Together we are beautiful - Fern Kinney

Fern Kinney began singing in the late Sixties. She joined the vocal group The Poppies, replacing the previous singer Patsy McClune. In the early Seventies she also started working as a session musician. Having settled as a housewife, Kinney finally tried to attempt a comeback with 'Groove me'.

The next single 'Together we are beautiful' became a surprise worldwide hit. Originally recorded by British vocalist Steve Allan eighteen months earlier, Kinney made it a sultry disco hit. It didn't reach the chart in her native America, but in the UK it became a number one hit. It also reached number 24 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3870
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Together we are beautiful' / 'Baby, let me kiss you'

Ain't no pleasing you - Chas and Dave

At the age of eleven, just before I was leaving junior education, the school organised a dance for its pupils. The memory of dancing with the girl Francisca had left my mind for a long time, but it came back when I heard this song, because this was the song we danced to. I left school full of hope for the future, but it would take no less than 11 years before I ever danced with a woman again.

It was Chas & Dave's only hit in the Netherlands, reaching number 20 in May 1982. In the UK, where the duo was more successful, this was their biggest hit, peaking at number 2 in the singles chart the month before.

My collection: 7" single no. 3891
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Ain't no pleasing you' / 'Give it some stick Mick!'

Blood on the dancefloor - Michael Jackson

I already wrote about 'Blood on the dancefloor' on an earlier entry. I'd found a rare UK pressing of the single and I assumed it was just about the only 7" vinyl that existed of this title. But how wrong I was! The single was also made in the USA, and what's more: it's got a different B-side! I ordered this copy right away, because those latter day Michael Jackson singles are very appealing to me.

The remix of 'Dangerous' by Roger on the B-side also appeared on the cd-single for 'Blood on the dancefloor', and so it isn't that rare. But circa 1997 all 7" singles were becoming rarities, and so it is still a worthwhile addition to my collection.

My collection: 7" single no. 3898
Found: eBay.com, received July 22, 2009
Cost: 10 dollars
Tracks: 'Blood on the dancefloor' / 'Dangerous (Roger's Dangerous Edit)'

Follow me - Amanda Lear

Amanda Lear has made a point of being unclear about her childhood. She was alledgedly born as Amanda Tapp in Hong Kong on November 18, 1939, but the stories she told the press have been deliberately conflicting, with her date of birth ranging between 1939 and 1948 and her place of birth reported as Switzerland, Saigon, Hanoi as well as Hong Kong.

After a career in modelling she moved into music in the mid-Seventies. 'Follow me' has become her signature song. It was taken from her second album 'Sweet revenge' and released in the summer of 1978. It reached number 3 in the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. Amanda later recorded several remakes of 'Follow me' trying to revive her career: in 1987, 1989, 1993, 1998 and one version in the early 2000s.

My collection: 7" single no. 3883
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Follow me' / 'Mother look what they've done to me'

(You really) Rock me - Nick Gilder

Nick Gilder was born on December 21, 1951 in London, England. He began his career in music as the frontman of the glam rock band Sweeney Todd. In 1977, Gilder went solo. His first album, 'You know who you are' (1977) flopped, but the second album 'City nights' (1978) spawned the Canadian number one hit 'Hot child in the city'.

'(You really) Rock me' was taken from Gilder's third album 'Frequency' and reached number 35 in the Canadian singles chart, and number 57 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart, but I still vaguely remembered it. Glad I found it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3882
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: '(You really) Rock me' / 'Got to get out'

Tomb of memories - Paul Young

I've resisted it for more than two decades, but this week I finally caved and bought a few Paul Young singles. Well, at this price, who can blame me. Paul Young was my sister's idol, and as she was always criticizing my taste in music I felt I had to be ruthless in my dislike of Paul Young. That was easy at the time: I didn't like his voice and I thought his songs were crap.

Time has been kind to him, even if his voice has deteriorated so much that he really shouldn't perform live anymore. His songs have aged well, and this, the fourth single from his UK number one album 'The secret of association', is proof of that. 'Tomb of memories' is a lively song, backed with a beautiful, ghostly B-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 3879
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Tomb of memories' / 'Man in the iron mask'

What goes on - Mai Tai

Mai Tai is a Dutch group (named after a tropical cocktail) formed in 1983 by the Dutch record producers Eric van Tijn and Jochem Fluitsma. Members were three former backing vocalists Jetty Wheels, Mildred Douglas and Caroline De Windt.

After an unsuccessful debut single 'Keep on dancin'' (1983), their second single 'What goes on' turned out to be a reasonable summer hit in 1984. It was the start of a career that would eventually give them international success.

My collection: 7" single no. 3872
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'What goes on' / 'What goes on (instrumental version)'

Medley - Middle of the Road

In 1981, the Netherlands were gripped by the Stars on 45 phenomenon: a medley of songs by a famous band, for instance the Beatles, performed by session artists and set to an unimaginative disco beat.

This single, which I didn't know existed, uses the concept - but uses the original recordings by the Scottish band Middle of the Road. Dutch producer Piet Souer signed off on the production on this one (whereas the Stars on 45 records were produced by Jaap Eggermont!). The single did not chart. Nice try, goodbye!

My collection: 7" single no. 3880
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Sacramento / Tweedle dee tweedle dum / Yellow boomerang / Chirpy, chirpy, cheep cheep /Soley Soley / Samson and Delilah' / 'Postcard'

Why do fools fall in love - Diana Ross

'Why do fools fall in love' was written by Frankie Lymon and George Goldner (although several court cases have disputed this fact). It was originally a hit for the rock and roll group Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers in 1956.

Diana Ross recorded a cover of the song in 1981 on her album of the same name. It became a number four hit in the UK singles chart and it was her second and last number one hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3876
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Why do fools fall in love' / 'Think I'm in love'

Star - Erasure

'Star' was the fourth and last single taken from Erasure's 1989 album 'Wild!'. It is a straightforward dance track with disco elements, written by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. The single version is a remix of the album version.

It was Erasure's 12th consecutive Top 20 hit on the UK singles chart, peaking at number 11. In Germany, the single peaked at number 23.

My collection: 7" single no. 3874
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Star' / 'Dreamlike state'

Non stop dance - Gibson Brothers

When I was six years old, I idolized the Gibson Brothers. They had a number one hit in the Netherlands with 'Non stop dance' in May 1977, and their performances in Seventies disco clothing were probably very interesting for young viewers like myself.

The three brothers Chris, Patrick and Alex were born on Martinique in the West Indies. They debuted in 1976 with the single 'Come to America'. The second single, 'Non stop dance' was a hit all over Europe. I bought a rather dusty copy of this single, but a simple washing up helped clean this record.

My collection: 7" single no. 3873
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Non stop dance' / 'Never said goodbye'

Wham Rap - Wham

'Wham Rap!' was originally Wham!'s debut single. It failed to make any impact. After the duo had achieved their breakthrough with 'Young guns (go for it)', the single was re-released. This time around, it reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in the Dutch Top 40.

Although rap was still an underground and almost exclusively American phenomenon in the early Eighties, George rapped a number of verses about the joys of living every day to the fullest, which meant that being employed was not an option, and that 'having fun with the boys down the (welfare) line' was a better way to spend the day.

My collection: 7" single no. 3892
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Wham rap!' / 'Wham rap! (Club mix)'

Theme from E.T. - Future World Orchestra

Steven Spielberg directed the movie E.T., which was one of the box office hits of 1982. Longtime Spielberg collaborator John Williams composed the musical score for the movie. Williams described his challenge as creating a score that would generate sympathy for such an odd-looking creature. As with their previous collaborations, Spielberg liked every theme Williams composed and had it included.

When 'E.T.' proved to be a phenomenon, the Dutch group Future World Orchestra decided to cash in on the success as well. Their innovative synthesizer sound was still an attraction, so the single reached number 20 in the Dutch Top 40. When you listen to it now, it sounds like one of those 'Synthesizer greatest' tracks. But for E.T. fans, this might be a rarity.

My collection: 7" single no. 3897
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Theme from E.T.' / 'Mister Y'

Don't tell me the time - Martha Davis

After having been in the Motels for over a decade, Martha Davis released her first solo album entitled 'Policy' in October 1987. Musicians who worked with her included Clarence Clemons, Kenny G and Charlie Sexton. In November 1987, she had a number 8 hit in Australia with 'Don't tell me the time'. In the US Billboard Hot 100 the single stalled at number 80.

I bought this single based on the confused notion that Martha Davis was a member of Martha & the Muffins. Since I loved some of the Motels singles as well, and this song is actually quite good, this turned out to be quite a pleasant acquisition.

My collection: 7" single no. 3875
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Don't tell me the time' / 'Lust'

The eve of the war - Jeff Wayne

I've made an earlier posting on Jeff Wayne's 'The eve of the war', but I'm so enthusiastic about today's purchase I simply have to do it once again. I went to a record shop in Rotterdam, where they had a few hundred singles for only 0,25 euro a piece. The last time I was there - a few years ago - it was a mess, and in a way it still was. But going through these singles I found 30 titles I wanted to have, and so I still did a great purchase there.

Now this single is a near-mint copy of the original UK release of 'The eve of the war'. Housed in a standard CBS sleeve, the real interesting thing is the picture label on this one. I don't know what these things are going for in the UK, but I bet they are way expensive in the record fairs and collector's vaults these days. And here I am... paying only 25 eurocents for this beauty.

My collection: 7" single no. 3894

Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009

Cost: 0,25 euro

Tracks: 'The eve of the war' / 'The red weed'

Veerpont - Drs. P.

Since this blog is written with an international audience in mind, I deliberated some time with myself whether I should publish this single. But in the end I decided that since I am publishing my entire singles collection, I couldn't simply omit this one.

'Veerpont' ('Ferry') is essentially the monologue of a ferryman, explaining his life going back and forth all the time. He explains that someone once explained to him that if the ferry were long enough to span the river, it could be turned into a bridge, but that would render other boats on the river useless. Well it sounds a bit boring but of course the joke is in the phrasing and the brilliant mind behind Drs. P.'s writing. So here it is, for the Dutch listeners - and the foreigners too.

My collection: 7" single no. 1776
Found: Record fair, October 25, 1992
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Veerpont' / 'Los Pompadoros'

Sleep like breathing - Alison Moyet

Alison Moyet released her second album 'Raindancing' in 1987. The track 'Sleep like breathing', a duet with David Freeman, was released as the third single. It was the least successful single by Moyet up to that point, stalling at number 80 in the UK singles chart.

The B-side is a live version of 'Love resurrection', recorded at Wembley Arena on May 13, 1987.

My collection: 7" single no. 3276
Found: November 11, 2000
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Sleep like breathing' / 'Love resurrection (live)'

Lost again - Yello

At only twelve, I was getting into electronic music really fast. I was aided somewhat by my sister, who is six years older than me and was already buying loads of singles. That is how I heard 'Lost again' (1983) by Yello, a mysterious-sounding track that, although it did not chart, ended up high in my personal top 100.

As I grew older, I had trouble finding the single. I was jealous as hell when my sister came home in 1985 with a double single of this track - but fortunately, she was willing to part with her original copy, and so I ended up owning this single anyway.

My collection: 7" single no. 369
Found: at home
Cost: - (present)
Tracks: 'Lost again' / 'Pumping velvet'

Thanks for the love - Earth and Fire

'Thanks for the love' was another hit single for the Dutch band Earth & Fire. It reached number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

The B-side is an interesting one: it contains excerpts of the band's album 'To the world of the future', released a year earlier. The voice-over, Radio Veronica's DJ Lex Harding, explains that 'too few people know this album' and that the band 'has worked a half year on the album'. Back then, that was pretty impressive. These days bands need years of course...

My collection: 7" single no. 1371
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, January 3, 1991
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Thanks for the love' / 'Excerpts from 'To the world of the future''

I owe you nothing - Bros

Originally released as their debut single in 1987, 'I owe you nothing' flopped. After the success of their breakthrough single 'When will I be famous?' it was re-released. It was accepted by the teenage audience as Bros mania was at its height. The single became the band's only UK number one, spending two weeks at the top in June 1988.

While the band ever broke through in America, the single did make number 10 on the Billboard dance chart. The single was also released as a lengthy 18 minute dance mix on a special 12" single.

My collection: 7" single no. 1032
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I owe you nothing' / 'I owe you nothing (The voice)'

Ship of fools - World Party

World Party was essentially the project of Karl Wallinger, as he was the sole member of the band. The debut album 'Private revolution' was released in 1986 and contained the debut single 'Ship of fools', a retro-sounding track like most of the work on that album. The single reached number 42 in the UK singles chart and number 35 in the Dutch Top 40.

A 'Ship of fools' is actually an allegory that is a fixture in Western literature and art. The allegory depicts a vessel populated by human inhabitants who are deranged, frivolous, or oblivious, passengers aboard a ship without a pilot, and seemingly ignorant of their own direction.

My collection: 7" single no. 530
Found: Free Record Shop, 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Ship of fools' / 'World groove (Do the mind guerrilla)'

Word up! - Cameo

'Word up!' was released by Cameo as a single from their 1986 album of the same name. The single peaked at number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

In more recent years, the single has been covered by bands like Gun and Korn and former Spice Girl Melanie Brown.

My collection: 7" single no. 2423
Found: July 22, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Word up!' / 'Urban warrior'

Free your mind - En Vogue

'Free your mind' was released after the uprising that took place in Los Angeles, California from April 29 to May 4, 1992 following the acquittal of the police officers who had beaten up Rodney King. The song used the chorus line of a George Clinton song with his permission.

The track was taken from En Vogue's 1992 album 'Funky Divas'. It peaked at number 18 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 16 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1789
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, November 14, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Free your mind' / 'Giving him something he can feel'

You stole a little piece of my heart - Patty Brard

After leaving Luv', Patty Brard had a solo career in the first half of the Eighties. She recorded three albums in Los Angeles, of which 'You're in the pocket' (1983) was the second one. The single 'You stole a little piece of my heart' was an unusually hardrock-sounding track, released as the first single from that album.

The single did not chart, like most of her other singles. Still, it is an impressive popsong, even if Brard herself is an extremely irritating person these days.

My collection: 7" single no. 213
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'You stole a little piece of my heart' / 'Just a tease'

Walk out to winter - Aztec Camera

I never know what came first: the chicken or the egg. It's the same with this song: the lyric fits the music really well - or is it the other way around? The music sounds extremely 'wintery', but it might be because of the lyric that I think that.

The single reached number 64 in the UK singles chart and remains one of the band's best recognised songs.

My collection: 7" single no. 1983
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1993
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Walk out to winter' / 'Set the killing free'

Keeping the dream alive - Freiheit

Taken from the album 'Fantasy', 'Keeping the dream alive' is the English-language version of 'So lang' man Träume noch leben kann'. This single became the band's sole hit in the UK, reaching number 14 in the UK singles chart.

Like its German counterpart, the track was performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Jackson Singers. It was one of my favourite tracks from 1989, even though it was released in late 1988.

My collection: 7" single no. 701
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 15, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Keeping the dream alive' / 'The land of fantasy'

Boom bang-a-bang - Lulu

'Boom bang-a-bang' was the United Kingdom entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 1969. It was sung by Lulu. The song famously became one of four winning entries. The single peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart and at number 19 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song was the second entry with a nonsense title to win (after Massiel's triumph in 1968 with 'La la la'), and became infamous in the comedy world - most notably inspiring Monty Python's Flying Circus to parody it with 'Bing tiddle-tiddle bong'. Over two decades after its first release, the song was infamously included on a blacklist of banned songs issued by the BBC during the 1991 Gulf War.

My collection: 7" single no. 3693
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, May 5, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Boom bang-a-bang' / 'March!'

Money, money, money - Abba

'Money, money, money' was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and at first had the working title 'Gypsy girl'. The dramatic structure of the song suited well for Anni-Frid Lyngstad's lead vocal. The song is an early indication of Björn and Benny's abilities to write dramatic music suitable for a musicals.

'Money, money, money' was the second worldwide hit from Abba's album 'Arrival'. The single topped the charts in Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, West Germany, Mexico and New Zealand, and reached the Top 3 in Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 174
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1980
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Money, money, money' / 'Crazy world'

Heaven must be missing an angel (remix) - Tavares

'Heaven must be missing an angel' was written by Freddie Perren and Keni St. Lewis. It was recorded by Tavares in 1976. The original version was a hit all over the world, at the height of 'disco fever'.

Dutch remixer Ben Liebrand made a remix of the song in 1985, which made it a hit for the second time. The single reached number 8 in the Dutch Top 40 in September 1985, and number 21 in the UK singles chart in March 1986.

My collection: 7" single no. 343
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: - (present)
Tracks: 'Heaven must be missing an angel (remix)' / 'Whodunit'

Love in your eyes - Limahl

Limahl got rid of his extravagant haircut and started making 'serious' music in 1986. His album 'Colour all my days' was mostly produced by Giorgio Moroder. The first single, 'Love in your eyes' was a minor hit for the ex-Kajagoogoo singer.

Around this time, a UK tabloid published a photograph of Limahl leaving an unemployment office, with the caption, 'how the once mighty can fall'. But while only reaching number 80 in the UK Singles chart, 'Love in your eyes' fared much better in the rest of Europe, particularly in Germany, where the single reached number 28 and Italy, where the single peaked at number 22.

My collection: 7" single no. 439
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, July 26, 1986
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Love in your eyes' / 'Love will tear the soul'

Run to you - Bryan Adams

'Run to you' was recorded by Bryan Adams in 1984. It became his first worldwide hit, peaking at number 11 in the UK and number 14 in the Netherlands. It was the first single from Adams' fourth studio album 'Reckless'.

Most of all I remember the music video, which I found very impressive with all that snow...

My collection: 7" single no. 1526
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 21, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Run to you' / 'I'm ready'

EDIT (April 5, 2010): I received a notice from Blogger that this post was complained about. I trust it's from the same people who posted a reaction on this post. They are obviously terrified that anyone should hear any Bryan Adams music, even if it's any good. The message these people are sending is: don't listen to music, you might get inspired to buy it yourself. And they wonder why the music industry is in such terrible shape...

Handle with care - Traveling Wilburys

After Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne had a meal together, they decided to come together at Bob Dylan's home studio in Malibu, California, to record an additional track as a B-side for the single release of Harrison's 'This is love'. Harrison had left his guitar at Tom Petty's house, and so he became involved as well.

When they'd recorded the song, 'Handle with care', the five decided that it was too good to be used as a B-side, and they enjoyed working together so much that they even decided to record a whole album together. And so the Traveling Wilburys were born. 'Handle with care' became the first single from their album 'Volume 1'. It became a hit in various countries including the UK (peaking at number 20) and the Netherlands (peaking at number 24).

My collection: 7" single no. 1466
Found: Record Exchange, London, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Handle with care' / 'Margarita'

Slide - The Big Dish

When the compact disc format was a new event, every single disc in the house was a true event. My sister had a couple of cd's, I owned one or two, but my brother had managed to find a few cd's very cheaply. One of them was a compilation on which this song featured: 'Slide' by the Big Dish. I'd never heard of the group, but the song - which sounded a bit like Tears for Fears - intrigued me. Naturally, when I saw the single some time later I had no reservations about buying it.

The Big Dish were a Scottish rock band, formed in Airdrie, Scotland in 1983. The band was formed by Steven Lindsay, Mark Ryce and John Harper. Early live performances in support of Lloyd Cole gave them a wider audience. However, this single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 698
Found: V&D, Den Haag, December 6, 1988
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Slide' / 'Reverend killer'

Moonlight shadow - Mike Oldfield

An early version of 'Moonlight shadow' was entitled 'Midnight passion' with vocals performed by British singer Hazel O'Connor. When Oldfield re-recorded the song with Maggie Reilly, a girlfriend of one of the roadies when he was on tour, Virgin Records were immediately happy with the song and wanted more pieces similar to it.

There was a long running urban myth (largely fuelled by the tabloid press) that the lyrics are a reference to the murder of John Lennon. Oldfield responded in a 1995 interview: 'It was originally inspired by a film I loved - Houdini, starring Tony Curtis, which was about attempts to contact Houdini after he'd died, through spiritualism'.

The single was one of Oldfield's biggest hits, reaching number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Netherlands. Over the past few years, the song has been wrongly attributed to Kim Wilde on various filesharing networks.

My collection: 7" single no. 1894
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, May 2, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Moonlight shadow' / 'Rite of man'

Caribbean blue - Enya

A day at the Enya producer's office

'It's almost time to release a new single by Enya'.
- 'Really? It isn't so long ago since the previous album.'
'Yes, I know, but people are buying the stuff in droves, so we better make a profit now.'
- 'Okay... So do you still have the tapes?'
'Yes, I've got all the 'oohs' and 'aahs' she sung a couple of years ago.'
- 'Right. So any ideas for a new song?'
'Not really, but I think you could write a lyric, something along the lines of that one song, you know...'
- 'Orinoco flow?'
'That's the one! That way, I don't have to spend hours composing and arranging.'
- 'So have you got any lyric yet?'
'Yep, I'm almost there. It's a good thing we have those tapes in which she sang random words; we can glue them together and form some lyric with that.'
- 'Okay. What about the B-side?'
'Hmmm... I guess we'll just stick that Orinoco thingy on it'.
- 'Wouldn't that be a bit obvious?'
'I don't know. We'll see, won't we? If people buy this single, we can make a whole album with this stuff.'
- 'Right, good thinking mate...'

My collection: 7" single no. 1544
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 2, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Caribbean blue' / 'Orinoco flow'

Falling - Julee Cruise

One of the best TV-series of all time, 'Twin Peaks' was blessed with a gripping soundtrack, taken care of by Angelo Badalamenti. He scored the series, but also worked together with David Lynch on an album by Julee Cruise. 'Falling' appeared on both the soundtrack album for 'Twin Peaks' and the solo album by Cruise, 'Floating into the night'.

In the UK, the single reached number 7 in the singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single charted twice; once in January 1991, reaching number 20 and again in October of that year, reaching number 16. So why did this happen? It's easy: in September 1991, 'Twin peaks' started being broadcast in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1431
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 13, 1991
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Falling' / 'Twin Peaks theme'

Die Zeit ist einsam - Timna Brauer

This is one of the hidden gems of the Eurovision Song Contest. It can be compared to the likes of 'Rapsodia' by Mia Martini (Italy 1992) and 'Sama' by Justyna Steczkowska (Poland 1995) as one of those songs that make you suicidal upon hearing it. Not because of the quality, mind, but because it's so moody and beautiful.

Timna Brauer was born on May 1, 1961 in Vienna, Austria and represented her country in 1996 with 'Die Zeit ist einsam' ('Time is lonely'). The international juries were not impressed and she ended up in 18th place in a field of 20 participants. They were obviously looking for something with more depth and substance - the winning song was 'J'aime la vie' ('I love life').

My collection: 7" single no. 2974
Found: Bea Records, March 1, 1998
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Die Zeit ist einsam' / 'And when the night comes'

Trojan horse - Luv'

Released in the autumn of 1978, 'Trojan horse' was the fifth single by Luv'. Heavy on bagpipes, this third hit single for the group reached number 1 in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Poland. Thanks to this success, Luv' established itself as one of the most popular Dutch pop acts of the late Seventies.

The song was used in the soundtrack of the Dutch movie 'Spetters', directed by Paul Verhoeven. When Luv' played a cameo role in the 1979 German movie 'Cola, Candy, Chocolate' they performed this song.

My collection: 7" single no. 32
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1979
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Trojan horse' / 'Life is on my side'

Mated - David Grant and Jaki Graham

Jaki Graham (born September 15, 1956 in Birmingham, UK) and David Grant (born August 8, 1956, Hackney, London, UK) recorded a duet called 'Could it be I'm falling in love' in Early 1985. The success of this duet led to a further recording together, 'Mated', released in autumn of that same year.

Written by Todd Rundgren, this duet was less successful, peaking at number 20 in the UK and number 15 in the Netherlands. But it's a glossy Eighties production and worth a spin or two.

My collection: 7" single no. 3865
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Mated' / 'The facts of love'

Whose side are you on - Matt Bianco

'Whose side are you on' was the title track from Matt Bianco's debut album. The single was released in the summer of 1984, and was promoted with a music video which still sticks in my head despite the fact that I haven't seen it for two decades.

The single was a hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 23. It was not released in the UK and America.

My collection: 7" single no. 3866
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Whose side are you on' / 'The other side'

Jimmy Mack - Risqué

'Jimmy Mack' was written by Lamont Dozier and Brian and Edward Holland in 1964 and recorded by Martha and the Vandellas that same year. The song was shelved because the Motown Quality Control team felt the recording was not suitable for release with the Vietnam War going on. It was pulled from the vault two years later and released as a single in early 1967. By that time, the Vietnam War had become a highly debated issue among the American public. Thus, Reeves' sentiment that her 'Jimmy Mack' return took on a different meaning for many listeners, particularly those stationed overseas.

The Dutch girl group Risqué recorded a cover version of the song in 1984, but it didn't find success. The song did not reach the chart despite some airplay.

My collection: 7" single no. 3858
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Jimmy Mack' / 'Love supply'

Muscles - Diana Ross

Why Diana Ross wants muscles has always been a mystery to me. I wouldn't know what she would need them for. But anyway, 'Muscles' was the title of her 1982 hit single taken from the album 'Silk electric', written and produced by Michael Jackson. The song, which was named after Jackson's pet snake and was written for Ross and her 'desire' for a muscle-bound lover, also gave Ross her twelfth and final Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

The single reached number 10 on the Dutch Top 40 and number 15 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3863
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Muscles' / 'I am me'

Windsurfin' - The Surfers

In 1978, Windsurfing was the world's new big thing. Dutch producer Jaap Eggermont decided to write a song about it. It was to be performed by members of the group Catapult, who just started a side project Rubberen Robbie. The song was not suitable for that group, and so The Surfers were thought up. Nico Fontijn, Paul Braaksma, Iwan Groeneveld, Patrick Elalouf and backing singers Esther Overbeek, Marijke Meyer and Cathy Leonupun were brought together to perform the song during TV programmes and live performances, while the studio version was recorded by members of Breeze and The Internationals.

The song became a number 2 hit in Belgium and the Netherlands. The success of the group proved to be short-lived. Esther Overbeek continued as a member of the Dolly Dots, other members disappeared into obscurity after The Surfers folded in 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 3864
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Windsurfin'' / 'Nite at the beach'

Shadow of your heart - Risqué

I don't know exactly what the 'shadow of your heart' is, but Risqué made a nice popsong with this title. It was not a hit for the girl group, one of many chart-missers.

The B-side featured a 'scratching version', essentially an extended mix with some scratching sounds in it. Scratching was the new sound of 1983, flown in from the black neighbourhoods from America.

My collection: 7"single no. 3860
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Shadow of your heart' / 'Shadow of your heart (Scratching version)'

Als ik de bouw van Arnold Schwarzenegger had - Het Goede Doel

'Als ik de bouw van Arnold Schwarzenegger had' ('If I was built like Arnold Schwarzenegger') was a new single by het Goede Doel to coincide with the release of a compilation album in 1991. It was the last single by the band before they broke up. Unfortunately, it wasn't a hit.

Having acquired a stack of singles by this band a few weeks ago (some of which have already featured on this blog), this was the only one still missing from my collection. It was great to finally get this one - even if I didn't know it was released on 7" vinyl! I wonder if the bodybuilding Californian politician knows about this song. I bet he'd feel flattered to be mentioned to be in a Dutch track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3861
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Als ik de bouw van Arnold Schwarzenegger had' / 'De muren zijn te dun'

Yé ké yé ké - Mory Kante

Mory Kanté was born on March 29, 1950 in Kissidougou, Guinea. He was brought up in the Mandinka griot tradition in Guinea and sent to Mali at the age of 7, where he learned to play the kora harp. In 1971 Kanté became a member of the Rail Band, in which Salif Keïta was a singer. Keïta left the band in 1973, leaving Kanté as the singer.

Several years later he started a solo career. His biggest success was 'Yé ké yé ké', a single released in 1987. It became an international hit in 1988, reaching number 1 in the Netherlands and reaching the top 5 in several European countries. It became the first ever African single to sell over one million copies.

My collection: 7" single no. 3862
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Yé ké yé ké' / 'Akwaba beach'

Hold on tight - Electric Light Orchestra

'Hold on tight' was the first single to be released from ELO's 1981 album 'Time' and was their last top 10 hit in the UK, reaching number 4 in the summer of 1981. In the Netherlands, where the single reached number 5, they would have one more top 10 hit single with 'Rock and roll is king' in 1983.

The song is quite unique for an English band, because it contains a verse sung in French. The words are a direct translation of the English verse sung earlier on in the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 3859
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Hold on tight' / 'When time stood still'