Neon City - Mistral

Another single, another singer. The studio band Mistral had a different singer for every single - although they were all released in 1978. 'Neon city' was the least futuristic-sounding of the three, while the vocals on this one were performed by Mariska Veres, who was like band member Robbie van Leeuwen formerly in Shocking Blue.

This single only made it to number 37 in the Dutch Top 40. Although Mistral released three further singles in 1980, this one was the last to reach the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3842
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Neon city' / 'Asphalt'

Starship 109 - Mistral

The studio group Mistral was initiated by Robbie van Leeuwen (ex-Shocking Blue) and Rick van der Linden. While on their debut single 'Jamie' the vocals were performed by Sylvia van Asten, on the next single 'Starship 109' Marjan Schattelijn took care of this. Sylvia had left because of internal differences.

'Starship 109' was even more successful than 'Jamie' had been: the single reached number 9 in April 1978.

My collection: 7" single no. 3841
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Starship 109' / 'Love destruction'

Jamie - Mistral

Mistral was a studio project by Robbie van Leeuwen (ex-Shocking Blue) and Rick van der Linden (ex-Ekseption). The duo recorded three singles, and used different singers for every one of them. Sylvia van Asten sang the vocals on 'Jamie'. When this single became a hit in the Dutch Top 40 (it would eventually peak at number 15), the group was invited to perform at the popular chart show Toppop. Two dancers were clad in ridiculous insect suits, but the whole routine looked incrediby stupid.

It was one of the reasons that led to me disliking the song. (Sometimes it happens that way.) Thankfully, I changed my mind two decades later.

My collection: 7" single no. 2851

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, June 21, 1997

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Jamie' / 'Nectar'

Download: here