Hello folks!

Now, as you may know, it's young Karen's (CF) birthday today (the 18th) and what better way to celebrate her day than to launch a quick quiz at you all...courtesy of me and the birthday girl herself!

The subject of this quiz is very easy! These songs were all #1 singles in either Britain or America on Karen's birthday...a few of them are actually older than Karen, but the day is what's important...

Limit off...and here's a BONUS!

One of these songs hit #1 in Britain AND America on April 18th but in different years and by different acts...which one?
Henk knew...it was 'Let It Be' - which hit US #1 on 18/4/70 by The Beatles and UK #1 on 18/4/87 by Ferry Aid


Here's the British contingent...

#1. 'You missed me, am I too late? Nah! Jump up on the cart!'
maddog ('My Old Man's A Dustman' - Lonnie Donegan)

#2. 'My road is kinda long, I just gotta get back home'
atthistime/Fuss ('Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl' - (Detroit) Spinners)

#3. 'I'm a labourer of love in my Persian gloves'
Fuss ('Hot Love' T. Rex)

#4. 'I used to think that happiness hadn't been invented'
maddog ('Congratulations' - Cliff Richard)

#5. 'I watch you when you are sleeping'
Windbreaker05 ('Eternal Flame' - Bangles)

#6. 'Muss I Denn Zum Stadele Hinaus'
Windbreaker05 ('Wooden Heart' - Elvis Presley)

#7. 'Before you decide that the time's arrived'
Henk ('Making Your Mind Up' - Bucks Fizz)

#8. 'People say believe half of what you see'
Windbreaker05 ('I Heard It Through The Grapevine' - Marvin Gaye)

#9. 'High hopes and aspirations and years above my station'
whistledog ('The One And Only' - Chesney Hawkes)

#10. 'Your perfume fills my head, the stars get red'
Windbreaker05 ('Somethin' Stupid' - Nancy & Frank Sinatra)

#11. 'Now there's only emptiness, nothing to say'
Windbreaker05 ('Knowing Me Knowing You' - ABBA)

#12. 'While colour lights up your face'
nally ('Let's Dance' - David Bowie)

#13. 'Bus driver, please look for me'
maddog ('Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree' - Tony Orlando & Dawn)

#14. 'But you keep me hanging on for one more smile'
karen ('Save Your Kisses For Me' - Brotherhood Of Man)

#15. 'You gave me love and helped me find the sun'
Fuss ('Seasons In The Sun' - Terry Jacks)


...and the American counterparts...


#16. 'Can't we stay the way we are'
Fuss/karen ('Don't Give Up On Us' - David Soul)

#17. 'Kick off your Sunday shoes'
nally ('Footloose' - Kenny Loggins)

#18. 'Then peace will guide the planets'
Ash ('Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In' - Fifth Dimension)

#19. 'She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene'
nally ('Billie Jean' - Michael Jackson)

#20. 'In my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me'
Ash ('Let It Be' - Beatles)

#21. 'I knew he must have been about 17'
Ash ('I Love Rock 'N Roll' - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)

#22. 'I thought the sun rose in your eyes'
Gaylon ('The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' - Roberta Flack

#23. 'I dream of him and me and how it's gonna be'
atthistime ('Johnny Angel' - Shelley Fabares)

#24. 'We're all a part of God's great big family'
whistledog ('We Are The World' - USA For Africa)

#25. There is something goin' down and I can feel it'
maddog ('Night Fever' - Bee Gees)

#26. 'The less I say the more my work gets done'
Fuss ('Philadelphia Freedom' - Elton John, or The Elton John Band, if you really wanna be picky!)

#27. 'I don't feel the need to give such secrets away'
whistledog ('Kiss On My List' - Daryl Hall & John Oates)

#28. 'And he always had some mighty fine wine'
Ash ('Joy To The World' - Three Dog Night)

#29. 'Trying hard to recreate what had yet to be created'
Fuss ('What A Fool Believes' - Doobie Brothers)

#30. 'You're my reason for laughin', for cryin', for livin' and for dyin''
Gaylon (('You're My) Soul And Inspiration' - Righteous Brothers)

Here we go...

17: "Footloose" | Kenny Loggins
19: "Billie Jean" | Michael Jackson
12: "Let's Dance" | David Bowie

...and that's all I know for now.

Happy Birthday to Karen! 

18 - Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In - The 5th Dimension
20 - Let it Be - The Beatles
21 - I Love Rock and Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
28 - Joy to the World - Three Dog Night

Well, happy birthday!


22. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack

Well, happy birthday!

Thank you, Gaylon!  :)

Here we go...

17: "Footloose" | Kenny Loggins
19: "Billie Jean" | Michael Jackson
12: "Let's Dance" | David Bowie

...and that's all I know for now.


That's as maybe, Jeff...but them's all correct! Well done!


Happy Birthday to Karen! 

18 - Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In - The 5th Dimension
20 - Let it Be - The Beatles
21 - I Love Rock and Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
28 - Joy to the World - Three Dog Night


Four for four, Ash! Fine stuff!


Well, happy birthday!


22. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack


And that's right too, Gaylon!

I'm certain Karen thanks you all for your good wishes!

I only recognize three ...

9 | The One and Only - Chesney Hawkes (which was written by the great Nik Kershaw)
24 | We Are the World - USA For Africa
27 | Kiss on My List - Hall and Oates

I only recognize three ...

9 | The One and Only - Chesney Hawkes (which was written by the great Nik Kershaw)
24 | We Are the World - USA For Africa
27 | Kiss on My List - Hall and Oates


Only three, Jason...my! I'm in trouble, then!  :o

Whatever...they're all correct and a bit of a shame for Nik, who could only muster a #1 from someone else singing his song!

Nice quiz! Thanks for it, y'all!

5. Eternal Flame - Bangles
6. Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley (this is my guess for the bonus question)
10. Somethin' Stupid - Nancy and Frank Sinatra (I'll start with this version since I don't know what time of year either one hit!)
11. Knowing Me, Knowing You - ABBA

Nice quiz! Thanks for it, y'all!

You're welcome Andrew, and thanks!

5. Eternal Flame - Bangles
6. Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley (this is my guess for the bonus question)
10. Somethin' Stupid - Nancy and Frank Sinatra (I'll start with this version since I don't know what time of year either one hit!)
11. Knowing Me, Knowing You - ABBA


Right, right, right and right...but sadly wrong on the bonus!

Elvis had the British #1 and Joe Dowell the US #1, but they were both from 1961 (and at different times of the year) - good guess, tho'...

Aloha Karen and good evening Paul. :)

There isn't much left for me in this quiz, I'm afraid...Andrew just snatched #5 and 6. :\'(

All I have to offer is #7: Making Your Mind Up - Bucks Fizz.


No guesses on the bonus question. :-\\

Aloha Karen and good evening Paul. :)

And good evening to you, Henk!  :)

There isn't much left for me in this quiz, I'm afraid...Andrew just snatched #5 and 6. :\'(

All I have to offer is #7: Making Your Mind Up - Bucks Fizz.


Ouch! Sorry to hear that the answers aren't coming, Henk!

(Looks like I'll be 'clueing' this quiz sooner than expected!  :o)

But every little helps and your answer is spot-on!

(Ah! The days when Eurovision songs were worth listening to!)

Hi !

Happy Birthday Karen :)  ;)

# 3 - Hot Love - T Rex

# 15 - Seasons in The Sun - Terry Jacks

# 29 - What A Fool Believes - Doobie Brothers

# 30 - Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John

The Elton one was on my Ipod on the train not more than 30 minutes ago  ;D :D

Hi !

Happy Birthday Karen :)  ;)

# 3 - Hot Love - T Rex

# 15 - Seasons in The Sun - Terry Jacks

# 29 - What A Fool Believes - Doobie Brothers

# 30 - Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John

There's all correct, Luke! Smashing!  :)

The Elton one was on my Ipod on the train not more than 30 minutes ago  ;D :D


I somehow have this mental image of you boogie-ing in the carriage, Luke!  ;)

Hi !

Happy Birthday Karen :)  ;)

Hi there, Luke...and thanks!  :)

The Elton one was on my Ipod on the train not more than 30 minutes ago  ;D :D


Isn't that a favorite of yours?  :D

# 15 - Seasons in The Sun - Terry Jacks


I can't believe I didn't recognize that one :\'(

I somehow have this mental image of you boogie-ing in the carriage, Luke!  ;)


See?  He listens to an iPod on the train...and so should you!  ;)

There's all correct, Luke! Smashing!  :)


Actually, that's not quite all correct...'Philadelphia Freedom' isn't #30...

See?  He listens to an iPod on the train...and so should you!  ;)


I shouldn't need to...

I'm 'treated' to the fine strains of thrash metal from someone else's iPod every morning!  >:(

Earplugs may be a better solution...

Actually, that's not quite all correct...'Philadelphia Freedom' isn't #30...


Oops, it's # 26  :P

That's what happens when one is at work and is hurrying to not be seen :(

There's all correct, Luke! Smashing!  :)

I somehow have this mental image of you boogie-ing in the carriage, Luke!  ;)


As it so happens, I *was* drumming along quietly with my pen as I was skipping through songs looking for parody ideas  :P  Foot was tapping as well  ;)

Hi there, Luke...and thanks!  :)

Welcome  :)

Isn't that a favorite of yours?  :D


Dunno about fave, but I don't skip past it if it comes on  :)

I shouldn't need to...

I'm 'treated' to the fine strains of thrash metal from someone else's iPod every morning!  >:(

Earplugs may be a better solution...


That's the EXACT reason WHY I listen to my own ...  :P

I can't believe I didn't recognize that one :\'(


Your Candian-ship has just been officially revoked  ;D

That's the EXACT reason WHY I listen to my own ...  :P


Smart man!  ;)

Many Happy Returns Karen :) ! (Sorry I missed this yesterday, was in bonny Scotland on business and away from my PC)

Here's my shots, all from the British contingent....

#1  is "My Old Man's A Dustman" by Lonnie Donegan (excellent :)!)
#4  is "Congratulations" by Cliff Richard
#13 is "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" by Tony Orlando & Dawn

actually I just spotted one more, not sure about this one but is

#25 "Night Fever" by the Bee Gees?

All the ones I recognised have gone.

I'll take a punt at the bonus question.  #10 Something Stupid.  Did it also chart with Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman?

Many Happy Returns Karen :) ! (Sorry I missed this yesterday, was in bonny Scotland on business and away from my PC)

Here's my shots, all from the British contingent....

#1  is "My Old Man's A Dustman" by Lonnie Donegan (excellent :)!)
#4  is "Congratulations" by Cliff Richard
#13 is "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" by Tony Orlando & Dawn

#25 "Night Fever" by the Bee Gees?

No problems on being late, Graham...for they're all correct! Well done!  :)

#14 Save All Your Kisses For Me - Brotherhood of Man

#14 Save All Your Kisses For Me - Brotherhood of Man


I was wondering when someone was gonna 'own up' to that one!  ;)

Right on that, karen...but sadly not right on the bonus...

Rob & Nicole did indeed climb to the top in a different year, but it wasn't on the 18th April...very good attempt tho'...

I was wondering when someone was gonna 'own up' to that one!  ;)



I can still do the 'dance' !

.but sadly not right on the bonus...

Rob & Nicole did indeed climb to the top in a different year, but it wasn't on the 18th April...very good attempt tho'...


Ah well it was worth a guess

One of these songs hit #1 in Britain AND America on April 18th but in different years and by different acts...which one?



Was it a number one by one artist in one year in Britain (and not a number one in America with this version) and a different artist and year in America (also not a hit in Britain)

Was it a number one by one artist in one year in Britain (and not a number one in America with this version) and a different artist and year in America (also not a hit in Britain)


Heh! You're not letting this one go, are you karen?  ;)

Here's the lowdown on it, to save confusion...

On 18th April in 'a certain year' the song hit #1 in America for an act that was certainly no one-hit-wonder (it also charted in Britain at the same time, but didn't reach #1)

And then, 17 years later on 18th April, it did top the British chart by an act that certainly was a one-hit-wonder...it didn't chart in America, as it was probably never released there...

And the lyric has already been solved!

Heh! You're not letting this one go, are you karen?  ;)




Since the quiz appeared overnight and most of the ones I know went whilst I was away from the boards I'm trying to salvage something here!

Since the quiz appeared overnight and most of the ones I know went whilst I was away from the boards I'm trying to salvage something here!


Well, I hope what I've put above helps in some way...

Many Happy Returns Karen :) ! (Sorry I missed this yesterday, was in bonny Scotland on business and away from my PC)

Thank you so much, Graham!  :)

I'll tear up the limit on this...and if there's nothing much else by the weekend, clues will be given...

(...otherwise this quiz will still be outstanding by the time of Karen's next birthday!  ;))

Heh! You're not letting this one go, are you karen?  ;)

Here's the lowdown on it, to save confusion...

On 18th April in 'a certain year' the song hit #1 in America for an act that was certainly no one-hit-wonder (it also charted in Britain at the same time, but didn't reach #1)

And then, 17 years later on 18th April, it did top the British chart by an act that certainly was a one-hit-wonder...it didn't chart in America, as it was probably never released there...

And the lyric has already been solved!


Of course! :D

It has to be Let It Be (a 1987 hit for Ferry Aid...sadly so  :\'()

Of course! :D

It has to be Let It Be (a 1987 hit for Ferry Aid...sadly so  :\'()


That's the one, Henk...

For those who are wondering, Ferry Aid was a group of 1987-style pop celebs who were strung together by Britain's Sun newspaper to record a 'Band-Aid' style tribute for the victims of the Zeebrugge ferry disaster (which claimed the nearly 200 lives when the boat capsized outside of Zeebrugge harbour just over 20 years ago...)

The song chosen was 'Let It Be' and indeed, Paul McCartney was the first of the voices on the record...

That's the one, Henk...

For those who are wondering, Ferry Aid was a group of 1987-style pop celebs who were strung together by Britain's Sun newspaper to record a 'Band-Aid' style tribute for the victims of the Zeebrugge ferry disaster (which claimed the nearly 200 lives when the boat capsized outside of Zeebrugge harbour just over 20 years ago...)

The song chosen was 'Let It Be' and indeed, Paul McCartney was the first of the voices on the record...


It got pretty close of hitting #1 over here too, you know, but it got stuck at #3.

It got pretty close of hitting #1 over here too, you know, but it got stuck at #3.


And you know? I think The Netherlands must have been the only country to have pressed the record (my copy originated from there...)

To this day, I've never seen a British pressing!  :o

And you know? I think The Netherlands must have been the only country to have pressed the record (my copy originated from there...)

To this day, I've never seen a British pressing!  :o


Mine's made in Holland too. :-\\

8. I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

8. I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye


Right you are, Andrew...I'm surprised that one was still sitting there!

His one and only British #1 that was...but what a record!

Right you are, Andrew...I'm surprised that one was still sitting there!

His one and only British #1 that was...but what a record!


What year did that one become a hit in Britain?

What year did that one become a hit in Britain?


1969 (and also again in 1986 on the strength of an advert), although it's actually older than that...

The song has been recorded four times by various Motown acts!

First up was The Miracles in 1966 (but their version wasn't released until 1968 on an album)
Then The Isley Brothers had a go (but that wasn't released)
Then Marvin was the next to try in early 1967 (and once again it remained unreleased until the following year when it was used as a filler cut on an LP)
And then Gladys Knight who had the first big hit with it later in 1967...

Motown took a lot of persuading to release Marvin's version as a single because of Gladys's success, but it paid off!

Incredible to think that his version is over 40 years old! It sounded years ahead of its time even then!

1969 (and also again in 1986 on the strength of an advert), although it's actually older than that...

The song has been recorded four times by various Motown acts!

First up was The Miracles in 1966 (but their version wasn't released until 1968 on an album)
Then The Isley Brothers had a go (but that wasn't released)
Then Marvin was the next to try in early 1967 (and once again it remained unreleased until the following year when it was used as a filler cut on an LP)
And then Gladys Knight who had the first big hit with it later in 1967...

Motown took a lot of persuading to release Marvin's version as a single because of Gladys's success, but it paid off!

Incredible to think that his version is over 40 years old! It sounded years ahead of its time even then!


Wow, that's very interesting!  :)

Wow, that's very interesting!  :)


Very handy things, informative CD sleeve notes!  ;)

Very handy things, informative CD sleeve notes!  ;)


Oh yes!  I always enjoy reading those!  :)

30. (You're My) Soul and Inspiration - the Righteous Brothers

30. (You're My) Soul and Inspiration - the Righteous Brothers


Right again, Gaylon!

That was #1 in America when Karen was born (so I'll bet she'll be happy it's been answered!)  ;)

I was going to 'clue' this over the weekend, but thanks to a quiet lunch hour, I'll do it now!

#2. 'My road is kinda long, I just gotta get back home'
Veteran soul group who either had 'Motown' or 'Detroit' placed in front of their name for British audiences to save confusion with a folk group of the same name...their sole British chart-topper was a reworking of an old song merged with a new one...



Based on the clue, I would say "The Spinners".  The only song of theirs I am familiar with is "Rubberband Man", so I will say that for the hell of it :)

#16. 'Can't we stay the way we are'
He started out singing on 'The Merv Griffin Show' as 'The Covered Man', but gained more fame later as an actor, notably in a very famous 70s cop show set in South California...although this was his only American hit of any note, he did enjoy several more hits in Britain, where he now resides...




David Soul?  The only one of his I can recall is Silver Lady

David Soul?  The only one of his I can recall is Silver Lady


There was also "Don't Give Up On Us", and that line looks suspiciously like it might fit, karen :)

There was also "Don't Give Up On Us", and that line looks suspiciously like it might fit, karen :)


I think you might be right.

Is #2

Working My Way Back To You...........Detroit Spinners

I think that it's a remake of a Four Seasons hit.

#23, I think is Johnny Angel by Shelly Fabrese(spell)

That was #1 in America when Karen was born (so I'll bet she'll be happy it's been answered!)  ;)


Indeed I am!  ;)

Based on the clue, I would say "The Spinners".  The only song of theirs I am familiar with is "Rubberband Man", so I will say that for the hell of it :)


Right with the group, but wrong with the song...


David Soul?  The only one of his I can recall is Silver Lady


Right with the artist, but wrong with the song...


There was also "Don't Give Up On Us", and that line looks suspiciously like it might fit, karen :)


There's more like it!  :)


Is #2

Working My Way Back To You...........Detroit Spinners

I think that it's a remake of a Four Seasons hit.


Well, to be really picky, atthistime, the actual title is 'Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl' (the old and new song spliced together), but that will do...


#23, I think is Johnny Angel by Shelly Fabrese(spell)


It's Shelley Fabares, but once again it's good enough for me!

And guess what, folks?

I think we're done! Well done all!  :)