There are many pieces on this Blog that mention Pop Master, the BBC Radio 2 mid-morning quiz. You can hear it live on the Ken Bruce Show Monday to Friday at 10.30am or use BBC Sounds to listen back to any shows from the previous 30 days. You can also download the last 30 days’ worth of episodes as Podcasts. Since May 2020 that is how I have usually followed the show, and have ended up over a month behind most people who keep up with the UK’s most listened-to radio quiz.

Every now and then I have a binge and listen to several episodes back to back. I still keep a note of my scores every day (as first noted here) and often make detailed notes of the questions and answers.

Two previous pieces on this Blog have recorded my best Pop Master weeks ever. Last autumn (week ending Friday 6 November 2020) I had my highest average score (37.2 out of a possible 39) and joint-highest number of maximum scores of 39 (6 out of a possible 10). Click here for a full list of questions and answers from that week in November. Earlier this month (week ending Friday 2 April) I had my highest number of maximum scores (8 out of a possible 10) but my daily average was slightly lower than in November (36.6 out of a possible 39). Click here for a full list of questions and answers from the week ending 2 April.

The questions for week ending 16 April took me to a new high: a daily average of 37.8, and only 3 questions out of 100 answered incorrectly. There were 7 maximum scores out of a possible 10, one less than two weeks earlier, but once again, to record my best Pop Master week ever, here are the 100 questions and answers, and the 3 in 10 rounds for the whole week.

As with earlier pieces, the questions appear first, for the whole week, then they are repeated with the answers in brackets (and notes or reminders in square brackets). At the very end of this piece is a summary of the three questions that caught me out (1 bonus question, worth 6 points, and 2 regular questions, worth 3 points each). Along the way there are also 26 tie-break questions, including the 18 (yes, EIGHTEEN) from the marathon tie-break on Monday 12 April.

The Questions

Monday 12 April

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Here Comes Summer [Not Bits and Pieces]

The 2006 multi-million selling album by Amy Winehouse is called Back to what?

The song Happy Hour was a Top 3 hit in 1986 for which group?

BONUS: In 2008 this song reached the top of the charts [All Summer Long]; please name the performer

Gabrielle joined East 17 on a Top 3 single for the group in 1996; what was that single called?

In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Life is a minestrone 10cc, Take good care of yourself Three Degrees, Ding-a-dong Teach-In

BONUS: Can you identify this group from their last Top 10 hit to date? [Lyrics include: “In the heat of the summer sunshine / I miss you like nobody else”]

Which member of the Fugees had a Top 3 hit in 1998 with their single Doo Wop That Thing?

Having reached #1 in 1986 with The Final Countdown the band Europe had 3 further Top 40 hits in the 1980s; please name any of them

BONUS: From 1977 here’s the theme song to a successful movie, sung by Donna Summer; can you name the movie? [Lyrics include: Down deep inside / there’s a place in me / I’m yearning to explore”]

The 1976 Top 3 song Jeans On was the first and biggest hit for David who?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Say Goodbye [Not Bits and Pieces]

Released in 1977 the song Native New Yorker was a Top 5 hit in 1978 for which group?

What Avenue features in the title of Duffy’s Top 3 song from 2008?

BONUS: Please identify the singer of this 2003 Top 5 hit; [Lyrics include: “No matter how hard I try / You’re going to make me cry / … let’s face it”]

In which year did these songs all reach number one?  Never gonna give you up Rick Astley, Everything I Own Boy George, La Bamba Los Lobos

The Chimes had a Top 10 hit in 1990 with a cover of which U2 song?

BONUS: The debut hit for this performer from 1984 [Lyrics include: “Now it’s much too late for goodbyes”]; please name him

Under which name did future members of 10cc have a hit in 1970 with the song Neanderthal Man?

The 2005 X Factor winner Shayne Ward spent a month at #1 with his debut hit called That’s My what?

BONUS: Here’s the 8th Top 20 hit achieved by this successful group in the 1960s; can you name them? [Lyrics include: “Goodbye my love”, repeated]

Who had hits with his singles Blue hat for a blue day in 1983 and Love all day in 1984?

Tie-Break Questions (this goes on for ages):

Can you name the group that made the Top 10 in the 70s with Julianne and Fancy Pants?

Genesis made the Top 10 in 1982 with their 3×3 EP; can you name any of the songs on the record?

The 1999 Top 3 hit What I Am by Tin Tin Out featured which female vocalist?

What was the name of the first single by Oasis to make the Top 10?

What is the title of the Ed Sheeran album that contains the songs Eraser, Galway Girl and Castle on the hill?

What was the title of the Stereophonics album that contained the tracks C’est la vie, Into the World and I want to get lost with you?

Which other singer was featured on Nelly’s 2002 #1 hit Dilemma?

How many Yellow Roses did Bobby Darin sing about in his 1963 Top 40 hit?

What was the title of Starship’s #1 hit that was featured in the film Mannequin?

Which female singer and model made the Top 10 in 1987 with the single Nothing’s gonna stop me now?

Which #1 from 2011 contains these lines: “I hate to turn out of the blue ininvited / But I couldn’t stay away I couldn’t fight it”

Please name the singer who made the Top 10 n 1998 with Searching my soul, the title song for the TV series Ally McBeal?

Fairport Convention made the Top 40 in 1969 with Si tu dois partir which was a French-language version of which Bob Dylan song?

Elvis Presley topped the charts twice in the 1970s; the 2nd time was with Way Down; what was the title of the first?

From 1980, what was the title of the only Top 10 achieved by The Ramones?

The first Top 10 hit by M People was a remix of their debut Top 40 entry; what was the title?

Whose last Top 10 hit of the 80s was entitled Don Quixote?

Which Liverpudlan rock band made the Top 10 during the 90s with the singles Me and you versus the world and Avenging Angels?

3 in 10: M People

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Little Things Mean a Lot [Not 90s Hits]

What type of Love featured in the title of Donny Osmond’s song that spent 5 weeks at #1 in 1972?

Give me the full name of the American singer who topped the charts in 2019 with the song 7 Rings: Ariana

BONUS: An American Top 40 hit from 1966 [Try a little tenderness]; it didn’t have the same success in the UK; please name the performer

The song The Power reached #1 in 1990 and was the debut hit for which act?

The songs Locomotion, Talking loud and clear and Tesla Girls were all hits in 1984 for which act?

BONUS: From the 90s this is the first of 7 Top 40 hits for this group [I’ve got a little something for you]; please name them

In 2002 Britney Spears had a hit with her version of which 80s single by Joan Jett and the Black Hearts?

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?

BONUS: In 1992 Kylie Minogue achieved a Top 10 hit with a cover of this 1970 song [Give me just a little more time] by which American group?

The songs Happy House in 1980 and Peek-a-Boo in 1988 were the first and last Top 40 singles of the 80s for which group?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: 90s Hits [Not Original Versions]

What’s the title of Yazoo’s chart debut from 1982 that became a #1 cover by Flying Pickets in 1983?

The song Just the way you are Amazing was a #1 in 2010 for which American singer?

BONUS: In 1997 this group achieved their final #1 of the 90s with this song [Discoteque]; who are they?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of The Whole of the Moon Waterboys, Sit Down James, The One and Only Chesney Hawkes?

Who had a Top 5 hit in 1987 with My baby just cares for me, a song she had originally recorded in the 50s?

BONUS: In 1991 Prince co-wrote and produced this single by an American singer [Love thy will be done]; who is she?

The Weeknd spent a total of 8 weeks at #1 in 2020 with a song called Blinding what?

The songs Walking Wounded, Wrong and Single were all hits in 1996 for which duo?

BONUS: IN 1996 Faithless had their first Top 10 hit with this re-released song [Lyrics include: “I can’t get no sleep”]; what was it called?

The singer and pianist Peter Skellern had two Top 40 hits in the early 1970s; please name either

Tie-Break Questions:

Name the R&B group that made the Top 10 in 2001 with All I Want and One Night Stand

Which group made the Top 10 in the 1970s with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and Soley Soley?

Which boyband made their chart debut in 2002 with What I go to school for?

Name the Paloma Faith album that includes the songs Let me down easy, When you’re gone and Picking up the pieces

What was the title of the #1 hit by S Club 7 that was released to raise funds for Children in Need?

The comedian Freddie Starr achieved one Top 10 hit n 1974; what was the title of the song?

What was the title of the only #1 hit achieved by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich?

Which female singer was featured on UB40’s 1988 hit Breakfast in Bed?

3 in 10: Smokie

Wednesday 14 April 2021

Round 1 Bonus Questions: The Rolling Stones [Not The Young Ones]

What type of Love did Leona Lewis sing about on her #1 for 7 weeks in 2007?

The 1986 Top 3 hit Sometimes was the debut Top 40 single by which duo?

BONUS: Here’s the first Top 20 hit for The Rolling Stones [I wanna be your man], but can you name the group who also recorded this song, and the composers were also members of that group?

The vocal group Sister Sledge first reached the charts in 1975 with the song Mama Never what?

Which singer had hits in the 90s with covers of the songs You make me feel mighty real, To love somebody and Hurt so good?

BONUS: Part of a verse from a 1976 Stones Top 10 hit [Lyrics include; “I put my head on her shoulder / She says Tell me all your troubles”]; can you name the song?

What type of Man did the Human League sing about on the group’s 1982 Top 3 single?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Some Girls Racey, Cool for Cats Squeeze, Bright Eyes Art Garfunkel?

BONUS: The Stones only had one Top 40 chart entry in 1983; can you name it, after hearing the intro?

By what single name is Deborah Dyer, the lead singer of the band Skunk Anansie, better known?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: The Young Ones [Not Classic Love Songs]

The song Get It On spent a month at #1 in the summer of 1971 for which group?

The duo Ottawan had both of their Top 3 singles in the early 80s; please name either of them

BONUS: This is one side of the Double A-sided #1 debut by Will Young [Evergreen]; please name the other side

The songs Don’t be stupid you know I love you, I’m gonna get you good and Ker-ching were all Top 10 hits in the first half of the 00s for which singer?

What Hotel did Chris Izaak sing about on his 1991 follow-up to his debut hit Wicked Game?

BONUS: This group achieved their only UK Top 20 hit in 1967 [Grooving]; who are they?

The songs After the love has gone in 1979, Let me talk in 1980 and Let’s groove in 1981 were all hits for which group?

In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Love Today Mika, Stop Me Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriwether, Beautiful Liar Beyoncé and Shakira

BONUS: Here’s a 1991 Top 20 by Paul Young [Don’t Dream It’s Over] which had previously reached the charts 4 years earlier for which group?

The singer Percy Sledge had a Top 5 hit in 1966 and a Top 3 single in 1987 with which song?

3 in 10: Blondie

Thursday 15 April 2021

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Number One Intros [Not Debut Hits]

Which song spent a month at #1 in 1982 for the act officially billed as Dexy’s Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express?

Which north of England super-group had hits in the late 80s and early 90s with Getting away with it, Get the message and Disappointed?

BONUS: Here’s the intro to the only #1 achieved by A-ha; what is it called?

The Specials made their chart debut in 1979 billed as The Special AKA with which song?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of A song for the lovers Richard Ashcroft, Flowers Sweet Female Attitude, Fill me in Craig David?

BONUS: The most recent of 4 #1s for Justin Timberlake, please identify it

Which American singer had both of his UK hits in 1984 with the songs Stay with me tonight and On the wings of love?

In 2007 Girls Aloud had a Top 3 hit with a song called Call the what?

BONUS: The intro to the most recent chart-topper by this group [It’s called These Days]; who are they?

The song A Child’s Prayer was a Top 10 hit in 1975 for which group?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: It’s Party Time [Not Debut Hits]

The song Disco 2000 was a Top 10 hit in 1995 for which group?

Complete the title of this song by Iron Maiden: The Number of

BONUS: After making the Top 10 with their debut hit Oops upside your head, this was this act’s Top 10 follow-up [Lyrics include: “Staying alive, party night”]; please name them

In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Take me I’m yours Squeeze, Jack and Jill Raydio, She’s so Modern Boomtown Rats

Kelly Osbourne had a Top 3 hit in 2002 with her version of which 1986 chart-topper by Madonna?

BONUS: The 5th Top 10 hit by this singer [Get the party started]; who is she?

Which group is billed alongside Gloria Estefan on the hits Rhythm is gonna get you, Anything for you and Can’t stay away from you?

In 1977 Eddie and the Hot Rods had their biggest hit with which song?

BONUS: This is the title song to a 1982 movie called Party Party; who is performing it?

The songs Finally Found in 1998, Love of a lifetime in 1999 and Won’t take it lying down were all Top 10 singles for which English R&B group?

3 in 10: The Who

Friday 16 April 2021

PM: 36, 39, Eternal 12th and final hit 1997 Angel of mine

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Same Title Different Song [Not Ullo John]

What type of Wedding did Billy Idol sing about on his 1985 Top 10 single?

Which Motown group had a hit in 1973 with the song Papa Was a Rolling Stone?

BONUS: In 1979 there were two songs with the same title in the charts; one was by Roxy Music, the other was by Abba [Ken plays the intro]; what was the title of the song?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Streets of Philadelphia Bruce Springsteen, The Most beautiful girl in the world Prince when he was known as Symbol, Everything Changes Take That?

What’s the title of Heather Small’s highest charting single which originally reached the charts in 2000?

BONUS: Part of Falling by Julee Cruise, but can you name any of the 6 other acts to have a hit single with the same title?

The songs The Cutter in 1983, The Killing Moon in 1984 and Bring on the dancing horses in 1985 were all hits for which group?

The 12th and final hit for the vocal group Eternal came in 1997 with a song called Angel of what?

BONUS: The instrumental section to a hit by Human League; it shares its title with hits by Madonna and M People; what is the shared title?

The songs Amateur Hour and Never turn your back on mother earth were hits in 1974 for which duo?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Ullo John [Not Something Beginning with Why]

Sugar Baby Love was #1 in 1974 for which group?

What type of Dance did the group Men without hats sing about according to the title of their 1983 Top 10 hit?

BONUS: Although more of an album act, this group achieved a number of chart singles in their career; here’s one from 1983, who are they? [Lyrics include: “No no John we’ve gotta get on with the film show”]

Featuring samples of Spandau Ballet’s True, the group PM Dawn had their biggest hit in 1992 with which single?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Sunny Boney M, Going in with my eyes open David Soul, Knowing Me Knowing You Abba?

BONUS: In 2017 this performer reached the Top 20 with this song, it was his 6th time in the UK Top 40 [Lyrics include: “So I’m gonna love you now / I guess all I have / I know it’ll kill me when it’s over”]; who is he?

Which Spanish-born singer had his first UK hit in 1999 with Bailamos?

Written by Pet Shop Boys, the group Eighth Wonder had their only Top 10 single in 1988 with which song?

BONUS: In 1976 this singer achieved his highest UK Top 40 hit with this song [Music]; can you identify him?

The song I can’t break down was a Top 3 hit in 2003 for Fame Academy runner-up Sinead who?

3 in 10: Tom Jones

Questions and Answers

The answers are in brackets (like this); Answers IN CAPITALS indicate questions that I got wrong; notes or explanations are in square brackets [like this]. The word “YES” indicates a question I guessed correctly and was pleased about.

Monday 12 April

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Here Comes Summer [Not Bits and Pieces]

The 2006 multi-million selling album by Amy Winehouse is called Back to what? (Black)

The song Happy Hour was a Top 3 hit in 1986 for which group? (Housemartins)

BONUS: In 2008 this song reached the top of the charts [All Summer Long]; please name the performer (Kid Rock)

Gabrielle joined East 17 on a Top 3 single for the group in 1996; what was that single called? (If you ever)

In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Life is a minestrone 10cc, Take good care of yourself Three Degrees, Ding-a-dong Teach-In (1975)

BONUS: Can you identify this group from their last Top 10 hit to date? [Lyrics include: “In the heat of the summer sunshine / I miss you like nobody else”] (THE CORRS) NOPE

Which member of the Fugees had a Top 3 hit in 1998 with their single Doo Wop That Thing? (Lauryn Hill)

Having reached #1 in 1986 with The Final Countdown the band Europe had 3 further Top 40 hits in the 1980s; please name any of them (Rock the night) Carrie, Superstitious

BONUS: From 1977 here’s the theme song to a successful movie, sung by Donna Summer; can you name the movie? [Lyrics include: Down deep inside / there’s a place in me / I’m yearning to explore”] (The Deep)

The 1976 Top 3 song Jeans On was the first and biggest hit for David who? (Dundas)

33 for me, 15 for him

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Say Goodbye [Not Bits and Pieces]

Released in 1977 the song Native New Yorker was a Top 5 hit in 1978 for which group? (Odyssey)

What Avenue features in the title of Duffy’s Top 3 song from 2008? (Warwick)

BONUS: Please identify the singer of this 2003 Top 5 hit; [Lyrics include: “No matter how hard I try / You’re going to make me cry / … let’s face it”] (Ronan Keating) YES, it sounded like him

In which year did these songs all reach number one?  Never gonna give you up Rick Astley, Everything I Own Boy George, La Bamba Los Lobos (1987)

The Chimes had a Top 10 hit in 1990 with a cover of which U2 song? (I still haven’t found what I’m looking for)

BONUS: The debut hit for this performer from 1984 [Lyrics include: “Now it’s much too late for goodbyes”]; please name him (Julian Lennon)

Under which name did future members of 10cc have a hit in 1970 with the song Neanderthal Man? (Hotlegs)

The 2005 X Factor winner Shayne Ward spent a month at #1 with his debut hit called That’s My what? (Goal)

BONUS: Here’s the 8th Top 20 hit achieved by this successful group in the 1960s; can you name them? [Lyrics include: “Goodbye my love”, repeated] (The Searchers)

Who had hits with his singles Blue hat for a blue day in 1983 and Love all day in 1984? (Nick Heywood)

15 for him, 39 for me

Tie-Break Questions (this goes on for ages):

Can you name the group that made the Top 10 in the 70s with Julianne and Fancy Pants? (Kenny)

Genesis made the Top 10 in 1982 with their 3×3 EP; can you name any of the songs on the record? (PAPERLATE, YOU MIGHT RECALL, ME AND VIRGIL)

The 1999 Top 3 hit What I Am by Tin Tin Out featured which female vocalist? (Emma Bunton)

What was the name of the first single by Oasis to make the Top 10? (Live Forever)

What is the title of the Ed Sheeran album that contains the songs Eraser, Galway Girl and Castle on the hill? (Divide)

What was the title of the Stereophonics album that contained the tracks C’est la vie, Into the World and I want to get lost with you? (KEEP The VILLAGE ALIVE)

Which other singer was featured on Nelly’s 2002 #1 hit Dilemma? (Kelly Rowland)

How many Yellow Roses did Bobby Darin sing about in his 1963 Top 40 hit? (18)

What was the title of Starship’s #1 hit that was featured in the film Mannequin? (Nothing’s gonna stop us now)*

Which female singer and model made the Top 10 in 1987 with the single Nothing’s gonna stop me now? (Samantha Fox)*

Which #1 from 2011 contains these lines: “I hate to turn out of the blue ininvited / But I couldn’t stay away I couldn’t fight it” (Someone like you, Adele) /

Please name the singer who made the Top 10 n 1998 with Searching my soul, the title song for the TV series Ally McBeal? (VONDA SHEPHERD)

Fairport Convention made the Top 40 in 1969 with Si tu dois partir which was a French-language version of which Bob Dylan song? (If you gotta go, go now)

Elvis Presley topped the charts twice in the 1970s; the 2nd time was with Way Down; what was the title of the first? (Wonder of you)

From 1980, what was the title of the only Top 10 achieved by The Ramones? (Baby I love you)

The first Top 10 hit by M People was a remix of their debut Top 40 entry; what was the title? (HOW CAN I LOVE YOU MORE?)

Whose last Top 10 hit of the 80s was entitled Don Quixote? (Nik Kershaw)*

Which Liverpudlan rock band made the Top 10 during the 90s with the singles Me and you versus the world and Avenging Angels? (SPACE)

[* = a question that the contestants got right, there were 18 questions in all, only THREE answered correctly]

3 in 10: M People, not for him or me, after that marathon tie-break

M People (12 April 2021): Moving on up / How can I love you more / One night in heaven / Search for the hero / Sight for sore eyes [and others]

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Little Things Mean a Lot [Not 90s Hits]

What type of Love featured in the title of Donny Osmond’s song that spent 5 weeks at #1 in 1972? (Puppy)

Give me the full name of the American singer who topped the charts in 2019 with the song 7 Rings: Ariana (Grande)

BONUS: An American Top 40 hit from 1966 [Try a little tenderness]; it didn’t have the same success in the UK; please name the performer (Otis Redding)

The song The Power reached #1 in 1990 and was the debut hit for which act? (Snap)

The songs Locomotion, Talking loud and clear and Tesla Girls were all hits in 1984 for which act? (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)

BONUS: From the 90s this is the first of 7 Top 40 hits for this group [I’ve got a little something for you]; please name them (MN8) YES

In 2002 Britney Spears had a hit with her version of which 80s single by Joan Jett and the Black Hearts? (I love rock ’n roll)

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)

BONUS: In 1992 Kylie Minogue achieved a Top 10 hit with a cover of this 1970 song [Give me just a little more time] by which American group? (Chairman of the Board)

The songs Happy House in 1980 and Peek-a-Boo in 1988 were the first and last Top 40 singles of the 80s for which group? (Siouxsie and the Banshees)

21 for her, 39 for me

Round 2 Bonus Questions: 90s Hits [Not Original Versions]

What’s the title of Yazoo’s chart debut from 1982 that became a #1 cover by Flying Pickets in 1983? (Only You)

The song Just the way you are Amazing was a #1 in 2010 for which American singer? (Bruno Mars)

BONUS: In 1997 this group achieved their final #1 of the 90s with this song [Discoteque]; who are they? (U2)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of The Whole of the Moon Waterboys, Sit Down James, The One and Only Chesney Hawkes? (1991)

Who had a Top 5 hit in 1987 with My baby just cares for me, a song she had originally recorded in the 50s? (Nina Simone)

BONUS: In 1991 Prince co-wrote and produced this single by an American singer [Love thy will be done]; who is she? (Martika)

The Weeknd spent a total of 8 weeks at #1 in 2020 with a song called Blinding what? (Lights)

The songs Walking Wounded, Wrong and Single were all hits in 1996 for which duo? (Everything but the Girl)

BONUS: IN 1996 Faithless had their first Top 10 hit with this re-released song [Lyrics include: “I can’t get no sleep”]; what was it called? (Insomnia)

The singer and pianist Peter Skellern had two Top 40 hits in the early 1970s; please name either (You’re a lady) in 1972, Hold on to love in 1975

21 for her, 39 for me, another tie-break

Tie-Break Questions:

Name the R&B group that made the Top 10 in 2001 with All I Want and One Night Stand (MISTEEQ)

Which group made the Top 10 in the 1970s with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and Soley Soley? (Middle of the Road)

Which boyband made their chart debut in 2002 with What I go to school for? (Busted)

Name the Paloma Faith album that includes the songs Let me down easy, When you’re gone and Picking up the pieces (FALL TO GRACE)

What was the title of the #1 hit by S Club 7 that was released to raise funds for Children in Need? (HAVE YOU EVER)

The comedian Freddie Starr achieved one Top 10 hit n 1974; what was the title of the song? (IT’S YOU)

What was the title of the only #1 hit achieved by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich? (The Legend of Xanadu)

Which female singer was featured on UB40’s 1988 hit Breakfast in Bed? (Chrissie Hynde)

[That’s the FIRST question that either of them got right]

3 in 10: Smokie, yes for me, not for her

Smokie (13 April 2021): Needles and Pins / Living next door to Alice / If you think you know how to love me / I’ll meet you at midnight [and others]

Wednesday 14 April 2021

Round 1 Bonus Questions: The Rolling Stones [Not The Young Ones]

What type of Love did Leona Lewis sing about on her #1 for 7 weeks in 2007? (Bleeding)

The 1986 Top 3 hit Sometimes was the debut Top 40 single by which duo? (Erasure)

BONUS: Here’s the first Top 20 hit for The Rolling Stones [I wanna be your man], but can you name the group who also recorded this song, and the composers were also members of that group? (The Beatles, Lennon and McCartney)

The vocal group Sister Sledge first reached the charts in 1975 with the song Mama Never what? (Told me)

Which singer had hits in the 90s with covers of the songs You make me feel mighty real, To love somebody and Hurt so good? (Jimmy Somerville)

BONUS: Part of a verse from a 1976 Stones Top 10 hit [Lyrics include; “I put my head on her shoulder / She says Tell me all your troubles”]; can you name the song? (Fool to cry)

What type of Man did the Human League sing about on the group’s 1982 Top 3 single? (Mirror)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Some Girls Racey, Cool for Cats Squeeze, Bright Eyes Art Garfunkel? (1979)

BONUS: The Stones only had one Top 40 chart entry in 1983; can you name it, after hearing the intro? (Undercover of the night)

By what single name is Deborah Dyer, the lead singer of the band Skunk Anansie, better known? (Skin)

39 for me, 12 for him

Round 2 Bonus Questions: The Young Ones [Not Classic Love Songs]

The song Get It On spent a month at #1 in the summer of 1971 for which group? (T Rex)

The duo Ottawan had both of their Top 3 singles in the early 80s; please name either of them (D I S C O) Hands up give me your heart

BONUS: This is one side of the Double A-sided #1 debut by Will Young [Evergreen]; please name the other side (Anything is possible)

The songs Don’t be stupid you know I love you, I’m gonna get you good and Ker-ching were all Top 10 hits in the first half of the 00s for which singer? (Shania Twain)

What Hotel did Chris Izaak sing about on his 1991 follow-up to his debut hit Wicked Game? (Blue)

BONUS: This group achieved their only UK Top 20 hit in 1967 [Grooving]; who are they? (The Young Rascals)

The songs After the love has gone in 1979, Let me talk in 1980 and Let’s groove in 1981 were all hits for which group? (Earth Wind and Fire)

In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Love Today Mika, Stop Me Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriwether, Beautiful Liar Beyoncé and Shakira (2007)

BONUS: Here’s a 1991 Top 20 by Paul Young [Don’t Dream It’s Over] which had previously reached the charts 4 years earlier for which group? (Crowded House)

The singer Percy Sledge had a Top 5 hit in 1966 and a Top 3 single in 1987 with which song? (When a man loves a woman)

27 for him, 39 for me

3 in 10: Blondie, yes for him and for me

Blondie (14 April 2021): Denis / Call Me / Sunday Girl / Atomic / Heart of Glass / Tide is High / Maria [and others]

Thursday 15 April 2021

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Number One Intros [Not Debut Hits]

Which song spent a month at #1 in 1982 for the act officially billed as Dexy’s Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express? (Come on Eileen)

Which north of England super-group had hits in the late 80s and early 90s with Getting away with it, Get the message and Disappointed? (Electronic)

BONUS: Here’s the intro to the only #1 achieved by A-ha; what is it called? (The sun always shines on TV)

The Specials made their chart debut in 1979 billed as The Special AKA with which song? (Gangsters)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of A song for the lovers Richard Ashcroft, Flowers Sweet Female Attitude, Fill me in Craig David? (2000)

BONUS: The most recent of 4 #1s for Justin Timberlake, please identify it (Mirrors) YES, though it didn’t sound like

Which American singer had both of his UK hits in 1984 with the songs Stay with me tonight and On the wings of love? (Jeffrey Osbourne)

In 2007 Girls Aloud had a Top 3 hit with a song called Call the what? (SHOTS) NOPE

BONUS: The intro to the most recent chart-topper by this group [It’s called These Days]; who are they? (Take That)

The song A Child’s Prayer was a Top 10 hit in 1975 for which group? (Hot Chocolate)

36 for me, 18 for her

Round 2 Bonus Questions: It’s Party Time [Not Debut Hits]

The song Disco 2000 was a Top 10 hit in 1995 for which group? (Pulp)

Complete the title of this song by Iron Maiden: The Number of (The Beast)

BONUS: After making the Top 10 with their debut hit Oops upside your head, this was this act’s Top 10 follow-up [Lyrics include: “Staying alive, party night”]; please name them (The Gap Band)

In which year were the following songs new entries in this week’s chart? Take me I’m yours Squeeze, Jack and Jill Raydio, She’s so Modern Boomtown Rats (1978)

Kelly Osbourne had a Top 3 hit in 2002 with her version of which 1986 chart-topper by Madonna? (Papa Don’t Preach)

BONUS: The 5th Top 10 hit by this singer [Get the party started]; who is she? (Pink)

Which group is billed alongside Gloria Estefan on the hits Rhythm is gonna get you, Anything for you and Can’t stay away from you? (Miami Sound Machine)

In 1977 Eddie and the Hot Rods had their biggest hit with which song? (Do anything you want to do)

BONUS: This is the title song to a 1982 movie called Party Party; who is performing it? (Elvis Costello and the Attractions)

The songs Finally Found in 1998, Love of a lifetime in 1999 and Won’t take it lying down were all Top 10 singles for which English R&B group? (Honeyz) [Someone must LOVE the Honeyz, they’re always asking questions about them]

39 for me, 27 for him

3 in 10: The Who, yes for me, only 2 for him

Who (15 April 2021): My generation / Pictures of Lily / Who are you / Pinball Wizard / Won’t get fooled again / 5:15 [and others]

Friday 16 April 2021

PM: 36, 39, Eternal 12th and final hit 1997 Angel of mine

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Same Title Different Song [Not Ullo John]

What type of Wedding did Billy Idol sing about on his 1985 Top 10 single? (White)

Which Motown group had a hit in 1973 with the song Papa Was a Rolling Stone? (Temptations)

BONUS: In 1979 there were two songs with the same title in the charts; one was by Roxy Music, the other was by Abba [Ken plays the intro]; what was the title of the song? (Angel Eyes)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Streets of Philadelphia Bruce Springsteen, The Most beautiful girl in the world Prince when he was known as Symbol, Everything Changes Take That? (1994)

What’s the title of Heather Small’s highest charting single which originally reached the charts in 2000? (Proud)

BONUS: Part of Falling by Julee Cruise, but can you name any of the 6 other acts to have a hit single with the same title? (Roy Orbison) Harry Styles, Boom, Trevor Daniel, Ant & Dec

The songs The Cutter in 1983, The Killing Moon in 1984 and Bring on the dancing horses in 1985 were all hits for which group? (Echo and the Bunnymen)

The 12th and final hit for the vocal group Eternal came in 1997 with a song called Angel of what? (MINE) NOPE, should have got that

BONUS: The instrumental section to a hit by Human League; it shares its title with hits by Madonna and M People; what is the shared title? (Open your heart)

The songs Amateur Hour and Never turn your back on mother earth were hits in 1974 for which duo? (Sparks)

32 for him (he said Open your mind rather than Open your heart, and didn’t get the Eternal song), 36 for me

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Ullo John [Not Something Beginning with Why]

Sugar Baby Love was #1 in 1974 for which group? (Rubettes)

What type of Dance did the group Men without hats sing about according to the title of their 1983 Top 10 hit? (Safety Dance)

BONUS: Although more of an album act, this group achieved a number of chart singles in their career; here’s one from 1983, who are they? [Lyrics include: “No no John we’ve gotta get on with the film show”] (Pink Floyd)

Featuring samples of Spandau Ballet’s True, the group PM Dawn had their biggest hit in 1992 with which single? (Set adrift on memory bliss)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Sunny Boney M, Going in with my eyes open David Soul, Knowing Me Knowing You Abba? (1977)

BONUS: In 2017 this performer reached the Top 20 with this song, it was his 6th time in the UK Top 40 [Lyrics include: So I’m gonna love you now / I guess all I have / I know it’ll kill me when it’s over]; who is he? (John Legend) is my guess YES

Which Spanish-born singer had his first UK hit in 1999 with Bailamos? (Enrique Iglesias)

Written by Pet Shop Boys, the group Eighth Wonder had their only Top 10 single in 1988 with which song? (I’m not scared)

BONUS: In 1976 this singer achieved his highest UK Top 40 hit with this song [Music]; can you identify him? (John Miles)

The song I can’t break down was a Top 3 hit in 2003 for Fame Academy runner-up Sinead who? (Quinn)

24 for her (I thought she did better than that), all 39 for me

3 in 10: Tom Jones, yes for him and for me

Tom Jones (16 April 2021): Delilah / It’s not unusual / Green Green Grass of Home / Kiss / Mama told me not to come / Daughter of darkness / She’s a lady / Young New Mexican Puppeteer [and others]

Summary of my scores, and the questions I got wrong

Monday 12 April: 33, 39, Corrs final hit so far Summer sunshine

BONUS: Can you identify this group from their last Top 10 hit to date? [Lyrics include: “In the heat of the summer sunshine / I miss you like nobody else”] (THE CORRS) NOPE

Tuesday 13 April 2021: 39, 39

[No questions wrong, but some of the tie-break questions were tricky]

Wednesday 14 April 2021: 39, 39

[No questions wrong]

Thursday 15 April 2021: 36, 39, Call the shots Girls Aloud Top 3 2007

In 2007 Girls Aloud had a Top 3 hit with a song called Call the what? (SHOTS) NOPE

Friday 16 April 2021: 36, 39, Eternal 12th and final hit 1997 Angel of mine

The 12th and final hit for the vocal group Eternal came in 1997 with a song called Angel of what? (MINE) NOPE, should have got that