Stranger in Moscow - Michael Jackson

'Stranger in Moscow' was the fifth and last single from Michael Jackson's album 'History'. While writing the song, Jackson used elements of Russian imagery and symbolism to help promote the concept of fear and alienation in the track. It concludes with a narrative, spoken in Russian, by a KGB interrogator. Translated into English he says, 'Why have you come from the west? Confess! To steal the great achievements of the people, the accomplishments of the workers...'. The single was a number 1 in Spain, and reached number 4 in the UK and the Netherlands.

Although before this year I assumed there were no 7" singles released after 'Scream' and 'You are not alone', now I find myself owning 'They don't care about us' and 'Stranger in Moscow'. So now, obviously, I'm after 'Earth song'. Where can I find that one?

My collection: 7" single no. 3992
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Stranger in Moscow (radio edit)' / 'Stranger in Moscow (Tee's radio mix)'

John the revelator / Lilian - Depeche Mode

The last of three Depeche Mode singles, and indeed the last single I bought in London on August 5. 'John the revelator' and 'Lilian' were two tracks from the band's 2005 album 'Playing the angel', released as a double A-side. On the 7" there were two remixes not available on any other (commercial) format. It was the first double A-side from Depeche Mode since 1984's 'Blasphemous Rumours/Somebody'.

The single became another number 1 hit for the band in Denmark, reaching number 18 in the UK singles chart. This picture disc 7" single is a numbered limited edition; this is number 2162.

This concludes my chronological listing of every single I bought in London on August 5. I hope you enjoyed looking in my heavy bag - without you having to carry it back to the airport and back home!

My collection: 7" single no. 3991
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'John the revelator (UNKLE dub)' / 'Lilian (Robag Wruhme slomoschen kikker)'

Suffer well - Depeche Mode

'Suffer well' was the third single from Depeched Mode's 2005 album 'Playing the angel'. It was released in March 2006. It is the first Depeche Mode single whose lyrics are written by David Gahan. It is also the first Depeche Mode single that's not written by Martin Gore since 'Just can't get enough' in 1981, which was written by Vince Clarke. Finally, this is the first Depeche Mode single ever to be co-written with non-members of the band (Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner wrote the music).

The single reached number 1 in Denmark and went top 10 in Finland, Italy and Spain. In the UK, the single peaked at number 12. This picture disc 7" single was released as a numbered limited edition; this is number 3477.

My collection: 7" single no. 3990
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'Suffer well (Metope vocal remix)' / 'The darkest star (Monolake remix)'

Precious - Depeche Mode

Although the meaning of almost all of Depeche Mode's songs are not revealed because Martin Gore prefers people to find their own meanings for each song, he made an exception with 'Precious', explaining that the song is written about his children and what they must have been going through when he was getting a divorce from their mother.

Released as the first single from their 2005 album 'Playing the angel', it was a number 1 hit in four countries, peaking at number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. This picture disc 7" single was released as a numbered limited edition; this is number 4535.

My collection: 7" single no. 3989
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'Precious (album version)' / 'Precious (Michael Mayer Ambient mix)'

Paris is burning - Ladyhawke

'Paris is burning' was the second single by Ladyhawke, taken from her debut self-titled album. Originally this track reached number 61 in the UK singles chart, however when it was re-released in March 2009 as a digital download and limited 7" vinyl, it improved on this chart placing and peaked at number 47.

What's a bit strange about this 7" single, is that it doesn't contain any 'regular' version of the track, just a remix and a French language version.

My collection: 7" single no. 3988
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Paris is burning (Peaches remix)' / 'Paris s'enflamme'

Poupée de cire, poupée de son - Arcade Fire

Officially this is a double A-side single split evenly between the bands Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem, but I have to say that I think Arcade Fire's cover version of 'Poupée de cire poupée de son' is the superior track here.

Arcade Fire played this song, originally performed by France Gall, during their 2007 tour in support of their second album 'Neon Bible' and recorded a studio version especially for this limited edition 7" single. LCD Soundsystem's 'No love lost' is a cover of a New Order track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3987
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 12 pounds
Tracks: 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' (Arcade fire) / 'No love lost' (LCD Soundsystem)

Forever autumn - Justin Hayward

Unlike 'The eve of the war', this second single taken from Jeff Wayne's musical version of 'War of the worlds' did not come with a beautiful picture label. Still, this is the way the single was released in the UK, and I thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. Unfortunately, this particular copy proved to be pressed on pretty bad quality vinyl. I saw some spots in the shop, but I assumed it was dirt which I could wipe from the record. But it's actually engrained in the vinyl itself! Well, kindof another collector's item, I guess.

'Forever autumn' was a huge hit for Justin Hayward, peaking at number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 22 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3986
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Forever autumn' / 'The fighting machine'

And that's no lie - Heaven 17

'...And that's no lie' was originally the 10 minute closing track of Heaven 17's 1984 album 'How men are'. When released as a single, the track was heavily edited to appeal to radio DJ's and music video stations. The problem was, the edit made the track kindof a jumbled mess and left nothing intact of the tension of the original track.

As a result, '...And that's no lie' became the first Heaven 17 single since 1982's 'Let me go' not to reach the top 40 in the UK. It stalled at number 52.

My collection: 7" single no. 3985
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'And that's no lie' / 'The fuse'

Goodbye cruel world - Shakespear's sister

In 1990, both Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit became pregnant. Their band Shakespear's sister was put on hold for a year. They returned in late 1991 with the release of the single 'Goodbye cruel world', which peaked at number 59 in the UK singles chart.

The single would be included on their second album 'Hormonally yours', which would also include their biggest success, 'Stay'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3984
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Goodbye cruel world' / 'Moonchild'

Big shot - Momentarily - Jona Lewie

Although I have a considerable record collection - as you can tell from this blog - I've never come across a 6" single before. Imagine my surprise when I saw this little treasure. The sleeve cheekily suggests that if your record player does not play this disc, you should 'invest in the seven inch version'.

Well, fortunately my record player is not fully automatic and I was able to play this disc. It's just as well, since I did pay more than 60p for it. 'Big shot - Momentarily' was a hit for Jona Lewie in Germany, but in the UK, where this 6" single was released, it did not chart. I guess not everyone is into gimmicks as much as I am.

My collection: 6" single no. 3983
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Big Shot - Momentarily' / 'I'll get by in Pittsburgh'

Chasing pavements - Adele

The last stop in my tour around London (bar the obligatory visit to HMV, but I haven't bought a 7" single there in a long time!) was Sister Ray in Berwick Street. Almost closed last year, I was happy to hear that the shop was saved, and even happier to see that they still stocked an attractive amount of 7" singles. I ended up buying 10 pieces, most of them recent ones, such as this one.

Adele's 'Chasing pavements' was released in January 2008 as her second single. The song refers to an incident that occurred at 6am one day after a fight with a former boyfriend during which Adele was running down the street alone. The single peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3982
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Chasing pavements' / 'That's it, I quit, I'm moving on'

Just dance - Lady Gaga

This is the debut single by Lady Gaga, released in April 2008. 'Just dance' was co-written by Lady Gaga herself, and she commented: 'I was very hungover. I wrote the song in about 10 minutes with [producer] RedOne. And it was my first time being in a Hollywood studio. Very pristine, big huge room with giant speakers.' Not surprising that the lyric of the song is about being intoxicated at a party.

So it's a bit vacuous, this song. Usually, pop songs are. The single still ended up a number 1 hit in the UK, USA and Ireland. The single initially didn't chart in the Netherlands, but when re-released in January 2009, it still reached number 1.

My collection: 7" single no. 3981
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Just dance' / 'Just dance (HCCR's Bambosa main mix)'

Party fears two - The Associates

In 1982, the popularity of synthpop was rising in the UK. Numerous bands were riding the wave, including the Associates, who had been struggling since 1979 for some recognition. Their single 'Party fears two' became the first and biggest hit of their career, peaking at number 9 in the UK singles chart.

In 2006, the Divine Comedy recorded a cover version of 'Party fears two' on their album 'Victory for the comic muse'. It was through this cover version that I got to know the song. The original track features rather preposturous by Billy MacKenzie.

My collection: 7" single no. 3980
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Party fears two' / 'It's better this way'

Sunset now - Heaven 17

In 1984, Heaven 17 released the album 'How men are'. It featured some acoustic instruments for the first time in addition to their usual digital samples, synthesizers and drum machines. The vocal group Afrodiziak also appeared on four track on the album.

'Sunset now' was released as the first single from the album, and also its most successful. The single peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3979
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Sunset now' / 'Counterforce'

I want you back - Bananarama

'I want you back' was the first single by Bananarama after the departure of Siobhan Fahey. She was replaced by Jacquie O'Sullivan. 'I want you back' was featured on Bananarama's fourth studio album 'Wow!' and originally recorded with Fahey. For the single release, the track was re-recorded with O'Sullivan. No further singles from 'Wow!' were released.

The audience responded well to this release, as it peaked at number 5 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3978
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I want you back' / 'Bad for me'

Personal touch - Errol Brown

After the band Hot Chocolate disbanded in 1987, lead singer Errol Brown attempted a solo career. His debut solo single was this one, 'Personal touch', produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley. Released in July 1987, the single peaked at number 25 in the UK singles chart.

What's interesting is that the B-side of this single is actually more engaging than the A-side. Based around a gimmicky sound of a ringing telephone, it demands your attention throughout the song. In my opinion, this is a double A-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 3977
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Personal touch' / 'Why don't you call me'

Love in the first degree - Bananarama

Released in October 1987, 'Love in the first degree' was the second single from Bananarama's fourth studio album 'Wow!'. Like the rest of the album, the track was produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman and includes many of their trademark sounds. The lyrics were written by Siobhan Fahey and built upon by SAW and the other two Bananarama members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward.

The single was the band's biggest selling single in the UK, peaking at number 3 (like two other singles by them). As one of their final performances with Fahey, the group performed the song at the BRIT Awards with a large entourage of male dancers dressed only in black bikini briefs. The song was nominated for best British single at the BRIT Awards, but lost to Rick Astley's 'Never gonna give you up'.

I bought this single together with three others in the basement of the Berwick Street branch of the Music & Video Exchange in London.

My collection: 7" single no. 3976
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Love in the first degree' / 'Mr. Sleaze'

Who needs love like that - Erasure

I took the bus (oh, how I miss those open double deckers from the old days!) from Notting Hill Gate to Oxford Street, in order to get to Berwick Street, where my record hunting would continue. I was aware of one more Music & Video Exchange down the road, but I stopped underway for a new shop, where I eventually found three singles, although two of them I already had - but these were picture disc editions (more about that later on this blog).

The one new title I found was 'Who needs love like that', the debut single by Erasure. Whereas Vince Clarke had a lot of success with Depeche Mode and Yazoo, this single was considered a flop, as it only reached number 55 in the UK singles chart. It was 1985. More than two decades later, we know how successful Erasure turned out to be...

My collection: 7" single no. 3975
Found: Revival Records, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Who needs love like that' / 'Push me shove me'

Beware boyfriend - Mari Wilson

After Mari Wilson reached the UK top 10 with 'Just what I always wanted', the next single was this one, 'Beware boyfriend', released in a limited edition with a free postcard. The sleeve photograph was taken by Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn, who was becoming one of the hottest photographers of the year, with his work for Joy Division, Kim Wilde and many others.

This single did not follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, stalling at number 51 in the UK singles chart. It was the last of nine singles I found on the first floor of the Notting Hill Gate branch of the Music & Video Exchange on August 5.

My collection: 7" single no. 3974
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Beware boyfriend' / 'It's happening'

Suboceana (Boom boom chi boom boom) - Tom Tom Club

The music video of Tom Tom Club's Suboceana was a very strange one, one that caught my attention the very first time I saw it. I always wanted to have the single, but it was never available. In fact, I never even saw the single until I found this one.

And so it came to pass that I had the 12" single before I found the single. Much to my delight, this single features an instrumental version of the track that is not included on the 12".

My collection: 7" single no. 3973
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Suboceana (Boom boom chi boom boom)' / 'Suboceana (instrumental)'

Tour de France - Kraftwerk

The cycling mania of some of the band members of Kraftwerk has been well documented. Ralf Hütter and Fritz Hilpert have been known to take part in cycling events. The track was originally recorded with the intention of being included on the subsequently abandoned album 'Techno pop'.

The single was remixed by François Kevorkian in New York and reached number 24 in the UK singles chart. In 2003, Kraftwerk would release a new album 'Tour de France Soundtracks', featuring a new recording of this track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3972
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Tour de France (remix)' / 'Tour de France'

I second that emotion - Japan

'I second that emotion' was originally a hit for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1967. Written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland, the title of the song came to Robinson when his friend and Motown colleague Al Cleveland mispronounced the phrase 'I second that motion' as 'I second that emotion' while the pair were Christmas shopping in late 1966.

Japan recorded a cover version of the song as a standalone single released in 1980. This remixed version was released two years later, reaching number 9 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3971
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'I second that emotion' / 'Halloween'

Heaven's open - Michael Oldfield

In 1991, Mike Oldfield suddenly called himself Michael Oldfield and released his final album for Virgin Records, 'Heaven's open'. At a time of friction with his record company, Oldfield included some veiled attacks on Richard Branson on the album.

The single 'Heaven's open' featured lead vocals from Oldfield himself for the first time. The single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3970
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Heaven's open' / 'Excerpt I from Amarok'

In my arms - Kylie Minogue

I was really surprised when I saw this single in the racks of the Music & Video Exchange in London. I wasn't aware this single was even released on 7" vinyl, and it was an even more pleasant surprise when I saw that it was pressed on pink vinyl. Obviously, this one was a keeper.

'In my arms' was a single from Kylie's latest album 'X', released in February 2008. It reached number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3969
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'In my arms' / 'Can't get you out of my head (Greg Kurstin remix)'

Invisible touch - Genesis

'Invisible touch' was the title track of Genesis' 1986 album and released as its first single. The song came about during a jam for the second parts of another album tracks 'Domino/The last domino', Mike Rutherford apparently playing a riff while Phil Collins improvised the line 'She seems to have an invisible touch'. It was recorded at the band's studio Fisher Lane Farm during 1985 and 1986.

This limited edition version of the single came in a foldout sleeve with a clear vinyl record. While not a hit in the Netherlands, the single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3968
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Invisible touch' / 'The last domino'

Seven seas - Echo and the Bunnymen

Here's another obscure favourite from that magical year 1984; the year in which I forgot all about doing homework and spent hours on end watching music videos on television. 'Seven seas' reached number 16 in the UK singles chart and thus was shown on TV countless times, but the band remained virtually unknown in the Netherlands.

The B-side recording of the Beatles' 'All you need is love' was performed by the band at Liverpool Cathedral for the programme 'Play at home' for Channel Four (UK).

My collection: 7" single no. 3967
Found: Record exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Seven seas' / 'All you need is love'

White boy - Culture Club

After scouring the basement of the Music & Video Exchange in Notting Hill Gate and finding over 40 singles, I went up to the first floor, hoping to find some more. This is the 'expensive' part of the shop, stocking mainly collectors items, but sometimes you come across some interesting bargains. Such as this one: the debut single by Culture Club!

Most people assume that their first hit 'Do you really want to hurt me' was also their debut single, but that's not true: they released two singles prior to that one. 'White boy' did not chart in any territory, although it already showcases their signature sound. You don't see this single a lot, so I was glad to find it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3966
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'White boy' / 'Love twist'

Pretty in pink - Psychedelic Furs

'Pretty in pink' was originally recorded as a track on Psychedelic Furs' 1981 album 'Talk Talk Talk'. When John Hughes made his movie 'Pretty in pink' in 1986, it was named after the Psychedelic Furs track.

The song was re-recorded by the band for the movie and released as a single. In this version, it became their biggest hit in the UK, peaking at number 18.

My collection: 7" single no. 3965
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Pretty in pink' / 'Love my way (US Remix)'

Bad boys - Wham!

'Bad boys' was a 1983 hit single for Wham!, taken from their debut album 'Fantastic'. The lyric of the song was written by George Michael from a teenager's perspective, but also including the concerns of parents, ultimately asking 'Why do you have to be so cruel?'.

The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart, number 14 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. George Michael later denounced 'Bad boys' as a song he hated, stating it was 'like an albatross round my neck'. The song was omitted from the 1997 compilation album 'If you were there (The best of Wham)', despite the album including tracks that weren't even released as singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 3964
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Bad boys' / 'Bad boys (instrumental)'

The story of the blues - Wah!

Released in December 1982, Wah! scored the biggest hit of their career with 'The story of the blues', which reached number 3 in the UK singles chart. The track was produced by Mike Hedges and written and arranged by Pete Wylie, who was the core member of Wah! and its subsequent incarnations (Say Wah!, the Mighty Wah! etcetera).

During a live performance of this track in 1983 for BBC Radio, Colin Vearncombe from Black guested on backing vocals. Unfortunately, his fine voice is not included on this single version.

My collection: 7" single no. 3963
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'The story of the blues (part 1)' / 'The story of the blues (part 2)'

New sensation - INXS

'New sensation' was released in early 1988 as the second single from INXS's 1987 album 'Kick'. The song features a sax solo by Kirk Pengilly and lyrics about a partying lifestyle. The first line 'Live, baby, live' was later referenced in the title of the bands's 1991 release 'Live baby live'.

The single reached number 25 in the UK singles chart, number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40. I never bought the single in 1988 because I bought the cd-single. It's strange how I never think I really have a single until I have the 7" single.

My collection: 7" single no. 3962
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'New sensation' / 'Do wot you do'

The very first video kiss - Imajinca

Released in 1984, 'The very first video kiss' by Imajinca is a mystery. You would think that in this age of internet nothing can remain a secret, but there is no information about this band or its members anywhere. All I can gather from the sleeve of this single is that the track was produced by Chris Andrews.

The tracks were written by S. Burton, D. Lief and H. Pistolas, who were probably members of this band. An they were signed to 'A Record Company', presumably a small independent record company around at that time. 'The very first video kiss' did not chart, despite its glossy Eighties production values.

My collection: 7" single no. 3961
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'The very first video kiss' / 'All in a moment'

Paranoimia '89 - Art of Noise

Art of Noise had a hit with 'Paranoimia' in 1986, a track featuring the vocals of the computer generated television personality Max Headroom. When the band released a greatest hits compilation in 1988, the album was promoted with several singles.

One of them was 'Paranoimia '89', a remixed version omitting Max Headroom's vocals and based wholly on the music by Art of Noise. The remix was made by Dutch remixer and DJ Ben Liebrand. The single did not chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 3960
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Paranoimia '89' / 'Locus classicus 1'

Give a little love back to the world - Emma

Emma Louise Booth was born in 1974 in Bridgend, Wales. She represented the United Kingdom during the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Give a little love back to the world', written by Paul Curtis. The lyric of the song had an environmental them, leading to several platitudes and a rather cringable chorus.

Emma finished sixth in the Contest, then went on to release one more single in 1991, 'Dance all night', which failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3959
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Give a little love back to the world' / 'I don't wanna be around'

Goodbye stranger - Supertramp

'Goodbye stranger' is a single taken from Supertramp's 1979 album 'Breakfast in America'. The single reached number 57 in the UK singles chart. The B-side of the single is the title track of Supertramp's previous album, 'Even in the quietest moments'.

It's always a bit of a shock when you buy a single and it turns out to be so faulty you can't even play it. This single is so crooked that frankly I'm amazed the shop dared to ask 50p for it. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

My collection: 7" single no. 3958
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Goodbye stranger' / 'Even in the quietest moments'

Lately - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has this uncanny knack of creating timeless melodies. 'Lately' is a title that may not seem familiar to you but I bet when you hear the track, you will think 'O right! I remember that!'. The single was taken from Wonder's 1980 album 'Hotter than July', and reached number 3 in the UK singles chart.

The track was later covered by acts like S Club 7 and Jodeci. Not that those versions could compete with the original, of course...

My collection: 7" single no. 3957
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Lately' / 'If it's magic'

Satisfaction - Wendy and Lisa

'Satisfaction' was a single taken from Wendy & Lisa's second album 'Fruit at the bottom'. The track was written, produced and remixed for this single edition by Wendy & Lisa themselves. The single reached number 27 in the UK singles chart.

In the Netherlands, the single did not chart. I missed out on this track completely, and decided to try out this single since it was so cheap. The track is not very different from other Wendy & Lisa material, so no surprises there.

My collection: 7" single no. 3956
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Satisfaction' / 'Stay'

Foolish beat - Debbie Gibson

At the age of 17, Debbie Gibson was the youngest female to write, produce, and perform a US Billboard Hot 100 number 1 hit single with her song 'Foolish beat'. In the UK, the single reached a peak position of number nine on the UK Singles Chart.

The song was included on Gibson's debut album 'Out of the blue', released in 1987 as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 3955
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Foolish beat' / 'Foolish beat (instrumental)'

Theme from Harry's Game - Clannad

This blog is not moving as fast as usual because of a flu. Not the Mexican variety, mind you, but a common summer flu. Still, all a person can do is sleep and wait till it's over. And listen to some calm and soothing music, like Clannad's Theme from Harry's Game. It was the song that launched the Irish band into fame all over Europe.

Harry's Game was a British television miniseries for ITV in 1982. The lyrics of this track are in the Irish language. The chorus 'Fol lol the doh fol the day, Fol the doh fol the day', is ancient Irish mouth-music which is common in traditional music. The single peaked at number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3954
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Theme from Harry's Game' / 'Strayed away'

A message to your heart - Samantha Janus

'A message to your heart' was written and composed by Paul Curtis and performed by the unknown singer Samantha Janus during the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest. Curtis wrote a socially conscious track about poverty and starvation, full of the usual cliches: we should all be very happy because we're living in 'paradise'. Yeah, right.

On the night of the Contest, Janus was dressed in a pink mini-dress, flanked by three women (Zoë Pico, Lucy Moreby, and Nicky Belsher) in white mini-dresses. Janus later commented that she thought her performance was 'ridiculous', because she was dressed in such a sexy outfit singing about starving children. The song finished tenth on the Contest and reached number 30 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3953
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'A message to your heart' / 'Heaven is a place for heroes'

I'm never giving up - Sweet dreams

Carrie Gray, Helen Kray and Bobby McVay formed Sweet dreams in 1983, when they were selected to represent the UK during the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest with 'I'm never giving up'. The song finished sixth in the Contest and reached number 21 in the UK singles chart. The group was re-launched later in the year as Dreams, but their new single '17 electric (look out!)' failed to chart.

Bobby McVay went on to become a local radio presenter. Carrie Gray married singer David Grant and became a vocal coach. In this role she appeared in BBC Television's Fame Academy in 2002-2004, and has also participated in a few Eurovision programmes on BBC 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 3952
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I'm never giving up' / 'Two way mirror'

Waiting for the loveboat - The Associates

After the departure of Alan Rankine and Michael Dempsey, The Associates was basically the solo project of Billy MacKenzie. He started working on what was to become the album 'Perhaps', released in 1985. The album was preceded by the single 'Waiting for the loveboat', a minor hit single peaking at number 53 in the UK singles chart.

Because the album 'Perhaps' only sold 40,000 copies whereas it cost £250,000to make, MacKenzie fell into significant debt to his record company.

My collection: 7" single no. 3951
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Waiting for the loveboat' / 'Schampout'

Popmuzik (1989 re-mix) - Robin Scott's M

Robin Scott celebrated the tenth anniversary of his biggest hit 'Popmuzik' with a new remix of the track. It was released in June 1989 and became M's first UK hit since 1980's 'Official secrets'. The single peaked at number 15.

The original 1979 mix of 'Popmuzik' is featured on the B-side of this single, although that one sounds remixed as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 3950
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Popmuzik (1989 re-mix)' / 'Popmuzik (Original 1979 mix)'

So far so good - Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton recorded 'So far so good' for the soundtrack of the movie 'About last night', released in 1986. It was just after she'd released the album 'Do you', which was produced by Nile Rodgers (the B-side is taken from that album), and this track was produced by Narada Michael Walden. The Scottish girl was working with a lot of 'black' artists, although she was yet to meet the man who would turn her career around: Prince.

This single reached number 43 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. I don't know if it was released in the UK - this is an American pressing.

My collection: 7" single no. 3949
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'So far so good' / 'Magic of love'

Flash - Stephanie

It's always weird to find a single not intended for the UK market in a shop in the UK. But here I was, finding a copy of Princess Stephanie of Monaco's 'Flash', the French version of 'One love to give'.

As described in that post, this single reached number 4 in France and number 28 in Switzerland. Due to the similarity of the sleeve I doubted for a moment whether or not I had this single already. I'm glad I decided to take it with me just in case. Turns out I really didn't have this one!

My collection: 7" single no. 3948
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Flash' / 'Le sega Mauricien'

Where does the time go - Julia Fordham

Julia Fordham released 'Where does the time go' in 1989 as a single from her second album 'Porcelain'. The male voice on the track was performed by John O'Kane. The single peaked at number 41 in the UK singles chart.

Although I am not familiar with most of Fordham's work, I decided I wanted to try this one out, if nothing else for the ridiculously low price of this disc.

My collection: 7" single no. 3947
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Where does the time go' / 'My little secret'

Stranger to the rain - Frances Ruffelle

Before Frances Ruffelle represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 with 'Lonely symphony (We will be free)', she had a successful career in several musicals in London's West End. She debuted in the late Eighties in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Starlight Express' in the principal role of Dinah. A year later, she played Éponine in 'Les Miserables'.

In 1990, Frances Ruffelle joined the cast of 'Children of Eden'. She also appeared on the soundtrack album of this musical. The single 'Stranger to the rain' was released in the autumn of 1990, but it did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3946
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Stranger to the rain' / 'Stranger to the rain (instrumental)'

The medal song - Culture Club

'The medal song' was released in 1984 as the second single from the album 'Waking up with the house on fire', Culture Club's third album. Boy George later commented he felt the album experienced a lukewarm reception because of the half-hearted material on the album. The group was pressured by their record company to come up with a quick follow-up to their second album 'Colour by numbers'.

'The medal song' performed poorly in the charts, peaking at number 32 in the UK singles chart and their first hit single not to reach the top 10 in the UK. Not even this limited edition gatefold sleeve could help matters much.

My collection: 7" single no. 3945
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'The medal song' / 'Don't go down that street'