For the third weekend in a row, here are the questions and answers from the BBC Radio 2 mid-morning quiz Pop Master for the week just ended. There are 10 rounds of 10 questions, for the five days up to Friday 17 April 2020.
On the radio, each Bonus Question features a brief clip from a hit song. In most cases you need to hear the clip to get the answer, but sometimes there is enough information in the clue to help you. In some cases below, in transcribing the Bonus Questions, I have included hints to make up for the fact that you can’t hear the musical clip.
Of course, reading the questions here is no substitute for hearing them read out by Ken Bruce. This link will take you to the episodes of his show available on the BBC Sounds App, going back for the last 31 days. Pop Master begins around 60 minutes into each show.
Questions and answers from previous weeks:
The Questions
Monday 13 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: First and Lasts [Not American Number Ones]
The song Sailing reached #1 in 1975 for which singer?
Where did Randy Crawford spend a rainy night according to her 1981 hit single?
BONUS: Way back in 1960 this American group achieved the first of many UK hits with this; who are they? [The musical clip includes the lyrics: Dance with me / oh hold me closer / closer and closer / much closer while the music plays]
In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Flowers in the Window Travis, A New Day Has Come Celine Dion, Fly By II Blue?
The songs Something Changed and Help the Aged were Top 10 singles in the 90s for which group?
BONUS: You’ll easily recognize Procul Harum from this, their debut [Whiter Shade of Pale], but can you name their final Top 20 chart entry from 1975?
The songs Bedsitter and Torch were both Top 5 hits in the early 80s for which duo?
What type of Behaviour did Bjork sing about on her 1993 debut solo hit?
BONUS: In 1997 this artist achieved his first solo hit and a #1 with this; who is he? [The chorus goes: Here come the Men in Black / Galaxy Defenders]
If Not You is the title of a 1976 hit for which American group?
Round 2 Bonus Questions: American Number Ones [Not Set Me Free]
What’s the title of the single by Vanilla Ice that spent 4 weeks at #1 in 1990?
Driving in My Car reached the top 5 in 1982 for which group?
BONUS: Here’s an American #1 from 1975 that failed to make the British charts; identify the performer [The lyrics; You’re no good / You’re no good / You’re no good / Baby you’re no good]
In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Ma-Ma-Ma-Belle ELO, Remember You’re a Womble The Wombles, 7 Seas of Rye Queen?
The American singer Robbie Neville had his biggest UK hit in the early months of 1987 with which song?
BONUS: Here’s part of a verse from the last big hit of the 1980s for this British artist; name the artist and the song [Lyrics include: She calls out to the man in the street / He can see she’s been crying]
But I Do Love You is the title of a 2002 hit for which American singer?
Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion had a Top 10 single in 1992 with which duet?
BONUS: With 16 weeks at the top of the charts you’re going to hear a record with the longest stay at #1 in America during the 90s; name the female singer [The lyrics include: I know eventually we’ll be together / One sweet day] (Mariah Carey)
Who had an instrumental hit in 1976 called Honky Tonk Train Blues?
3 in 10: Neil Diamond
Tuesday 14 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: Pop Royalty [Not 20th Century Hits]
What type of cat did Elton John sing about on his 1972 hit single? {Honky Cat)
Sign your name was a Top 3 single in the late 1980s for which singer?
BONUS: Please name the group that reached #2 in 1985 with this [The lyrics include: That’s what my heart yearns for now / Love and Pride]
Champion of the world is the title of a recent song by which group?
In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Some Girls Racey, Cool for Cats Squeeze, Bright Eyes Art Garfunkel?
BONUS: Please name this 1965 Top 10 hit recorded by Gene Pitney [The lyrics include: There’s a girl who lives down the track / In a little shack made of timber wood / And her clothes are all hand-me-downs]
Who did Manfred Mann consider as mighty according to their #1 in the late 60s?
Which band sang about Coffee + TV on their 1999 hit single?
BONUS: which American group made their UK debut with this single in 1974? [The lyrics include: She’s the Queen of Clubs]
Ultravox made their chart debut in 1980 with which song?
Round 2 Bonus Questions: Give me a Ring [Not 20th Century Hits]
Let’s Dance was the title of both a #1 single and album in 1983 for which superstar?
Complete the title of this 1972 chart debut for Roberta Flack: The first time ever
BONUS: Here’s a 1961 Top 20 called Ring of Fire, name the guitar player under whose name this was released [Hint: There’s a very distinctive twanging guitar sound on this one]
In these arms is the title of the recent song by which singer-songwriter?
Joe Jackson played piano on a Suzanne Vega single that reached the top 40 in 1986; what’s that called?
BONUS: Give me the full title of this 2008 Top 10 hit by Beyoncé after hearing part of verse [The lyrics include: If you like it then you should have put a ring on it]
Which 1977 single by the Stranglers mentions Trotsky, Lenin and Sancho Panza in its lyrics?
In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Black Velvet Alannah Myles, The Power Snap, Vogue Madonna?
BONUS: Please identify this Jamaican singer from this hit of his from the 1970s hit [The lyrics include: Life is a 3-ring circus / All of the ups and downs of the carousel / That I know so well]
The songs Only when I lose myself in 1998 and Dream on in 2001 were the last hit of the 20th century and the first hit of the 21st century for which band?
3 in 10: Moby
Wednesday 15 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: Trick or Treat [Not 90s hits]
What words are missing from the title of this 1973 hit for Stevie Wonder You are the (something) of my (something)?
Lovefool is the title of a 1996 Top 40 single and then a Top 3 from 1997 for which Swedish group?
BONUS: Here’s the title track from a 1976 Top 10 album called A Trick of the Tail; identify the group
Featuring a guest appearance from Jay-Z, which song spent 10 weeks at #1 in 2007 for Rihanna?
Which singer and multi-instrumentalist was Hyperactive according to his hit in 1984 and 1994?
BONUS: From 1961 here’s the first of a string of hits for this female performer; can you identify her? [The lyrics include: Don’t mother me / that makes me wild / And please don’t treat me / Like a Child]
In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Deeper Shade of Blue Steps, A song for the Lovers Richard Ashcroft, Fill me in Craig David
Which #1 by T Rex was covered by the group Power Station for a Top 40 hit in 1985?
BONUS: Most of this singer’s biggest hits have been in collaboration with other acts, but in 2004 she reached #2 with this solo release; can you name her? [The lyrics include: No I won’t let you trick me twice]
Before his solo success in the early 70s, Junior Campbell was best known as a member of which group?
Round 2 Bonus Questions: 90s Hits [Not The Classical Connection]
What type of Chameleon did Culture Club sing about on their 1983 #1?
Over the course of his career which Canadian singer-songwriter has had hit albums called After the Gold Rush, Harvest and Harvest Moon?
BONUS: Here is one of two Top 10 hits in the 90s for The Farm [Groovy Train], please name the other one
What Top 10 song for the Muppets in 1977 was sung by Kermit’s nephew Robin?
Under what name did Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson record their 1996 hit singles Anything, 24/7 and I Need You?
BONUS: Here is one of three Top 20 hits in the 1990s for Chris Rea; please name one of the others [The lyrics include: Julia, which way will you go]
The band ABC made its debut in 1981 with which song?
The song Where the poor boys dance was a hit in 2000 for which singer?
BONUS: This is a Top 10 hit from 1973 by Wings; name the group that took this song back into the Top 10 in the 90s [The lyrics include the song’s title: Live and Let Die]
In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? She’s so Modern Boomtown Rats, Take me I’m Yours Squeeze, Let’s all chant Michael Zager Band
3 in 10: Janet Jackson
Thursday 16 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: Once at One [Not Real Names]
The album 25 in the year 2015 was the most recent of Adele’s three #1 albums; name either of the other two
The songs The Secrets That You Keep, Moonshine Sally, L-L-Lucy were all Top 10 hits in 1975 for which group?
BONUS: Please identify this group from their only #1 hit [The lyrics include: Don’t turn around / because you might see me crying]
The American singer Christopher Cross had just one Top 40 hit in the UK, it was a song that featured in a 1981 film starring Dudley Moore; what is the song?
The songs Big Mistake in 1998, Wrong Impression 2002, Glorious 2007 have all been hits for which Australian singer?
BONUS: This is part of a verse from the only #1 achieved by Carl Douglas; please give the title [The lyrics include: There were funky Chinamen / From Funky Chinatown / They were chopping men up / They were chopping them down]
Magic is the title of the 1974 debut chart hit for which band?
In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen at #3, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World by Prince at #2, Everything Changes Take That at #1?
BONUS: In 1970 this singer topped the charts with this, her first hit, then failed to reach the Top 20 again; can you name her? [The lyrics include: Now that you’ve gone / All that’s left is Band of Gold / All that’s left of the dreams I hold / Is a Band of Gold]
Grace Jones features on backing vocals on which Thompson Twins single from 1983?
Round 2 Bonus Questions: The Big Picture [Not Real Names]
Which chart act was “Sowing the seeds of love” on their 1989 Top 5 single?
What ladder features in the title of David Gray’s multi-million selling album?
BONUS: This is the middle instrumental section from a 1978 Top 20 hit by Blondie; identify the song [Bear in mind, the Bonus subject is “The Big Picture”]
The singer and guitarist Chris Spedding made his only chart appearance in 1975 with which Top 20 song?
In which year did this week’s Top 3 have Love Changes Everything by Climie Fisher at #3, Drop the Boy by Bros at #2 and Heart by Pet Shop Boys at #1?
BONUS: In 1967, after recording for two previous labels, this group released this, their first hit single for the new Track label; can you name the group? [The lyrics include: Pictures of Lily / Lily oh Lily]
The song Bohemian Like You was a Top 5 in 2001 for The Dandy …
The Vapours had their biggest chart hit in 1980 with which Top 3 song?
BONUS: Although they achieved several chart entries in the 1980s this was the first Top 40 hit achieved by this group in the 90s; who are they? [The lyrics include: I’ve been looking so long at these / Pictures of You / that I almost believe that they’re real]
Which female group had hits in the first half of the 70s with Third Finger Left Hand, You came you saw you conquered and Guilty?
3 in 10: Guns ‘n Roses
Friday 17 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: New Acts [Not American Hits]
What were the Bluebells “Young At” according to the title of their 4-week #1 in 1993?
Which group went Oops upside your head in 1980 and again in 1987?
BONUS: Here’s a Top 10 hit from 1992 by Prince; can you name his backing band on this single? [The lyrics include: My name is Prince / And I am funky]
The songs It Don’t Come Easy in 1971 and Only You in 1974 were the first and last of 5 Top 40 hits by which chart artist as a solo act?
In which year did these three songs all reach #1? The Fear Lily Allen, My Life Would Suck Without You Kelly Clarkson, Fight for this Love Cheryl Cole
BONUS: Here’s one of 2 #1 hits by the New Seekers in the 1970s; please name the other one [The lyrics include the song’s title: You won’t find another fool like me]
The song Wishing if I had a photograph of you was one of 4 Top 40 singles by A Flock of Seagulls in the 1980s; name one of the other three
A reissue of the mid-60s song My Girl became a Top 3 hit for which Motown group in 1992?
BONUS: In 2001 this successful group of the 80s and 90s achieved their first hit of the 21st century with this; can you identify them [We’re like crystal / We break easy / I’m a boy / If you need me]
Both the 1975 and 1976 studio albums by Queen had the same titles as films by the Marx Brothers; name either of these albums
Round 2 Bonus Questions: Get in the swing [Not American Hits]
Which group asked Why does it always rain on me on their 1999 Top 10 single?
What 1981 Top 3 single by Abba shares the same 3-word song title as a 1996 Top 10 single by Joan Osborne?
BONUS: In 1987 this group made their second Top 10 entry with this track but they have failed to repeat that success since; who are they are? [The lyrics include: Still waiting for love to take revenge / with its Sweet Surrender]
After an absence on the singles chart of 9 years which Irish vocal group had a Top 5 single in 2008 called Love you anyway?
Where was Neil Sedaka standing according to the title of his 1973 hit single?
BONUS: Here’s the last of 3 Top 20 hits by this group in the 1960s; can you identify them? [The lyrics include: You’re no good You’re no good You’re no good / Gonna say it again]
What type of Man did the Human League sing about on the groups 1982 single?
In which year did these three songs all reach #1? Turn Back Time Aqua, Millennium Robbie Williams, To You I Belong B*witched
BONUS: Here’s a verse from the only hit single by Jim Gilstrap in 1975; can you give the title? [The lyrics include: Show you a good time / But now the piper must paid / And I’m afraid I’m just about to lose my mind]
What is the name of the chart act that had a top 5 single in the early 70s with the song Softly Whispering I Love You?
3 in 10: Sheryl Crow
Questions and Answers
The answers appear in brackets after each question; UPPER CASE indicates a question that I got wrong. For some of the more difficult questions I have included extra information in square brackets for clarification after the answer.
Monday 13 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: First and Lasts [Not American Number Ones]
The song Sailing reached #1 in 1975 for which singer? (Rod Stewart)
Where did Randy Crawford spend a rainy night according to her 1981 hit single? (Georgia)
BONUS: Way back in 1960 this American group achieved the first of many UK hits with this; who are they? [The musical clip includes the lyrics: Dance with me / oh hold me closer / closer and closer / much closer while the music plays] (Drifters)
In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Flowers in the Window Travis, A New Day Has Come Celine Dion, Fly By II Blue? (2002)
The songs Something Changed and Help the Aged were Top 10 singles in the 90s for which group? (Pulp)
BONUS: You’ll easily recognize Procul Harum from this, their debut [Whiter Shade of Pale], but can you name their final Top 20 chart entry from 1975? (Pandora’s Box)
The songs Bedsitter and Torch were both Top 5 hits in the early 80s for which duo? (Soft Cell)
What type of Behaviour did Bjork sing about on her 1993 debut solo hit? (HUMAN) Behaviour
BONUS: In 1997 this artist achieved his first solo hit and a #1 with this; who is he? [The chorus goes: Here come the Men in Black / Galaxy Defenders] (Will Smith)
If Not You is the title of a 1976 hit for which American group? (Dr Hook)
24 for her, 33 for me
Round 2 Bonus Questions: American Number Ones [Not Set Me Free]
What’s the title of the single by Vanilla Ice that spent 4 weeks at #1 in 1990? (Ice Ice Baby)
Driving in My Car reached the top 5 in 1982 for which group? (Madness)
BONUS: Here’s an American #1 from 1975 that failed to make the British charts; identify the performer [The lyrics; You’re no good / You’re no good / You’re no good / Baby you’re no good] (Linda Ronstadt)
In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Ma-Ma-Ma-Belle ELO, Remember You’re a Womble The Wombles, 7 Seas of Rye Queen? (1974)
The American singer Robbie Neville had his biggest UK hit in the early months of 1987 with which song? (C’est la vie)
BONUS: Here’s part of a verse from the last big hit of the 1980s for this British artist; name the artist and the song [Lyrics include: She calls out to the man in the street / He can see she’s been crying] (Phil Collins, Another Day in Paradise]
But I Do Love You is the title of a 2002 hit for which American singer? (LEANN RIMES)
Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion had a Top 10 single in 1992 with which duet? (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST)
I went for (A Whole New World) but that was Regina Bell and Peabo Bryson, and it only got to #12, entering the charts in December 1993; Katie Price & Peter Andrew released a cover of the same song in 2006, which also got to #12
BONUS: With 16 weeks at the top of the charts you’re going to hear a record with the longest stay at #1 in America during the 90s; name the female singer [The lyrics include: I know eventually we’ll be together / One sweet day] (Mariah Carey)
[NOTE: it’s credited to Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men, and reached #6 in the UK]
Who had an instrumental hit in 1976 called Honky Tonk Train Blues? (Keith Emerson)
20 for him, 33 for me
3 in 10: Neil Diamond, yes for me, not for her
Neil Diamond (13 April 2020): Sweet Caroline / Cracklin’ Rosie / Love on the rocks / Song sung blue / You don’t bring me flowers / I am I said / Forever in blue jeans
Tuesday 14 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: Pop Royalty [Not 20th Century Hits]
What type of cat did Elton John sing about on his 1972 hit single? {Honky Cat)
Sign your name was a Top 3 single in the late 1980s for which singer? (Terence Trent d’Arby)
BONUS: Please name the group that reached #2 in 1985 with this [The lyrics include: That’s what my heart yearns for now / Love and Pride] (King)
Champion of the world is the title of a recent song by which group? (COLDPLAY)
In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Some Girls Racey, Cool for Cats Squeeze, Bright Eyes Art Garfunkel? (1979)
BONUS: Please name this 1965 Top 10 hit recorded by Gene Pitney [The lyrics include: There’s a girl who lives down the track / In a little shack made of timber wood / And her clothes are all hand-me-downs] (Princess in Rags)
Who did Manfred Mann consider as mighty according to their #1 in the late 60s? (Quinn)
Which band sang about Coffee + TV on their 1999 hit single? (Blur)
BONUS: which American group made their UK debut with this single in 1974? [The lyrics include: She’s the Queen of Clubs] (KC and the Sunshine Band)
Ultravox made their chart debut in 1980 with which song? (SLEEPWALK)
18 for him, 33 for me
Round 2 Bonus Questions: Give me a Ring [Not 20th Century Hits]
Let’s Dance was the title of both a #1 single and album in 1983 for which superstar? (David Bowie)
Complete the title of this 1972 chart debut for Roberta Flack: The first time ever (I saw your face)
BONUS: Here’s a 1961 Top 20 called Ring of Fire, name the guitar player under whose name this was released [Hint: There’s a very distinctive twanging guitar sound on this one] (Duane Eddy)
In these arms is the title of the recent song by which singer-songwriter? (JP COOPER)
[NOPE, never heard of this one, and it hasn’t cracked the UK Top 75]
Joe Jackson played piano on a Suzanne Vega single that reached the top 40 in 1986; what’s that called? (LEFT OF CENTRE)
[NOPE, never heard that one either, I guessed (Luca)]
BONUS: Give me the full title of this 2008 Top 10 hit by Beyoncé after hearing part of verse [The lyrics include: If you like it then you should have put a ring on it] (Single Ladies put a ring on it)
Which 1977 single by the Stranglers mentions Trotsky, Lenin and Sancho Panza in its lyrics? (No More Heroes)
In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Black Velvet Alannah Myles, The Power Snap, Vogue Madonna? (1990)
BONUS: Please identify this Jamaican singer from this hit of his from the 1970s hit [The lyrics include: Life is a 3-ring circus / All of the ups and downs of the carousel / That I know so well] (Barry Biggs)
The songs Only when I lose myself in 1998 and Dream on in 2001 were the last hit of the 20th century and the first hit of the 21st century for which band? (DEPECHE MODE)
26 for him, 30 for me
3 in 10: Moby, nope, no chance for him or for me
Moby (14 April 2020): Go / Move / Hymn / Honey / Run On / Porcelain / We Are All Made of Stars / James Bond Theme (Moby’s Re-Version)
Wednesday 15 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: Trick or Treat [Not 90s hits]
What words are missing from the title of this 1973 hit for Stevie Wonder You are the (something) of my (something)? (You are the sunshine of my life)
Lovefool is the title of a 1996 Top 40 single and then a Top 3 from 1997 for which Swedish group? (Cardigans)
BONUS: Here’s the title track from a 1976 Top 10 album called A Trick of the Tail; identify the group (Genesis)
Featuring a guest appearance from Jay-Z, which song spent 10 weeks at #1 in 2007 for Rihanna? (Umbrella)
Which singer and multi-instrumentalist was Hyperactive according to his hit in 1984 and 1994? (Thomas Dolby)
BONUS: From 1961 here’s the first of a string of hits for this female performer; can you identify her? [The lyrics include: Don’t mother me / that makes me wild / And please don’t treat me / Like a Child] (Helen Shapiro)
In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Deeper Shade of Blue Steps, A song for the Lovers Richard Ashcroft, Fill me in Craig David (2000)
Which #1 by T Rex was covered by the group Power Station for a Top 40 hit in 1985? (Get It On)
BONUS: Most of this singer’s biggest hits have been in collaboration with other acts, but in 2004 she reached #2 with this solo release; can you name her? [The lyrics include: No I won’t let you trick me twice] (KELIS)
[The song is called Trick Me]
Before his solo success in the early 70s, Junior Campbell was best known as a member of which group? (Marmalade)
18 for her, 33 for me, let down by that Kelis Bonus Question
Round 2 Bonus Questions: 90s Hits [Not The Classical Connection]
What type of Chameleon did Culture Club sing about on their 1983 #1? (Karma)
Over the course of his career which Canadian singer-songwriter has had hit albums called After the Gold Rush, Harvest and Harvest Moon? (Neil Young)
BONUS: Here is one of two Top 10 hits in the 90s for The Farm [Groovy Train], please name the other one (All Together Now)
What Top 10 song for the Muppets in 1977 was sung by Kermit’s nephew Robin? (Halfway down the stairs)
Under what name did Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson record their 1996 hit singles Anything, 24/7 and I Need You? (3T)
BONUS: Here is one of three Top 20 hits in the 1990s for Chris Rea; please name one of the others [The lyrics include: Julia, which way will you go] (AUBERGE) Nothing to Fear
[I said (Road to Hell, but that was a hit in the last 3 months of 1989: close; it was also his only Top 10]
The band ABC made its debut in 1981 with which song? (TEARS ARE NOT ENOUGH)
The song Where the poor boys dance was a hit in 2000 for which singer? (LULU)
BONUS: This is a Top 10 hit from 1973 by Wings; name the group that took this song back into the Top 10 in the 90s [The lyrics include the song’s title: Live and Let Die] (Guns ‘n Roses)
In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? She’s so Modern Boomtown Rats, Take me I’m Yours Squeeze, Let’s all chant Michael Zager Band (1978)
6 for him, 27 for me
3 in 10: Janet Jackson, yes for me, not for her
Janet Jackson (15 April 2020): Miss You Much / What have you done for me lately / Black Cat / Best things in life are free / Rhythm Nation / Runaway
Thursday 16 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: Once at One [Not Real Names]
The album 25 in the year 2015 was the most recent of Adele’s three #1 albums; name either of the other two (21) 19
The songs The Secrets That You Keep, Moonshine Sally, L-L-Lucy were all Top 10 hits in 1975 for which group? (Mud)
BONUS: Please identify this group from their only #1 hit [The lyrics include: Don’t turn around / because you might see me crying] (Aswad)
The American singer Christopher Cross had just one Top 40 hit in the UK, it was a song that featured in a 1981 film starring Dudley Moore; what is the song? (Arthur’s Theme brackets Best that you can do)
The songs Big Mistake in 1998, Wrong Impression 2002, Glorious 2007 have all been hits for which Australian singer? (Natalie Imbruglia)
BONUS: This is part of a verse from the only #1 achieved by Carl Douglas; please give the title [The lyrics include: There were funky Chinamen / From Funky Chinatown / They were chopping men up / They were chopping them down] (Kung Fu Fighting)
Magic is the title of the 1974 debut chart hit for which band? (Pilot)
In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen at #3, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World by Prince at #2, Everything Changes Take That at #1? (1994)
BONUS: In 1970 this singer topped the charts with this, her first hit, then failed to reach the Top 20 again; can you name her? [The lyrics include: Now that you’ve gone / All that’s left is Band of Gold / All that’s left of the dreams I hold / Is a Band of Gold] (Freda Payne)
Grace Jones features on backing vocals on which Thompson Twins single from 1983? (WATCHING)
[What are you doing to us Ken? This wasn’t even a Top 30 hit, and Grace Jones isn’t even credited on it in the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles. It reached #33 in the summer of 1983. I listened to Radio 1 every day that summer, and didn’t miss an episode of “Top of the Pops”, and have literally never heard this song.]
27 for him, 36 for me, 9 questions in a row and then denied a full house by that IMPOSSIBLE Grace Jones question
Round 2 Bonus Questions: The Big Picture [Not Real Names]
Which chart act was “Sowing the seeds of love” on their 1989 Top 5 single? (Tears for Fears)
What ladder features in the title of David Gray’s multi-million selling album? (White Ladder)
BONUS: This is the middle instrumental section from a 1978 Top 20 hit by Blondie; identify the song [Bear in mind, the Bonus subject is “The Big Picture”] (Picture This)
The singer and guitarist Chris Spedding made his only chart appearance in 1975 with which Top 20 song? (Motor Biking)
In which year did this week’s Top 3 have Love Changes Everything by Climie Fisher at #3, Drop the Boy by Bros at #2 and Heart by Pet Shop Boys at #1? (1988)
BONUS: In 1967, after recording for two previous labels, this group released this, their first hit single for the new Track label; can you name the group? [The lyrics include: Pictures of Lily / Lily oh Lily] (The Who)
The song Bohemian Like You was a Top 5 in 2001 for The Dandy … (Warhols)
The Vapours had their biggest chart hit in 1980 with which Top 3 song? (Turning Japanese)
BONUS: Although they achieved several chart entries in the 1980s this was the first Top 40 hit achieved by this group in the 90s; who are they? [The lyrics include: I’ve been looking so long at these / Pictures of You / that I almost believe that they’re real] (The Cure)
Which female group had hits in the first half of the 70s with Third Finger Left Hand, You came you saw you conquered and Guilty? (THE PEARLS)
[Nope, just like Round 1 it was the last question that caught me out: Third Finger Left Hand got to #31 in 1972, You came you saw you conquered got to #32 also in 1972 and Guilty reached #10 in 1974]
36 for him and 36 for me, we both missed out on The Pearls, that last question
3 in 10: Guns ‘n Roses, yes for me, really close for him – he got two (“Sweet Child of Mine” and “Live and Let Die”) and said “September Rain” instead of “November Rain”; that’s a shame – he would have made it to Champions League Pop Master but he was “two months out”
Guns ‘n Roses (16 April 2020): Sweet Child o’ Mine / Paradise City / Patience / Knockin’ on heaven’s door / Live and let die / November Rain / Since I don’t have you / Live and Let Die / Welcome to the Jungle
Friday 17 April 2020
Round 1 Bonus Questions: New Acts [Not American Hits]
What were the Bluebells “Young At” according to the title of their 4-week #1 in 1993? (Heart)
Which group went Oops upside your head in 1980 and again in 1987? (Gap Band)
BONUS: Here’s a Top 10 hit from 1992 by Prince; can you name his backing band on this single? [The lyrics include: My name is Prince / And I am funky] (The New Power Generation)
The songs It Don’t Come Easy in 1971 and Only You in 1974 were the first and last of 5 Top 40 hits by which chart artist as a solo act? (Ringo Starr)
In which year did these three songs all reach #1? The Fear Lily Allen, My Life Would Suck Without You Kelly Clarkson, Fight for this Love Cheryl Cole (2009)
BONUS: Here’s one of 2 #1 hits by the New Seekers in the 1970s; please name the other one [The lyrics include the song’s title: You won’t find another fool like me] (I’d like to teach the world to sing)
The song Wishing if I had a photograph of you was one of 4 Top 40 singles by A Flock of Seagulls in the 1980s; name one of the other three (SPACE AGE LOVE SONG) Transfer Affection, The more you live the more you love
[NOPE, tough question this; Space Age Love Song made it to #34 in 1982, Transfer Affection was #38 in 1983 and The more you live the more you love got to #26 in 1984, so not even a Top 20 among these songs from over 35 years ago]
A reissue of the mid-60s song My Girl became a Top 3 hit for which Motown group in 1992? (Temptations)
BONUS: In 2001 this successful group of the 80s and 90s achieved their first hit of the 21st century with this; can you identify them [We’re like crystal / We break easy / I’m a boy / If you need me] (New Order)
Both the 1975 and 1976 studio albums by Queen had the same titles as films by the Marx Brothers; name either of these albums (A Night at the Opera) A Day at the Races
21 for her, 36 for me, let down by not knowing the names of songs by A Flock of Seagulls that didn’t even make the Top 20
Round 2 Bonus Questions: Get in the swing [Not American Hits]
Which group asked Why does it always rain on me on their 1999 Top 10 single? (Travis)
What 1981 Top 3 single by Abba shares the same 3-word song title as a 1996 Top 10 single by Joan Osborne? (One of us)
BONUS: In 1987 this group made their second Top 10 entry with this track but they have failed to repeat that success since; who are they are? [The lyrics include: Still waiting for love to take revenge / with its Sweet Surrender] (Swing Out Sister)
After an absence on the singles chart of 9 years which Irish vocal group had a Top 5 single in 2008 called Love you anyway? (Boyzone)
Where was Neil Sedaka standing according to the title of his 1973 hit single? (On the inside)
BONUS: Here’s the last of 3 Top 20 hits by this group in the 1960s; can you identify them? [The lyrics include: You’re no good You’re no good You’re no good / Gonna say it again] (Swinging Blue Jeans)
What type of Man did the Human League sing about on the groups 1982 single? (Mirror Man)
In which year did these three songs all reach #1? Turn Back Time Aqua, Millennium Robbie Williams, To You I Belong B*witched (1998)
BONUS: Here’s a verse from the only hit single by Jim Gilstrap in 1975; can you give the title? [The lyrics include: Show you a good time / But now the piper must paid / And I’m afraid I’m just about to lose my mind] (Swing Your Daddy)
What is the name of the chart act that had a top 5 single in the early 70s with the song Softly Whispering I Love You? (THE CONGREGATION)
22 for him, 36 for me, and for at least the third time this week the final question has cost me a full house
3 in 10: Sheryl Crow, not for him or me (I chose the wrong James Bond theme, despite all my James Bond prep)
Sheryl Crow (17 April 2020): All I want to do / Sweet Child of Mine / If it makes you happy / Tomorrow Never Dies / My favourite mistake
My scores, and the questions I got wrong
Tough questions this week, or else I’m getting worse at Pop Master.
Last month, in this piece, I noted that in the week ending Friday 13 March I managed to achieve the top score of 39 points 6 times out of 10. Last week I didn’t manage a single score of 39. This is only the second time in the last three years when I have failed to do so during a whole week’s worth of questions. (The other time was week ending 17 August 2018.) On each of the last four rounds (both sets of questions, on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April) I managed scores of 36 but on every occasion there was a single question that caught me out. Between them The Thompson Twins (with Grace Jones on backing vocals), The Pearls, A Flock of Seagulls and The Congregation stopped me from getting at least one full house
Monday 13 April 2020
33, 33, 30 20 10 of 2002, Human behaviour debut solo hit Bjork 1993, LeAnn Rimes 2002 But I do love you, Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson 1992 duet Beauty and the beast
Tuesday 14 April 2020
33, 30, Champion of the world recent for Coldplay, Ultravox 1980 debut Sleepwalk, In these arms recent for JP Cooper, Joe Jackson played piano on 1986 hit by Suzanne Vega Left of centre, Only when I lose myself and Dream on hits for Depeche Mode
Wednesday 15 April 2020
33, 27, Kelis Trick me 2004, Chris Rea 90s hits Auberge Julia Nothing to fear, Lulu 2000 hit Where the poor boys dance, ABC first hit 1981 Tears are not enough
Thursday 16 April 2020
36, 36, Grace Jones was a guest singer on Thompson Twins 1983 hit Watching, The Pearls early 70s hits Third finger left hand You came you saw you conquered Guilty
Friday 17 April 2020
36, 36, A Flock of Seagulls other hits Space age love song Transfer affection The more you live the more you love, The Congregation Softly whispering I love you early 70s hit
The Compartments 