Cartunes Classic Hit: Feb. 22 – Pick Up the Pieces

Dave Westrich By: Dave Westrich  |  February 22, 2012
awb-Epiclectic-flickr

Epiclectic-flickr

Here’s another #1 hit from 1975.  The Average White Band originated in Scotland in 1972.  This was their first Top 40 hit in the United States.  Here’s more info from Songfacts.com:

In spite of their name, AWB was that rarest of musical species: a band out of Scotland that specialized in R&B funk. This high-spirited instrumental (the only lyrics being the occasional chanting of the song’s title) was their signature tune.

Average White Band formed in 1972 and released their first album, Show Your Hand, the following year. After it failed to break through, the group shortened its name to AWB and released a self-titled album in 1974. This song from that album not only broke through, but became a surprise #1 hit in the US, catapulting AWB to stardom almost overnight.

Later in 1974, drummer and founding member Robbie McIntosh died of a drug overdose at a Hollywood party. After recruiting a their new drummer, AWB would have 3 more Top 40 hits in the mid-1970s (including one more Top 10 with “Cut The Cake”) and eventually revert to their original, full name, but would slowly decline both creatively and commercially before disbanding in 1982. Since then, Average White Band has reunited for the occasional obscure album and/or tour. In 2005 they re-recorded “Pick Up The Pieces” along with several other of their older songs for a CD titled Greatest And Latest.

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