#1 at KUPD/Phoenix: “I Honestly Love You,” a heartfelt cheater’s declaration by Olivia Newton-John, her first national U.S. #1 hit.
In this stage of its existence, “Kozmic Kupid” veered heavily into teeny-bopper territory, but still played some rockin’ hits, such as:
- “Tell Me Something Good” (#5), the influential slow funk groove by Rufus featuring Chaka Kahn, which was written by Stevie Wonder;
- “The Bitch Is Back” (#10) by Elton John, from the #3 album, Caribou;
- “I Shot The Sheriff” (#12), Eric Clapton’s cover of Bob Marley from this week’s #1 album, 461 Ocean Blvd;
- “You Haven’t Done Nothin’ ” (#14), Stevie Wonder’s angry blast at President Nixon’s (and white America’s) failure to deliver on repeated promises — from the #9 album, Fulfillingness’ First Finale;
- “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” (#22) by John Lennon featuring Elton John on backing vocals;
- “It’s Only Rock ’N Roll (But I Like It)” (#26) by the Rolling Stones, title track from their upcoming album;
- “Radar Love” (#29), the very cool classic by Holland’s Golden Earring.
Two mainstays of classic rock radio are on this chart: “Can’t Get Enough” (#16) by Bad Company, and “Sweet Home Alabama” (#20), Lynyrd Skynyrd’s answer to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” from 1970.
Of local interest: “Carefree Highway” (#25) by Gordon Lightfoot, inspired by the exit signs he saw heading north on I-17 following a Phoenix concert. [“Carefree Highway, let me slip away on you…”]
The most unusual hit this week is Frank Zappa’s ode to Nanook the Eskimo boy titled “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow” (#31). [“Watch out where the huskies go, and don’t you eat that yellow snow…”] The single was a condensed version of the album medley of Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow and Nanook Rubs It,” which KUPD also routinely played.