New Zealand
New Zealand issued plenty of Top of the Poppers albums, but relatively few of the UK collections. Instead, they indulged in a good deal of repackaging, generating new compilation albums and some unique 7-inch records.
To start with, New Zealand records were appearing on either Hallmark or the local Maestro label, although there seems to be no set rule as to which would be in use on a given album. The catalogue numbers and covers were always Hallmark, making it almost impossible to identify Maestro releases without handling copies and seeing the label itself.
New Zealand editions of UK albums retained their 700- catalogue numbers, while newly assembled compilations were given 500- and 600- numbers. These albums tended to have generic titles (20 Smash Hits and so on).
Releases dried up around 1973, but within a couple of years, the Music World label started issuing. Music World were also intent on making their own compilations, frequently themed by style or artist, and using the title "Top of the Poppers Present...". They also put out their own EPs.
An individual named Hoghton Hughes was the impetus behind many of these releases, and some of the records below carry his name on the back. He was the creator of the Music World label, and may have recorded some of the (few) songs which appeared as Poppers' tracks in New Zealand, but never in the UK.
Some of these records we have documentation for, but no cover shots. Research is continuing - please help us if you can add anything to what we have here.
To start with, New Zealand records were appearing on either Hallmark or the local Maestro label, although there seems to be no set rule as to which would be in use on a given album. The catalogue numbers and covers were always Hallmark, making it almost impossible to identify Maestro releases without handling copies and seeing the label itself.
New Zealand editions of UK albums retained their 700- catalogue numbers, while newly assembled compilations were given 500- and 600- numbers. These albums tended to have generic titles (20 Smash Hits and so on).
Releases dried up around 1973, but within a couple of years, the Music World label started issuing. Music World were also intent on making their own compilations, frequently themed by style or artist, and using the title "Top of the Poppers Present...". They also put out their own EPs.
An individual named Hoghton Hughes was the impetus behind many of these releases, and some of the records below carry his name on the back. He was the creator of the Music World label, and may have recorded some of the (few) songs which appeared as Poppers' tracks in New Zealand, but never in the UK.
Some of these records we have documentation for, but no cover shots. Research is continuing - please help us if you can add anything to what we have here.
Children's releases on the Sambo label
New Zealand editions of UK albums
Volume 17 |
Sing & Play
The Beatles |
Sing & Play
Simon/Garfunkel |
Sing & Play
Gilbert O'Sullivan |
Top of the Tots
Volume 2 |
Best of 1972 |
Top of the Tots Volume 3
|
Party Pops |
Hallmark/Maestro compilation albums
Music World albums
20 Super Hits
Vol. 2 |
20 Super Hits
Vol. 3 |
20 Hits of The Carpenters
|
Elvis: 20 Golden Hits
|
20 Golden Hits of The Beatles |
20 Hits of Abba... |
20 Hits of The Wombles... |
24 Super Dynamic Hits |
Twenty Smash Hits |
Discomania |
Music World EPs
In addition to the above, there is circumstantial evidence that the 2002 Top of the Poppers CD, The Long and Winding Road: A Tribute to The Beatles was issued in New Zealand. We have seen an edition on sale there which differs slightly from the standard UK edition. We will post confirmation when possible.