My Top Music Of 2022

All titles #1 on my weekly list this year

1. Voyage - ABBA

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree

3. Against The Odds 1974-1982 - Blondie

4. Everything Under The Sun: The Complete Motown Recordings - Stoney & Meatloaf

5. If Not For You: Deluxe Edition - Olivia Newton-John

6. Stand Back - Stevie Nicks

7. Panic Of Girls: Deluxe Edition - Blondie

8. Fleetwood Mac Collection (Home CD’s) - Christine McVie

9. Blood - This Mortal Coil

10. Olivia (2nd album 1972) - Olivia Newton-John

11. Bat Out Of Hell - Meat Loaf

12. Horizon 2.0 (Home playlist) - Carpenters

13. The Very Best Of Guys ‘N’ Dolls (Home playlist)

14. Hits Out Of Hell - Meat Loaf

15. Retrospective 2002-2021 (Home playlist) - The Polyphonic Spree

16. The Best Of Christine McVie & Fleetwood Mac (Home CD’s)

17. Christmas At Home - Starland Vocal Band

18. 50 Years: Don’t Stop - Fleetwood Mac

19. Gold - Olivia Newton-John

20. 1983-1991 - This Mortal Coil

21. 48 Original Tracks 1971-1975 - Olivia Newton-John

My Top Music Of The Week 4/18

1. Bat Out Of Hell - Meat Loaf (NEW, 1977) **1 week #1**

I've always enjoyed the music of Meat Loaf as well as Jim Steinman's writing and production. However, I'd never disciplined myself enough to play an ML album until this week. I did own the CD Hits Out Of Hell but sold it for need of money. Even then, I didn't play it enough to appreciate it. It's amazing what an artist's death can do.

2. Get Up With Brotherhood Of Man (NEW, 2013)

Around roughly 1997, Brotherhood Of Man recorded a slew of new versions of their hits as well as new cover songs. Many independent albums were released with the material and my #2 is one of them. Among the ones I'd never heard are Love Grows (Edison Lighthouse) and a medley of You're The One That I Want and Summer Nights (John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John).

3. Early Works 1972-1976 - ABBA (Home CD)

I put this together using the group's singles, selected album tracks, and B-sides. Hits include Waterloo, Honey Honey, SOS, I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do, Mamma Mia, Fernando

4. The Very Best Of Guys 'N Dolls (Home playlist)

This is my condensed version of the group's compilation There's A Whole Lot Of Love: The Greatest Hits. The title track was their biggest hit.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4AxtumLEO3p6VzCVIJGrjW

5. The Very Best Of Ellen Foley (1992)

Inspired by my Meat Loaf exploration, I played this collection which includes Ellen's #1 Dutch single, We Belong To The Night.

6. Dead Ringer - Meat Loaf (NEW, 1981)

Meat Loaf's second album came after a bout with losing his voice. You can tell a dramatic difference here, but to me he sounds like a classical tenor doing rock. Dead Ringer contains his original version of Read 'Em And Weep (a hit for Barry Manilow) and the chart single I'm Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us. Cher teams up with him on Dead Ringer For Love. 

7. The Albums 1970-73 - The New Seekers (2019)

This week I played the first disc of this set which includes the group's first two albums The New Seekers and Keith Potger & The New Seekers, both released in 1970 (Keith was a member of The Seekers who formed the new group). The singles were Meet My Lord and Look What They've Done To My Song Ma (the latter became their first US Top 40 hit). There are two bonus tracks from a single Keith released in 1969, The World Would Never Turn Again and Santa Maria.

8. Spoiled Girl - Carly Simon (1985)

Carly's only album for Epic Records contains the singles Tired Of Being Blonde and My New Boyfriend. A bonus track, Black Honeymoon, is included on the reissue.

9. Anthology - Katrina & The Waves (1995)

The title of this compilation is a bit overstated. It's merely made up of the group's self-titled 1985 album and four songs from their 1986 follow-up Waves. The singles were Walking On Sunshine, Do You Want Crying, Que Te Quiero, Is That It?, and Sun Street.

10. The Best Of Jane Olivor (1990)

Jane's biggest hit on this album was the adult contemporary single The Last Time I Felt Like This with Johnny Mathis. There's also her two charting pop songs, He's So Fine and Some Enchanted Evening.

11. 70's Mix - Various Artists (Home playlist)

I added the Eagles (Take It To The Limit) and Don Francisco (He's Alive) this week.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO59DCNnbLPh01oA0KKsgGYG

12. The Hunter - Blondie (1982)

Blondie's last album for 17 years contains the singles Island Of Lost Souls and War Child.

My Top Music Of The Week 4/9

1. 50 Years: Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac (2018) **5 weeks #1**

Christine McVie is releasing a new solo album in June entitled Songbird. I'm getting geared up for it.

2. Dedicated To The One I Love - Linda Ronstadt (1996)

Linda recorded this album of covers as lullabies. The vocals are mostly handled by Linda with Valerie Carter on harmony. Aaron Neville appears in a duet on Brahms Lullaby.

3. Carpenters (1971)

The duo's third album includes the singles Rainy Days And Mondays, Superstar, and For All We Know.

4. Pleasure Victim - Berlin (1982)

Berlin's breakthrough album contains such techno staples as Sex (I'm A...), The Metro, and Masquerade.

5. The Albums 1970-73 - The New Seekers (2018)

I selected the second disc of the box set featuring the albums Beautiful People and New Colours, both released in 1971. Singles include Beautiful People, Never Ending Song Of Love, When There's No Love Left, Good Old Fashioned Music, and Tonight.

6. Plastic Letters - Blondie (2001)

This is a reissue of the group's second album from 1977 featuring Denis and (I'm Always Touched By Your Presence, Dear. Bonus tracks include Once I Had A Love (aka The Disco Song, an early version of Heart Of Glass), Scenery, Poet's Problem, and a live version of Detroit 442.

7. Voyage - ABBA (2021)

ABBA lost Record of the Year to Silk Sonic at the Grammy awards this year. On the plus side, Dancing Queen was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.

8. The Kick Inside - Kate Bush (1978)

Kate's debut album includes Wuthering Heights and The Man With The Child In His Eyes.

9. Anytime...Anywhere/Love Me Again - Rita Coolidge (2008)

This is a pairing of Rita's 1977 and 1978 albums, respectively. It contains such singles as (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher, We're All Alone, The Way You Do The Things You Do, and You.

10. The Groop 2.0 (Home playlist)

The Groop gained notoriety for having two songs in the film Midnight Cowboy, A Famous Myth and Tears And Joys, both of which I added to the 2007 reissue of their only album from 1969.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2oBxwM1BCETjJWyp5OFEti

My Top Music Of The Week 4/2

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **14 weeks #1**

ABBA has received their first-ever Grammy nomination for Record of the Year (I Still Have Faith In You). The awards are being televised tomorrow night. Fingers crossed!

2. Chain Reaction: The Very Best Of Diana Ross (Home playlist)

I put this together using 15 of Diana's solo singles. The title track is the only one not to make the Top 40 but is my favorite by her.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1i4UIB2Oada2bHnDQVkjbx

3. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021)

4. The Collection - Rita Coolidge (Import, 1995)

5. Come Upstairs - Carly Simon (1980)

Carly's first album for Warner Bros. includes the singles Jesse,Take Me As I Am, and the title track.

6. 4 Play - Berlin (2005)

The Polyphonic Spree's current album has me revisiting other covers albums I've loved over the years. Berlin's contains nine songs including favorites The Dope Show (Marilyn Manson) and For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield). No More Words from VH-1's Bands Reunited is also present.

7. Dave & Sugar (1976)

The trio's debut album includes the #1 country hit The Door Is Always Open as well as the singles I'm Gonna Love You and Queen Of The Silver Dollar.

8. Welcome Home: The Collection - Peters & Lee (2014)

9. Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love - The Free Design (2004)

This is a reissue of the group's 1970 album. It contains a cover of Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. Bonus tracks include the previously unreleased To A Black Boy and the single mix of Butterflies Are Free.

10. Panic Of Girls - Blondie (2011)

My Top Music Of The Week 3/26

Top singles indicated where applicable

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **13 weeks #1**

Don't Shut Me Down

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021)

3. Together We're Heavy - The Polyphonic Spree (2004)

Hold Me Now

4. My Colouring Book - Agnetha Faltskog (2004)

If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind

5. Yes, It's True. - The Polyphonic Spree (2013)

You Don't Know Me

6. The Singles + - Mouth & MacNeal (Home edit of 2001 release)

How Do You Do?

7. Most Of All: The Best Of Deborah Harry (1999)

Backfired

8. 70's Mix - Various Artists (Home playlist)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO59DCNnbLPh01oA0KKsgGYG

9. Magic: The Very Best Of Olivia Newton-John (2001)

Physical

10. In A Lifetime - Clannad (2020)

Theme From Harry's Game

My Top Music Of The Week 3/18

Top singles indicated where applicable

1. Retrospective 2002-2021 - The Polyphonic Spree (Home playlist) **1 week #1**

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO6FTiUkZYjMH9JNJ7rsHRVj

Soldier Girl

2. The World Of Peters & Lee (1996)

Welcome Home

3. Banba - Clannad (1993)

Mystery Game

4. The Kick Inside - Kate Bush (1978)

Wuthering Heights

5. Brigade - Heart (1990)

All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You

6. Hotcakes - Carly Simon (1974)

Mockingbird (with James Taylor)

7. The Ultimate 5th Dimension (2003)

Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In

8. Greatest Hits - The Tourists (1997)

I Only Want To Be With You

9. ABBA--The Album: Deluxe Edition (2013)

Take A Chance On Me

10. The Very Best Of Kiki Dee (1994)

Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Elton John)

11. The Rumour - Olivia Newton-John (1988)

The Rumour

12. Together/Farewell Album - The New Seekers (2019)

You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me

13. Songs From The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live - The Polyphonic Spree (NEW, 2013)

My Top Music Of The Week 2/28

1. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021) **4 weeks #1**

2. Make Your Move - Captain & Tennille (1979)

The duo's first of two albums for Casablanca includes their #1 hit Do That To Me One More Time as well as the singles Happy Together (A Fantasy) and Love On A Shoestring.

3. Rock A Little - Stevie Nicks (1985)

Stevie's third solo album contains Talk To Me, I Can't Wait, and Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?.

4. Heaven/Earth - The Free Design (1969)

I've been a fan of The Free Design since 2008 but don't seem to play them enough. I'm trying to do better. The version of Heaven/Earth I played on Spotify includes bonus solo tracks by Ellen Dedrick, Nature Boy and Settlement Boy, but omits the songs they recorded with Tony Mottola that were featured on the official reissue.

5. Remind 2.0 - Brotherhood Of Man (Home CD)

This is my expanded version of a 1997 compilation. I added Lightning Flash and Catch Me Catch Me If You Can.

6. Yes, It's True. - The Polyphonic Spree (2013)

7. Voyage - ABBA (2021)

8. The Farewell Album - Peters & Lee (1980)

9. You Could Be Born Again - The Free Design (1969)

Highlights from this album include covers of California Dreamin', The Windows Of The World, and Eleanor Rigby. The bonus tracks are from a Christmas single the group released with Close Your Mouth (It's Christmas) and Christmas Is The Day.

10. The Fragile Army - The Polyphonic Spree (2007)

11. KooKoo - Debbie Harry (1981)

Debbie's first post-Blondie album was produced by Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards of Chic. It contains the singles Backfired and The Jam Was Moving.

12. Cosmic Thing - The B-52's (1989)

The group's big comeback album includes Channel Z, Love Shack, Roam, and Deadbeat Club.

My Top Music Of The Week 2/20

1. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021) **3 weeks #1**

2. Love Songs - Carpenters (1999)

This is a compilation I've never owned but played on Spotify for Valentine's Day this week. It contains 20 tracks including two of the duo's #1 hits, (They Long To Be) Close To You and Top Of The World. There's also the 1977 outtake You're The One, previously released on Lovelines in 1989.

3. Retrospective 2002-2021 - The Polyphonic Spree (Home playlist)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO6FTiUkZYjMH9JNJ7rsHRVj

4. 10 Best - Melissa Manchester (Home CD)

I derived the songs for this disc from Melissa's 1997 compilation, The Essence Of Melissa Manchester. It contains her Top 10 hits Midnight Blue and You Should Hear How She Talks About You as well as Lovers After All, a duet with Peabo Bryson.

5. Voyage - ABBA (2021)

6. Favorites - Juice Newton (Home playlist)

This is made up of mostly songs from Juice's breakthrough albums Juice (1981) and Quiet Lies (1982). Her Top 10 hits Angel Of The Morning, Queen Of Hearts, The Sweetest Thing, and Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me are present here. A few later releases round it out such as Both To Each Other (Friends And Lovers) with Eddie Rabbitt.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7AZRFzN56ut7eCHSgVtfuD

7. Together We're Heavy - The Polyphonic Spree (2004)

8. Love Songs - Heart (2006)

This is the other album I played on Valentine's Day. Live versions of the group's hits Magic Man, These Dreams, and Alone are included as well as a cover of Elton John's Love Song.

9. The Very Best Of Eve Graham & The New Seekers (Home CD)

10. Gold - Olivia Newton-John (2005)

This 2-CD set is probably the most comprehensive collection representing Olivia's career starting with If Not For You and ending with her 1998 version I Honestly Love You with Babyface.

11. Anthology - Kim Carnes (Home playlist)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO5_-b0XT9LsyDUNGRQJ0Uih

12. Duets - Linda Ronstadt (2014)

Linda's hits Don't Know Much and All My Life (with Aaron Neville) and Somewhere Out There (with James Ingram) highlight this compilation. There are also two songs, The New Partner Waltz (with Carl Jackson) and Pretty Bird (with Laurie Lewis) which I'd never heard before.

My Top Music Of The Week 2/12

1. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021) **2 weeks #1**

According to their video for The Spirit Of Radio (Rush cover), the group recorded this album in twelve hours.

2. Retrospective 2003-2021 - The Polyphonic Spree (NEW; Home playlist)

I decided to put together a career-spanning playlist for the group. It's made up of all of their singles, the full EP of Wait (2006), and all of their official videos from Afflatus.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO6FTiUkZYjMH9JNJ7rsHRVj

3. The Best Of Roberta Flack 1971-1991 (Home CD)

This is my expanded version of The Best Of Roberta Flack from 1981. I added Making Love, Tonight I Celebrate My Love (with Peabo Bryson), and Set The Night To Music (with Maxi Priest).

4. Lush Life - Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra (1984)

Linda's second album with Riddle includes the singles Skylark and When I Fall In Love.

5. Panic Of Girls - Blondie (2011)

6. Voyage - ABBA (2021)

7. Together We're Heavy - The Polyphonic Spree (2004)

8. Nursery Cryme - Genesis (1971)

This was the group's first album with Phil Collins who sings lead on For Absent Friends. It was also the first with Steve Hackett on guitar until his departure in 1977.

9. A&M Gold Series - Captain & Tennille (1986)

10. We Too Are One - Eurythmics (1989)

Don't Ask Me Why, The King And Queen Of America, Angel, and Revival were the singles from the duo's last album for ten years.

My Top Music Of The Week 2/5

 

1. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021) **1 week #1**

After coming in and stalling at #2 for five weeks, Afflatus has become my #1 album this week. This is a great album of covers and I thought it was time.

2. Archive 1967-75 - Genesis (1998)

This is a 4-CD box set chronicling the group's career with Peter Gabriel as lead singer. It's predominantly live recordings including the album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway in its entirety, though there are also demos and B-sides.

3. Best Of Berlin 1979-1988 (1988)

The group's Top 40 hits No More Words and Take My Breath Away are featured as well as the rare first single, Matter Of Time, and two bonus tracks, Blowin' Sky High and a re-recording of For All Tomorrows Lies.

4. Yes, It's True - The Polyphonic Spree (2013)

5. The Collection - Rita Coolidge (1995)

This import contains Rita's Top 10 hits (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher and We're All Alone as well as All Time High from the James Bond film Octopussy. The highlight for me is her 1971 rendition of Seven Bridges Road, later a hit for the Eagles.

6. Heart (1985)

Heart's only #1 album includes their first #1 single These Dreams as well as the Top 10 hits What About Love, Never, and Nothing At All.

7. Hello Big Man - Carly Simon (1983)

This was Carly's third (and last) album for Warner Brothers. It contains the single You Know What To Do. She explores a reggae sound with a cover of Bob Marley's Is This Love as well as the originals Such A Good Boy and Floundering.

8. Voyage - ABBA (2021)

9. Trespass - Genesis (1970)

The group's second album was their premiere foray into progressive rock. The Knife was a standard for them.

10. The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - Carpenters (2002)

11. Blondie 4(0) Ever: Greatest Hits Deluxe Redux/Ghosts Of Download (2014)

12. Keeping Our Love Warm - Captain & Tennille (1980)

This was the duo's second (and last) album for Casablanca. It includes the single This Is Not The First Time, a re-recording of Gentle Stranger, and covers of Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) and Since I Fell For You.

My Top Music Of The Week 1/29

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **12 weeks #1**

As of this week, ABBA have my second longest-running #1 since I started my list online in 2006. The 2007 issue of The Groop (first released in 1969) has been #1 longer at 24 weeks. Stay tuned.

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021)

3. Audio CD - ABBA (Fan CD set)

4. Lovely - The Primitives (1988)

This was the group's debut album which contains the singles Out Of Reach, Way Behind Me, and Crash.

5. The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - Carpenters (2002)

This 4-CD collection is an expansion of the duo's 1991 box set From The Top.

6. What A Life! - Divinyls (1985)

Divinyls' second album includes the singles Casual Encounter, In My Life, Good Die Young, Sleeping Beauty, Pleasure and Pain, and Heart Telegraph.

7. 50 Words For Snow - Kate Bush (2011)

This was the second of two albums Kate released in 2011. It's a winter-themed album with appearances by Elton John, Stephen Fry, and Kate's son Albert McIntosh.

8. All Fired Up: The Very Best Of Pat Benatar (1994)

This 2-CD set covers Pat's career up to 1993. It contains single edits she and husband Neil Giraldo would later pan on Sychronistic Wanderings: Recorded Anthlogy 1979-1999.

9. The Essential 5th Dimension (2011)

This collection is almost identical the group's 1997 release Up-Up And Away: The Definitive Collection from 1997 with substitutions made on the first disc, covering their 60's work.

10. The Beginning Stages Of The Polyphonic Spree (2003)

Since the release of Afflatus last year, I've been back-tracking through the group's catalog. This, their debut album, is great with the exception of the last track A Long Day. It's nearly 40 minutes of psychedelic chords that I personally find hard to sit through, hence the low rank.

11. Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like The Wind - Linda Ronstadt featuring Aaron Neville (1989)

This album has Aaron singing with Linda on four of its twelve tracks including the singles Don't Know Much, All My Life, and When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.

12. Testify To Love: The Very Best Of Avalon (2003)

This was the first compilation released by the Contemporary Christian group. It contains personal favorites Give It Up, Take You At Your Word, Can't Live A Day, and the title track.

My Top Music Of The Week 1/22

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **11 weeks #1**

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021)

3. Together We're Heavy - The Polyphonic Spree (2004)

4. One By One - The Free Design (2004)

This is an expanded issue of the group's 1971 album. Bonus tracks include five performances from a concert with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

5. Passionworks 2.0 - Heart (Home playlist)

My updated version of Heart's 1983 album includes re-recordings of Johnny Moon and Language Of Love from their 2016 album Beautiful Broken.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0eQvgi3LsNaLi6Pohtjcbp

6. Lionheart - Kate Bush (1978)

Kate's second album contains the singles Wow and Hammer Horror.

7. Longplay Album Volume II Remastered - Stars On 45 (1981)

8. Credo - The Human League (2011)

This is the group's last album to date. It includes the singles Night People, Sky, Never Let Me Go, and Egomaniac.

9. Blondie 4(0) Ever: Greatest Hits Deluxe Redux/Ghosts Of Download (2014)

10. Gold - Brotherhood Of Man (2019)

11. The Complete Collection - Boney M. (2000)

This 2-CD set is the most comprehensive compilation representing Boney M.'s career I've ever owned. The only downside is a poor edit of Rasputin. The album version is used but it fades early.

12. The Very Best Of Frida 1971-2021 (Home playlist)

I expanded this playlist to include ABBA's I Still Have Faith In You.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO5flA2ef0Co-aW_a6BBaAmo

13. 50 Years: Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac (2018)

This 3-CD set covers the group's career from 1967 to 2013. It contains virtually all single mixes but is so detailed that I don't mind.

14. Favourites - Peters & Lee (1974)

The duo's fourth album includes mostly new songs but carries over a few previously released singles. Its sole single from it was Closer.

My Top Music Of The Week 1/15

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **10 weeks #1**

It was announced this week that Voyage was the #1 album in Germany and Sweden for 2021.

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021)

An official video was made for the group's cover of the Rolling Stone's hit She's A Rainbow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVE8e-xbUQ8

3. Longplay Album Volume II Remastered - Stars On 45 (1981)

I was looking up the date for a Rolling Stones medley by Stars On 45 when I discovered the original LP of my #3 this week, originally titled "Stars On Long Play II Performed By Stars On 45." I found it under an alternate name and title on Spotify, The group places emphasis on the work of ABBA and the Supremes on this album. There's also a medley called "Introductions" featuring the openings of songs.

4. Yes It's True - The Polyphonic Spree (2013)

Ever since Afflatus was released, I've been going back back and playing all the other Polyphonic Spree albums. Yes It's True includes the singles What Would You Do, You Don't Know Me, Popular By Design, and Hold Yourself Up.

5. Audio CD  - ABBA (Fan CD)

This 2-CD set was put together by a fellow Yahoo group member. It's made up mostly of live recordings from bootleg discs but includes a few studio tracks.

6. The Ultimate Collection - Carpenters (2006)

The thing that sets this 3-CD collection apart from most Carpenters compilations is that it contains all original recordings rather than remixes. The third disc includes solo recordings by Karen and Richard.

7. The Divine Miss M - Bette Midler (1972)

Bette's debut album was the very first CD I ever purchased. It contains the hits Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Do You Want To Dance, Friends, and Chapel Of Love.

8. These Dreams: Heart's Greatest Hits (1997)

This CD includes the best from Heart's Capitol catalog such as Alone, All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You, and the title track.

9. I Don't Know How To Love Him/Helen Reddy - Helen Reddy (Home playlist)

I put this together on Spotify. It's Helen's first two albums from 1971 and 1972 respectively. The original recording of I Am Woman is included.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ujBYsfIr7eQC2LGmRoGoL

10. The Very Best Of The Manhattan Transfer (1994)

This compilation features the hits Boy From New York City, Operator, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone, and Spice Of Life.

My Top Music Of 2021

 

All albums #1 in 2021

1.      1969 to 1974 – Fleetwood Mac (2020)

2.      Voyage – ABBA (2021)

3.      I Still Have Faith In You/Don’t Shut Me Down – ABBA (Single, 2021)

4.      Gold – The New Seekers (2020)

5.      The Singles +  – Mouth & MacNeal (Home edit of 2007 compilation)

6.      Will You Be Staying After Sunday – The Peppermint Rainbow (Home edit of expanded 1969 album)

7.      The Best of Peters & Lee (1999 issue of 1991 album Through All The Years)

8.      Invitation – Peters & Lee (1976)

9.      Yesterday and Today – Peters & Lee (1982 LP set with duo's The Farewell Album and Unforgettable by Lennie Peters)

10.  Another Link In The Chain – Fleetwood Mac (1994 live bootleg)

11.  An Evening Of New York Songs And Stories – Suzanne Vega (2020)

12.  Women & Song – Fleetwood Mac (Home playlist of songs by Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Bekka Bramlett)

13.  The Complete Studio Recordings – ABBA (2005)

14.  Beg, Steal Or Borrow – The New Seekers (2001 compilation)

15.  Time – Fleetwood Mac (Home edit of 1995 album)

16.  Just A Notion – ABBA (Single, 2021)

17.  Big Hits – Big Mouth (Home CD's with songs by Willem Duyn of Mouth & MacNeal and Big Mouth & Little Eve plus solo)

18.  Retro Gold – Donna Summer (Home edit of The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer from 2003)

19.  Retrospective 1968-1972 – Russell Morris (1978)

20.  Singing A Song/Good Fortune – Brotherhood Of Man (2019 expanded issue of 1979 and 1980 albums)

My Top Music Of The Week 12/22

My final list of the year is early because I'll be out of town for Christmas.

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **7 weeks #1**

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (2021)

3. Saving Up Christmas - Captain & Tennille (Single, 2005)

I tend to forget I own this CD. It came with my purchase of the DVD set Ultimate Collection which contains episodes of the duo's variety show. The song was co-written by Sue Ennis who co-wrote much of Heart's songs with Ann and Nancy Wilson starting in 1978. It's about a woman who is waiting for her husband to come home from the military for the holidays.

4. Christmas Wish - Olivia Newton-John (2007)

This album is rather neat as it features instrumental interludes in between vocal songs. It includes appearances by Jon Secada, Jim Brickman, Jann Arden, Michael McDonald, Marc Jordan, and Barry Manilow. Most notable is Jann singing Silent Night with Olivia in English, French, and Spanish and Michael harmonizing with her on All Through The Night.

5. What A Wonderful Christmas - Anne Murray (2001)

6. Panic Of Girls - Blondie (2011)

Blondie's third album since their 1999 return includes the singles Mother and What I Heard. There are also a few foriegn-language tunes such as Wipe Off My Sweat (mostly in Spanish), Le Bleu (French), and Mirame (French bonus track).

7. Christmas Collection - Carpenters (1996)

8. Christmas Mix - Various Artists (Home playlist)

I put this together using Christmas songs by artists either currently or formerly in my collection

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO6A_E-dp9ARVsuK90lk1MTk

9. The Gift Of Christmas - Juice Newton (2009)

I stumbled upon this disc while spending New Year's in Nashville several years ago. A stand-out track is Shining Star on which Juice actually raps.

10. The Christmas Album - The Manhattan Transfer (1992)

Tony Bennett joins the group on The Christmas Song. There's also a cover of the Beatles' Goodnight featuring dialog by children anticipating Santa Claus.

My Top Music Of The Week 12/18

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **6 weeks #1**

2. Afflatus - The Polyphonic Spree (NEW, 2021)

I discovered this by chance on Spotify last night. It's the group's first album in seven years and a collection of covers. The highlight for me is their rendition of ABBA's The Visitors, with Barry Manilow's Could It Be Magic running a close second.

3. Gold - Kiki Dee (2019)

This 3-CD set chronicles Kiki's career from the 60's to the 90's. I'd never heard her 60's material so I jumped on it. Of course, it includes her #1 hit with Elton John, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, as well as I've Got The Music In Me.

4. Christmas Is Almost Here - Carly Simon (2002)

Carly's only Christmas album features her son Ben Taylor in areas including a duet on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and backing vocals on John Lennon's Happy Xmas (War Is Over). She teams up with Willie Nelson for Pretty Paper as well.

5. Holidaydream: Sounds Of The Holidays, Vol. One - The Polyphonic Spree (2012)

The group gives Christmas songs a psychedelic twist on this offering. Winter Wonderland and Silver Bells are rather trippy though the latter is given an upbeat reprise toward the end. Like Carly, they also recorded Happy Xmas but theirs is a bit more bombastic. Lead singer Tim DeLaughter sings with his son on White Christmas, adding a little young magic.

6. A Christmas Album - Barbra Streisand (1967)

Barbra has the oldest album on my list this week. The original LP is split nicely with secular songs on the first side and sacred on the second. Her rendition of Jingle Bells (with a ?) is a fun take on the Christmas carol. She really shows off her range with Gonoud's Ave Maria and The Lord's Prayer.

7. The Very Best Pat Benatar Album Ever (2002)

The title here is more truth than poetry. This Canadian import assembles 20 songs from Pat's career up to 1993 such as her biggest US charters Love Is A Battlefield and We Belong.

8. The Christmas Song - Roger Whittaker (1995)

I first discovered Roger's music on The Time-Life Treasury Of Christmas sets. As such, I bought this disc later on. The production on the album is sophisticated and regal with its use of synthesizers. Roger's South African accent as well as his European background singers set it all off. The highlight is an intricate arrangement of The Twelve Days Of Christmas.

9. Together We're Heavy - The Polyphonic Spree (2004)

This was the group's second album and the first I bought by them. Goldmine magazine's review describing them as a combination rock band, orchestra, and choir who wear robes piqued my interest without ever hearing them. The album contains the singles Hold Me Now and Two Thousand Places.

10. A Merry Little Christmas - Linda Ronstadt (2000)

Linda's only Christmas album is a nice combination of pop standards and classical pieces. There's a duet with Rosemary Clooney on White Christmas and a cover of Joni Mitchell's River included. Linda sings soprano lead with the Choir from Tucson on a cappella recordings like Away In A Manger and Silent Night.

11. The Christmas Of Your Life - Helen Reddy (2009)

This is a reissue of Helen's last album The Best Christmas Ever from 2000. It's predominantly secular and features a children's chorus (Sleigh Ride, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer) making it festive.

12. Reunion 6 - ABBA (Bootleg CD)

This was recorded for me by a fellow Yahoo group member. The only really good recordings on it are an expanded mix of Angeleyes and the unreleased instrumental When The Waves Roll Out To Sea. There are two megamixes than sound too choppy and jumbled and an early version of My Love, My Life with Bjorn and Agnetha talking over it making it not so appealing.

My Top Music Of The Week 12/11

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **5 weeks #1**

2. A Holiday Celebration - Peter, Paul & Mary with The New York Choral Society (1988)

This is a live album performed with a choir. It includes familiar carols as We Wish You A Merry Christmas, O Come O Come Emmanuel, and I Wonder As I Wander. Paul Stookey delivers a solo rendition of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. The album closes with the trio's hit Blowin' In The Wind.

3. Tina! - Tina Turner (2008)

This is a compilation chronicling Tina's solo career. It includes such hits as What's Love Got To Do With It, Better Be Good To Me, Private Dancer, What You Get Is What You See, The Best, and I Don't Wanna Fight. A 1993 version of Proud Mary is also present as well as Acid Queen from Tommy and two new songs, It Would Be A Crime and I'm Ready.

4. The RCA Years - Middle Of The Road (2010)

This 2-CD set is comprised of the group's three albums for RCA, Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, Acceleration, and Drive On. Six songs from the Italian version of the first album are also included such as El Condor Pasa, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, and Superstar from Jesus Christ Superstar.

5. Songs Of The Season - Jane Olivor (2001)

Jane's only Christmas album feautres an a cappella version of Little Drummer Boy, a clever medley called Christmas Potpourri (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Winter Wonderland / Breath Of Heaven / Deck The Halls / A' Soalin'), and a cover of Bob Lind's Elusive Butterfly.

6. The Very Best Of Christine McVie & Fleetwood Mac (Home CD's)

I put this 2-disc set together using songs from all of Christine's albums with Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1997. I also included two solo hits, Got A Hold On Me and Love Will Show Us How.

7. Christmas Collection - Olivia Newton-John (2010)

This compilation contains collaborations with Clint Black, Kenny Loggins, and Vince Gill. It features one non-traditional song Christmas Never Felt Like This Before.

8. What A Wonderful Christmas - Anne Murray (2001)

Highlights from this 2-disc set include a rendition of Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord popularized by Boney M., three versions of The Coventry Carol that precede different songs, and the non-traditional This Season Will Never Grow Old.

9. Good Morning Freedom: The Anthology - Blue Mink (2002)

10. Cool Yule - Bette Midler (2008)

Bette recorded a Christmas version of her hit From A Distance for this album which also includes a medley of Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland with Johnny Mathis and Mele Kalikimaka.

11. 90's Mix - Various Artists (Home playlist)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO75x2cAUu8R6KHnhZ5oFVcA

12. A Soap Opera Christmas - Various Artists (1994)

This is a charity CD recorded by actors from all the soaps airing at the time. The highlight for me is the medley of The Baby Jesus from Matthew 18-25 read by Peter Bergman (Jack-The Young & The Resless) and Ave Maria sung by Eva LaRue (Maria-All My Children).

My Top Music Of The Week 12/4

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **4 weeks #1**

2. A Lovemongers' Christmas - Heart (2001)

Ann and Nancy Wilson formed a side-band from 1992 to 1998 called The Lovemongers. Along with the Wilsons in the group were their songwriting partner Sue Ennis and Frank Cox. Originally released as Here Is Christmas in 1998, it was the second of three albums they recorded. It's predominantly made up of originals including my favorites It's Christmas Time and the title track. Frank has a lead vocal on another entitled The Last Noel. There are a few traditional songs such as O Holy Night (sung a cappella), Ave Maria (sung in English), and an instrumental version of Bring A Torch.

3. A Christmas Cornucopia - Annie Lennox (2010)

Annie's only Christmas album contains all sacred songs plus an original called Universal Child. Among my favorites are God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, See Amid The Winter's Snow, The First Noel, The Holly And The Ivy, and As Joseph Was A Walking. Several of the tracks are laden with ethnic percussion which creates a rather celebratory sound. An African children's choir is also featured.

4. A&M Gold Series - Captain & Tennille (Home playlist version of 1993 disc)

5. The World Of Peters & Lee 2.0 (NEW; Home playlist)

I mainly put this together to create something lengthy by the duo. The playlist is comprised of songs from their compilation discs The World Of Peters & Lee (1996) and Welcome Home: The Collection (2014).

6. We Owed You One - ABBA (Bootleg, 1992)

The CD title is a variation on ABBA's B-side release You Owe Me One. Highlights from this disc include Cassandra, from the group's final televsion appearance in 1982, Germany, and Opus 10, an instrumental that would have been the title track of ABBA's 1982 album had they finished it.

7. And Winter Came... - Enya (2008)

Enya's only seasonal album contains the single Trains And Winter Rains. There are a few original Christmas compositions such as Journey Of The Angels, White Is In The Winter Night, One Toy Soldier, and The Spirit Of Christmas Past. A haunting rendition of O Come O Come Emmanuel and a new version of Oiche Chiuin (Silent Night) are also included.

8. A Rita Coolidge Christmas (2012)

Rita's Christmas album is made up of mostly recognizable favorites. Those that stand out are The Little Drummer Boy and Amazing Grace, both of which are given a tribal flavor. The latter is even sung in Cherokee. She also sings Baby It's Cold Outside with her drummer Lynn Coulter.

9. Christmas Collection - Carpenters (1998)

This 2-CD set is made up of the duo's two Christmas albums, Christmas Portrait (1978) and An Old-Fashioned Christmas (1984). It includes the singles Merry Christmas Darling and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

10. The Secret Of Christmas - Captain & Tennille (2006)

This became the duo's final album. Two singles were released, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas. Daryl Dragon's keyboard work is featured on three instrumentals, Here Comes Santa Claus, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, and the ambitious Daryl Of The Bells which has Toni on minimal vocals.

My Top Music Of The Week 11/27

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **3 weeks #1**

2. A&M Gold Series - Captain & Tennille (NEW; Home playlist)

I saw the actual CD of this listed on eBay while doing a Google search. I have a Japanese import with a similar theme, A&M Digitally Remastered Best, so I opted not to buy it. Instead, I made a playlist out of it on YouTube. It's a great representation of the duo's discography up to 1978 with the exception of having only two songs from the album Dream.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQBnNTT2mO73i2sYQfKQXrlWDNj3Rtwc

3. An Irish Christmas - Moya Brennan (2013)

This is the one solo Christmas album released by the Clannad vocalist first released in 2005. It was reissued with alternate tracks in 2013. The highlight for me is a semi-instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells.

4. The Albums 1970-73 - The New Seekers (2019)

5. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This (Bootleg) - ABBA (1994)

This bootleg was printed in Italy. For all intents and purposes, it's the live album that ABBA Live (US, 1986) could have been if the mixing were better. The disc is comprised of performances from the group's concerts at Wembley Arena in London, 1979, and the Dick Cavett Meets ABBA TV special in 1981. Two songs are incorrectly listed as being included, I Have A Dream and the medley of The Name Of The Game/Eagle. Instead, Does Your Mother Know and Hole In Your Soul are in their places. I don't know how a Eurythmics song became the title, but it's all good.

6. Christmas with Boney M. (2007)

Christmas with Boney M. is an expansion of the group's album Christmas Album from 1981. The songs that were added were recorded by a revamped incarnation of the group in 1984. Two versions of the international single Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord are included. The sound is a little more new age than their trademark disco but quite nice.

7. Their Greatest Hits and Finest Performances - Carpenters (1997)

8. Spanky's Greatest Hit(s) - Spanky & Our Gang (1969)

This compilation includes the group's hits Sunday Will Never Be The Same, Lazy Day, and Like To Get To Know You. Some songs were remixed with dialogue including Sunday Morning, expanded to over six minutes with studio chatter.

9. The Woman I Am: The Definitive Collection - Helen Reddy (2006)

10. Desire Walks On - Heart (1993)

My Top Music Of The Week 11/20

1. Voyage - ABBA (2021) **2 weeks #1**

2. Spoiled Girl - Carly Simon (1985)

This was Carly's only release for Epic Records. It was also as different of an album she ever recorded. It was influenced by new wave with its abundant use of synthesizers. Singles include Tired Of Being Blonde and My New Boyfriend.

3. Kisses And Hits - Brotherhood Of Man (Fan-made disc)

4. Sixteen Days: A Collection - This Mortal Coil (Home CD)

I put this together using the project's 1993 self-titled box set sampler with 12 tracks and a CD copy of their 1983 maxi-single Sixteen Days/Gathering Dust with two versions of the former.

5. Little White Secrets - ABBA (Bootleg CD)

Among the gems used for this recording are all of ABBA's performances from Olivia Newton-John's TV special from 1978 with Andy Gibb, a rendition of Fernando written for an electronics commercial, and What A Wonderful World by Frida with Marie Frederiksson of Roxette.

6. Blondie 4(0) Ever: Greatest Hits Deluxe Redux/Ghosts Of Download (2014)

The first disc in this package contains re-recordings of 10 Blondie classics plus the single version of Maria. The second is the group's 10th studio album featuring the singles Sugar On The Side, A Rose By Any Name, and I Want To Drag You Around. There's also a cover of Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Ghosts Of Download is more dance-influenced than previous Blondie albums which was a first.

7. Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (2017)

8. 1969 To 1974 - Fleetwood Mac (2020)

This 8-CD box set contains expanded editions of the group's albums Then Play On, Kiln House, Future Games, Bare Trees, Penguin (not expanded), Mystery To Me, and Heroes Are Hard To Find. It also includes a bonus live disc recorded in 1974 with Bob Welch and Christine McVie on vocals. It was Bob's last live performance with Fleetwood Mac.

9. Together Again/Anthem - The New Seekers (2009)

These are expanded versions of the group's 1976 and 1978 albums, respectively. Singles include I Wanna Go Back, It's So Nice (To Have You Home), and Anthem (One Day In Every Week). Bonus tracks include B-side-only releases, singles released past 1978, and songs by members Marty Kristian, Paul Layton, and Kevin Finn.

10. The Best Of Tracey Ullman (2002)

11. You Broke My Heart In 17 Places - Tracey Ullman (1983)

12. The Best Of Peters & Lee (1999)

This is a re-issue of the duo's final album Through All The Years from 1991. It contains re-recordings of such hits as Welcome Home, Don't Stay Away Too Long, Rainbow, and Hey Mr. Music Man. New songs include stunning renditions of The Air That I Breathe and Endless Love.