Top of the Pops (record series)
Encyclopedia
Top of the Pops is the name of a series of records issued by Pickwick Records
on their Hallmark label
, which contain anonymous cover versions of recent and current hit singles. The recordings were intended to replicate the sound of the original hits as closely as possible. The albums were recorded by a studio group comprising session musicians and singers who remained unaccredited, although they included Tina Charles and Elton John
before they became successful.
pioneer the anonymous covers format during 1967 and 1968. Crawford's key idea was to create a continuous series of albums with the same title. The Pickwick label agreed to undertake Crawford's idea and the first volume was issued in mid-1968, containing versions of twelve hits including "Young Girl
", "Jennifer Eccles
", "Do You Know The Way To San Jose
" and "I Can't Let Maggie Go". A second volume appeared later in the year and included versions of two Beatles songs.
In 1969 new volumes began appearing at generally regular intervals, with a new LP released every six to eight weeks. Volume numbers were not stated on the record sleeves, each edition simply called "Top of the Pops", the name derived from the un-trademarked BBC television show
with which there was no direct connection.
The albums continued to be released at regular intervals throughout the 1970s, with the general theme and cover art largely unchanged throughout. The cover designs are iconic, featuring female models in period attire, some with the models in skimpy clothing such as miniskirts and bikinis.
There were numerous similar album series in existence in the 1970s, put out by other labels. These include 12 Tops on the Stereo Gold Award record label, Hot Hits on the Music for Pleasure label, 16 Chart Hits on the Contour label, and Parade of Pops on the Windmill label (and, later, the Chevron label), plus several others. Some of these were also commercially successful.
The main albums also sold well in Europe, and in the early 1970s a short-lived series of special 'Europe Editions' was recorded and released, with different tracks to the contemporary UK albums.
and the regular producer Bruce Baxter left the fold. As a result, from about 1978, Pickwick compiled the LPs from material recorded by external companies.
The series continued to appear into 1982, when it was concluded with volume 91. However, an unsuccessful revival was attempted in 1985, with the release of Volume 92, which was the last ever.
Often derided for the fact that the recordings are not originals, the LPs continue to have a public following, helped by their perceived retro appeal. The personnel behind the series have latterly been recognised for their efforts with coverage in the media, and the end of year compilations have been released on CD in recent years, as have four of the original 92 sets. Pickwick have also issued a number of themed compilations made up from Top of the Pops recordings, with CDs such as Disco Fever and When They Was Fab appearing. In addition, most Top of the Pops albums have been released on iTunes
in several countries, credited to the "Top of the Poppers".
Pickwick Records
Pickwick Records was an American record label and distributor known for its budget album releases of sound-alike recordings, bargain bin reissues and repackagings under the brands Design, Bravo , Hurrah, Grand Prix, and children's records on the Cricket and Happy Time labels.The label is also...
on their Hallmark label
Hallmark Records
Hallmark Records is a British record label. It was founded in the 1960s and recently revived. The revived company has since become a major publisher of budget CDs in the UK, issuing both public domain and copyrighted material. The company has also re-issued some of its albums from the 1960s and...
, which contain anonymous cover versions of recent and current hit singles. The recordings were intended to replicate the sound of the original hits as closely as possible. The albums were recorded by a studio group comprising session musicians and singers who remained unaccredited, although they included Tina Charles and Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
before they became successful.
Creation of the series
Record producer Alan Crawford conceived the idea for Top of the Pops, having noted several UK labels such as Music for PleasureMusic for Pleasure (record label)
Music for Pleasure was a record label that issued budget-priced albums of popular and classical music, although the latter were marketed under the Classics for Pleasure name...
pioneer the anonymous covers format during 1967 and 1968. Crawford's key idea was to create a continuous series of albums with the same title. The Pickwick label agreed to undertake Crawford's idea and the first volume was issued in mid-1968, containing versions of twelve hits including "Young Girl
Young Girl
Young Girl may refer to:*Young Girl *Young Girl in Profile in Renaissance Dress*The Young Girls Turn 25*Young Girl, Old Soul*Young Girl In Love...
", "Jennifer Eccles
Jennifer Eccles
"Jennifer Eccles" is a 1968 single by The Hollies. It was released with the B-side "Open Up Your Eyes" on the Parlophone label, Catalogue number R5680. The song reached #7 on the UK singles chart in March 1968...
", "Do You Know The Way To San Jose
Do You Know the Way to San Jose
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" is a popular song written for Dionne Warwick by Burt Bacharach and Hal David . Introduced on the 1968 RIAA Certified Gold album Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" was issued as the follow-up single to the double-sided hit "...
" and "I Can't Let Maggie Go". A second volume appeared later in the year and included versions of two Beatles songs.
In 1969 new volumes began appearing at generally regular intervals, with a new LP released every six to eight weeks. Volume numbers were not stated on the record sleeves, each edition simply called "Top of the Pops", the name derived from the un-trademarked BBC television show
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
with which there was no direct connection.
1970s
During the early 1970s, the Top of the Pops series enjoyed considerable success and buoyant sales. Budget albums were accepted into the main UK album charts for a few months in 1971, during which four Top of the Pops LPs charted, and two made No. 1. However, they were disqualified in early 1972 since their budget selling price was perceived as giving them an unfair advantage in the market.The albums continued to be released at regular intervals throughout the 1970s, with the general theme and cover art largely unchanged throughout. The cover designs are iconic, featuring female models in period attire, some with the models in skimpy clothing such as miniskirts and bikinis.
There were numerous similar album series in existence in the 1970s, put out by other labels. These include 12 Tops on the Stereo Gold Award record label, Hot Hits on the Music for Pleasure label, 16 Chart Hits on the Contour label, and Parade of Pops on the Windmill label (and, later, the Chevron label), plus several others. Some of these were also commercially successful.
Offshoot releases
In addition to the central series of Top of the Pops, Hallmark issued an annual round-up for each year starting in 1969 and ending in 1981, plus another in 1984 (which was recorded specially, the main series having been wound up by then). Pickwick also assembled tracks from Top of the Pops for several other spin-off album projects, including collections themed by particular artists (such as "Top of the Poppers Sing & Play The Beatles' Golden Hits") and a series marketed at children, under the name "Top of the Tots".The main albums also sold well in Europe, and in the early 1970s a short-lived series of special 'Europe Editions' was recorded and released, with different tracks to the contemporary UK albums.
Decline and legacy
In the late 1970s the main studio band behind the recordings was dispersed, and both the group's leader Tony RiversTony Rivers
Tony Rivers is an English singer, best known for singing with the groups Tony Rivers and the Castaways and Harmony Grass. He also sang on albums by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Roger Daltrey, Shakin' Stevens and Cliff Richard.Rivers went to Raine's Foundation School in Bethnal Green...
and the regular producer Bruce Baxter left the fold. As a result, from about 1978, Pickwick compiled the LPs from material recorded by external companies.
The series continued to appear into 1982, when it was concluded with volume 91. However, an unsuccessful revival was attempted in 1985, with the release of Volume 92, which was the last ever.
Often derided for the fact that the recordings are not originals, the LPs continue to have a public following, helped by their perceived retro appeal. The personnel behind the series have latterly been recognised for their efforts with coverage in the media, and the end of year compilations have been released on CD in recent years, as have four of the original 92 sets. Pickwick have also issued a number of themed compilations made up from Top of the Pops recordings, with CDs such as Disco Fever and When They Was Fab appearing. In addition, most Top of the Pops albums have been released on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
in several countries, credited to the "Top of the Poppers".
See also
- Top of the Pops, Volume 18Top of the Pops, Volume 18Top of the Pops, Volume 18 is an album released in 1971 of the Top of the Pops album series. This album reached No. 1 on the UK album charts, much to the shock of the British music press. The album consisted of sound-alike covers of popular hits of the day, and is now widely regarded as a "Classic"...
- Top of the Pops, Volume 20Top of the Pops, Volume 20Top of the Pops, Volume 20 is an album released in 1971. This album was at No. 1 on the UK album charts for three weeks. The album consisted of covers of popular hits of the day, and is now regarded as "Classic" by collectors. Just a few weeks later, the rules for compilation of the British charts...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '69The Best of Top of the Pops '69The Best of Top of the Pops '69 is a 1969 compilation album released by British session musicians Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. This was the first "Best-Of" compilation released by the Top of the Poppers featuring tracks taken...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '70The Best of Top of the Pops '70The Best of Top of the Pops '70 is a 1970 album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes. Today many consider the album to be...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '71The Best of Top of the Pops '71The Best of Top of the Pops '71 is a 1971 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes. Today many consider the album...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '72The Best of Top of the Pops '72The Best of Top of the Pops '72 is a 1972 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '73The Best of Top of the Pops '73The Best of Top of the Pops '73 is a 1973 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold quite well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '74The Best of Top of the Pops '74The Best Of Top Of The Pops '74 is a 1974 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes. Today some reviewers have...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '75The Best of Top of the Pops '75The Best of Top of the Pops '75 is a 1975 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite extremely negative reviews at the time, The album sold quite well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '76The Best of Top of the Pops '76The Best Of Top Of The Pops '76 is a 1976 album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '77The Best of Top of the Pops '77The Best of Top of the Pops '77 is a 1977 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold quite well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '78The Best of Top of the Pops '78The Best Of Top Of The Pops '78 is a 1978 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '79The Best of Top of the Pops '79The Best Of Top Of The Pops '79 is a 1979 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Despite negative reviews, the album sold well, and was recently re-released on CD and iTunes. Today many reviewers have...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '80The Best of Top of the Pops '80The Best of Top of the Pops '80 is a 1980 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. While many earlier Top of the Poppers albums had sold well, by the time The Best Of Top Of The Pops '80 was released, sales...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '81The Best of Top of the Pops '81The Best of Top of the Pops '81 is a 1981 compilation album released by the Top of the Poppers, who were well-known for their cover-versions of popular songs during the 1970s. Poor sales meant that the Top of the Poppers series would fold soon after this release, remaining dormant until 1984...
- The Best of Top of the Pops '84The Best of Top of the Pops '84Best of Top of the Pops '84 is a popular music album recorded by unaccredited session musicians and singers, and released by Pickwick International on the Hallmark label....
- Knowing Me, Knowing You (Top of the Poppers album)Knowing Me, Knowing You (Top of the Poppers album)Knowing Me, Knowing You is a 2002 compilation album of ABBA cover versions. Although not noted on the album itself, the album consists of tracks recorded for Top of the Pops record series back in the 1970s and 1980s...
- When They Was Fab - A Tribute to the Solo BeatlesWhen They Was Fab - A Tribute to the Solo BeatlesWhen They Was Fab – A Tribute to the Solo Beatles is a 2002 compilation of Solo Beatles covers recorded for the Top of the Pops record series . The covers were recorded during the 1970s and early 1980s, and the album was released on Hallmark Records...