Lazy Bums - Lazy Bums

The comedic duo Datner & Kushnir performed 'Shir habatlanim' (English translation: 'The Bums' song') at the 1987 Eurovision Song Contest, representing Israel. The act consisted of two comedians, Nathan Datner and Avi Kushnir, dressed in black suits and ties in the style of the Blues Brothers. The lyrics describe the daily routine of an idle loafer, evidently unemployed, who wakes up in the morning at 10 am, drinks coffee and smokes and directing his dog to do the grocery errands. As happened more often in Israel, the entry was very controversial, prompting the Israeli Minister of Culture to threaten his resignation.

The song finished 8th in the Contest, and was subsequently released as a single in the Netherlands under the name 'Lazy Bums'. The single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4153
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Lazy Bums' / 'Bumper's song'

I put a spell on you - Creedence Clearwater Revival

On her latest album, Lily Allen states that Creedence Clearwater Revival may very well be God's favourite band. When you listen to their best known track, 'I put a spell on you', you can just imagine Him playing airguitar.

'I put a spell on you' was actually a cover of a 1956 song written by Screamin' Jay Hawkins. The Creedence version reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 539
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 1987
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I put a spell on you' / 'Molina', 'Fortunate son'

Message in a bottle - The Police

'Message in a bottle' was released as a single from the Police's second album 'Reggatta de Blanc'. The single was The Police's first number 1 hit in the UK singles chart, peaking at number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 and only reaching number 74 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Police frontman Sting has stated later that this is his favourite song.

The Police reformed at Live Earth, a 2007 charity concert to raise awareness of global warming and other environmental hazards and performed 'Message in a bottle' as the US finale. Unfortunately Kanye West was mumbling through this track as well at the time. This 7" single was pressed on green vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3261
Found: Record Exchange, London, 2002
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Message in a bottle' / 'Landlord'

The promise - Arcadia

After their first hit 'Election day', things quickly went downhill for Arcadia. The single 'Goodbye is forever' was only released in the US, while in Europe the follow-up was 'The promise', a track featuring Sting on backing vocals.

'The promise' reached number 37 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in Ireland, but failed to chart anywhere else. In fact, I only found out about the release years after it happened...

My collection: 7" single no. 2265
Found: Record fair, April 8, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The promise' / 'Rose arcana'

Don't turn me away - 10CC

The eighth studio album by 10CC was 'Ten out of 10', released in 1981. It failed to chart in the USA and UK. The album marked the first involvement with the band by American singer-songwriter Andrew Gold. The American record company wanted more of an American flavour to the album.

In the UK, the record company was less enthusiastic about this change. They replaced all three of Andrew Gold's contributions, as well as a Gouldman-penned track, with four tracks by Gouldman and Stewart. The second single taken from the album was 'Don't turn me away', written by Eric Stewart. I always thought it was an excellent song, however this single too failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 594
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 16, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't turn me away' / 'Tomorrow's world today'

Tingalingaling - Luv'

On March 5, 1981, Luv' disbanded. The replacement of Patty Brard by Ria Tielsch did not bring them the amount of success they hoped for, and there are also personal reasons to quit. However, that summer the trio reforms for a one off performance in the amusement park the Efteling for an event sponsored by the music weekly Hitkrant. Press and fans are enthusiastic, and so their record company decides to release one more single from Luv's last album, 'Forever yours'.

'Tingalingaling' is released in July 1981 and reahces number 29 in the Dutch Top 40. Luv' perform the song in the popular tv programme 'Nederland Muziekland', which also is their official goodbye.

My collection: 7" single no. 4185
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Tingalingaling' / 'Billy the kid'

Rapture '88 - Blondie

In 1988, Blondie's record company released 'Once more into the bleach', an album of remixes of Blondie hits. It also contained material from Deborah Harry's solo career and was released as 'Debbie Harry and Blondie'.

Three singles were released from the album, and 'Rapture '88' was one of them. The track was remixed by Teddy Riley and brought forward Debbie Harry's voice into the mix. This single was only released in Europe, as in America and the UK the B-side, a remix of 'Denis' was preferred. That remix reached number 50 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4193
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rapture '88 (Teddy Riley remix)' / 'Denis (Dancin' Danny D remix)

All I want is you - U2

'All I want is you' is a track on U2's 1988 album 'Rattle and hum'. Although I really didn't like that album, this was the one standout track from that album and I was glad to see the single release - although the 7" single contains a rather ugly edit of the track.

The single reached number 83 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40 upon its original release in June 1989.

My collection: 7" single no. 893
Found: June 17, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'All I want is you (edit)' / 'Unchained melody'

Seven years in Tibet - David Bowie

'Seven years in Tibet' is one of the tracks on David Bowie's stunning 1997 album 'Earthling'. It was released as the fourth single from the album. The single included a Mandarin version of the song. The title of this translation translates back into English as 'A fleeting moment'.

The single reached number 61 in the UK singles chart during its one week chart run. The limited edition 7" single release was pressed on clear vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 2928
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 3, 1998
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Seven years in Tibet (edit)' / 'Seven years in Tibet (Mandarin version)'

Congratulations - Cliff Richard

'Congratulations' was written by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter as the UK entry for the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest. The song was performed by Cliff Richard. The song was immediately popular in the UK and became a number 1 hit both in the UK and the Netherlands. On the day of the Contest, the British press were posing the question: 'What will come 2nd to 'Congratulations'?'.

Of course, Cliff Richard did not win, but came second to Spain's entry, the infamous 'La la la' performed by Massiel. In 2008, documentary film-maker Montse Fernandez Vila claimed that the loss was the result of rigging of the Spanish vote by state television on behalf of General Franco's fascist regime.

My collection: 7" single no. 4152
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Congratulations' / 'High 'n' dry'

Never tear us apart - INXS

'Never tear us apart' was the third single taken from INXS's sixth studio album 'Kick'. It was composed by Andrew Farriss, with lyrics by Michael Hutchence. The song was originally composed on piano as a blues number in the style of Fats Domino. Kirk Pengilly played a striking saxophone solo near the end of the song.

When the single was released, it reached number 24 in the UK, number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 745
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Never tear us apart' / 'Guns in the sky (Kick ass remix)'

Into temptation - Crowded House

'Into temptation' was released as the third single from Crowded House's second album 'Temple of low men'. The track was edited for the single, which I felt was a shame because it had such a beautiful outro.

The single did not chart in the UK, but reached number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 792
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, April 15, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Into temptation' / 'Mansion in the slums'

The answer - Garland Jeffreys

Garland Jeffreys released 'The answer' as the second single from his 1992 album 'Don't call me Buckwheat' in December 1991. It sounded more electronic than any of his previous efforts, and almost sounded like a pop song.

Unfortunately the single didn't match the success that 'Hail hail Rock 'n' Roll' enjoyed, as it didn't chart in Europe. The accompanying music video was shown regularly on television, which is how I got to know this song.

My collection: 7" single no. 2214
Found: Record fair, November 14, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'The answer' / 'Murder jubilee'

Soul kiss - Olivia Newton-John

Although Olivia Newton-John's 1985 album 'Soul kiss' was only a moderate success in Europe, it did achieve gold status in America and Australia. When the album was released, Olivia was pregnant and thus unable to promote the album as much as would have been expected.

Some critics argued that the sexual overtones of the album were the real problem. The title track was released as a single and featured some uncharacteristic heavy breathing. The single did not chart in the UK and only reached number 36 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2208
Found: Record fair, October 22, 1994
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Soul kiss' / 'Electric'

Listen to your heart - Roxette

According to Per Gessle, 'Listen to your heart' was conceived as 'The Big Bad Ballad. This is us trying to recreate that overblown American FM-rock sound to the point where it almost becomes absurd. We really wanted to see how far we could take it.'

They took it very far, all the way to number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart to be exact. When released in the UK in October 1989 it only reached number 62, but a re-release took it to number 6. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 1072
Found: HMV, London, October 19, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Listen to your heart' / '(I could never) give you up'

19 (The final story) - Paul Hardcastle

'19 (The Final Story)' was the second 12" single to be released by Paul Hardcastle as a result of the success of his single '19'. The new remix features new spoken material and samples, as well as a totally different sleeve.

It's uncanny how catchy this collection of soundfiles about the Vietnam war is still after two decades. It's also strange how such a serious subject becomes danceable.

My collection: 12" single no. 521
Found: Record fair, 2000
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: '19 (The Final Story)' / 'King Tut (US remix)', 'Fly by night'

Can you forgive her? - Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys followed up the two singles from their compilation album 'Discography' with the dramatic and impressive single 'Can you forgive her?'. It was a remarkable comeback for the duo, complete with a rather ridiculous space age image and a computer animated music video.

The lyrics describe a young man's humiliation when his girlfriend accuses him of having gay tendencies – even though he does in fact have them. The title of the song is taken from the Anthony Trollope novel of the same name. 'Can you forgive her?' reached number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1919
Found: Record fair, June 5, 1993
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Can you forgive her?' / 'Hey headmaster'

Bopper en larmes - Laurent Voulzy

'Bopper en larmes' is a rather straightforward pop song, not one of the things Laurent Voulzy specialized in during the Eighties, when he was predominantly releasing ballads and well thought out album tracks.

Still, it was a hit for Voulzy in France, where he has always had a big fan following. Outside of France, he remained virtually unknown.

My collection: 7" single no. 4199
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Bopper en larmes' / 'L'Océane'

My number one - Luv'

After Patty Brard left Luv', it seemed like the girl group had reached the end of their tether. But this wasn't necessarily true: with a new girl, Ria Tielsch, they record their fourth studio album 'Forever yours'. The first single, released in advance of the album, is 'My number one'.

This single is their last top 10 hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 5.

My collection: 7" single no. 4184
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'My number one' / 'The show must go on'

One more time - Fay Lovsky

Another single from Fay Lovsky's 1983 album 'Origami', 'One more time' is a ballad with a very intimate instrumentation. It's another single by Lovsky that didn't make the Dutch charts, although it was heavily promoted at the time as the follow-up to 'Ramon'.

I found this single together with three other Fay Lovsky releases in Belgium, which is quite extraordinary since they are so hard to find in Lovsky's native Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4178
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'One more time' / 'Sugar me Sam'

Hero takes a fall (remix) - The Bangles

'Hero takes a fall' is a single from the Bangles' debut album 'All over the place'. The song was written by Susanna Hoffs and Vicki Peterson from the band.

The single did not chart, but it did give the band some exposure. So much so, that they performed as an opening act for Cyndi Lauper and Huey Lewis and the News in 1984. It also won the attention of Prince, who would write their first hit: 'Manic Monday'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4197
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Hero takes a fall (remix)' / 'Tell me'

When will I be famous? - Bros

'When will I be famous?' was the second single by Bros, released in November 1987. The single became a huge success, launching Bros as the new boyband hype of the Eighties. The song reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

I remember the most ridiculous claims surrounded this single: some parts would have been sung by Michael Jackson, whereas frontman Matt Goss was made out to be a female by some. It all helped to give them exposure, I guess...

My collection: 7" single no. 4195
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'When will I be famous?' / 'Love to hate you'

War child - Blondie

'War child' was a song on Blondie's sixth studio album 'The hunter'. It was written by Debbie Harry and Nigel Harrison. It was released as a single in various countries, but not in the band's native USA. It was the second and final single from the album, and the last Blondie single (except re-releases and remixes) for some 17 years, when the band reformed and released 'Maria' in 1999.

The single was the lowest charting Blondie single to date in the UK, peaking at number 39.

My collection: 7" single no. 4192
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'War child' / 'Little Caesar'

Love enough for two - Prima Donna

Prima Donna represented the United Kingdom during the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest. The group consisted of sisters Kate and Jane Robbins, Sally Ann Triplett, Danny Finn, Alan Coates and Lance Aston (brother of Jay Aston, who became a member of Bucks Fizz the next year).

They performed the song 'Love enough for two', which finished in third place during the Contest.
It was the first UK entry since 1964 not to make the UK singles chart prior to the Eurovision final, only debuting in chart the week after the contest, peaking at number 48.

My collection: 7" single no. 4189
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love enough for two' / 'Missing out on love'

I didn't know - Ph.D.

'I didn't know' is the first single from Ph.D.'s second album 'Is it safe?', released in 1983. The single did not chart in the UK, but reportedly it did have some success in certain European countries.

Jim Diamond and Tony Hymas have recently reformed and released their third album 'Three' earlier this year.

My collection: 7" single no. 4188
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I didn't know' / 'Theme for Jenny'

Never let her slip away - Andrew Gold

I rediscovered 'Never let her slip away' by Andrew Gold a couple of years ago when I bought a compilation cd with hits from 1978. I loved the single when it came out (even though I was very young at the time) but forgot about it somewhere in the Eighties. When I heard it again, the memory came flooding back.

It's only this weekend that I realised I didn't actually have the single. That error has been corrected now. 'Never let her slip away' reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4171
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Never let her slip away' / 'Genevieve'

Louise (we get it right) - Jona Lewie

Jona Lewie had one of his biggest successes with 'Louise (We get it right)'. Although the single was ignored in Europe and the UK, it reached number 2 in Australia.

I didn't know this track when I bought the single. Since I like most of the Jona Lewie singles I have, this one couldn't go wrong I thought. And fortunately, I was right.

My collection: 7" single no. 4167
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Louise (We get it right)' / 'It never will go wrong'

Genetic engineering - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'Genetic engineering' was released as the first single from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's fourth studio album 'Dazzle ships'. The album was co-produced with Rhett Davies, who was best known for his work on lusher-sounding albums by Roxy Music.

The single reached number 20 in the UK singles chart, making it the biggest hit from the album - although it did not chart in other countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 4165
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Genetic engineering' / '4 Neu'

More more more - Bananarama

'More more more' was originally recorded in Jamaica by the porn star Andrea True, who performed under the name Andrea True Connection. The song became a worldwide disco hit.

Bananarama covered the song on their 1993 album 'Please yourself'. Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Stock and Waterman added a second verse to their version of the song which was not present on Andrea True's original. When it was released as a single, it was remixed. It peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart. It was their last single to be released by London Records, their label since 1983. The duo would not release another single in the UK until 'Move in my direction' in 2005.

My collection: 7" single no. 4161
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'More, more, more' / 'Give it all up for love'

Say it - ABC

'Say it' was the second single release from ABC's 1992 album 'Abracadabra'. The track was remixed by the people behind the house group Black Box.

The single reached number 42 in the UK singles chart, but remained virtually unknown in the rest of the world.

My collection: 7" single no. 4159
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Say it (Abracadabra mix)' / 'Say it (Black box mix - edit)'

Theme from Mahogany - Diana Ross

'Theme from Mahogany (Do you know where you're going to)' was written by Michael Masser and Gerald Goffin, and originally recorded in 1973 by Thelma Houston. Diana Ross recorded her version for the soundtrack of the 1975 Motown/Paramount movie Mahogany. Recorded with a full orchestral accompaniment, the track became one of the most recognizable elements of the movie.

The single was a number 1 hit in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 5 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4156
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Theme from Mahogany (Do you know where you're going to)' / 'No one's gonna be a fool forever'

How do you do - Mouth and Macneal

Exactly a year ago, this blog started with what I consider to be my very first single. A year later, I have posted more than 3000 entries, and I'm three quarters through my collection. Looks like early next year, all I'll need to do is post my new acquisitions.

Anyway, to celebrate the one year anniversary of this blog, here's another single by Mouth & Macneal. Since 'Hello-ah' was the duo's second number 1 hit in the Netherlands, I thought it would be appropriate to post their first here. I bought 'How do you do' in 1981, ten years after its release.

My collection: 7" single no. 98

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'How do you do' / 'Land of milk and honey'

My song of you - Laurent Voulzy

Laurent Voulzy recorded the song 'Les nuits sans Kim Wilde' in 1985, a tribute to the English singer and a remarkable pop song. I bought the compilation album 'Carib islander' a decade later and found out that Voulzy actually made several remarkable pop songs - and some lovely chansons as well.

'My song of you' is one of those chansons. Despite the English title, the song is almost entirely in French and showcases the amazing talent of Voulzy to write and perform a very melodic song seemingly without effort.

My collection: 7" single no. 4200
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'My song of you' / 'My song of you (version acoustique)'

Smalltown boy (1991 remix) - Bronski Beat

When the record company released a compilation album of Jimmy Somerville's work with Bronski Beat and the Communards in 1991, they also decided to release a single to promote the collection. Bronski Beat's debut single 'Smalltown boy' was remixed by Stephen Hague and released in January 1991.

The single did not chart in Europe, but did manage to reach number 32 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4196
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Smalltown boy (1991 remix)' (Bronski Beat) / 'There's more to love than boy meets girl' (Communards)

Keep each other warm - Bucks Fizz

'Keep each other warm' was released as the fifth and final single from the 1986 Bucks Fizz album 'Writing on the wall'. Despite positive reviews from the music press, the single didn't reach the UK top 40, stalling at number 45.

The B-side was 'Give a little love', which went on to become more famous as a top 20 hit by Aswad two years later. 'Keep each other warm' was later covered by Barry Manilow in 1989.

My collection: 7" single no. 4194
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Keep each other warm' / 'Give a little love'

(I'm always touched by your) Presence dear - Blondie

'(I'm always touched by your) Presence dear' was written by Gary Valentine, for his then girlfriend, before he left Blondie. The song was included on their album 'Plastic letters', and subsequently released as the second single off the album.

The single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40, but it was not released as a single in the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 4191
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: '(I'm always touched by your) Presence dear' / 'Poets problem', 'Detroit 442'

I wish you love - Princess

Those who are familiar with Princess's biggest hits will be very surprised upon hearing this single. I know I was. I bought this single because I quite like her dance songs, but this nostalgic track is very different - but I do like it a lot. It turns out that Princess does actually have a better voice than I always assumed...

'I wish you love' was taken from her 1987 album 'All for love'. It didn't chart, however. It was probably too different for the general public.

My collection: 7" single no. 4190
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I wish you love' / 'Risky business'

Happy station (Scratch version) - Fun Fun

Fun Fun are the Italian singers Francesca Merola and Roberta Servelli. They made themselves famous with their early Eighties blend of dance music and simple pop songs.

Their first hit single was 1983's 'Happy station', which was remixed in a so-called 'scratch version' to appeal to the youth market at the time. The single reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 11 in Germany.

My collection: 7" single no. 4187
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Happy station (Scratch version)' / 'Happy station (instrumental version)'

Starlight dancer - Kayak

Kayak singles have become hard to get, and even if they do pop up, it's usually the same titles. That's why I was quite excited to find this mint copy of 'Starlight dancer' - in Belgium, of all places.

'Starlight dancer' was the title track of Kayak's fifth studio album, released in 1977. The single was the biggest hit from the album, peaking at number 17 in the Dutch Top 40 and even brushing the lower regions of the American singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4180
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Starlight dancer' / 'Irene'

Rich - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

'Rich' is a single taken from Lloyd Cole & the Commotions' second album 'Easy pieces', released in 1985. The B-side of this single is taken from their debut album 'Rattlesnakes'. For me, the reason for buying this single was the B-side, but I'm glad to say that the A-side is actually very good too.

The information I have suggests that this single was actually only released in Europe. A DJ 12" from the UK exists, but I have not heard about any commercial copies. Which makes this single a bit of a rarity.

My collection: 7" single no. 4176
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rich' / 'Down on Mission street'

Breaking away - Jaki Graham

'Breaking away' is the title track from Jaki Graham's second album, released in 1986. The album reached number 25 in the UK albums chart.

When the song was released as the second single from the album, it performed rather well in the charts. In the UK, 'Breaking away' peaked at number 16, and in the Dutch Top 40 it reached number 22.

My collection: 7" single no. 4175
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Breaking away' / 'Love me tonight'

Living in sin - Rupert Hine

Attentive listeners will recognise the voice of Robert Palmer on backing vocals on this single. 'Living in sin' was released as a single from Rupert Hine's 1983 album 'The wildest wish to fly'. Although very successful as a producer, none of his single releases have actually charted.

The B-side, 'An eagle's teaching', is an exclusive track that as far as I know hasn't even made it to cd yet, despite several cd reissues.

My collection: 7" single no. 4174
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Living in sin' / 'An eagle's teaching'

Cars and girls - Prefab Sprout

'Cars and girls' was the first single taken from Prefab Sprout's 1988 album 'From Langley Park to Memphis'. The song is a response to Bruce Springsteen's perceived lyrical style and alleged narrow song repertoire. McAloon suggests that Springsteen's worldview is too restricted and that 'some things hurt more, much more, than cars and girls'.

The single reached number 44 in the UK singles chart. It is one of their best known songs despite this comparatively low chart placing.

My collection: 7" single no. 4173
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Cars and girls' / 'Vendetta'

Hitpack - Luv'

Although Luv' had their biggest successes in the late Seventies and early Eighties, someone thought it would be a good idea to release a Megamix of their biggest hits in 1989. The 'Hitpack', as it was called, was mixed by Peter Slaghuis, a moderately wellknown Dutch DJ around that time, and he put together the Luv' singles 'Casanova', 'U.O. me', 'You're the greatest lover' and 'Trojan horse'. The nonsensical B-side finished the job.

Obviously, the single did not chart. Luv' were a thing of the past, and megamixes are rarely a commercial success anyway.

My collection: 7" single no. 4186
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Hitpack' / 'Luv' stuff'

We belong to the night - Ellen Foley

Releasing the bombastic single 'We belong to the night' in the slipstream of the success of 'Paradise by the dashboard light', the famous Meatloaf track on which Ellen Foley performed the female lead vocals, was a smart move from the record company.

It was also rewarded: 'We belong to the night' became a number 1 hit in the Netherlands for Ellen Foley in the autumn of 1979. Amazingly, the single did not chart in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 4182
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'We belong to the night' / 'Young lust'

Ramon - Fay Lovsky

Taken from Fay Lovsky's 1983 album 'Origami', the track 'Ramon' was remixed for the single release. It was one of many Fay Lovsky singles that didn't reach the Dutch Top 40.

I've seen this single numerous times over the years, but it is only now that I've decided to collect all of her singles that I finally got around to buying this one. I didn't know the track so well, but I'm glad to say this is one of her better singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 4177
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Ramon (special dance mix)' / 'Window across the street'

Lonely boy - Andrew Gold

Andrew Maurice Gold was born in Burbank, California on August 2, 1951. He recorded 'Lonely boy' in 1976 for his album 'What's wrong with this picture?' . The song features backing vocals by Linda Ronstadt. The lyric of the song follows the life of a child who is neglected by his parents after the birth of a younger sister. Many assume this song to be autobiographical, but Gold has denied this.

When released as a single in 1977, it reached number 7 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 11 in the UK singles chart and number 31 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4170
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Lonely boy' / 'Must be crazy'

The friends of Mr. Cairo - Jon and Vangelis

'The friends of Mr. Cairo' is the title track of Jon & Vangelis' second album, released in 1981. On the album, the track lasts 12 minutes, but is edited down to a little more than 4 minutes for this single release. It is still a rather confusing track, which didn't have any commercial appeal.

The song is an ode to classic Hollywood films of the Thirties and Fourties. Most notable references are to the classic film noir 'The Maltese falcon'. The track incorporates sound effects and voice impressions of the stars of the era, most notably Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre.

My collection: 7" single no. 4168
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The friends of Mr. Cairo' / 'Beside'

Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic - Jona Lewie

Jona Lewie is best known for his wry lyrics in the songs he's recorded. This is why 'Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic' is a remarkable single in his catalogue: it is an almost entirely instrumental track. It does feature a guitar part, performed by Juan Martin.

Instrumental tracks are rarely commercially successful, and this one is no exception: the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4166
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic' / 'I'll be here'