Wednesday 13 December 2017

Top of the Pops - Christmas Day 1979


Since I can remember there has been two things you can guarantee that on BBC 1 Christmas Day the Queen’s message to the nation and the Commonwealth and Top of the Pops although a few times the show was not shown and that was really only a few times for one reason or another. It was still shown but on a different day.

Top of the Pops is a year-end Christmas show featuring a 'review' of the year’s biggest hits all the number ones well that’s what I thought while researching this year it would seem it was not in 1979. There were a number of number ones, which were missing from the show like The Police with Walking on the Moon and Gloria Gaynor Art Garfunkel Pink Floyd didn’t feature. I have no idea why not as if they were banned along with others, very strange.

Top of the Pops were originally broadcast weekly and when that came to an end it was thought the Christmas edition would go the same way. However, after some protest, the BBC announced the Christmas Day show was safe.

Perusing the list there were a few tunes right out of my record collection. Top of the lot would be Squeeze – Cool for Cats a fantastic track with brilliant lyrics so down to earth about everyday stuff and the video was great with the two-eye candy dancers. What can I say about Janet Kay - Silly Games but magnifico I still play it once a week if I want to chill. Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Oliver's Army and I quite liked M – Pop Muzik something I have noticed none of these were number one hits.

Boney M were number one in 1978 and although their tenure at the top run into January 1979 why not Pink Floyd who were number one in 1979 with Another Brick in the Wall. Blondie had two number ones in this edition and why not she was hot and what red bloodied male would not want their own Blondie girlfriend. She had it all and then some! With her looks, blonde hair with her sexy voice she was cool.

This special Christmas edition presented by David Jensen and Peter Powell.

Playlist: 1979 number ones

Boney M – Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord
Ian Dury & the Blockheads – Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick
Cliff Richard – We Don't Talk Anymore
Gary Numan – Cars
Anita Ward – Ring My Bell - Danced by Legs & Co

Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star
Blondie – Sunday Girl
The Bee Gees – Tragedy - Danced by Legs & Co
Blondie – Dreaming

Tubeway Army – Are 'Friends' Electric
Others
Janet Kay – Silly Games
Roxy Music – Dance Away
B.A. Robertson – Bang Bang (with Legs & Co)
M – Pop Muzik
Elvis Costello & the Attractions – Oliver's Army
Lena Martell – One Day At A Time
Squeeze – Cool For Cats

Racey – Some Girls (with Legs & Co)

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