Now Yearbook 1974

 

After an excursion into the 90's, we return with this fantastic series of year based compilations right back in the decade I enjoyed as a young child and to where music formed a backdrop to much of that life which we played and discussed.

1974 remains a strong memory with me for the sheer chaos of the adult world as things spired out of control with terrorist bombings, often bitter industrial strife as the economy moved towards tanking.

That played out in shortages and comics going up in price.

Music as a ten year old was something you took a good deal of interest in, listening on Radio One to new chart hits, following stories in the newspapers about your idols, watching them on Crackerjack, Supersonic or Top Of The Pops so this 82 track four cd set with notes on every song is just fantastic for reliving the sounds of that time.

1974 had variety from soul coming from Motown, Philadelphia International and other labels notitably including Sad Sweet Dreamer, the first philly inspired British soul number 1 and the marvellous When Will I See You Again by the Three Degrees.

If like me that was your bag you probably had Motown Chartbusters 9 that year which was a great compilation of soul and funk.

Glam rock was all around is from Slade, Arrows, Suzi Quatro in all her leatherness joined in leatherness by Alvin Stardust, Mud with the great Tiger Feet and heartfelt Lonely This Christmas.

The Rubettes added a Doo Wop twist to it, crossing over with Rock And Roll revival in the form of Showaddywaddy and Queen for period looked as they'd be in too.

Sadly there is no Glitter Band who had three hit singles nor as with 1973 nor any Gary Glitter who was very much a part of 1974 whatever we rightly feel regarding him today.

Pop included to this bloggers delight the Bay City Rollers who, having just crept into the top 30 in November 1973 managed four top ten hits including Shang-A-Lang, Sweet Dreams cover of Honey Honey although there is no Abba, Elton John, Terry Jacks with Seasons in the Sun and Lulu with The Man Who Sold The World plus Pilot with Magic.

Rock included Ace, Wings with two hits from the great Band On The Run album,Cozy Powell's brilliant drum track Dance With The Devil and Sparks.

Country was held up with Charlie Rich which I did like.

Come June the fifth the now legendary Extras volume came in its low rent flip out tri fold card cover and the discs are best lined to avoid scratches.

Still we have Peters and Lee, an often forgotten couple, the unforgettable Remember You're A Womble, a couple more Bay City Rollers hits and a great serving of excellent soul music that I loved at the time.

It was a great year, this is a great compilation, just a pity we've no Osmonds otherwise it would be perfect.