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It’s a lovely week of autumnal sunshine here in Auckland in 2026, let’s hear Sadie tell us what tunes we are in for this week!

Songs of the month

• “Another Saturday Night” – Cat Stevens
• [new] “Back Home Again” – John Denver
• “Beach Baby” – First Class
• “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” – Barry White
• “Can’t Get Enough” – Bad Company
• [new] “Carefree Highway” – Gordon Lightfoot
• “Clap For The Wolfman” – Guess Who
• “Do It Baby” – Miracles
• [new] “Do It” – B.T. Express
• “Earache My Eye” – Cheech & Chong
• [new] “Everlasting Love” – Carl Carlton
• [new] “Fallin’ In Love” – “Souther Hillman Furay Band”
• “Free Man In Paris” – Joni Mitchell
• [new] “Give It To The People” – Righteous Brothers
• “Hang On In There Baby” – Johnny Bristol
• [new] “Honey Honey” – Abba
• “I Honestly Love You” – Olivia Newton-John
• “I Love My Friend” – Charlie Rich
• “I Shot The Sheriff” – Eric Clapton
• [new] “I’ve Got The Music In Me” – Kiki Dee
• “Jazzman” – Carole King
• [new] “Life Is A Rock” – Reunion
• [new] “Longfellow Serenade” – Neil Diamond
• “Love Me For A Reason” – Osmonds
• [new] “My Melody Of Love” – Bobby Vinton
• “Never My Love” – Blue Swede
• “Nothing From Nothing” – Billy Preston
• [new] “Overnight Sensation” – Raspberries
• “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
• [new] “Skin Tight” – Blue Swede
• “Skin Tight” – Ohio Players
• “Steppin’ Out” – Tony Orlando And Dawn
• “Stop And Smell The Roses” – Mac Davis
• [new] “Straight Shootin’ Woman” – Steppenwolf
• “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “The Bitch Is Back” – Elton John
• [new] “The Need To Be” – Jim Weatherly
• “Then Came You” – Dionne Warwick And The Spinners
• [new] “Tin Man” – America
• [new] “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” – John Lennon
• “Who Do You Think You Are” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• [new] “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
• “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” – Stevie Wonder
• “You Little Trustmaker” – Tymes
• “You’re Having My Baby” – Paul Anka

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

One of the most famous sporting events of the 20th century took place on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The “Rumble in the Jungle” saw Muhammad Ali attempt to reclaim his world heavyweight title against the heavily favored, undefeated champion George Foreman. The fight was a massive global television spectacle, watched by an estimated 1 billion people. Ali’s brilliant “rope-a-dope” strategy tired Foreman out, allowing Ali to win by knockout in the eighth round, cementing his legacy not just as a boxer, but as a global pop culture icon.

On Halloween 1974, Brian De Palma unleashed a bizarre, some say brilliant, rock opera that has since become a massive cult classic: Phantom of the Paradise. A satirical mashup of The Phantom of the Opera, Faust, and the modern music industry, the film featured Paul Williams as an evil record producer. While it was initially a box office failure in the US, it became a cult phenomenon and heavily influenced later projects like The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Also in October, The Rolling Stones released their 12th studio album, It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll. This record marked a major transitional milestone for the band, serving as the final album with guitarist Mick Taylor and paving the way for the arrival of Ronnie Wood. The lead single, “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It),” quickly became a definitive rock anthem, but it was the legendary promotional music video that truly captured the playful excess of the mid-70s music scene. Dressed in matching sailor uniforms inside a massive plastic tent, the band played the track as the entire space slowly filled to the brim with thousands of gallons of soap foam, nearly submerging Charlie Watts’ drum kit by the final chorus.

What’d Sadie think?

Two weeks at the top for Olivia Newton-John’s “I Honestly Love You” before “Nothing From Nothing” by Billy Preston and “Then Came You” by Dionne Warwick And The Spinners have a week of glory.

Sadie would like everyone to know, in no uncertain terms, she is SICK AND TIRED of Cat Steven’s “Another Saturday Night” – but I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that it has started the playlist the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, new to the charts  is “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” by Bachman–Turner Overdrive. Apparently it was recorded as a throw-away and not intended for their album, “We have this one song, but it’s a joke. I’m laughing at the end. I sang it on the first take. It’s sharp, it’s flat, I’m stuttering to do this thing for my brother.” On being convinced to include it on the album, they recorded a version without the iconic stutter, that luckily didn’t make it onto the record!

Loved ’em

• “Everlasting Love” – Carl Carlton
• “Tin Man” – America
• “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Liked ’em

• “Back Home Again” – John Denver
• “Carefree Highway” – Gordon Lightfoot
• “Do It” – B.T. Express
• “Honey Honey” – Abba
• “I’ve Got The Music In Me” – Kiki Dee
• “Longfellow Serenade” – Neil Diamond
• “Overnight Sensation” – Raspberries
• “Straight Shootin’ Woman” – Steppenwolf
• “The Need To Be” – Jim Weatherly
• “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” – John Lennon

Leave ’em

• “Fallin’ In Love” – “Souther Hillman Furay Band”
• “Life Is A Rock” – Reunion
• “My Melody Of Love” – Bobby Vinton
• “Skin Tight” – Blue Swede

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

Let’s just let Sadie intro this week!

Songs of the month

• “Another Saturday Night” – Cat Stevens
• “Beach Baby” – First Class
• “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” – Barry White
• [new] “Can’t Get Enough” – Bad Company
• “Clap For The Wolfman” – Guess Who
• [new] “Clap For The Wolfman” – Johnny Bristol
• [new] “Do It Baby” – Miracles
• [new] “Don’t Change Horses” – Tower Of Power
• [new] “Earache My Eye” – Cheech & Chong
• “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
• “Free Man In Paris” – Joni Mitchell
• “Hang On In There Baby” – Johnny Bristol
• “I Honestly Love You” – Olivia Newton-John
• [new] “I Love My Friend” – Charlie Rich
• “I Shot The Sheriff” – Eric Clapton
• “I’m Leaving It All Up To You” – Donny And Marie Osmond
• “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll” – Rolling Stones
• [new] “Jazzman” – Carole King
• “Let’s Put It All Together” – Stylistics
• [new] “Love Me For A Reason” – Osmonds
• [new] “Never My Love” – Blue Swede
• “Nothing From Nothing” – Billy Preston
• “Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
• “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
• “Rub It In” – Billy Crash Craddock
• “Sideshow” – Blue Magic
• [new] “Skin Tight” – Ohio Players
• [new] “Steppin’ Out” – Tony Orlando And Dawn
• [new] “Stop And Smell The Roses” – Mac Davis
• “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus
• [new] “The Bitch Is Back” – Elton John
• “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
• “Then Came You” – Dionne Warwick And The Spinners
• “Who Do You Think You Are” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• “Wild Thing” – Fancy
• “Wildwood Weed” – Jim Stafford
• “You And Me Against The World” – Helen Reddy
• “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” – Stevie Wonder
• [new] “You Little Trustmaker” – Tymes
• “You’re Having My Baby” – Paul Anka

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

On the 8th American daredevil Evel Knievel made a failed attempt to jump over the Snake River Canyon in Idaho aboard the Skycycle X-2, a steam-powered rocket. Although Knievel cleared the canyon, a premature parachute deployment caused the rocket to drift back to the launch side, landing at the bottom of the canyon near the river. Cue: Sadie wanting to watch lots of videos of this strange man jump over things.

Then on the 15th Christchurch-born bassist Gary Thain of the legendary band Uriah Heep was seriously injured during a concert at the Moody Coliseum in Dallas on September 15. While performing, Thain suffered a near-fatal electric shock from his equipment, collapsing on stage in front of thousands of fans

Also that month the NBC  drama “Little House on the Prairie”, based on the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder, began the first of 204 episodes over nine seasons, following a successful pilot that had been broadcast on March 30. It would continue until March 21, 1983.

What’d Sadie think?

A week each for Paul Anka’s “You’re Having My Baby”, Eric Clapton’s “I Shot The Sheriff”, Bad Company’s “Can’t Get Enough” and Andy Kim’s “Rock Me Gently” at the top of the charts for September.

Loved ’em

• “Can’t Get Enough” – Bad Company
• “The Bitch Is Back” – Elton John

No Sadie didn’t notice the expletives in the Elton John this week!

Liked ’em

• “Do It Baby” – Miracles
• “Don’t Change Horses” – Tower Of Power
• “I Love My Friend” – Charlie Rich
• “Jazzman” – Carole King
• “Love Me For A Reason” – Osmonds
• “Never My Love” – Blue Swede
• “Skin Tight” – Ohio Players
• “Stop And Smell The Roses” – Mac Davis
• “You Little Trustmaker” – Tymes

Leave ’em

• “Earache My Eye” – Cheech & Chong
• “Steppin’ Out” – Tony Orlando And Dawn

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

It’s still 46 years before Sadie is born, in our journey through musical history, so let’s hear from August, 1974 sounded like…

Songs of the month

• “Annie’s Song” – John Denver
• [new] “Another Saturday Night” – Cat Stevens
• [new] “Beach Baby” – First Class
• “Call On Me” – Chicago
• [new] “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” – Barry White
• [new] “Clap For The Wolfman” – Guess Who
• “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – Elton John
• “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
• [new] “Free Man In Paris” – Joni Mitchell
• [new] “Hang On In There Baby” – Johnny Bristol
• [new] “I Honestly Love You” – Olivia Newton-John
• [new] “I Shot The Sheriff” – Eric Clapton
• [new] “I’m Leaving It All Up To You” – Donny & Marie Osmond
• “If You Talk In Your Sleep” – Elvis Presley
• [new] “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll” – Rolling Stones
• “Keep On Smilin’” – Wet Willie
• [new] “Let’s Put It All Together” – Stylistics
• “Machine Gun” – Commodores
• [new] “My Thang” – James Brown
• [new] “Nothing From Nothing” – Billy Preston
• “On And On” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
• “One Hell Of A Woman” – Mac Davis
• “Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
• “Radar Love” – Golden Earring
• “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” – Steely Dan
• “Rock And Roll Heaven” – Righteous Brothers
• “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
• “Rock The Boat” – Hues Corporation
• “Rock Your Baby” – George Mccrae
• [new] “Rub It In” – Billy Crash Craddock
• “Shinin’ On” – Grand Funk
• “Sideshow” – Blue Magic
• “Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here” – Three Dog Night
• [new] “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Takin’ Care Of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
• “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus
• “The Air That I Breathe” – Hollies
• “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
• [new] “Then Came You” – Dionne Warwick And The Spinners
• “Waterloo” – Abba
• [new] “Who Do You Think You Are” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• [new] “Wild Thing” – Fancy
• “Wildwood Weed” – Jim Stafford
• [new] “You And Me Against The World” – Helen Reddy
• [new] “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” – Stevie Wonder
• [new] “You’re Having My Baby” – Paul Anka

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

While primarily a political event, the resignation of Richard Nixon was arguably the biggest “must-watch” television moment of the 1970s in the USA. On the evening of August 8, an estimated 110 million people tuned in to watch Nixon become the first U.S. President to resign. This televised exit didn’t just end a presidency; it solidified a era of deep skepticism and cynicism that would permeate 70s pop culture, from the gritty “New Hollywood” films to the rebellious spirit of the emerging punk and rock scenes.

On August 16, four guys from Forest Hills, Queens—Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy—stepped onto the small, dingy stage of a Bowery club called CBGB for their first public performance. The Ramones unleashed a short, fast, and loud set that stripped rock and roll back to its three-chord essentials. This performance is widely considered the “ground zero” of American punk rock. It provided the blueprint for a movement that would prioritize energy and attitude over technical perfection, forever changing the trajectory of music and youth fashion.

In late August, a low-budget independent film premiered in Austin, Texas, that would  rewrite the rules of horror. Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre introduced the world to Leatherface and a visceral, documentary-style terror that felt disturbingly real. Despite being banned in several countries and facing censorship for its perceived violence, the film was a massive box-office success. It paved the way for the “slasher” genre and remains a benchmark for how to build unbearable tension with minimal resources—a landmark in independent cinema.

What’d Sadie think?

It’s a month at the top for “Annie’s Song” by John Denver then “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace before  Paul Anka’s new track, “You’re Having My Baby” takes the top for two weeks.

Loved ’em

• “Another Saturday Night” – Cat Stevens
• “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” – Barry White
• “Free Man In Paris” – Joni Mitchell
• “Hang On In There Baby” – Johnny Bristol
• “I Shot The Sheriff” – Eric Clapton
• “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll” – Rolling Stones
• “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Wild Thing” – Fancy
• “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” – Stevie Wonder

Liked ’em

• “Beach Baby” – First Class
• “I Honestly Love You” – Olivia Newton-John
• “I’m Leaving It All Up To You” – Donny & Marie Osmond
• “Let’s Put It All Together” – Stylistics
• “My Thang” – James Brown
• “Nothing From Nothing” – Billy Preston
• “Rub It In” – Billy Crash Craddock
• “Then Came You” – Dionne Warwick And The Spinners
• “Who Do You Think You Are” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• “You And Me Against The World” – Helen Reddy

Leave ’em

• “Clap For The Wolfman” – Guess Who
• “You’re Having My Baby” – Paul Anka

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

A chill long weekend, with some lovely autumnal sun, in Auckland of 2026 so we’re a day behind this week as we trip back to July of 1974…

Songs of the month

• “Annie’s Song” – John Denver
• “Band On The Run” – Paul Mccartney And Wings
• “Be Thankful For What You Got” – William Devaughn
• “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• [new] “Call On Me” – Chicago
• [new] “Come Monday” – Jimmy Buffett
• “Dancing Machine” – Jackson Five
• [new] “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – Elton John
• [new] “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
• [new] “Finally Got Myself Together” – Impressions
• [new] “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” – Lamont Dozier
• “For The Love Of Money” – O’jays
• “Haven’t Got Time For The Pain” – Carly Simon
• “Hollywood Swinging” – Kool And The Gang
• [new] “I Finally Got Myself Together” – Impressions
• “I’m Coming Home” – Spinners
• [new] “If You Love Me” – Olivia Nerwton-John
• “If You Love Me” – Olivia Newton-John
• [new] “If You Talk In Your Sleep” – Elvis Presley
• “If You Wanna Get To Heaven” – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
• [new] “Keep On Smilin’” – Wet Willie
• [new] “Machine Gun” – Commodores
• “Midnight At The Oasis” – Maria Muldaur
• “On And On” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
• “One Hell Of A Woman” – Mac Davis
• [new] “Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
• “Radar Love” – Golden Earring
• “Rikki Don’t Lose My Number” – Steely Dan
• [new] “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” – Steely Dan
• “Rock And Roll Heaven” – Righteous Brothers
• [new] “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
• “Rock The Boat” – Hues Corporation
• “Rock Your Baby” – George Mccrae
• [new] “Shinin’ On” – Grand Funk
• “Sideshow” – Blue Magic
• “Sundown” – Gordon Lightfoot
• [new] “Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here” – Three Dog Night
• [new] “Takin’ Care Of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
• [new] “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus
• “The Air That I Breathe” – Hollies
• “The Entertainer” – Marvin Hamlisch
• [new] “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
• “The Streak” – Ray Stevens
• [new] “This Heart” – Gene Redding
• “Waterloo” – Abba
• [new] “Wildwood Weed” – Jim Stafford
• “You Make Me Feel Brand New” – Stylistics
• “You Won’t See Me” – Anne Murray

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

On July 24, 1974, the cinematic world was shaken by the release of “Death Wish”, starring Charles Bronson. Reflecting the real-world anxieties about rising crime rates and urban decay in the 1970s, the film told the story of a mild-mannered architect who becomes a self-appointed vigilante after a brutal attack on his family. It was a polarising hit that sparked intense national debate about justice and violence, but it fundamentally changed the action genre, turning Bronson into a massive international superstar and launching a multi-decade franchise.

The music world suffered a shocking loss on July 29 when Cass Elliot, the powerhouse voice of The Mamas & the Papas, passed away in London at the age of 32. She had just finished a series of sold-out solo shows at the London Palladium, proving she was at the peak of her solo career. While a persistent urban legend falsely claimed she choked on a sandwich, her passing was actually a tragic heart attack. Her death marked the symbolic end of the 1960s folk-pop era she helped create, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most distinctive and beloved voices in music history.

The same month Eric Clapton released his “comeback” album, “461 Ocean Boulevard”, featuring a cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” While Marley was already a legend in Jamaica, it was Clapton’s version – climbing the charts throughout this month – that effectively acted as a “Trojan Horse” for reggae in the West. By taking the track to #1, Clapton didn’t just revive his own career; he fundamentally shifted the sound of the mid-70s, opening the door for reggae rhythms to influence everything from The Police to Blondie as we will (eventually) come to hear.

What’d Sadie think?

“Rock The Boat” by Hues Corporation has the top spot before “Rock Your Baby” by George Mccrae takes it for two, alas it is not “Rock Me Gently” to continue the theme, but John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” that rounds out the month.

Loved ’em

• “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – Elton John
• “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
• “Takin’ Care Of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Liked ’em

• “Call On Me” – Chicago
• “Come Monday” – Jimmy Buffett
• “If You Talk In Your Sleep” – Elvis Presley
• “Keep On Smilin’” – Wet Willie
• “Machine Gun” – Commodores
• “Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
• “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” – Steely Dan
• “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
• “Shinin’ On” – Grand Funk
• “Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here” – Three Dog Night
• “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus
• “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
• “This Heart” – Gene Redding

Leave ’em

• “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” – Lamont Dozier
• “Wildwood Weed” – Jim Stafford

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

We’re half-way through 1974 already, nearing on having listened to a quarter century of hits in this project! What more will we hear before we get there? Let’s see what June has to offer…

Songs of the month

• [new] “Annie’s Song” – John Denver
• “Band On The Run” – Paul Mccartney And Wings
• “Be Thankful For What You Got” – William Devaughn
• “Bennie And The Jets” – Elton John
• “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
• “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• “Come And Get Your Love” – Redbone
• [new] “Dancing Machine” – Jackson Five
• “Don’t You Worry ’bout A Thing” – Stevie Wonder
• “For The Love Of Money” – O’jays
• [new] “Haven’t Got Time For The Pain” – Carly Simon
• “Help Me” – Joni Mitchell
• “Hollywood Swinging” – Kool And The Gang
• “I Won’t Last A Day Without You” – Carpenters
• [new] “I’m Coming Home” – Spinners
• “I’m In Love” – Aretha Franklin
• [new] “I’ve Been Searchin’ So Long” – Chicago
• “If You Love Me” – Olivia Newton-John
• [new] “If You Wanna Get To Heaven” – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
• “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” – Main Ingredient
• “Midnight At The Oasis” – Maria Muldaur
• “My Girl Bill” – Jim Stafford
• “Oh Very Young” – Cat Stevens
• [new] “On And On” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
• [new] “One Hell Of A Woman” – Mac Davis
• [new] “Radar Love” – Golden Earring
• [new] “Rikki Don’t Lose My Number” – Steely Dan
• [new] “Rock And Roll Heaven” – Righteous Brothers
• [new] “Rock The Boat” – Hues Corporation
• [new] “Rock Your Baby” – George Mccrae
• [new] “Save The Last Dance For Me” – Defranco Family
• “Searchin’ So Long” – Chicago
• [new] “Sideshow” – Blue Magic
• [new] “Son Of Sagittarius” – Eddie Kendricks
• “Sundown” – Gordon Lightfoot
• [new] “The Air That I Breathe” – Hollies
• “The Entertainer” – Marvin Hamlisch
• “The Locomotion” – Grand Funk
• “The Show Must Go On” – Three Dog Night
• “The Streak” – Ray Stevens
• [new] “Train Of Thought” – Cher
• “TSOP” – MFSB
• “Tubular Bells” – Mike Oldfield
• [new] “Waterloo” – Abba
• “You Make Me Feel Brand New” – Stylistics
• [new] “You Won’t See Me” – Anne Murray

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

This month Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” Reaches #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Written as a farewell to her longtime musical partner Porter Wagoner, the song remains one of the most successful and enduring ballads in music history. It famously caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who wanted to cover it, but Dolly turned him down because his manager demanded half the publishing rights—a savvy business move that preserved her legacy and paved the way for Whitney Houston’s record-breaking 1992 version.

The 10th FIFA World Cup began in West Germany on June 14, 1974, marking a revolutionary shift in the world’s most popular sport. This tournament introduced the world to “Total Football,” a fluid tactical system popularized by the Netherlands and their star Johan Cruyff. It was also the first World Cup to feature the current FIFA World Cup Trophy, as the previous Jules Rimet Trophy had been permanently awarded to Brazil in 1970. The tournament’s blend of high-stakes drama and tactical innovation captivated a global television audience and defined the sporting summer of ’74.

On June 20, 1974, Roman Polanski’s neo-noir masterpiece Chinatown premiered in the United States. Starring Jack Nicholson as private investigator J.J. Gittes and Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Mulwray, the film revitalized the hardboiled detective genre with its cynical, complex screenplay by Robert Towne. Chinatown is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, known for its haunting Jerry Goldsmith score and its exploration of power, corruption, and drought in 1930s Los Angeles—themes that felt particularly resonant during the political disillusionment of the mid-70s.

What’d Sadie think?

It’s a week for “The Streak” by Ray Stevens, “Band On The Run” by Paul Mccartney And Wings, two for “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” by Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods before  Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown” rounds out a varied month of number ones.

Loved ’em

• “Dancing Machine” – Jackson Five
• “I’m Coming Home” – Spinners
• “Rock The Boat” – Hues Corporation
• “The Air That I Breathe” – Hollies
• “Waterloo” – Abba

Liked ’em

• “Annie’s Song” – John Denver
• “Haven’t Got Time For The Pain” – Carly Simon
• “I’ve Been Searchin’ So Long” – Chicago
• “If You Wanna Get To Heaven” – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
• “Radar Love” – Golden Earring
• “Rikki Don’t Lose My Number” – Steely Dan
• “Rock And Roll Heaven” – Righteous Brothers
• “Rock Your Baby” – George Mccrae
• “Sideshow” – Blue Magic
• “Son Of Sagittarius” – Eddie Kendricks
• “Train Of Thought” – Cher
• “You Won’t See Me” – Anne Murray

Leave ’em

• “On And On” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
• “One Hell Of A Woman” – Mac Davis
• “Save The Last Dance For Me” – Defranco Family

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

We’ve slipped into a Tuesday release this week so we’ll dive straight into the tunes of May, 1974…

Songs of the month

• [new] “Band On The Run” – Paul Mccartney And Wings
• [new] “Be Thankful For What You Got” – William Devaughn
• “Bennie And The Jets” – Elton John
• [new] “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
• “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
• [new] “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
• “Come And Get Your Love” – Redbone
• “Dancing Machine” – Jackson 5
• [new] “Don’t You Worry ’bout A Thing” – Stevie Wonder
• [new] “For The Love Of Money” – O’jays
• “Help Me” – Joni Mitchell
• [new] “Hollywood Swinging” – Kool And The Gang
• “Hooked On A Feeling” – Blue Swede
• [new] “I Won’t Last A Day Without You” – Carpenters
• “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song” – Jim Croce
• [new] “I’m In Love” – Aretha Franklin
• [new] “If You Love Me” – Olivia Newton-John
• “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” – Main Ingredient
• “Keep On Singing” – Helen Reddy
• “Let It Ride” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
• “Lookin’ For A Love” – Bobby Womack
• “Midnight At The Oasis” – Maria Muldaur
• [new] “Mighty Mighty” – “Earth Wind And Fire”
• [new] “My Girl Bill” – Jim Stafford
• “My Mistake” – Diana Ross And Marvin Gaye
• “Oh My My” – Ringo Starr
• “Oh Very Young” – Cat Stevens
• [new] “Searchin’ So Long” – Chicago
• “Seasons In The Sun” – Terry Jacks
• [new] “Sundown” – Gordon Lightfoot
• “Sunshine On My Shoulders” – John Denver
• “The Entertainer” – Marvin Hamlisch
• “The Locomotion” – Grand Funk
• “The Lord’s Prayer” – Sister Janet Mead
• [new] “The Payback” – James Brown
• “The Show Must Go On” – Three Dog Night
• “The Streak” – Ray Stevens
• “TSOP” – MFSB
• “Tubular Bells” – Mike Oldfield
• “You Make Me Feel Brand New” – Stylistics

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

On May 24, David Bowie officially shifted from the cosmic glam of Ziggy Stardust to the grit of a post-apocalyptic dystopia with the release of Diamond Dogs. Inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, the album introduced a “half-man, half-dog” hybrid on its controversial cover and featured the massive anthem “Rebel Rebel.” This release was a theatrical turning point, moving Bowie into a darker, more soul-influenced art-rock sound that would define his “Diamond Dogs Tour” later that year.

The same day Bowie released his new vision for rock, the music world lost one of its original architects. Duke Ellington passed away at the age of 75, marking the symbolic end of the “Big Band” jazz era. His funeral at New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine was a massive cultural event, attended by over 12,000 people and featuring tributes from jazz royalty like Ella Fitzgerald.

On the 17th the premiere of the documentary That’s Entertainment! ignited a massive 1974 craze for the “Golden Age” of MGM musicals. Featuring stars like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor introducing classic clips, the film was a surprise box-office smash. It single-handedly legitimized the “nostalgia market,” proving that even in the midst of the 70s counterculture, audiences were hungry for the glamour and escapism of the past.

What’d Sadie think?

Two weeks at the top for “The Locomotion” by Grand Funk and then for Ray Stevens with “The Streak”.

Loved ’em

• “Be Thankful For What You Got” – William Devaughn
• “Don’t You Worry ’bout A Thing” – Stevie Wonder
• “Searchin’ So Long” – Chicago
• “Sundown” – Gordon Lightfoot

Liked ’em

• “Band On The Run” – Paul Mccartney And Wings
• “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
• “For The Love Of Money” – O’jays
• “Hollywood Swinging” – Kool And The Gang
• “I Won’t Last A Day Without You” – Carpenters
• “I’m In Love” – Aretha Franklin
• “If You Love Me” – Olivia Newton-John
• “Mighty Mighty” – “Earth Wind And Fire”
• “My Girl Bill” – Jim Stafford
• “The Payback” – James Brown

Leave ’em

• “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.