1976: 20 Original Chart Hits

• Artist: Various Artists
• Release Date: May 20, 1997
• Type: Collection (various artists)
• Genre: Rhythm & Blues

Review

1976: 20 Original Chart Hits continues British label A Time to Remember's look at the hits of the decade. It overlooks the burgeoning punk scene entirely, instead focusing in the usual mix of light pop, hard rock, disco, and novelty tunes. There is also a paucity of big hits on board. Interestingly this makes for a better listen, as there are no songs that are worn out through repletion on oldies radio or through use in commercials or movies. The novelty songs are a little hard to take, especially the Wurzels' horrific "Combine Harvester (Brand New Key)" and Billie Jo Spears' cornpone OD-inducing "Sing Me an Old Fashioned Song." The rest of the songs fare better, especially Be Bop Deluxe's "Ship's in the Night," Brass Construction's "Movin'," and Dr. Hook's "If Not You." The disc suffers a bit for having two songs by a few of the artists; surely there was enough going on in 1976 to not have to do that. Still, this is a fun listen and another fine addition to the series. ~ Tim Sendra, Rovi

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