'Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)' is the title track from David Bowie's 1980 album. It was also issued as the third single from that album in January 1981. The single didn't do as well as the previous two singles, 'Ashes to ashes' and 'Fashion', and peaked outside the UK top 10 at number 20.
Musically the track was notable for its lead guitar work by Robert Fripp and distinctive synthesized percussion. The lyrics, sung by Bowie in a mock-cockney accent, charted a woman's withdrawal from the world and descent into madness ('When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home ... Now she's stupid in the street and she can't socialise'). Personally I prefer the B-side, also taken from the album, 'Because you're young'.
My collection: 7" single no. 5298
Found: Record fair, Utrecht
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Scary monsters (and super creeps)' / 'Because you're young'
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Male stripper - Man 2 Man meets Man Parrish
Man 2 Man was founded by brothers Miki and Paul Zone, who had been known in the New York music scene since the mid-1970s. Paul participated in a band called The Fast during this period. After The Fast, the brothers spent the first half of the 1980s singing on a number of Hi-NRG and disco records for record producers such as Bobby Orlando (records like Divine's 'Native love' and The Flirts' 'Passion'). Soon after they formed a new band, which was originally called Man's Favourite Sports. However, another band had already claimed the right to use this name, so the Zone brothers became known as Man 2 Man.
Under this name the band scored their biggest hit, 'Male Stripper', teaming up with cult electro producer Man Parrish. Originally released in the United Kingdom in 1986 on the Bolts Records label, 'Male stripper' was a big club hit throughout the autumn and peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart. In early 1987, the single charted again in the UK, and this time the song became an even bigger hit, spending five weeks in the Top 10 and two weeks at number 4. This success was barely seen by group member Miki Zone, who had died of spinal meningitis caused by AIDS on December 31, 1986.
My collection: 7" single no. 5304
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Male stripper (part 1)' / 'Male stripper (part 2)'
Under this name the band scored their biggest hit, 'Male Stripper', teaming up with cult electro producer Man Parrish. Originally released in the United Kingdom in 1986 on the Bolts Records label, 'Male stripper' was a big club hit throughout the autumn and peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart. In early 1987, the single charted again in the UK, and this time the song became an even bigger hit, spending five weeks in the Top 10 and two weeks at number 4. This success was barely seen by group member Miki Zone, who had died of spinal meningitis caused by AIDS on December 31, 1986.
My collection: 7" single no. 5304
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Male stripper (part 1)' / 'Male stripper (part 2)'
Monday 16 April 2012
So long - Abba
When I was younger, so much younger than today, Abba was my favourite band. I got an album of their greatest hits as a souvenir after a holiday because I really wanted it, and I played it over and over again. One of my favourite tracks on that album was 'So long', which to me sounded like the hardest kind of hardrock I could imagine.
Of course, Abba were never in the business of hardrock, but there is a certain rock edge to this song. It was released as a single in November 1974. Although musically similar to 'Waterloo', it was only a hit in Sweden, Germany and Austria, peaking at number 7, number 11 and number 3 respectively.
My collection: 7" single no. 5326
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'So long' / 'I've been waiting for you'
Of course, Abba were never in the business of hardrock, but there is a certain rock edge to this song. It was released as a single in November 1974. Although musically similar to 'Waterloo', it was only a hit in Sweden, Germany and Austria, peaking at number 7, number 11 and number 3 respectively.
My collection: 7" single no. 5326
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'So long' / 'I've been waiting for you'
Halfway down the stairs / Mah na mah na - The Muppets
If you haven't seen the most recent Muppets movie yet, try to go and see it now because it's rather hilarious. Despite all the squeaky clean candyfloss production values, the writers have done their best to incorporate that good old Muppet anarchy in the story, and best of all: the movie uses the rich history of Jim Henson's creatures to full effect.
One of the great things about the movie is that the song 'Mah na mah na' is featured in it. This was used in the very first episode of the Muppet Show in 1976 and also appeared on the soundtrack album for the show. This single, released by PYE in 1977, features two classic Muppets song. Officially 'Halfway down the stairs' is the A-side, and it is this song which peaked at number 7 in the UK singles chart in June 1977. But who remembers this sweet little song performed by Kermit's nephew Robin?
My collection: 7" single no. 5313
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Halfway down the stairs' / 'Mah na mah na'
One of the great things about the movie is that the song 'Mah na mah na' is featured in it. This was used in the very first episode of the Muppet Show in 1976 and also appeared on the soundtrack album for the show. This single, released by PYE in 1977, features two classic Muppets song. Officially 'Halfway down the stairs' is the A-side, and it is this song which peaked at number 7 in the UK singles chart in June 1977. But who remembers this sweet little song performed by Kermit's nephew Robin?
My collection: 7" single no. 5313
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Halfway down the stairs' / 'Mah na mah na'
Aie a mwana - Bananarama
So these are the humble beginnings of Bananarama. Keren Woodward and Sara Dallan had been childhood friends in Bristol since the age of four, and attended St. George's School for Girls together. The pair became a trio when Dallin met Fahey while studying fashion journalism. They became friends because they both dressed more radically than the other students. The trio were ardent followers of the punk rock and post-punk music scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s and often performed impromptu sets or backing vocals at gigs for such bands as The Monochrome Set, Iggy Pop, The Jam, Department S and the Nipple Erectors.
In 1981, Bananarama's members were living above the rehearsal room that was used by former Sex Pistols members Steve Jones and Paul Cook. With their help, Bananarama recorded their first demo 'Aie a Mwana' (a cover of a song by Black Blood, sung in Swahili). The demo was heard at Demon Records, which offered Bananarama their first deal. The song was an underground hit and Bananarama were signed by Decca (later London Records) and remained on this label until 1993.
My collection: 7" single no. 5299
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Aie a mwana' / 'Dubwana'
In 1981, Bananarama's members were living above the rehearsal room that was used by former Sex Pistols members Steve Jones and Paul Cook. With their help, Bananarama recorded their first demo 'Aie a Mwana' (a cover of a song by Black Blood, sung in Swahili). The demo was heard at Demon Records, which offered Bananarama their first deal. The song was an underground hit and Bananarama were signed by Decca (later London Records) and remained on this label until 1993.
My collection: 7" single no. 5299
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Aie a mwana' / 'Dubwana'
One slip - Pink Floyd
Taken from Pink Floyd's 1987 album 'A momentary lapse of reason', 'One slip' was originally released as the B-side of the album's first single 'Learning to fly', but then re-released as its third single, after 'On the turning away'. The song was undoubtedly the least accessible of the three, but it still peaked at number 50 in the UK singles chart in the summer of 1988.
The song was co-written by David Gilmour and Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera. This copy was taken from the library of London Weekend Television music services, and sold at the record fair in Utrecht this weekend. Hence the sticker on the sleeve...
My collection: 7" single no. 5296
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'One slip' / 'Terminal frost'
The song was co-written by David Gilmour and Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera. This copy was taken from the library of London Weekend Television music services, and sold at the record fair in Utrecht this weekend. Hence the sticker on the sleeve...
My collection: 7" single no. 5296
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'One slip' / 'Terminal frost'
Sunday 15 April 2012
I only want to be with you - Dusty Springfield
This single is not the original release of 'I only want to be with you', but a re-release from 1987. Dusty Springfield had just had a big hit with the Pet Shop Boys ('What have I done to deserve this') and her old record company decided to cash in with a compilation album of Dusty's old hits. Did they think this single would become a hit as well?
Back in November 1963, Dusty Springfield had her first hit with this song, which peaked at number 4 in the UK singles chart. In 1987, this success was not matched: the single didn't even reach the chart. But then, the people who wanted to have it already had it in their collection most probably.
My collection: 7" single no. 5309
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'I only want to be with you' / 'Breakfast in bed'
Back in November 1963, Dusty Springfield had her first hit with this song, which peaked at number 4 in the UK singles chart. In 1987, this success was not matched: the single didn't even reach the chart. But then, the people who wanted to have it already had it in their collection most probably.
My collection: 7" single no. 5309
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'I only want to be with you' / 'Breakfast in bed'
Cashflow - Leisure Process
The band Leisure Process never had much success, so its only claim to fame was the inclusion of band members Ross Middleton and Gary Barnacle, who have always been successful session artists.
'Cashflow' was one of their singles and when you listen to the two tracks on this single you can hear a great instrumental on the B-side. In my opinion, it's the best track the band have recorded.
My collection: 7" single no. 5297
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 12, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Cashflow' / 'The emigré'
'Cashflow' was one of their singles and when you listen to the two tracks on this single you can hear a great instrumental on the B-side. In my opinion, it's the best track the band have recorded.
My collection: 7" single no. 5297
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 12, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Cashflow' / 'The emigré'
Iron out the rough spots - Paul Young
Most people seem to think that Paul Young landed an immediate number 1 hit with his debut solo single 'Wherever I lay my hat' in the summer of 1983, but in fact, it was this single, released in 1982, which started it all. Paul Young left his band the Q Tips and released 'Iron out the rough spots' as his debut single. The single was not successful, in fact it didn't chart in any territory.
Up next was 'Love of the common people', which was equally unsuccessful upon its first release. It was only when the third single was released, the aforementioned 'Wherever I lay my hat', when Paul reached number 1 in the UK and Ireland. 'Love of the common people', of course, still became a hit after fourth single 'Come back and stay' had gone top 10 almost everywhere. But this single remained unknown for most people - although the track still does appear on Paul Young's debut solo album, 'No parlez'.
My collection: 7" single no. 5295
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Iron out the rough spots' / 'Behind your smile'
Up next was 'Love of the common people', which was equally unsuccessful upon its first release. It was only when the third single was released, the aforementioned 'Wherever I lay my hat', when Paul reached number 1 in the UK and Ireland. 'Love of the common people', of course, still became a hit after fourth single 'Come back and stay' had gone top 10 almost everywhere. But this single remained unknown for most people - although the track still does appear on Paul Young's debut solo album, 'No parlez'.
My collection: 7" single no. 5295
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Iron out the rough spots' / 'Behind your smile'
Little darlin' - Racey
Although it was already 1981, the band Racey were still recording rock and roll tracks as if no two decades had passed. An anachronism in a way, but it was kindof charming nonetheless. 'Little darlin'' was one of their later offerings, which didn't dent the charts.
Racey's last hit, 'Runaround Sue', was released the year before. The band formally split in 1985, and since then two separate groups named Racey exist, one featuring band member Richard Gower and the other featuring Clive Wilson, Phil Fursdon and Pete Miller.
My collection: 7" single no. 5302
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Little darlin'' / 'Rock it'
Racey's last hit, 'Runaround Sue', was released the year before. The band formally split in 1985, and since then two separate groups named Racey exist, one featuring band member Richard Gower and the other featuring Clive Wilson, Phil Fursdon and Pete Miller.
My collection: 7" single no. 5302
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Little darlin'' / 'Rock it'
Rubber ball - Marty Wilde
Today Marty Wilde celebrates his 73rd birthday. That in itself is a great achievement, but even more so when you start to realise that 55 years after starting his career with a string of top 10 hits in the UK, he is still performing across that country.
'Rubber ball', released in January 1961, was his last top 10 hit, peaking at number 9 in the UK singles chart. I was quite stunned to find this mint copy yesterday, in the stall of a dealer who was selling everything for just 1 euro. Normally one is expected to pay much more for old gems like this.
My collection: 7" single no. 5316
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rubber ball' / 'Like makin' love'
'Rubber ball', released in January 1961, was his last top 10 hit, peaking at number 9 in the UK singles chart. I was quite stunned to find this mint copy yesterday, in the stall of a dealer who was selling everything for just 1 euro. Normally one is expected to pay much more for old gems like this.
My collection: 7" single no. 5316
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rubber ball' / 'Like makin' love'
Monday 9 April 2012
In the springtime of his voodoo - Tori Amos
For a mere eight years I was well into Tori Amos. All that time she released five great albums, until the disastrous covers album 'Strange little girls' ended that great run and introduced a decade of wishy-washy albums, finally descending into that career nosedive called the - gasp - Christmas album.
I should have suspected that Tori Amos was not entirely artistically correct when her third album 'Boys for Pele' spawned a few very bad remix efforts. The number one hit 'Professional widow', in which the original song was mangled beyond recognition, was an offence, and it was followed by this 12" single featuring four half-decent remixes of 'In the springtime of his voodoo'. I couldn't foresee what would happen next, I bought this one out of curiosity more than anything.
My collection: 12" single no. 636
Found: Delft, 1996
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'In the springtime of his voodoo (Hasbrouck Heights club mix)', 'In the springtime of his vooodo (Quiet mix)' / 'In the springtime of his voodoo (Sugar dub)', 'In the springtime of his voodoo (Hasbrouck heights single mix)'
I should have suspected that Tori Amos was not entirely artistically correct when her third album 'Boys for Pele' spawned a few very bad remix efforts. The number one hit 'Professional widow', in which the original song was mangled beyond recognition, was an offence, and it was followed by this 12" single featuring four half-decent remixes of 'In the springtime of his voodoo'. I couldn't foresee what would happen next, I bought this one out of curiosity more than anything.
My collection: 12" single no. 636
Found: Delft, 1996
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'In the springtime of his voodoo (Hasbrouck Heights club mix)', 'In the springtime of his vooodo (Quiet mix)' / 'In the springtime of his voodoo (Sugar dub)', 'In the springtime of his voodoo (Hasbrouck heights single mix)'
Sunday 8 April 2012
I can't go for that (no can do) - Daryl Hall & John Oates
Daryl Hall & John Oates wrote some very fine pop tunes in the early Eighties, and this is one of them. This single from their 1981 album 'Private eyes' was also released on a 12" single, which features an extended version of the track. This wasn't a standard practice back in those days, in fact I have a few 12" singles from 1981 which only feature the normal single version.
The funky beat of this track has been misused by many hiphop "artists" through the years, and you can also hear it in Simply Red's 2003 hit 'Sunrise'.
My collection: 12" single no. 163
Found: Record fair, 1993
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'I can't go for that (no can do)' / 'Unguarded minute'
Tuesday 27 March 2012
I know there's something going on - Frida
When Frida went solo in 1982, nobody suspected that it signalled the end of Abba, the band she'd been part of for the last ten years. And when the first single, 'I know there's something going on', produced by Phil Collins, became a big hit, nobody knew that the rest of her solo career would be less successful. Her career as a solo artist became comparatively insignificant, although artistically it had some interesting moments nonetheless.
This 12" single features the full length version of the track, as it was found on the album 'Something's going on'.
My collection: 12" single no. 144
Found: Record fair, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I know there's something going on (full length version)' / 'Threnody'
This 12" single features the full length version of the track, as it was found on the album 'Something's going on'.
My collection: 12" single no. 144
Found: Record fair, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I know there's something going on (full length version)' / 'Threnody'
Sunday 25 March 2012
You are the one - A-ha
When you look at the sleeve of the 7" single of 'You are the one' and compare it with this one from the 12" single, you'll see that a different photograph was used from the same photo session. You'd wish this was done more often, because all too often the sleeve of the 12" single is an exact replica, if only a bigger one, of the 7" single.
Another attractive feature of this 12" single was the inclusion of an extended remix of 'You are the one', plus the instrumental version. Which in turn makes you wonder why these were never released on cd.
My collection: 12" single no. 229
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1994
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'You are the one (12" remix)' / 'You are the one (instrumental)', 'Out of blue comes green'
Another attractive feature of this 12" single was the inclusion of an extended remix of 'You are the one', plus the instrumental version. Which in turn makes you wonder why these were never released on cd.
My collection: 12" single no. 229
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1994
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'You are the one (12" remix)' / 'You are the one (instrumental)', 'Out of blue comes green'
Love you more - Groovenut vs. Kim Wilde
When the duo Groovenut decided to remix Kim Wilde's 'You came', little did they know that there were actually plans to re-record and re-release this track. It was 2005, a full 17 years after the release of the original track, and the plan was simply to update the track for the new century.
When they asked for permission to use the samples of the track, they never got that permission. But in 2006, when 'You came (2006)' was released in Europe, they were asked to recreate the mix, using the new vocal tracks. The original mix was only ever released on white label 12" singles - and fortunately I found a copy.
My collection: 12" single no. 444
Found: unknown, 2005
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Love you more'
When they asked for permission to use the samples of the track, they never got that permission. But in 2006, when 'You came (2006)' was released in Europe, they were asked to recreate the mix, using the new vocal tracks. The original mix was only ever released on white label 12" singles - and fortunately I found a copy.
My collection: 12" single no. 444
Found: unknown, 2005
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Love you more'
Come undone - Duran Duran
When the cd-single became the preferred format in the late Eighties, vinyl was quickly pronounced dead by the record companies, not realising they were digging their own graves at the time. But before they did, there were some efforts made to sell vinyl discs, for instance with exclusive tracks.
This 12" single of Duran Duran's 1993 single 'Come undone' for instance features the 'TV synth strings' mix of 'Come undone', which was not available on either of the two (!) cd-singles available in the UK. But it is suspicious that this 12" single was released in Italy in. So buying this in a shop in Amsterdam two years after its release was a bit of a fluke...
My collection: 12" single no. 237
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, 1995
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Come undone (edit)', 'Ordinary world (acoustic version)' / 'Come undone (FGI Phumpin' 12"), 'Come undone (La fin de siecle)', 'Come undone (TV synth strings)'
This 12" single of Duran Duran's 1993 single 'Come undone' for instance features the 'TV synth strings' mix of 'Come undone', which was not available on either of the two (!) cd-singles available in the UK. But it is suspicious that this 12" single was released in Italy in. So buying this in a shop in Amsterdam two years after its release was a bit of a fluke...
My collection: 12" single no. 237
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, 1995
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Come undone (edit)', 'Ordinary world (acoustic version)' / 'Come undone (FGI Phumpin' 12"), 'Come undone (La fin de siecle)', 'Come undone (TV synth strings)'
Rubberband girl - Kate Bush
When Kate Bush finally released a new album in 1993, four years after the previous one, I was looking forward to it like never before. The world really needed new music from Kate Bush, as the music scene in 1993 had become boring and predictable. Kate Bush was never that: her new single showed an unexpected whimsical style.
'Rubberband girl' was released a month before a holiday in London, so I had to wait a while before I got my hands on this picture disc 12" single. Featuring the same tracks as the cd-single, the real treat was the picture disc itself which showed a still from the movie 'The line, the cross & the curve' which was released in 1994.
My collection: 12" single no. 174
Found: HMV, London, October 1993
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Rubberband girl (extended version)' / 'Rubberband girl', 'Big stripey lie'
'Rubberband girl' was released a month before a holiday in London, so I had to wait a while before I got my hands on this picture disc 12" single. Featuring the same tracks as the cd-single, the real treat was the picture disc itself which showed a still from the movie 'The line, the cross & the curve' which was released in 1994.
My collection: 12" single no. 174
Found: HMV, London, October 1993
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Rubberband girl (extended version)' / 'Rubberband girl', 'Big stripey lie'
Saturday 24 March 2012
Radio Musicola - Nik Kershaw
Nik Kershaw got through his first two albums okay, but when the 'difficult third album' came up, he was out of luck: although his music was still very interesting, it proved 'too difficult' for the record-buying audience. Hence, 'Radio Musicola', as the album was called, never got the attention it deserved.
The title track was one of the tracks to be released as a single and this 12" single features an extended version of it, which is not spectacular, but nice nonetheless.
My collection: 12" single no. 425
Found: Record Exchange, London, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Radio Musicola (extended version)' / 'L.A.B.A.T.Y.D.', 'Radio Musicola'
The title track was one of the tracks to be released as a single and this 12" single features an extended version of it, which is not spectacular, but nice nonetheless.
My collection: 12" single no. 425
Found: Record Exchange, London, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Radio Musicola (extended version)' / 'L.A.B.A.T.Y.D.', 'Radio Musicola'
Thursday 22 March 2012
Mothers talk - Tears for fears
As written before, there is a difference between the extended version of Tears for Fears' 1984 single 'Mothers talk' and the so-called 'Beat of the drum mix' of that track. This 12" single is the only one that contains the latter mix, although a German pressing with the sleeve shown here claims to feature it as well.
Now if you expect to get a really good remix, you're bound to be disappointed. Personally I find this remix noisy and a bit 'too much'. But any collector of Tears for Fears will be delighted to hear this mix nonetheless, as it's pretty rare. It only found its way onto cd in 2006 when Mercury released the 'Deluxe edition' of 'Songs from the big chair'.
My collection: 12" single no. 632
Found: All that music, Leiden
Cost: 14,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Mothers talk (Beat of the drum mix)' / 'Empire building'
Now if you expect to get a really good remix, you're bound to be disappointed. Personally I find this remix noisy and a bit 'too much'. But any collector of Tears for Fears will be delighted to hear this mix nonetheless, as it's pretty rare. It only found its way onto cd in 2006 when Mercury released the 'Deluxe edition' of 'Songs from the big chair'.
My collection: 12" single no. 632
Found: All that music, Leiden
Cost: 14,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Mothers talk (Beat of the drum mix)' / 'Empire building'
Sunday 11 March 2012
Break the chains - Private lives
Although the British band Private Lives never hit it big, they certainly had their chances since three different singles were taken from their only album release. 'Break the chains' is probably the least wellknown of the three, but it was still released on 7" and 12".
This 12" version features both the radio mix of the track and an extended version - although the latter is not announced as such on the sleeve. While it's a mystery to me why other singles 'Living in a world (turned upside down)' and 'From a river to a sea' did so bad, I can understand it better for this one. Although I like the tune, it certainly isn't spectacular by any standard.
My collection: 12" single no. 635
Found: Discogs.com, received 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Break the chains [extended]' / 'Break the chains (radio mix)', 'You've got to win'
This 12" version features both the radio mix of the track and an extended version - although the latter is not announced as such on the sleeve. While it's a mystery to me why other singles 'Living in a world (turned upside down)' and 'From a river to a sea' did so bad, I can understand it better for this one. Although I like the tune, it certainly isn't spectacular by any standard.
My collection: 12" single no. 635
Found: Discogs.com, received 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Break the chains [extended]' / 'Break the chains (radio mix)', 'You've got to win'
Cambodia - Nobody
Nobody covered Kim Wilde's 1981 hit, 'Cambodia'. Well, there were actually quite a few of them (including a Swedish death metal band, an American dance queen, a pop singer from Luxembourg and a Norwegian electro-band), but this 12" single was released by Nobody.
A strange name for an act, but then the Belgians usually have a tendency to be quirky. Vocals on this version were by one Loredana and the track was produced by Starfighter & Club Genius. If that still doesn't tell you anything, you know just as much as me.
My collection: 12" single no. 447
Found: German website, 2007
Cost: 6 euro
Tracks: 'Cambodia (original extended mix)' / 'Cambodia (Ion rmx)'
A strange name for an act, but then the Belgians usually have a tendency to be quirky. Vocals on this version were by one Loredana and the track was produced by Starfighter & Club Genius. If that still doesn't tell you anything, you know just as much as me.
My collection: 12" single no. 447
Found: German website, 2007
Cost: 6 euro
Tracks: 'Cambodia (original extended mix)' / 'Cambodia (Ion rmx)'
Friday 9 March 2012
Dancing in the city - Marshall, Hain
Although I was only seven years old when this single was released, I can say that I've loved this song from the very beginning. I bought the single years later, but that was only because I had a double LP with this track on it since early 1979. And then there was this 12" single...
Every year in June there was a street market in a street near to my parents' house. The first time ever I went there I found this 12" single, featuring 'Dancing in the city', and pressed on blue vinyl. I was stunned. Even if it wouldn't contain an extended version, I simply had to have it. And so I bought it. It didn't even cost that much, although I'm sure it's pretty rare and hard to find now. But I might be wrong of course.
My collection: 12" single no. 9
Found: Braderie, Den Haag
Cost: 3 guilders or so
Tracks: 'Dancing in the city' / 'Take my number'
Every year in June there was a street market in a street near to my parents' house. The first time ever I went there I found this 12" single, featuring 'Dancing in the city', and pressed on blue vinyl. I was stunned. Even if it wouldn't contain an extended version, I simply had to have it. And so I bought it. It didn't even cost that much, although I'm sure it's pretty rare and hard to find now. But I might be wrong of course.
My collection: 12" single no. 9
Found: Braderie, Den Haag
Cost: 3 guilders or so
Tracks: 'Dancing in the city' / 'Take my number'
That's the way it is - Mel and Kim
The last single by Mel & Kim was released when Mel was already receiving treatment for cancer, a battle she ultimately lost on January 18, 1990. Her illness was made public at the time of the release of this single.
This 12" was the first of a series and includes the original version of the B-side 'You changed my life' plus an extended version of the title track. The content of this 12" single is identical to the cd-single released at the time, which is why I never bought this one. But at 1 euro, I simply had to snap it up.
My collection: 12" single no. 634
Found: Haarlemmerstraat, Leiden
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'That's the way it is [extended]' / 'I'm the one who really loves you (US remix)', 'You changed my life'
This 12" was the first of a series and includes the original version of the B-side 'You changed my life' plus an extended version of the title track. The content of this 12" single is identical to the cd-single released at the time, which is why I never bought this one. But at 1 euro, I simply had to snap it up.
My collection: 12" single no. 634
Found: Haarlemmerstraat, Leiden
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'That's the way it is [extended]' / 'I'm the one who really loves you (US remix)', 'You changed my life'
Thursday 8 March 2012
I can make you feel good - Shalamar
When I bought this 12" single there was no way to tell whether it contained an extended version of the lead track, so I just bought it. I think this version is slightly longer, but certainly not a remix of the track, which is a pity, but so be it.
Featuring three tracks, this disc was apparently sold for the price of a 7" single in the UK - or so the sticker says. Value for money then, because if anything, Shalamar were known for funky music and this is very funky music.
My collection: 12" single no. 633
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'I can make you feel good' / 'Friends', 'Help me'
Featuring three tracks, this disc was apparently sold for the price of a 7" single in the UK - or so the sticker says. Value for money then, because if anything, Shalamar were known for funky music and this is very funky music.
My collection: 12" single no. 633
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'I can make you feel good' / 'Friends', 'Help me'
Mothers talk - Tears for fears
Released some time before the album, 'Mothers talk' was actually the first single from Tears for Fears' second album 'Songs from the big chair'. Little did they know then that it would become such a successful album. And although the single did reasonably well in the UK (peaking at no. 14 in the chart) other countries weren't convinced until the next single, 'Shout', was released.
This 12" single was released as one of two different versions. It featured the original extended version. In Germany, a 12" single - which I also have - was released with the very same sleeve, but announcing this extended version as the 'Beat of the drum mix'. But that was actually a different mix, one that I will write about in the next blog about Tears for Fears...
My collection: 12" single no. 22 / no. 631
Found: Free Record Shop, 1985 / All that music, Leiden, unknown date
Cost: 7 guilders / 12,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Mothers talk (extended mix)' / 'Empire building'
This 12" single was released as one of two different versions. It featured the original extended version. In Germany, a 12" single - which I also have - was released with the very same sleeve, but announcing this extended version as the 'Beat of the drum mix'. But that was actually a different mix, one that I will write about in the next blog about Tears for Fears...
My collection: 12" single no. 22 / no. 631
Found: Free Record Shop, 1985 / All that music, Leiden, unknown date
Cost: 7 guilders / 12,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Mothers talk (extended mix)' / 'Empire building'
Monday 5 March 2012
Leave in silence - Depeche Mode
'Leave in silence' is still one of my all time favourite Depeche Mode tracks, and this 12" single had a little to do with that. I was very impressed with the extended remix of this single, and the 'quieter' version that was included on the B-side of this 12" single added a dimension to the beauty of the track. I remember spending some hours re-mixing these mixes on my old tape recorder, using the excellent 'pause' buttons they used to have. One mix exceeded 10 minutes, if I remember correctly.
The instrumental 'Further excerpts from My secret garden' elaborates on the B-side of the 7" single and is another highlight in the band's catalogue. In my opinion this ranks among the best 12" singles they have released during their impressive 30 year career.
My collection: 12" single no. 17
Found: Free Record Shop, 1985
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Leave in silence (longer)' / 'Further excerpt from: My secret garden', 'Leave in silence (quieter)'
The instrumental 'Further excerpts from My secret garden' elaborates on the B-side of the 7" single and is another highlight in the band's catalogue. In my opinion this ranks among the best 12" singles they have released during their impressive 30 year career.
My collection: 12" single no. 17
Found: Free Record Shop, 1985
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Leave in silence (longer)' / 'Further excerpt from: My secret garden', 'Leave in silence (quieter)'
Sunday 4 March 2012
Don't stand so close to me '86 - The Police
For a long time, this 1986 re-recording of 'Don't stand so close to me' was in the history books as the only reunion of the British band The Police and it is still their most recent studio recording. Produced by Laurie Latham, this version is very different from the 1980 original.
This 12" single brings together four versions of the track: the original version, the 1986 version, a dance mix of that 1986 version and a live version of unknown origin. Amazingly, a cd version of this disc also exists: a CD-Video was released in the UK, featuring all four tracks plus the music video for this 1986 version.
My collection: 12" single no. 38
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't stand so close to me '86 (dance mix)', 'Don't stand so close to me '86' / 'Don't stand so close to me (original version)', 'Don't stand so close to me (live)'
This 12" single brings together four versions of the track: the original version, the 1986 version, a dance mix of that 1986 version and a live version of unknown origin. Amazingly, a cd version of this disc also exists: a CD-Video was released in the UK, featuring all four tracks plus the music video for this 1986 version.
My collection: 12" single no. 38
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't stand so close to me '86 (dance mix)', 'Don't stand so close to me '86' / 'Don't stand so close to me (original version)', 'Don't stand so close to me (live)'
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Rocket man - Kate Bush
In 1990, Kate Bush was one of the artists that participated in the project 'Two rooms', in which covers of Elton John songs were recorded. Kate Bush chose 'Rocket man', a song originally released in 1972. According to Kate: 'When I asked to be involved in this project and was given the choice of a track it was like being asked ‘would you like to fulfill a dream? would you like to be Rocket Man?’... yes, I would.'
Mercury Records had the good judgement to release Kate's track as a single, and Kate added another cover on the B-side: a version of 'Candle in the wind', released by Elton John in 1974. A stripped down, almost clunky version that takes a lot of its charm from Kate's beautiful vocals. This 12" single features both the vocal and instrumental version - as did the cd-single of 'Rocket man'.
My collection: 12" single no. 629
Found: Discogs.com, received February 8, 2012
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Rocket man' / 'Candle in the wind', 'Candle in the wind (instrumental)'
Mercury Records had the good judgement to release Kate's track as a single, and Kate added another cover on the B-side: a version of 'Candle in the wind', released by Elton John in 1974. A stripped down, almost clunky version that takes a lot of its charm from Kate's beautiful vocals. This 12" single features both the vocal and instrumental version - as did the cd-single of 'Rocket man'.
My collection: 12" single no. 629
Found: Discogs.com, received February 8, 2012
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Rocket man' / 'Candle in the wind', 'Candle in the wind (instrumental)'
Human racing - Nik Kershaw
February 29 is an extraordinary day and on such a day I think I should post at least one extraordinary record. This one fits the bill: it's one of the earlier 12" singles I bought and one of precious few that features three different songs, all remixed, and all good.
'Human racing', the title track of Nik Kershaw's debut album was remixed to great effect, leaving only drums and vox at the end, but still engaging and soulful. Nik's voice sounds suspiciously like Stevie Wonder's on this track, and it's the kind of soulful song the blind American could have written and recorded himself. The remix of Kershaw's hit single 'Wouldn't it be good', which inexplicably isn't included on expanded double cd re-release of 'Human racing' of last Monday, is weird but wonderful, and the remix of album track 'Faces' is moving and more engaging than the original version. So there you have it: 17 minutes of pure bliss on one piece of vinyl.
My collection: 12" single no. 13
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Human racing (special extended mix)' / 'Wouldn't it be good (remix)', 'Faces (remix)'
'Human racing', the title track of Nik Kershaw's debut album was remixed to great effect, leaving only drums and vox at the end, but still engaging and soulful. Nik's voice sounds suspiciously like Stevie Wonder's on this track, and it's the kind of soulful song the blind American could have written and recorded himself. The remix of Kershaw's hit single 'Wouldn't it be good', which inexplicably isn't included on expanded double cd re-release of 'Human racing' of last Monday, is weird but wonderful, and the remix of album track 'Faces' is moving and more engaging than the original version. So there you have it: 17 minutes of pure bliss on one piece of vinyl.
My collection: 12" single no. 13
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Human racing (special extended mix)' / 'Wouldn't it be good (remix)', 'Faces (remix)'
Respectable - Mel and Kim
'Respectable' was only the second single of the duo Mel & Kim Appleby, but they were quickly becoming a phenomenon. The single reached number 1 in various countries including their native England, and a variety of formats was released to keep the fans buying products.
The 12" single appeared in different sleeves, although it appears that the black & white sleeve (pictured above) was the only one used in the UK - not counting a limited picture disc edition of course. I bought both versions on one day, just last month, realising that I have a lot of Mel & Kim discs already but these were still missing.
Both 12" singles I own feature the same set of remixes, of which the extended version starts in a particularly loud and slightly annoying way. As always with Stock/Aitken/Waterman productions: when you've heard one remix you pretty much have heard them all.
My collection: 12" single no. 622 & 623
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, January 27, 2012
Cost: 3 euros each
Tracks: 'Respectable (extended version)' / 'Respectable (7 inch version)', 'Respectable (Extra beats version)'
The 12" single appeared in different sleeves, although it appears that the black & white sleeve (pictured above) was the only one used in the UK - not counting a limited picture disc edition of course. I bought both versions on one day, just last month, realising that I have a lot of Mel & Kim discs already but these were still missing.
Both 12" singles I own feature the same set of remixes, of which the extended version starts in a particularly loud and slightly annoying way. As always with Stock/Aitken/Waterman productions: when you've heard one remix you pretty much have heard them all.
My collection: 12" single no. 622 & 623
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, January 27, 2012
Cost: 3 euros each
Tracks: 'Respectable (extended version)' / 'Respectable (7 inch version)', 'Respectable (Extra beats version)'
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Axel F - Harold Faltermeyer
The instrumental track 'Axel F', created entirely with synthesizers by Harold Faltermeyer, featured in the movie 'Beverley Hills Cop' featuring Eddie Murphy and was the theme tune for the character he played, bearing the same name.
This 12" single was a bargain when I found it, years after its release. It features two remixes of the track plus another track from the soundtrack of the movie. It's entertaining stuff, but it's still a soundtrack...
My collection: 12" single no. 630
Found: Plaatboef, 199x
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Axel F (The M&M mix)' / 'Axel F (extended version)', 'Shoot out'
This 12" single was a bargain when I found it, years after its release. It features two remixes of the track plus another track from the soundtrack of the movie. It's entertaining stuff, but it's still a soundtrack...
My collection: 12" single no. 630
Found: Plaatboef, 199x
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Axel F (The M&M mix)' / 'Axel F (extended version)', 'Shoot out'
Monday 27 February 2012
Stay on these roads - A-ha
A-ha were never very generous with bonus tracks after their first two albums were a hit, but sometimes there were some pleasant surprises. This 12" single of 'Stay on these roads', the first single taken from their third album of the same name, features two tracks unavailable on the album, one of which wasn't released on cd until some time later.
The extended version of 'Stay on these roads' is a treat for its extended musical passages. It was released on cd the next year - but in Japan only. The alternate mix of 'Soft rains of April' is a little different, but not dramatically so. Still, a nice disc.
My collection: 12" single no. 116
Found: Record fair, 1991
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Stay on these roads (extended remix)' / 'Soft rains of April (original mix)'
The extended version of 'Stay on these roads' is a treat for its extended musical passages. It was released on cd the next year - but in Japan only. The alternate mix of 'Soft rains of April' is a little different, but not dramatically so. Still, a nice disc.
My collection: 12" single no. 116
Found: Record fair, 1991
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Stay on these roads (extended remix)' / 'Soft rains of April (original mix)'
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Oh l'amour - Erasure
What a great title for Valentine's day: 'Oh l'amour' by Erasure. If I'm being completely honest, I have to say I didn't buy this 12" single for the title track, but rather for the bonus track on the B-side: a cover of Abba's 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!'.
I bought this 12" single some time after the release of Erasure's 'Abba-esque' EP, which featured four other Abba tracks. Later, of course, I found out that the tracks on this 12" single were also released as a cd-single, and I bought that one too.
My collection: 12" single no. 213
Found: Record exchange, London, October 1994
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Oh l'amour (remix)' / 'March on down the line', 'Gimme gimme gimme'
I bought this 12" single some time after the release of Erasure's 'Abba-esque' EP, which featured four other Abba tracks. Later, of course, I found out that the tracks on this 12" single were also released as a cd-single, and I bought that one too.
My collection: 12" single no. 213
Found: Record exchange, London, October 1994
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Oh l'amour (remix)' / 'March on down the line', 'Gimme gimme gimme'
Sunday 12 February 2012
I scare myself - Thomas Dolby
This 12" single features the long version of 'I scare myself', a track taken from Thomas Dolby's 1984 album 'The Flat earth'. This is actually the album version of the track; it was edited on the 7" single. 'I scare myself' was written by American singer/songwriter Dan Hicks and it was the only cover version on the seven track album.
'The Flat earth' was re-released in 2009 with no less than eight bonus tracks, one of which was a live version of 'I scare myself'. It can't match this perfect studio recording which is so beautifully produced.
My collection: 12" single no. 258
Found: Record exchange, London, October 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I scare myself (long version)' / 'Puppet theatre', 'Cloudburst at shingle street (edited version)'
'The Flat earth' was re-released in 2009 with no less than eight bonus tracks, one of which was a live version of 'I scare myself'. It can't match this perfect studio recording which is so beautifully produced.
My collection: 12" single no. 258
Found: Record exchange, London, October 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I scare myself (long version)' / 'Puppet theatre', 'Cloudburst at shingle street (edited version)'
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Love and anger - Kate Bush
Kate Bush released the third single from her 1989 album 'The sensual world' in early 1990. Besides the 7" single, a 12" single and cd-single were also released. Both had the same track listing and featured three new tracks, all three taken from the soundtrack of a Comic Strip film called 'GLC: The carnage continues...'.
Most notably, the track 'Ken' describes the British politician Ken Livingstone as 'funky sex machine'.
My collection: 12" single no. 628
Found: Discogs.com, received February 8, 2012
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Love and anger' / 'Ken', 'The confrontation', 'One last look around the house before we go...'
Most notably, the track 'Ken' describes the British politician Ken Livingstone as 'funky sex machine'.
My collection: 12" single no. 628
Found: Discogs.com, received February 8, 2012
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Love and anger' / 'Ken', 'The confrontation', 'One last look around the house before we go...'
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Showing out (Get fresh at the weekend) - Mel & Kim
If you've seen this previous post, you'll think I've written about this 12" single before. While the sleeve is similar, the track listing is different. Also, the country of origin is different: this version was made in Germany, while the previous one was issued in the UK.
The track listing adds one track, i.e. the 'Mortgage mix' of 'Showing out'. Most remixes of 'Showing out' are pretty similar, and this one is just one of them. 'Showing out' was one of the top dance tracks of 1986 and the first of two number one hits in the Netherlands.
My collection: 12" single no. 625
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received February 1, 2012
Cost: 2,1 euro
Tracks: 'Showing out [extended]' / 'Showing out (The Mortgage mix)', 'System (House mix)'
The track listing adds one track, i.e. the 'Mortgage mix' of 'Showing out'. Most remixes of 'Showing out' are pretty similar, and this one is just one of them. 'Showing out' was one of the top dance tracks of 1986 and the first of two number one hits in the Netherlands.
My collection: 12" single no. 625
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received February 1, 2012
Cost: 2,1 euro
Tracks: 'Showing out [extended]' / 'Showing out (The Mortgage mix)', 'System (House mix)'
Sunday 5 February 2012
Sweetest smile - Black
Black's 'Sweetest smile' was a big comeback for a band that had been out of my sight for three years in the summer of 1987. After a holiday in London, where I bought the 7" single, I requested the 12" single for my birthday and got it.
A remark from my grandfather always stuck with me. When he looked at the sleeve of this disc, he said: 'Now at least that's a goodlooking chap'. I wanted to say, of course, his music was good too, but such a remark would have been wasted on him: he never liked any pop music at all. So this was probably the highest form of praise I would get from him for my record collection. But of course, the four tracks on this disc are sure to please you.
My collection: 12" single no. 56
Found: Den Haag (Birthday present)
Cost: nothing
Tracks: 'Sweetest smile', 'Sixteens' / 'Leave yourself alone', 'Hardly star-crossed lovers'
A remark from my grandfather always stuck with me. When he looked at the sleeve of this disc, he said: 'Now at least that's a goodlooking chap'. I wanted to say, of course, his music was good too, but such a remark would have been wasted on him: he never liked any pop music at all. So this was probably the highest form of praise I would get from him for my record collection. But of course, the four tracks on this disc are sure to please you.
My collection: 12" single no. 56
Found: Den Haag (Birthday present)
Cost: nothing
Tracks: 'Sweetest smile', 'Sixteens' / 'Leave yourself alone', 'Hardly star-crossed lovers'
Change your mind - Sharpe & Numan
Bill Sharpe and Gary Numan recorded many singles together, but it all started with this one-off duet for Bill Sharpe's solo album 'Famous people'. The 7" single made a big impression on me, but the 12" single was in a league of its own.
There are precious few extended remixes that are much, much better than the track they are remixed from, but this is a prime example. With more percussion and some vintage 'stutter' beats, this version of 'Change your mind' has been one of my all-time favourites ever since I first heard it more than 25 years ago.
My collection: 12" single no. 46
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Change your mind (extended)' / 'Remix, remake, remodel', 'Fools in a world of fire' (with Linda Taylor)
There are precious few extended remixes that are much, much better than the track they are remixed from, but this is a prime example. With more percussion and some vintage 'stutter' beats, this version of 'Change your mind' has been one of my all-time favourites ever since I first heard it more than 25 years ago.
My collection: 12" single no. 46
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Change your mind (extended)' / 'Remix, remake, remodel', 'Fools in a world of fire' (with Linda Taylor)
I've been losing you - A-ha
There's probably some truth to the story that the music you hear during adolescence makes the biggest impression on you. Many of the artists that were around during the Eighties are still here now, making music, and the records they made back then are forever etched in your memory. In some cases, these memories extend to knowing the exact circumstances when you bought certain records.
I can still picture myself in my room playing this 12" by A-ha over and over again. I even used the dub and extended mixes to create new extended remixes. And I know that, when 'This alone is love' appeared on A-ha's next album 'Stay on these roads', I was quite shocked, because the version on this 12" single is far superior. But perhaps that's because I'd heard this version about 200 times by then...
My collection: 12" single no. 52
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'I've been losing you (extended mix)' / 'I've been losing you (dub)', 'This alone is love'
I can still picture myself in my room playing this 12" by A-ha over and over again. I even used the dub and extended mixes to create new extended remixes. And I know that, when 'This alone is love' appeared on A-ha's next album 'Stay on these roads', I was quite shocked, because the version on this 12" single is far superior. But perhaps that's because I'd heard this version about 200 times by then...
My collection: 12" single no. 52
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'I've been losing you (extended mix)' / 'I've been losing you (dub)', 'This alone is love'
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