The riddle - Nik Kershaw

'Near a tree by a river there's a hole in the ground / Where an old man of Aran goes around and around / and his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night / For a strange kind of fashion there's a wrong and a right'. What does it mean? These lyrics caused so much confusion that the record company MCA decided to run a competition to work out the meaning. However, according to Nik Kershaw himself, the lyic had no meaning at all: '[it was] nonsense, rubbish, bollocks, the confused ramblings of an 80s popstar'.

Despite all this, it gave Kershaw a considerable hit. It reached number 3 in the UK singles chart in December 1984, his biggest hit up to that point. In the Netherlands, the single reached a more modest number 19.

My collection: 7" single no. 2767
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 29, 1996
Cost: 40p
Tracks: 'The riddle' / 'Progress'

Some kind of lover - Jody Watley

A sticker on the sleeve of this single announces that Jody Watley was a Grammy Award winner in the category Best New Artist in 1987. Which in fact is a bit strange, since Watley had been active in the music business all through the decade, first as a member of Shalamar, and then solo.

'Some kind of lover' was released as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album. The single only reached number 81 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2189
Found: Record Exchange, London, September 29, 1994
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Some kind of lover' / 'Some kind of lover (dub)'

Can I get a witness - Sam Brown

Released as the fourth and last single from Sam Brown's debut album 'Stop', 'Can I get a witness' was a cover version of Marvin Gaye's 1963 hit song written by Holland, Dozier, Holland. Other cover versions were recorded previously by Dusty Springfield, the Rolling Stones and Steampacket (with Rod Stewart).

Sam Brown's version was a hit in the UK only, peaking at number 15. The single was available in a limited edition poster sleeve, which of course I own.

My collection: 7" single no. 839
Found: unknown, 1989
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Can I get a witness' / 'Walking after midnight'

Take me to your heart - Rick Astley

'Take me to your heart' was released as the second single from Rick Astley's second album 'Hold me in your heart'. The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 13 in the Dutch Top 40. It was also a top ten hit in Germany and Ireland.

When the American band Inner City released 'Big fun', it met with some controversy, as the music was very similar to 'Take me to your heart'. Stock Aitken & Waterman alleged that the band stole their music, but it is not known whether this led to any lawsuits.

My collection: 7" single no. 749
Found: V&D, Den Haag, February 17, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Take me to your heart' / 'I'll be fine'

Happy Birthday - Stevie Wonder

Today I'm celebrating my birthday. So I thought I'd better pick one song that would be sort of appropriate. The title certainly is. 'Happy Birthday' was released by Stevie Wonder in 1981 as part of his campaign to have the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. become a national holiday in the USA. The single bizzarrely didn't reach the US Billboard Hot 100, but reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

Wonder used the song to popularize the campaign, and continued his fight for the holiday. President Ronald Reagan approved the creation of the holiday, signing it into existence on November 2, 1983. The first official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was held on January 20, 1986, and was commemorated with a large-scale concert, where Stevie Wonder was the headlining performer.

My collection: 7" single no. 2818
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, February 1, 1997
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Happy Birthday' / 'Happy Birthday (instrumental)'

New moon on Monday - Duran Duran

'New moon on Monday' is the tenth single by Duran Duran, released in January 1984. It was released as the second single from the band's 1983 album 'Seven and the ragged tiger'. In February 1984, the single reached number 9 on the UK singles chart; a month later the single peaked at numebr 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the Netherlands, the single stalled at number 26.

I have the European pressing of the single, which has a different sleeve compared to the original UK version.

My collection: 7" single no. 2151
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, September 1, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'New moon on Monday' / 'Tiger Tiger'

Closest thing to heaven - The Kane Gang

In 1984, the Kane Gang released 'Closest thing to heaven', arguably the most beautiful song of their career. It was certainly their most successful: it reached number 12 in the UK singles chart during an 11 week chart run.

In the Netherlands, the single didn't reach the Dutch Top 40. I waited two years and then bought the single for almost nothing.

My collection: 7" single no. 493
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Closest thing to heaven' / 'Mighty day'

Am I right? - Erasure

'Am I right?' was the third single released from Erasure's 1991 album 'Chorus'. It is a ballad in which the protagonist is wandering through the city streets after a romantic separation, while his lover contemplates whether or not (s)he is really in love and wants to return to the relationship.

The single was released as a four track EP, featuring three bonus tracks. It reached number 15 in the UK singles chart. Another EP, featuring new songs and alternate versions, also called 'Am I right', was released a month later and reached number 22. However, that EP was not released on 7" vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 2192
Found: Big Company Records, London, September 29, 1994
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Am I right?', 'Carry on clangers (edited)' / 'Let it flow', 'Waiting for sex (edited)'

A little peace - Nicole

So I've got 'Ein Bisschen Frieden', 'La paix sur terre', 'Een beetje vrede' and 'En smule fred'. No wonder that I've also got the English version: 'A little peace'. This is the only single released on the CBS label and with a different sleeve (although I do believe another version does exist with the same sort of sleeve as the other four).

It's rather unusual for any Eurovision winner to reach the UK singles chart, let alone reaching the top position. But that's exactly what Nicole did in May 1982. It may well have been the first time in a long time that any German captured the hearts of UK citizens.

My collection: 7" single no. 3572
Found: eBay.com, received February 2, 2009
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'A little peace' / 'Thank you, merci, danke'

So in love - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark

'So in love' was the last song written for OMD's album 'Crush'. It was originally dropped until band member Martin Cooper persuaded Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys to make a demo for the song. Andy McCluskey said it was about the painful end of a relationship.

Released as the first single from the album, it was a good success for the band. For years they tried to make it in the USA, and with this single, they did: it peaked at number 26 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK singles chart it reached number 27, while in the Netherlands, it reached number 7. This limited edition double single features two extra tracks.

My collection: 7" single no. 2743
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 21, 1996
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'So in love' / 'Concrete hands' // 'Maria Gallante' / 'White trash (live)'

G.L.A.D. - Kim Appleby

Quite frankly, I still think that this song is a bit naff. The title 'G.L.A.D.' is an abbreviation for 'Good lovin' and devotion', as is explained in the song lyric, but why would anyone come up with such an abbreviation? It seems to me that Craig Logan and Mel and Kim Appleby were a bit short on inspiration when they came up with this song.

Still, since I'd bought every Mel & Kim single and the one Kim Appleby single that came before this one, I felt an obligation to own this one as well. I bought it after it left the Dutch Top 40, where it reached number 13 during a six week chart run. The UK audience was even less critical: they made it go to number 10.

My collection: 7" single no. 1435
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, April 26, 1991
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'G.L.A.D. (7" remix)' / 'G.L.A.D. (instrumental)'

Why can't we live together (new version) - Mike Anthony

So when 'Why can't we live together' by Mike Anthony was withdrawn, a new version was rushed out to continue the success story. This new version entered the Dutch Top 40 on April 17, exactly when the original version left the chart, and rose further to number 6. This version lasted eight weeks in the chart.

Further information about this track is not available. Mike Anthony also disappeared from the music business, at least here in the Western world.

My collection: 7" single no. 2421
Found: All that music, Leiden, July 22, 1995
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Why can't we live together (new version - part 1)' / 'Why can't we live together (new version - part 2)'

Why can't we live together - Mike Anthony

Mike Anthony entered the Dutch Top 40 on April 3, 1982 with his version of Timmy Thomas' 'Why can't we live together'. The chart run of this single was only two weeks, while in the second week it climbed to number 15.

The Jamaican DJ ran into some legal problems with this single, as it used samples of the original recording by Timmy Thomas without consent. Within two weeks, the single was withdrawn and replaced with a new version.

My collection: 7" single no. 2418
Found: Plaatboef, Leiden, July 22, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Why can't we live together (part 1)' / 'Why can't we live together (part 2)'

Alive and kicking - Simple Minds

'Alive and kicking' was released as a single from the Simple Minds' 1985 album 'Once upon a time'. The single featured a single version that was 40 seconds shorter than the album version. However, the instrumental version on the B-side was 35 seconds longer, clocking in at 6 minutes.

The single reached number 7 in the UK singles chart, number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1470
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Alive and kicking' / 'Alive and kicking (instrumental)'

What have I done to deserve this? - Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield

The Pet Shop Boys recorded a duet with Dusty Springfield in 1987. It was released as the second single from their 1987 album 'Actually'. The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart, the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Dutch Top 40. (What a coincidence!)

The song's success helped revive Springfield's career and led to a resurgence of interest in her music. Following this duet, the Pet Shop Boys wrote and produced the singles 'Nothing has been proved' and 'In private' for Springfield.

My collection: 7" single no. 1641
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 3, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'What have I done to deserve this?' / 'A new life'

Famous last words - Tears for Fears

'Famous last words' was the last track on the Tears for Fears album 'The seeds of love' (1989) and released as the fourth and final sigle from that album. It was released by the record company without the band's involvement.

The single peaked at number 83 in the UK singles chart. Around this time, Curt Smith left Tears for Fears and Roland Orzabal continued the band alone.

My collection: 7" single no. 1348
Found: Melody Maker, October 27, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Famous last words' / 'Mothers talk (US remix)'

Hang on now - Kajagoogoo

With its swirling synthesizers and lush production, 'Hang on now' was the third top 20 hit for Kajagoogoo in 1981, taken from their debut album 'White feathers'. It was also their last single before lead singer Limahl left Kajagoogoo.

From the second album on, Kajagoogoo continued as a quartet, with bassist Nick Beggs taking over vocal duties.

My collection: 7" single no. 1308
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 15, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Hang on now' / 'Hang on now (instrumental)'

Banana republic - Boomtown Rats

Banana republic is a derogatory term for a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. The Boomtown Rats had a hit in the UK with a song with the title 'Banana republic', reaching number 3 in the UK singles chart in November 1980.

The track was taken from their 1980 album 'Mondo Bongo'. The album was was produced by Tony Visconti, who is best known for his work with David Bowie.

My collection: 7" single no. 958
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 10, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Banana republic' / 'Man at the top'

Never / These dreams - Heart

Both 'Never' and 'These dreams' were released as singles in 1985, but this double A-side was released in the UK in a limited edition gatefold sleeve edition in 1988. This is after their biggest success 'Alone', taken from 'Bad animals' (1987). These two tracks come from Heart's previous self-titled album (1985).

This double A-side release was another success for the band, peaking at number 8 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3104
Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 13, 1999
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Never' / 'These dreams'

Please don't make me cry - UB40

After UB40 had a big success with their cover version of 'Red red wine' (originally recorded by Neil Diamond), they released 'Please don't make me cry'. Both singles were taken from the group's 1983 album 'Labour of love', a collection of covers. The B-side of this single is a cover of Bob Marley's 'Keep on moving'.

This single peaked at number 10 on the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 817
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 13, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder Tracks: 'Please don't make me cry' / 'Keep on moving'

Grease - Frankie Valli

Frankie Valli was born as Francesco Stephen Castelluccio on May 3, 1934 in First Ward, Newark, New Jersey. He became famous as the frontman of the Four Seasons, who reached their peak of fame in the Sixties.

In 1978, Valli was asked to sing the theme song for the movie Grease. Along with the movie, this song became famous and when it was released as a single, it reached number one all over the world.

My collection: 7" single no. 2543
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, November 1, 1995
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Grease' / 'Grease (instrumental)'

Good for me - Amy Grant

I happen to have both the cd-single and this 7" single of Amy Grant's 'Good for me'. The B-side of this 7" single is not included on the cd-single, which makes it a nice item. 'Good for me' was released as the sixth single from Grant's 1991 album 'Heart in motion'. It reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 60 in the UK singles chart.

There exist two music videos for this single. In the original music video, Amy Grant frolicks and dances with another female, who was meant to be portrayed as a childhood friend of Grant's. However, once the video was completed, Grant felt that her intended message was lost and that the video looked as though she and her friend were lovers. And so a new version was shot with a male model. Good old Christian values... (!)

My collection: 7" single no. 2787
Found: November 2, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Good for me (7" Good for you mix)' / 'Good for me (7" You like to dance mix)'

Passing stranges - Ultravox

'Passing strangers' was released in October 1980 as the second single from Ultravox's milestone album 'Vienna'. The song is a fast-paced affair, with all the signature sounds of the band around that time. The single wasn't a big hit, stalling at number 57 in the UK singles chart.

The B-side 'Face to face' was recorded live in St. Albans on August 16, 1980 and was never recorded in studio by the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 2542
Found: Record Exchange, November 1, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Passing strangers' / 'Face to face (recorded live)'

Twenty four hours - Athlete

Released as the fourth and final single from Athlete's 2005 album 'Tourist', 'Twenty four hours' was a real treat for fans. The cd-single featured two new tracks, whereas the 7" single, released as a picture disc, featured one of those new tracks plus another new track exclusive to the 7" format.

The single peaked at number 42 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3418
Found: HMV mail order, received November 2005
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Twenty four hours' / 'Stand in the sun', 'Before tomorrow'

Saturday night - The Blue Nile

Although the Blue Nile released their second album 'Hats' in the autumn of 1989, the sticker on the back of this single states that 'Saturday night', the third single from that album, was released on January 7, 1991. But then, the Blue Niles were always a bit slower than the average pop band.

Two weeks later, the single entered the UK singles chart and reached number 50 during a 2 week chart run. It was the last anyone heard from the band, until they returned with 'Peace at last', their third album. When? Well, in 1996.

My collection: 7" single no. 2191
Found: Record Exchange, London, September 29, 1994
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Saturday night (edit)' / 'Saturday night (album version)'

The river - Bruce Springsteen

'The river' was written by Bruce Springsteen right after he'd completed an album that was to be titled 'The ties that bind'. The imagery of the chorus and the end of the song were inspired by lines from Hank Williams' 1950 hit, 'Long gone lonesome blues'. When this song came up, Springsteen decided to write several others with a similarly darker feel, and eventually released a double album entitled 'The river' in 1980.

Released as a single, it reached number 12 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 35 in the UK singles chart. It remains one of Springsteen's signature songs.

My collection: 7" single no. 2691
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, July 3, 1996
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'The river' / 'Independence day'

Nooduitgang (live) - Het Goede Doel

Het Goede Doel released a live version of their song 'Nooduitgang' ('Emergency exit') in 1987. Their album 'Mooi en onverslijtbaar' and its associated singles sold rather well, but the release of a live album was imminent, and so this single was released to promote it. Band member Sander van Herk wrote a piece on the history of the band in 2001 in a booklet for a 4cd box set and confessed that the track on the single was played live, but the audience participation was mixed in.

The record buying public was unaware of this, and the single reached number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3769
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 3, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Nooduitgang (live)' / 'The sonic ranger rides again'

We'll be together - Sandra

Released in November 1988, 'We'll be together' was the third single taken from Sandra's third album 'Into a secret land'. For the first time ever, this song was co-written by Sandra herself. The single reached number 9 in the German singles chart.

When I bought this single, it came with a Spanish promotional sheet. Printed in colour, the front of the A4 paper features the album cover and the back features a biography, written in Spanish.

My collection: 7" single no. 1777
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, October 25, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'We'll be together' / 'It means forever'

Sign your name - Terence Trent d'Arby

Although I hated the first few singles by Terence Trent d'Arby, I had to admit that 'Sign your name' was actually a very good ballad. It was taken from his debut album 'Introducing the hardline according to Terence Trent d'Arby', released in 1987.

It was a big hit in countries around the world, peaking at number 2 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40, and number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 1331
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Sign your name' / 'Greasy chicken'

To turn the stone - Frida

'To turn the stone' was the second single taken from Frida's 1982 album 'Something's going on'. It was considerably less successful than the previous one, 'I know there's something going on', which reached the charts all over Europe.

'To turn the stone' only managed to reach number 39 in the German singles chart and flopped everywhere else. As a result, no further singles were taken from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 160
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'To turn the stone' / 'I got something'

The Skye Boat song - Willy Finlayson

Tori Amos' debut album 'Y Kant Tori Read', released before she hit the big time with 'Little earthquakes', contained an instrumental excerpt of 'The Skye Boat song', a Scottish traditional from the 19th century. Since I liked the melody, I was quite curious when I found this single, on which the traditional is performed by Willy Finlayson. Remember him? He also recorded 'On the air tonight' in 1985.

Finlayson's solo career has been short: none of his singles reached the UK singles chart and no other singles of his are known.

My collection: 7" single no. 2173
Found: House of Rhythm, London, September 27, 1994
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'The Skye Boat Song' / 'Cash'

Holding out for a hero - Bonnie Tyler

When you hear this song you will probably recognise the production values of Jim Steinman immediately: with its backing vocals and high speed music, it's an almost hysteric piece of music. 'Holding out for a hero' was originally released in 1984 and included on the soundtrack of the movie 'Footloose'. It later appeared on Tyler's 'Secret dreams and forbidden fire' album.

The single peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 34 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the Netherlands, the single flopped mercilessly.

My collection: 7" single no. 3291
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Holding out for a hero' / 'Faster than the speed of night'

Crystal ball - Keane

Tim Rice-Oxley from Keane commented about 'Crystal ball': 'That was a really scary for me, because I've always had lots to say, and lots of opinions whether right or wrong. We then ended up having a massive row about something a couple of days later and it came out of that that we were all feeling this sense of numbness, this feeling of kinda fading away as people. I struggled to find one last song to complete the album, and found I could not write. I was left looking around song directories written by the sheer desperates of London, thus explaining how I discovered Crystal Ball...'

The track was released as the second single of Keane's second album 'Under the iron sea'. It reached number 20 in the Dutch Top 40 and the UK singles chart. This 7" single is a numbered limited edition; this is number 30.

My collection: 7" single no. 3490
Found: eBay.co.uk, received December 20, 2008
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Crystal ball' / 'Maybe I can change'

Love house - Samantha Fox

Honestly, I have no idea why I bought this single. It's a long time ago when I did. Even then, I was not impressed with the output of Page 3 girl Samantha Fox and house music in general. This track was produced by the Dutch brothers Bolland, but that in itself is no reason for me to buy a single - quite the contrary.

Mysteries have a right to survive, and so I won't guess any more. The only thing I do know that this single reached number 10 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 32 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2410
Found: Leiden, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love house' / 'Don't cheat on me'

Cannonball - Supertramp

Without Roger Hodgson, but with a reputation that was very good, Supertramp soldiered on after 1983. Rick Davies took over lead vocals, and the 1985 album 'Brother where you bound' was promoted with the first single 'Cannonball'.

On the album and on thie 12" single, the track lasted for well over 7 minutes, whereas the 7" single contained an edit. Impressive also is the 10 minute instrumental version on the B-side of this 12" single.

My collection: 12" single no. 285
Found: Record Exchange, London, 1996
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Cannonball (Direct to disc version)' / 'Cannonball (instrumental)'

Heartbreaker - Dionne Warwick

When Barry Gibb is producing, or even co-producing, any song takes on a decidedly 'Bee Gees sound'. So when Dionne Warwick had her 1982 album 'Heartbreaker' co-produced by Gibb, it was almost as if she was doing backing vocals to Bee Gees tracks. Warwick later commented that she didn't like the album's title track, but recorded it because she trusted the judgement of the three Gibb brothers, who wrote the song, that it would be a hit.

And it was: Warwick reached the charts all over the world when 'Heartbreaker' was released as a single. It reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 2 in the UK singles chart. Warwick commented: 'I cried all the way to the bank'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3088
Found: Record Exchange, London, May 12, 1999
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Heartbreaker' / 'I can't see anything but you'

Ever so lonely - Monsoon

To be honest, I'd completely forgotten that I owned this 12" single of 'Ever so lonely'. The single has been on this blog in an earlier entry. So when I was going through my 12 inch singles, I was pleasantly surprised.

This extended version of 'Ever so lonely' is made in the best of the Eighties traditions: it's just longer, it features a few extra instrumental and vocal passages, and no irritating beats and out of key synth loops. How refreshing!

My collection: 12" single no. 338
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1998
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Ever so lonely (extended version)' / 'Sunset over the Ganges'

Mama - Zucchero

In 1990, the Italian singer Zucchero attempted to reach the charts outside of continental Europe, where he'd made a name for himself. In July 1990 he released 'Mama' in the UK, an English version of his 1989 European hit 'Madre dolcissima'. The single did not chart.

In 1991, he had more success, when he recorded a duet with Paul Young. Their track 'Senza una donna' became a top 10 hit in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 3060
Found: Record Exchange, London, May 9, 1999
Cost: 20p
Tracks: 'Mama' / 'Madre dolcissima'

You keep me hangin' on - Tata Vega

Tata Vega was born as Carmen Rosa Vega in New York on October 7, 1951. She began her singing career in 1963. She was cast in the Broadway production of the musical 'Hair', after which she joined the band Pollution and then the group Earthquire. Between 1976 and 1981, she released four solo albums on the Motown label.

In 1980, she released her version of the Supremes hit 'You keep me hangin' on'. It was a typical late Seventies disco version, which did not manage to chart outside of America. I bought this single because I am interested in every cover version of 'You keep me hangin' on'. I have to admit that I still like Kim Wilde's version best.

My collection: 7" single no. 3045
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, December 19, 1998
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'You keep me hangin' on' / 'You better watch out'

The sun ain't gonna shine anymore - The Walker Brothers

'The sun ain't gonna shine anymore' was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio. It was originally released as a single by Frankie Valli in 1965. Although it was recorded with his group the Four Seasons, it was released as his first solo single in over a decade.

In 1966, the Walker Brothers released their cover version of the song. This version had a lot more success than Valli's original, reaching the singles charts all over the world. The single peaked at number 13 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 9 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 1 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1071
Found: London, October 19, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'The sun ain't gonna shine anymore' / 'My ship is coming in'

Love scenes - Beverley Craven

Beverley Craven released her second album 'Love scenes' in 1993, after giving birth to her first daugher, Mollie. This experience ended up being part of the subject matter on that album, unfortunately, with the track 'Mollie's song' as the most unfortunate result.

The title track was released as the album's first single, and it was also the last single to be released on the 7" vinyl format. Subsequent singles 'Mollie's song' (yes, I couldn't believe it either) and 'The winner takes it all' (a cover of the Abba track) were only released on cd-single. 'Love scenes' reached number 34 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1996
Found: London, October 18, 1993
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Love scenes' / 'Blind faith'

This feeling - Sam Brown

'This feeling' was the third single taken from Sam Brown's debut album 'Stop!'. The track features a beautiful guitar solo by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. 'This feeling' was remixed for the single, which in fact didn't really make it much better, but it was shorter and that was probably the most important thing for the record company.

It didn't help matters much: the single stalled at number 91 in the UK singles chart, although it did manage to reach number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 691
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, October 1, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'This feeling' / 'Soldiers'

I should be so lucky - Kylie Minogue

I never shy away from a good debate, especially when it takes place on this blog. So when Jos asked me why in God's name I bought singles by Risqué, I can't help but reply (while of course respecting the fact that there is no accounting for tastes, indeed). Within my collection there are certainly some artistic highs and lows. I love the good, the bad and the ugly. But most of all, I like pop. And it's true, a lot of pop music is not sung by the ones on the sleeve (and when it is, it is usually 'polished' in the studio), the music comes from session musicians - but it is always produced well. Does it matter that the guys from Milli Vanilli or Boney M didn't sing their stuff themselves? I think not; 'Daddy cool' and 'Ma Baker' are still pop classics.

All this to conceal that I bought a lot of Kylie Minogue singles - after she became 'cool' when she started working with Manic Street Preachers in 1995. So did she sing this debut single herself? I think so - it sounds irritating enough. But look here: two decades on, she's a star. And she's already performed this very song in about ten different arrangements - including a ballad and a variety showband version. Creativity knows no boundaries.

My collection: 7" single no. 3316
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I should be so lucky' / 'I should be so lucky (instrumental)'

Motorcycle emptiness - Manic Street Preachers

The Manic Street Preachers formed in 1986. Members were James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, Sean Moore and Richey Edwards. Edwards mysteriously vanished on February 1, 1995. Nothing was ever heard from him again. To this day, it is still one of the big mysteries of rock.

Before all that, the band released their debut album 'Generation terrorists' in 1992. 'Motorcycle emptiness' was the fifth single taken from that album and it became the biggest hit, reaching number 17 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in the Dutch Top 40 - their first and only hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1696
Found: Melody Maker, August 15, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Motorcycle emptiness' / 'Bored out of my mind'

Is there something I should know - Duran Duran

'Is there something I should know?' was recorded in December 1982 in London. It was released as a non-album single, although in the USA the track was added to the 1983 reissue of the band's debut album 'Duran Duran'.

In the UK, the single became the band's first number one hit. It reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 in August 1983. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 14, their first hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1806
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 9, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Is there something I should know?' / 'Faith in this colour'

Sylvia's mother - Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show

The lyric of the song 'Sylvia's mother' tells the story of a man trying to say one last goodbye to his ex-girlfriend but unable to get past her mother, who tries to interfere. It was released in 1972 by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, a band that would become one of the coolest bands of the Seventies - although in later decades they would come to represent everything that was reprehensable about that era.

'Sylvia's mother' was their first hit, reaching number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 304
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Sylvia's mother' / 'Makin' it natural'

Monkey - George Michael

Released in the summer of 1988, 'Monkey' was the fifth single taken from George Michael's debut solo album 'Faith'. The single version was remixed by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who at the time were very successful with Janet Jackson's 'Control' album and its singles. Compared to the album version, the track sounded a lot livelier and 'fuller'.

In the US, this single was George Michael's fourth consecutive number 1 hit, joining the likes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston as three artists that all had four or more number one hits from one album. In the UK, the single was less successful, peaking at number 13, whereas in the Netherlands it reached number 6. At the time of release, I only bought the cd-single, but in 1995 I corrected this painful mistake and still got the 7" single.

My collection: 7" single no. 2488
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Monkey' / 'Monkey (Acapella)'

Golden brown - The Stranglers

According to Hugh Cornwell from the Stranglers, ''Golden Brown' works on two levels. It's about heroin and also about a girl'. Essentially the lyrics describe how 'both provided me with pleasurable times'. In an other interview drummer Jet Black quipped it was a song about Marmite. Even if harddrugs aren't your thing, this song is still worth listening to.

Released in December 1981, the single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2586
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 23, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Golden brown' / 'Love 30'