I can't disagree with that ranking

I pretty much agree with your ranking positions for 1970 (though I'd rate them all higher pointswise), Bridge is total classic a classic amongst any batch of songs anyone cares to stick it up against, Band Of Gold is awesome, Tears Of A Clown gorgeous, and Wandrin Star means a lot to me from my dad buying the album when I was 12, after we all saw the film. Spirit In The Sky is fab too, but I think 5th is about right, and agree about Free, the chorus is the bit I've never liked, the rest is really good - their 1973 hit Wishing Well had no annoying chorus or riff and is way better.

I remember being quite taken aback when I heard 'Wand'rin' Star' for the first time :lol: a very memorable vocal performance - I get what you mean about it having a comforting quality to it. I think my favourite version of 'Spirit In The Sky' is the Doctor & The Medics one but I don't mind any version really, even the Gareth one has pretty cool production.

 

I think 'Band of Gold' is my favourite here so I'm glad you had a strong first impression of it! 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' then not far behind... great winning pick.