Kiss them for me - Siouxie and the Banshees

'Kiss them for me' was written by Siouxsie & the Banshees and produced by Stephen Hague. It was released in 1991 as the first single from the band's tenth studio album 'Superstition'. The song presented a change in musical direction for Siouxsie & the Banshees — adopting a much more straightforward pop-oriented feel than previous tracks, due in large part to Hague's production work.

The single became their biggest hit in the USA, peaking at number 23 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, the single reached number 32.

My collection: 7" single no. 1539
Found: Record fair, October 27, 1991
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Kiss them for me' / 'Return'

Brood en spelen - Het Goede Doel

'Brood en spelen' ('Bread and games') was an unsuccessful single release from het Goede Doel's 1984 album 'Tempo Doeloe'. The story behind this one was an unfortunate one: the band made a deal with successful Dutch DJ Frits Spits to give him the premiere of this single on the radio. Then the record company suddenly released a different track from the album without the band knowing, and the DJ as a result refused to play their singles at all. Furthermore, Dutch language music was losing its popularity in the Netherlands as a result of the most popular band, Doe Maar, breaking up.

The B-side of this single is a German version of the band's song 'Alleen' ('Alone'). The band recorded a whole album's worth of German material, but when it was released in January 1985, the German record company decided not to promote it. The band was in a bit of trouble.

My collection: 7"single no. 3765
Found: Marktplaat.nl. received June 3, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Brood en spelen' / 'Allein'

A bad dream - Keane

Keane's song 'A bad dream' was partially based on the poem 'An Irish Airman foresees his death' by W.B. Yeats. Tim Rice-Oxley explains: 'We wanted to get a balance between a kinda dream sequence. It starts very quietly, and I love the idea of being in a plane, like a Spitfire or something, being so high up in the sky that you can't hear the guns below you and so on. And it's almost got a serene silence which is what this Yeats poem seemed to really express. The song starts very quietly, but it gets huge and angry as it goes on... The big distorted washy piano sound in the middle is a pretty vast sound and it's I guess an attempt to express all that anger bursting out.'

The track was released as the sixth and final single from Keane's album 'Under the iron sea' in January 2007. Although it became Keane's first single to fail to reach the UK Top 20, it peaked at number 23 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3491
Found: eBay.co.uk, received December 20, 2008
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'A bad dream' / 'She sells sanctuary'

I should have known better - Jim Diamond

Jim Diamond was born on September 28, 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland. His big break came in 1982 as part of the band Ph.D. After this band folded, Diamond went solo. He recorded the sloppy ballad 'I should have known better', which became a UK number 1, and also reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

When 'I should have known better' reached number 1 in the UK, Band Aid just released their charity single 'Do they know it's Christmas?'. He requested publicly that people not buy his single, but instead buy that single.

My collection: 7" single no. 251
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, December 1984
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I should have known better' / 'Impossible dream'

Valotte - Julian Lennon

'Valotte' was the title track of Julian Lennon's debut album. It was written by Lennon, Justin Clayton and Carlton Morales and recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The first line of the chorus, 'Sitting on a pebble by the river playing guitar', was written by Lennon, inspired by the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals.

The track was released as a single in December 1984. It reached number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100, but was significantly less successful in the UK, where it only reached number 55. This single was released with a limited edition poster sleeve in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 2202
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, October 8, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Valotte' / 'Let me be'

When I need you - Leo Sayer

'When I need you' was written by Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager. It was first recorded by Hammond on his 1976 album of the same name.

Leo Sayer recorded his version later that year and included it on his album 'Endless flight'. The single reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 1 in the UK singles chart in February 1977. Three months later, the single also topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Sayer performed the song on the second show of the third season of The Muppet Show.

My collection: 7" single no. 1215
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, April 22, 1990
Cost: 0,5 guilder
Tracks: 'When I need you' / 'I think we fell in love too fast'

Don't give up - Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush

'Don't give up' was not Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush's first collaboration, but it is arguably their best. The song was recorded for Gabriel's 1986 album 'So'. The lyric describes the despair of a man who feels that the economic system has no place for him, seeking council and support from the words sung by Kate Bush. Godley & Creme directed two videos for the song: the first consisted of a single take of the singers in an embrace, as the sun enters total eclipse and re-emerges. The second featured Gabriel and Bush's faces superimposed over film of a town and its people in disrepair.

The single peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 500
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't give up' / 'In your eyes (special mix)'

Clocks - Coldplay

The theme of the lyric of 'Clocks' is contrast, contradictions and urgency. The song emerged during the late stages of the production of Coldplay's second album, 'A rush of blood to the head'. The song was recorded very quickly, because the band were running after the postponed scheduled release date of the album.

When released as the second single from the album, the response was immediate and positive. The chart success was pretty good, with top 10 placings in the Netherlands (number 2), Canada (number 7) and the UK (number 9). The song was also remixed numerous times, amongst others by Röyksopp.

My collection: 7" single no. 3374
Found: HMV mailorder, London, 2003
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Clocks' / 'Crests of waves'

Poison - Alice Cooper

'Poison' is one of Alice Cooper's most well-known songs, and provided his last major mainstream hit, in 1989. It was taken from his album 'Trash', which was produced by Desmond Child. The whole album sounded more commercial and radio-friendly than previous Cooper albums, which may account for its success.

The single reached number 2 in the UK, number 7 in the USA and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. The music video for 'Poison' was available in two versions. Model Rana Kennedy wore nothing but a black thong in the original video, so a more modest version was filmed in which Kennedy wears a corset to cover her upper body.

My collection: 7" single no. 1056
Found: London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Poison' / 'Trash'

(Life may be) A big insanity - Sandra

So here's a song for the Misheard Lyrics website. Ever since I've heard Sandra singing 'Life may be a big insanity', I've heard 'Life may be a big obscenity'. Try it for yourself, you may hear it too.

'(Life may be) A big insanity' was released as the second single from Sandra's fourth album 'Paintings in yellow'. The song was written by husband Michael Cretu with Klaus Hirschburger. The single only became a minor hit for Sandra, reaching number 27 in Germany, number 18 in Israel and number 41.

The single was released in the UK as well - though without any chart success - and I've got the different sleeve to prove it. I found this UK edition (pictured below) two years after I bought the original German version. I don't think it's Sandra's best single, but when you've got a collection, you have to buy everything that's pretty. And I do think the UK sleeve is more beautiful than the German one!

My collection: 7" single no. 2096 / no. 2659
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, April 16, 1994 / House of Rhythm, London, June 29, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders / 50p
Tracks: '(Life may be) A big insanity' / 'The skin I'm in'

Sit and wait - Sydney Youngblood

'Sit and wait' was Sydney Youngblood's second single, taken from his debut album 'Feeling free'. Written by Ralf Hamm, Mike Staab, Sydney Youngblood and Claus Zundel, it was another dance song with a catchy hook.

The single became a success in Europe, peaking at number 2 in Austria, Germany and Sweden, number 6 in Switzerland and the Netherlands. It was only less successful in the UK (where it peaked at number 16), Ireland (15) and France (number 21).

My collection: 7" single no. 1141
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, January 6, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Sit and wait' / 'Feeling free' (duet with Elaine Hudson)

Dear sir - Mice

With the album 'Because I can' making the Indie Top Ten, things were looking up for Mice. A third single was released from the album: 'Dear sir', released as a cd-single and a 7" vinyl single pressed on orange vinyl.

Then, disaster struck: Permanent Records went out of business in 1997, shortly after the release of 'Dear sir', prompting one fan to remark: 'it turned out to be Temporary Records'. The single was not promoted, nor could it be replaced after it sold out. It marked the end of Mice, and frontwoman Julianne Regan pursued other musical interests.

My collection: 7" single no. 2739
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 21, 1996
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Dear sir' / 'Pyjamadrama'

Promises promises - Naked Eyes

There's no mistaking the sound of producer Tony Mansfield on this single. It might well have been a New Musik track. Instead, it's Naked Eyes, with their second hit single 'Promises promises' (1983). At least, it was a hit single in the USA, where it peaked at number 11. Oddly enough, the British duo didn't manage to have a hit with this in their own country.

The B-side features an early version of '(What) In the name of love', a track they would release as a single in 1984.

My collection: 7" single no. 2131
Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, July 30, 1994
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Promises promises' / 'In the name of love'

Sweet harmony - The Beloved

'Sweet harmony' was the Beloved's biggest hit. It peaked at number 8 in the UK and even landed in the charts in Europe, peaking at number 22 in the Netherlands.

The song gained notoriety for its music video, which some considered to be controversial. It consisted of a naked Jon Marsh and a bevy of other equally naked females - including Tess Daly - lipsynching the lyrics. In an interview, Marsh pointed out that the video was 'not intended to be sexual' and was 'as A-sexual as you can get'. The video is supposed to represent unity between humans.

My collection: 7" single no. 1927
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 8, 1993
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Sweet harmony' / 'Motivation (Energised)'

Real love - Jody Watley

In the spring of 1989, Jody Watley released her second album, 'Larger than life'. She co-wrote 11 of the album's 12 songs. The first single release, 'Real love", sold over 500,000 copies in the USA alone and was certified gold. It reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In the UK, people were less impressed, as it only made number 31 there. In the Netherlands, the single peaked at number 19.

My collection: 7" single no. 949
Found: V&D, Den Haag, July 21, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Real love' / 'Real love (instrumental)'

Woman in chains - Tears for Fears featuring Oleta Adams

After the release of Tears for Fears' compilation album 'Tears roll down: Greatest hits 82-92' in 1992, their 1989 single 'Woman in chains' was re-released in the UK. By that time, Oleta Adams, who was virtually unknown at the time of the original release, had become a famous singer in her own right, so this single was actually credited to 'Tears for Fears featuring Oleta Adams'. The record company even went so far to include the other album track from 'The seeds of love' (1989) featuring Adams on the B-side.

While the original release reached number 26 in the UK singles chart, this re-release only managed to scrape in at number 57, and then dropped of the chart again the next week.

My collection: 7" single no. 2843
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 5, 1997
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Woman in chains' / 'Badman's song'

Sunny - Boney M

'Sunny' was originally written and performed by Bobby Hebb in 1966. It was covered by Boney M in 1976, and released as a single from their debut album 'Take the heat off me', following their breakthrough single 'Daddy cool'. Hebb himself released a disco version of the song, also in 1976, and had minor success on Billboard's R&B chart.

Boney M's version topped the charts in Germany and the Netherlands and reached number 3 in the UK. The track was remixed in 1988 and 1999, but when released as singles they didn't have the same amount of success. While Liz Mitchell sang the original lead vocals on Boney M.'s version, original member Maizie Williams recorded a solo version in 2006.

My collection: 7" single no. 183
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Sunny' / 'New York City'

Happy ending - Joe Jackson

A track from Joe Jackson's 1984 album 'Body & Soul', 'Happy ending' is a duet with Elaine Caswell. She was his backing vocalist during his world tour at the time, when they recorded this song together. It was released as the second single from the album.

The single was only a modest hit, reaching number 34 in the Netherlands, number 47 in Australia, number 57 in the USA and number 58 in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 2448
Found: Record fair, September 2, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Happy ending' / 'Loisaida'

Never as good as the first time - Sade

Sade recorded a new version of 'Never as good as the first time' for the third single release from their second album 'Promise'. This new version featured new backing vocalist Leroy Osborne prominently, giving the track a whole new lease of life.

Still, it didn't become the band's biggest hit. The single reached number 20 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but in Europe the single landed outside the top 30. As a result, this was the last single release from 'Promise' and Sade went back to the studio to record their third album.

My collection: 7" single no. 416
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 21, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Never as good as the first time' / 'Keep hanging on'

One step out of time - Michael Ball

Michael Ball was picked by the BBC to represent the United Kingdom during the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest. He sang a few songs during a national final, two of which are featured on this single. The A-side features 'One step out of time', the song with which Ball was sent to Malmö.

Michael Ball managed to get to number 2 in the Contest, behind winner Linda Martin with her dreadful ballad 'Why me?'. In the UK singles chart, 'One step out of time' peaked at number 20.

My collection: 7" single no. 1654
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 16, 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'One step out of time' / 'No more steps to climb'

Always on my mind - Pet Shop Boys

'Always on my mind' was written by Johnny Christopher, Mark James and Wayne Carson Thompson and originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972. That same year, Elvis Presley also recorded the song, and this is the version that became the most famous one through the years.

In 1987, Pet Shop Boys performed a version of 'Always on my mind' on 'Love me tender', an ITV network television special commemorating the tenth anniversary of Presley's death, in which various popular contemporary acts performed cover versions of his hits. Their performance was so well-received that the group decided to record the song and release it as a single. This version became that year's UK Christmas number one.

My collection: 7" single no. 1963
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 25, 1993
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Always on my mind' / 'Do I have to?'

She's a mystery to me - Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison recorded 'She's a mystery to me' in 1988 with The Edge and Bono from U2. Bono commented later: 'I stood beside him and sang with him. He didn't seem to be singing. So I thought, 'He'll sing it the next take. He's just reading the words.' And then we went in to listen to the take, and there was this voice, which was the loudest whisper I've ever heard. He had been singing it. But he hardly moved his lips. And the voice was louder than the band in its own way. I don't know how he did that. It was like sleight of hand.'

The song was released as the second single from his last album 'Mystery girl', completed just before his death. It was another hit for Orbison, peaking at number 27 in the UK singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 837
Found: May 27, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'She's a mystery to me' / 'Crying' (duet with KD Lang)

Gypsy woman - Crystal Waters

Crystal Waters was born on October 10, 1964 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the great-niece of legendary singer Ethel Waters. She broke through in 1991 with the smash hit 'Gypsy woman'. Waters has been quoted saying that the song was an accident, and she'd rather been known for 'serious' music instead of this house track.

Still, the song became a number one hit in the Netherlands, peaked at number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1854
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, January 30, 1993
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Gypsy woman' / 'Gypsy woman (Hump instrumental mix)'

Diamante - Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari

'It's better than nothing', I must have thought when I bought this single. It features an edited version of Zucchero's most accomplished song, 'Diamante'. The album version is a few minutes longer and contains lots of atmosphere which is missing from this edited version.

The single went by unnoticed in most territories, but when Zucchero broke through internationally, I heard this song and was immediately hooked. Music like this is rare and precious.

My collection: 7" single no. 1785
Found: November 7, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Diamante (edited version)' / 'Il mare impetuoso al tramonto sali sulla luna e dietro una tendina di stelle...'

Don Quixote - Nik Kershaw

Nik Kershaw didn't waste any time to move away from the squeaky clean pop he was making on his debut album. His second album 'The riddle' was full of quirky tunes, and 'Don Quixote' was an example of that.

It was still pop, but much harder to swallow for the teenage audience he'd attracted. While this single still reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in Ireland, in other countries the single failed to reach the top 20 - or even chart at all. After this, commercial success mostly eluded Nik, but artistic satisfaction must have been way bigger.

My collection: 7" single no. 2304
Found: May 27, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don Quixote' / 'Don't lie'

Over you - Roxy Music

I discovered this single while I was wallowing in selfpity after once again I was not successful in conquering a young girl's heart. It was the dreary spring of 1989, and 'Over you' instantly became one of my favourite songs. I guess I was overdramatizing a tad.

'Over you' was the first single released from Roxy Music's 1980 album 'Flesh + Blood'. It reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 865
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 2, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Over you' / 'Manifesto'

Save a prayer - Duran Duran

So this single contains the only official version of 'Save a prayer' by Duran Duran. It clocks in at 5'30 minutes, unlike an edited version that keeps popping up on compilation albums and even official Duran Duran cd's. That edited version is about 10 seconds or so shorter, and omits a few 'Save a prayer for the morning after's from the last minute of the recording. That has always irked me.

The track was taken from their second album 'Rio'. It reached number 2 in the UK singles chart in the summer of 1982. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart, but was re-released in January 1985 after the band had so much success with 'The reflex' and 'The wild boys'. On that occasion, the single reached number 19.

My collection: 7" single no 263
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Save a prayer' / 'Hold back the rain (remix)'

Broken land - The Adventures

Between 1986 and 1988, things went quiet around the Adventures. During this time, main songwriter Pat Gribben composed some songs, the band left Chrysalis Records and signed to Elektra Records.

'Broken land', released in early 1988, was promoted heavily by their new record company. The sound of the band was warmer, and included some traditional instruments such as uillean pipes. The single became the band's first significant hit, peaking at number 20 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 722
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, January 21, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Broken land' / 'Don't stand on me'

Waar ze loopt te wandelen - Henk Westbroek

Henk Westbroek started a solo career after the band Het Goede Doel folded. His first solo single was 1992's 'Waar ze loopt te wandelen' ('Wherever she's walking'), which became a hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

Subsequent singles didn't get a release on 7" vinyl anymore, as the format was on its way out in 1992. Westbroek continued to make interesting tracks, so a few cd-singles of his have actually made it into my collection as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 1651
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 9, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Waar ze loopt te wandelen' / 'Positief'

If you cared - Kim Appleby

I didn't know 'If you cared' had been released as a single until I found it a year after its release. The upside was: I found it during a record fair and the single included a German bio. Another item from DJ-land, then!

'If you cared' was remixed for the single release, making it sound a little more powerful than the album version. The single reached number 44 in the UK singles chart. This was the fourth and last single drawn from Kim Appleby's debut album and another track co-written by her by then deceased sister Mel.

My collection: 7" single no. 1598
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, March 28, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If you cared (7" remix)' / 'If you cared (Ben Chapman mix)

Dance little sister - Terence Trent d'Arby

From the sleeve of this single I can trace its travels. After it was made it ended up in the music library of Capital radio in the UK. One day, it was taken to a Music & Video Exchange in London, where it sat in the racks for some time. It was bought by a Dutch record dealer, who sold it on the Parkpop festival in Den Haag - and that's where I got it.

'Dance little sister' was the second single from Terence Trent d'Arby's debut album, released the autumn of 1987. The single peaked at number 30 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 20 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. For me, the song was an acquired taste - initially I didn't like it at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 1252
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 24, 1990
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Dance little sister' / 'Dance little sister part 2'

Only one word - Propaganda

When the single 'Only one word' was released, it was also released as a limited edition 10" single in a box set. The box set featured three colour prints and one exclusive track: the demo version of 'Only one word'. When you listen to it, it sounds a bit like a rough version of the track performed live.

I've never had a formal 10" single collection, there's only a handful in my possession. But this one is one I really like. Even if that one exclusive track doesn't really excite me...

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: Record fair, 1994
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'Only one word' / 'Only one word (demo version)', 'Open spaces'

Fire of love - Earth and fire

'Fire of love' was the first single release by Earth & Fire after their number one hit 'Weekend'. Like that song, this one was taken from the album 'Reality fills fantasy'. It has always been a track which left me wondering what could have happened after the fade out. The guitar solo is intriguing and leaves the listener wanting more.

The single was less successful, however, stalling at number 23 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 772
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 16, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Fire of love' / 'Season of the falling leaves'

This beat is Technotronic - Technotronic

I don't know exactly why it happened, but somehow I was still buying Technotronic singles when the joke was already wearing thin. The songs were all the same, the raps changed but I never liked rapping anyway. So sometimes even I can't figure out what I was thinking.

'This beat is Technotronic' was part three in the series of repetitive thumping tracks, this time showcasing the vocals of one MC Eric. The single reached number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40. It's quite amazing results for such bad music.

My collection: 7" single no. 1211
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 20, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'This beat is Technotronic' / 'This beat is Technotronic (Rap to beats)'

On the outside - Roch Voisine

Roch Voisine was born as Joseph Armand Roch Voisine in Edmundston, New Brunswick (Canada) on March 26, 1963. He aspired to be a professional ice hockey player until he was severely injured playing baseball in 1981. (Further proof that sports are unhealthy for you.)

His musical breakthrough came with his 1989 album Hélène which sold three million copies and became a major hit not only in Quebec but also in France, Belgium and Switzerland.His self-titled album from 1990 featured this single, 'On the outside'. It became a hit in the Netherlands - his only one to date - peaking at number 21.

My collection: 7" single no. 1546
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 2, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'On the outside' / 'She had a dream'

Riders on the storm - The Doors

The musical legacy of the Doors has proved to be indestructible. Their albums have been remastered, reissued and re-released countless times, and every time they attract a new, younger audience. The music and lyrics are a powerful concoction that can be consumed without any reservations - unlike the amounts of drugs lead singer and principal songwriter Jim Morrison took that ultimately killed him.

This single was released in 1990 to promote the album 'The best of the Doors', which is what the title promises: a compilation album of their biggest hits. 'Riders of the storm' was taken from the band's last album with Morrison, 'LA Woman'. Featured here is an edited version of that track.

My collection: 7" single no. 1171
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 9, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Riders on the storm [edit]' / 'The mosquito'

Bermuda triangle - Barry Manilow

In 1980, Barry Manilow released his album 'Barry', his first album not to top the US albums chart, stalling at number 15. The single 'Bermuda triangle' was taken from this album, but similarly failed to make an impact in the USA.

In the UK, the single was released a year later, and then managed to reach number 15. In Germany, it peaked at number 16.

My collection: 7" single no. 96
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Bermuda triangle' / 'Lonely together'

Showdown at big sky - Robbie Robertson

1987 was the year when the first cd player entered our house. Every disc my sister and me bought was played almost religiously, while we listened to the sound of this flawless disc. Of course, I was still very much into the 7" vinyl format, so when a great song came around that was released as a single, I bought it. It widened the scope of my musical tastes beyond radio material.

'Showdown at big sky' was one of those singles I never heard on the radio, but solely on my sister's copy of Robbie Robertson's cd 'Robbie Robertson'. A great song, which didn't chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 709
Found: 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Showdown at big sky' / 'Hell's half acre'

Big apple - Kajagoogoo

'Big apple' was the first single release by Kajagoogoo after lead singer Limahl had left the band. The remaining four members recorded this song with bassist Nick Beggs taking over vocal duties. The song features a harder, somewhat rockier sound when compared to the more 'polished' sound of their debut album.

The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. Things seemed to turn out alright for the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 738
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 9, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Big apple' / 'Monochromatic (live)'

Don't drive drunk - Stevie Wonder

'Don't drive drunk' contains all the hallmarks of dodgy Eighties production. Repetitive samples, funny sounds and, frankly, a rather sub-par sound overall. And still it's a catchy song, the kind that Stevie Wonder has a knack of.

The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'The woman in red' and released as a single in December 1984. It reached number 62 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3349
Found: Record fair, 2002
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't drive drunk' / 'Don't drive drunk (instrumental)'

Je ne sais pas pourquoi - Kylie Minogue

'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' was supposed to be released as a double A-side with 'Made in heaven', but it performed so well on its own that the plans to release it as a double A-side single were changed (Although this particular single does list it as the AA-side).

The song was released as Kylie's fourth single in the winter of 1988 and reached number 2 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3329
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' / 'Made in heaven'

If it happens again - UB40

'If it happens again' was the seventh top 10 hit in the UK for UB40. It peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart, but did even better in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song may be one of the most catchy ones in the whole UB40 catalogue. The brass section excels while the refrain is instantly recognisable. Not so the sleeve: I wanted to have this song fo a few years until finally one day I turned over the sleeve (the title of the song is listed on the back only) and finally realised that this was it.

My collection: 7" single no. 952
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 18, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If it happens again' / 'Nkomo a gogo'

Love hurts - Nazareth

'Love hurts' was written by Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant and first recorded by the Everly Brothers in July 1960. The song was covered by Roy Orbison in 1961 and issued as the B-side of his single 'Running scared'.

Nazareth recorded their version of 'Love hurts' in 1974. They changed one line in the lyric, from 'Love is like a stove / It burns you when it's hot' to 'Love is like a flame / It burns you when it's hot'. Their version reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in Canada, Norway and the Netherlands. It remains the best-known recording of the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 881
Found: June 16, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love hurts' / 'Down'

Save the best for last - Vanessa Williams

'Save the best for last' was written by Phil Galdston, Wendy Waldman and Jon Lind. It was recorded by Vanessa Williams on her 1992 album 'The comfort zone'. The song is about a person who stands by and watches as the object of her desires dates all of these different women, and then he finally decides to consummate a relationship with the singer.

This single became the biggest hit of Williams' career, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks, peaking at number 3 in the UK singles chart as well as the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1618
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 4, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Save the best for last' / '2 of a kind'

Train - Red Box

I was very familiar with Red Box's debut album 'The circle and the square' and its singles by the time I saw this single in a shop somewhere in London. I didn't now about this single, I'd never heard of it, so my curiosity kicked in and I bought it.

I was so glad I did - this track was in many ways quirkier and more original than the earlier singles - and those were pretty inventive anyway. 'Train' was the only single from Red Box's second album 'Motive'. It took me another 13 years to find that one on cd.

My collection: 7" single no. 2026
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Train' / 'Hello, he lied'

Don't tell me lies - Breathe

'Don't tell me lies' was originally Breathe's debut single, released in 1986. Although it reached number 77 in the UK singles chart, the band took some time to come up with better material, finally returning in 1988 with the top 5 hit 'Hands to heaven'.

After 'How can I fall' was also a chart hit, 'Don't tell me lies' was re-released. The single reached number 45 this time around.

My collection: 7" single no. 784
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 25, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't tell me lies' / 'Monday morning blues'

Dark is the night - Shakatak

Shakatak are famous for their lightweight, coffee table music. 'Dark is the night' is a perfect example of this: there is a chorus, sung by a female singer, but there are no verses. Instead, instrumental passages should do it for the listener.

Released in May 1983, this single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 21 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2689
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, July 3, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Dark is the night' / 'I lose myself'