Sparvöga - Marie Fredriksson

'Sparvöga' is a 1989 single by Swedish artist Marie Fredriksson. It was written for the Swedish TV series 'Sparvöga', based on Ann-Charlotte Alverfors's book of the same name. The word literally means 'sparrow-eye', but it could be translated to the English word 'hawkeye', as it describes particularly sharp human eyes.

When the single was released in March 1989, it peaked at number 6 in the Swedish singles chart. It was Fredriksson's biggest hit until 2008's 'Där du andas'. 'Sparvöga' was added as a bonus track on the re-release of Marie Fredriksson's 1992 album 'Den ständiga resan' and quickly became one of my favourite tracks by her. Finding this single was a great surprise.

My collection: 7" single no. 4216
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 6 euro
Tracks: 'Sparvöga' / 'Sparvöga (instrumental version)'

You can call me Al - Paul Simon

Paul Simon's legendary album 'Graceland' was brought to prominence partly because of the first single taken from the album, 'You can call me Al'. The names in the song came from an incident at a party that Simon went to with his then-wife Peggy Harper. The host of the party mistakenly called Paul 'Al', and Peggy 'Betty', inspiring Simon to write a song.

The song was made famous by the music video, featuring Chevy Chase, who lipsynchs Paul Simon's vocal, leaving Simon to do nothing much but look bored and dragging instruments on screen. The single reached number 23 in the US, number 4 in the UK, number 2 in the Netherlands and number 1 in Australia.

My collection: 7" single no. 4215
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'You can call me Al' / 'Gumboots'

Runaway - Janet Jackson

Written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, 'Runaway' was one of two previously unreleased songs on Janet Jackson's 1995 compilation album 'Design of a decade 1986-1996'. It was released as the first single from that album, and much to my surprise, it was also released on 7" vinyl - albeit only in the USA. I found this copy 14 years after its release.

'Runaway' reached number 1 in Canada, number 6 in the UK and number 32 in the Dutch Top 40. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single reached number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 4213
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Runaway' / 'When I think of you (Morales House mix '95)'

Dschinghis Khan - Dschinghis Khan

Germany thought it was a good idea to send in a song about a cruel warrior when the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest was organised in Jerusalem. Obviously, this spelled controversy, but the band Dschinghis Khan with the song of the same name still got away with it.

The song was written by Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger, in praise of the Mongol warrior, describing his military and sexual escapades. The song finished fourth during the Contest and also became a hit in German speaking countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 4211
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Dschinghis Khan' / 'Sahara'

Come live with me - Heaven 17

After the big hit 'Temptation' (which reached the charts all over Europe), Heaven 17 followed through with the wordy ballad 'Come live with me'. The single was a major success in the UK, where it peaked at number 5, but elsewhere it failed to appeal to the general public.

Personally, I only got to like the song when I saw it performed live by Heaven 17 during the Here & Now Tour of 2002. I'm quite happy to have found a UK pressing of this single now.

My collection: 7" single no. 4212
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Come live with me' / 'Let's all make a bomb (new version)'

Giving up on love - Rick Astley

'Giving up on love' was an US only single release, which came out just prior to Astley's tour in America. The track was taken from his second album 'Hold me in your arms' and remixed by Phil Harding and Ian Curnow to give it an even poppier sound.

The single reached number 38 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4210
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Giving up on love (7" pop version)' / 'I'll be fine'

Walk like an Egyptian - The Bangles

I was a bit surprised to find this 7" single, as it is different from the 'normal' release of 'Walk like an Egyptian', which features the track 'Angels don't fall in love' on the B-side. This UK pressing features a remix of the A-side, which as far as I know has not been released on any other format since then.

The single was written by Liam Sternberg. It was originally offered to Toni Basil, who turned the track down. David Kahne, who was producing the Bangles' album 'Different light', took the song to them, and they agreed to record it. Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson and Michael Steele all sing lead vocals on a verse. 'Walk like an Egyptian' went on to become a number 1 hit in the USA, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4214
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Walk like an Egyptian' / 'Walk like an Egyptian (Ozymandias 7" remix)'

We love you - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'We love you' was released as the second single from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1986 album 'The pacific age'.

Although the first single 'Forever live and die' had been a reasonable worldwide success, this single only managed to reach number 54 in the UK singles chart, while flopping in all other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 4209
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'We love you' / 'We love you (dub)'

Wait - Wang Chung

After the third single from Wang Chung's second album 'Points on the curve', 'Dance hall days' had become a big hit, the record company decided to release a fourth single. It was a remixed version of 'Wait', another track on the album. The single managed to reach number 87 in the UK singles chart, but that was about it.

This double single features a second disc with a new track, 'Hard times' and a live version of 'Dance hall days'. However, I seem to have gotten a mispressing: disc 2 features the same tracks as disc 1, although the labels indicate otherwise.

My collection: 7" single no. 4208
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Wait' / 'Dance hall days (part 2)' // 'Hard times' [= 'Wait'] / 'Dance hall days (live)' [= 'Dance hall days (part 2)']

Cinema - Paola

A few months ago on this blog, I wrote about Paola's 1980 Eurovision Song Contest entry, 'Cinema'. Little did I know then, that there was also a German version of this song, which was released in German speaking countries that year. This single features both the original French version and the German translation.

The song finished fourth in the Contest, one of Switzerland's better performances. While widely released in Europe, the song was only a hit in Switzerland.

My collection: 7" single no. 4207
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Cinema (Deutsche originalversion)' / 'Cinema (Französische originalversion)'

Don't look back - The Korgis

In 1982, the Korgis turned to legendary producer Trevor Horn for their single 'Don't look back'. It remains one of the most monumental ballads in their catalogue, with grand instrumentation and a great mournful lyric.

It's a mystery to me why this single didn't meet any commercial success. When everything Horn touches turns into gold, this one remains one of the hidden gems of his body of work.

My collection: 7" single no. 740
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 9, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't look back' / 'Xenophobia'

Vision of love - Mariah Carey

I truly believe the world would be a better place if Mariah Carey hadn't been discovered. But that's now, after 20 years of her vocal diarrhoea. Back in 1990, she was a fairly innocent girl, singing middle of the road ballads like 'Vision of love'. Even in this early recording, you can hear that she actually cannot hold a not, but prefers to sing 'around' it. It's a style that has since been adopted by many female singers, most recently Leona Lewis who really should shut up.

Anyway, this debut single was innocent enough, I even quite liked it back in the day. And I wasn't alone: it reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100, Canada and New Zealand. In the UK, it reached number 9 and in the Dutch Top 40 it got to number 8.

My collection: 7" single no. 1304
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 15, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Vision of love' / 'Sent from up above'

Jericho - Simply Red

'Jericho' was the fourth single release from Simply Red's debut album 'Picture book'. It didn't change much about the troubled chart history of the band up to that point. Although their debut single 'Money's too tight (to mention)' hit number 13 in the UK singles chart, subsequent singles didn't reach the top 40 anymore. This single, too, stalled at number 53.

Things were different in the Netherlands: their third single 'Holding back the years' had reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40, and 'Jericho' got to number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 410
Found: V&D, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Jericho' / 'Jericho the musical'

All together now - The Farm

'All together now' was recorded by the Liverpudlian pop band The Farm on their album 'Spartacus' in 1990. Lyrically, the song was inspired by the Christmas Day Truce during World War I in 1914, when soldiers from both sides put their weapons down and met in no-mans-land to exchange gifts and play football. The song was produced by Suggs from Madness.

Originally released in November 1990, the single peaked at number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1376
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 26, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'All together now' / 'All together now (Terry Farley / Peter Heller mix)'

Sea of heartbreak - Marty Wilde

When his daughter Kim made it big in 1981, partially thanks to his own songwriting, Marty Wilde decided to try and record another disc himself, too. This single was one of the results. Released on the small Kaleidoscope label, it featured a modern-sounding (for that time) production.

'Sea of heartbreak' was originally a hit single for Don Gibson in 1961. Personally I prefer the B-side, which was written by Marty and his son Ricky - the same duo that wrote Kim's first three albums. This single was not a success for Marty.

My collection: 7" single no. 1872
Found: Record fair, March 27, 1993
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Sea of heartbreak' / 'Don't wanna be the one'

Loverboy - Billy Ocean

I remember a very strange music video for Billy Ocean's 'Loverboy', which was played rather often on television in 1985. These days, it simply does not appear anymore, except of course on YouTube.

The single was a good success for Billy Ocean, peaking at number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1842
Found: January 23, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Loverboy' / 'Loverboy (dub mix)'

I feel possessed - Crowded House

'I feel possessed' was written by Neil Finn and included on Crowded House's album 'Temple of low man'. It was released as the final single from the album. The B-side was a live version of 'Mr. Tambourine man', a song originally performed by the Byrds and performed together with Roger McGuinn from the Byrds.

The single did not chart in most territories, although it was released worldwide.

My collection: 7" single no. 950
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 5, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I feel possessed' / 'Mr. Tambourine man (live)'

Jesus to a child - George Michael

'Jesus to a child' was the first single release from George Michael's 1996 album 'Older'. The song was a melancholy tribute to Michael's Brazilian friend and lover Anselmo Feleppa, whom he met when performing in Rio de Janeiro in 1991. Feleppa died two years later from an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage. Michael had been unable to write for the next 18 months as a consequence of his grief, but then penned the words to 'Jesus to a child' in little more than an hour, indicating that the time was right to move on with his life. Michael consistently dedicates the song to Feleppa before performing it live.

The single reached number 1 in the UK and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. As far as I know, this American pressing of the 7", without a picture sleeve, was the only 7" single release of 'Jesus to a child'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3993
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: $4
Tracks: 'Jesus to a child' / 'One more try'

Breakfast - The Associates

'Breakfast' was a single taken from the Associates' 1985 album 'Perhaps'. The album cost £250,000 and four years to make, partly because the master tapes disappeared halfway through the process (allegedly they were hidden by frontman Billy MacKenzie because he was dissatisfied with them). In the end, the album only sold 40,000 copies, putting MacKenzie in significant debt with his record company.

Meanwhile, 'Breakfast' was the standout track from the album, released as a single in early 1985. It reached number 49 in the UK singles chart. And yes, I own the 12" single as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 258
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Breakfast' / 'Breakfast alone'

You're a lady - Peter Skellern

Peter Skellern was born on March 14, 1947 in Bury, Lancashire. He studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and then joined pop groups like Harlem and March Hare.

He scored his first solo hit in 1972 with 'You're a lady'. The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 50 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1187
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 3, 1990
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'You're a lady' / 'Manifesto'

I don't want your love - Duran Duran

Duran Duran released 'I don't want your love' as the first single from their 1988 album 'Big thing'. The single version was a remix by Shep Pettibone.

The single peaked at number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40. It did much better in Italy, where the single spent six weeks at number 1, and in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where the single peaked at number 4.

My collection: 7" single no. 1565
Found: All that music, Leiden, January 2, 1992
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'I don't want your love' / 'I don't want your love (album version)'

Under pressure - Queen and David Bowie

David Bowie originally came to the studio with Queen to sing backing vocals on a track called 'Cool cat'. He wasn't satisfied with the backing vocals he did, but did want to collaborate with the band on a different song. Queen had been working on a song under the title 'Feel like', but were not yet satisfied with the result. The band had a jam session together with Bowie, from which 'Under pressure' evolved.

When the single was released, it was a number 1 hit in the Netherlands and the UK. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single reached number 29.

My collection: 7" single no. 3225
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Under pressure' / 'Soul brother'

Born to be wild - Steppenwolf

'Born to be wild' was written by Mars Bonfire. Although initially offered to other bands, the track was first recorded in 1968 by Steppenwolf. It was their second and most successful single, reaching number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 30 in the UK singles chart and number 32 in the Dutch Top 40.

In 1973, the single was re-released in the Netherlands. On this occasion, it reached number 16 in the Dutch Top 40. Even later still, in 1999, the single saw a successful re-release in the UK, peaking at number 18.

My collection: 7" single no. 2553
Found: Record fair, November 19, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Born to be wild' / 'Magic carpet ride'

Why can't I be you? - The Cure

'Why can't I be you?' was the first single release from the Cure's 1987 album 'Kiss me kiss me kiss me'. It was the first Cure single to also be released on the then new cd-single format.

The single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart and number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2495
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Why can't I be you?' / 'A Japanese dream'

Golden days - Bucks Fizz

'Golden days' was written by Terry Britten and Sue Shifrin and originally recorded by Cliff Richard as 'The golden days are over' on his 1983 album 'Silver'. Bucks Fizz recorded their cover version on their 1984 album 'I hear talk'.

When the single was released in October 1984, just ahead of the album, it stalled at number 42 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3130
Found: July 24, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Golden days' / 'Where do I go now'

Jealous guy - John Lennon

'Jealous guy' first appeared on John Lennon's 1971 album 'Imagine'. The track was originally written as 'Child of nature' for the Beatles' White Album in 1968. When the track was not used on the album, Lennon rewrote the lyric and recorded the song himself as 'Jealous guy'.

'Jealous guy' was released as a single in November 1985. It reached number 65 in the UK singles charts.

My collection: 7" single no. 453
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Jealous guy' / 'Going down on love'

Under attack - Abba

'Under attack' was recorded by Abba betwee August 2 and August 4, 1982. It was one of the tracks on what was to become Abba's final recording sessions, and released as a single from the compilation album 'The Singles: the first 10 years'. The video for 'Under attack' was made in November 1982, shortly before the release of this single.

'Under attack' was not a commercial success. The single did reach number 5 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 3 in Belgium, but in other countries the single fared less well. After the single's release, it was decided that ABBA would take a 'break'; however, they would not record as a group again.

My collection: 7" single no. 178
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, December 1982
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Under attack' / 'You owe me one'

Another step (closer to you) - Kim Wilde and Junior

Since today is Kim Wilde's 49th birthday, I thought it would be appropriate to post a single by her today. This is 'Another step (closer to you)', a duet with Junior Giscombe. The track was always going to be a duet, but when a demo version lacked soul, the idea to use Junior on it was born.

The single was released as the third single from Kim's 1986 album 'Another step', and became a top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number 6 in the UK singles chart. When 'You keep me hangin' on' became a number 1 hit in the USA, the single was also released as the follow-up over there, but with much less success.

My collection: 7" single no. 528
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Another step (closer to you)' / 'Hold back'

Christian - China Crisis

I completely missed out on 'Christian' when it was first released in 1983. I only heard the track when it was included on the limited edition double single of 'You did cut me', which I'd bought in 1990. A year later, I got my hands on the original single, which actually contains not one, but two B-side tracks.

I didn't know then that a picture disc had also been released in the UK. I found that one four years later, during a record fair. Since I have a thing for picture discs, I obviously bought that one as well, completing my China Crisis collection even further.

'Christian' was the band's first significant hit in the UK, peaking at number 12 in February 1983. It was the beginning of a great career with lots of interesting music.

My collection: 7" single no. 1462 / no. 2573
Found: June 27, 1991 / Record fair, December 16, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders / 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Christian' / 'Greenacre bay', 'Performing seals'

My heart can't tell you no - Rod Stewart

'My heart can't tell you no' was a single taken from Rod Stewart's 1988 album 'Out of order'. The track was written by Simon Climie, of Climie Fisher fame. It was a significant change in style for Rod Stewart, who performed many racy rock tracks until the mid-Eighties. He seemed to have calmed down a little, which was even more evident in the B-side: a cover of 'Try a little tenderness' - already foreshadowing his new career in the Noughties, covering old American standards.

Although this single was a big hit in the USA, it left European audiences cold. It only reached number 49 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 757
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, February 23, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'My heart can't tell you no' / 'Try a little tenderness'

Big love - Fleetwood Mac

'Big love' was written by Lindsey Buckingham, and was originally going to be part of his third solo album which he began working on in 1985, but the project became a Fleetwood Mac album instead. Since Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac in 1987 (shortly after the album 'Tango in the night' was released), the band never performed 'Big love' live until his return in 1997. Meanwhile, the single reached number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

Though many assumed the female 'ahh' in this track to be Stevie Nicks, it was actually Lindsey Buckingham performing both, created by way of his voice being sampled and altered in the studio to mimic that of a woman.

My collection: 7" single no. 513
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Big love' / 'You and I, part I'

The flame - Arcadia

'The flame' was released as the third single from Arcadia's sole album 'So red the rose' in July 1986. The single reached number 58 in the UK singles chart and number 29 in the Irish singles chart.

The song was mostly remarkable for its music video (stills of which are featured on the sleeve of this single). The storyline revolved around a series of comic disasters that befall an awkward, nerdish character (played by Simon Le Bon) and his girlfriend while visiting a haunted house. At one point, John Taylor comes out of the closet with a contract for the band to sign. It was around this time that the three remaining Duran Duran members were preparing to write and record the next album.

My collection: 7" single no. 460
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'The flame (remix)' / 'Flame game (Yo homeboy mix)'

Every beat of my heart - Chris Rea

The ballad 'Every beat of my heart' was taken from Chris Rea's self-titled album. The track was produced by Jon Kelly and Chris Rea and written by Chris Rea. The lyric of the song is quite sentimental.

The single was not a commercial success, as it didn't chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 1104
Found: All that music, Leiden, November 11, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Every beat of my heart' / 'Don't look back'

In a lifetime - Clannad

Clannad may well have made the best track of their career with 'In a lifetime'. By bringing in Bono from U2, they managed to breathe some extra life into their music, and that was much needed, since most of their material is so, well, calm. The passionate vocals by Bono work wonders with the band's beautiful melodies.

'In a lifetime' was the first single release from Clannad's eighth studio album 'Macalla' (1985). It reached number 20 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. When it was re-released in the UK in 1989, the single peaked at number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 414
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 13, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'In a lifetime' / 'Indoor'

Lean on you - Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard worked with producer Alan Tarney once again on his album 'Stronger' (1989). The single 'Lean on you' was taken from this album - and personally I think this is one of the best songs of his career.

Not that many people agreed with me though: it only charted in the UK, where it peaked at number 17, and Ireland, where it reached number 10.

My collection: 7" single no. 1112
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 17, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Lean on you' / 'Hey mister'

Manic Monday - The Bangles

With 'Manic Monday' the Bangles finally had a worldwide hit single on their hands. The song was written by Prince in 1984 and originally recorded as a duet for the Apollonia 6 album, but the song was eventually pulled. Two years later, as he was attempting to 'court' singer Susanna Hoffs of the band, Prince, using the pseudonym Christopher, offered the song to them to record their version.

The single reached number 2 in both the UK singles chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as reaching number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2019
Found: Sounds Familiar, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 20p
Tracks: 'Manic Monday' / 'In a different light'

Everything's coming up roses - Black

After years of struggling, Black finally signed with a major label in 1987. A&M records took on the task of lifting the band from its indie status and towards the higher regions of the charts. The first single on A&M was 'Everything's coming up roses', a rather rough track when compared to the rest of their later repertoire.

It has to be said: A&M did their best, even releasing the single as a limited edition pressed on white vinyl and with a four page booklet included in the gatefold sleeve. Nevertheless, the single did not chart. But fortunately, good things were just around the corner for Black.

My collection: 7" single no. 1770
Found: London, October 20, 1992
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Everything's coming up roses' / 'Ravel in the rain'

I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing - Pet Shop Boys

'I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing' is a track on the Pet Shop Boys' fifth studio album 'Very'. The track was remixed and released as the third single from the album in November 1993. It reached number 13 in the UK singles chart. The single was remixed for the 12" and cd-single formats by six different remixers.

In 1998, Robbie Williams recorded a cover version of this track as a bonus track on his single 'Let me entertain you'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2063
Found: Wreckastow, Rotterdam, December 24, 1993
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing' / 'Too many people'

Familiar ground - Lori Spee

When I was young, I had a weekly allowance of three guilders. The record shop around the corner sold chart singles for six guilders, so I had to save up for two weeks to buy a singles. But fortunately, the shop also sold off singles that left the charts for three guilders. So usually I opted for these discount discs. Sometimes this resulted in a bad buy: a single I bought and then rarely ever played again.

These bad buys usually happened in weeks when there weren't that many good singles available at discount price. Lori Spee's 'Familiar ground' is a good example of this: throughout my life I think I played this single five times, at most. Lori was an American immigrant, based in the Netherlands, singing these kind of middle of the road songs and having moderate success with it. This particular single did not chart at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 120
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Familiar ground' / 'Problem child'

By your side - Sade

'By your side' was the first single from Sade's fifth studio album 'Lovers Rock', released in 2000. The track was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, losing out to Nelly Furtado's 'I'm like a bird' (unbelievably). The single reached number 17 in the UK singles chart.

As far as I know, this is the only release of the single on 7": an American pressing featuring the same track on both sides. It's also, as far as I know, the last 7" single release by Sade.

My collection: 7" single no. 3270
Found: HMV, London, October 23, 2000
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'By your side' / 'By your side'

Dangerous - Roxette

'Dangerous', written by Per Gessle, is the fourth single released from Roxette's album 'Look Sharp!'. Gessle penned it just before Roxette's first tour in 1987.

Released at the end of 1989, it was the group's third top 10 showing on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 2 in February 1990. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 1195
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, March 14, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Dangerous' / 'Surrender (live)'

Every 1's a winner (Groove mix) - Hot Chocolate

Ben Liebrand has remixed many tracks since the early Eighties, and some of them were even released as singles. Some examples already made their way onto this blog, and here's another one: his 1987 remix of Hot Chocolate's 'Every 1's a winner'. It was released after his remix of 'You sexy thing', released in January 1987, reached number 10 in the UK singles chart.

This remix was less successful by comparison: it only made number 69 in the UK singles chart in April 1987.

My collection: 7" single no. 2321
Found: Record fair, June 3, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Every 1's a winner (Groove mix)' / 'So you win again'

Secret - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'Secret' is a single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark released as a single from their 1985 album 'Crush'. It was their second hit in the US, peaking at number 63 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also made the top 40 in the UK at number 34. The song was also featured in the movie 'Arthur 2: On the rocks' and on its soundtrack album.

This single was released as a limited edition in a poster sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 2374
Found: Record fair, February 1, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Secret' / 'Drift'

The promise you made - Cock Robin

'The promise you made' was written by Peter Kingsbery for the debut album of his band Cock Robin. It was released as the album's second single in 1986. It became a major hit in the Netherlands, topping the Dutch Top 40 March 1986 for several weeks. It also went top 10 in France, Germany and Switzerland.

I own two different versions of the single: one was released in Europe with a beautiful coloured sleeve (pictured above). In the UK, an alternate sleeve was used, with a monochromo photograph and an alternate design (pictured below).

In 2005, Belgian singer Kate Ryan recorded and released a cover version of this song, in French and English.

My collection: 7" single no. 785 / no. 2021
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 30, 1989 / House of Rhythm, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The promise you made' / 'Have you any sympathy'

Even aan mijn moeder vragen - Bloem

The Dutch band Bloem was formed in 1980 by Joost Timp, Cor Claessen, Juus Piek and Tom Sijmons. Their debut single 'Even aan mijn moeder vragen' ('Have to ask my mum') was an immediate hit, selling 45.000 copies in the Netherlands and reaching number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

I didn't like that song, but I got to hear the B-side, which was fantastic. The lyric of 'Kassa's overdag' ('Tills at daytime') was written from the point of view of a shoplifter. I liked the track so much I even mutilated the sleeve of this single not so long after I bought it, making it seem like the B-side was the A-side. Defacing sleeves is a capital offence, of course. In my defense: I was very young.

My collection: 7" single no. 99
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Even aan mijn moeder vragen' / 'Kassa's overdag'

Electric avenue - Eddy Grant

'Electric avenue' is one of Eddy Grant's most popular tracks. It was taken from his 1983 album 'Killer on the rampage'. The song is named after Electric Avenue, a market street in the Brixton area of London, England.

The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart, and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2826
Found: February 1, 1997
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Electric avenue' / 'Walking on sunshine'

One day I'll fly away - Randy Crawford

Randy Crawford left the Crusaders in 1979 and started a solo career. It took off right away with this single, the beautiful ballad 'One day I'll fly away'. I remember it became a chart tip on the Dutch broadcaster TROS, played every hour on the radio. At the end of the day I wished she would really fly away.

The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 in the autumn on 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 822
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 13, 1989
Cost: 1 guilders
Tracks: 'One day I'll fly away' / 'Last night at danceland'

Relax - Frankie goes to Hollywood

I don't have many Frankie goes to Hollywood singles (though that may still change when I get a chance), but this is one of them: the 1993 re-release of 'Relax', originally the band's debut single in 1983. It was re-released to promote the compilation album 'Bang! The Greatest hits of Frankie goes to Hollywood'.

The single featured a new 1993 version of 'Relax' on the B-side, although that one is basically just a slightly sped up version of the track. The single reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40. Both peak positions were lower than ten years before.

My collection: 7" single no. 2059
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 3, 1993
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Relax' / 'Relax MCMXCIII'