Following somewhat in the footsteps of last night's entry, Stories had a similar fate as Sopwith Camel. Ironically, both were on the same label (Buddha/Kama Sutra Records), although by the time Sopwith Camel resurfaced, they had gone off to Warner Brothers. Stories featured Michael Brown, a refugee from The Left Banke, whose Walk Away Renee and Pretty Ballerina became staples of oldies radio and synonymous with 1960's pop. Stories also featured longtime friend Ian Lloyd, and the two teamed up to form the nucleus of Stories. Although in the case of Stories, as opposed to Sopwith Camel, their first album sold moderately well, although the initial two singles released from that album didn't and Brown, disappointed at the tepid response, worked on a second album before leaving the band in 1973. It was only after Buddha released a third single, the non-album Brother Louie, a song originally recorded by and a huge hit for the UK band Hot Chocolate, that Stories shot straight up the charts and the song became something of a pop anthem of the early 70's. They went on to score a few more hit singles before calling it a day, leaving Ian Lloyd to pursue a solo career after that.
Tonight's track is the second single issued from their first album. Top Of The City failed to chart when it was first released and that's too bad as it's something of a neglected gem as far as 70's Pop is concerned.
Further evidence Pop music has more than its fair share of hidden gems and neglected classics.
