James Cagney - Nik Kershaw

Nik Kershaw's 1986 album 'Radio Musicola' was released to critical acclaim, but it wasn't a big success in commercial terms. It seemed Kershaw had outgrown his audience with the more mature work displayed on the album.

The single 'James Cagney' was released on the European mainland only. The 'extended version' on the 12" single is in fact the album version, which is about 2 minutes longer than the edit that appeared on the 7" single. A remix of 'Radio Musicola' is tacked on on the B-side for good measure.

My collection: 12" single no. 504
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 24, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'James Cagney (extended)' / 'Radio Musicola (remix)'

I won't let the sun go down - Nik Kershaw

'I won't let the sun go down on me' is a track from Nik Kershaw's debut album 'Human racing', and released as the fourth single from that album. Written during the last few years of the cold war period, when a nuclear threat was imminent, Kershaw wrote a lyric like 'forefinger on the button, is he blue or is he red?'.

Upon its first release, the single reached number 47 in the UK singles chart. After 'Wouldn't it be good' reached the top 5, the single was re-released and reached number 2 on this occasion. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 6 after that.

I have two versions of the single: one in a 'blue' sleeve, which according to a fan is a rare item, because he never saw this sleeve before, and another one in a limited edition postersleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 1062 ('blue' sleeve)
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 18, 1989
Cost: 1 pound
My collection: 7" single no. 2496 (postersleeve)
Found: London, October 30, 199
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'I won't let the sun go down' / 'Dark glasses'

Wouldn't it be good - Nik Kershaw

'Wouldn't it be good' was released as the second single from Nik Kershaw's debut album 'Human racing' (1984). The single peaked at number 4 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 24.

Kershaw performed the song live at Live Aid in July 1985. The song was covered by various acts including Placebo, Cascada and Soulwax.

My collection: 7" single no. 2762
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 29, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Wouldn't it be good' / 'Monkey business'