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.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, January 16, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, January 2, 2012
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.
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.
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