Top of the Pops (record series)
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| Top of the Pops | |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Pop music |
| Years active | 1968–1985 |
| Label(s) | 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 hit singles.
The recordings were intended to replicate the sound of the original singles as closely as possible, and were made by uncredited session musicians and singers.
The first volume was issued in mid-1968 and contained versions of twelve current 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 the series settled into its regular pattern, with a new volume appearing every six to eight weeks. The volume numbers were not given on the 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 cover designs are iconic, featuring female models in period attire. Some have the models in skimpy clothing such as miniskirts and bikinis. The basic design remained unchanged during the series, which ran continuously until 1982. The main series consisted of 91 albums although in 1985 there was a 92nd edition released after a gap of three years.
In the early 1970s, the albums were accepted into the main album charts for a few months, during which four charted, and two made number 1. However they were soon disqualified again on the basis that their budget selling price gave them an unfair advantage. "Top of the Pops" had a number of rival album series released by other companies, most notably "Hot Hits", which Music For Pleasure issued in the early 1970s. A number of these also enjoyed success on the charts while they were eligible for listing.
In addition to the main series, Hallmark issued an annual round-up for each year starting in 1969 and ending in 1981. (They also issued a one-off "Best of 1984" prior to issue 92 emerging.) Other spin-off releases include 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".
Hallmark was owned by Pickwick Records, who on their eponymous label also released collections of tracks taken from the series for albums such as "50 Red Hot Black Music Hits".
The main albums sold well in Europe, and in the early 1970s a short-lived series of 'Europe Editions' was released with different tracks to the contemporary UK albums.
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 feat of recording upwards of 90 albums at intervals of six to eight weeks, is no mean feat and long-time producer Bruce Baxter and band leader Tony Rivers have latterly been recognised for their efforts with coverage in the media. Due to the nature of the job, 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.
