Episode 48: The Worst of the 70s? The Music of 1974

PLAY LIST

1. Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks (1974)

2. Billy Don’t Be a Hero by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (1974)

3. (You’re) Having My Baby by Paul Anka w/Odia Coates (1974)

4. Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin (1974)

5. Angie Baby by Helen Reddy (1974)

SUMMARY

The year 1974 shoulder much of the blame for the so-called worst music of not only the 1970s, but the worst of all time. Is this true? While we know that 1974 had much good to offer, is it true that it also had the worst of the worst? If so, does it matter. This episode takes a closer look at some songs considered the all-time worst, including "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks, "Cat's in the Cradle," by Harry Chapin, and "Billy, Don't Be a Hero" by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods.

SOURCES

2017. http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/25/worst.songs/index.html.

Breihan, Tom. 2019. “The Number Ones: Terry Jacks' “Seasons In The Sun.”” Stereogum. https://www.stereogum.com/2042997/the-number-ones-terry-jacks-seasons-in-the-sun/columns/the-number-ones/.

Breihan, Tom. 2019. “The Number Ones: Paul Anka's “(You're) Having My Baby” (Feat. Odia Coates).” Stereogum. https://www.stereogum.com/2045758/the-number-ones-paul-ankas-youre-having-my-baby-feat-odia-coates/columns/the-number-ones/.

“Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin.” n.d. Songfacts. Accessed February 29, 2024. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/harry-chapin/cats-in-the-cradle.

Cuffee, Rodney. 2014. “Rod McKuen - Seasons In The Sun (black white; early sixties).” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtESZkGAl0I.

Dangaard, Colin. 1976. “Paul Anka Doesn't Worry About Being Ripped Off.” San Francisco Examiner, May 30, 1976.

Gelormine, Phil. 1976. “Heywoods Face an Identity Crisis.” Asbury Park Press (Asbury Park), October 9, 1976.

Greene, Andy. 2011. “Readers' Poll: The 10 Worst Songs of the 70s.” Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-10-worst-songs-of-the-1970s-18491/10-minnie-riperton-loving-you-176349/.

“Helen Reddy + Clive Davis in Tony Palmer's "All You Need is Love" (1977).” 2019. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJsI5oTLJ4Y.

Leopold, Todd. 2014. “Forty years ago, chaos reigned in pop culture.” CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/21/showbiz/1974-terrible-music-great-movies/index.html.

Mackie, John. 2015. “The Many Seasons of Terry Jacks.” Vancouver Sun, May 28, 2015.

Reddy, Helen. n.d. “Angie Baby by Helen Reddy.” Songfacts. Accessed February 29, 2024. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/helen-reddy/angie-baby.

Sorg, Jean. 1974. “Voice of "Billy, Don't Be a Hero" Stops Here.” The Reporter (Fond du Lac), August 8, 1974.

“The worst song of all time - Apr 21, 2006.” 2006. CNN. http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/04/19/eye.ent.worstsong/index.html.