"I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top" is a song by rock group the Hollies, released in April 1970 as a single. It peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart.[1]
"I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top" | ||||
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![]() Cover of the single released in the Netherlands | ||||
Single by The Hollies | ||||
B-side | "Mad Professor Blyth" | |||
Released | 10 April 1970 (1970-04-10) | |||
Recorded | 9–13 March 1970 | |||
Studio | EMI Studios, London | |||
Genre | Pop rock | |||
Length | 3:50 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Ron Richards | |||
The Hollies singles chronology | ||||
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"I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top" was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, from 9 to 13 March 1970.[2] Elton John, who was working as a session musician at that time, played piano on the song.[3]
Reviewing for Melody Maker, Chris Welch wrote that "the Hollies drone on with implacable solemnity and it's nice to hear their individual vocal harmonies again and Bobby Elliot's drumming.[4] In Cash Box, it was described as a "slowly building ballad with more of the drama of “Reflections of My Life” than the Hollies' “He Ain't Heavy,” this new side from the team features the same kind of emotional impact that guarantees satisfaction for old and new-found Hollies followers".[5]
Chart (1970) | Peak position |
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Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[6] | 16 |
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[7] | 44 |
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[8] | 48 |
Germany (Official German Charts)[9] | 25 |
Ireland (IRMA)[10] | 8 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[11] | 10 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[12] | 9 |
New Zealand (Listener)[13] | 12 |
South Africa (Springbok Radio)[14] | 14 |
UK Singles (OCC)[1] | 7 |
US Billboard Hot 100[15] | 82 |
US Cash Box Top 100[16] | 64 |