MFD Not-So-Random Five #5

In which I select five songs from 1976-1985 based on an arbitrary theme. (Not to be confused with this blog's Random Five feature, a different exercise in arbitrariness). Today's theme: One Hit Wonders* of 1978.

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1. "5.7.0.5" by City Boy (1978, Mercury)
   In the Top 40 for 6 weeks in the fall of 1978, peaking at #27. A poor ELO knock-off, this was the first U.S. hit single produced by eventual überproducer Mutt Lange.


2. "I Can't Stand the Rain" by Eruption (1978, Ariola)
   In the Top 40 for 6 weeks in the summer of 1978, peaking at #18. My Whitburn book lists this band as a "Techno-funk group of Jamaican natives, based in London." But they really bring the disco in this cover of a 1973 hit by Ann Peebles. Thumbs-up for this version (two thumbs-up for the Peebles original).


3. "I'm Gonna Take Care of Everything" by Rubicon (1978, 20th Century Fox)
   In the Top 40 for 3 weeks in the spring of 1978, peaking at #28. Wikipedia describes this band as "California one-hit wonder funk rock band" and it sounds to me a bit like the Doobie Brothers. The verse melody is a yawner, but I dig the funkier chorus with a decent hook. This short-lived group contained members of Sly & The Family Stone, Night Ranger, and Huey Lewis & The News.


4. "Theme from 'Which Way is Up'" by Stargard (1977, MCA)
   In the Top 40 for 7 weeks in the spring of 1978, peaking at #21. Penned by legendary Motown songwriter Norman Whitfield, this funky tune was the theme for a Richard Pryor movie. It hit #1 on the R&B charts. The three ladies who made up Stargard also appeared as The Diamonds in the Sgt. Pepper movie. As for the tune, there's really not much to it except a great groove, sexy vocals, and a funky guitar solo (if you like those sorts of things).


5. "I Will Still Love You" by Stonebolt (1978, Parachute)
   In the Top 40 for 5 weeks in the fall of 1978, peaking at #29. A mediocre, formulaic ballad that is derivative of the soft rock of the times. It tries, and almost has a hook at the end of the chorus, but ultimately doesn't quite succeed for this Canadian quintet.

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*defined here as artists who hit the Billboard Top 40 but once in their careers.