FI#2 Presents... Where Did it Chart?

[Frightened Inmate #2]

Good evening, OPers. Well, you're old pal FI#2 went to a local used book sale recently, and came away with a book that I've long wanted to own - The Billboard Top 40 Hits book (6th edition) - cost me a buck. Best dollar I've ever spent, until I hit the lottery.

Anyway, my main objective was to help me compile my neverending project of hit songs from the 1980-85 era. But I thought I might be able to provide some info that you guys wanted to know.

For example: Europe's "The Final Countdown" peaked at #8 on Feb. 21, 1987, and was in the Top 40 for 9 weeks.

I can also throw in a trivia question for you to answer. True or False - "The Final Countdown" is Europe's biggest hit.

The answer ... Well, I'll tell you later. Please feel free to take a guess.

So if you have a chart question (pre-1996 - this is an older version of the book), post it here, and when I'm home I'll see if I can find the answer for you.

One more trivia question for you: Who has had a bigger hit on the US charts: Elvis Costello or Ernie from Sesame Street?

[vcalzone]

Hell, I'll bet on that one. Elvis Costello's biggest hit was either Everyday I Write The Book or Veronica, and it didn't even pop the top 20. My money's on Elmo.

[Frightened Inmate #2]

I thought you'd bite on that one, vcal.

Veronica did actually crack the top 20, making it all the way up to 19. (I was living in England at that time, where Elvis has better luck cracking the top 10. It was cool.) "Book" was EC's only other US Top 40. Hard to believe, really.

However, you are correct, in that Ernie from Sesame Street beat him, going all the way to #16 with "Rubber Duckie" back in 1970. He makes bath time so much fun.

Anyone care to take a crack at the Europe question.

[LickMyLovePump]

I'd say false. They were probably a proper band before they released that song. I'm sure they sold alot of records in, ahhh, Europe.

[Frightened Inmate #2]

I'd say false. They were probably a proper band before they released that song. I'm sure they sold alot of records in, ahhh, Europe.

You are correct! The Europe song "Carrie" peaked at #3 a few months after "The Final Countdown."

[LickMyLovePump]

How many top-10 hits has David Bowie had?

[Frightened Inmate #2]

How many top-10 hits has David Bowie had?

Bowie has 13 top 40 hits in the US, and 6 Top 10 hits: Fame, Golden Years, Let's Dance, China Girl, Blue Jean and Dancing in the Street (w/Mick Jaggar) are the top 10s.

[Blueberry Head]

wow, under pressure, ziggy stardust OR rebel rebel didn't make the top 10?

[Frightened Inmate #2]

wow, under pressure, ziggy stardust OR rebel rebel didn't make the top 10?

Under Pressure hit #29, and the other two weren't top 40.

Space Oddity hit #15 & Young Americans #28.

His two #1s are Fame and Let's Dance.

Trivia question. Queen vs. David Bowie ... who has more US top 40 hits ... or do they have the same number?

[Cherith_Cutestory]

I'm gonna guess and say they had the same number.

How many hits did Peter Gabriel have?

[ett]

Ooh, did an artist ever have two hits in the top 5 at once?

And are there amy major hits for Bryan Adams with titles longer than three words?

[Frightened Inmate #2]

I'm gonna guess and say they had the same number.

Technically, Queen has 14, and Bowie has 13. however, that's only if you count the second charting of Bohemian Rhapsody in 1992 as a separate top 40 single. Otherwise, yes, they are tied.

How many hits did Peter Gabriel have?

Hard to believe, but he's only had five: Shock the Monkey (29), Sledgehammer (1), In Your Eyes (26), Big Time (8 ) and Steam (32).

Really, that's just unfair. He has about 100 songs worth Top 40 status. Maybe they all peaked at 41.

Ooh, did an artist ever have two hits in the top 5 at once?

Yes, off the top of my head I know the Beatles, Bee Gees and Donna Summer (Hot Stuff/Bad Girls) all pulled off that feat. This book isn't very good at showing that, though, since it only shows highest chart position of a single. I think the Beatles actually had 3 or for in the Top 5 back in 1964. There may be more bands.

And are there amy major hits for Bryan Adams with titles longer than three words?

Believe it or not, he has 10 longer than 3 words, and 10 shorter than three words, through 1995.

Bryan Adams, 20 top 40 singles, Peter Gabriel 5. What's wrong with this picture?

[ett]

Um... I'm going to take a wild guess and say Bryan Adams. People love us Canadians, even when our songs are only meh. (See: Nickelback at its best.)

[Touchlamp]

how long have you had that avatar and where does it chart on all time best avatars??

[I ate all your bees]

Since the Dawn Of Time, and it charts at no 1.

Because it can't be just me who forgets that's Tobias and happily lives under the illusion that FI #2 actually looks like that.