Hello were strictly second-division Glam. They had the second – and last – of their hits when they got back together with Russ Ballard of Argent, who had first discovered them when they were a covers band. (more…)

I’ve got to be honest: I find Glen Campbell’s life story much more interesting than his music, which I always found bland and middle-of-the-road. (more…)

Here’s another of those songs that’s perfectly conceived and created – yet also massively irritating due to overexposure for the past 45 years. At least for me. (more…)

This song is an important piece of pop history. Emile Ford was the first black Briton to sell a millon copies of a single. Almost as historically, it topped the charts on my second birthday.

(more…)

I’d forgotten about Kenny. I kinda wish I hadn’t remembered, though the story behind them is worth telling – especially the fact that Cheggers was nearly their singer. And that Kellogg’s took offence (and legal action) at their signature style of wearing tops with a big ‘K’ for Kenny on the front. (more…)

I’d liked Cockney Rebel from the start but with this song Steve Harley achieved pop perfection. He really could have called it a day after this. (more…)

Ahh, the days when you could go on Top of the Pops wearing a sweater knitted by your nan with the name of your band on your tummy… (more…)

(more…)

Donny Osmond became the biggest pop idol for schoolgirls everywhere when he topped the charts with Puppy Love in the summer of 1972. (more…)

T. Rex brought the year to an end with Jeepster, their third big hit in just nine months – but were kept off top spot by a TV comedian. (more…)