A break from politics: back to the oldies charts

I thought we needed a little break from politics. My head hurts. So let's do something fun. The date was March 11, 1972. You remember it. All in the Family was the number one television show. Apollo 12 was headed to the moon. The maxiskirt was in. And Sears was selling its very few microwaves. Actually, I just made all those things up, but they seem plausible. I'm sure you'll correct me, as you always do. Ah, but what ruled the charts? Here, we have hard facts, culled from the Joel Whitburn book I keep handy for just such occasions. This was my wheelhouse. I was 11. I knew all 10 of these artists without looking. Ready? Go. 1. Without You Hint: Written by Paul McCartney's proteges, and recorded by John Lennon's later drinking buddy 2. Heart of Gold Hint: You really should not need one here, so I won't give one 3. The Lion Sleeps Tonight Hint: Originally by the Tokens in the early 60s; here, an individual artist with two first names 4. Down by the Lazy River Hint: Andy Williams' most famous discovery 5. Everything I Own Hint: Schlocky group, but at the same time rather talented in their way; one-word name. 6. Precious and Few Hint: Another one-word name, with innocent sexual overtones 7. A Horse with No Name Hint: A trio of Neil Young manques with yet another one-word name 8. Hurting Each Other Hint: very famous duo; not one of their better songs 9. The Way of Love Hint: Maximo obscuro tune, but extremely famous female artist who by this time was part soloist, part part-time duo-ist, if you follow me 10. Bang a Gong (Get It On) Hint: Think Jurassic Answers below the fold. Answers: 1. Nilsson. From Nilsson Schmilsson, a great record still 2. Neil Young, duh 3. Robert John; ya hadda be there 4. The Osmonds; they were chart monsters during this mercifully brief period 5. Bread; if you're a musician, try and figure out the chords to If. It totally holds up. 6. Climax; the slow-dance number of choice at my junior high 7. America; a very strong record from which they fairly quickly slid downhill, even, alas, under George Martin's tutelage 8. The Carpenters; did I mention that I saw them live around this time? 9. Cher. So there. 10. T. Rex, obviously. How did you do? Swarty, you out there? Where've you been? Share your memories, please, especially the embarrassing ones. I just admitted I saw the Carpenters, after all.