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.