Humanahum - Jean Gabilou

Jean Gabilou was born in Tahiti and became the first singer from French overseas territory to represent France at the Eurovision Song Contest. He did so in 1981, with the song 'Humanahum'. The title may seem nonsensical, but the message is quite serious: the lyric is about an old man teaching a group of children about life on Earth. Gabilou sings that because humanity 'invented the war', the Earth eventually could not support life. The song, therefore, is a plea for global peace.

The song finished third in the contest, out of 20 competitors. France famously opted out of the Contest the next year, with the national broadcaster calling Eurovision 'a monument to inanity'. France returned in 1983 with a different broadcaster sending the artists.

My collection: 7" single no. 4345
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Humanahum (Version Française)' / 'Humanahum (English version)'

All for Leyna - Billy Joel

Taken from Billy Joel's 1980 album 'Glass houses', 'All for Leyna' is the tale of someone who meets a girl names Leyna, and after a one night stand, becomes obsessed with her. At the time, Billy Joel sang his songs with a biting aggressiveness that made this track that much more attractive.

'All for Leyna' reached number 40 in the UK singles chart, but failed to chart in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1840
Found: Record fair, January 23, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'All for Leyna' / 'Close to the borderline'

You could have been with me - Sheena Easton

'You could have been with me' was the title track from Sheena Easton's second album, released in 1981. The song was composed by Lea Maalfrid who had had considerable success in her native New Zealand as frontwoman for glam rock band Ragnarok. Maalfrid had little awareness of Sheena Easton and 'wasn't too bothered [i.e. interested]' about Easton recording her song. When the song turned out to be successful, Maalfrid abandoned her own singing career in favour of songwriting.

The single reached number 14 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 15 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK, the single only reached number 54, showing the first signs of Easton's career being more successful in America than in her native Great Britain.

My collection: 7" single no. 103
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'You could have been with me' / 'Family of one'

Hijo de la luna - Mecano

The fairytale-like 'Hijo de la luna', recorded in 1990 by the Spanish band Mecano, was a major European hit. It reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40, despite the fact that even most of the Dutch can't understand Spanish.

The lyric of the song depicts a 'gypsy' woman, who prays an entire night to the Moon goddess for a husband. In the end, the moon says that she shall have her man, but in return she wants her first-born child to be turned over to her. When the child is born, it turns out that its skin color does not resemble the father's, but instead is white 'like the back of an ermine' (the white fur of a stoat originating from Armenia), and has grey eyes. The gypsy man automatically assumes that his wife committed adultery, and kills her with a knife. Afterwards, he carries the infant onto the top of a mountain, where he abandons it. The child is taken up into the sky by the moon, and on nights when the moon is full, it is because the child is happy, and when the child cries, the moon will wane to make him a cradle. The chorus throughout the song says that the moon wants to be a mother, yet cannot find a lover who will make her a woman (and therefore, impregnate her), and questions her as to what she would do with a child of flesh.

My collection: 7" single no. 1242
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 9, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Hijo de la luna' / 'Mujer contra mujer'

Burning the ground - Duran Duran

When Duran Duran's compilation album 'Decade: Greatest hits' was released in 1989, 'Burning the ground' was released as the accompanying single (although the track did not appear on the album). It is essentially a megamix of Duran Duran hits, created by producer John Jones.

'Burning the ground' contains elements from 'Save a prayer', 'Hungry like the wolf', 'Rio', 'The reflex', 'The wild boys', 'Skin trade', 'A view to a kill', 'Notorious', 'I don't want your love', 'Planet earth' and 'Girls on film'. The song also uses several samples from the 1968 erotic science fiction movie 'Barbarella', from which the band took their name.

My collection: 7" single no. 2319
Found: Record fair, June 3, 1995
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Burning the ground' / 'Decadance'

Souvenir - Orchestral manoeuvres in the Dark

I bought a European pressing of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1981 single 'Souvenir' just last month, but when I saw this UK pressing, I just couldn't resist buying this one too. And for good reason, too: the picture label is so beautiful that the sleeve was made to fit the label.

What's more, where the European single only contains the B-side track 'Sacred heart', this one also contains a second B-side track. All in all, quite a good package here.

My collection: 7" single no. 4267
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Souvenir' / 'Motion & heart (Amazon version)', 'Sacred heart'

Preacher man - Bananarama

Bananarama's fifth studio album 'Pop life' was the only one to feature member Jacquie O'Sullivan, who replaced Siobhan Fahey when she left the trio in 1988. The album was made without the involvement of Stock Aitken & Waterman, who produced and co-wrote most of their two previous albums.

'Preacher man' was produced by Youth and was the most successful single from the album, although it peaked at number 20 in the UK singles chart only. It's obvious Bananarama were struggling a bit by 1991.

My collection: 7" single no. 4325
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Preacher man' / 'Megalomaniac'

Say you really want me - Kim Wilde

Although 'Say you really want me' was released as a single in the USA in late 1986, in conjunction with the movie 'Running scared' in which the song was featured, the single was only released in the UK and Australia in July 1987. The single featured a newly remixed version, made by Kim's brother Ricky Wilde.

Two videos were made for this release - one to accompany the 7" version, and a second extended one to promote the song in clubs. This video remix was also released in the UK on a second 12" single. The video was considered 'too raunchy' for children's television, and so it was banned by presenter Timmy Mallett. The single, meanwhile, reached number 29 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 555
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Say you really want me' / 'Don't say nothing's changed'

On Stage EP - Kate Bush

Back in 1979, Kate Bush went on tour. I was only eight years old when she came to Amsterdam, otherwise I would certainly have gone. In hindsight, I probably should have gone anyway, since the woman has never toured since. What a shame!

Although a full video was released in 1979 as well, featuring most of the show as recorded live on May 13, 1979, this single was the only official release on record of that tour. It features four live songs, which were tweaked and redubbed in the studio and, in the case of 'James and the cold gun', edited as well. The single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart, number 15 in Ireland and number 21 in the Dutch Top 40. There are rumours that the video will be released on dvd soon as well. Here's hoping...

My collection: 7" single no. 34
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1979
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Them heavy people', 'Don't push your foot on the heartbrake' / 'James and the cold gun', 'L'amour looks something like you'

The war song - Culture Club

Culture Club released their third album 'Waking up with the house on fire' in 1984. In an attempt to profit from their fame, the record company pushed them to come up with new material as soon as their world tour had ended. The band was a bit tired, and it can be heard in the songs on the album.

The lead single 'The war song' was not very inspired, but ended up being the one hit single from the album. It reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40. Subsequent singles were far less successful.

My collection: 7" single no. 2962
Found: February 9, 1998
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The war song' / 'La cancion de guerra'

Old and wise - Alan Parsons Project

Here's another song that pops up on numerous compilation albums. Oddly enough, most albums use a shorter version than the one that appears on this version. It's a shame, because the saxophone solo at the end is a beautiful thing that deserves to be heard until the very last notes of the fade out.

'Old and wise' was taken from the Alan Parsons Project's 1982 album 'Eye in the sky'. It reached number 19 in the Dutch Top 40, but only managed number 74 in the UK singles chart during a one week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 180
Found: Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Old and wise' / 'Children of the moon'

Greenpeace - Teach-In

During a week when half the world is flying(!) to Copenhagen, Denmark to talk about the environment and how we humans are destroying our planet, I thought I might post a song that is slightly related to the subject. It's Teach-In's 1979 song 'Greenpeace', about the action group of the same name. It was a hit in the Netherlands for this Dutch group, peaking at number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song was recorded both in Dutch and English, and both versions appear on the single. It's amusing that the English version contains a phrase like 'Rainbow Worrier'. The title of the song is sung as 'Green peas'.

My collection: 7" single no. 96
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Greenpeace (English version)' / 'Greenpeace (Nederlandse versie)'

Love games - Level 42

Level 42 had their first significant hart success with 'Love games', the first single from their 1981 album 'Level 42'. Peaking at number 38 in the UK singles chart, they managed a top 10 placing in the Netherlands, peaking at number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

Although the band was not yet a household name, this early single already had all the hallmarks that would make them one of the hottest bands around in the second half of the Eighties: a bouncing bassline, lively vocals and a funky rhythm.

My collection: 7" single no. 1627
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 18, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love games' / 'Forty two'

I'm still standing - Elton John

'I'm still standing' was taken from Elton John's 1983 album 'Too low for zero'. The lyric of the song is about making a comeback despite problems in daily life. It could well be autobiographical, although Elton John was consistently successful thoughout the Seventies and early Eighties.

The single reached number 4 in the UK singles chart, number 12 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 940
Found: All that music, Leiden, July 7, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I'm still standing' / 'Tortured'

Muscle bound - Spandau Ballet

Spandau Ballet formed in 1976 as 'The Cut' and subsequently named themselves 'The Makers'. When they changed their name again to Spandau Ballet and performed in clubs in London, they created quite a buzz. The band was involved in a major bidding war, but eventually signed to Chrysalis Records and released their debut album 'Journeys to glory' in 1981.

'Muscle bound' was the third single lifted from the album, reaching number 10 in the UK singles chart in April 1981.

My collection: 7" single no. 93
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Muscle bound' / 'Glow'

Why should I cry for you - Sting

'Why should I cry for you?' was the fourth and last single released from Sting's third solo album 'The Soul Cages'. It was also the least successful, as it didn't chart in the UK, where all his previous solo singles had charted.

That's not to say it's a bad song: personally I think it's the best track from the album, with the extended version adding much to the song's appeal. This single has a bizarrely dark photo sleeve; I think something went wrong at the printer's. 'Why should I cry for you?' only charted in France, peaking at number 38.

My collection: 7" single no. 2309
Found: May 27, 1995
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Why should I cry for you?' / 'Ne me quitte pas (live)'

Seventeen - Renée

The influential Dutch DJ Frits Spits was already a fan of the song 'Seventeen' when the previous single 'You're a liar' had just been released. Both tracks were taken from Renée's successful 1982 album 'The future none can see'. Despite this strong radio support, 'Seventeen' still failed to reach the charts when it was eventually released.

The lyric of the song is a tale of a young woman who goes out with a boy next door and then gets raped. Not your average song material, but told in a few lines with strong musical backing, it really grabs the listener. Not bad for a Dutch production.

My collection: 7" single no. 786
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 30, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Seventeen' / 'By the by'

One more dance - Esther Ofarim and Abraham

Esther Ofarim was born as Esther Zaied on June 13, 1941 in Safed, Israel. She met guitarist and dancer Abraham in 1959 and subsequently married him. Together with him, but also without him, she began to sing Hebrew and international folk songs.

'One more dance', a slightly morbid tale of a wife (or daughter, this is not entirely clear) who wants to keep dancing while her 'old man' is dying at home. Released in 1964, this single reached number 7 in the Dutch charts. Four years later, the single also charted in the UK, peaking at number 13.

My wife came home with this single today, and I was really glad to get it - not only for the charming A-side, but also for the B-side, a version of the early 20th century song 'Freight train', which has been recorded by numerous artists.

My collection: 7" single no. 4346
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, December 12, 2009
Cost: - (present)
Tracks: 'One more dance' / 'Freight train'

Deeply dippy - Right said Fred

'Deeply dippy' was released as the third single by Right said Fred. While their debut single 'I'm too sexy' has become some sort of cult classic, this single ended up peaking one place higher than that one, at the top of the UK singles chart in April 1992. In the Dutch Top 40 the single reached number 10.

The song was later covered by The Rockingbirds on the Terence Higgins Trust supporting charity EP, 'The Fred EP'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1666
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 13, 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Deeply dippy' / 'Deeply dubby'

New song - Howard Jones

Last year, Howard Jones celebrated his 25 years in the pop business. It all started in September 1983 with this single: 'New song'. The track was taken from Howard's debut album 'Human's lib', and was, like most of his singles, written and composed by Howard Jones himself.

the single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, and also reached number 27 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart when it was released in America six months later.

My collection: 7" single no. 365
Found: Brussels, 1985
Cost: 100 Belgian Francs
Tracks: 'New song' / 'Change the man'

Love song / Alive and kicking - Simple Minds

'Love song' is a track from the Simple Minds' 1981 album 'Sons and fascination'. It was originally released as a single in the same year, peaking at number 47 in the UK singles chart. Not only was it their biggest success in the UK up to that point, it was also their first single to chart outside the UK: in Australia and Canada, peaking at number 17 and 38 respectively.

The track was re-released as a double A-side single, coupled with their 1985 hit 'Alive and kicking', in 1992 to promote the compilation album 'Glittering Prize 81/92'. This single reached number 6 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in Ireland.

My collection: 7" single no. 1800
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 11, 1992
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Love song' / 'Alive and kicking'

Love is the groove - Betsy Cook

'Love is the groove' is the first single taken from Betsy Cook's first and only album, 'The girl who ate herself' (1992). The album was released a few years after she had some success as a songwriter with Paul Young's 1986 hit 'Wonderland'.

Although Betsy Cook's version of 'Love is the groove' did not chart, the song was covered by Cher in 1998 on her Grammy-winning album 'Believe'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1614
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 4, 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Love is the groove' / 'Diving'

Ballade pour Adeline - Richard Clayderman

I first heard 'Ballade pour Adeline' on one of those cheap compilation LP's that is half filled with great hits and half with a sort of throwaway track. Except this instrumental piece on piano was not really a throwaway track, albeit slightly cheesy.

Richard Clayderman was born as Philippe Pagés on December 28, 1953 in Paris, France. He started playing the piano from a very young age. At 23 years old, he was auditioned by Paul de Senneville and Olivier Toussaint to record the gentle piano ballad. Toussaint commented on him winning the auditions: 'He was an interesting musician with a soft touch and good technique. And he looked good, too'. The single was the start of a successful career that lasts until today. It reached number 32 in the Dutch Top 40 and charted all over Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 3058
Found: Record Exchange, London, May 9, 1999
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Ballade pour Adeline' / 'Ballade pour Adeline', 'Promenade dans les bois'

Fastlove - George Michael

'Fastlove' was the second single from George Michael's 1996 album 'Older'. The track contained a re-sung but otherwise identical chorus of the Patrice Rushen hit 'Forget me nots'. The track was an energetic tune about the need for gratification and fulfillment without concern for commitment.

The single reached number 14 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 1 on the UK singles chart. This 7" single was made in the USA, the only country where a 7" single was even released. 'Fastlove' reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 3994
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: $4
Tracks: 'Fastlove' / 'I'm your man '96'

I'm with stupid - Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys released 'I'm with stupid' in May 2006 as the first single from their Trevor Horn-produced album 'Fundamental'. Though it could be considered a lovesong about a man perceived by the public as a 'moron', the song has been acknowledged as being, on another level, about Tony Blair's relationship with George W. Bush.

The single was released on cd, dvd, various download formats and this 7" single. Although it was released in a 'normal' picture sleeve, it actually contains a picture disc. The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3446
Found: Record fair, 2006
Cost: 6 euro
Tracks: 'I'm with stupid' / 'Girls don't cry'

L'amour ça fait chanter la vie - Jean Vallée

Jean Vallée was born as Paul Goeders in Verviers, Belgium in 1941. He represented Belgium twice for the Eurovision Song Contest. He first appeared in the 1970 edition with the song 'Viens l'oublier', finishing eighth.

He was more successful when he returned in 1978 with the song 'L'amour ça fait chanter la vie', a bombastic typically Eurovision-sounding ballad, which finished second behind the winning song 'A-ba-ni-bi' by Izhar Cohen for Israel.

My collection: 7" single no. 4342
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'L'amour ça fait chanter la vie' / 'Nonobstant'

When the wind blows - David Bowie

'When the wind blows' is an animated movie from the UK, released in 1986 and based on Raymond Briggs' graphic novel of the same name. It depicts a nuclear attack on the UK by the Soviet Union from the viewpoint of a retired couple, Jim and Hilda Bloggs. They live in rural Sussex and are confused regarding the nature and seriousness of their situation, which is sometimes used to generate gentle comedy as well as darker elements. As the film progresses their situation becomes steadily more hopeless as they suffer from the effects of radiation sickness. The film ends on an extremely bleak note, with both of them dying as they pray.

David Bowie sang the theme song of the movie, which was released as a single in the autumn of 1986. The single peaked at number 44 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1519
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 21, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'When the wind blows' / 'When the wind blows (instrumental)'

(Forever) live and die - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'(Forever) Live and die' was released as the first single from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1986 album 'The pacific age'. Lead vocals were performed by Paul Humphreys, unlike most OMD singles.

The single peaked at number 11 in the UK and became OMD's second hit in the USA, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its biggest success was achieved in the Netherlands, where the single peaked at number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 2799
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 14, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: '(Forever) live and die' / 'This town'

Could it be magic - Donna Summer

'Could it be magic' was written by Adrienne Anderson and Barry Manilow and recorded by Barry Manilow on his 1973 debut album, 'Barry Manilow I'. The song was released as a single two years later. The song is based on Frédéric Chopin's Prelude in C Minor, Opus 28, Number 20, and Manilow's singing in the last verse fades into a straight performance of the last few bars of the Prelude.

Just one year after Manilow's original version was released as a single Donna Summer recorded a disco version of the track and included it on her second international album 'Love trilogy'. She added her own trademark moans and groans in the mix, which caused it to number 40 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2114
Found: June 11, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Could it be magic' / 'Whispering waves'

Everybody's got to learn sometime - The Korgis

Despite decreasing success, charity projects in pop music were still going on towards the end of the Eighties. In 1990, a compilation album called 'Everybody's got to learn sometime' to benefit International Hostage Release was released. It included tracks by Dire Straits, Tina Turner, Simple Minds, Steve Winwood, Mike Oldfield and many other artists who were wellknown for their commitment towards the freeing of hostages (?) .

The title track was performed by the Korgis. However, it was not the wellknown original version from 1980, but a new recording of the track. As far as re-recordings go, this was a rather good version, although it added nothing to the original version. The single did not chart.
My collection: 7" single no. 1395
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 9, 1991
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Everybody's got to learn sometime' / 'Everybody's got to learn sometime (instrumental)'

Too much, too little, too late - Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams

Johnny Mathis' 1978 album 'You light up my life' featured two duets with Deniece Williams. Both duets are included on this single, with 'Too much, too little, too late' as the lead track. It became Johnny Mathis' comeback hit, peaking at number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, his first number one since 1957's 'Chances are'. The single also reached number 3 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40.

The success of the duet with Williams prompted Mathis to record duets with a variety of partners including Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, and Nana Mouskouri. Mathis and Williams also recorded a follow-up duet album entitled 'That's what friends are for', however 'Too much, too little, too late' was not included on that album.

My collection: 7" single no. 2406
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1998
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Too much, too little, too late' / 'Emotion'

Je veux de l'amour - Raymond van het Groenewoud

'Je veux de l'amour' ('I want love') is the desperate cry of an artist who has everything in his career, except love. Belgian singer Raymond van 't Groenewoud played a very believable role in this song, with his emotive vocals.

He was rewarded with his first hit outside of Belgium: 'Je veux de l'amour' reached number 18 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 674
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Je veux de l'amour' / 'Troonsafstand'

The biggest fool of all - Cock Robin

'The biggest fool of all' was released as the second single from Cock Robin's second album 'After here through midland'. A limited edition was packaged with a poster sleeve, featuring the photograph from the album's sleeve.

The single, released in 1987, was only successful in France and Germany, where it peaked at number 47 and 50 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 570
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: The biggest fool of all' / 'Blood of a saint'

It's all gone - Chris Rea

'It's all gone' was the first single from Chris Rea's 1986 album 'On the beach'. The track was written by Chris Rea and produced by Rea with Dave Richards.

The single reached number 69 in the UK singles chart and number 14 in Ireland. In Europe, the single failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3070
Found: London, May 10, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'It's all gone' / 'Bless them all'

Torture - King

'Torture' was the third single taken from King's second album 'Bitter sweet'. The single was released in January 1986 and reached number 23 in the UK singles chart.

After the number 2 hit single 'Love & pride' from January 1985, every next single performed worse than the one that went before. 'Torture' was the last single by the band King, after which lead singer Paul King went solo. His first solo single only reached number 59 in the UK singles chart, progressing the decline that had already set in.

My collection: 7" single no. 1018
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Torture' / 'Groovin' with the kings'

All out of love - Air Supply

'All out of love' is one of those immortal lovesongs that pops up on compilation albums and radio programmes regularly. It was originally recorded by British/Australian pop group Air Supply and released as a single in 1980. It reached number 27 in the Dutch Top 40, number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 11 in the UK singles chart.

Several artists have covered the song after this, including Cliff Richard, Andru Donalds, Westlife and Delta Goodrem.

My collection: 7" single no. 1639
Found: May 3, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'All out of love' / 'Old habits die hard'

Food for thought - 10CC

The 1983 10CC album was mostly a product of Eric Stewart, as Graham Gouldman only performed partial lead vocals on one song. The album featured a lot of session musicians and Stewart later reflected that the original idea of a concept album was not realised. 'I longed to be like Pink Floyd and just go for large musical statements like 'One night in Paris' and 'Feel the benefit', but we were locked onto the singles roundabout, the 'quick buck', and it was impossible to break free at the time.'

Two singles were taken from the album, '24 hours' and 'Feel the love', but in Holland, a third single was released: 'Food for thought'. It was reasonably successful too, reaching number 21 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 428
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 29, 1986
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Food for thought' / 'The secret life of Henry'

Mary Ann - Black Lace

'Mary Ann' is a rather straightforward love song, performed by the English band Black Lace. They represented the United Kingdom during the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest with this song. It finished eleventh in a field of 19 contestants. The single reached number 42 in the UK charts, the lowest placing for a Eurovision entrant in many years.

The song was under threat of legal action when the band Smokey's publishers insisted that 'Mary Ann' was a rip-off of Smokey’s song 'Oh Carol'. The song's publishing company, ATV Music, insisted that any similarity was purely coincidental, and since they showed that the notation of the two songs were different the case was dropped. However, it was no secret in the Black Lace camp that every possible thing was done to sound like Smokey, from the lead vocal to the harmonies, the guitars and even the bass line. 'It was an intentional rip-off,' said Colin Routh from the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 4343
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Mary Ann' / 'Drivin''

Dis lui toi que je t'aime - Vanessa Paradis

'Dis lui toi que je t'aime' was the second single taken from Vanessa Paradis' 1990 album 'Variations sur le même t'aime'. As with more tracks on the album, the song was written by Serge Gainsbourg.

The single reached number 41 in the French singles chart. While this is a relatively low chart placing, the album has consistently been in print in France since its release.

My collection: 7" single no. 4320
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Dis lui toi que je t'aime' / 'Ardoise'

I can't help it - Bananarama

'I can't help it' was written and recorded by Bananarama together with their producers Stock, Aitken and Waterman. The track was included on their fourth studio album 'Wow!' (1987) and released as the third single off the album. The song does not sound very different from other Stock, Aitken and Waterman productions from around that time.

The single reached number 20 in the UK singles chart and number 26 in the Dutch Top 40. The photos on the record sleeve were taken by famous American photographer Herb Ritts. It is the final Bananarama single to feature Siobhan Fahey, who announced her departure shortly after its release.

My collection: 7" single no. 4326
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I can't help it' / 'Ecstacy'

The power of love - Jennifer Rush

Jennifer Rush was born as Heidi Stern on September 28, 1960 in Queens, New York. She spent most of her childhood in Bavaria, Germany. This is also where she discovered her passion for music. Her debut album 'Heidi Stern' was released in 1979, but it didn't get much attention. She was more successful in the Eighties, when she released her second album 'Jennifer Rush' in 1984. This album contained the track 'The power of love'.

Having spent much of the summer of 1985 outside of the UK top 40, the single suddenly climbed to number 1 in its 17th week in the chart. It became the first single by a female solo artist to sell a million copies in the UK and it remains among the UK's best-selling singles of all time. The song was also a major hit in the rest of Europe. In the Dutch Top 40, the single peaked at number 7. In 1993, the song fell victim to Celine Dion, who butchered it with her awful voice.

My collection: 7" single no. 1119
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, December 1, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The power of love' / 'I see a shadow (Not a fantasy)'

Sugar mice - Marillion

The fourth studio album by Marillion, 'Clutching at straws', released in 1987, was a concept album written around the character of Torch, a 29 year old unemployed man who seeks comfort in alcohol to numb himself. Still, he can't forget his failed marriage, a deadbeat father and a lack of commercial success as a singer in a band.

The single 'Sugar mice' wraps up this theme rather nicely, creating a heartfelt and quite dramatic song. The single reached number 22 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 699
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 6, 1988
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Sugar mice' / 'Tux on'

Long live love - Olivia Newton-John

'Long live love' was written by Valerie Avon and Harold Spiro and performed by Olivia Newton-John, who represented the United Kingdom during the 1974 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. In a field of 17 contestants, she finished in fourth place. (The Contest was of course won by Abba with 'Waterloo' that year.)

The single subsequently reached number 11 in the UK singles chart. 'Long live love' also became the title track of Olivia's 1974 album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4341
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Long live love' / 'Angel eyes'

Camouflage - Stan Ridgway

Stan Ridgway was born on April 5, 1954. In 1977 he joined the band Wall of Voodoo, until 1983. After a live concert at the US Festival on May 28, 1983 he and two other members left the band.

In 1986, Stan Ridgway released his first solo album, 'The big heat'. The song 'Camouflage' was taken from the album and became a Europe-wide hit. In the UK, 'Camouflage' reached number 4; in the Dutch Top 40 it got to number 14.

My collection: 7" single no. 498
Found: Free Record Shop, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Camouflage' / 'Salesman'

It must have been love - Roxette

'It must have been love' was written by Per Gessle and performed by Roxette. It became their third number 1 hit in the USA in 1990, peaking at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and the UK singles chart. The song started its life in 1987 as 'Christmas for the broken hearted', a top 10 hit in Sweden but unreleased in other territories.

In 1990, the song was included in the movie soundtrack for 'Pretty woman'. Gessle has claimed that the two-year-old recording was chosen because Roxette did not have time to compose and record a new song while touring. 'Christmas for the broken hearted' was re-recorded with Marie Fredriksson replacing a single Christmas-referenced line in the song and adding some instrumentation and background vocal overlays to enhance the sound. The producers initially turned down 'It must have been love' but changed their minds after re-editing the film.

My collection: 7" single no. 1247
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 16, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'It must have been love' / 'Paint'

Miss you much - Janet Jackson

'Miss you much' was the first single taken from Janet Jackson's 1989 album 'Rhythm Nation 1814', the follow-up to the exceedingly successful 'Control' album. In the UK, the single was released with a poster sleeve, but it only reached number 22 in the singles chart. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, it reached number 1, while in the Dutch Top 40 it got to number 15.

The B-side, 'You need me', is about Jackson's personal feelings about her father, and how the tables are turned, that now he needs her. At the time of its release there were reports that the B-side was the product of Jackson's record labels pressure on her in an attempt to produce a 'Control part 2' album, addressing the rumours in the press regarding her personal life and family. Jackson didn't do this and only produced this one autobiographical track, which is therefore considers to be a collectors' item.

My collection: 7" single no. 999
Found: HMV, London, October 16, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Miss you much' / 'You need me'

Do you believe in shame? - Duran Duran

'Do you believe in shame?' was dedicated to three of the band's fallen friends: record producer Alex Sadkin, artist Andy Warhol, and Simon Le Bon's childhood friend David Miles. Le Bon later commented that the song is the first part of a trilogy of songs written as a tribute to Miles, the other songs being 'Ordinary world' and 'Out of my mind'.

The single reached number 30 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in Ireland. It was considerably less successful in the USA, where it peaked at number 72.

My collection: 7" single no. 791
Found: April 15, 1989
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Do you believe in shame?' / 'The Krush brothers LSD edit'