The week of July 27, 1965, saw a couple of repeats atop the Billboard Hot 100: The Rolling Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction‘ and Herman’s Hermits’ ‘I’m Henry VIII, I Am.’
In third place that week was the titular theme song from the film What’s New Pussycat?, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and performed by Tom Jones. Jones was reluctant to sing this crazy tune but was convinced by Bacharach that it could work only with a boisterous voice like his.
The week of July 13, 1965, saw a couple of repeats atop the Billboard Hot 100 in The Rolling Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction‘ and Four Tops’ ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch).’
At #3 that week, on its way to #1, was ‘I’m Henry VIII, I Am’ by Herman’s Hermits. At 1:50, this is one of the shortest songs to ever top the Hot 100.
The top of the Hot 100 was pretty stacked the week of June 29, 1965. At #1 was ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)’ by Four Tops, followed by The Rolling Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.’ Then came The Byrds ‘Mr. Tambourine Man.’
And if that grouping isn’t eclectic (and great) enough for you, there was Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs with their biggest hit, ‘Wooly Bully.’
The week of June 15, 1965, found The Four Tops at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch).’ It was the first of two #1s for the group, followed by ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ a year later.
In the #2 spot that week was The Byrds’ recording of Bob Dylan’s ‘Mr. Tambourine Man,’ the first single from the band’s album of the same name. The Byrds were so keen to tackle the song that their version was recorded before Dylan’s was even released (they had heard an early take).
The Beach Boys claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of June 1, 1965, with ‘Help Me, Rhonda,’ their second chart-topper (following the previous year’s ‘I Get Around‘).
This was the second version of this song released in 1965. The first, titled ‘Help Me, Ronda,’ appeared on the band’s album The Beach Boys Today!, ran about 20 seconds longer, and had less of a rock sound. Brian Wilson felt the song had hit potential so the band rerecorded it with a little more oomph.
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