Redartz: Hello folks, and welcome to another retro road trip courtesy of your humble hosts at BitBA. Today's destination is January, 1975- prime Bronze age territory, to be certain. As we open our day, the papers are full of talk about the economic recession and increasing unemployment. President Gerald Ford and his new Vice President Nelson Rockefeller have to deal with all that, all we have to worry about is the pop cultural scene. And it's pretty solid, starting with the pop music charts. Topping the US Billboard charts: Elton John, "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"
What a great cover version. I love that treatment, and I'm apparently not alone: it's at number one for a second week. By the way, John Lennon helps out on this cut, with some backing vocals and guitar work (credited on the 45 as "Dr. Winston O'Boogie"). Speaking of 45's, I went out and bought this one immediately after hearing it for the first time on Casey Kasem's American Top 40.
Rounding out the top five:
2. Barry White, "You're the First, the Last, My Everything"
3. Paul McCartney and Wings, "Junior's Farm / Sally G"
4. Neil Sedaka, "Laughter in the Rain"
5. Barry Manilow, "Mandy"
There are loads of cool tunes out there right now! Among my personal favorites are Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good": so good I recorded it on my cassette deck last night. Then there's John Lennon,"#9 Dream": almost eerie, kind of dreamlike, but a great listen. I also love the new cut from Doobie Brothers, "Black Water": about as catchy a pop song as you can devise. Wouldn't doubt that song hits the top. And speaking of the top...
Tops in the UK: Mud, "Lonely This Christmas"
I could talk about today's pop music all day, but hey, there's other acres to plow. What about the tube tonight?
US Television Schedule:
ABC: That's My Mama, ABC Wednesday Movie of the Week, Get Christie Love!
Of those offerings, I've only seen Christie Love; and that only a couple times. Teresa Graves is sharp; I remember seeing her on "Laugh In".
CBS: Tony Orlando and Dawn, Cannon, The Manhunter
Now there's a show I'll usually tune in: Tony Orlando and Dawn. Usually a sucker for variety shows, and their music is pleasing to these ears. Orlando, along with Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, deliver the tunes each week, along with some decent laughs. My Mom loves this show too...
Tony Orlando and Dawn
NBC: Little House on the Prairie, Lucas Tanner, Petrocelli
After "Dawn", I usually switch over to catch David Hartman in Lucas Tanner. Hartman plays the eponymous high school teacher, and exudes an appealing friendliness and personality. He could host a talk show some day...
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| David Hartman as Lucas Tanner |
BBC1: The Wednesday Film: The Big Job, Barlow, 'Till Death Do Us Part, Andre Previn's Music Night, Midweek
BBC2: Test Cricket from Australia, Newsday, Top Crown, Worldwide, Skating 75, Playhouse, In Vision
Lest we forget, it's Wednesday, new comics day in our town! It's off to the newsstand to see what's on the spinner racks:
It's now almost a year since I started collecting comics, and I'm hooked more than ever. Most of these books are on my list. But especially that Fantastic Four issue; Rich Buckler is doing some terrific things channeling Kirby with his artwork. And this issue features the second part of the Silver Surfer's return!
That Avengers issue is another must buy; this current storyline with Mantis and Kang is one for the ages. Aaand, I'm picking up those new Atlas comics here and there. Oh, and the Giant Size Marvels- those are highly anticipated each week. What a great time to be a comics fan! Most everyone else at Junior High have no idea what they're missing. As a matter of fact, it's a great time to be a middle schooler...
Well, that about covers the highlights of our day today. What about you? Which songs, shows and comics will you be talking about to your friends? Share your favorite fads and finds from '75, and keep a lookout for the next return of the Retro Metro!
