Kiss - Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones

'Kiss' is a cover version of Prince's 1986 hit single. It was recorded by Art of Noise and Tom Jones as a new track for Art of Noise's 1988 compilation album 'The best of the Art of Noise'. The track features elements from previous Art of Noise singles 'Close (to the edit)', 'Moments in love', 'Paranoimia', 'Dragnet' and 'Peter Gunn'.

In the UK, the Art of Noise and Tom Jones improved on Prince's success by peaking at number 5 in the singles chart, one position higher than the original. In the Netherlands, the single also reached number 5, but there Prince had reached number 2 just two years before.

My collection: 7" single no. 3913
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Kiss' / 'E.F.L.'

Lucky number - Lene Lovich

Lene Lovich released her debut album 'Stateless' in 1978. The album reached number 35 in the UK albums chart, largely on the back of the success of the album's lead single, 'Lucky number'. That single came about when Lovich met DJ and author Charlie Gillett, who presented her recording of 'I think we're alone now', a cover of the 1967 Tommy James & The Shondells hit to Stiff Records boss Dave Robinson.

He immediately agreed to release the track, but a B-side had to be written. That was 'Lucky number', which was then released as a single instead and reached number 3 in the UK and the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3918
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Lucky number' / 'Home'

Still - Commodores

Taken from their 1979 album 'Midnight magic', 'Still' was the last hit single for the Commodores before Lionel Richie, who sings lead vocals on this track, went solo.

The ballad was a huge hit in America, topping the US BIllboard Hot 100. The single also reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3917
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Still' / 'Such a woman'

Another silent day - The Adventures

There's something really alluring to early Eighties remixes: they are always based on the original recording, they are just longer. Echo effects, instrumental passages, and sometimes extra choruses are used to give the listener that extended listening experience.

The Adventures released 'Another silent day' in 1984, which was the time when these extended versions were still made. I've been searching for this 12" single for a long time, so I was really glad to have finally found it.

My collection: 12" single no. 508
Found: Songs for sale, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Another silent day (extended)' / 'Another silent day', 'Happy depression'

The woman in you - Bee Gees

'The woman in you' is one of five new songs the Bee Gees contributed to the movie 'Staying alive' (1983), the unsuccessful sequel to 'Saturday night fever' (1977). In interviews following the release of the movie and soundtrack, the brothers expressed their displeasure at the way their songs were edited in the movie and revealed that their hearts were not in the music. By 1983, The Bee Gees were focusing their talents on solo projects and productions of other artists, so it is not surprising that they were not all enthusiastic about the 'Staying alive' movie.

The single was still a reasonable success, peaking at number 21 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3920
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'The woman in you' / 'Stayin' alive'

She works hard for the money - Donna Summer

'She works hard for the money' was released as the first single from Donna Summer's 1983 album of the same name. During a contract dispute with Geffen Records over creative control, Summer released the album on a different label, Mercury. The song was written by Summer herself and was based on an encounter she had with an exhausted bathroom attendant.

The version found on the 7" single was edited from the over 5 minute version on the album. The single peaked at number 25 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3919
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'She works hard for the money' / 'I do believe (I fell in love)'

Het stoomlied - Ed en Willem Bever

The Dutch children's programme 'De fabeltjeskrant' ('The newspaper of little fables') was extremely popular in the late Sixties and early Seventies. It was made in such a way that the 5 minute broadcasts always told a little story for the children, but also contained literary references and double entendres for adults.

Meanwhile, the merchandise range was impressive: there were puppets, puzzles and schoolbags - and then there were some very popular singles. This was the first one: 'Het stoomlied' ('The steam song') as performed by Ed and Willem Be(a)ver. The single reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40 in February 1970. Why did I buy this? Why, it's a tribute to my own childhood, of course...

My collection: 7" single no. 3910
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Het Stoomlied' (Ed en Willem Bever) / 'Lied van Momfer de Mol' (Momfer de Mol)

Would I lie to you? - Eurythmics

The Eurythmics changed their musical style from synthpop to a more rock-oriented sound in 1985, with the album 'Be yourself tonight' and the single 'Would I lie to you?'. The single peaked at number 17 in the UK singles chart, number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 23 in the Dutch Top 40.

I didn't buy the single at the time because I thoroughly disliked the song. Having grown accustomed to Eurythmics' synth-heavy tracks, this one was too boring for me to get through. Even now I don't think it's one of their best songs, but for 25 eurocents... What the hell. The single was very dusty but I cleaned it up while doing the dishes. It really helps, as you can hear.

My collection: 7" single no. 3916
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Would I lie to you?' / 'Here comes that sinking feeling'

You and me - Spargo

Spargo was founded by Ellert Driessen, Jef Nassenstein and Leander Lammertink, all three from Amsterdam. At the end of the Seventies the the American singer Lilian Day Jackson joined the band. With her performing lead vocals the band developed their own sound.

Their debut single 'You and me' was the best selling record in the Netherlands in 1980. It reached number 1. The single was also a hit in other European countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 3908
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'You and me' / 'Worry'

The locomotion - Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin

So I've got the 7" single of 'The locomotion' by Stewart and Gaskin, a synthpop version of the 1962 song by Little Eva. I didn't know there was actually also a 12" single with two remixes of that track. What's more, the B-side is also included in an extended version!

Naturally, I had to have it. So when I saw it in the shop yesterday for the first time ever, I bought it immediately.

My collection: 12" single no. 509
Found: Songs for sale, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'The locomotion (extended version)', 'The locomotion (derailed version)' / 'Make me promises (extended)'

Locomotion - OMD

'Locomotion' was the first single taken from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1984 album 'Junk culture'. The track was a departure from the group's synth-based tracks and was, according to critics, a deliberate step towards a more commercial 'mainstream' sound.

It was a success. Where previous single 'Telegraph' only managed to reach number 42 in the UK singles chart, this one peaked at number 5. In the Netherlands, it reached the exact same position. Things were looking up for OMD!

My collection: 7" single no. 3909
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Locomotion' / 'Her body in my soul'

The old fashioned way - Charles Aznavour

Charles Aznavour was born in Paris, France on May 22, 1924. Often described as the 'Frank Sinatra of France', he's one of that country's most popular and enduring singers and also one of the most wellknown singers in the world. One of his signature songs is this romantic track, 'The old fashioned way'.

It is the English version of Aznavour's French song 'Les plaisirs demodes'. The single, released in 1973, reached number 38 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. Aznavour also performed the track in an episode of the Muppet Show in 1976.

My collection: 7" single no. 3911
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'The old fashioned way' / 'What makes a man'

Breathless - Viktor Lazlo

Viktor Lazlo was born as Sonia Dronier on October 7, 1960 in Lorient, France. She studied in Belgium, where she is best known. She took her stage name from Paul Henreid's character in the 1942 film Casablanca.

In 1987, she hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was held in Brussels after Sandra Kim won the competition the year before. The programme started with Lazlo's new single 'Breathless', which subsequently became a hit in some European countries. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 27.

My collection: 7" single no. 3914
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Breathless' / 'Don't say no'

Goody two shoes - Adam and the Ants

So is this a collectors item or not? All the references I could find to the song 'Goody two shoes' state that it was performed by Adam Ant, not Adam and the Ants. Yet, here I am with a limited full colour poster sleeve edition of 'Goody two shoes' by Adam and the Ants. Interesting!

'Goody two shoes' is a phrase for an overly virtuous or conformist person. The single was a number 1 hit in the UK and peaked at number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3922
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Goody two shoes' / 'Red scab'

Do it any way you wanna - People's Choice

People's Choice was an American funk band, formed in 1971 by Frank Brunson. The band consisted of himself with David Thomson, Darnell Jordan, Johnnie Hightower, Stanley Thomas, Valerie Brown and Marc Reed. 'Do it any way you wanna' was their biggest hit, peaking at number 36 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

The main theme of the song was re-used a couple of years later by Dillinger for his novelty hit 'Cokane in my brain'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3915
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Do it any way you wanna' / 'The big hurt'

Careless whisper - George Michael

Unlike all the singles by Wham!, 'Careless whisper' was written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley together. They didn't record it as a Wham! song however, considering it too out of synch with their other work.

The song was finally recorded as a solo single by George Michael, although he was still a member of Wham! at the time. It was recorded twice, once with legendary producer Jerry Wexler. George Michael wasn't happy with this version, so he re-recorded it with himself producing. The original version did appear on the UK 12" single of 'Careless whisper', but alas, this is the European version which only contains the extended and instrumental version of the song.

My collection: 12" single no. 506
Found: Songs for sale, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Careless whisper (extended)' / 'Careless whisper (instrumental)'

Forever your girl - Paula Abdul

I won't beat around the bush: the sexy sleeve helped my decision to buy this particular single, showing that the right artwork can make an item more desirable. 'Forever your girl' was the title track from Paula Abdul's 1989 debut album.

The single went number 1 in the USA and Canada. In Europe, its appeal was considerable less great: in the UK the single stalled at number 24, in Germany it peaked at number 17 and in the Netherlands at number 13.

My collection: 7" single no. 3921
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Forever your girl (remix)' / 'Next to you'

Precious little diamond - Fox the fox

One of the reasons, besides this blog, for my current singles-buying frenzy is the fact that there are some weird omissions in my collection. And when I get a chance to visit a record store with a list of what I already own, such as today, I finally can fill up some of those weird holes.

Much to my surprise I found out that I don't actually have the 7" single of 'Precious little diamond' by Fox the fox. (I do have the 12" single, as you can see here.) While buying singles for almost nothing, this is a great moment to solve the problem. It was the band's only hit, peaking at number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3907
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Precious little diamond' / 'Man on the run'

You're the one that I want - Hylda Baker and Arthur Mullard

When Grease was all the rage in 1978, everyone was trying to profit from that success. It led to some unlikely products, such as this one. Ex-boxer and comedy actor Arthur Mullard (born September 19, 1910) teamed up with comedy actress Hylda Baker (born February 4, 1905) to record this substandard cover of 'You're the one that I want'. It sounds a bit like the Dutch antisocial Tokkie family doing karaoke.

The single reached number 22 in the UK singles chart, but failed to climb further due to a disastrous appearance on the chart show Top of the Pops. The couple fluffed the lyrics and seemed utterly confused as to what was happening. (You can see the performance here). The B-side is a Eurovision cover: Brotherhood of Man's 'Save your kisses for me' as performed by this bizarre couple.

My collection: 7" single no. 3912
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'You're the one that I want' / 'Save your kisses for me'

Everything has rhythm - Frizzle Sizzle

I've had the single of Frizzle Sizzle's 1986 Eurovision entry 'Alles heeft ritme' for more than 10 years now. Since I bought this Dutch version in London, it's only fair that I should find the English version of the single in the Netherlands. Well, guess what: I did.

I wasn't even sure an English-language single existed, even though I was aware of an English version being recorded. 'Everything has rhythm' went the same way a lot of Eurovision singles abroad did: right to the discount bin, never into the charts in other countries. It is a nice version, with all the naivity that only young girls can put into their vocals.

My collection: 7" single no. 3906
Found: Songs for sale, Rotterdam, July 31, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Everything has rhythm' / 'Alles heeft ritme'

Circle - Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians

I was happily surprised when the two most favourite tracks of Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians' debut album ended up on this single. 'Circle' is a beautiful melodic song, whereas 'Now' is full of atmospherics and tension.

I was even happier when I bumped into this limited edition box set, containing the single and a large poster, showing members of the band in various video stills. For some reason, no matter what the contents, these single box sets always remind me of Christmas.

My collection: 7" single no. 2346
Found: Record fair, 1991
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Circle' / 'Now'

West end girls - Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys released a version of 'West end girls' produced by Bobby Orlando in 1984, but after signing a deal with Parlophone records, they released a new recording of that song in 1985. This time around, it was produced by Stephen Hague and it became their breakthrough single. It was a number 1 hit in the UK, peaked at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and it was often incorrectly referred to as the duo's debut single.

Neil Tennant started to write the song when he was staying at his cousin's house in Nottingham while watching a gangster film. Just when he was going to sleep, he came up with the lines: 'Sometimes you're better off dead, there's a gun in your hand and it's pointing at your head'.

My collection: 7" single no. 363
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'West end girls' / 'A man could get arrested'

Making your mind up - Bucks Fizz

Bucks Fizz may have been the most memorable act to have won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK. Their song 'Making your mind up' won in 1981, mostly thanks to the choreography which involved ripping off the skirts of the two female members (Jay Aston and Cheryl Baker) by the two male members of the group (Bobby G and Mike Nolan), revealing shorter skirts. Receiving a less favourable response was the group's vocal abilities, since they sang most of the song off-key during the night.

The single was a number 1 hit in the UK and the Netherlands. The lyrics of the song are largely meaningless, although it can be argued that they are about making the decision to commit to a serious relationship.

My collection: 7" single no. 2089
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 30, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Making your mind up' / 'Don't stop'

Looking for a new love - Jody Watley

Jody Watley went solo after being part of the band Shalamar for several years. Her debut solo single was 'Looking for a new love', relased in 1987. The single hit number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaked at number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 36 in the Dutch Top 40.

While listening to a tape of instrumental tracks given to her by producer André Cymone, Watley reflected on a recent sour romantic breakup. Fusing her own feelings of 'I'll show you' with the feel of the track, Watley came up with the basic idea of the song. The released version is the eight-track demo of the song; that way the emotional urgency of Watley's vocal was still intact. Watley's phrase 'Hasta la vista, baby' was later used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1991 film 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1035
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Looking for a new love' / 'Looking for a new love (acapella)'

Seagull - Kayak

Kayak were extremely popular in the Netherlands during the Seventies, but they entered the Eighties with a lot of problems. Personnel changes and a lack of single hits caused the band to eventually break up.

Their last hit was 'Seagull', released in the spring of 1981. It reached number 33 in the Dutch Top 40. It sounded a lot like earlier songs by the band, and that may have contributed to their demise: the audience simply had enough.

My collection: 7" single no. 885
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 16, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Seagull' / 'The sword in the stone'

Your love is king - Sade

In the UK and Europe, 'Your love is king' was Sade's debut single. It was a track from their debut album 'Diamond life', which only became a multimillionselling album after this song became a hit. Hard to believe, but it's still the band's only top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number 6.

In the USA, 'Your love is king' was released as the third single from the album, with a different sleeve. I'm still looking for that one...

My collection: 7" single no. 1010
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Your love is king' / 'Love affair with life (recorded live)'

What difference does it make - Earth and Fire

Although Earth & Fire started out as a symphonic rock band, in the second half of the Eighties they started to lean more and more towards disco-oriented singles. 'What difference does it make' is one of those songs that showed early signs of this change in direction.

The audience seemed unsure whether they liked this, as the single was only the second one to miss the top 10 in the Dutch Top 40, reaching number 12. Personally, it's still one of my favourite Earth & Fire tracks.

My collection: 7" single no. 595
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 16, 1987
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'What difference does it make' / 'What difference does it make (instrumental)'

Three times a lady - Commodores

Lionel Richie from the Commodores reportedly wrote 'Three times a lady' about his love for his wife, his mother and his grandmother; hence the title. Released in 1978, it became the Commodores's first Billboard Hot 100 number 1 hit. It was also the band's only number 1 hit in the UK and it peaked at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

Lionel Richie went solo at the beginning of the Eighties. The original Commodores version of the song was included as the final track on Lionel Richie's greatest hits compilation album Back To Front, released in 1992.

My collection: 7" single no. 1186
Found: Disco Market, March 3, 1990
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Three times a lady' / 'Look what you've done to me'

Love - John Lennon

John Lennon is probably one of the most prolific artists after dying. After his tragic death in December 1980, he's released an album or two with previously unreleased work and more than a dozen compilation albums. One of these was 'The John Lennon collection' (1982), from which this single, 'Love', was taken.

'Love' was originally released as a track on Lennon's 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band' album (1970). This single is a remix of the track, adding a piano intro and outro, played by Phil Spector, mixed at the same volume as the rest of the song. On the album version, the intro fades in and the outro fades out. The single peaked at number 41 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2892
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, October 29, 1997
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Love' / 'Give me some truth'

Oblivious - Aztec Camera

Track 1 from Aztec Camera's debut album 'High land, hard rain' (1983) is 'Oblivious', which was also released as a single. The band consisted of Roddy Frame, Bernie Clark, Campbell Owens and Dave Ruffy.

The single was the band's first to reach the singles chart, peaking at number 47.

My collection: 7" single no. 3255
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 20, 2000
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Oblivious' / 'Orchid girl'

Such a shame - Talk Talk

It doesn't happen often that a record company decides to release several singles from a compilation album, especially when those singles have already been released originally a few years before. But this is what happened with 'Talk Talk' after the release of the compilation album 'Natural history'. The greedy bastards from EMI wanted to earn some extra cash with these releases.

The setup didn't work. On its original release in 1984, 'Such a shame' reached number 49 in the UK singles chart. This re-release from 1990 did not chart. Justice - although I have to admit this sleeve is very nice. And the bonus live track from Montreux 1986 is a nice teaser.

My collection: 7" single no. 2733
Found: September 9, 1996
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Such a shame' / 'Dum dum girl (live)'

Holding on - Beverley Craven

'Holding on' was the third single taken from Beverley Craven's self-titled debut album. Released in July 1991, it reached number 32 in the UK singles chart, but it didn't chart in the Netherlands, where it was released a few months previous.

The B-side was a new track that Beverley would re-record a year later for her next album. This original version wins out, because it sounds a lot more energetic and less contrived.

My collection: 7" single no. 1403
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 16, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Holding on' / 'Look no further'

Lady - Spargo

After Lilian Day Jackson left the Dutch band Spargo, the band continued with the four male members of the group. Success didn't elude them right away, as proven with this single, 'Lady', which reached number 15 in the Dutch Top 40 in April 1984.

It was, however, the last hit single for the band. The group broke up in 1985 and briefly reformed in 1997.

My collection: 7" single no. 1161
Found: All that music, Leiden, January 27, 1990
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Lady' / 'Lady (instrumental version)'

My arms keep missing you - Rick Astley

Sometimes singles with a double A-side appear, but it doesn't happen so often that there are actually two different releases, switching the two A-side along the way. Sounds confusing? Well, here it is: during the chart run of 'When I fall in love', the record company decided that the song might have been appropriate for the Christmas season, but come January the other A-side, 'My arms keep missing you' would be more commercially viable.

And so, 'My arms keep missing you' was remixed and made the most important track of the double A-side release. It may have extended the chart life of this single, and at the very least it was an interesting new release for Rick Astley fans.

My collection: 7" single no. 2340
Found: Big Company Records, London, June 26, 1995
Cost: 35p
Tracks: 'My arms keep missing you (The 'Where's Harry?' remix)' / 'When I fall in love'

When I fall in love - Rick Astley

Due to his deep bass-baritone voice, Rick Astley was confronted often with the assumption that he was an African-American singer. Perhaps he and his producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman were pushing this point a bit when they released 'When I fall in love' in late 1987, a cover of Nat King Cole's 1956 hit.

It didn't matter much to the record-buying public: the single became a hit, peaking at number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. The single was in fact a double A-side with 'My arms keep missing you', but more about that in the following entry...

My collection: 7" single no. 1426
Found: Record fair, April 7, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'When I fall in love' / 'My arms keep missing you'

Cat people (Putting out fire) - David Bowie

David Bowie recorded 'Cat people (Putting out fire)' for the soundtrack of the 1982 movie 'Cat people'. The track was produced by Giorgio Moroder. Director Paul Schrader contacted Bowie for a theme song in 1981, while Moroder had already recorded most of the music. Bowie put lyrics to the main theme composed by Moroder. The words only had a basic relation to the film.

The single reached number 26 in the UK singles chart and number 67 in the USA. This 12" single features the full length version of the track, which also appears on the soundtrack album, whereas it was edited for the 7" single. Bowie re-recorded the song in 1983 for his album 'Let's dance'.

My collection: 12" single no. 504
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Cat people (Putting out fire)' / 'Paul's theme' (Giorgio Moroder)

Don't speak - No doubt

No doubt was founded in 1986 by siblings Eric and Gwen Stefani. They recruited other members and started playing live. After some years and several line-up changes they finally signed a record deal, which led to their debut album 'No doubt', released in 1992. Three years later, they released 'Tragic kingdom', which spawned their first worldwide hit, 'Don't speak'.

'Don't speak' reached number 1 in several countries around the world, including the UK and the Netherlands. This limited edition picture disc (which you can hear is not of the best quality sound-wise) was released in the UK only.

My collection: 7" single no. 2838
Found: Record fair, April 5, 1997
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't speak' / 'Greener pastures'

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

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

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

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

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

More than a feeling - Boston

The American rock band Boston released their self-titled debut album in 1976. It was an instant success. The album's biggest hit was 'More than a feeling', a song that has since become a rock classic. The song took writer Tom Scholz five years to complete. He cited 'Walk away Renee' by the Left Banke as the song's main inspiration.

'More than a feeling' reached number 22 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. This single is a re-release, also featuring the later hit 'Don't look back'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1369
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, January 3, 1991
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'More than a feeling' / 'Don't look back'

Sign of the times - Belle Stars

Only this year I bought the 12" single of 'Sign of the times' by the Belle Stars, but I've had the 7" single for years. I bought my copy during a holiday in London 16 years ago - and then again a few years later as I'd forgotten I already had it.

The song borrows loosely from Sixties Motown tracks, but sounds very Eighties production-wise. The single peaked at number 3 in the UK and the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 2025
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 80p
Tracks: 'Sign of the times' / 'Madness'

Atlantic - Keane

'Atlantic' is a track from Keane's second album 'Under the iron sea', released in 2006. This one-sided vinyl 7" single was released in a numbered limited edition of 1000 copies (this is number 34) in a boxed set together with the first single taken from that album, 'Is it any wonder'. 'Atlantic' was promoted with a music video before the album was released, but it wasn't released as a single commercially.

My collection: 7" single no. 3489
Found: eBay.co.uk, received December 20, 2008
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Atlantic'

Malaika - Boney M

Malaika means 'Angel' in Swahili. The song was first recorded by Kenyan musician Fadhili William and his band Jambo Boys in 1960. In 1981, the song was covered by Boney M for their album 'Boonoonoonoos'. The single reached number 13 in the German charts and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

These lower placings were a first sign of Boney M's popularity decreasing. In the Netherlands, they would never reach the top 20 again (except for a Megamix released in 1993, which reached number 13).

My collection: 7" single no. 86
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Malaika' / 'Consuela Biaz'

Tainted love 91 - Soft Cell

In 1991, the compilation album 'Memorabilia' was released, featuring the biggest hits by Soft Cell and Marc Almond. There was one problem: some of the tracks were remixes and re-recordings. Soft Cell's 'Tainted love', for instance, was slightly remixed - a version that would later reappear on less well documented Eighties compilation albums.

This 91 version of 'Tainted love' still became a hit in the UK, peaking at number 5, whereas the original version had been a charttopper.

My collection: 7" single no. 3312
Found: Record fair, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Tainted love 91' / 'Where the heart is'

Find a way - Amy Grant

Amy Grant had just earned the title 'Queen of Christian Pop' in her native USA when she changed direction and started recording secular albums. She wanted to become as successful in the mainstream as she had been in Christian circles. Her 1985 album 'Unguarded' was an album not very different from other artists production-wise, but the fact that her lyrics were no longer riddled with references to Jesus, God and the Bible shocked her fanbase.

'Find a way' was a single from this album and it became a hit in America. She didn't cross over to Europe yet (it would take her a few more years to do that), but this single is a promotional copy made in England. Proof that A&M Records were already trying hard to try and make her a star in the UK too.

My collection: 7" single no. 2396
Found: London, July 6, 1995
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Find a way' / 'It's not a song'

Hello - The Beloved

Taken from their 1990 album 'Happiness', 'Hello' was the second hit single for the Beloved, peaking at number 19 in the UK singles chart. It was released in a limited edition 7" single box set, including three square postcards.

As well as the names of some the band members' friends, the song mentions a number of famous people, chosen to loosely fit a "saints and sinners" theme. In alphabetical order, the people listed in the song are: Jeffrey Archer (politician and novelist), Fred Astaire, Bobby Ball (comedian), Charlie Brown, Tommy Cannon (comedian), Billy Corkhill (soap opera character), Leslie Crowther (TV presenter), "Freddie" Flintstone, Paris Grey (singer), Brian Hayes (broadcaster), Vince Hilaire (footballer), Barry Humphries, The LSO, Kym Mazelle (singer), Mork and Mindy, Little Nell, Charlie Parker, Andre Previn, Little Richard, Salman Rushdie, Jean Paul Sartre, The Supremes ("Mary Wilson, Di and Flo"), William Tell, Sir Bufton Tufton, Desmond Tutu, Willy Wonka, Zippy and Bungle (TV characters). There are also references to "Peter" and "Paul", presumably the Christian apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Kym Mazelle, who's mentioned in the song, actually sings backing vocals on it.

My collection: 7" single no. 2771
Found: London, October 30, 1996
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Hello' / 'Hello (Dolly)'

Crackers International EP - Erasure

In November 1988, Erasure released 'Crackers International', an EP with four self-produced tracks. 'Stop' was the lead track of the EP, with 'She won't be home' pushing the Christmas theme for the end of the year.

In the UK singles chart, the EP equalled the success of their biggest hit to date, 'Sometimes', reaching number 2. In the rest of Europe, the EP did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2559
Found: Record fair, November 19, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Stop', 'The hardest part' / 'Knocking on your door', 'She won't be home'

Pictures of you - The Cure

'Pictures of you' was released in two versions, and this version was pressed on purple vinyl. The B-side was a live track on both singles, recorded live at Wembley in London in July 1989. Further live tracks from this gig appeared on the cd-single of the track.

The single peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1201
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, March 30, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Pictures of you (remix)' / 'Prayers for rain (live)'