Are you sure? - The Allisons

The Allisons were an English pop duo consisting of Bob Day (born Bernard Colin Day, 2 February 1941, Trowbridge, Wiltshire) and John Alford (born Brian Henry John Alford, 31 December 1939, London). They were marketed as being brothers, using the same surname of Allison.

They represented the United Kingdom during the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Are you sure'. They came in second place with 24 points. The song was released as a single on the Fontana Records label, and climbed to number 1 on the UK NME pop chart. However, the official UK singles chart states that the song peaked at number 2. Despite a couple of minor follow-up hits, the duo disbanded in 1963. It doesn't happen so often that I pay a large amount for a single without a picture sleeve, but this old rarity - in a perfect state! - did warrant it.

My collection: 7" single no. 4272
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 3,5 euro
Tracks: 'Are you sure?' / 'There's one thing more'

If you leave - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'If you leave' was recorded in 1986 by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for the soundtrack of the movie 'Pretty in pink'. The song was featured prominently during the final scene of the movie.

Subsequently, the single became the group's biggest hit in the USA, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the song was virtually ignored in the UK, where it only reached number 48 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4253
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'If you leave' / '88 seconds in Greensboro'

Na na hey hey kiss him goodbye - Bananarama

'Na na hey hey kiss him goodbye' was written and recorded by Paul Leka, Gary DeCarlo and Dale Frashuer, using the band name Steam. It was released in late 1969. It became a number one hit in the USA and peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart.

In February 1983, Bananarama released the song as a single off their album 'Deep sea skiving'. This version became a number 5 hit in the United Kingdom, but stalled just outside the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (at number 101) later in the year.

My collection: 7" single no. 4249
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Na na hey hey kiss him goodbye' / 'Tell tale signs'

Innocent - Mike Oldfield

Mike Oldfield and Anita Hegerland, who became his partner in the mid-Eighties, said during an interview that 'Innocent' was inspired by their daughter Great, who also appeared in the music video for the song. Anita Hegerland provides vocals on 'Innocent', while Mike Oldfield composed and performed the music.

The single was taken from Mike Oldfield's 1989 album 'Earth moving'. The single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4247
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Innocent' / 'Earth moving (Disco version)'

Twee mobiele ogen die keken de kraker aan - Rubberen Robbie

In 1980, squatters were dominating the news in the Netherlands. During the crowning of Queen Beatrix they used the occasion to protest against poor housing conditions in the country, using the memorable slogan 'Geen woning, geen kroning' ('No housing, no crowning' - it rhymes better in Dutch). Squatters riots were becoming a familiar sight, especially in the bigger cities in the Netherlands.

Rubberen Robbie used these developments to release a single. 'Twee mobiele ogen die keken de kraker aan' (which roughly translates as 'Police eyes looked at the squatter') did not become a hit for the group. The B-side is amusing for those who enjoy rude sounds set to music.

My collection: 7" single no. 4275
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Twee mobiele ogn die keken de kraker aan' / 'De kater komt later'

It's OK - Harmony

When Harmony were selected to represent the Netherlands during the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest with ''t Is OK', they recorded two versions of the song: in Dutch and in English. This English version, entitled 'It's OK', was released as a single in various countries.

This single was made in West Germany. The single did not chart there, as in other countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 4271
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'It's OK' / 'Bim Bam Bom'

Endless love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded 'Endless love' for the soundtrack of the movie 'Endless love' starring Brooke Shields. It was also released as a single in 1981. While the movie was a failure, the song became the second biggest-selling single of the year in the USA (second only to 'Physical' by Olivia Newton-John). The single reached number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song became the biggest-selling single of Ross' career, while it was one of several hits for Richie as the Eighties progressed. Ross recorded a solo version of the song for her first RCA Records album, 'Why do fools fall in love?'. The song was covered by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey in 1994. That version must have been meant for deaf people.

My collection: 7" single no. 4268
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Endless love' / 'Endless love (instrumental)'

99 red balloons - Nena

Having achieved widespread success in Europe and Japan with '99 Luftballons', Nena wanted to try their luck in the rest of the world with an English version of the song. Kevin McAlea wrote this version, titled '99 red balloons', which has a more satirical tone than the original. The English version is not a direct translation of the German but contains a somewhat different set of lyrics.

Nena recorded '99 red balloons' despite their dissatisfaction with the lyrics, which they expressed in numerous magazine interviews in 1984. They felt the English version was not a faithful rendition of the German original. Still, with this song they achieved something few other German bands had achieved at the time: a number one hit in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 4266
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: '99 red balloons' / 'Ich bleib' im Bett'

I hear talk - Bucks Fizz

'I hear talk' was released on December 15, 1984, in the same week when Bucks Fizz were involved in a road accident: their tour bus collided with road works, careened off the road and injured members of the group as well as their entourage. The group were inactive for several months as a result.

Promotion for 'I hear talk' was minimal, although a music video had already been completed. The single reached number 34 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4265
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I hear talk' / 'Pulling me under'

And when the night comes - Jon and Vangelis

'And when the night comes' was released as the second single from Jon & Vangelis' third album 'Private collection'. The single failed to make any chart impact.

It's funny how I never saw this single, while on the record fair on November 21 I found it in three different stalls. Sometimes I think there's a secret vault of old 7" singles where these things come from every once in a while.

My collection: 7" single no. 4264
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'And when the night comes' / 'Song is'

Relax - Frankie goes to Hollywood

ZTT Records signed Frankie Goes to Hollywood after producer and co-founder Trevor Horn saw the band play on the TV show The Tube, where they played an early version of 'Relax'. Once the band was signed, ZTT co-founder Paul Morley mapped out the marketing campaign fashioned as a 'strategic assault on pop'. He opted to tackle the biggest possible themes in the band's singles ('sex, war, religion'), of which 'Relax' would be the first, and emphasised the shock impact of Frankie members Holly Johnson and Paul Rutherford's open homosexuality in the packaging and music videos.

Horn dominated the recording of 'Relax' in his effort for perfectionism. The band were overawed and intimidated by Horn's reputation, and thus were too nervous to make suggestions. Johnson said in his autobiography, 'Whatever he said we went along with'. When attempts to record with the band proved unsatisfactory, Horn hired former Ian Dury backing band the Blockheads for the sessions. When the results of these sessions didn't sound modern enough, Horn then constructed a more electronic-based version of the song with session musician Andy Richards and with rhythm programming assistance from J. J. Jeczalik of Art of Noise. Horn developed this version of the recording in his West London studio while the band remained in their hometown of Liverpool. Ultimately lead vocalist Johnson was the only band member to perform on the record. Horn completed the recording having spent £70,000 in studio time. As Horn explained years later, 'I was just... Look, 'Relax' had to be a hit.'

My collection: 7" single no. 4263
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Relax' / 'One September Monday'

Take me home - Phil Collins

The song 'Take me home' is not to be taken literally: it's not about a man going home. Phil Collins has explained that the song lyric refers to a patient in a mental institution, and that the song is based on the novel 'One flew over the cuckoo's nest'. The song features Sting, Peter Gabriel and Helen Terry on backing vocals.

The song was released as a single in the UK in July 1985 and in the US in March 1986. It peaked at number 19 in the UK and number 7 in the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 4262
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Take me home' / 'We said hello goodbye'

The hardest part - Blondie

While in most of the world 'Union city blue' was released as the second single from Blondie's 1979 album 'Eat to the beat', 'The hardest part' was released in the USA and Canada. The song was written by Deborah Harry and Chris Stein, as most of the band's material.

The single only reached number 84 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 86 in Canada.

My collection: 7" single no. 4261
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The hardest part' / 'Sound asleep'

Reet petite - Jackie Wilson

'Reet petite' by Jackie Wilson was re-released in December 1986 after a clay animation video was shown in the BBC 2 documentary series 'Arena'. This re-release gave Jackie Wilson a big hit all over Europe, three years after his death. The single reached number 1 in the UK, the Netherlands and Ireland.

The song was written by Berry Gordy and Tyran Carlo, a pseudonym of Jackie's cousin Billy Davis. It was Jackie Wilson's first recording as a solo artist after leaving the Dominoes. The song peaked at number 62 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 6 on the UK singles chart in 1957.

My collection: 7" single no. 4260
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Reet petite' / 'You brought about a change in me', 'I'm the one to do it'

If I had you - The Korgis

For the second time I bought the single 'If I had you' by the Korgis. I already had this version, which includes two tracks on the B-side, but this single only includes one of them. Furthermore, the sleeve design is similar to the one of 'Young 'n' Russian', also released in 1979.

After all this information, one would almost forget that 'If I had you' is simply a lovely pop song, which should have been a big hit all over Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 4258
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'If I had you' / 'Chinese girl'

Spaceman - Bolland and Bolland

Bolland and Bolland started producing themselves with this single, and in a sense it's the start of a successful career as producers.

'Spaceman', released in 1978, reached number 14 in the Dutch Top 40 and remains their second biggest hit, after 'Wait for the sun', which reached number 11 in 1972.

My collection: 7" single no. 4257
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Spaceman' / 'Young girl'

One man woman - Sheena Easton

'One man woman' was the third single by Sheena Easton, released in November 1980. Recorded at George Martin's Air Studios and produced by Christopher Neil, it was one of the tracks to be included on Sheena Easton's debut album, released in early 1981.

Although the single was released all over Europe (this copy comes from Germany and includes a press info sheet on the single), 'One man woman' only charted in the UK, where it reached number 14.

My collection: 7" single no. 4256
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'One man woman' / 'Summer's over'

Little Willy - The Sweet

The song title 'Little Willy' has to be one of the most obvious double entendres of the Seventies. Still, the Sweet got away with it when they released the single in 1972. Like most of their hit singles right up to 1974, the song was written by Chinn and Chapman, who gave the band a rather lightweight pop image. The band members themselves also wrote songs: these heavier rock tracks were always relegated to the B-side (as on this single).

'Little Willy' reached number 4 in the UK singles chart, and went number 1 in Germany. In the Netherlands, the single got as far as number 7.

My collection: 7" single no. 4255
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Little Willy' / 'Man from Mecca'

Baker street - Gerry Rafferty

'Baker street' was a track on Gerry Rafferty's second album 'City to city' (1978). It was Rafferty's first release after the legal issues surrounding the formal separation of the band Stealers Wheel in 1975. Rafferty was unable to release any material for three years after the band's break up, while resolving the disputes about the band's remaining contractual recording obligations. Although the album version is 6 minutes long, the single version was shortened by almost two minutes. The song's prominent saxophone hook was played by Raphael Ravenscroft, and the guitar solo by Hugh Burns.

When the track was released as a single, it reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 9 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4254
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Baker street' / 'Big chance in the weather'

The heavens are crying - Blue Rondo a la Turk

Chris Sullivan, Christos Tolera, Mark Reilly, 'Choco' Mick, Kito Poncioni, Geraldo d'Arbilly and Moses Mount Bassie formed Blue Rondo a la Turk in the early Eighties, naming themselves after the familiar Dave Brubeck jazz track.

'The heavens are crying' was released as a single in 1982 on the Diable Noir label. The single didn't chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4252
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The heavens are crying (part 1)' / 'The heavens are crying (part 2)'

Loved by the one you love - Rupert Holmes

Since I already own a handful of singles by Rupert Holmes, I decided to try out this single when I found it during a record fair.

'Loved by the one you love' is a single taken from Rupert Holmes' 1981 album 'Full circle'. This album was to be his last for a long time: his next album was 'Scenario', released in 1994. In the mean time he played in cabarets and comedy clubs, and made his debut as a playwright, writing musicals from the second half of the Eighties onwards.

My collection: 7" single no. 4251
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Loved by the one you love' / 'One born every minute'

Hotline to heaven - Bananarama

The song 'Hotline to heaven' is a track on Bananarama's second self-titled album. On the album, it's a seven minute track. It was edited to half that length for the single.

The single did not perform well on the charts. It stalled at number 58 in the UK singles chart, which was their worst chart performance since their debut single 'Aie a Mwana'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4248
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Hotline to heaven' / 'State I'm in'

Stainsby girls - Chris Rea

Chris Rea wrote 'Stainsby girls' as a tribute for his wife Joan, a former student of the Stainsby Secondary Modern School. The single was taken from the album 'Shamrock diaries', released in 1985. The album was a number one hit in many European countries and Australia.

The single was Rea's first major hit in the UK, reaching number 26 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4245
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Stainsby girls' / 'And when she smiles'

Horoscope - Harpo

Although I am not familiar with most of Harpo's work, I bought three singles by him on one day. This is the third and last one.

'Horoscope' was released in 1976, as a single from his album 'Moviestar'. It reached number 1 in Denmark and was also a hit elsewhere in Scandinavia.

My collection: 7" single no. 4244
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Horoscope' / 'Jessica'

Dreaming - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

When the compilation album 'The best of OMD' was released in 1988, the new track 'Dreaming' was released as the accompanying single. Produced by OMD and mixed by Tom Lord Alge, it was an uncharacteristically uncomplicated lovesong.

While the single was not a big success in the UK (where it peaked at number 50), it was the band's second most successful single in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 16. It was also the last single by OMD in their original lineup, as Paul Humphreys left the band in 1989 to form The Listening Pool. Andy McCluskey continued OMD on his own.

My collection: 7" single no. 4246
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Dreaming' / 'Satellite'

Five miles out - Mike Oldfield

Released in February 1982, 'Five miles out' was a single from the Mike Oldfield album of the same name. The song makes numerous references to flying. It has a complex structure despite its short length. Maggie Reilly makes her first appearance on a Mike Oldfield song, but her voice is almost drowned in Mike Oldfield's voice (which is processed through a vocoder).

The single was a modest success, reaching number 43 in the UK singles chart and number 42 in the German singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4241
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Five miles out' / 'Live punkadiddle'

Oh l'amour - Erasure

'Oh l'amour' was released in April 1986 as the third single by the synthpop duo Erasure. Written by members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song is a lament from someone experiencing unrequited love.

Upon its release, the single reached number 85 in the UK singles chart, but reached number 2 in South Africa, number 16 in Germany and number 13 in Australia. Furthermore, it became their only hit to date in France, where it reached number 14.

My collection: 7" single no. 4242
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Oh l'amour' / 'March on down the line'

Two tribes - Frankie goes to Hollywood

People who grew up in the Eighties are usually familiar with the music video for Frankie goes to Hollywood's second single 'Two tribes', in which two actors playing Ronald Reagan and Konstantin Chernenko are in a wrestling match.

The track itself is equally famous for its hasty tempo and loud production by Trevor Horn. The single was released at the height of the cold war, when general fears about global nuclear warfare were at a peak. According to Frankie's frontman Holly Johnson: 'There's two elements in the music - an American funk line and a Russian line. It’s the most obvious demonstration of two tribes that we have today.' The single went number 1 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1984.

My collection: 7" single no. 4240
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Two tribes' / 'One February Friday'

Visage - Visage

'Visage' was the fourth single by Visage, released in June 1981. It is the title track from Visage's selftitled debut album, produced by Visage and Midge Ure. This single is the German pressing, which comes in a different sleeve from the UK edition.

'Visage' reached number 21 in the UK singles chart, but was unsuccessful in mainland Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 4239
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Visage' / 'Second steps'

Take Four EP - Mike Oldfield

The EP 'Take Four' was released in 1978. It contained one new track: 'Wrekorder Wrondo', plus three previous singles. 'Sailors hornpipe' was the finale on Mike Oldfield's most famous album, 'Tubular bells', while 'Portsmouth' and 'In dulci jubilo' were top 5 hits in the UK in 1976 and 1975 respectively.

Although this collection of tracks spans five years, it's surprising to hear the consistency in the sound of this EP. It's not that the tracks sound the same, but the folky instrumentation is there throughout the entire EP.

My collection: 7" single no. 4238
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Portsmouth', 'In dulci jubilo' / 'Wrekorder wrondo', 'Sailors hornpipe'

Give a little bit - Supertramp

Supertramp released one of their best albums in 1977 with 'Even in the quietest moments'. 'Give a little bit' was the opening track on the album, and also released as the first single from the album. Writing credits for the song were given to Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson, members of the band, although it really is a Hodgson composition.

The single reached number 29 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4237
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Give a little bit' / 'Downstream'

The heat is on - Glenn Frey

'The heat is on' was written by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey and recorded by Glenn Frey for the sountrack of the 1984 movie 'Beverly Hills cop'. The recording starts with an intriguing intro, then turns into a rather straightforward pop song.

The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and Australian singles chart, and peaking at number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 31 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4236
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The heat is on' (Glenn Frey) / 'Shoot out' (Harold Faltermeyer)

Americanos - Holly Johnson

Back in 1989, I didn't really like the track 'Americanos', written and performed by Holly Johnson. It was basically a listing of all the things I didn't like about the American junk culture - except maybe those Oreo cookies.

It was Holly Johnson's second solo single, after leaving his band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The single reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4235
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Americanos' / 'Americanos (Mambo dub mix)'

Oh yeah - Roxy Music

'Oh yeah' was written by Bryan Ferry. He explained in an interview: 'In this song I was trying to create a picture of Americana, and long hot summer evenings at drive-in movies. It is wistful and nostalgic, rather like a country record.'

The track was released as the second single from Roxy Music's 1980 album 'Flesh + Blood'. It reached number 5 in the UK singles chart, just like the previous single 'Over you'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4234
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Oh yeah' / 'South downs'

Johnny Blue - Lena Valaitis

Valaitis was born in Memel (Klaipėda), in 1943 part of the Memel Territory of East Prussia, Germany, now in Lithuania. Her father, a soldier of the Wehrmacht, was killed during World War II. At the end of the war, Valaitis, her mother, and her brother arrived as refugees in West Germany.

She began her musical career by joining the band Frederik Brothers. She signed a record contract with Philips in 1970 and released her first single, 'Halt das Glück für uns fest' that same year. Six years later she enjoyed her first big chart success with 'Da kommt José der Straßenmusikant'. In 1981, she represented Germany during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Johnny Blue', which finished second.

My collection: 7" single no. 4217
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,66 euro
Tracks: 'Johnny Blue' / 'Jeder Mensch hat seinen Traum'

Nobody's perfect - Mike and the Mechanics

'Nobody's perfect' was the first single from Mike and the Mechanics' 1988 album 'The living years'. With its rather original sound, the track still failed to catch the attention of the general public and went by almost unnoticed. Still, I got to know the song because my sister bought it when it came out.

The single reached number 63 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 80 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4233
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Nobody's perfect' / 'Nobody knows'

Via Satellit - Rheingold

Bodo Staiger, Brigitte Kunz and Lothar Manteuffel formed Rheingold in the early Eighties. Their biggest hit was 'Dreiklangs dimensionen', released in 1982. They continued making music, and this single from 1983 is proof of that.

'Via Satellit' is another synthpop track, slightly reminiscent of material by Kraftwerk, but with the lush production values of Conny Plank, who became famous for his work with Ultravox.

My collection: 7" single no. 4232
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Via Satellit' / 'Digital'

Que sera - Chris Rea

In 1988, Chris Rea released the album 'New light through old windows', an album of re-recordings of his own songs. Reportedly, Rea was dissatisfied with some of his earliest recordings, produced by Gus Dudgeon. There are rumours, however, that Rea wanted to dispense with royalties or contractual payments on the original recordings that would have been due under an agreement with his first manager John McCoy, with whom Rea had parted ways in the early Eighties.

'Que sera' predates this album by a couple of months. It is actually a re-recording of a track on his 1987 album 'Dancing with strangers'. Perhaps this re-recording was also a source of inspiration for 'New light through old windows'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4231
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Que sera' / 'Se sequi'

With a girl like you - Harpo

'With a girl like you' was written by Reg Presley and a hit single for the Troggs in 1966. Swedish singer Harpo released his version of the song in 1978. Although the single was released all over Europe, it was not a hit.

The B-side of the single features 'Ballad of Los Angeles', written by Harpo himself. He actually travelled to Los Angeles in 1977, and this song was one of the creative results from that trip.

My collection: 7" single no. 4230
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'With a girl like you' / 'Ballad of Los Angeles'

Walking on sunshine - Katrina and the Waves

'Walking on sunshine' is a song on Katrina and the Waves' second album of the same name. The song was released as a single from the album in a re-recorded version. This single, released in 1985, reached number 4 in Australia, number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 8 in the UK singles chart.

The B-side of the single features a version of 'Going down to Liverpool', a track that was a modest hit for the Bangles in 1984.

My collection: 7" single no. 4229
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Walking on sunshine' / 'Going down to Liverpool'

How old are you? - Robin Gibb

While a member of the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb still had a solo career. During the Eighties he released three solo albums: 'How old are you', 'Secret agent' and 'Walls have eyes'. From the first of these comes this single, the title track of that album.

'How old are you' reached number 37 in Germany and number 92 in the UK singles chart. Although I do remember the song from 1983, it was not a hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4228
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'How old are you?' / 'I believe in miracles'

On the radio - Donna Summer

Donna Summer's 1979 single 'On the radio' was written for the soundtrack of the movie 'Foxes' and also included as a new track on her first international compilation album 'On the radio: greatest hits volumes 1 & 2'.

When the track was released as a single, it peaked at number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 32 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4227
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'On the radio' / 'There will always be a you'

Dance, dance, dance - Chic

'Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)' is a 1977 disco song recorded by Chic. Luther Vandross, who was a session vocalist at the time, provided backing vocals on the track. The 'yowsah, yowsah, yowsah' of the title, which appears as a spoken interjection in the middle of the song, originated with the American jazz violinist and radio personality Ben Bernie, who popularized it in the Twenties.

It was the group's first hit, reaching number 6 in the UK singles chart and a more modest number 37 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4226
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Dance, dance, dance' / 'Sao Paulo'

Where did our love go - Amii Stewart

Written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, 'Where did our love go' was originally a hit for the Supremes in 1964. In 1981, Amii Stewart recorded her cover version of the song, and included it on her 1981 album 'I'm gonna get your love', which was produced by Narada Michael Walden.

When the track was released as a single, it was not a big success, as it didn't chart in most territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 4225
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Where did our love go' / 'Premiere'

Room service - Fischer Z

I read in an article on Wikipedia that the songs written by Fischer Z's John Watts drew heavily on his experience as a mental health care worker. On the B-side of this single, entitled 'Limbo', he sounds like someone who really should be committed himself - but perhaps that was the intention. I remember I was really fascinated by this track back in 1980, and although I've had it on cd for several years, I was very happy to have found this single which features the track as well.

I was also intrigued by the label of the B-side, by the way: it does not contain any information except the logo of the record label. I suspect this is a mispressing. Since this single was not a hit, I can't imagine it's worth much though.

My collection: 7" single no. 4222
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Room service' / 'Limbo'

Who can it be now? - Men at work

'Who can it be now?' was the second single from the 1981 debut album by Men at work, 'Business as usual'. The lyric is the narrative of a reclusive, perhaps paranoid man who hears knocking at his house door and wishes to be left in solitude.

The track peaked at number 2 on the Australian singles chart and reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 45 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4220
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Who can it be now?' / 'Anyone for tennis?'

Ease on down the road - The Wiz Stars

'Ease on down the road' is one of the lesser known Michael Jackson hits. It was taken from the 1978 movie soundtrack 'The Wiz', based on the Wizard of Oz tale. The track was produced by Quincy Jones, with vocal performances by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. In the song, Dorothy (portrayed in the film by Ross) and the Scarecrow (played by Jackson) dance their way down the Yellow Brick Road, and give each other words of encouragement.

Released as a single, it reached number 41 in the Billboard Hot 100, while peaking at number 45 in the UK singles chart. It was a number 1 hit in Turkey, though.

My collection: 7" single no. 4221
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ease on down the road' (Diana Ross & Michael Jackson) / 'Poppy girls' (Quincy Jones)

The floral dance - The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band

The Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band was formed in 1881. Based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, the band relies on public subscriptions and fundraising.

The Brass Band had one of the most unlikely chart hits of the Seventies, when they released a recording of 'The Floral dance' as a single in November 1977. The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and then went on to reach number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4219
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The floral dance' / 'Bachelor girls'

Then the music stopped - Pussycat

These days, Dutch bands find it hard to come up with a decent song, let alone decent instrumentation, but this 1981 single by Pussycat proves that it is possible even for a Dutch band to produce a great track.

'Then the music stopped' was released in March 1981, and rose to number 11 of the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4218
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Then the music stopped' / 'Cha cha me baby'