - 1971)

4.  Reality Effect (US issue) - THE TOURISTS
     (American Beat - 2007) Recorded in 1979
     Different tracklisting from the original UK issue

5.  BLONDIE
     (Chrysalis - 2001) Expanded edition of 1976 album

6.  The Collection - RITA COOLIDGE
     (Spectrum - 1995) UK

7.  Tina! - TINA TURNER
     (Capitol - 2008)

8.  The Very Best Of KIKI DEE
     (Polygram - 1994) UK

9.  Go: The Very Best Of MOBY
     (Mute - 2006) Europe

10.  KAREN CARPENTER
       (A&M - 1996) Recorded in 1979

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (9-5)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Best Of TRACEY ULLMAN **2 weeks #1**
     (Rhino - 1992)



Tracey finds herself at #1 on my weekly list for the first time since December 2007.  It's one of my favorites yet with all the other music in my collection I put her on the backburner several times.  Her music style was inspired by the girl groups of the 60's.  She was a one-hit wonder in 1984 when They Don't Know made Billboard's Hot 100 reaching #8 (it missed the Adult Contemporary Top 10 by one notch).  The Best Of Tracey Ullman is made up of her entire first album You Broke My Heart In 17 Places (1983), five songs from her second effort You Caught Me Out (1984), and 4 non-album A-sides.  I broke it out after starting rehearsals for a local production of Beehive, a musical devoted to the evolution of 60's music by top female artists.  This disc has some of the catchiest tunes and covers I've ever heard and I'm inclined to make it more prominent in my listening.

2.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

3.  Voulez-Vous: Deluxe Edition - ABBA
     (Polar - 2010) Europe
     Expanded edition of 1979 album

4.  Greatest Hits (And More) - HELEN REDDY
     (Capitol - 1987)

*5.  Winter Light - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1993)

*6.  My Colouring Book - AGNETHA FALTSKOG
     (WEA - 2004) Sweden

7.  Will You Be Staying After Sunday? - THE PEPPERMINT RAINBOW
     (Rev-Ola - 2008) UK; Expanded edition of 1969 album

8.  These Dreams: HEART's Greatest Hits
     (Capitol - 1997)

9.  Summer Dream - SWEET PEOPLE
     (Spectrum - 1990) Germany

10.  Relish - JOAN OSBORNE
       (Mercury - 1996)

* Also inspired by my participation in Beehive with its 60's covers.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (8-29)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love - THE FREE DESIGN **2 weeks #1**
     (Light In The Attic - 2004) Expanded edition of 1970 album

2.  The Best Of TRACEY ULLMAN
     (Rhino - 1992)
     This disc is made up of Tracey's first album You Broke My Heart In 17 Places (1983), 5 songs
     from her second album You Caught Me Out (1984), and 4 non-album A-sides.

3.  Pure - THE PRIMITIVES
     (RCA - 1989)

4.  The Singles 1969-1973 - CARPENTERS
     (A&M - 1973) Japan

5.  Perfect Harmony - THE NEW SEEKERS
     (Spectrum - 1993) Germany

6.  25 Years: The Chain - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Warner Bros. - 1992)

7.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

8.  Bubbles - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Siesta) Spain
     Compilation of songs from the group's first six albums, 1967-1971.  Date of release unlisted.

9.  Most Of All: The Best Of DEBORAH HARRY
     (Chrysalis - 1999) UK

10.  My Colouring Book - AGNETHA FALTSKOG
       (WEA - 2004) Sweden

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (8-22)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Stars-Time-Bubbles-Love - THE FREE DESIGN **1 week #1**
     (Light In The Attic - 2004) Expanded edition of 1970 album



2.  Back To Basics: The Essential Collection 1971-1992 - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (Geffen - 1992)
     4 of 17 songs are previously unreleased

3.  The Ultimate 5TH DIMENSION
     (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2004)
     Includes a rendition of Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, a previously unreleased song from
     1973

4.  Greatest Hits - THE TOURISTS
     (Camden - 1997) UK
     Pre-Eurythmics band with Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart.  The CD is made up of 18 songs from
     the group's 3 albums and 2 from a single-only release.

5.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA
     (Polar/UTV - 2001)

6.  Say You Will - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 2003)

7.  The Very Best Of CHER
     (Warner Bros./MCA/Geffen - 2003)

8.  MARILYN MARTIN
     (Wounded Bird - 2005) Recorded in 1986

8.  Greatest - GO-GO'S
     (IRS - 1990)

10.  Reproduction - THE HUMAN LEAGUE
       (Caroline - 2003) Expanded edition of 1979 album

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (8-15)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Greatest Hits - ABBA **2 weeks #1**
     (Atlantic - 1976)



2.  A Song For You - CARPENTERS
     (A&M - 1972)

3.  The Complete Picture: The Very Best Of DEBORAH HARRY & BLONDIE
     (Chrysalis - 1991) UK

4.  Rumours - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Warner Bros. - 2004) Expanded edition of 1977 album

5.  Bubbles - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Siesta) Spain

6.  My Colouring Book - AGNETHA FALTSKOG
     (WEA - 2004) Sweden

7.  Feels Like Home - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1995)

8.  Come Upstairs - CARLY SIMON
     (Warner Archives - 1980)

9.  Beg, Steal Or Borrow - THE NEW SEEKERS
     (Rotation - 2001) Holland

10.  Jackpot!: The Best Bette - BETTE MIDLER
       (Rhino - 2008)

11.  Certified Hits - CRYSTAL GAYLE
       (Capitol - 2001)

12.  Goodbye Earl - DIXIE CHICKS
       (Monument - 2000) CD single

13.  No Angel - DIDO
       (Arista - 1999)

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (8-1)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology **3 weeks #1**
     (Casablanca/Chronicles - 1993)

2.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) UK
     Expanded edition of their 1978 album

3.  OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN's Greatest Hits
     (MCA - 1976)

4.  The Best Of LINDA RONSTADT 1991-2006
     (Home compilation)
     I put this together using songs from Linda's catalog beginning with Dreams To Dream from
     An American Tail 2: Feivel Goes West in 1991, then tracks from her discs all the way up to
     her last release with Ann Savoy, Adieu False Heart, in 2006.

5.  Diamond Life - SADE
     (Portrait - 1985)
     The single version of Your Love Is King was released on the CD issue of this album.  Not
     caring for that inclusion, I played my LP copy.

6.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007)
     Expanded edition of their 1969 album

7.  KooKoo - DEBBIE HARRY
     (Razor & Tie - 1999)
     1981 album with one bonus track, a dance mix of Backfired

8.  Mystery To Me - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 1973)

9.  Most Of All: The Best Of DEBORAH HARRY
     (Chrysalis - 1999) UK
     Includes two remixes of I Want That Man along with the original

10.  14 Hits - FRIDA
       (Universal - 1998) Import, country not listed

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (7-25)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Reprise Years 1969-1975 - FLEETWOOD MAC **2 weeks #1**
     (Home compilation, 2 discs)

I compiled this collection using songs from the group's first eight albums on Reprise Records including Then Play On (1969), Kiln Houe (1970), Future Games (1971), Bare Trees (1972), Penguin (1973), Mystery To Me (1973), Heroes Are Hard To Find (1974), and Fleetwood Mac (1975).  Pictured are (from left) Christine McVie, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Bob Welch, and Danny Kirwan, together from 1971 to 1972.  I use this photo because Danny, Christine, and Bob have the most lead vocals in the set.  Remaining vocalists include Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, Dave Walker, Bob Weston, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.

2.  The Complete Studio Recordings (Waterloo) - ABBA
     (Polar - 2005) Expanded edition of 1974 album in a box set

3.  Greatest Hits - BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
     (Success - 1993) UK

4.  DIVINYLS
     (Virgin - 1990)

5.  THE NEW SEEKERS featuring Eve Graham
     (Home compilation)
     I put this collection together using 16 songs by the group with Eve on lead vocal.

6.  Gypsy Honeymoon: The Best Of KIM CARNES
     (Capitol - 1993)

7.  Credo - THE HUMAN LEAGUE
     (Wall Of Sound - 2011) UK

8.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

9.  You Could Be Born Again - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2004) Expanded edition of 1968 album

10.  Love To Love You Baby - DONNA SUMMER
      (Casablanca - 1975)

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (7-18)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Best Of CHRISTINE McVIE & Fleetwood Mac **2 weeks #1**
     (Home compilation)
     I put this together using selections from all of Christine's albums with Fleetwood Mac plus two
     solo singles from 1984 (2 discs).  This one is subject to expansion as I've bought material from
     before and after her time with the group since this was done.

2.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

3.  Drive On - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
     (Home recording)
     1973 album transferred to disc from the UK collection The RCA Years, 2010.

4.  Credo - THE HUMAN LEAGUE
     (Wall Of Sound - 2011) UK

5.  More Than You Know - TONI TENNILLE
     (Varese Sarabande - 2003)
     Expanded edition of her 1984 album, bonus tracks from her 1987 album All Of Me.

6.  Winter Light - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1993)

7.  Kisses And Hits - BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
     (CD-R)
     Compiled by a fellow Yahoo discussion group member.

8.  KooKoo - DEBBIE HARRY
     (Razor & Tie - 1999)
     Expanded edition of her 1981 album.

9.  Knock On Wood - AMII STEWART
     (Ariola America - 1979)

10.  Greatest Hits featuring Scandal - PATTY SMYTH
       (Sony - 1998) Japan

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (7-11)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE **5 weeks #1**
     (EMI - 2011) UK

2.  Retrospective: The Best Of SUZANNE VEGA
     (A&M - 2003) Korea

3.  Ta-Dah - SCISSOR SISTERS
     (Universal/Motown - 2006)

4.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996
     (Home compilation)
     I put this together using songs recorded before, during, and after Frida's time with ABBA.

5.  Credo - THE HUMAN LEAGUE
     (Wall Of Sound - 2011) UK

6.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007)
     Expanded edition of 1969 album.

7.  Scrapbook - CAPTAIN & TENNILLE
     (Spectrum Music) Import

8.  Pieces Of 80's 1 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Home compilation)
     I put this together using the a-sides of singles I bought in the 80's.

9.  I Don't Know How To Love Him/Helen Reddy - HELEN REDDY
     (Raven - 2005) Australia
     Albums recorded in 1971 on one disc with bonus tracks.

10.  Collector's Edition - CARLY SIMON
       (Madacy Entertainment - 2009) Canada

11.  The Very Best Of CHER
       (Warner Bros./MCA - 2003)

12.  Gold: 20 Super Hits - BONEY M.
       (BMG International - 1992) Germany

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (7-4)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The FLEETWOOD MAC Family Album **2 weeks #1**
     (Connoisseur Collection - 1996) UK
     Collection of outside projects by Fleetwood Mac members.

2.  Bad Girls: Deluxe Edition - DONNA SUMMER
     (Mercury/Chronicles - 2003)
     Expanded edtion of 1979 album.

3.  Portrait - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     Derived from Collectors' Choice Music's 2007 issue of 1970 album with Love's Lines, Angles
     And Rhymes, 1971.  Includes On The Beach (In The Summertime) as a bonus track.

4.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

5.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007)
     Expanded edition of 1969 album

6.  99.9F* - SUZANNE VEGA
     (A&M - 1992)

7.  Ultimate Collection: The Complete Hits - CAPTAIN & TENNILLE
     (Hip-O - 2001)

8.  Reality Effect (US issue) - THE TOURISTS
     (American Beat - 2007)
     Recorded in 1979, this includes three songs from the group's first album The Tourists, 1979,
     replacing one on the UK issue.

9.  Drive On - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
     1973 album derived from the UK compilation The RCA Years, 2010, with Chirpy Chirpy Cheep
     Cheep, 1971, and Acceleration, 1972.

10.  The Magic Garden - THE 5TH DIMENSION
       (Arista/BMG - 2005) Japan
       Recorded in 1967

11.  Now And Then - CARPENTERS
       (A&M - 1973)

12.  AM Gold: Mellow Hits Of The 70's - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life Music - 2000)

13.  10 Ar Med Agnetha - AGNETHA FALTSKOG
       (Columbia - 1998) Sweden
       Compilation of solo material before and during Agnetha's time with ABBA.  All songs in
       Swedish.  Title translated is 10 Years With Agnetha.

14.  Anytime...Anywhere/Love Me Again - RITA COOLIDGE
       (Raven - 2008) Australia
       Albums from 1977 and 1978 on one disc.

15.  12 Greatest Hits, Volume II - NEIL DIAMOND
       (Columbia - 1982)

16.  Ta-Dah - SCISSOR SISTERS
       (Universal/Motown - 2006)

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (6-27)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  25 Years: The Chain - FLEETWOOD MAC **1 week #1**
     (Warner Bros. - 1992)

2.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

3.  Thank You For The Music - ABBA
     (Polydor - 1994) France

4.  The Magic Garden - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     (BMG/Arista - 2005) Japan; Recorded in 1967

5.  This Woman's Work: Anthology 1978-1990 (Hounds Of Love) - KATE BUSH
     (EMI - 1990) UK; 1985 album in a box set

6.  Spoiled Girl - CARLY SIMON
     (Sony Special Products - 1985)

7.  These Dreams: HEART's Greatest Hits
     (Capitol - 1997)

8.  Anytime...Anywhere/Love Me Again - RITA COOLIDGE
     (Raven - 2008) Australia; Albums recorded in 1977 and 1978

9.  Country Crossroads - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Warner Special Products - 1993) Home edit

10.  Ta-Dah - SCISSOR SISTERS
       (Universal/Motown - 2006)

11.  Voyeur - BERLIN
       (iMusic - 2002)

12.  21 - ADELE
       (XL - 2011)


Notes:

#4 by The 5th Dimension was also released as The Worst That Could Happen in the US.

I condensed #9 into a collection of recordings by female country-crossover artists.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (6-20)

All titles issued in the US unless where noted.

1.  Heroes Are Hard To Find - FLEETWOOD MAC **1 week #1**
     (Reprise - 1974)

2.  Penguin - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 1973)

3.  How Do You Do - MOUTH & MacNEAL
     (Rotation - 1999) Holland

4.  Love To Love You Baby - DONNA SUMMER
     (Casablanca - 1975)

5.  'Round Midnight - LINDA RONSTADT with Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra
     (Asylum - 1986)

6.  The Collection - RITA COOLIDGE
     (Spectrum - 1995) UK

7.  The Best Of FREE DESIGN
     (Cherry Red - 2001) UK

8.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology
     (Casablanca/Chronicles - 1993)

9.  Future Games - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 1971)

10.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
       (EMI - 2011) UK

11.  THE GROOP
       (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

12.  Octopus - THE HUMAN LEAGUE
       (EastWest - 1995)

Notes:

#1 by Fleetwood Mac was the first US Top 40 album for the group reaching #34 (Billboard).  #2 came close reaching #49 (Billboard).  #9 was the very first with members Christine McVie and Bob Welch.

#3 by Mouth & MacNeal is a compilation, not to be confused with their 1972 US studio album.

#5 by Linda Ronstadt is comprised of her three albums What's New (1983), Lush Life (1984), and For Sentimental Reasons (1986).

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (6-13)

All titles issued in the US excpet where noted.


1.  Mystery To Me - FLEETWOOD MAC **1 week #1**
     (Reprise - 1973)

2.  Love To Love You Baby - DONNA SUMMER
     (Casablanca - 1975)
     * NEW *

3.  Little Queen - HEART
     (Epic/Legacy - 2004) Expanded edition of 1977 album

4.  Bare Trees - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 1972)

5.  Best Of BERLIN 1979-1988
     (Geffen - 1988)

6.  Heroes Are Hard To Find - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 1974)

7.  48 Original Tracks 1971-1975 - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (EMI - 1994) UK

8.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

9.  Remind - BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
     (Arcade Music - 1997) Holland

10.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology
       (Casablanca/Chronicles - 1993)


Notes:

The presence of three Fleetwood Mac albums on my list this week is, of course, in light of the death of Bob Welch.  After Donna Summer's passing, I didn't think I could be any more sad as far as musical favorites, but this one cuts deeper for me.

Fleetwood Mac are my favorite music group after ABBA.  Whenever I listen to a studio album of theirs, it's usually from Bob's era.  His and Christine McVie's vocals complimented each other amazingly with their cool, smooth styles.  Bob will be greatly missed.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (6-6)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.


1.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology **2 weeks #1**
     (Casablanca/Chronicles - 1993)

2.  Olivia - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (Festival - 1998) Australia.  Recorded in 1972

3.  The Divine Anthology 1972-2006 - BETTE MIDLER
     (Home compilation)

4.  Thru The Flowers: The Anthology - THE PRIMITIVES
     (Castle - 2004) UK

5.  Drive On - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
     (Home compilation)

6.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

7.  Most Of All: The Best Of DEBORAH HARRY
     (Chrysalis/EMI - 1999) Europe

8.  Talk Normal: The LAURIE ANDERSON Anthology
     (Warner Archives/Rhino - 2000)

9.  Eyes Of A Woman - AGNETHA FALTSKOG
     (Polar/Polydor - 1985)

10.  Harden My Heart: The Best Of QUARTERFLASH
       (Geffen - 1997)


Notes:

#5 by Middle Of The Road was derived from the group's 2-CD UK collection entitled The RCA Years (2010).  The original album was recorded in 1973.

#9 by Agnetha Faltskog is an import disc, though the country of manufacture is unlisted.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (5-30)

All titles issued in the US excpet where noted.


1.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology **1 week #1**
     (Casablanca/Chronicles - 1993)

2.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996
     (Home compilation)

3.  Greatest Hits - EURYTHMICS
     (RCA - 1991) Australia

4.  Spy - CARLY SIMON
     (Elektra - 1979)

5.  Reality Effect (US issue) - THE TOURISTS
     (American Beat - 2007) Recorded in 1979

6.  Crystal Visions...The Very Best Of STEVIE NICKS
     (Reprise - 2007)

7.  Their Greatest Hits And Finest Performances - CARPENTERS
     (Readers' Digest Music - 1997)

8.  Winter Light - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1993)

9.  Bad Animals - HEART
     (Capitol - 1987)

10.  THE GROOP
       (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album


Notes:

#2 by Frida is a disc I put together made up of her solo work (before, during, and after ABBA) as well as all six international singles she sang lead with the group on.

#3 by Eurythmics contains an alternate tracklisting from the US edition of the disc.

#5 by The Tourists contains an alternate tracklisting from the UK edition of the original album.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (5-22)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.


1.  Bad Girls: Deluxe Edition - DONNA SUMMER **2 weeks #1**
     (Mercury/Chronicles - 2003) Expanded edition of 1979 album

2.  Thank You For The Music - ABBA
     (Polydor - 1994) France

3.  Olivia '71 - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (Home compilation)

4.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

5.  Bad Animals - HEART
     (Captiol - 1987)

6.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

7.  Stars-Time-Bubbles-Love - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2005) Expanded edition of 1970 album

8.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology
     (Casablanca/Chronicles - 1993)

9.  Morning Dove White - ONE DOVE
     (FFHH - 1993)

10.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
       (Sony/BMG - 2007) Expanded edition of 1978 album


Notes:

#3 by Olivia Newton-John is a disc I put together made up of all the songs from her debut album, If Not For You, with 2 non-album songs.  I took these songs from the UK compilation, 48 Original Tracks 1971-1975.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (5-15)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.


1.  Boxed - EURYTHMICS **6 weeks #1**
     (RCA - 2005) Europe

2.  Bad Animals - HEART
     (Capitol - 1987)

3.  ABBA--The Album: Deluxe Edition
     (Polar - 2007) Sweden

4.  The Signature Series, Volume 6: Let's Keep It That Way/New Kind Of Feeling
     - ANNE MURRAY
     (EMI Music Canada - 1999) Canada

5.  The Divine Anthology 1972-2006 - BETTE MIDLER
     (Home compilation)

6.  Stoned Soul Picnic - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     (Buddha/Arista/BMG Heritage - 2000)

7.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE
     (Home compilation)

8.  Songs Of Joy: The Complete CAPTAIN & TENNILLE Collection (Song Of Joy)
     (R2 - 2005)

9.  Lighthouse - KIM CARNES
     (EMI America - 1986)

10.  WILSON PHILLIPS
       (SBK - 1990)


Notes:

#1 by Eurythmics packages expanded editions of the duo's 8 studio albums:  In The Garden, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Touch, Be Yourself Tonight, Revenge, Savage, We Too Are One, and Peace.

#3 by ABBA is an expanded edition of their 1977 album.  The package includes a bonus DVD.

#4 by Anne Murray combines her albums from 1978 and 1979 on one disc.

#6 by The 5th Dimension is an expanded edition of their 1968 album.

#7 by Christine McVie is a disc I compiled of all her recordings with Fleetwood Mac from their albums Future Games, Bare Trees, Penguin, Mystery To Me, and Heroes Are Hard To Find.

#8 by Captain & Tennille is an original 1976 album packaged as part of a box set of the duo's 6 studio albums.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (5-7)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Boxed - EURYTHMICS **5 weeks #1**
     (RCA - 2005) Europe

2.  Thank You For The Music - ABBA
     (Polydor - 1994) France

3.  Desire Walks On - HEART
     (Capitol - 1993)

4.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

5.  One By One - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2005) Expanded edition of 1971 album

6.  Time - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Home edit of 1995 album)

7.  36 All-Time Greatest Hits - THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS
     (MCA/GSC - 1996)

8.  Autoamerican - BLONDIE
     (Capitol/Chrysalis - 2001) Expanded edition of 1980 album

9.  Body & Soul: Next To Ecstasy - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life Music)

10.  Precious Time/Get Nervous - PAT BENATAR
       (Beat Goes On - 1998) UK, albums recorded in 1981 and 1982 on one disc


Notes:

#1 by Eurythmics is comprised of expanded editions of the duo's 8 studio albums:  In The Garden, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Touch, Be Yourself Tonight, Revenge, Savage, We Too Are One, and Peace.

#6 by Fleetwood Mac excludes the last track, These Strange Times, a song by Mick Fleetwood I feel upsets the flow of the album.

#9 is a collection of R&B hits.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (4-30)

1.  Greatest Hits 1985-1995 - HEART **1 week #1**

2.  Cosmic Thing - THE B-52'S

3.  Beautiful People/Circles - THE NEW SEEKERS

4.  Dreamboat Annie - HEART

5.  Greatest Hits...And Then Some - THE WILKINSONS

6.  The Divine Anthology 1972-2006 - BETTE MIDER (NEW - Home compilation, 2nd draft)

7.  25 Years: The Chain - FLEETWOOD MAC

8.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA

9.  The Very Best Of BARBRA STREISAND (Home compilation)

10.  The Divine Anthology 1972-2006 - BETTE MIDLER (Home compilation, 1st draft)

11.  Some People's Lives - BETTE MIDLER

12.  Platinum & Gold Collection - ARETHA FRANKLIN


Notes:

#3 by The New Seekers combines the group's 1st and 3rd US albums from 1971 and 1972, respectively.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (4-23)

1.  The Divine Anthology 1972-2006 - BETTE MIDLER **1 week #1**
     (Home compilation)
     * NEW *

2.  The Essential HEART 3.0
     (Epic/Capitol/Legacy - 2008)

3.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA
     (Polar/UTV - 2001)

4.  California - WILSON PHILLIPS
     (Columbia - 2004)

5.  Nine Objects Of Desire - SUZANNE VEGA
     (A&M - 1996)

6.  Some People's Lives - BETTE MIDLER
     (Atlantic - 1990)

7.  If I Could Turn Back Time: CHER's Greatest Hits
     (Geffen - 1999)

8.  Break Every Rule - TINA TURNER
     (Capitol - 1986)

9.  Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition - CARPENTERS
     (A&M/UTV - 2004)

10.  All The Way...A Decade Of Song - CELINE DION
       (Sony - 1999)

BETTE MIDLER: The Divine Anthology 1972-2006

I've had an idea for a Bette Midler collection for quite some time and finally put it together this week. I took all the songs from her two compilations, Experience The Divine: Greatest Hits and Jackpot!: The Best Bette, added singles that weren't included, threw in a few bonuses, and voila!

Disclaimer:  This set is part of a collection of homemade discs I compiled for listening purposes only.  NOT FOR SALE.

Disc 1:

Friends
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Single version)
Do You Want To Dance
Chapel Of Love
Hello In There
In The Mood
Shiver Me Timbers
When A Man Loves A Woman
The Rose
Favorite Waste Of Time
All I Need To Know*
Only In Miami
Beast Of Burden
Wind Beneath My Wings
I've Still Got My Health
The Glory Of Love
Baby Mine

Disc 2:

From A Distance
Miss Otis Regrets
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
The Gift Of Love*
In My Life
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
To Deserve You
My One True Friend*
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
This Ole House
Tenderly
Fever*
Cool Yule
Friends (Ad Lib)**
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Album version)**
Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me (Unreleased demo)
From A Distance (Christmas version)**

* Songs I added that weren't included on the forementioned compilations

** Bonus tracks I added

Note:

All I Need To Know was later recorded as Don't Know Much by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville.

.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (4-16)

All titles issued in the US except where noted,


1.  The Very Best Of BARBRA STREISAND (NEW) **1 week #1**
     (Home compilation)

2.  Emotion - BARBRA STREISAND
     (Columbia - 1984)

3.  Jackpot!: The Best Bette - BETTE MIDLER
     (Rhino - 2008)

4.  What A Life - DIVINYLS
     (Chrysalis - 1985)

5.  Winter Light - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1993)

6.  Bubbles - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Siesta) Spain

7.  Experience The Divine: Greatest Hits - BETTE MIDLER
     (Home edit of 1996 Australia import)

8.  Collector's Edition - CARLY SIMON
     (Madacy Entertainment - 2009)

9.  Boxed (Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)) - EURYTHMICS
     (RCA - 2005) Europe; Expanded edition of 1983 in a box set

10.  Relish - JOAN OSBORNE
       (Mercury - 1995)


Notes:

I deleted one of two versions of To Deserve You from #7.  I personally didn't care for the single mix included.

THE VERY BEST OF BARBRA STREISAND (A NEW ORIGINAL)

Last week I was asked to play music for a couple of events at the hospital where I volunteer. Easy listening was requested and Barbra Streisand was one of the artists I played. I hadn't listened to her in ages and it made me want to more. An idea came over me to compile a single-disc career-spanning retrospective since none has been commercially released. I used Billboard magazine as a guide and put together 19 of Barbra's 21 top 40 hits. The exceptions are Where You Lead and Kiss Me In The Rain because I don't have them on compact disc...yet. However, the former is included in a medley on my compilation.

Following is my end result. The songs are in order from highest to lowest charting:

Woman In Love
Love Theme From "A Star Is Born" (Evergreen)
The Way We Were
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (with Donna Summer)
You Don't Bring Me Flowers (with Neil Diamond)
Guilty (with Barry Gibb)
The Main Event/Fight
My Heart Belongs To Me
People
Stoney End
I Finally Found Someone (with Bryan Adams)
What Kind Of Fool (with Barry Gibb)
Comin' In And Out Of Your Life
Love Theme From "Eyes Of Laura Mars" (Prisoner)
'Til I Loved You (with Don Johnson)
Songbird
Second Hand Rose
Sweet Inspiration/Where You Lead
The Way He Makes Me Feel

I'm looking forward to reacquainting myself with my Streisand collection in general.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (4-9)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) - CASTING CROWNS **1 week #1**
     (MP3, 2009)

2.  The Singles 1969-1973 - CARPENTERS
     (A&M - 1973)

3.  BARBRA STREISAND's Greatest Hits, Volume 2
     (Columbia - 1978)

4.  Greatest Hits Volume 1 - BARRY MANILOW
     (Arista - 1989)

5.  BETTE MIDLER
     (Atlantic - 1973)

6.  The Essential HEART 3.0
     (Epic/Capitol/Legacy - 2008)

7.  Heaven/Earth - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2005) Expanded edition of 1969 album

8.  Beg, Steal Or Borrow - THE NEW SEEKERS
     (Rotation - 2001) Holland

9.  Women & Song - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Home compilation)

10.  The Ultimate 5TH DIMENSION
       (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2004)

11.  Most Of All: The Best Of DEBORAH HARRY
       (Chrysalis/EMI - 1999) UK

12.  HELEN REDDY's Greatest Hits (And More)
       (Capitol - 1987)

13.  Celebration - ABBA
       (Panther)

14.  Body & Soul: Slow And Easy - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life Music - 1999)

15.  The Singles + - MOUTH & MacNEAL
       (BR Music - 2001) Holland


Notes:

I played the Casting Crowns track 5 times this week to study it for a church service yesterday, hence its position.  This makes only the 2nd time a Contemporary Christian artist has been #1 on my list since I started it in 2006.  Sandi Patty was #1 for 2 weeks last year with Where The Nails Were, another song I was learning for church.

Barry Manilow becomes the highest-charting male solo artist on my list this week since Lindsey Buckingham was #1 in 2008 with his Go Insane disc.

#9 by Fleetwood Mac is an original collection of mine consisting of songs by Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Bekka Bramlett.

#13 by ABBA is one of many bootleg discs in print by the group.  The date of release is unlisted.

#14 is a collection of R&B hits.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (4-2)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Private Audition - HEART **1 week #1**
     (Epic - 1982)

2.  The Very Best Of FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 2002)

3.  Hotcakes - CARLY SIMON
     (Elektra - 1974)

4.  The RCA Years - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
     (7T's - 2010) UK

5.  Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition - CARPENTERS
     (A&M/UTV - 2004)

6.  Jackpot!: The Best Bette - BETTE MIDLER
     (Rhino - 2008)

7.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of their 1969 album

8.  Rare Gems - ABBA
     (Home compilation)

9.  Kites Are Fun - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2003) Expanded edition of their 1967 album

10.  Signature - MOYA BRENNAN
       (Universal - 2007)

11.  Faster Than The Speed Of Night - BONNIE TYLER
       (Columbia - 1983)

12.  More Than You Know - TONI TENNILLE
       (Varese Sarabande - 2003) Expanded edition of her 1984 album

Notes:

#4 by Middle Of The Road is comprised of the group's first three albums, Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep (1971), Acceleration (1972), and Drive On (1973) with 6 bonus tracks included on the first album when released in Italy.

#8 by ABBA is a disc I put together using rare and unreleased tracks.  I took them from various compilations.

#12 by Toni Tennille inlcudes 9 bonus tracks taken from her second solo album, All Of Me, from 1987.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (3-26)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.


1.  THE GROOP **24 weeks #1**
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded editon of 1969 album

2.  How Do You Do - MOUTH & MacNEAL
     (Rotation - 1999) Holland

3.  Bubbles - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Siesta) Spain

4.  Greatest Hits - THE TOURISTS
     (Camden - 1997) UK

5.  Greatest Hits - DIVINYLS
     (EMI - 2006) Australia

6.  Gold - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (Hip-O - 2005)

7.  The Very Best Of FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 2002)

8.  Feels Like Home - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1995)

9.  Gold: The 70's - BONEY M.
     (Home compilation)

10.  The Very Best Of CHER
       (Rhino/Warner Bros. - 2003)

11.  The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - CARPENTERS
       (A&M/Chronicles - 2006)

12.  Body & Soul: Love Under Cover - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life Music - 1999)

13.  Jackpot!: The Best Bette - BETTE MIDLER
       (Rhino - 2008)


Notes:

I compiled #9 by Boney M. as a variation of their German-issued disc, Gold: 20 Super Hits.  I deleted five songs and used all album versions where applicable.

#12 is a collection of R&B hits.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (3-12)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Collector's Edition - CARLY SIMON **4 weeks #1**
     (Madacy Entertainment - 2009)

2.  Kisses And Hits - BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
     (CD-R)

3.  Rollerball - CHAMPAGNE
     (Compiled using tracklisting of 1977 album)

4.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

5.  Time - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Home edit of 1995 album)

6.  If I Could Turn Back Time: CHER's Greatest Hits
     (Geffen - 1999)

7.  Songs Of Joy: The Complete CAPTAIN & TENNILLE Collection (Dream)
     (R2 - 2005) 1978 album in a box set

8.  CHAMPAGNE
     (Compiled using tracklisting of 1977 album)

9.  Body & Soul:  Smooth Jams - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life - 1998)

10.  The Very Best Of KIKI DEE
       (MCA - 1994) UK

11.  The Essential HEART 3.0
       (Epic/Capitol/Legacy - 2008)

12.  Can't Fight Fate - TAYLOR DAYNE
       (Arista - 1989)


Notes:

#2 by Brotherhood Of Man was compiled by a member of a Yahoo music group I belong to.

#3 and #8 by Champange are albums originally released in Holland.  Not wanting to spend a lot of money for the imports, I put them together myself.  All songs from both albums appear on the 2007 CD import, "The Best Of Champagne," which was my first purchase by the group.

For my home edit of #5 by Fleetwood Mac I omitted the last track, a song written and performed by Mick Fleetwood.  It's spoken-word and I think it takes away from the flow of the rest of the disc.

#9 is a collection of R&B hits.

FLEETWOOD MAC: Chapters (An Original Compilation)

A few years ago, I brainstormed about a Fleetwood Mac compilation that would best represent the group's career on a single disc.  Following is what I came up with.  Titled "Chapters," I selected one track by each of Fleetwood Mac's 15 recording members (original bassist, Bob Brunning, never recorded with the band so isn't included).  I had intended to revise the disc because I have a better title in mind and one track is slightly cut off at the beginning.  Nonetheless, here's the tracklisting with photos and information:

"I Believe My Time Ain't Long" (1967): Written by Duster Bennett and sung by Jeremy Spencer (pictured), this was the group's first single release and later issued on the UK compilation "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" in 1969.  Another version was recorded for Fleetwood Mac's 1968 album, "Mr. Wonderful" under the title "Dust My Broom."  The latter version was included on the box set "25 Years: The Chain" in 1992 under the original title.  The version I used comes from the box set "The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions 1967-1969."

"Oh Well (Part 1)" (1969):  Written and sung by Peter Green for the album "Then Play On," this was Fleetwood Mac's very first chart single on Billboard's Hot 100 reaching #55.  I used the single version on my compilation as a matter of space.  The band Rockets had a #30 hit with their cover in 1979.  Later versions were recorded by Lindsey Buckingham and Billy Burnette with the group.

"Searching For Madge" (1969):  This is an instrumental from "Then Play On" written by Mick Fleetwood.

"Fighting For Madge" (1969):  This instrumental written by John McVie follows Mick's song on "Then Play On."

"Jewel Eyed Judy" (1970):  Written and sung by Danny Kirwan, this was the only single from Fleetwood Mac's album, "Kiln House."

"Sentimental Lady" (1972):  This was a single from Fleetwood Mac's album, "Bare Trees," written and sung by Bob Welch.  Bob had a #8 hit with the song as a solo artist in 1977.

"The Derelict" (1973):  This was written and sung by Dave Walker for the album, "Penguin."

"Caught In The Rain" (1973):  This is an instrumental written by Bob Weston for "Penguin."

"You Make Loving Fun" (1977):  This was a #9 hit for Fleetwood Mac written and sung by Christine McVie for "Rumours."  The version I used is a rough draft from the 2004 edition of the same album.

"Go Your Own Way" (1980):  This was a #10 hit for Fleetwood Mac in 1977 written and sung by Lindsey Buckingham for "Rumours."  I took this version from "Fleetwood Mac Live."

"Stand On The Rock" (1990):  This song was written and sung by Rick Vito for "Behind The Mask."

"Hard Feelings" (1990):  This was a single from "Behind The Mask" written and sung by Billy Burnette.

"Winds Of Change" (1995):  This was written by Kit Hain and sung by Bekka Bramlett (pictured) for the album "Time."

"Blow By Blow" (1995):  This was written and sung by Dave Mason for "Time."

"Dreams" (2003): This was Fleetwood Mac's only #1 hit recorded for the 1977 album, "Rumours."  Written and sung by Stevie Nicks, I took this version from the CD companion to "Live In Boston."

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (2-20)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Collector's Edition - CARLY SIMON **1 week #1**
     (Madacy Entertainment - 2009)

2.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH
     (Fish People/Anti - 2011)

3.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE
     (Home compilation)

4.  There Is A Song - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2005) Recorded in 1972

5.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

6.  Anthology - JUICE NEWTON
     (Renaissance - 1998)

7.  Up-Up And Away: The Definitive Collection - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     (Arista/BMG Heritage - 1997)

8.  Love Songs - HEART
     (Epic/Legacy - 2006)

9.  The Best Of CHAMPAGNE
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe

10.  The RCA Years - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
       (7T's - 2010) UK

11.  The Love Songs - ABBA
       (Pickwick Music - 1989) UK

12.  Dulaman - CLANNAD
       (Shanachie - 1988) Recorded in 1975


Notes:

#3 by Christine McVie consists of all 16 songs for her first five albums with Fleetwood Mac (Future Games, Bare Trees, Penguin, Mystery To Me, and Heroes Are Hard To Find).

#10 by Middle Of The Road is comprised of the group's first three albums, Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, Acceleration, and Drive On.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (2-13)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Essential CARLY SIMON: Vol. 1, 1971-1979
     (Home compilation)
     * NEW *

2.  The Greatest Hits - WHITNEY HOUSTON
     (Arista - 2000)

3.  Collector's Edition - CARLY SIMON
     (Madacy Entertainment - 2009) Canada
     * NEW *

4.  Together Again/Anthem - NEW SEEKERS
     (7T's - 2009) UK; Expanded editions of 1976 and 1978 albums

5.  Songs Of Joy: The Complete CAPTAIN & TENNILLE Collection (Make Your Move)
     (R2 - 2005) 1979 album in a box set

6.  Greatest Hits 1985-1995 - HEART
     (Capitol - 2000)

7.  Ultimate - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2004)

8.  Bubbles - FREE DESIGN
     (Siesta) Spain

9.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE
     (Home compilation)

10.  Hello Big Man - CARLY SIMON
       (Warner Bros. - 1983)

11.  Ghost: The Musical - ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING
       (Absolute - 2011)
       * NEW *

12.  Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING
       (Rhino - 2011)
       * NEW *

13.  The Frog Prince - ORIGINAL MOVIE SOUNDTRACK
       (Spectrum Music - 1985) UK

14.  The Complete BUCKINGHAM NICKS
       (Peacock/Polydor - 2008)


Notes:

#1 by Carly Simon is part of an idea I have to showcase her complete singles.  Several compilations have been released over the years but a few chart songs have been omitted.

I listened to the first disc of #2 by Whitney Houston (entitled Cool Down for her ballad hits) in her memory.

#3 by Carly Simon is a new purchase.  I only read about it this past week while reseaching singles for my home project.  It's comprised of hits and album tracks from her years with Elektra and Warner Bros. Records, 1971-1983.  There are 3 discs (30 songs total) packaged in a special tin.

#8 is an import compilation.  The year of release isn't listed.

#11 was sent to me as an early birthday gift.  It's recorded by the London cast and based on the movie starring Patrick Swayze.  The music and lyrics were written by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glenn Ballard.  The show is set to open on Broadway in the Spring.

#12 is another gift and and based on the movie of the same name.  It's prodominantly made up of 70's and 80's pop and disco covers.

#13 includes the first solo recordings by Enya.  She performs 11 of the soundtrack's 16 songs.  The remainder of tracks were recorded by Edith Piaf and The Jazz Club.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (2-6)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Voulez-Vous: Deluxe Edition - ABBA **1 week #1**
     (Polar - 2010) Europe
     * NEW *

2.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH
     (Fish People/Anti - 2011)

3.  Count Three And Pray - BERLIN
     (Geffen Goldline - 1986)

4.  The Best Of ROBERTA FLACK 1971-1991
     (Home compilation)

5.  Will You Be Staying After Sunday? - THE PEPPERMINT RAINBOW
     (Home edit)

6.  Gold: 20 Super Hits - BONEY M.
     (MCI/BMG - 1992) Germany

7.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

8.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI - 2011) UK

9.  The Best Of CHAMPAGNE
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe

10.  A Day Without Rain - ENYA
       (Reprise - 2000)


Notes:

#1 by ABBA is an expanded edition of their 1979 album including 5 bonus tracks plus a DVD of rare television appearances and a photo gallery of their worldwide discography related to the album as well as commercials for the follow-up release, Greatest Hits Vol. 2.

#4 by Roberta Flack is a disc I put together using her 1981 album The Best Of Roberta Flack and adding three later Top 20 hits.

#5 by The Peppermint Rainbow is a disc I put together using an expanded edition of their 1969 album (Rev-Ola, 2008, UK) but deleting single mixes to eliminate duplicate tracks.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (1-30)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Master Series - BERLIN (Home compilation) **1 week #1**
     * NEW *

2.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH (2011)

3.  Boxed (We Too Are One) - EURYTHMICS (2005) Expanded edition of 1989 album in a box set

4.  Greatest Hits - RITA COOLIDGE (1980)

5.  The Agnetha Collection 2 - ABBA (Home compilation)

6.  Cry Like A Rainstorm-Howl Like The Wind - LINDA RONSTADT featuring Aaron Neville (1989)

7.  The Very Best PAT BENATAR Album Ever (2002) Holland

8.  The Enchanted Works Of STEVIE NICKS (1998)

9.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996 (Home compilation)

10.  Crann Ull - CLANNAD (1980) Ireland

11.  My Romance: An Evening With JIM BRICKMAN (2000)


Notes:

#1 is a disc I compiled based on the tracklisting of a German commercial import.  It's a rarity, though I did find it recently at Amazon for nearly $30.  Rather than pay that much I decided to put it together myself.  The collection contains songs from the group's first three albums, Pleasure Victim, Love Life, and Count Three And Pray.

#7 is a compilation of hits from 1979 to 1993.

#11 is a live recording featuring performances by Anne Cochran, Dave Koz, Olivia Newton-John, and Donny Osmond.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (1-23)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH (2011) **2 weeks #1**

2.  Clouds In My Coffee 1965-1995 - CARLY SIMON (1995)

3.  Greatest Hits - HEART (1998)

4.  Perfect Harmony - THE NEW SEEKERS (1993) Germany

5.  Greatest Hits (And More) - HELEN REDDY (1987)

6.  The Very Best Of FLEETWOOD MAC (2002)

7.  The Agnetha Collection 1 - ABBA (Home compilation)

8.  Best Of THE PRIMITIVES (1996) UK

9.  Olivia '71 - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (Home compilation)

10.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M. (2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

11.  ENYA (1986)

12.  Destiny - JIM BRICKMAN (1999)

13.  Summer Dream - SWEET PEOPLE (1990) Germany

14.  THE GROOP (2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

15.  21 - ADELE (2011)

16.  Debravation - DEBORAH HARRY (1993)

17.  Visions Of Love - JIM BRICKMAN (1998)


Notes:

#3 is an Epic Legacy release comprised of Heart's early work from 1976 to 1983 with one new song.

#7 is the first ot two discs I put together gathering all of ABBA's album tracks with Agnetha Faltskog on lead vocal.

#9 is basically Olivia Newton-John's first album, If Not For You, with two non-album tracks.  I derived the songs from the import collection, 48 Original Tracks 1971-1975.

#11 was reissued as The Celts in 1992.  The album consists of music from the titled series that aired on the BBC.

#13 is a new age recording by a band from Switzerland.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (1-16)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Crann Ull - CLANNAD (1980) Ireland **1 week #1**
     * NEW *

2.  The Enchanted Works Of STEVIE NICKS (1998)

3.  Best Of BERLIN 1979-1988 (1988)

4.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH (2011)

5.  The Complete Studio Recordings (Voulez-Vous) - ABBA (2005) Sweden
     (Expanded edition of 1979 album in a box set)

6.  The Best Of FREE DESIGN (2001) UK

7.  The 90's - FLEETWOOD MAC (Home compilation)

8.  Greatest Hits 1967-1980 - LINDA RONSTADT (Home compilation)

9.  Anam - CLANNAD (1992)

10.  THE GROOP (2007)
       (Expanded edition of 1969 album)

11.  Kisses And Hits - BROTHERHOOD OF MAN (CD-R)

12.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996 (Home compilation)

13.  Gold: 20 Super Hits - BONEY M. (1992) Germany

14.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE (Home compilation)

15.  The Hunter - BLONDIE (2001)
       (Expanded edition of 1982 album)

16.  KAREN CARPENTER (1996)
       (Recorded in 1979)

17.  Coastal America - TIM JANIS (2006)

18.  21 - ADELE (2011)


Notes:

#1 is said by numerous sources to be the first of two albums Clannad recorded with Enya as a member.  However, she isn't credited on the disc.  Odd.

#7 is a cassette I put together of songs from Fleetwood Mac's 90's releases Behind The Mask (1990), 25 Years: The Chain (1992), and Time (1995).  This collection could see an update on CD to include music from The Dance (1997).  Stay tuned.

#8 is a CD I put together combining Linda Ronstadt's Greatest Hits (1976) and Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1980) albums.  Rhino Music later had the same idea and issued this commercially in 2007.  So where are my royalties (ha ha)?

#9 includes two previously released songs, Theme From Harry's Game (featured in the film Patriot Games) and In A Lifetime (a duet with U2's Bono).

#11 was compiled by a member of a Yahoo discussion group I belong to.

#17 is a CD of instrumentals.  I met Tim Janis in Portland, Maine while on a cruise to Nova Scotia in 2008.  He autographed my copy of Coastal America.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (1-7)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.


1.  21 - ADELE (2011) **1 week #1**
     * NEW *

2.  Landmarks - CLANNAD (1997)

3.  The Very Best Of ENYA (2009)

4.  Christmas Secrets EP - ENYA (2006) Canada
     * NEW *

5.  Mystery To Me - FLEETWOOD MAC (1973)

6.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH (2011)

7.  Up-Up & Away: The Definitive Collection - THE 5TH DIMENSION (1997)

8.  The Best Of THE WAITRESSES: The Millenium Collection (2003)
     * NEW *

9.  The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - CARPENTERS (2002)

10.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE (2011) UK

11.  Credo - THE HUMAN LEAGUE (2011) UK

12.  Close-Up: Vol. 2, People & Places - SUZANNE VEGA (2010)

13.  The Ultimate Collection - SADE (2011)

14.  The Complete Studio Recordings (Super Trouper) - ABBA (2005) Sweden

15.  With Love - MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE (1995)

16.  Pure Moods III - VARIOUS ARTISTS (2000)

***********************************************************************************
Notes:

I'm not, as a rule, very big on today's music.  Adele (#1) is an exception.  Her white soul sound and big voice is quite appealing.  I think "Rolling In The Deep" is one of the most amazing songs to come out in recent years.

#4 by Enya is a mini-album of 4 songs taken from a Christmas edition of her 2005 release, "Amarantine."

I listened to #5 as a memorial to Bob Weston who passed away January 3rd.  He was a guitarist with Fleetwood Mac in 1973 and recorded two albums with them that year.  Incidentally, he was fired for having an affair with Mick Fleetwood's then wife.

While on Christmas vacation, I heard the song "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses.  It was one I had forgotten about.  I liked it so much that I bought the #8 entry this week.  This also includes their only chart hit, "I Know What Boys Like," as well as the full version of their theme from the 80's sitcom, "Square Pegs."

#15 is a collection of acoustic guitar instrumentals released by Time-Life Music.

#16 is a collection of music by new age artists.  The series has inspired a renewed interest in Clannad (#2) for me.  They were an Irish band consisting of Enya's relatives, brothers Ciaran and Pol Brennan, sister Moya Brennan, and twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan.  Enya was a member for two albums in 1980 and 1982.

MY TOP MUSIC OF 2011

2011 releases are indicated with *.


1.  Credo - THE HUMAN LEAGUE*

2.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE*

3.  This Woman's Work: Anthology 1978-1990 - KATE BUSH

4.  Most Of All: The Best Of DEBORAH HARRY

5.  Gold: 20 Super Hits - BONEY M.

6.  Nightflight To Venus (2007 issue) - BONEY M.

7.  Director's Cut: Collector's Edition - KATE BUSH*

8.  Where The Nails Were - SANDI PATTY (MP3)

9.  THE GROOP

10.  Take The Heat Off Me (2007 issue) - BONEY M.

11.  The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - CARPENTERS

12.  The Best Of LINDA RONSTADT 1991-2006 (Home compilation)

13.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH*

14.  Greatest Hits - THE TOURISTS

15.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996 (Home compilation)

16.  Love For Sale (2007 issue) - BONEY M.

17.  In Your Dreams - STEVIE NICKS*

18.  The Reprise Years 1969-1975 - FLEETWOOD MAC (Home compilation)

19.  36 All-Time Greatest Hits - THE 5TH DIMENSION

20.  Platinum & Gold Collection - ARETHA FRANKLIN

21.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE (Home compilation)

22.  Making A Good Thing Better - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

23.  Bad Girls: Deluxe Edition - DONNA SUMMER

24.  The FLEETWOOD MAC Family Album

25.  Autoamerican (2001 issue) - BLONDIE

26.  The Ultimate Collection - SADE*

27.  Close-Up: Vol. 2, People & Places - SUZANNE VEGA

28.  Oceans Of Fantasy (2007 issue) - BONEY M.

29.  The Best Of CHAMPAGNE

30.  History: The 70's - HEART (Home compilation)


Fun facts:

My #1 of 2010, "THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER Anthology: Down In Birdland" was at the top of my weekly list for 5 weeks.  This year's #1 by THE HUMAN LEAGUE ran the same number of weeks.

SANDI PATTY is the only Contemporary Christian artist to be #1 on my list.  I was learning the song for a tenebrae service at church earlier this year.

I had 31 total #1 titles this year.  I wanted an even-numbered list, so bumped from it is a compilation I put together called "Pieces Of 80s" by various artists.  It's a collection of 40 a-side singles I bought in the 80s.

The self-titled disc by THE GROOP is in the top 10 on my year-end list for the 4th year in a row, the only one to do so since I started the list online in 2006.  It was my top title in 2008 staying at #1 for 16 weeks.  It was #1 for 4 weeks in 2009 and 1 week in 2010 and 2011.  It is the longest-running #1 on my list.