Back...back...back into the mists of time, as the Time Machine lands on Wednesday, October 12, 1988. Let's check out the local survey:

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  • 10

    "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses

    (#6 last week) I admit, this was not one of my favorites when new. I'm just not a metalhead or hard rocker, but something about the hook of this huge hit has gotten to me over the years. So I'm in!

  • 9

    "Please Don't Go Girl" by New Kids On The Block

    (#12 last week) The first hit of the "boy band" era. Again, a song I didn't appreciate at the time, but now I'm hearing traces of classic soul in it..

  • 8

    "Don't Be Cruel" by Cheap Trick

    (#9 last week) Talk about a forgotten hit! This has completely disappeared from radio. Good to bring it back. And how about another "Don't Be Cruel" on the chart! Bobby Brown is at #14 with a different song that has the same title. Weird chart coincidence.

  • 7

    "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys

    (#14 last week) One of the most polarizing songs in music history. An instant huge smash, there's very little in-between here: either you love it or you hate it. No, Brian Wilson had nothing to do with it. Written by a couple of 60s vets, Papa John Phillips & Scott McKenzie.

  • 6

    "I'll Always Love You" by Taylor Dayne

    (#3 last week) Taylor's real name is Leslie Wunderman. Hey, that's a cool name! She should have kept it for show biz. In 1985, when Taylor was 23, she married an 18-year old guy.

  • 5

    "Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi

    (#8 last week) The first single from "New Jersey", co -written by Jon, Richie & Desmond Child. Anyone remember when Desmond had his own group, Desmond Child & Rouge?

  • 4

    "Love Bites" by Def L:eppard

    (#4 last week) At this time in 1988, after over 200 shows on tour in support of "Hysteria", the band began work on their fifth album.

  • 3

    "A Groovy Kind Of Love" by Phil Collins

    (#5 last week) The female voice on The Archies #1 hit "Sugar, Sugar" co-wrote this! I'm referring to Toni Wine, who also sang on Dawn's "Candida" & "Knock Three Times".

  • 2

    "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin

    (#1 last week) Along with "Kokomo" (both were from the movie "Cocktail"), another very polarizing hit record. The only a cappella song to ever hit #1. Bobby McFerrin used his astounding voice to make all the sounds heard here. The Grammy winner for Song Of The Year & Best Pop Vocal Performance.

  • 1

    "Red Red Wine" by UB40

    (#2 last week; 1st week at #1) Originally a mid-chart record in 1984, this became one of those "secret weapon" undiscovered older songs that radio likes to find. Guy Zapoleon did, while in Phoenix, & used his influence to get this rereleased. This time, it went all the way to the top. UB40 did not know this was first written & recorded by Neil Diamond until after the record peaked at #1. They only saw "N. Diamond" & were surprised to learn later it was Neil. Hey, this wasn't his only song about red wine. Remember "Cracklin' Rosie"?

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