Hz So Good, April-May 2012

THE 5^TH ANNUAL

HzSGd

“Fighting to stay free” #163...April-May 2012

…STARTS NOW.

104 YESTERDAY'S GONE / Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 17 (2011)] r1964

We know that you know they weren’t top 10, so we figured we’d focus on their I.R.S. history in the brackets. Here’s the first of 21 from the UK and 7 by London-based acts. The duo is also the first of two artists listed to perform on Batman, which has to count for something. http://youtu.be/RVbx2sPbPZs

103 ABSOLUTELY RIGHT / Five Man Electrical Band [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 30 (2010); 2011 position: 53] r1971

This is the first of 6 that were second hits for 2-hit wonders. And it’s the first of 2 from Canadians, both from Ontario. http://youtu.be/Qxa_I_GGe8k

DEBUT! CHIRPY CHIRPY CHEEP CHEEP / Mac and Katie Kissoon [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1971

This is the first of many from 1-hit wonders, but if I give an exact number, no one would agree with it. http://youtu.be/TvVjrdAmBpE

101 MORSE CODE OF LOVE / The Capris [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 101 (2011)] r1982

The first of 5 from the 1980s, the same total as last year. 3 of those 5 are the same as last year, including this. So the 80s still get a pretty raw deal in shoulda-land. http://youtu.be/D7WdRc2duag

100 WONDERFUL SUMMER / Robin Ward [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 40 (2011)] r1963

The years 1962-1964 were big for girl-pop songs that didn’t reach the top 10, and this has become the one that’s gotten all the attention. http://youtu.be/KCRdUB_ASTc

99 CHERRY HILL PARK / Billy Joe Royal [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 45 (2011)] r1969

His “I Knew You When” was also a pleaser, at #194. http://youtu.be/4uLDD6iyxys

98 THE SUN AIN'T GONNA SHINE (Anymore) / The Walker Bros. [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 8 (2011)] r1966

I guess it ain’t: #8 last year, #98 this. That’s the fun of I.R.S. It’ll probably rebound next year, and the sun will shine once again. http://youtu.be/2eAxCVTMJ-I

RE-ENTRY BABY I NEED YOUR LOVING / The Four Tops [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 3 (2009)] r1964

One of 7 Motown tunes to make it this year (vs. 5 last). What took so long for this one to return? http://youtu.be/0HQEhuylZmg

DEBUT! MR. BLUE SKY / Electric Light Orchestra [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1977

Four years is a long time for ELO to hide away, considering all their singles to have missed the top 10. This is their first on the Top 104. http://youtu.be/98P-gu_vMRc

DEBUT! HERE COMES MY BABY / The Tremeloes [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

Not enough people went to this party, as it halted just short of the top ten at #13 in 1967. (Mike Riccio) http://youtu.be/bswxaeyQDFI

DEBUT! LIKE TO GET TO KNOW YOU / Spanky and Our Gang [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1968

Here’s their third to make the 104, following “Lazy Day” in 2008 and “Give a Damn” in 2009. The Gang’s the first of 2 acts in a row, and 4 total, from Chicago. None from the band of that name this year, though. http://youtu.be/80Y3l0_1US4

93 I WILL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU / The New Colony Six [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 68 (2011)] r1968

It’s the only 2-hit wonder both of whose hits made the 104 this year, and for the second year in a row. http://youtu.be/OJJOizORfrw

DEBUT! OUT IN THE COUNTRY / Three Dog Night [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1970

Here’s another “what took so long?” song, and the first Three Dog entry ever. Definitely something worth remembering. http://youtu.be/fZ1tF6LgB40

91 W-O-L-D / Harry Chapin [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 26 (2011)] r1974

For the second straight year, the Top 104’s the place to be for Harry. http://youtu.be/1l0fH0dRUow

DEBUT! TRAIN IN VAIN (Stand by Me) / The Clash [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1979

Just like Blondie, the group’s commercial success out-glossed this, its most pure of statements, but couldn’t come close to topping it. (Or Topper-ing it....’cuz it’s his rhythm track that really drives this train.) (R.C. Price) http://youtu.be/XYK7bEo1Z4M

DEBUT! IF SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WANTS / The Bangles [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1986

Nice to see a pair of 80s first-timers here back-to-back, including this forgotten follow-up to “Manic Monday.” http://youtu.be/U_h282zp2ag

88 IS IT TRUE / Brenda Lee [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 38 (2011)] r1964

Miss Dynamite’s biggest (only, really) post-Beatles hit, and you can hear the influence. http://youtu.be/kFAubJ2nkKA

DEBUT! LET’S CALL IT A DAY GIRL / The Razor's Edge [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1966

Forget what the song says, they did make it. Another reason I love the I.R.S. I barely remember this from summer 1966, but you pains do! http://youtu.be/517XQlVCjGg

RE-ENTRY I CAN HEAR MUSIC / The Beach Boys [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 32 (2008)] r1969

I think when this was released, everybody pretty much said, “oh, geez, just another Beach Boys song.” But 45 years later, it’s worth another spin…one of their best. (Price) http://youtu.be/Qqyx4TW4Ptw

DEBUT! VIVA LAS VEGAS / Elvis Presley [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1964

E’s third swingin’ time in the Top 104, after “Treat Me Nice” and “Way Down.” So one from each of the King’s decades. http://youtu.be/MFw5a5Bp_Pw

DEBUT! I CAN'T EXPLAIN / The Who [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1965

The band’s third to get in, following a pair of two-year placers, “My Generation” and “The Kids Are Alright.” http://youtu.be/h3h--K5928M

83 TOMORROW / Strawberry Alarm Clock [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 55 (2010); 2011 position: 94] r1968

And they said there was no tomorrow for these guys after “Incense.” http://youtu.be/IJ9jyKbsL7A

RE-ENTRY CALIFORNIA NIGHTS / Lesley Gore [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 45 (2009)] r1967

Lesley’s last attempt at another classic hit. (Robert Heiney) http://youtu.be/9OgV6o8NjcU

81 I MELT WITH YOU / Modern English [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 5 (2008); 2011 position: 65] r1983

Moving backward and likely still using all their breath. #5 once, but never second best. http://youtu.be/LuN6gs0AJls

RE-ENTRY IT'S ALL OVER NOW / The Rolling Stones [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 69 (2010)] r1964

They don’t come around here often, which is surprising with all the great Stones songs that missed the top 10, as well as all the album tracks. “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” “Tell Me” and “Gimme Shelter,” the latter of which made it in 2009, bubbled under. http://youtu.be/PtSRD9i1Vyg

DEBUT! SHE'S A RAINBOW / The Rolling Stones [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

Okay, it got played quite frequently on AOR radio. So what? Should've been a pop hit, too. Always made me want to sit down at the piano and figure out the intro every time I heard it. (John Quayle) http://youtu.be/8sZLzfm0GZU

78 EVERY DAY I HAVE TO CRY / Steve Alaimo [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 24 (2010); 2011 position: 43] r1963

Well, there’s at least one day every year he doesn’t have to cry. It’s one of 9 songs to make every I.R.S. top 104 since the beginning. http://youtu.be/3rHeMtsKdM8

RE-ENTRY LET'S PRETEND / Raspberries [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 15 (2008)] r1973

They can sleep nights knowing they made it back to the Top 104 this year. With just one top 10 hit to their credit, and only this and “Overnight Sensation” having ever been here, there’s certainly room for another Raspberry jam. http://youtu.be/vTELLAzVtxg

DEBUT! PENNY ARCADE / The Cyrkle [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

The first of the 2 Pennsylvania acts not from Philly to place this year (5 from the Keystone State made it overall, the other 3 from the COBL). Also here in 2009 with “Turn Down Day.” http://youtu.be/GzJ6fNc1c_g

DEBUT! I GOT A LINE ON YOU / Spirit [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1968

Yet another “What took it so long?” This year the pains came through – that’s the Spirit. http://youtu.be/BeQ9kw818NQ

74 NEW YORK'S A LONELY TOWN / The Trade Winds [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 20 (2010); 2011 position: 29] r1965

I always thought this was done by the Beach Boys, growing up. It was only after I got into radio that I found out who it really was. Great record! (Quayle) http://youtu.be/71RIRLL1vPw

DEBUT! ISN'T IT TIME / The Babys [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1977

It took 5 years, but it was worth the…Waite. http://youtu.be/s-c8X52Qg4o

DEBUT! PURPLE HAZE / The Jimi Hendrix Experience [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

See #75. Still a ways to go before they kiss the sky. http://youtu.be/W55Smyyzs58

DEBUT! BACK ON THE STREET AGAIN / The Sunshine Company [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

First time for Mamas and Papas wannabes also from L.A. (you know where that’s at). To find out whether the Creeque quartet made it, stay tuned (or scroll down, if you can’t wait). http://youtu.be/ZFT7Xt6li3Q

DEBUT! YOUNGER GIRL / The Critters [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1966

After Cali and New York, Jersey is third, with 8 songs by artists from the state. This is the first. http://youtu.be/mManMdcxQek

RE-ENTRY GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE / Wilmer & the Dukes [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1968

The second of the two acts that hailed from Rochester, NY, the first Steve Alaimo. First time this song makes the list since the first year, 2008. http://youtu.be/MpamsM0anrE

68 SUGAR ON SUNDAY / The Clique [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 37 (2010); 2011 position: 55] r1969

The sole act from the Lone Star state to make it this year, as it was tougher going for former Top 104-ers The Bubble Puppy and Bobby Fuller Four. http://youtu.be/h4vIRDmM_Uc

RE-ENTRY OH MY ANGEL / Bertha Tillman [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1962

Came back, alright. I wonder whether Rihanna’s ever heard this. Bertha sounds just like her. http://youtu.be/SjeXUmxLX6c

RE-ENTRY I WONDER WHAT SHE'S DOING TONIGHT / Barry and the Tamerlanes [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1963

From 1963, 13 years before they wrote the chronicles of “Nadia.” http://youtu.be/jUIdQAU6rQM

DEBUT! EARLY IN THE MORNING / Vanity Fare [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1969

Another I’m surprised didn’t get here sooner. But if you buy into their other bigger hit from 1970, they’ve got some transportation issues. http://youtu.be/9hN9YRo7y1s

DEBUT! TIMOTHY/ The Buoys [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1970

Congrats, guys. I don’t suppose you’d consider celebrating with a salad? http://youtu.be/1_e2lRusihY

63 ALL MY LOVING / The Beatles [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 53 (2009); 2011 position: 76] r1963

Given why this wasn’t top 10 here, maybe we should count them as another Canadian act. http://youtu.be/gWvurnpKjE4

DEBUT! SUNSHINE GIRL / The Parade [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

It’s yet another in the parade of artists from where it never rains, 12 from L.A. http://youtu.be/z8Pz1_2sGMA

RE-ENTRY WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / The Searchers [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1964

This year this Liverpool group tops that other one. http://youtu.be/T-t1btZdbq0

RE-ENTRY HOLD ON / The Radiants [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 58 (2009)] r1968

This fabulous song made it to #1 on WFIL in July of 68...but was a poor performer everywhere else. it didn't even chart in Chicago, the Radiants' hometown. (Kate Palmer) http://youtu.be/xAfa5Kz7T_Y

59 BADGE / Cream [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 83] r1969

They haven’t brought the curtain down on this one yet, in fact just the opposite. http://youtu.be/EeGyQIgvSV0

58 RUNAWAY / Jefferson Starship [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 28 (2011)] r1978

Not warm-ahhhhh than it was last year, but still strong for what shoulda been a runaway hit that summer of ’78. http://youtu.be/DimjLEZsM8M

RE-ENTRY EIGHT MILES HIGH / The Byrds [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 12 (2009)] r1966

They fly (or is that fli?) twice in this year’s Top 104. http://youtu.be/8bMjUU972So

56 DARLIN' / The Beach Boys [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 21 (2011)] r1967

You like them. You really like them. http://youtu.be/sJ-CHtccbGE

RE-ENTRY GOD ONLY KNOWS / The Beach Boys [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 44 (2008)] r1966

Shoulda been the A side. (John Graepel) http://youtu.be/AOMyS78o5YI

RE-ENTRY RAMBLIN' GAMBLIN' MAN / Bob Seger System [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1968

aka “Day Moves.” http://youtu.be/r2aBOTNGWMY

53 AT LAST / Etta James [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 9 (2011)] r1961

I really thought this would be huge this year, given the circumstances. But maybe posthumous overexposure worked against it. http://youtu.be/_1uunRdQ61M

52 SOUL COAXING (Ame Caline) / Raymond LeFevre and His Orchestra [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 17 (2010); 2011 position: 69] r1968

Upbeat instrumental was about as ‘exciting’ as beautiful music stations dare get on FM back then. (John Pavlica) http://youtu.be/eylxe6hIYTk

51 AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH / Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 11 (2010); 2011 position: 27] r1967

It’s the ultimate Motown duet, and in the I.R.S. world, the ultimate duet (discounting one on the way that looks like a duet but really isn’t). http://youtu.be/Xz-UvQYAmbg

RE-ENTRY THE LITTLE GIRL I ONCE KNEW / The Beach Boys [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 9 (2009)] r1965

One of their best ... Beatlesque ... thunderous beginning ... drop dead stops ... soaring harmonies ... progressing to Pet Sounds. (Phil Miglioratti) http://youtu.be/XolOuPK4PsY

49 I GOT YOU / Split Enz [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 18 (2009); 2011 position: 19] r1980

The one nobody can ever remember "who" (Bob Thomas) http://youtu.be/xv6oOxn1axw

48 I'M INTO SOMETHING GOOD / Herman's Hermits [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 67] r1964

Not just a one-night stand, its second straight year on the Top 104. http://youtu.be/yGJMZgSFsck

47 I'D WAIT A MILLION YEARS / The Grass Roots [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 17 (2011)] r1969

Bet you were wondering when they’d show up. Can they match or top last year’s 4? You won’t have to wait that long to find out. http://youtu.be/dMsnsUbG2Rc

46 WHEN THE LOVELIGHT STARTS SHINING THROUGH HIS EYES / The Supremes [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 47] r1963

IMO their best single until "Stop!..." (Graepel) http://youtu.be/Oy_sQpmu8j4 http://youtu.be/Oy_sQpmu8j4

DEBUT! THE KIND OF BOY YOU CAN'T FORGET / The Raindrops [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1963

Girl-group excess stalled this one at #17 back in ’63, but in retrospect, it’s just cool, and giddy, and has everything all the number ones had. (Price)

The kind of SONG you can't forget! Especially that drum riff! Yet it only got to #17 in 1963. (Riccio) http://youtu.be/c1lOovC2BaE

44 COME AND GET THESE MEMORIES / Martha & the Vandellas [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 17 (2009); 2011 position: 64] r1963

#4 in New York, and only #29 nationally? Humph! I always KNEW New York had its act together, and this proves it! (Riccio) http://youtu.be/BJS_Oey8PqU

43 TWELVE THIRTY (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon) / The Mamas & the Papas [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 92] r1967

Not in the top 10, but it was so pretty that it should have been. (Laura Daly) http://youtu.be/79nqYPNYFfo

RE-ENTRY I ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU / Dusty Springfield [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 10 (2008)] r1963

Maybe more like ‘may as well have been top 10,’ but great to have it back after a 4-year absence. http://youtu.be/vYbzW-6tvIM

41 SO VERY HARD TO GO / Tower of Power [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 21 (2010); 2011 position: 74] r1973

It’s Oakland’s sole entry every year. It’d break my heart if they move to San Jose too. http://youtu.be/i1OfV_QD30Q

RE-ENTRY SOCIETY'S CHILD (Baby I've Been Thinking) / Janis Ian [Years on I.R.S.: 3] r1967

After missing out for a year or two, I was beginning to think we really weren’t gonna see her anymore. First of 3 by Brooklyn acts. http://youtu.be/PfpBQe-YwLk

39 YELLOW RIVER / Christie [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 14 (2010); 2011 position: 18] r1970

Ok, maybe time for one explanation: it stayed on the pop chart for 6 months, so probably hit at various times in different markets. http://youtu.be/zGoHQ7c5I2I

38 NO MILK TODAY / Herman's Hermits [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 27 (2008); 2011 position: 103] r1966

Again this year, they score two, this the second of the 3 B-sides that shoulda this year. http://youtu.be/Reqc38YW81w

37 KEEP THE BALL ROLLIN' / Jay and the Techniques [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 51] r1967

Which is what they’ve done, apparently, making it for the second year in a row. Maybe they can roll it even higher on next year’s. http://youtu.be/YV03Ei62sJQ

36 AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS / The Formations [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 6 (2009); 2011 position: 44] r1968

Another great dance tune that made Philly's top 10 in the Spring of ‘68 but didn't quite catch on in other parts of the country. (Palmer) http://youtu.be/4Un-q9fISwE

35 WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU / The Grass Roots [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 49] r1966

Great no matter who’s singing lead. http://youtu.be/QmoXaqiUcPI

DEBUT! SUMMER RAIN / Johnny Rivers [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1967

First time here for both song and artist. Tale about love that lasted long after summer ended brought a new maturity to pop music and deserved better than its #14 peak. http://youtu.be/jfvbtbmJyoU

33 WE GOTTA GET YOU A WOMAN / Runt [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 48] r1970

Rundgren also made it with “Couldn’t I Just Tell You” in I.R.S. #1, but never with the seemingly obvious “I Saw the Light.” http://youtu.be/98zq9bsX-Sg

32 LOOK OF LOVE / Lesley Gore [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 10 (2011)] r1964

For the first time since 2009, we’ve got two from the toast of Tenafly. The same two, actually. http://youtu.be/aGcYgE3Rvis

31 JUST LIKE ME / Paul Revere and the Raiders [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 72] r1965

Is it me, or did all the PR&R songs that came after this sound tame in comparison? http://youtu.be/XitnLPapkBw

30 SOS / ABBA [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 37] r1975

For the second year in a row, how Swede it is. http://youtu.be/cvChjHcABPA

RE-ENTRY WITHOUT THE ONE YOU LOVE (Life’s Not Worthwhile) / The Four Tops [Years on I.R.S.: 3] r1964

A top 40 hit here in Philly...peaked at #31 on WIBG in late 1964 and #43 nationally. One of the best Tops tune ever, should have been a chart topper, IMO! (Palmer) http://youtu.be/SQgKlwxCiSs

28 THERE IS / The Dells [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 18 (2010); 2011 position: 80] r1968

Some sounds just transport me back to 1968 like few others---this is one. Maybe because it’s pretty much unheard in 2012….perfectly preserved as a weird artifact of another time. (Price) http://youtu.be/oLPNYokDM6E

27 MY WORLD FELL DOWN / Sagittarius [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 35] r1967

Not only a good year for the Beach Boys, but also the just-about-Beach Boys (although the Sunrays have been MIA since 2010). http://youtu.be/Qs-oGEhDP0E

26 TUESDAY AFTERNOON (Forever Afternoon) / The Moody Blues [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1967

I’m just beginning to see…what a potential I.R.S. powerhouse this is. And what a big year 1968 was for great songs that didn’t go top 10. http://youtu.be/bPLWBhNW3FM

RE-ENTRY SOLITARY MAN / Neil Diamond [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1966

Shines again, after a one-year absence. What about the other dozen-plus Neil shouldas? http://youtu.be/1ool7259xNQ

DEBUT! LAUGH, LAUGH / The Beau Brummels [Years on I.R.S.: 1] r1964

Say it with me – what took it so long? Joins the Walker Bros. in the category of British-sounding acts actually from California. http://youtu.be/5Gt--om8zZs

23 ARIEL / Dean Friedman [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 32] r1977

It’s neither here nor there, but I’ve been to that Dairy Queen a time or two. http://youtu.be/xGFW9jCFml4

22 IT'S A SHAME / The Spinners [Years on I.R.S.: 4; 2011 position: 90] r1970

Doesn’t seem that bad to me: highest position yet and second best for Motown this year. http://youtu.be/v0B1KgPZn0A

RE-ENTRY WALKING IN THE RAIN / The Ronettes [Years on I.R.S.: 2] r1964

When it rains, it pours: finished at #26 in its only other I.R.S. Top 104 showing, in 2009. http://youtu.be/tBBys5TLxCI

20 TEMPTATION EYES / The Grass Roots [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 41] r1970

Leading us into temptation for its highest ranking yet. Finish with 3 on the list, second to the another California group. http://youtu.be/5ap0cMhDNMU

19 TAXI / Harry Chapin [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 57] r1972

Just beats its 2008 #20 stop. Wonder if this was the same Sue Neil Diamond tangled with in #25? http://youtu.be/c5dwksSbD34

18 OPUS 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me) / The 4 Seasons [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 52] r1966

Never mind the taxi, the Jersey acts have taken the Parkway up to exit 18 and higher. http://youtu.be/vZlmtXYwxM8

17 SAIL ON SAILOR / The Beach Boys [Years on I.R.S.: 3; Highest position reached: 15 (2009); 2011 position: 34] r1973

It’s a record 5^th song for them on this year’s I.R.S., topping last year’s then-record 4 for the Grass Roots. http://youtu.be/RQOaLP-qPmk

16 RIVER DEEP - MOUNTAIN HIGH / Ike & Tina Turner [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 3 (2008); 2011 position: 12] r1966

Well, I can’t list this at Number Two every year, but I probably should. Next to Bruce, the most undervalued seven-inch circular piece of vinyl in the history of man. (Price) http://youtu.be/uj0wPrN_Y_4

15 IN THE STILL OF THE NITE / The Five Satins [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 4 (2009); 2011 position: 11] r1956

Once again, doo-wop just about book-ends the top 104, with the Capris at the other end. Skyliners and Dominoes bubble under. http://youtu.be/fBT3oDMCWpI

14 BIG MAN IN TOWN / The 4 Seasons [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 24] r1964

All those great hits from the boize and this only gets to #20? BIG mistake in town on this one! (Riccio) http://youtu.be/UWP-aUCanBU

13 NATHAN JONES / The Supremes [Years on I.R.S.: 3; 2011 position: 91] r1971

Best year ever for the post-Dianas. He may as well stay gone. http://youtu.be/UKU8TVXqI4o

12 PRETTY BALLERINA / The Left Banke [Years on I.R.S.: 2; Highest position reached: 5 (2011)] r1966

First of 2 classical-influenced tunes in a row, both of which first made it here last year. http://youtu.be/m-Ep5x-DETc

11 MORNING GIRL / The Neon Philharmonic [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 81] r1969

Filed only a partial return - looking for "Part II" (Keith McComb) http://youtu.be/QFOXD6G8nsc

The 2012 I.R.S. Top 10 is brought to you by

10 THINGS I'D LIKE TO SAY / The New Colony Six [Years on I.R.S.: 4; Highest position reached: 4 (2011)] r1969

Of course, it was a #1 hit in Chicago, and made it to the Top 5 on WABC. (Ralph Hahn) http://youtu.be/WTo82CBrRiA

9 PRETTY LADY / Lighthouse [Years on I.R.S.: 2; 2011 position: 42] r1973

Best finish ever for any neighbor to the north. “Pretty” impressive considering where it ended up last year. http://youtu.be/vh-IR5d5ywM

8 I'LL FEEL A WHOLE LOT BETTER / The Byrds [Years on I.R.S.: 5; 2011 position: 50] r1965

Should have been an "A" side (Bob Radil) http://youtu.be/5cuWjHoEB0Q

7 SHAME, SHAME / The Magic Lanterns [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 5 (2010); 2011 position: 16] r1968

When I hear Chuck Leonard play it on musicradio77.com, I usually play it twice. (Scott Goodfellow) http://youtu.be/o1lswqgtJ1Y

6 YOU'VE GOT TO BE LOVED / The Montanas [Years on I.R.S.: 4; 2011 position: 15] r1968

#s 7 and 6 jump from just outside into what last year was an all-American top 10. http://youtu.be/RMm76_6MfQU

5 WILL YOU BE STAYING AFTER SUNDAY / The Peppermint Rainbow [Years on I.R.S.: 4; 2011 position: 7] r1969

Third year in a row in the top 10, going from 8-7-5. I guess they will be staying. http://youtu.be/iT3Fcdx4iJA

4 BORN TO RUN / Bruce Springsteen [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 1 (2009); 2011 position: 6] r1975

Well, I can’t list this at Number One every year…that would just be monotonous. But in reality…hard to think of a four-minute 20^th century musical statement that bests it. But come on---#23? Number fricking #23? (Price) http://youtu.be/IxuThNgl3YA

3 CAN'T FIND THE TIME (to Tell You) / Orpheus [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 1 (2008); 2011 position: 2] r1968

So the former #1 slips a spot. La da da da da da da. http://youtu.be/QT-iQ_yLEX4

2 NOTHING BUT A HEARTACHE / The Flirtations [Years on I.R.S.: 5; Highest position reached: 1 (2010); 2011 position: 1] r1969

Incredible song! How come we didn’t buy it! Shame on us! (Michael Chance)

CKLW’s favorite top of the hour Power Hit. (Heiney) http://youtu.be/lHl8E55BK-o

1 MR. DIEINGLY SAD / The Critters [Years on I.R.S.: 4; 2011 position: 3] r1966

Really? Ok, I was surprised. But it has picked up steam every year (34-4-3-1), so no sad ending here. Jersey takes the prize for the second time, following the Boss’ reign in 2009. http://youtu.be/4XZt7hocUoQ

There you go, another for the books. Many thanks to:

All of you who filed I.R.S. returns this year, and those who re-posted about it on Facebook

Jim deYong at RadioLogoLand.com

Kent Kotal at ForgottenHits.com

Phil Nee at WRCO

Randy Price, producer of the 2012 I.R.S. Top 104 CD collection

Bob Radil, host of “The Friday Night 60s-70s Show” (http://www.60s70s.org)

Mike Riccio at the Oldies Message Board

Sean “Ross On Radio” Ross at Radio-Info.com

Glenn “Hits of Yesteryear” Sauter

Allan Sniffen at RewoundRadio.com

Mike Stern at Billboard Top 40 Update