I have just had a chance to watch the chart documentary myself. Since when did Philip Swern become such an authority on chart history, and the relevance of The Virgin Book as THE source, he was a record producer. The RR survey was, and is, irrelevant to those of us who know better.

And what makes Gambaccini the same, by saying "Pick Of The Pops" was essential listening in the 60s? It was, yes...but he didn't actually come to Britain, until 1970!

 

He'd of been brought up by Billboard & even they didn't use Record Retailer.

 

On Swern: Yep, he was a Record Producer & only on rather crappy hits, like The Pearls & the like.

 

You can dedicate the Virgin book to both Swern & Gambaccini, as they are both Virgin's, where the charts are concerned. Both bought up on reading books, without having the proper knowledge. Gambaccini, even more so.

 

The programme lacked the words of Derek Chinnery. He should of been on, as he created the BBC charts & had a hand in pushing towards BMRB.

Edited November 18, 201212 yr by davetaylor

Did Gambaccini say that Pick Of The Pops was essential listening for him or was it just a generalisation? If it was the latter then he is just as qualified to say as anyone else.

Dave, you mentioned the EMI averaged chart a while ago. Doesn't this chart answer all questions

regarding an accurate UK chart history?

Your info was intriguing. Did this chart keep a top 30 or top 50? During which years? Does a complete archive exist

of these charts - making it possible to be posted online or published?

Any extra info would be appreciated.