MIXED MEDIA

*** “THE BILLBOARD HOT 100 CHARTS: THE SIXTIES” Edited by Joel Whitburn Record Research ($90) .

The ‘60s began with Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” at No. 1 and Rod Bernard’s “One More Chance” at No. 100 and ended with Diana Ross & the Supremes’ “Someday We’ll Be Together” at No. 1 and B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” at No. 100--information which, alone, could serve as the basis for term papers about everything from fleeting fame (who is Rod Bernard?) to show-biz tensions (the feuding Supremes weren’t together much longer). But Whitburn isn’t into commentary. He simply reprints the Billboard singles charts for every week in the ‘60s. While chiefly for browsing, the charts remind us of the healthiness of a pop scene in which radio programmers looked more for energy and invention than formula. (Phone orders: (414) 251-5408. A ‘70s volume is also available.)