(1974 Albums) Various Artists – The House That Track Built

I believe I bought this Track Records budget compilation from Woolworths’ music department in Eastleigh.
In terms of a budget compilation it certainly had a LOT going for it. Here’s the track listing….
• The Who – Magic Bus
• Jimi Hendrix Experience – All along the Watchtower
• The Sandpebbles – Love Power
• The Who – Young Man [...]

(1974 Albums) Mott the Hoople – The Hoople

1974 was quite the year for Mott the Hoople.
Flush from the band’s single success in 1972 with the Bowie-penned “All the Young Dudes“, Mott had already enjoyed follow-up hits with songs like “Honaloochie Boogie” and “All the Way from Memphis“.
(Not before Mott had turned down another offered song from Bowie though… a certain little ditty entitled “Drive-In Saturday“)
Late [...]

January 7th 1974

“Berfday. Got lamp, pygamas, £2 from Mormor – bought Stranded – Roxy – Smart!”
So the wild and crazy out-of-control teenager turns 16 and celebrates with … erm… some pyjamas (mis-spelled), a lamp (a lamp??) and a couple of quid from his Danish grandmother.
However, it seems like I made up for it a little later in the [...]

January 31st 1973

Pete lent me In Search of Space” / “Dun another Martin silly tape” / “Had an ‘aircut” / “Got Pictures at an Exhibition back from Dave”
There it is again – a reference to “a silly tape” for Martin. Whoever the hell Martin was. There’s obviously something ‘artistic’ going on, but nothing so memorable to….well, allow [...]

Number Ones of 1972 (Part 5)

…[continued from Part 4]
You know when you write about a year in these terms – all the number ones – you wonder whether it gives a realistic representation of the music everyone listened to.
In terms of sheer public popularity I guess it does, but in my own personal world I feel there were many different songs [...]

Number Ones of 1972 (Part 2)

… [continued from Part 1]
When the UK had ’suffered’ enough Chicory Tip at Number One, it then propelled a peculiar love song to the top of the charts. 
“Without You” was written and originally recorded by Badfinger, a band from Wales who were (somewhat inexplicably IMHO) signed to The Beatles‘ Apple Records. 
The song was heard by John Lennon’s pal Harry Nilsson – who [...]

Number Ones of 1972 (Part 1)

In this ”debut diary year” of 1972 I have spoken a lot about the albums I either bought, borrowed and/or taped.
It would be fair for readers to think these albums would represent what I would have listened to the most in 1972.
Fair, but wrong.
Every Sunday, almost without fail, I would avidly listen to the “Pick of the Pops” show [...]

December 2nd 1972

“City 1 Ipswich 1″ / “Sold records – Beatles + Grandad – 50p”
Our newsagent used to have a display board in its front window where local residents – for 2 or 3 pence a week, or something silly – could post hand-written cards advertising things for sale.
Indeed, the very same newsagent continues to offer the service. The last [...]