Super Hits of The 70s: Have A Nice Day, Vol. 19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLLsjlKWohU

"still the one," but "lonely boy" is a significant jam

Probably "Lonely Boy" but whenever I hear "Couldn't Get It Right" I think, wow, who sang that!??!?

"Still the One" was used in commercials promoting ABC's new fall schedule in '76 or '77. I associated the song so closely with the commercial that I remember being surprised to learn it was a regular single before ABC made use of it

Yes, that was weird, although I went in the other direction and knew the hit first and was surprised when they used it.

These comps are generally good for one "man, I totally forgot about that one" song, in this case "Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang." I think it really sums up the "Have A Nice Day" sunny 70s pop vibe.

Not voting for it though, two or three others are fighting for the lead.

Geez, "Lonely Boy" really grabbed me as a kid. It's just so bleak! And a little unprovoked, I mean, you have a sister and you split, really?

"Wham Bam" goes into a different category for me, songs that ring no bells whatsoever even though they were presumably big hits therefore I must've heard them somehow somewhere, but they just didn't stick. Lotsa them in these threads, proving how weird memory is.

This is the only volume I ever bought (on cassette). I was pleased when the liner notes actually began with "We salute you for your bravery". This is the real shit, man. And indeed, I really dislike the first side (Orleans through Soul), especially the turgid Torn Between Two Lovers and the overwrought Stand Tall...and I *like* Burton Cummings. Still, there was one gem on Side 1: I Like Dreamin', which is like a Just My Imagination that doesn't realize how creepy it is...and therefore even creepier.

Side 2 though, I absolutely love. Couldn't Get It Right is a great groove and has some memorable lyrics (New York City took me with the tide/And I nearly died of hospitality). I used to hate the 10cc on the radio but repeated play revealed how well-crafted it is. Undercover Angel is a hoot. It's one thing to sing about a nocturnal emission, but then the last verse has the singer actually using said wet dream to entice a woman into bed! And the Rocky Theme genuinely gets me pumped up.

But my vote goes to the reason I bought the tape. I love everything about Lonely Boy. The guitar/piano interplay. The sarcastic way he sings We must attend to her needs/She's so much younger than you. How the song turns having a sibling into a life-shattering tragedy, with the final verse portending an unending cycle of shattered illusions. Also put to good (and appropriately over-literal) use in Boogie Nights.

I like "Lonely Boy" in Boogie Nights (which I've now mentioned three or four times on these threads, I think; Boogie Nights is like one gargantuan tribute to the junky second half of the decade, the Ronco era, and it salvages some of these songs in ways they probably don't deserve). "The Things We Do for Love" is the only other song here I don't actively dislike (with a couple I don't know).

Same here for me. Between Lonely Boy and the 10cc. I guess it's Gouldman and Stewart for the win. As it's the one of the two i like with no stipulations/reservations. Andrew Gold RIP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLKUPJWMNOA

there are a few versions of this, but none are a patch on orleans's peppy but convincing rendition imho

Seem to recall that Orleans were big enough that they would play undercover shows in Upstate New York under the name Snearlo.

Sorry, must have been spelled Snaerlo

Sorry--on the road yesterday, so a day late with this.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/cryptosicko/playlist/67pyH9M1Vtv2OZZRAb9DHx?si=1uZjzNUFQFObCrunoX7jFQ

(all here, but I'm suspicious of Mary MacGregor and Alan O'Day)

gjoon1 OTM. The only thing to add is that "Lonely Boy" is all-time "Oh, there's the one" misdirection.

Automatic thread bump. This poll is closing tomorrow.

Automatic thread bump. This poll's results are now in.

I didnt immed place that climax blues band song, and when i refreshed i kept thinking it sounds like a transitional bee gees song. Good. so i refreshed on 10cc, and...i’d stick with 10cc.