Top of the Pops (record series)

This article is about Pickwick's original Top of the Pops album series. For albums associated with the unrelated BBC TV show of the same name, see Top of the Pops.

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 unacreditted.

The first volume was issued in mid-1968 and contained 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 with which there was no direct connection.

The albums continued to be released at regular intervals throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, and the general theme and cover art remained 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. The main series consisted of 91 albums released between 1968 and 1982, plus an additional edition from 1985.

In the early 1970s, the albums were accepted into the main UK album charts for a few months, during which four 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.

There were numerous similar album series in existence in the late 1960s and 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.

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 especially, 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.

In the late 1970s the main studio band behind the recordings was dispersed, and 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.

Often derided for the fact that the recordings are not originals, the LPs have a following of their own, celebrated for their retro appeal. Artistically, the recording of a run of albums at intervals of six to eight weeks, over a period of several years, is no mean feat and the personnel behind the series have been recognised for their efforts with coverage in the media. They recorded versions of many hits with widely ranging styles, including "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Pretty Vacant", "Wuthering Heights" and countless others including Wombles songs and synthesiser instrumentals.

The end of year compilations have been released on CD in recent years, as have four of the original 92 sets and a number of themed compilations such as "Disco Fever". Also, most Top of the Pops albums have been released on iTunes in several countries, credited to the Top of the Poppers.

See also