Top of the Pops (record series)
 |
Top of the Pops | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Pop music |
| Years active | 1968–1985 |
| Labels | Hallmark |
Top of the Pops is the name of a series of records issued by Pickwick Records on their Hallmark label, which contain anonymous cover versions of recent and current hit singles. The recordings were intended to replicate the sound of the original hits as closely as possible. The albums were recorded by a studio group comprising session musicians and singers who remained unaccredited, although they included Tina Charles, Elton John and Trevor Horn before they became successful.
Creation of the series
Record producer Alan Crawford conceived the idea for Top of the Pops, having noted several UK labels such as Music for Pleasure pioneer the anonymous covers format during 1967 and 1968. Crawford's key idea was to create a continuous series of albums with the same title. The Pickwick label agreed to undertake Crawford's idea and the first volume was issued in mid-1968, containing versions of twelve hits including "Young Girl", "Jennifer Eccles", "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" and "I Can't Let Maggie Go". A second volume appeared later in the year and included versions of two Beatles songs.
In 1969 new volumes began appearing at generally regular intervals, with a new LP released every six to eight weeks. Volume numbers were not stated on the record sleeves, each edition simply called Top of the Pops, the name derived from the un-trademarked BBC television show of that name, with which there was no direct connection.
1970s
During the early 1970s, the Top of the Pops series enjoyed considerable success and buoyant sales. Budget albums were accepted into the main UK album charts for a few months in 1971, during which four Top of the Pops LPs charted, and two made No. 1. However, they were disqualified in early 1972 since their budget selling price was perceived as giving them an unfair advantage in the market.
The albums continued to be released at regular intervals throughout the 1970s, with the general theme and cover art largely unchanged throughout. The cover designs are iconic, featuring female models in period attire, some with the models in skimpy clothing such as miniskirts and bikinis.
There were numerous similar album series in existence in the 1970s, put out by other labels. These include 12 Tops on the Stereo Gold Award record label, Hot Hits on the Music for Pleasure label, 16 Chart Hits on the Contour label, and Parade of Pops on the Windmill label (and, later, the Chevron label), plus several others. Some of these were also commercially successful.
Offshoot releases
In addition to the central series of Top of the Pops, Hallmark issued an annual round-up for each year starting in 1969 and ending in 1981, plus another in 1984 (which was recorded specially, the main series having been wound up by then). Pickwick also assembled tracks from Top of the Pops for several other spin-off album projects, including collections themed by particular artists (such as Top of the Poppers Sing & Play the Beatles' Golden Hits) and a series marketed at children, under the name Top of the Tots.
The main albums also sold well in Europe, and in the early 1970s a short-lived series of special 'Europe Editions' was recorded and released, with different tracks to the contemporary UK albums.
Decline and legacy
In the late 1970s the main studio band behind the recordings was dispersed, and both the group's leader Tony Rivers and the regular producer Bruce Baxter left the fold. As a result, from about 1978, Pickwick compiled the LPs from material recorded by external companies.
The series continued to appear into 1982, when it was concluded with volume 91. However, an unsuccessful revival was attempted in 1985, with the release of Volume 92, which was the last ever.
Often derided for the fact that the recordings are not originals, the LPs continue to have a public following, helped by their perceived retro appeal. The personnel behind the series have latterly been recognised for their efforts with coverage in the media, and the end of year compilations have been released on CD in recent years, as have four of the original 92 sets. Pickwick have also issued a number of themed compilations made up from Top of the Pops recordings, with CDs such as Disco Fever and When They Was Fab appearing. In addition, most Top of the Pops albums have been released on iTunes in several countries, credited to the "Top of the Poppers".
See also
- Knowing Me, Knowing You (Top of the Poppers album)
- When They Was Fab - A Tribute to the Solo Beatles