In physics class, one of the first things I learned was that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I never fully understood the theorem’s application in the real world, but I did notice it working in pop music.

Just when I started thinking that pop music was starting to grow up, it took a giant leap in the opposite direction. ‘Bubble-gum’ pop seemingly appeared from nowhere and started to cleave a new direction for the 45 RPM single.

Gratefully, soul music remained completely inured from the trend, but the great divide between ‘serious’ albums and ‘disposable’ 45s started somewhere around this time, in the Winter of 1968.

Different Drum – The Stone Poneys

Tell Mama – Etta James

Simon Says – 1910 Fruitgum Company

Spooky – Classics IV

I Wish It Would Rain – The Temptations

Nobody But Me – The Human Beinz

Itchycoo Park – The Small Faces

She’s a Rainbow – The Rolling Stones

Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding

La La Means I Love You – The Delfonics

Sunshine of Your Love - Cream

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) – Kenny Rogers & The First Edition