1972 Top Thirteen

In 1972 (aged 12) music took on even more importance as I discovered boys, plastering my walls with posters of teen idols like Donny Osmond and David Cassidy.
I remember factions in the playground - you were either Osmonds or Jacksons, and through them, I discovered Soul.
In general, my favourite music took on a much more grown-up feel, heavily influenced by David Bowie and screaming rock guitars.

These are my top thirteen:
1) Python Lee Jackson – In A Broken Dream – 10-72
2) Mott The Hoople – All The Young Dudes – 08-72
3) Argent – Hold Your Head Up – 03-72
4) Nilsson – Without You – 02-72
5) America – Horse With No Name – 01-72
6) Elton John – Rocket Man – 05-72
7) Michael Jackson – Ben – 12-72
8) Peter Skellern – You're A Lady – 10-72
9) Alice Cooper – School's Out – 07-72
10) Doobie Brothers – Listen to the Music – 11-72
11) The Chi-Lites – Have You Seen Her? – 02-72
12) David Cassidy – How Can I Be Sure? – 09-72
13) Hurricane Smith - Oh Babe What Would You Say? – 05-72


And just bubbling under:
David Bowie – Starman – 08-72
The Stylistics – Betcha by Golly Wow – 02-72
The Chiffons – Sweet Talkin' Guy – 04-72
Derek and The Dominoes – Layla – 08-72
Elvis Presley – I Just Can't Help Believing – 01-72
The Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack – 11-72
Labi Siffre – Crying Laughing Loving Lying – 04-72
Family – Burlesque – 11-72
Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade Of Pale – 06-72
The Carpenters – Goodbye To Love – 10-72
Bread – Baby I'm A Want You – 02-72
Gilbert O'Sullivan – Clair – 10-72
Slade – Look Wot You Dun – 02-72


Hi to everyone who remembers tuning into radio one every Sunday teatime, we had a round-up of the charts, and a run-down of the top ten in a Radio 1 show called Pick of the Pops. Until 24 September 1972, it was presented by the fabulous Alan "Fluff" Freeman. The following week it changed as Tom Browne, with his distinctive cultured voice, took over with his new style Sunday evening Chart rundown, called 'Solid Gold Sixty' broadcast from 4pm-7pm. The show counted down the week's Top 60 best-selling singles chart with the last hour featuring the Top 20, also carried by Radio 2 Long Wave and VHF. Solid Gold Sixty ran for 18 months until March 1974 leaving Tom to present a shorter Top Twenty show on Sundays from 6pm - 7pm. Tom presented this show until March 1978 when he was replaced by Simon Bates.

I'd love to hear your Pick of the Pops memories.