England's 12 Top Hits (1969 - 1974)
This series overlapped with and then superseded the Studio 33 albums, which Avenue had released over the previous year. Avenue were so small that their early albums are extremely scarce, with scant distribution outside of the Greater London area - despite which they are among the most prolific in the field.
Avenue’s covers albums have regular titles but these vary slightly over time. Many of them were also issued as two EPs, containing six tracks each, usually credited to former Tornados guitarist, Alan Caddy, who came on board in 1970. Caddy appears to be behind much of Avenue’s post-1970 output, although the extent of his involvement is unclear, since many of the Avenue tracks also appear in Marble Arch’s “Chartbusters” series and Caddy is not credited on any of those LPs - they are purportedly supplied by Dyne.
Avenue launched their Forest label (for EPs) and the Stereo Plus 3 label (for certain LPs) in 1972, in a vain attempt to better engage the public. However Avenue appear to have shut up shop in 1974, with Caddy moving to Canada. Nonetheless, the organisation was apparently reincarnated in 1978 as 5th Avenue, through the Artistry label - see under "Smash Tracks" for details.
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Spin-off EPs CLICK THE ICON |
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Overseas editions CLICK THE ICON |
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Where Do You Go To My Lovely / Soul Sister Brown Sugar / Sorry Suzanne / Boom Bang-A-Bang / Breakfast On Pluto / Wichita Lineman / Gentle On My Mind / Games People Play / Windmills Of Your Mind / First Of May / I'll Pick A Rose For My Rose / Surround Yourself With Sorrow Comments: This is an Avenue label edition of an LP also released on the Studio 33 label. The cover art is identical, with just the label logo changed. Also released as two EPs. |
2 - "12 Hits" (AVE 016) Apr 1969
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In The Bad Bad Old Days / I Can Hear Music / Pinball Wizard / Israelites / If I Can Dream / Goodbye / I Heard It Through The Grapevine / Hello World / Get Back / Cupid / Come Back And Shake Me / Plastic Man Comments: This is an edition of an LP released on the Studio 11 label as part of the overall Studio 33 portfolio (see separate page). The cover art is identical, with the label logo changed, although the LP inside this Avenue sleeve also has Studio 11 labels. Album is titled "12 Hits". Also released as two EPs. |
3 - [untitled] (AVE 017) May 1969
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Love Me Tonight / Ragamuffin Man / My Sentimental Friend / Behind A Painted Smile / The Tracks Of My Tears / (I'm A) Road Runner / Galveston / Man Of The World / Dizzy / Dick-A-Dum-Dum (King's Road) / Snake In The Grass / Harlem Shuffle Comments: The LP contents exactly match the contemporary Marble Arch LP, "Summer Chartbusters". Also released as two EPs. Copies are known with gold Avenue stickers where the logo is positioned on the front and back. It is thought that they were originally printed with a Studio 33 logo, either by accident or design. |
4 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 026) Jun 1969
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Honky Tonk Women / Goodnight Midnight / Big Ship / Proud Mary / Saved By The Bell / Curly / Ballad Of John And Yoko / It Miek / Give Peace A Chance / Conversations / Break Away / Something In The Air Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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5 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 029) Jul 1969
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In The Year 2525 (Exordium And Terminus) / Bad Moon Rising / I Can Sing A Rainbow-Love Is Blue / Too Busy Thinking 'Bout My Baby / Heather Honey / Early In The Morning / Viva Bobby Joe / Natural Born Bugie / Wet Dream / My Cherie Amour / Hello Suzie / Si Tu Dois Partir Comments: Also released as two EPs. Featuring Elton John.
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6 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 031) Sep 1969
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I'll Never Fall In Love Again / Sugar Sugar / What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) / Don't Forget To Remember / Nobody's Child / He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother / Lay Lady Lay / It's Getting Better / Soul Deep / A Boy Named Sue / Love At First Sight / I'm Gonna Make You Mine Comments: Also released as two EPs. Featuring Elton John.
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7 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 032) Nov 1969
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Yester-Me Yester-You Yesterday / Two Little Boys / Winter World Of Love / Biljo / Green River / Highway Song / Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town / Something / Cold Turkey / Tracy / Loneliness / Baby I Know Comments: Featuring Elton John. Also released as two EPs.
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8 - "Twelve Top Hits" (AVE 034) Jan 1970
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Reflections Of My Life / Come And Get It / Jingle Jangle / Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) / Friends / Hitchin' A Ride / Without Love / (Call Me) Number One / All I Have To Do Is Dream / Melting Pot / If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind / But You Love Me Daddy Comments: Also released as two EPs. Featuring Elton John.
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9 - "Twelve Top Hits" (AVE 036) Feb 1970
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Wand'rin' Star / Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye / Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head / Instant Karma / That Same Old Feeling / Let It Be / Let's Work Together / Elizabethan Reggae / Don't Cry Daddy / Venus / United We Stand / By The Way Comments: Also released as two EPs. This album has the same contents as the Marble Arch LP, “Instant Chartbusters”.
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10 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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Daughter Of Darkness / Travellin' Band / I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top / Melanie Makes Me Smile / Back Home / Gimme Dat Ding / Knock Knock Who's There / Something's Burning / Young Gifted And Black / All Kinds Of Everything / Everybody Get Together / Spirit In The Sky Comments: Also released as two EPs. Featuring Elton John. A Dyne recording.
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11 - "England's Top 12" (AVE 044) May 1970
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In The Summertime / Groovin' With Mr Bloe / Cottonfields / Yellow River / Bet Yer Life I Do / Question / My Marie / Down The Dustpipe / Goodbye Sam Hello Samantha / Honey Come Back / It's All In The Game / I Will Survive Comments: Also released as two EPs. First LP in the series to be recorded at Pye Studios. Featuring Elton John. This album has the same contents as the Marble Arch LP, “Chartbusters Again”.
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12 - "England's Top 12" (AVE 055) Jul 1970
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The Wonder Of You / Lola / Love Of The Common People / Neanderthal Man / (It's Like A) Sad Old Kinda Movie / All Right Now / Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours / Lady D'Arbanville / Big Yellow Taxi / I'll Say Forever My Love / Rainbow / Natural Sinner Comments: Featuring Elton John.
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13 - "England's Top 12 Hits"
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Patches / San Bernadino / I Ain't Got Time Anymore / Sweetheart / Me And My Life / New World In The Morning / Band Of Gold / You Can Get It If You Really Want / Long As I Can See The Light / Black Pearl / Montego Bay / Mama Told Me Not To Come |
14 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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I Hear You Knocking / Cracklin' Rosie / Ride A White Swan / Julie Do Ya Love Me / Home Lovin' Man / In My Chair / You've Got Me Dangling On A String / When I'm Dead And Gone / I'll Be There / It's Only Make Believe / My Way / Black Night Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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15 - "England's Top 12 Hits"
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She's A Lady / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me / Apeman / Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys / No Matter What / Heavy Makes You Happy / My Sweet Lord / The Pushbike Song / The Resurrection Shuffle / Your Song / Sunny Honey Girl / It's The Same Old Song Comments: Also released as two EPs. The LP cover is the first of the “Arch” design series. Probably the last recorded at Pye Studios.
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16 - "England's Top 12 Hits"
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Another Day / (Where Do I Begin) Love Story / Hot Love / Sweet Caroline / Underneath The Blanket Go / Tomorrow Night / Jack In The Box / You're Ready Now / It's Impossible / Baby Jump / Rose Garden / Rupert Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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17 - "England's Top 12 Hits"
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Double Barrel / If Not For You / Power To The People / My Little One / Funny Funny / Knock Three Times / Un Banc Un Arbre Une Rue / Brown Sugar / Henry Ford / It Don't Come Easy / Rosetta / Sugar Sugar Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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18 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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Rags To Riches / Just Seven Numbers / We Can Work It Out / Heaven Must Have Sent You / My Brother Jake / Oh You Pretty Thing / Malt And Barley Blues / I Am... I Said / Rain / I Did What I Did For Maria / Pay To The Piper / Indiana Wants Me Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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19 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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Don't Let It Die / (And The) Pictures In The Sky / Black And White / Lady Rose / Tom Tom Turnaround / Co-Co / Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep / Pied Piper / When You Are A King / Me And You And A Dog Named Boo / Monkey Spanner / Joy To The World |
20 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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Bangla-Desh / It's Too Late / Get Down And Get With It / Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum / We Will / Where You Lead / Hey Girl Don't Bother Me / Back Street Luv / Did You Ever / Let Your Yeah Be Yeah / I Believe (In Love) / Nathan Jones Comments: Also released as two EPs. LP cover is the last with the “Arch” design.
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21 - "England's Top 12 Hits"
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The Witch Queen Of New Orleans / Freedom Come Freedom Go / Sultana / Surrender / Coz I Luv You / Yo Yo / I'm Leavin' / Superstar / You've Got A Friend / Spanish Harlem / Butterfly / The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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22 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 097) Nov 1971
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Jeepster / Softly Whispering I Love You / Soley Soley / Something Tells Me (Something Is Gonna Happen Tonight) / No Matter How I Try / It Must Be Love / Is This The Way To Amarillo / Gypsies Tramps And Thieves / Sing A Song Of Freedom / Brand New Key / Johnny Reggae / Family Affair |
23 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 0101) Jan 1972
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Look Wot You Dun / Without You / Poppa Joe / My World / Day By Day / Storm In A Teacup / Telegram Sam / Horse With No Name / All I Ever Need Is You / Baby I'm A Want You / American Pie / Day After Day Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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24 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 0102) Mar 1972
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Beg Steal Or Borrow / Desiderata / Meet Me On The Corner / Sacramento (A Wonderful Town) / Alone Again (Naturally) / Run Run Run / Hold Your Head Up / What Is Life / It's One Of Those Nights (Yes Love) / Iron Horse / Heart Of Gold / Down By The Lazy River Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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25 - "12 Top Hits" (AVE 0104) Apr 1972
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Tumbling Dice / Come What May / Rocket Man / A Thing Called Love / Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard / Could It Be Forever / Open Up / Vincent / Little Piece Of Leather / Oh Babe What Would You Say? / Everything I Own / A Cowboy's Work Is Never Done Comments: Also released as two EPs. The cover for the LP shows the title as “Hits Hits Hits Hits Hits” but the spine and labels have “12 Top Hits”.
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26 - "Twelve Top Hits" (AVE 0109) Jun 1972
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Rockin' Robin / Mary Had A Little Lamb / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face / Song Sung Blue / Sylvias Mother / Starman / Ooh-Wakka-Doo-Wakka-Day / Circles / Join Together / Puppy Love / How Can I Be Sure / Oh Girl Comments: Title shown as "Twelve Top Hits" on the labels.
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27 - "England's Twelve Top Hits"
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Theme From "The Godfather" / It's Four In The Morning / Ain't No Sunshine / Mama Weer All Crazee Now / Standing In The Road / Virginia Plain / Popcorn / Where Is The Love / You Wear It Well / Run To Me / Conquistador / Lean On Me Comments: Also released as two EPs.
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28 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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You're A Lady / Clair / The Guitar Man / Let's Dance / How Can I Be Sure / House Of The Rising Sun / Mouldy Old Dough / Hallelujah Freedom / Garden Party / I Didn't Know I Loved You (Til I Saw You Rock 'N' Roll) / Goodbye To Love / Burning Love Comments: cover model is Susy Shaw.
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29 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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Can't Keep It In / Wishing Well / The Jean Genie / Big City / Paper Plane / Take Me Home Country Roads / Hi Hi Hi / Daniel / Big Seven / Always On My Mind / Blockbuster / Desperate Dan |
30 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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I'm The Leader Of The Gang (I Am) / Bad Bad Boy / Say Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose / Hypnosis / Albatross / Rising Sun / All Right Now / Yesterday Once More / Free Electric Band / (Dancing) On A Saturday Night / Alright Alright Alright / Life On Mars |
30a - unreleased LP
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Let Me In / Top Of The World / Goodbye Yellow Brick Road / Won't Somebody Dance With Me / Photograph / The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGhee / Daydreamer / My Friend Stan / Sorrow / Daytona Demon / Helen Wheels / The Old Fashioned Way Comments: this LP was recorded but not pressed, due to financial constraints. Five of the recordings would surface on the 1973 end-of-year LP (see below). |
31 - "England's 12 Top Hits"
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Everyday / Remember Me This Way / Who Do You Think You Are / Billy Don't Be A Hero / Jealous Mind / I Get A Little Sentimental Over You / Long Live Love / Devil Gate Drive / Candle In The Wind / Jambalaya (On The Bayou) / School Love / Jet |
THE LABEL WAS APPARENTLY REVIVED BY ARTISTRY IN 1978 AND A NEW SERIES LAUNCHED UNDER THE NAME "SMASH TRACKS". SEE SEPARATE PAGE.
Others
England's Top 20 Smash Hits
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Hell Raiser / Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree / Hello Hello I'm Back Again / Drive-In Saturday / See My Baby Jive / All Because Of You / Brother Louie / My Love / And I Love You So / Wonderful Dream / Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) / No More Mr Nice Guy / Big Eight / Mean Girl / Hey Mama / One And One Is One / Broken Down Angel / Everyday / I've Been Drinking / Power To All Our Friends Comments: Released on the Stereo Plus 3 label. LP is made up of hits from April and May 1973 and sits chronologically between AVE 0130 and AVE 0136, above. However due to its title and the different label, it cannot be considered part of the main series.
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End-of-year collections
1970: Sounds Great ’70 (TP/20/3)
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In The Summertime / Yellow River / Back Home / Daughter Of Darkness / Wanderin' Star / Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head / By The Way / Don't Cry Daddy / Love Grows / Without Love / If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind / Winter World Of Love / Reflections Of My Life / Yester Me Yester You Yesterday / My Marie / Two Little Boys / Sugar Sugar / All Kinds Of Everything / Knock Knock Who's There? / I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top Comments: Made up from twenty album tracks dating to 1969 and 1970. Released in conjunction with Meredith & Drew, biscuit manufacturers. The LP was available by mail order in return for a small fee plus tokens collected from biscuit wrappers.
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Remaining stocks of the album above were passed to Avenue and sold through retail channels. These copies have all the Meredith & Drew branding blacked out by hand (including on the labels thelselves!). See image for a genuine example. |
1972: 20 Smash Hits of '72 (STR 001)
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I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing / Theme From "The Godfather" / Come What May / Alone Again (Naturally) / Too Beautiful To Last / Could It Be Forever / Mother Of Mine / Mama Weer All Crazee Now / Vincent / Popcorn / How Can I Be Sure / Mouldy Old Dough / (Where Do I Begin) Love Story / Puppy Love / The Young New Mexican Puppeteer / It's Four In The Morning / Beg Steal Or Borrow / Amazing Grace / Clair / Didn't Know I Loved You (Til I Saw You Rock 'N' Roll) Comments: Released on the Stereo Plus 3 label. Contains five "new" tracks, not sourced from the main series: “I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing”, “Too Beautiful To Last”, “Mother Of Mine”, “The Young New Mexican Puppeteer” and “Amazing Grace”.
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1973: 20 Smash Hits of '73 (STR 017)
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Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree / Power To All Our Friends / Goodbye To Love / The Jean Genie / Blockbuster / Wonderful Dream / Daniel / Hello Hello I'm Back Again / Won't Somebody Dance With Me / Photograph / Let Me In / And I Love You So / Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) / I'm The Leader Of The Gang (I Am) / Broken Down Angel / Hi Hi Hi / Daydreamer / Say Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose / Sorrow / Take Me Home Country Roads Comments: Released on the Stereo Plus 3 label. Eight selections are from the main series, and another five are from the recorded, but unreleased, AVE 0139. The remaining seven are from the Stereo Plus 3 album, "England's Top 20 Smash Hits" (see above).
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