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Title: The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles
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Manufacturer: Billboard Books
List Price: $18.95
Our Price: $11.80
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| Customer Reviews: |
| The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles by Billboard Books A good read but also annoying |
As a music lover, I bought this book to read about those songs that never quite made it to number 1. While the book is good and informative, the author at times got annoying in the way he wrote. One example is that he sometimes played off the song title or artist in his summary. At first, I thought it was humorous, but over time, it was overkill. Examples:
Fly Like An Eagle (Steve Miller): Steve Miller had hoped to see his hit "Fly Like An Eagle" soar to the top of the charts like his previous single, but instead it ended up with its wings clipped, having to settle for the runner up position.
Air Supply: But in 1990, the duo reconnected to put out additional albums. Their poor sales suggested that Air Supply had the wind taken out of its sales.
The author also consistantly uses the term "bubbling under" for any song that couldn't quite make the Top 100, instead stopping at 101 or 102. Using different terms or ideas other than "bubbling under" every single time would have made it more enjoyable to read. |
| The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles by Billboard Books almost all you didnt know you wanted to know |
the consept of giving the number 2s their due credit is good enough, and the stories and facts make for great reading and entertainment - in addition to serving several trivia purposes. Improvement for the next issue must be pictures of all the artists - we know how they sang, now we also no why - but how did they look in their day?
Still - a great book!
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| The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles by Billboard Books Christopher Feldman vs Joel Whitburn |
They both can't be right.......I'm disappointed. I randomly
checked a few songs, The Great Pretender by the Platters, and
Ain't That A Shame by Pat Boone, Feldman says they peaked at
Number 2 and Whitburn said Number 1. However the verbage is
interesting which is why I gave it any rating at all....Problem is, is that data called into question since the Billboard position is flawed. I've invested in a bunch of Joel Whitburn's books so I guess I stay with him,
and I have no way of independently verifying either author. arrrghhhhhhh |
| The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles by Billboard Books okay for chart thinking people |
| #1 isn't everything, neither is #2, #3, #4, and on down the chart. if a person likes a song, they don't care what chart peak it reached. but, this book is a fascinating study of major hits that people assume hit #1 but didn't. the author also highlights the singles at the top that kept the #2 single from reaching #1. This isn't a Joel Whitburn book so there's nothing obscure or exhaustive...only a list of #2 singles and a few pages of artist achievements. LeAnn Rimes holds the record for the #2 single with the most longevity on the Hot 100: 69 weeks and 3,000,000 copies sold. on the back of the book is says that the author is a passionate music fan and record collector who at the time lived in Iowa. |
| The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles by Billboard Books Feldman is Fantastic |
| I think that the careful consideration of the facts and the excellent presentation of the information is a wonderful combination. Chris has done a fabulous job of showing how 2nd best isn't anything to be ashamed about. People get blind-sided by the #1's, but the #2's manage to stay in our hearts forever. Sometimes we're just not ready for them to be #1's. Sometimes timing and other circumstances prevent them from being #1, but it doesn't mean they're not good enough to be #1. Because we all know they are. So is Chris Feldman. Thank you for being #1 Chris. |
| The Billboard Book of Number Two Singles by Billboard Books Book Description |
| This newest addition to a long list of quality chart books chronicles the history of those singles that almost, but never quite, reached the top of the Billboard charts. Citing every hit that placed number two since 1955, the book details each artist's or single's individual history. Fans will remember such classics as "Blueberry Hill" (Fats Domino), "Dancing in the Street" (Martha Reeves and the Vandellas), "Burning Love" (Elvis Presley), and "Y.M.C.A." (Village People), and more recent biggies "Material Girl" (Madonna), "My Lovin" (En Vogue), and "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" (Boyz II Men). |
