| I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top | |
| Cover: | File:The Hollies I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top.jpg |
| Caption: | Cover of the single released in the Netherlands |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | The Hollies |
| B-Side: | Mad Professor Blyth |
| Recorded: | 9–13 March 1970 |
| Studio: | EMI Studios, London |
| Genre: | Pop rock |
| Label: | |
| Producer: | Ron Richards |
| Prev Title: | He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother |
| Prev Year: | 1969 |
| Next Title: | Gasoline Alley Bred |
| Next Year: | 1970 |
"I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top" is a song by rock group the Hollies, released in April 1970 as a single. It peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
"I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top" was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, from 9 to 13 March 1970.[1] Elton John, who was working as a session musician at that time, played piano on the song.[2]
Reviewing for Melody Maker, Chris Welch wrote that "the Hollies drone on with implacable solemnity and it's nice to hear their individual vocal harmonies again and Bobby Elliot's drumming.[3] In Cash Box, it was described as a "slowly building ballad with more of the drama of “Reflections of My Life” than the Hollies' “He Ain't Heavy,” this new side from the team features the same kind of emotional impact that guarantees satisfaction for old and new-found Hollies followers".[4] Record World called it " a low-key starter which builds and builds."[5]
| Chart (1970) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (Listener)[6] | 12 | |
| South Africa (Springbok Radio)[7] | 14 | |
| US Cash Box Top 100[8] | 64 |