NME Singles/Albums Chart Breakers

[Metalweb]

This is the start of an attempt to list the New Musical Express singles chart breakers (or "bubblers")

The BMRB breakers have been comprehensively catalogued in this forum but nobody has attempted, as far as I am aware, to do the same for the NME.

The NME published a list of "bubblers" in most issues from early 1975 to mid 1981 when their chart was limited to a Top 30. These are not included in the NME chart books subsequently published. I have many of the original magazines but there are gaps in the information - particularly early on. If anyone can help fill in these gaps please let me know!

The breakers were presumably listed in sales order so I've numbered them 31, 32 etc. For breakers that subsequently entered the Top 30 I've indicated the date they charted. Occasionally a single was listed in the breakers after having briefly charted a week or two earlier.

Breakers in bold didn't make the BMRB chart either.

During the period in which these "bubblers" were published only seven singles cracked the NME Top 30 without making the official BMRB top 50/75.....

Problem Child - The Damned (reached No.27 on 15 Oct 77)
Big Blow - Manu Dibango (No.27 on 11 Mar 78)
The Beat Goes On and On - Ripple (No.24 on 29 Apr 78)
Lonely Desire - Teena Marie (No.27 on 16 Aug 80)
Nagasaki Nightmare - Crass (No.22 on 21 Mar 81)
Poor Old Sole - Orange Juice (No.26 on 4 Apr 81)
Candy Skin - Fire Engines (No.30 on 2 May 81)

….but there were many others that nearly made the list! Here's one straight away:

22 Mar 75

31 Let Me Be The One - Shadows (entered 29 Mar)
32 Lady Marmalade - Labelle (entered 29 Mar)
33 Skiing in the Snow - Wigan's Ovation (entered 29 Mar)
34 Can't Get It Out Of My Head - Electric Light Orchestra
35 The Ugly Duckling - Mike Reid (entered 29 Mar)

Although one of their finest tracks and a top ten hit in America, ELO's Can't Get It Out Of My Head surprisingly only make the BMRB "extra breakers".

29 Mar 75

31 (-) Sing a Happy Song - George McCrae (entered 5 Apr)
32 (-) L.O.V.E. - Al Green (entered 5 Apr)
33 (-) Queen of 1964 - Neil Sedaka
34 (-) World of Dreams - Perry Como
35 (-) My Man and Me - Lynsey De Paul

Perry Como spent one week on the BMRB "extra breakers", failing to make the "star breakers".

5 Apr 75
None listed

12 Apr 75

31 Express - BT Express
32 Cut the Cake - Average White Band
33 The Tears I Cried - Glitter Band (entered 19 Apr)
34 Loving You - Minnie Ripperton (entered 19 Apr)
35 Ding -a- Dong - Teach-In (entered 19 Apr)

19 Apr 75

31 (-) How Glad I Am - Kiki Dee (entered 26 Apr)
32 (-) Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right - Diana Ross (entered 3 May)
33(31) Express - BT Express
34 (-) Hasta La Vista - Sylvia
35 (-) The Way We Were - Gladys Knight (entered 10 May)

26 Apr 75

31(32) Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right - Diana Ross (entered 3 May)
32 (-) Take Your Mama For a Ride - Lulu (entered 3 May)
33 (-) We'll Find Our Day - Stephanie De Sykes (entered 3 May)
34 (-) Call Me Round - Pilot (entered 3 May)
35 (-) Where Is the Love - Betty Wright (entered 3 May)

3 May 75
None listed

10 May 75
????

17 May 75

31 Hasta La Vista - Sylvia
32 Call Me Round - Pilot (had already charted)
33 Papa Oom Mow Mow - Sharonettes

24 May 75

31 (-) Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Eric Clapton (entered 31 May)
32 (-) The Proud One - Osmonds (entered 31 May)
33(33) Papa Oom Mow Mow - Sharonettes
34 (-) Don't Be Cruel - Billy Swan
35 (-) Where Is the Love - Betty Wright (had already charted)

31 May 75
????

7 June 75

31 Walking in Rhythm - Blackbyrds (entered 14 June)
32 Jackie Blue - Ozark Mountain Daredevils
33 Trouble - Elvis Presley
34 Take Me In Your Arms - Doobie Brothers (entered 21 June)
35 Dynamite - Tony Camillo's Bazuka (entered 14 June)

Jackie Blue reached No.6 in the BMRB star breakers (and No.3 in America!)

14 June 75

31(34) Take Me In Your Arms - Doobie Brothers (entered 21 June)
32(33) Trouble - Elvis Presley
33 (-) My White Bicycle - Nazareth (entered 21 June)
34 (-) I Don't Love You But I Think I Like You - Gilbert O'Sullivan (entered 28 June)
35 (-) Tears On My Pillow - Johnny Nash (entered 21 June)

21 June 75

31(34) I Don't Love You But I Think I Like You - Gilbert O'Sullivan (entered 28 June)
32 (-) Moonshine Sally - Mud (entered 28 June)
33 (-) Misty - Ray Stevens (entered 28 June)
34 (-) Foe-Dee-O-Dee - Rubettes (entered 28 June)
35 (-) You Lay So Easy On My Mind - Andy Williams

28 June 75

31 (-) Black Pudding Bertha - Goodies (entered 5 July)
32 (-) Long Lost Lover - Three Degrees
33(35) You Lay So Easy On My Mind - Andy Williams
34 (-) Jive Talkin' - Bee Gees (entered 5 July)
35 (-) It Oughta Sell a Million - Lyn Paul

5 July 75
????

12 July 75

31 You Go To My Head - Bryan Ferry
32 Je T'Aime - Judge Dread (entered 19 July)
33 It's in His Kiss - Linda Lewis (entered 19 July)
34 Foot Stompin' Music - Hamilton Bohannon (entered 19 July)
35 Long Lost Lover - Three Degrees

19 July 75

31(31) You Go To My Head - Bryan Ferry
32 (-) Blanket on the Ground - Billy Jo Spears (entered 26 July)
33 (-) Harmour Love - Syreeta
34 (-) New York City - T.Rex (entered 26 July)
35 (re) It Oughta Sell a Million - Lyn Paul

26 July 75

31(-) Personally - Wigan's Ovation
32(-) Love Me Baby - Susan Cadogan (entered 9 Aug)
33(-) Going to a Go-Go - Sharonettes
34(-) It's Been So Long - George McCrae (entered 9 Aug)
35(-) Delilah - Sensational Alex Harvey Band (entered 2 Aug)

2 Aug 75

31 (-) I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do - Abba
32 (-) Harmour Love - Syreeta
33(32) Love Me Baby - Susan Cadogan (entered 9 Aug)
34 (-) Sexy - MFSB
35(34) It's Been so Long - George McCrae (entered 9 Aug)

9 Aug 75

31(-) Kelly - Del Shannon
32(-) Summer of '42 - Biddu (entered 16 Aug)
33(-) That's the Way I Like It - KC and the Sunshine Band (entered 16 Aug)
34(-) Get in the Swing - Sparks (entered 16 Aug)
35(-) Love in the Sun - Glitter Band (entered 30 Aug)

"Kelly" was a 60s obscurity re-released on Contempo-Raries, a label that specialised in Northern Soul. It didn't make the BMRB breakers.

to be continued...

[Robbie]

Thanks for posting these. It's most appreciated. I have the NME Singles chart book so I might copy your list of NME Singles chart bubblers to Notepad, print it out and put the print out with the book.

[Metalweb]

16 Aug 75

31(35) Love in the Sun - Glitter Band (entered 30 Aug)
32 (-) One Of These Nights - Eagles (entered 23 Aug)
33 (-) Super Womble - Wombles (entered 30 Aug)
34 (-) Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennille (entered 23 Aug)
35 (-) Sailing - Rod Stewart (entered 23 Aug)
35 (-) A Child's Prayer - Hot Chocolate (entered 30 Aug)

23 Aug 75

31 (-) Brazil - Crispy and Company
32(35) A Child's Prayer - Hot Chocolate (entered 30 Aug)
33(31) Love in the Sun - Glitter Band (entered 30 Aug)
34(33) Super Womble - Wombles (entered 30 Aug)
35 (-) Funky Moped - Jasper Carrott (entered 6 Sept)

30 Aug 75

31(31) Brazil - Crispy and Company
32 (-) Moonlighting - Leo Sayer (entered 6 Sept)
33 (-) Motor Bikin' - Chris Spedding (entered 6 Sept)
34 (-) Knockin' on Heaven's Door - Eric Clapton
35 (-) Single Girl - Sandy Posey

6 Sept 75

31 (-) Feel Like Makin' Love - Bad Company (entered 13 Sept)
32 (-) Love Won't Let Me Wait - Major Harris (had already charted)
33 (-) Like a Butterfly - Mac & Katie Kissoon (entered 27 Sept)
34(34) Knockin' on Heaven's Door - Eric Clapton
35 (-) I'm On Fire - 5000 Volts (entered 13 Sept)

13 Sept 75

31 (-) Scotch on the Rocks - Band of the Black Watch (entered 4 Oct)
32 (-) Solitaire - Carpenters
33 (-) Single Girl - Sandy Posey
34 (-) Sing a Little Song - Desmond Dekker (entered 20 Sept)
35 (-) The Snake - Al Wilson

20 Sept 75

31 (-) Like a Butterfly - Mac and Katie Kissoon (entered 27 Sept)
32(32) Solitaire - Carpenters
33 (-) Yum Yum - Fatback Band
34 (-) Fallin' in Love - Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds (entered 27 Sept)
35(33) Single Girl - Sandy Posey

27 Sept 75

31(32) Solitaire - Carpenters
32(33) Yum Yum - Fatback Band
33 (-) Do It Any Way You Wanna - People's Choice (entered 11 Oct)
34 (-) Chick-A-Boom - 53rd & 3rd (entered 4 Oct)
35(Re) Scotch on the Rocks - Band of the Black Watch (entered 4 Oct)

4 Oct 75

31 (-) Nappy Love - Goodies (entered 11 Oct)
32 (-) L-L-Lucy - Mud (entered 11 Oct)
33 (-) Indian Love Call - Ray Stevens
34 (-) Big Ten - Judge Dread (entered 11 Oct)
35 (-) Out of Time - Chris Farlowe

11 Oct 75

31 (-) Reaching for the Best - Exciters
32 (-) This Will Be - Natalie Cole (entered 18 Oct)
33(33) Indian Love Call - Ray Stevens
34 (-) Dreamy Lady - T.Rex
35 (-) Space Oddity - David Bowie (entered 18 Oct)

18 Oct 75

31(31) Reaching for the Best - Exciters
32(Re) Out of Time - Chris Farlowe
33 (-) Hold Back the Night - Trammps (entered 25 Oct)
34(34) Dreamy Lady - T.Rex
35 (-) Honky Tonk Angel - Cliff Richard

Cliff infamously banned his own single - only just in time! - when he realised he'd been singing a song about a prostitute.

25 Oct 75

31(34) Dreamy Lady - T.Rex
32(Re) Just a Smile - Pilot (had already charted)
33 (-) Rock On Brother - Chequers (entered 8 Nov)
34(31) Reaching for the Best - Exciters
35 (-) Blue Guitar - Justin Hayward and John Lodge (entered 1 Nov)
36 (-) New York Groove - Hello (entered 1 Nov)

[Metalweb]

1 Nov 75

31 (-) Love Hurts - Jim Capaldi (entered 8 Nov)
32(33) Rock On Brother - Chequers (entered 8 Nov)
33 (-) Paper Doll - Don Estelle and Windsor Davies
34 (-) Papa Oom Mow Mow - Gary Glitter
35(34) Reaching for the Best - Exciters

8 Nov 75

31(re) Dreamy Lady - T.Rex
32 (-) Rocky - Austin Roberts (entered 22 Nov)
33 (-) Goodbye-ee - 14-18
34 (-) Supership - George Benson (entered 15 Nov)
35 (-) All Around My Hat - Steeleye Span (entered 22 Nov)

15 Nov 75

31 (-) Change With the Times - Van McCoy
32(32) Rocky - Austin Roberts (entered 22 Nov)
33(re) Papa Oom Mow Mow - Gary Glitter
34 (-) Why Did You Do It - Stretch (entered 22 Nov)
35 (-) Heavenly - Showaddywaddy (entered 29 Nov)

22 Nov 75

31 (-) Na Na is the Saddest Word - Stylistics (entered 29 Nov)
32(33) Papa Oom Mow Mow - Gary Glitter
33(35) Heavenly - Showaddywaddy (entered 29 Nov)
34(re) Goodbye-ee - 14-18
35 (-) Part Time Love - Gladys Knight (entered 29 Nov)

29 Nov 75

31 (-) Golden Years - David Bowie (entered 6 Dec)
32 (-) Let's Twist Again - Chubby Checker (entered 6 Dec)
33 (-) Show Me You're a Woman - Mud (entered 6 Dec)
34 (-) Gamblin' Bar Room Blues - Sensational Alex Harvey Band
35 (-) Let's Twist Again - John Asher (entered 6 Dec)

6 Dec 75

31 (-) Crisis What Crisis? - Supertramp
32 (-) First Impressions - Impressions (entered 13 Dec)
33 (-) I'm So Crazy - KC & Sunshine Band
34 (-) Super Love - Wigan's Ovation
35 (-) I Believe in Father Christmas - Greg Lake (entered 13 Dec)

The Supertramp album title is clearly an error. Probably "Lady", the single from the album, should have been listed instead. It was in the BMRB breakers at the time.

13 Dec 75

31 (-) Do The Bus Stop - Fatback Band (entered 20 Dec)
32 (-) Glass of Champagne - Sailor (entered 20 Dec)
33 (-) Little Darling - Rubettes (had already charted)
34 (-) Think of Me (Wherever You Are) - Ken Dodd (entered 20 Dec)
35(re) Gamblin' Bar Room Blues - Sensational Alex Harvey Band

20 Dec 75

31 (-) Itchycoo Park - Small Faces (entered 27 Dec)
32 (-) Christmas in Dreadland - Judge Dread (entered 27 Dec)
33 (-) King of the Cops - Bill Howard (entered 27 Dec)
34 (-) Let's Womble to the Party Tonight - Wombles (entered 3 Jan)
35 (-) Both Ends Burning - Roxy Music (entered 3 Jan)

27 Dec 75

31 (-) In Dulce Jubilo - Mike Oldfield (entered 3 Jan)
32 (-) Lady - Supertramp
33 (-) Dreams of You - Ralph McTell
34 (-) White Christmas - Freddie Starr
35 (-) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Carpenters

3 Jan 76
none listed

10 Jan 76

31 Dreams of You - Ralph McTell
32 Green Green Grass of Home - Elvis Presley (had already charted)
33 Love to Love You Baby - Donna Summer (entered 24 Jan)
34 The Old Rugged Cross - Ethna Campbell
35 Milky Way - Sheer Elegance (entered 17 Jan)

17 Jan 76

31 (-) Get It Together - Crispy & Company
32 (-) Sunshine Day - Osibisa (entered 24 Jan)
33 (-) Forever and Ever - Slik (entered 24 Jan)
34(33) Love to Love You Baby - Donna Summer (entered 24 Jan)
35(31) Dreams of You - Ralph McTell

24 Jan 76

31 (-) Drive Safely Darling - Tony Christie
32 (-) Baby Face - Wing & A Prayer Fife & Drum Corps (entered 31 Jan)
33 (-) God's Gonna Punish You - Tymes
34(31) Get It Together - Crispy & Company
35 (-) How High the Moon - Gloria Gaynor

31 Jan 76

31(31) Drive Safely Darling - Tony Christie
32(35) How High the Moon - Gloria Gaynor
33 (-) Honey I - George McCrae (entered 7 Feb)
34 (-) The Way I Want to Touch You - Captain & Tennille (entered 14 Feb)
35 (-) December 63 (Oh What a Night) - Four Seasons (entered 7 Feb)

[Metalweb]

7 Feb 76

31(34) The Way I Want to Touch You - Captain & Tennille (entered 14 Feb)
32 (-) Lies in Your Eyes - Sweet
33 (-) I Love Music - O'Jays (entered 21 Feb)
34 (-) Something's Been Making Me Blue - Smokie (entered 14 Feb)
35(32) How High the Moon - Gloria Gaynor

14 Feb 76

31(33) I Love Music - O'Jays (entered 21 Feb)
32 (-) Hurricane - Bob Dylan
33 (-) Let's Call it Quits - Slade (entered 21 Feb)
34 (-) Tuxedo Junction - Manhattan Transfer (entered 21 Feb)
35 (-) Miss You Nights - Cliff Richard (entered 28 Feb)

21 Feb 76

31(32) Hurricane - Bob Dylan
32 (-) If Paradise Was Half as Nice - Amen Corner
33(35) Miss You Nights - Cliff Richard (entered 28 Feb)
34 (-) Spanish Hustle - Fatback Band (entered 6 Mar)
35 (-) Your Magic Put A Spell On Me - L.J.Johnson (entered 6 Mar)

No breakers were published for the weeks 28 Feb to 8 May inclusive.

15 May 76

31 Requiem - Slik (entered 22 May)
32 Silly Love Songs - Wings (entered 22 May)
33 Love Me Like a Lover - Tina Charles (entered 22 May)
34 The Winkle Man - Judge Dread
35 Midnight Train to Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips (entered 22 May)

22 May 76

31 (-) This Is It - Melba Moore (entered 29 May)
32 (-) Hurt - Elvis Presley
33 (-) Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop
34(34) The Winkle Man - Judge Dread
35 (-) Show Me the Way - Peter Frampton (entered 29 May)

29 May 76

31 (-) The Wanderer - Dion (entered 19 June)
32(33) Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop
33 (-) Trocadero - Showaddywaddy
34(34) The Winkle Man - Judge Dread
35 (-) You're the Reason Why - Rubettes (had already charted)

5 June 76

31 (-) The Boys are Back in Town - Thin Lizzy (entered 12 June)
32(33) Trocadero - Showaddywaddy
33(32) Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop
34 (-) Could it Be Magic - Donna Summer
35 (-) You Just Might See Me Cry - Our Kid (entered 12 June)

12 June 76

31 (-) Leader of the Pack - Shangri-Las (entered 19 June)
32 (-) Dance the Body Music - Osibisa (entered 19 June)
33 (-) Let's Stick Together - Bryan Ferry (entered 19 June)
34(32) Trocadero - Showaddywaddy

19 June 76

31 (-) What a Wonderful World - Johnny Nash (entered 26 June)
32(re) Requiem - Slik (had already charted)
33(34) Trocadero - Showaddywaddy
34 (-) Harvest For The World - Isley Brothers (entered 17 July)

26 June 76

31 (-) Boston Tea Party - Sensational Alex Harvey Band (entered 3 July)
32 (-) I Recall a Gypsy Woman - Don Williams (entered 10 July)
33 (-) Sold My Rock n Roll - Linda and the Funky Boys
34 (-) It Only Takes a Minute - 100 Ton and a Feather (entered 10 July)
35 (-) Misty Blue - Dorothy Moore (entered 3 July)

3 July 76

31 (-) Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee (entered 10 July)
32(34) It Only Takes a Minute - 100 Ton and a Feather (entered 10 July)
33 (-) In Zaire - Johnny Wakelin (entered 7 Aug)
34(32) I Recall a Gypsy Woman - Don Williams (entered 10 July)
35(re) Harvest For The World - Isley Brothers (entered 17 July)

10 July 76

31 (-) My Sweet Rosalie - Brotherhood of Man (had already charted)
32 (-) Strange Magic - ELO
33 (-) Tubular Bells - Champs Boys
34 (-) I Don't Wanna Play House - Tammy Wynette
35 (-) No Chance - Billy Connolly (entered 24 Juy)

17 July 76

31 (-) At the Hop - Danny and the Juniors
32 (31) My Sweet Rosalie - Brotherhood of Man (had already charted)
33 (-) I Need To Be In Love - Carpenters
34 (-) Love On Delivery - Billy Ocean (entered 24 July)
35(35) No Chance - Billy Connolly (entered 24 July)

24 July 76

31 (-) I Thought it Took a Little Time - Diana Ross
32 (-) Shake Your Booty - KC & Sunshine Band (entered 7 Aug)
33(32) My Sweet Rosalie - Brotherhood of Man (had already charted)
34(re) In Zaire - Johnny Wakelin (entered 7 Aug)
35 (-) Doctor Kiss Kiss - 5000 Volts (entered 31 July)

31 July 76

31(32) Shake Your Booty - KC & Sunshine Band (entered 7 Aug)
32 (-) Rock and Roll Music - Beach Boys (had already charted)
33(31) I Thought it Took a Little Time - Diana Ross
34(34) In Zaire - Johnny Wakelin (entered 7 Aug)
35 (-) It's Temptation - Sheer Elegance

[Metalweb]

7 Aug 76
none listed

14 Aug 76

31 Nice and Slow - Jesse Green (entered 21 Aug)
32 Morning Glory - James and Bobby Purify (entered 21 Aug)
33 Afternoon Delight - Starland Vocal Band (entered 21 Aug)
34 The Killing of Georgie - Rod Stewart (entered 21 Aug)
35 I Thought it Took a Little Time - Diana Ross

21 Aug 76

31 If You Know What I Mean - Neil Diamond
32 Baby We Better Try and Get it Together - Barry White (entered 28 Aug)

28 Aug 76
????

4 Sept 76
????

11 Sept 76

31 Work All Day - Barry Biggs
32 I Need It - Johnny Guitar Watson
33 Girl Of My Best Friend - Elvis Presley (entered 25 Sept)
34 I Want More - Can (entered 2 Oct)

18 Sept 76

31 (-) Every Nite's a Saturday Night With You - Drifters (entered 2 Oct)
32 (-) Best Disco in Town - Ritchie Family (entered 25 Sept)
33 (34) I Want More - Can (entered 2 Oct)
34 (33) Girl Of My Best Friend - Elvis Presley (entered 25 Sept)

25 Sept 76

31 (-) Live at the Marquee - Eddie and the Hot Rods
32 (-) Uptown Uptempo Woman - Randy Edelman (entered 2 Oct)
33(33) I Want More - Can (entered 2 Oct)
34(re) Work All Day - Barry Biggs
35 (-) Baby I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton

2 Oct 76

31 (-) Under One Roof - Rubettes
32 (-) Destiny - Candi Staton
33 (-) Disco Music - JALN Band (entered 9 Oct)
34(35) Baby I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton
35 (-) Benny and The Jets - Elton John

9 Oct 76

31 (-) If You Leave Me Now - Chicago (entered 16 Oct)
32 (-) Love and Affection - Joan Armatrading (entered 23 Oct)
33 (-) I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan/John Ford Coley (entered 16 Oct)
34 (-) Laser Love - T.Rex
35(31) Under One Roof - Rubettes

16 Oct 76

31 (-) Couldn't Get it Right - Climax Blues Band (entered 23 Oct)
32 (-) Queen of My Soul - Average White Band (entered 23 Oct)
33 (-) Jaws - Lalo Schifrin (entered 23 Oct)
34(32) Love and Affection - Joan Armatrading (entered 23 Oct)
35 (-) Soul Dracula - Hot Blood

23 Oct 76

31 (-) Without You - Nillson (entered 30 Oct)
32 (-) Remember Yesterday - John Miles
33 (-) She's Gone - Hall & Oates (entered 30 Oct)
34 (-) Funny How Time Slips Away - Dorothy Moore
35(35) Soul Dracula - Hot Blood

30 Oct 76

31(35) Soul Dracula - Hot Blood
32 (-) Tears of a Clown - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
33 (-) Fairytale - Dana (entered 27 Nov)
34 (-) You're My Best Friend - Don Williams (entered 6 Nov)
35(34) Funny How Time Slips Away - Dorothy Moore

6 Nov 76

31 (-) Rock'n'Me - Steve Miller Band (entered 13 Nov)
32(re) Remember Yesterday - John Miles
33 (-) Lowdown - Boz Scaggs (entered 13 Nov)
34 (-) I Can't Live a Dream - Osmonds
35 (-) Under the Moon of Love - Showaddywaddy (entered 13 Nov)

13 Nov 76

31 (-) So Sad the Song - Gladys Knight & the Pips (entered 4 Dec)
32(34) I Can't Live a Dream - Osmonds
33 (-) Hot Valves EP - Be Bop Deluxe (entered 27 Nov)
34 (-) Love's a Prima Donna - Steve Harley
35 (-) Do You Feel Like We Do - Peter Frampton

20 Nov 76

31(31) So Sad the Song - Gladys Knight & the Pips (entered 4 Dec)
32(34) Love's a Prima Donna - Steve Harley
33 (-) Money Money Money - Abba (entered 27 Nov)
34 (-) Get Back - Rod Stewart (entered 27 Nov)
35 (-) Somebody to Love - Queen (entered 27 Nov)

27 Nov 76

31(31) So Sad the Song - Gladys Knight & the Pips (entered 4 Dec)
32 (-) Secrets - Sutherland Brothers
33 (-) Say You Love Me - Fleetwood Mac
34(re) Do You Feel Like We Do - Peter Frampton
35 (-) Hey Mr Dream Maker - Cliff Richard (entered 11 Dec)

4 Dec 76

31(32) Secrets - Sutherland Brothers
32 (-) We Can Work It Out - Four Seasons
33(re) Love's a Prima Donna - Steve Harley
34 (-) Happy Days - Pratt & McClain (entered 15 Oct 77!)
35 (-) Love So Right - Bee Gees

11 Dec 76

31(32) We Can Work It Out - Four Seasons
32 (-) Teenage Depression - Eddie & The Hot Rods (had already charted)
33 (-) Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is - Rose Royce
34 (-) Wild Side of Life - Status Quo (entered 18 Dec)
35(31) Secrets - Sutherland Brothers

18 Dec 76

31 (-) Sing Me an Old Fashioned Song - Billie Jo Spears
32 (-)The Champion - Willie Mitchell
33 (-) Ring out Solstice Bells - Jethro Tull (entered 25 Dec)
34 (-) Save Me - Clodagh Rodgers
35 (-) Anarchy in the UK - Sex Pistols (entered 25 Dec)

25 Dec 76

31 (-) Keep It Comin' Love - KC & the Sunshine Band (entered 22 Jan)
32 (-) Daddy Cool - Boney M (entered 8 Jan)
33 (-) Maggie May - Rod Stewart
34 (-) Flip - Jesse Green (entered 15 Jan)
35(32) The Champion - Willie Mitchell

[kingofskiffle]

Spotted some of these are included in scans I have. I don’t have many NME scans from this period but find below the ones I have where hearts are missing
24 May 1975
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g43eq19hyj...bling.jpg?dl=0
28 June 1975
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rwbg5xhx8i...bling.jpg?dl=0
27 Dec 1975
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ktqkh9abap...20NME.jpg?dl=0

[kingofskiffle]

Going to post these as well which are the only two scans I have from later years with bubblers. May be of use
20 Oct 1977
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dksxpzr7ys...20NME.jpg?dl=0
20 Dec 1980
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jgo8sr5d8b...20NME.pdf?dl=0

[Metalweb]

Many thanks!

[Metalweb]

Have updated for the 27 Dec 75 breakers but for some reason I'm unable to edit my first post in this thread so can't update for the new 24 May 75 info.

I'll post here in the meantime:

24 May 75

31 Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Eric Clapton (entered 31 May)
32 The Proud One - Osmonds (entered 31 May)
33 Papa Oom Mow Mow - Sharonettes
34 Don't Be Cruel - Billy Swan
35 Where Is the Love - Betty Wright (had already charted)

[kingofskiffle]

I edited your first post. Took ages to save. We are having issues wit the new site and are working to fix them.

[Metalweb]

…..

[Metalweb]

1 Jan 77
no chart

8 Jan 77
none listed

15 Jan 77

31 New Kid in Town - Eagles (entered 22 Jan)
32 Don't Believe a Word - Thin Lizzy (entered 22 Jan)
33 Every Man Must Have a Dream - Liverpool Express (entered 22 Jan)
34 Keep It Comin' Love - KC & Sunshine Band (entered 22 Jan)

22 Jan 77

31 (-) Don't Leave Me This Way - Harold Melvin (entered 29 Jan)
32 (-) Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
33 (-) You+Me=Love - Undisputed Truth
34(re) Save Me - Clodagh Rodgers
35 (-) You - Randy Edelman

Clodagh also made the BMRB breakers

29 Jan 77

31 (-) Jack in the Box - Moments (entered 5 Feb)
32 (-) Boogie Nights - Heatwave (entered 5 Feb)
33 (-) Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is - Rose Royce
34(33) You+Me=Love - Undisputed Truth
35 (-) More Than a Feeling - Boston (entered 5 Feb)

5 Feb 77

31 (-) Year of the Cat - Al Stewart (entered 12 Feb)
32 (-) Every Little Teardrop - Gallagher and Lyle
33 (-) Everybody's Talkin' About Love - Silver Convention (entered 12 Feb)
34 (-) Body Heat - James Brown
35(34) You+Me=Love - Undisputed Truth

12 Feb 77

31 (-) This is Tomorrow - Bryan Ferry (entered 19 Feb)
32(34) Body Heat - James Brown
33 (-) I Wanna Go Back - New Seekers (entered 19 Feb)
34(35) You+Me=Love - Undisputed Truth
35(32) Every Little Teardrop - Gallagher and Lyle

19 Feb 77

31 (-) Baby I Know - Rubettes (entered 26 Feb)
32 (-) Darlin' Darlin' Baby - O'Jays (entered 5 Mar)
33 (-) Torn Between Two Lovers - Mary McGregor (entered 26 Feb)
34 (-) Soul Cha Cha - Van McCoy
35 (-) Saturday Nite - Earth Wind and Fire (entered 26 Feb)

26 Feb 77

31 (-) Maybe I'm Amazed - Wings (entered 5 Mar)
32 (-) First Thing in the Morning - Kiki Dee
33 (-) (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) - Stranglers
34 (-) Knowing Me Knowing You - Abba (entered 5 Mar)
35(32) Darlin' Darlin' Baby - O'Jays (entered 5 Mar)

[Metalweb]

5 Mar 77

31 (-) Moody Blue - Elvis Presley (entered 12 Mar)
32 (-) Crazy Water - Elton John (entered 12 Mar)
33(33) (Get a) Grip (On Yourself) - Stranglers
34 (-) Another Suitcase in Another Hall - Barbara Dickson (entered 12 Mar)

12 Mar 77

31 (-) Love in C Minor - Cerrone (entered 26 Mar)
32 (-) A Groovy Kind of Love - Les Gray
33(re) First Thing in the Morning - Kiki Dee
34 (-) One Drink Too Many - Sailor
35 (-) Your Own Special Way - Genesis

19 Mar 77

31(33) First Thing in the Morning - Kiki Dee
32(32) A Groovy Kind of Love - Les Gray
33 (-) Double Dutch - Fatback Band
34(re) Soul Cha Cha - Van McCoy
35(31) Love in C Minor - Cerrone (entered 26 Mar)

26 Mar 77

31 (-) Tear Me Apart - Suzi Quatro (had already charted)
32 (-) Gimme Some - Brendon (entered 2 Apr)
33(33) Double Dutch - Fatback Band
34 (-) Because - Demis Roussos
35 (-) Rock Bottom - Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran (entered 9 Apr)

2 Apr 77

31 (-) Lonely Boy - Andrew Gold (entered 16 Apr)
32(33) Double Dutch - Fatback Band
33 (-) Free - Deniece Williams (entered 9 Apr)
34 (-) $7000 and You - Stylistics
35(31) Tear Me Apart - Suzi Quatro (had already charted)

9 Apr 77

31 (-) Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel (entered 16 Apr)
32 (-) Evergreen - Barbra Streisand (entered 16 Apr)
33 (-) Reaching for the World - Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes
34 (-) 5th Anniversary EP - Judge Dread

16 Apr 77
none listed

23 Apr 77

31 (-) Another Funny Honeymoon - David Dundas (entered 30 Apr)
32(re) $7000 and You - Stylistics
33 (-) Good Morning Judge - 10cc (entered 30 Apr)
34 (-) Ain't Gonna Bump No More - Joe Tex (entered 30 Apr)

30 Apr 77

31 (-) I Might Be Lying - Eddie and the Hot Rods
32 (-) It's You - Manhattans
33 (-) Where is the Love - Delegation (entered 14 May)
34 (-) Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow - Tom Jones

[Metalweb]

7 May 77

31 (-) It's a Game - Bay City Rollers (entered 14 May)
32 (-) You're My Life - Barry Biggs
33(33) Where is the Love - Delegation (entered 14 May)
34 (-) Could It Be I'm Falling In Love - Detroit Spinners (entered 14 May)

14 May 77

31 (-) In The City - Jam
32 (-) You Keep Me Hangin' On - Roni Hill
33 (-) Hello Stranger - Yvonne Elliman (entered 28 May)
34 (-) I'm Your Boogie Man - KC & Sunshine Band

21 May 77

31 (-) Disco Inferno - Trammps (entered 28 May)
32 (-) Rendezvous - Tina Charles
33(33) Hello Stranger - Yvonne Elliman (entered 28 May)
34 (-) OK - Rock Follies (entered 28 May)

28 May 77

31 (-) The Whole Town's Laughing at Me - Teddy Pendergrass
32 (-) Calendar Song - Trinidad Oil Company (entered 4 June)
33 (-) Sneakin' Suspicion - Dr Feelgood
34 (-) Let Your Body Go Downtown - Martyn Ford Orchestra

4 June 77

31 (-) Don't Let Go - Manhattan Transfer (entered 11 June)
32 (-) Show You the Way to Go - Jacksons (entered 11 June)
33 (-) Join the Party - Honky (entered 18 June)
34 (-) Nature Boy - George Benson (entered 11 June)

11 June 77

31(33) Join the party - Honky

18 June 77

31 (-) Come With Me - Jesse Green (entered 2 July)
32 (-) Bite Your Lip - Elton John (entered 25 June)
33 (-) Sneakin' Suspicion - Dr Feelgood
34 (-) Remote Control - Clash
35 (-) Anything That's Rock'n'Roll - Tom Petty (entered 25 June)

The single The Clash didn't want released also crept into the BMRB breakers

25 June 77

31 (-) Exodus - Bob Marley and the Wailers (entered 2 July)
32 (-) I Can Prove It - Tony Etoria (entered 16 July
33 (-) Feel the Need - Detroit Emeralds (entered 2 July)
34(re) Don't Let Go - Manhattan Transfer (had already Charted)

2 July 77

31 (-) Give a Little Bit - Supertramp (entered 23 July)
32 (-) What It Is - Garnet Mimms
33 (-) Baby Baby - Vibrators
34 (-) Chinese Rocks - Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers

The Heartbreakers made the BMRB breakers; The Vibrators' likeable Stones pastiche didn't.

[Metalweb]

9 July 77

31 (-) One Step Away - Tavares (entered 16 July)
32 (-) Farmer Bill's Cowman - Wurzels
33 (-) Undercover Angel - Alan O'Day
34 (re) Don't Let Go - Manhattan Transfer (had already charted)

16 July 77

31 (-)Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard
32 (-) Give a Little Bit - Supertramp (entered 23 July)
33 (-) Motorhead - Motorhead
34 (-) A Little Boogie Woogie - Gary Glitter (entered 30 July)

Lemmy & Co also made the BMRB breakers, but had to wait another year for their first official hit single.

23 July 77

31 (-) This Perfect Day - Saints
32(34) A Little Boogie Woogie - Gary Glitter (entered 30 July)
33 (-) When Two Worlds Drift Apart - Cliff Richard
34 (-) Your Song - Billy Paul

30 July 77

31 (-) Nights on Broadway - Candi Staton (entered 6 Aug)
32 (-) You Made Me Believe in Magic - Bay City Rollers
33(31) This Perfect Day - Saints
34 (-) I'm In You - Peter Frampton
35 (-) Prove It - Television (entered 6 Aug)

6 Aug 77

31 (-) Anarchy in the UK - Sex Pistols
32 (-) Swallow My Pride - Ramones (entered 13 Aug)
33 (-) Nobody Does It Better - Carly Simon (entered 13 Aug)
34 (-) Devil's Gun - CJ & Co

13 Aug 77

31 (-) Pinnocchio Theory - Bootsy's Rubber Band
32 (-) Love's Such a Wonderful Thing - Real Thing
33 (-) You Made Me Believe in Magic - Bay City Rollers

Bootsy (aka William Earl Collins) also made the BMRB breakers.

20 Aug 77

31 (-) I Can't Get You Out Of My Mind - Yvonne Elliman (entered 27 Aug)
32 (re) Anarchy in the UK - Sex Pistols
33 (-) Dreams - Fleetwood Mac (entered 27 Aug)
34(31) Pinnocchio Theory - Bootsy's Rubber Band

Nearly a surprise re-entry for the Pistols.

27 Aug 77

31 (-) Sunshine After the Rain - Elkie Brooks (entered 3 Sept)
32 (-) All I Think About is You - Nillson
33 (-) Gary Gilmore's Eyes - Adverts (entered 3 Sept)
34 (-) Think I'm Gonna Fall in Love With You - Dooleys (entered 10 Sept)

3 Sept 77

31 (-) His Latest Flame - Elvis Presley
32 (-) She's Not You - Elvis Presley
33(34) Think I'm Gonna Fall in Love With You - Dooleys (entered 10 Sept)
34 (-) Gimme Dat Banana - Black Gorilla

Neither Elvis track was among those that officially charted in the weeks following his death. She's Not You didn't reach the BMRB breakers either.

10 Sept 77

31 (-) Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley
32 (-) Are You Lonesome Tonight - Elvis Presley
33 (-) Thunder In My Heart - Leo Sayer (entered 17 Sept)
34 (-) The Wonder Of You - Elvis Presley

17 Sept 77

31(re) Gimme Dat Banana - Black Gorilla
32 (-) Pipeline - Bruce Johnston
33 (-) Do Your Dance - Rose Royce (entered 1 Oct)
34(31) Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley

24 Sept 77

31 (-) Your Generation - Generation X
32 (-) Yes Sir I Can Boogie - Baccara (entered 1 Oct)
33 (-) Cool Out Tonight - David Essex (entered 8 Oct)
34 (-) Kill the King - Rainbow

1 Oct 77

31(31) Your Generation - Generation X
32 (-) Star Wars Theme - Meco (entered 8 Oct)
33(33) Cool Out Tonight - David Essex (entered 8 Oct)
34 (-) Greatest Love Of All - George Benson (entered 8 Oct)

[Metalweb]

Have updated earlier posts with recently unearthed info for 22 Mar 75, 21 June 75 and 16 Aug 75.

[Metalweb]

8 Oct 77

31 (-) Happy Days - Pratt & McClain (entered 15 Oct)
32 (-) Heroes - David Bowie
33(31) Your Generation - Generation X

15 Oct 77

31 (-) Brick House - Commodores
32 (-) Hot Tracks EP - Nazareth (entered 22 Oct)
33 (-) Home is Where the Heart Is - Gladys Knight & the Pips
34 (-) The Water Margin - Godiego (entered 29 Oct)

22 Oct 77

31 (-) We Are the Champions - Queen (entered 29 Oct)
32 (-) I Believe You - Dorothy Moore (entered 29 Oct)
33 (-) New Live & Rare - Deep Purple (entered 29 Oct)
34 (-) She's Not There - Santana (entered 5 Nov)

29 Oct 77
none listed

5 Nov 77
none listed

12 Nov 77

31 (-) Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh! - Lenny Williams
32 (-) Daddy Cool/The Girl Can't Help It - Darts (entered 19 Nov)
33 (-) Love Bug - Tina Charles
34 (-) Floral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band (entered 19 Nov)

19 Nov 77

31 (-) Baby Baby My Love's All For You - Deniece Williams
32 (-) Mull of Kintyre - Wings (entered 26 Nov)
33(33) Love Bug - Tina Charles
34 (-) Love Of My Life - Dooleys (entered 3 Dec)

26 Nov 77

31 (-) Safety In Numbers - Adverts
32(34) Love Of My Life - Dooleys (entered 3 Dec)
33(31) Baby Baby My Love's All For You - Deniece Williams
34 (-) Georgina Bailey - Noosha Fox

The Adverts also made the BMRB star breakers with their anti-new-wave new wave single.

3 Dec 77

31 (-) It's a Heartache - Bonnie Tyler (entered 10 Dec)
32(34) Georgina Bailey - Noosha Fox
33 (-) Goin' Places - Jacksons (had already charted)
34 (-) Only the Strong Survive - Billy Paul

10 Dec 77

31 (-) White Christmas - Bing Crosby (entered 17 Dec)
32 (-) As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson (entered 17 Dec)
33 (-) Jamming/Punky Reggae Party - Bob Marley (entered 17 Dec)
34 (-) San Francisco - Village People

17 Dec 77

31 (-) Get On the Funk Train - Music Machine
32 (-) Hollywood - Boz Scaggs
33 (-) Wild Youth - Generation X
34(34) San Francisco - Village People

Billy Idol & Co spent most of December languishing in the BMRB star breakers.

24 Dec 77

31(32) Hollywood - Boz Scaggs
32 (-) Muppet Show Music Hall EP - Muppets
33 (-) Uptown Top Ranking - Althia & Donna (entered 7 Jan)
34 (-) Run Back - Carl Douglas (entered 14 Jan)

31 Dec 77
no chart

[Metalweb]

7 Jan 78

31 Hollywood - Boz Scaggs
32 Muppet Show Music Hall EP - Muppets
33 Run Back - Carl Douglas (entered 14 Jan)

14 Jan 78

31(-) I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love - Emotions
32(-) Desiree - Neil Diamond
33(-) Who's Gonna Love Me - Imperials (entered 21 Jan)
34(31)Hollywood - Boz Scaggs

21 Jan 78

31 (-) Wishing on a Star - Rose Royce (entered 4 Feb)
32 (-) Choosing You - Lenny Williams
33(31) I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love - Emotions
34 (-) Heartsong - Gordon Giltrap (entered 18 Feb)

Choosing You also made the BMRB Star Breakers

28 Jan 78

31 (-) Isn't It Time - Babys
32(31) Wishing on a Star - Rose Royce (entered 4 Feb)
33(33) I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love - Emotions
34 (-) Theme from Which Way Is Up - Stargard (entered 4 Feb)

4 Feb 78
none listed

11 Feb 78

31 Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel (entered 18 Feb)
32 Words - Rita Coolidge (entered 11 Mar)
33 Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush (entered 18 Feb)
34 Nervous Wreck - Radio Stars

18 Feb 78

31 (-) Rising Free EP - Tom Robinson Band (entered 25 Feb)
32 (-) Do Ya Wanna Get Funky With Me - Peter Brown
33(32) Words - Rita Coolidge (entered 11 Mar)
34 (-) Denis - Blondie (entered 4 Mar)

25 Feb 78

31(re) Nervous Wreck - Radio Stars
32 (-) Lilac Wine - Elkie Brooks (entered 11 Mar)
33(34) Denis - Blondie (entered 4 Mar)
34 (-) What Do I Get - Buzzcocks (had already charted)

Incidentally, NME's chart page for this week carried the following announcement:

"National press allegations and revelations concerning chart rigging, which have received widespread publicity during the last few days, have not been directed at the NME charts. NME has steadfastly adhered to Top 30 charts, always believing that any lower position would be more vulnerable to hyping. This is why NME has, despite numerous requests from readers, adamantly refused to extend its charts beyond the Top 30, and why it is confident in the authenticity of those charts."

[Robbie]

^
The chart rigging story also featured in Record Mirror in their issue which was also dated 25/02/78 under the heading "Charts: BPI to hold emergency meeting". It followed allegations of chart hyping which had appeared in four national newspapers during the previous week. The Daily Mirror specifically named A&M, a label who had already been accused of hyping activity the previous summer.

[Metalweb]

The "despite numerous requests from readers" part is interesting - it goes against the received wisdom that the NME's readership had lost interest in mainstream charts by the late 70s.

[Metalweb]

Added more unearthed info for 1975: 5 April, 19 July and 13 Dec.

[Metalweb]

4 Mar 78

31 (-) Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk Cats & Dogs - Brian & Michael (entered 18 Mar)
32 (-) News of the World - Jam (entered 18 Mar)
33(32) Lilac Wine - Elkie Brooks (entered 11 Mar)
34 (-) Baby Come Back - Player

11 Mar 78

31 (-) I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass - Nick Lowe (entered 18 Mar)
32 (-) Follow You Follow Me - Genesis (entered 18 Mar)
33(31) Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk Cats & Dogs - Brian & Michael (entered 18 Mar)
34 (-) I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea - Elvis Costello (entered 18 Mar)

18 Mar 78

31 (-) Singin' in the Rain - Sheila B Devotion (entered 25 Mar)
32(re) Baby Come Back - Player
33 (-) What's Your Name, What's Your Number - Andrea True Connection (entered 25 Mar)
34 (-) Stay With Me Baby - David Essex

25 Mar 78

31 (-) Sometimes When We Touch - Dan Hill (entered 1 Apr)
32 (-) I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me - Tina Charles (entered 1 Apr)
33 (-) Ready Steady Go - Generation X
34(32) Baby Come Back - Player

1 Apr 78
none listed

8 Apr 78

31 Let's All Chant - Michael Zager Band (entered 22 Apr)
32 Ku Klux Klan - Steel Pulse
33 Scotland Forever - Sidney Devine
34 Don't Cost You Nothing - Ashford & Simpson

Ashford & Simpson briefly featured in the BMRB Star Breakers.

15 Apr 78

31 (-) Ego - Elton John (entered 22 Apr)
32(31) Let's All Chant - Michael Zager Band (entered 22 Apr)
33 (-) Jack and Jill - Raydio (entered 6 May)
34(32) Ku Klux Klan - Steel Pulse

22 Apr 78

31 (-) Foxhole - Television
32 (-) Do It Do It Again - Raffaella Carra (entered 6 May)
33(33) Jack and Jill - Raydio (entered 6 May)
34 (-) Satisfaction - Devo (entered 29 Apr)

29 Apr 78

31(33) Jack and Jill - Raydio (entered 6 May)
32(32) Do It Do It Again - Raffaella Carra (entered 6 May)
33 (-) Hi Tension - Hi Tension (entered 13 May)
34 (-) Because the Night - Patti Smith Group (entered 6 May)

[Passing_Stranger]

Raffaella Carra was a big TV star in Italy for years, decades even. What were she doing in the UK charts?!

[Metalweb]

Very much a one hit wonder here!