Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Ruby Anniversary Song of the Week: "Evil Ways" by Santana


During my sophomore year at UB, Santana's debut was a big hit at both 482-A and 482-B Allenhurst Drive. It was a musical choice that the 10 of us could always agree upon.

"Evil Ways" was the 2nd cut from this album to be released as a single. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #71 for the week ending January 24, 1970 and charted for 13 weeks, peaking at #9. "Jingo", Santana's first single, was always -- and still is, if all's fair in the world -- a sure bet to get folks off their fannies at parties.

Other songs that debuted the same week. (Entry position, peak position, weeks on chart.)

"If I Were a Carpenter" by Johnny Cash and June Carter. (80, 36, 8)
One of 5 versions of this song to reach the Hot 100 from 1955 to 1990. The others: Bobby Darin (1966 and the most successful), the Four Tops (1968), Bob Seger (1972), and Leon Russell (1974).

"Oh What a Day" by the Dells. (82, 43, 8 "Oh, What a Night" was a much better effort.
"Oh What a Night", a R&B hit in 1956 that took 13 years to reach the Hot 100, is a much better song.

"Ma Belle Amie" by the Tee Set. (83, 5, 12)
One-hit wonder. And not a favorite of Retiring Guy. I still change the station whenever I hear this song played.

"It's Just a Matter of Time" by Sonny James. (94, 87, 4)
Reached #1 on Billboard's country chart.

"Then She's a Lover" by Roy Clark. (95, 94, 3)

"Always Something There to Remind Me" by R. B. Greaves. (97, 27, 8)
It's a fiver special this week. Greaves' uninspired version of this Burt Bacharach/Hal David song is one of 5 to reach the Hot 100 from 1955 to 1990. The others: Lou Johnson (1964), Sandie Shaw (1965), Dionne Warwick (1968), and Naked Eyes (1983, the most successful).

"Got to See If I Can't Get Mommy (to Come Back Home) by Jerry Butler. (98, 62, 5)

"Guess Who" by Ruby Winters. (99, 99, 2)

"I've Gotta Make You Love Me" by Steam." (100, 46, 7)
Na-na, hey-hey, say goodbye. This one-hit wonder quickly ran out of steam, and deservedly so, based on the evidence of this lame follow-up effort. Their claim to fame spent 2 weeks at #1 in late 1969.

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