Kristallnaach - Bap

The band BAP hails from Cologne, Germany. They shocked many people by recording a song about the Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. On a single night, November 9-10, 1938, 91 jews were murdered and 25,000-30,000 were arrested and deported to concentration camps. It was the beginning of a systematic eradication of people with jewish ancestry. The song was written, like most of BAP's material, in Kölsch, the German dialect spoken in Cologne. Songwriter Wolfgang Niedecken said in an interview that he wanted to express his astonishment at the fact that such a violent thing, directed at certain groups of people, could happen within an instant, with such venom.

It was a hit for BAP in the Netherlands, reaching number 8 in the beginning of 1983.

My collection: 7" single no. 537

Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 28, 1987

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Kristallnaach' / 'Wellenreiter'

Download: Album 'Vun drinne noh drusse', including both tracks

Tell me tomorrow - Princess

Born as Desiree Heslop on November 27, 1961, the British singer Princess started her career as one of the members of the group Osibisa. Her solo debut album 'Princess' (1986) was produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman and contained her best selling single 'Say I'm your number one'. 'Tell me tomorrow' was the fourth and final single from that debut album, and like the other singles it was a chart success in the UK for her.

The 12" single contains two mixes of the track, plus the original demo of 'Say I'm your number one'.

My collection: 12" single no. 474

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Tell me tomorrow (extended album version)' / 'Tell me tomorrow (club version)', 'Say I'm your number one (original demo)'

Download: here

Blue world - The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues were in the business forever, it seemed. I grew up with the fact that 'Nights in white satin' was an old classic song from before I was born. Still, there they were in 1983 with a new album. I was never really impressed with those old-timer songs (I grew to appreciate old recordings when I was older) but the new single 'Blue world' made a big impression on me. I couldn't understand why it didn't make the Dutch Top 40. Meanwhile, it was a modest hit in the UK, making number 35 in the singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1892
Found: May 2, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Track: 'Blue world' / 'Going nowhere'

Black stations white stations - Martha and the Muffins

Martha and the Muffins's 1984 album 'Mystery walk' featured a sticker crediting the band as 'M + M o/k/a (once known as) Martha and The Muffins'. The album was produced with Daniel Lanois. The album gave the band - whatever they were called then - their biggest hit in years in their native Canada. 'Black Stations/White Stations' was an anti-racist anthem whose first verse took radio stations to task for refusing to play a song about mixed-race romance, a story that Martha Johnson had heard related on the radio while driving in her car.

I remember I was really intrigued by this song in 1984, especially because of the interesting video. When I bought the single years later, the song was not as special as I'd remembered.

My collection: 7" single no. 2607

Found: January 27, 1996

Cost: 5 guilders

Tracks: 'Black stations/White stations' / 'Xoa Oho'

Download: here

Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

'Crazy' by Gnarls Barkley has to be one of the biggest hits of 2006. It was a number one hit in the UK for nine weeks, until the band and their record company decided to remove the single from the stores so that people would 'remember the song fondly and not get sick of it'.

Of course in 2006 cd-singles and digital downloads were much popular than 7" vinyl singles, which is why I was pleasantly surprised to find this 7" picture disc during a visit to London's HMV store. I bought it on the spot.

My collection: 7" single no. 3437

Found: HMV, London, 2006

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Crazy' / 'Just a thought'

Download: Album 'St. Elsewhere', including both tracks

History never repeats - Split Enz

There aren't that many records around that were laser etched. A&M Records introduced the laser etched records with Split Enz's 1980 album, 'True colours'. They hoped that laser-etching would lead to economical protection from unauthorized copying of its products. Subsequently, the singles 'I hope I never' and 'History never repeats' were also released on laser etched vinyl.

I found this single in a second hand shop and bought it, despite the fact that the previous owner had blacked out the label of the etched A-side with a black marker. It was a shame, but on the other hand, I never saw this single again, so sometimes even a damaged item is worth having. As for the music: the word Beatles-esque comes to mind.

My collection: 7" single no. 1243

Found: Den Haag, June 9, 1990

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'History never repeats' / 'What's the matter with you'

Download: Album 'History never repeats: the best of Split Enz', including both tracks

Doctor, doctor - Baba and Roody

The couple responsible for the curious song 'Hacka-Tacka music' tried to have another hit with this second single, 'Doctor, doctor'. It's a reggae music version of the 'playing doctor' rites that children go through at an early age. By then, it was obvious that the couple were playing on the funny/sexy market, and the audience literally didn't buy it.

As for me, it was curiosity more than anything. The first single had managed to make me laugh quite a lot, and so I expected something from this one. But as always, the sequel disappointed.

My collection: 7" single no. 3216

Found: October 12, 2000

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Doctor, doctor' / 'Docteur, venez ausculter mon coeur'

Download: here

Love is a battlefield - Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar asked Mike Chapman to write her a hit song. He worked with his songwriting partner Holly Knight to come up with 'Love is a battlefield'. The song, which was included on Benatar's album 'Live from earth', was promoted with a powerful video, in which she played a teenage runaway. This video was on high rotation on television back in 1984.

The song was a number one hit in the Netherlands. I soon found out that the 7" single featured a heavily edited version of the song, so I opted for the 12" single. It was one of the first 12" singles I ever bought - but rightfully so: the extended version is much better.

My collection: 12" single no. 3

Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1984

Cost: 14,95 guilders

Tracks: 'Love is a battlefield (extended version)' / 'Hell is for children (live)', 'Love is a battlefield (instrumental)'

Download: here (password: DjPaulT )

Non ho l'eta per amarti - Gigliola Cinquetti

Gigliola Cinquetti was born on December 20, 1947 in Verona, Italy. She won the 1964 San Remo festival singing 'Non ho l'eta per amarti' ('I'm not old enough to love you'). As was usual for Italy, the winner of the San Remo festival also represented the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. She won this contest as well, making it the first ever victory for Italy in Eurovision. What's more, the single made no. 17 in the UK singles chart, usually a no-go area for Italian music. In the Netherlands, it reached number three.

The single which I bought recently was made in Belgium, but only states that Cinquetti was '1st price Festival SAN REMO'. Presumably the sleeve was created after an Italian original.

My collection: 7" single no. 3503

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Non ho l'eta per amarti' / 'Sei un bravo ragazzo'

Download: here

Eenvoud - Goede Doel (het)

Sometimes within a blog one has to push its boundaries. One of the boundaries I had set in the beginning was that I wasn't going to discuss music in Dutch. After all, no-one understands this language, and more often than not the quality of Dutch-language music leaves a lot to be desired. But then I thought: I only buy the good stuff, and there are more strange languages on this blog (like for instance Turkish, Italian and Spanish). So here goes...

The group Het Goede Doel ('The good cause') hails from Utrecht, one of the four biggest cities of the Netherlands. Their seventh single was 'Eenvoud' ('Simplicity'), containing the recurring like 'Alles draait om de eenvoud' ('Everything revolves around simplicity'). With its powerful music it is one of the more energetic songs of 1983. It reached number 11 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3514

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 0,75 euro

Tracks: 'Eenvoud' / 'Simpel'

Download: here

Shy boy - Bananarama

Bananarama's first single without the Fun Boy Three (with whom they recorded 'It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it' and 'Really saying something') was this single: 'Shy boy'. It was another top 5 hit for them in the UK, and it reached number 12 in the Netherlands. It was taken from their debut album 'Deap sea skiving', which was full of cheerful pop tunes. The B-side was called 'Don't call us', but appeared on the album as 'Boy trouble'.

I bought this single recently, realising what fun the music of these three girls was in the first half of the eighties. When they hooked up with Stock, Aitken and Waterman, it all became more serious and less bubbly.

My collection: 7" single no. 3510

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 0,75 euro

Tracks: 'Shy boy' / 'Don't call us'

Download: Album 'Deep sea skiving', including both tracks (part 1 / part 2)

Moonlight and muzak - M

Although 'Popmuzik' was his biggest hit, 'Moonlight and muzak' was the song that always intrigued me more. The mysterious sound, the understated vocals and the angelic background vocal were very appealing to me. A lot of people didn't agree: whereas the former made number 2 in the UK, the latter only reached number 33. In the Netherlands, it didn't go any better: a number 3 for 'Popmuzik' and number 12 for 'Moonlight and muzak'.

My collection: 7" single no. 558

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1987

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Moonlight and muzak' / 'Woman make man'

Download: here

All fall down - Five Star

'All fall down' was Five Star's first hit in the Netherlands in the summer of 1985. They were described as the UK's new supergroup. I don't know, to me the five youngsters didn't seem that remarkable. The song was not so good either. It was only later, when I started liking their singles, that I thought I might as well buy their earlier pop songs. Most Five Star tracks follow a formula: it's a catchy rhythm, a nice melody and unremarkable lyrics. But that's pleasant every once in a while.

My collection: 12" single no. 461

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, 2004

Cost: 2 euro

Tracks: 'All fall down [extended]' / 'All fall down (instrumental)', 'First Avenue'

Download: here

Your love is king - Sade

Sade's debut single 'Your love is king' made me shout out 'boring!' every time I saw it on TV. This was during the time when I was watching Music Box and Sky Channel on a daily basis. Her second single, 'When am I going to make a living' interested me more, and gradually I got into Sade. At some point I decided I wanted to have the first single as well, and it sounded a lot less boring by that time. So eventually I even got the 12" single.

Some will be surprised to find 'Smooth operator' on the B-side of this. It is actually a version that is very alike the album version on Sade's debut album 'Diamond life', but the instrumental track that follows immediately after that, 'Snake bite', is a one time thing. It was never released anywhere else, except on this disc.

My collection: 12" single no. 483

Found: 2001

Cost: 5 guilders

Tracks: 'Your love is king' / 'Smooth operator', 'Snake bite', 'Love affair with life (recorded live)'

Download: here

'cause cheap is how I feel - Cowboy Junkies

The Canadian band Cowboy Junkies were formed in 1985 by Michael, Margo and Peter Timmins with Alan Anton. They have always been popular in Canada, but were unable to gain popularity in other territories.

I heard about the band when I hung out with some friends in the early nineties who were very into alternative music. Artists like Tori Amos, Happy Rhodes, Sarah McLachlan, Cocteau Twins and the like filled the room when we were together. I picked up this single because I liked the song a lot, but I never pursued the band any further.

My collection: 7" single no. 1612

Found: March 28, 1992

Cost: 5 guilders

Tracks: ''cause cheap is how I feel' / 'Thirty summers'

Download: Album 'Caution horses', including both tracks

This world of water - New Musik

New Musik was an English synthpop group, formed in 1979 in London by Tony Mansfield, Clive Gates and Cliff Venner. Their debut album 'From A to B' contained four hit singles, of which 'This world of water' was the only one to reach the Dutch Top 40, peaking at no. 30 in the summer of 1980. This is also how I found out about the band. Now, decades later, I can say that I own all of their singles. But this one was the first that I bought!

My collection: 7" single no. 911

Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 25, 1989

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'This world of water' / 'Missing persons', 'Tell me something new'

Download: here

How could this go wrong - Exile

So this is the 12" single I found almost a quarter of a century after it was released. I didn't even know this version existed, but when I saw this record I was very excited. The original song is exciting enough, but an eight minute extended version would be even better. This 12" single delivers on all fronts: it's got a different sleeve, the remix is fantastic and the quality of the vinyl, like most discs from RAK records, is excellent.

My collection: 12" single no. 315

Found: Record fair, 2002

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'How could this go wrong [extended]' / 'Being in love with you is easy'

Download: here

How could this go wrong - Exile

I got to know the group Exile because of their hit ballad 'Kiss you all over'. When shortly afterwards the released this exciting disco-inspired rock song 'How could this go wrong', I was slightly confused. Of course I was only a child, so I didn't realise that a group that made ballads could also make uptempo tracks. But my premonition was not off: I thought this would never be a hit after such a beautiful song. It only reached number 37 in the Dutch Top 40. I like to think I contributed to that fact, by waiting until it left the charts until I bought it. But then again, my pocket money didn't stretch far enough for me to be able to buy chart single at that time...

My collection: 7" single no. 22

Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1979

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'How could this go wrong' / 'Being in love with you is easy'

Download: here

Puppet on a string - Sandie Shaw

Sandie Shaw won the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Puppet on a string'. It subsequently spent three weeks at the top of the UK singles chart. On the national final on UK television, Shaw performed five songs, of which one would be selected to represent the UK. Shaw was very disappointed when this song was chosen. 'I hated it from the very first oompah to the final bang on the big bass drum. I was instinctively repelled by its sexist drivel and cuckoo-clock tune.' Despite all this, she won the Eurovision Song Contest convincingly, although she put it down to her existing popularity on the European continent.

When I bought this single, two versions were staring at me from the shelf. I chose this one, because of the sleeve that contains a photograph from the actual Song Contest performance.

My collection: 7" single no. 3542

Found: Empire Records, January 9, 2009

Cost: 3,5 euro

Tracks: 'Puppet on a string' / 'Tell the boys'

Download: Album 'Princess of Britpop', including both tracks (password: www.freesoftwarealliance.com )

Like flames - Berlin

Berlin was formed in Orange County, California in the late Seventies. The band consisted of John Crawford, David Diamond and Terri Nunn. Their big break came in 1987, when they recorded 'Take my breath away' for the hit movie 'Top Gun'. It brought them a number one hit in many countries including the Netherlands and the UK. The band then tried to build on this success with this single, 'Like flames'. This single, and other ones, couldn't match the success with 'Take my breath away', and so the band disbanded within a year.

My collection: 7" single no. 3371

Found: London, December 2002

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Like flames' / 'Trash' // 'Take my breath away' / 'No more words'

Download: Album 'Count three and pray', including these tracks (password: =(J+E)= )

Black man Ray - China Crisis

China Crisis's third album was produced by Walter Becker, of Steely Dan fame. Named 'Flaunt the imperfection', the album was preceded by the single 'Black man Ray', which became an international hit.

I bought a limited edition set of two picture discs during a holiday in London. It was a strange find: each shaped picture disc contained one side, one disc holding the 'A-side' ('Black man Ray') and the other holding the 'B-side' ('Animalistic').

My collection: Picture disc (unnumbered)

Found: London, 2001

Cost: 5 pounds

Tracks: 'Black man Ray' // 'Animalistic'

Download: here

Me and my foolish heart - Johnny hates Jazz

'Shattered dreams', 'I don't wanna be a hero', 'Turn back the clock'... These were the singles that made Johnny hates Jazz's fame in 1987. But before they signed to Virgin records and released the debut album that yielded these hits, they recorded their debut single on RAK records, the label owned by the father of band member Calvin Hayes: Mickie Most. This single did not chart, but the track would end up on their debut album anyway.

I found this 12" single during a record fair and because I knew the album, I also knew this track. It was great to have an extended mix, because it never resurfaced on any other format since. Until last year's re-release of the debut album 'Turn back the clock', that is. For Johnny hates Jazz fans, this is a real must have item. And for music lovers like me, too.

My collection: 12" single no. 340

Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1999

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Me and my foolish heart (12" mix)' / 'Living in the past', 'Me and my foolish heart (7" mix)'

Download: here

NME Readers' Pollwinners '84 EP - Bronski Beat, Cocteau Twins, The Smiths, U2

British music magazine New Musical Express, or NME in short, started giving away free EP's with the magazine in 1985. The first EP featured tracks from four readers poll winners. And quite exclusive tracks, too, as far as I know!

As is usual with such giveaway discs, they turn up in second hand shops years later. I spotted this one in a Dutch shop(!), then saw that it included a dub mix of U2's 'Wire' and decided that I needed to check this out.

My collection: 7" single no. 2215
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, November 14, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Hard rain' (Bronski Beat), 'Ivo (new version)' (Cocteau Twins) / 'What she said (live)' (The Smiths), 'Wire (dub mix)' (U2)
Download: here

Baby Jane - Rod Stewart

'Baby Jane' was a number one single in the UK for Rod Stewart, taken from his 1983 album 'Body wishes'. It was his most successful single since 'Da ya think I'm sexy' (1978). It was Stewart's sixth and final UK charttopper.

These days, Rod Stewart is busy recording big band albums, but this is a track from the time when he still rocked the pants off everyone. A style which I much prefer, I have to say.

My collection: 7" single no. 3535

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, January 9, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Baby Jane' / 'Ready now'

Download: Album 'Body wishes', including both tracks (part 1 / part 2)

La vie en rose - Grace Jones

'La vie en rose' was one of French singer Edith Piaf's most famous songs. The lyrics were written by Piaf, with music composed by Louis Gugliemi. It became a favourite with audiences in 1946. Owing to its popularity, Piaf would include it on many of her albums.

Grace Jones recorded a cover version of this track in 1977 as part of her debut album 'Portfolio'. The radical bossanova/disco interpretation of the track became Jones's first international hit single, even if the single version was heavily edited. The original album version was included on this 12" single, lasting over seven minutes.

My collection: 12" single no. 318

Found: Record fair, 2002

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'La vie en rose' / 'I need a man'

Download: Album 'Island life', including both tracks

Valentine - T'pau

Drawn from their debut album 'Bridge of spies', 'Valentine' is a power ballad that is laden with emotions. Released in time for Valentine's day 1988, it climbed to the ninth place in the UK singles chart, only reaching number 22 in the Netherlands.

Of all the singles T'pau has released, this is probably the one that affected me most. There was a time when I could dream the lyric of this song. No wonder, then, that I bought this single as soon as I recognised its appeal.

My collection: 7" single no. 603

Found: Free record shop, Den Haag, 1988

Cost: 6,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Valentine' / 'Giving my love away'

Download: cd-single 'Valentine', including both tracks

Carmen Brasilia - Anarchic System

This single was released in 1972 at the same time as other versions of 'Carmen Brasilia' by Bob Callaghan and co. and Revolution System. Like the other versions, 'Carmen Brasilia' is an instrumental track, performed on a Moog synthesizer, based on the most famous part of the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. The B-side is 'Marina', a more acoustic instrumental, featuring faint vocals, guitars and a flute.

Anarchic System consisted of Gilles Devos, Jacqus Deville, Patrick Verette, Christian Lerouge and Michel Dhuy. Later incarnations of the band would draw inspiration from the rock genre. This remains an excellent example of Moog music.

My collection: 7" single no. 2560
Found: Record fair, November 19, 1995
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Carmen Brasilia' / 'Marina'
Download: here

She drives me crazy - Fine Young Cannibals

'She drives me crazy' was the first single taken from the Fine Young Cannibals's second album 'The raw and the cooked'. It peaked at number 5 in the UK and reached number one in the USA's Billboard Hot 100.

My copy of the single was issued on red vinyl in a red tin can. The other four singles of the same album were also released in tin cans, each in their own unique colour of vinyl. An item like that takes up a lot of space, but it's so much fun to have.

My collection: 7" single no. 2786

Found: London, November 1996

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'She drives me crazy' / 'Pull the sucker off'

Download: Album 'The platinum collection', including both tracks

Break it up - Lois Lane

The Dutch group Lois Lane was Founded by Monique Klemann, she originally worked with backing singer Angela. When she left the band in 1985, Monique replaced her with her own sister, Suzanne Klemann. In 1987, they won a band contest in the Netherlands, which earned them a recording contract. The bouncy 'Break it up' became their debut single.

It ended up just outside the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1987. They would reach that chart with their third single, the theme song of the movie 'Amsterdamned'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3489

Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2006

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Break it up' / 'Nothing left'

Download: here

Sans contrefaçon - Mylene Farmer

After I'd decided I wanted to hear more from Mylene Farmer, things went pretty fast. Thanks to record fairs, I was able to buy a lot of her early material quickly. 'Sans contrefaçon' was a song I'd seen on television thanks to its accompanying video, and I was happy to find this old single.

It was originally released on October 16, 1987. The song's lyrics seem to be autobiographical. Indeed, in interviews, Farmer often explained that when she was younger, a lot of people thought she was a boy because of her short hair. To play on this doubt, she even confessed to putting a handkerchief in her trousers. Although the song doesn't deal with homosexuality, over years it has become somewhat of a gay anthem.

My collection: 7" single no. 1871

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, March 27, 1993

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Sans contrefaçon' / 'La ronde triste'

Download: Album 'Ainsi soit je...', including both tracks (password: Ralf)

No regrets - Robbie Williams

Not to be confused with the Walker Brothers song of the same name, 'No regrets' is an equally monumental piece of work. Written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, this track features backing vocals by Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys and Neil Hannon from the Divine Comedy. The single peaked at number four in the UK, but fared less well everywhere else. The B-side, 'Antmusic', was a cover of the famous Adam and the Ants track. It also featured in the soundtrack of the movie 'A Bug's life'.

I ordered this single in the UK, since it was getting increasingly difficult to find vinyl singles. This is also the only Robbie Williams vinyl that I own, as it is by far his best track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3047

Found: Esprit Mail Order, January 16, 1999

Cost: 4 pounds

Tracks: 'No regrets' / 'Antmusic'

Download: here

Little girl lost - The Icicle Works

The Icicle Works released their fourth album 'Blind' in 1988. This contained the reggae-inspired track 'Little girl lost', a track I got to know thanks to a four track cd-single which also featured the earlier single 'Evangeline'. The Icicle Works never managed to get into the Dutch Top 40, and this single was no exception.

I bought this single during a trip to London to see two live concerts on two nights: Black and All About Eve were both playing in the same week in that town. On the last day of my trip, I was hit by a kidney stone. What a memorable week.

My collection: 7" single no. 3167
Found: House of Rhythm, London, January 18, 2000
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Little girl lost' / 'Tin can'
Download: here

Sleepwalk - Ultravox

'Sleepwalk' was the first single drawn from Ultravox's classic album 'Vienna' (1980). The song was primarily used to achieve a record contract with Chrysalis in 1980 after the band were sacked from their previous label, Island records. Compared to previous singles with John Foxx as their frontman, it was moderately successful in the UK singles chart, peaking at number 29.

The single's B-side, 'Waiting' is an intriguing instrumental track. It was recently released on cd as part of a special disc celebrating the classic album that is 'Vienna'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2540

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, November 1, 1995

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Sleepwalk' / 'Waiting'

Download: here (password: UVXx8+Mu )

Making plans for Nigel - XTC

XTC's 'Making plans for Nigel' reached number 32 in the Dutch Top 40 in 1979. It fared better in the UK, where it reached number 17. The video of this song impressed me greatly when I was a child; it made me remember the band and this single for years on end. I didn't buy the single, so I spent years searching for it. I finally found it during a holiday in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 2695

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, July 3, 1996

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Making plans for Nigel' / 'Bushman president', 'Pulsing pulsing'

Download: here

Heart of glass - Associates

Billy MacKenzie and Alan Rankine formed the Associates in early 1980, after having worked together on various other projects. They found commercial success with their 1982 release, 'Party fears two'. Shortly after the release of their debut album 'Sulk', Rankine left the band, leaving Billy MacKenzie to continue with the band. This proved to be a difficult task, as commercial success eluded the Associates ever since.

'Heart of glass' was released in 1988. It was a cover of Blondie's 1979 single. Remixed by Auchterhouse, this 12" single adds some power to an otherwise slightly dull version.

My collection: 12" single no. 235

Found: unknown, 1990

Cost: unknown

Tracks: 'Heart of glass (Auchterhouse mix)' / 'Heart of glass (Auchterhouse Instrumental)', 'Her only wish'

Download: here

Diamante - Zucchero with Randy Crawford

The original version of 'Diamante' appeared on Zucchero 'Sugar' Fornaciari's 1989 album 'Oro incenso e birra', released first in Italy and then in the rest of Europe. The album also contained the hits 'Overdose (d'Amore)', 'Il mare' and 'Wonderful world'. A year later, Zucchero started conquering the English-speaking world with his first album in that language. The duet with Paul Young, 'Senza una donna', is still one of his biggest hits. This version of Diamante, recorded with Randy Crawford, was a less successful single and didn't appear on any album until 'Zu & Co' was released in 2004. It was included in a special edition of that album.

I bought this single because I knew the original song in Italian. The English version is equally beautiful, but contrary to the Italian version, I can understand the words...

My collection: 7" single no. 1572

Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 18, 1992

Cost: 6,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Diamante (with Randy Crawford)' / 'Diamante'

Download: here

Jealous guy - Roxy Music

Following the tragic death of John Lennon in December 1980, Roxy Music recorded a cover version of his song 'Jealous guy'. This was met with some criticism as it was suggested that they were cashing in on his death. Still, the song became a number one chart hit for Roxy Music.

John Lennon wrote the song in ten years earlier, after his relationship with Yoko Ono had become strained because of his drinking problems and jealousy problems with his first wife, Cynthia Powell. Yoko commented, '(The song) said it all! ... After we got together he made me write out a list of all the men I'd slept with before we met. I started to do it quite casually – then I realised how serious it was to John. He didn't even like me speaking Japanese because that was a part of my mind that shut him out.'

My collection: 7" single no. 3508

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Jealous guy' / 'To turn you on'

Download: here

Are you my baby? - Wendy and Lisa

I'll be honest: I didn't like 'Are you my baby?' when it came out and climbed to number 9 in the Dutch Top 40 in the spring of 1989. Yesterday, while I was buying some old singles, I saw this one and started wondering just why I didn't. After all, I do have all their other hit singles. Listening to the song now makes it sound really wonderful. These days there are much worse songs around, so that helps...

My collection: 7" single no. 3536

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, January 9, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Are you my baby?' / 'Happy Birthday'

Download: here

Move in my direction - Bananarama

While most recognised for their eighties work, Bananarama are still around today. Of course, they are not a trio anymore, as only Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward are still at it. 'Move in my direction' was released in 2005, a track from their latest album 'Drama!'. It reached number 14 in the UK singles chart. It was their 24th UK Top 40 hit, and their first since their 1991 single 'Preacher man'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3416

Found: HMV, London, 2005

Cost: 2,5 pounds

Tracks: 'Move in my direction (radio edit)' / 'Move in my direction (Angel City remix edit)'

Download: 11 versions of 'Move in my direction', including both tracks

Ne partez pas sans moi - Celine Dion

A record collection which includes all the winners of the Eurovision Song Contest (well, I do try) should also contain the 1988 winner, Celine Dion. What a great injustice. Dion has to be the singer with the ugliest voice in the business. Her screaming and wailing cuts through the bone and shatters your eardrums. What's more, during the 1988 contest she appearde in a dress which made her look like an ostrich.

It didn't matter. The hearing-impaired judges award her the prize, just one point ahead of that year's real winner, Scott Fitzgerald with 'Go'. I bought that single in 1988. This one, I could only buy now - and only because I have to have all the winners. One bonus: on this single there is an instrumental version, in which a piano takes the place of Dion's horrible vocals. A version which I prefer, of course.

My collection: 7" single no. 3543

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, January 9, 2009

Cost: 2 euro

Tracks: 'Ne partez pas sans moi' / 'Ne partez pas sans moi (instrumental)'

Download: here

State of shock - The Jacksons

'State of shock' was recorded by The Jacksons with Mick Jagger in 1984 for the album 'Victory'. Originally the song was going to be a duet with Freddie Mercury, with whom Michael Jackson wrote it. Unreleased demos have surfaced on bootleg discs to testify to this fact. The Jacksons finally recorded the song with Mick Jagger. Mick Jagger performed the song live with Tina Turner during Live Aid in 1985.

I bought this single after my recent surge of interest in Michael Jackson's back catalogue. This is a great example of a powerful pop song with not a lot of substance. Still very enjoyable though.

My collection: 7" single no. 3531

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, January 9, 2009

Cost: 2 euro

Tracks: 'State of shock' / 'Your ways'

Download: Album 'Victory', including 'State of shock' / Album 'Triumph', including 'Your ways'

I'm in a different world - Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin

Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin made a career out of covering old soul songs. Starting out with the German number one hit 'It's my party' in 1981, they also recorded covers of songs like 'The Locomotion', 'Johnny Rocco' and this 'I'm in a different world'. It was written by the Motown songwriting team of Holland/Dozier/Holland and it was a hit for the Four Tops in November 1968, reaching number 27 in the UK singles chart. This cover version didn't reach that chart, but it was a minor hit in the Netherlands, only just missing the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3540

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, January 9, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'I'm in a different world' / 'Henry and James'

Download: here

Just what I always wanted - Mari Wilson

Mari Wilson appeared on the scene in the early eighties with her skyscraper beehive hairdo, a strange sense of (retro-inspired) fashion and a fully choreographed twelve piece band. Her live shows were very entertaining and this is how she claimed her fame. In 1982, she had her biggest hit with this single, 'Just what I always wanted', which peaked at number eight in the UK singles chart.

I vaguely remembered Mari Wilson, so I took a gamble when I bought this single. But the gamble paid off: it is a great pop song. I wonder why I didn't remember this one...

My collection: 7" single no. 3539

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, January 9, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Just what I always wanted' / 'Woe, woe, woe'

Download: here

Snobbery and decay - Act

Act were a synthpop group in the late eighties, consisting of Thomas Leer and ex-Propaganda singer Claudia Brücken. Lyrically their songs tended to be concerned with decadence and the moral bankruptcy of the world as they saw it, as summed up in the title of their debut single 'Snobbery and decay'. On the cover you see Quentin Crisp and Liberace.

The band dissolved shortly after the release of their debut album, 'Laughter, tears and rage'. This album was reissued in 2003 as a three cd set, including bonus tracks, remixes, alternative versions and previously unreleased material. The single is a great piece of dramatic and melodic synthpop.

My collection: 7" single no. 2992
Found: Record fair, May 27, 1998
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Snobbery & decay' / 'Poison'
Download: here

The clapping song - Belle Stars

'The clapping song' is a song originally recorded by Shirley Ellis in 1965. The lyrics of 'The clapping song' are reminiscent of a nursery rhyme or jump-rope rhyme, and also feature instructions for a clapping game.

The Belle Stars covered the song in 1982 and it provided them with their first top 20 hit. This picture disc was a great item, one I couldn't resist buying even though I wasn't really impressed with the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 2715

Found: June 20, 1996

Cost: 3,5 guilders

Tracks: 'The clapping song' / 'Blame'

Download: here

Souvenir - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark

'Souvenir' was released as the first single from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1981 album 'Architecture & Morality'. A tape consisting of slowed-down loops of a choir tuning up had been the initial inspiration for the song. Although very displeased with the original version, they decided it had some merit after all, after having re-recorded it previously.

The tune has a very strong synthesised melody, with a rare lead vocal by Paul Humphreys. Although he is not the band's main singer, he was satisfied with his attempts, and would do lead vocals for some of OMD's other well-known releases. An extended version of the song (with an additional verse) was released as a 10" single.

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: House of Rhythm, London
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Souvenir (extended)' / 'Motion and heart (Amazon version)', 'Sacred heart'
Download: here

Me no pop I - Coati Mundi

Coati Mundi is the stage name of Andy Hernandez. He was member of Kid Creole and the Coconuts, playing the vibraphone. He scored a solo hit in the UK singles chart with 'Me no pop I' in 1981. Coati Mundi appeared as an actor in the film 'Who's that girl', starring Madonna. He wrote and performed a song for the soundtrack album called: 'El Coco Loco'.

I bought the single in Denmark, remembering the song after more than two decades of not hearing it. Amazingly, the hit version is on the b-side of this single.

My collection: 7" single no. 3425

Found: Esbjerg (Denmark), June 17, 2006

Cost: 10 Danish crowns

Tracks: 'Me no pop I' / 'Que pasa/Me no pop I'

Download: here

Always something there to remind me - Naked eyes

'Always Something There to Remind Me' is a song written in the 1960s by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Originally a minor hit for American singer Lou Johnson, it was then recorded by Sandie Shaw. It became her breakthrough hit in the UK in 1964, reaching number one in the UK singles chart.

Naked Eyes recorded a cover version of this song in 1982. This 12" version was remixed by John 'Jellybean' Benitez.

My collection: 12" single no. 147

Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, 199X

Cost: 2,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Always something there to remind me (remixed version)' / 'Voices in my head'

Download: here

Say when - Lene Lovich

Lili-Marlene Premilovich was born on March 30, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 13 her family moved to Hull, England. She met guitarist/songwriter Les Chappell during her teens, and he became her longtime collaborator and life partner.

Taking on the name Lene Lovich, she released her debut album 'Stateless' in 1978. This album contained her two biggest hits: 'Lucky number' (a top three hit in the UK) and this single, 'Say when'. It reached number 19 in the UK and the Netherlands. I bought the single in that same year, even though the sleeve was written on and quite damaged. I bought a replacement copy two decades later in the same shop for the same price...

My collection: 7" single no. 105

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Say when' / 'One lonely heart'

Download: here

Si la vie est cadeau - Corinne Hermes

The 1983 Eurovision Song Contest was won with the song 'Si la vie est cadeau', performed by Corinne Hermes. She was born on November 16, 1961 and is a French singer. She represented Luxembourg on this occasion and finished just six points ahead of Israel's Ofra Haza with 'Hi'. The song received zero points from two of the twenty participating countries, but also received the maximum twelve points from five - mostly Mediterranean - countries.

Personally, I was not pleased with this winner. I preferred more eclectic tracks like Norway's 'Do re mi' by Jahn Teigen, Sweden's Carola with 'Främling' or even Spain's Remedios Amaya with 'Quien maneja mi barca?'. It took me 25 years to buy this single, and only because of my recent decision to want to buy all the Eurovision winners on single.

My collection: 7" single no. 3507

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Si la vie est cadeau' / 'Pour un jour de toi'

Download: here