Russians - Sting

Earlier this year, Sting released 'If on a winter's night', a collection of not necessarily Christmas songs, but Winter songs. But as on many more winter albums, a vague Christmas theme is always there. The first track on the album is 'Gabriel's message', an earlier version of which appeared as early as 1985 as a B-side of Sting's hit single 'Russians'.

'Russians' was released in November 1985 as the fourth single from Sting's first solo album 'The dream of the blue turtles'. 'Russians' was very much a cold war song: the only thing that might save the world from a nuclear holocaust is if 'the Russians love their children too'. The single peaked at number 7 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 12 in the UK singles chart. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single reached number 16.

My collection: 7" single no. 357
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, November 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Russians' / 'Gabriel's message'

Wish you a merry Christmas - The Korgis

'Wish you a merry Christmas' is a non-album track by the Korgis. In the UK, it appeared as the B-side to 'Rovers return' in 1980. In France, the track was released as the A-side of the single, with 'Rovers return' on the flipside.

It is a lovely Christmas track, written by James Warren and Phil Harrison from the Korgis. I don't know whether this single actually charted in France.

My collection: 7" single no. 4172
Found: Chelsea Records, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Wish you a merry Christmas' / 'Rovers return'

Please come home for Christmas - The Eagles

'Please come home for Christmas' was originally written and recorded in 1960 by the American blues singer and pianist Charles Brown. When it was released in December 1961, it reached number 76 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Eagles covered the track in 1978 and released it as a single. Their version peaked at number 18 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 30 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4181
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Please come home for Christmas' / 'Funky new year'

2000 miles - The Pretenders

The Pretenders released '2000 miles' in November 1983. The single preceded the album 'Learning to crawl', which was released in early 1984. The song is considered a Christmas song for its music and the lyric 'It must be Christmas time' in the chorus.

'2000 miles' peaked at number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40. The single was released in a limited edition gatefold sleeve, which I bought some years after its original release.

My collection: 7" single no. 1214
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, April 22, 1990
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: '2000 miles' / 'Fast or slow, the law's the law'

The power of love - Frankie goes to Hollywood

Frankie goes to Hollywood built the beginning of their career and their first three single releases on the three pillars of controversy: sex ('Relax'), war ('Two tribes') and religion ('The power of love'). This third single was a stark contrast to the busy, almost aggressive songs that went before: it was the epitome of tranquility.

The music video accompanying the single was directed by Godley & Creme and told the nativity story. The sleeve of the single featured the Assunta by Titian, a XVI century painting in the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari of Venice. In the UK an extra outer sleeve (pictured above) was added, wrapping up the single like a Christmas present. The single became the UK's Christmas number 1 in 1984 and reached number 9 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1467
Found: London, June 30, 1991
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'The power of love' / 'The world is my oyster'

Ik vraag aan Sinterklaas een heel gelukkig kerstfeest - Henk Temming

Henk Temming was a former member of the Dutch group Het Goede Doel when he released this 1991 seasonal solo single. 'Ik vraag aan Sinterklaas een heel gelukkig kerstfeest' ('I ask St. Nicholas for a very happy Christmas') refers to the Dutch holiday on December 5, when the anniversary of St. Nicholas is celebrated with presents. In this case, Temming has described his wish for a merry Christmas by asking for it on December 5.

The sentiment was obviously shared with a lot of Dutch people that year, since the single reached number 22 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1554
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 7, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Ik vraag aan Sinterklaas een heel gelukkig kerstfeest' / 'Ik vraag aan Sinterklaas een heel gelukkig kerstfeest (meezing versie)'

Thank God it's Christmas - Queen

'Thank God it's Christmas' was written by Brian May and Roger Taylor and released as a single in November 1984. The track does not appear on any Queen studio album, but was included in their 'Greatest Hits III' compilation, released in 1999.

The single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in Ireland. In most European countries the single went by unnoticed, although it did chart in Austria and Germany in 1985, reaching number 21 and 57 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 4315
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Thank God it's Christmas' / 'Man on the prowl', 'Keep passing the open windows'

Carol of the birds - Art Garfunkel and Amy Grant

In 1986, Art Garfunkel released 'The animal's Christmas', an album composed by Jimmy Webb as a cantata that tells the nativity story from the perspective of animals that were there. On the track 'Carol of the birds', lead vocal duties are shared by Art Garfunkel and Amy Grant; they recorded the track in Nashville, Tennessee.

This American promotional 7" single features that track. I don't know if it was released commercially as there is no information about that anywhere on the web. Could be this is quite the collector's item, but I don't know. I do like this track, it's one of those records you have to hear once a year on a day like today.

My collection: 7" single no. 3243
Found: London, 2001
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Carol of the birds' / 'Carol of the birds'

I would die 4 U - Prince

Prince released 'I would die 4 U' as the fourth single from his very successful 1984 album 'Purple rain'. Some fans think that the lyric of the song is sung from the viewpoint of Jesus Christ. The B-side of the single, 'Another lonely Christmas', is a sad account of a man mourning his lover's death on Christmas Day.

The single reached number 58 in the UK singles chart, but peaked at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4289
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I would die 4 U' / 'Another lonely Christmas'

Eeuwige kerst - Annie Schilder, Koor Kinderen voor Kinderen, Het Goede Doel

'Eeuwige kerst' ('Eternal Christmas') could be considered the Dutch version of Band Aid, released in December 1984. Dutch singer Annie Schilder, Het Goede Doel and the children's choir Kinderen voor Kinderen collaborated on this Christmas track. It reached number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

On May 1, 1984, Dutch broadcaster VARA organised a radio programme entitled Losprijs to raise money for Doctors without borders, on the occasion of them starting a branch in the Netherlands. Highlights of that programme were included on the lengthy B-side of this single.

My collection: 7" single no. 3767
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 3, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Eeuwige kerst' / 'Hoogtepunten uit Losprijs'

Little drummer boy - Boney M

By the end of 1981, Boney M was in a little trouble. They'd recorded the album 'Boonoonoonoos', originally scheduled for release in November 1980, but released almost a year later because of the recording sessions dragging on. Boney M's 'Christmas album' was released almost at the same time in November 1981. By that time, male member Bobby Farrell was fired from the group due to his unreliable working discipline.

It did not hinder the Christmas album so much, as it became a holiday favourite for all the band's fans. The single 'Little drummer boy' was a bit of a secret though. I never saw it back in 1981, and last January I saw it for the first time in my life. Boney M's version of this traditional is pretty decent, but the medley of hits on the B-side is the real treat here.

My collection: 7" single no. 3568
Found: La La Land, January 31, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Little drummer boy' / '6 years of Boney M hits - Boney M on 45'

December will be magic again - Kate Bush

'December will be magic again' was written and recorded in 1979 by Kate Bush. It was not released as a single until November 1980. The song first appeared on television during a Kate Bush television special in the UK, in December 1979. The single release in 1980 was not accompanied by a music video.

Upon its release, the single reached number 29 in the UK singles chart, number 13 in Ireland and number 55 in Germany. Since then, the song has been played on the radio in December every year. It also appears regularly on Christmas compilation albums. It is one of my all time favourite Christmas tracks.

My collection: 7" single no. 75
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, December 1980
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'December will be magic again' / 'Warm and soothing'

In dulci jubilo - Mike Oldfield

'In dulci jubilo' ('In sweetest rejoicing') is a traditional Christmas Carol. The original lyrics, a macaronic alternation of Medieval German and Latin, is thought to have been written by the German mystic Heinrich Seuse circa 1328.

Mike Oldfield released an instrumental arrangement of this in December 1975. It reached number 4 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2797
Found: December 14, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'In dulci jubilo' / 'On horseback'

Flappie - Youp van 't Hek

'Flappie' is the name of the rabbit in this Dutch Christmas classic which appears on the radio year after year. Comedian Youp van 't Hek describes the scene of a boy coming down on Christmas down, looking for his rabbit which disappeared from its pen. Mother doesn't know where the animal is, but says the boy should go looking for it, but don't disturb dad, who is busy in the shed. That evening, Flappie is presented as the main course at dinner. The next morning, mother wakes up with father gone. The boy says that she can go look for him as long as she doesn't look in the shed...

Although the song has become a Christmas classic, the single did not chart when it was released in 1985.

My collection: 7" single no. 2801
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, December 29, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Flappie' / 'Kontzak'

So you win again - Hot Chocolate

'So you win again' was written by Russ Ballard, the English singer-songwriter who also wrote tracks like 'You can do magic' and 'I know there's something going on'.

Hot Chocolate recorded the song in 1977, with Mickie Most producing. It became the band's only UK number one single that summer. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, it reached number 31, wheras in the Dutch Top 40, it reached number 7.

My collection: 7" single no. 509
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'So you win again' / 'A part of being with you'

Love will conquer all - Lionel Richie

The man who gave us lyrics like 'What a feeling / when we're dancing on the ceiling' also gave us this sloppy love song. 'Love will conquer all' was a single taken from Lionel Richie's 1986 album 'Dancing on the ceiling'.

The single reached number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 45 in the UK singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1150
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, January 19, 1990
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love will conquer all' / 'The only one'

Those simple things / (What a day for a) Daydream - Right said Fred

Right said Fred found fame with songs like 'I'm too sexy' and 'Deeply dippy', that were considered humorous but no serious attempts at making music. In a way, the double A-sided single 'Those simple things/Daydream' changed matters a bit. These were two beautiful and serious pop songs.

'Daydream' is a cover version of a song by the Lovin' Spoonful, whereas the beautifully orchestrated 'Those simple things' was an original track. Both were taken from Right said Fred's debut album 'Up'. The single reached number 29 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1698
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag,
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Those simple things' / '(What a day for a) daydream'

Everything counts - Depeche Mode

Martin Gore attended a concert by the industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten in January 1983 and got inspired to experiment with industrial sounds in his own music. Depeche Mode had just started to use the Synclavier, a synthesizer that allowed to record an re-use sounds. They started recording hammering anvils, clanging pipes, running water, pingpong balls, etcetera.

Their third album 'Construction time again' not only contained these new sounds, but also a more political stance in their lyrics. 'Everything counts' specifically addresses corporate greed and corruption in the music industry, as the chorus sings of 'grabbing hands' that 'grab all they can'. The single reached number 6 in the UK singles chart and remains one of the band's best known songs.

My collection: 7" single no. 1075
Found: HMV, London, October 19, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Everything counts' / 'Work hard'

I feel love - Donna Summer

After Donna Summer left Casablance Records and signed with Geffen Records, her old record company released a series of singles from her 1979 double album 'Bad girls' as well as the compilation album 'Walk away - The best of 1977-1980'. After this, disco and high energy producer Patrick Cowley was asked to remix one of Summer's best known tracks, 'I feel love'. This remix was released as a single in 1982, around the same time when Donna Summer scored a big hit with her new record company, 'State of independence'.

The full length 12" version clocked in at over 15 minutes and became a club favourite. The edit version on 7" single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3093
Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 13, 1999
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I feel love (part 1)' / 'I feel love (part 2)'

More than the sun - Black

After Black signed to WEA Records in 1984, they released only two singles for the label until they were dropped. The second single was a re-recording of their 1982 single, 'More than the sun'. Although the previous single 'Hey presto' gave the band some exposure, this single didn't fare as well.

'More than the sun' is a beautifully orchestrated ballad in this re-recorded version. The B-side is the peculiar and very interesting 'Butterfly man'. Both tracks would be included in a mini-album released by WEA after they had their Europe-wide success with that one classic song, 'Wonderful life'. Cashing in!

My collection: 7" single no. 2271
Found: Record fair, April 8, 1995
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'More than the sun' / 'Butterfly man'

Cheek to cheek (Heaven) - Taco

The second single taken from Taco's 1983 album 'After eight' was another old song set to synthpop music. Irving Berlin wrote 'Cheek to cheek', performed by Fred Astaire in the 1935 movie 'Top hat'.

Unlike the previous single, this one didn't become a hit. Taco continued to record and release albums throughout the Eighties, focusing mainly on the German market.

My collection: 7" single no. 198
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Cheek to cheek (heaven)' / 'Encore (Sweet gypsy rose)'

Guitar man / Baby I'm a want you - Bread

This 'Original Oldies' single features two hit singles by Bread. 'Guitar man' was written by David Gates. It first appeared on Bread's 1972 album, which was also titled 'Guitar man'. The single peaked at number 11 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 16 in the UK singles chart and number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

'Baby I'm a want you' was released a year earlier, reaching number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 14 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7"single no. 912
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 25, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Guitar man' / 'Baby I'm a want you'

If you can't stand the heat - Bucks Fizz

'If you can't stand the heat' was written by Andy Hill and Ian Bairnson. The lyric of the song tell of someone who is manipulative, but when faced with her own medicine, she can't handle it, hence the song's title. The faint reggae beat on the track gives it a slight variation on the group's usually straightforward pop.

The song featured on the group's third album, 'Hand cut' (1983) and was released as a single in late 1982. It reached number 10 in the UK singles chart in January 1983.

My collection: 7" single no. 179
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'If you can't stand the heat' / 'Stepping out'

Sweet dreams (are made of this) - Eurythmics

'Sweet dreams (are made of this)' was the title track of the Eurythmics' second album and was released as its fourth single. Although the first two singles 'This is the house' and 'The walk' flopped and the third single 'Love is a stranger' only reached minor chart positions in the UK and Europe, the record company stuck with it. Quite a difference from the state of affairs these days...

The record company - and the artist - was rewarded: 'Sweet dreams' became a number 1 hit in the USA and Canada, and also reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in the Dutch Top 40. Part of this success was caused by the iconic music video, starring Annie Lennox with her orange hair. My copy of the UK pressing of the single was stamped on the back of the sleeve with the words 'Not for resale'.

My collection: 7" single no. 191
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Sweet dreams (are made of this)' / 'I could give you (a mirror)'

How deep is your love - Bee Gees

'How deep is your love' was recorded by the Bee Gees in 1977 and used for the soundtrack of the movie 'Saturday night fever'. The track was originally intended for Yvonne Elliman, but the band finally decided to record the song themselves - and with good results.

When it was released as a single, it reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 15 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 852
Found: Den Haag, May 27, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'How deep is your love' / 'Can't keep a good man down'

Something about you - Level 42

I've always considered the members of the band Level 42 unlikely candidates for a poster, but here you go: a limited edition poster bag was included with the UK pressing of the single 'Something about you'. It was the second single taken from the band's 1985 album 'World machine'.

Upon its release, the single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 32 in the Dutch Top 40. I guess the poster really helped.

My collection: 7" single no. 1473
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: "Something about you' / 'Coup d'etat (version)'

Dressed for success - Roxette

When Roxette recorded 'Dressed for success', there were some problems. Marie Fredriksson later commented: 'I was so mad when I did it. Everything about that session went wrong, we argued about the arrangement, we changed the key, I was dead tired of the song when I went in to do a guide vocal. Did it in one blast and suddenly realized, "hmm... this is it".'

When the track was released as a single in October 1989, it reached number 14 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK, the single was re-released in November 1990 after the success of 'It must have been love'. On that occasion, it reached number 18.

My collection: 7" single no. 2618
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, February 10, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Dressed for success' / 'The voice'

Honesty - Billy Joel

'Honesty' was released in the summer of 1979 as the third single from Billy Joel's sixth studio album '52nd Street'. This album was actually the first album to be made commercially available on cd, when the new technology was released to the market in 1982.

It reached number 24 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 28 in the Dutch Top 40. In the UK, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 758
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 23, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Honesty' / 'Half a mile away'

The "Sweetest Girl" - Scritti Politti

Scritti Politti originally consisted of lead vocalist Green Gartside (born Paul Julian Stromheyer), Nial Jinks as bass player, Tom Morley as drummer, and Matthew Kay as the manager who sometimes played the keyboard. Gartside and Jinks had gone to school together in South Wales, and Gartside met Morley at Leeds Polytechnic, a college they both attended. Disillusioned and bored with art school, Gartside and Morley left in June 1978 and moved into a squat in Camden Town, London. Jinks was invited to join the band.

Gartside recorded a demo of one of his new songs, 'The "Sweetest Girl"' in January 1981. The song was included on a compilation of songs given out with the March issue of NME. The song prompted many major labels to offer Gartside record contracts, but he decided to stay with Rough Trade, who released the track as a single in the autumn. It reached number 64 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2779
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 1996
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'The "Sweetest Girl"' / 'Lions after slumber'

Hide and seek - Howard Jones

The 10" single of 'Hide & seek' already featured on this blog earlier, but obviously I've got the 7" single as well. I was lucky enough to find a UK pressing of this single, as the sleeve is so much more beautiful when it's made of heavy glossy paper.

The isingle reached number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 664
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Hide & seek' / 'Tao te Ching'

Let's dance - David Bowie

I remember the media made a big thing out of the fact that chameleon David Bowie had become 'himself' for the 1983 album 'Let's dance'. The man who was behind Major Tom, Ziggy Stardust and many other characters had finally shed his stage costumes and showed his own face. The Nile Rodgers-produced album contained his most commercial tracks ever, and this showed in the sales figures for both the album and the associated singles.

The title track, 'Let's dance', was released as the first single in early 1983. The 7'38 album version was heavily edited for single release. It reached number 1 in most countries, including the UK, the Netherlands and the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 1285
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 31, 1990
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Let's dance' / 'Cat people (putting out fire)'

High time he went - Renée

The Dutch group Renée achieved their biggest success with the single 'High time he went', taken from the album 'The future none can see'. The story of a man with a midlife crisis reached number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

The group's biggest success was also their last: subsequent singles failed to chart, although one further album and associated singles were released.

My collection: 7" single no. 3303
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'High time he went' / 'Love's just a season'

The logical song - Supertramp

'The logical song' by Supertramp is a 'story of innocence and idealism lost' with Hodgson condemning an education system not focused on knowledge and sensitivity. It was recorded as a track on Supertramp's 1979 album 'Breakfast in America'.

When the song was released as a single it reached number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the Dutch Top 40, 'The logical song' reached number 20.

My collection: 7" single no. 401
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'The logical song' / 'Just another nervous wreck'

D'you know what I mean? - Oasis

Noel Gallagher commented about 'D'you know what I mean?': 'I was going to make up some profound statement in the chorus but I couldn't come up with anything that fitted. Then I just thought "All my people right here, right now. D'You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah" Very vague, very ambiguous, that'll do. Look in the mirror and wink while you're singing it and it's quite saucy. And I fucking love that line, "Coming in a mess, going out in style". We were a bunch of scruffs from Manchester and we're going out in a Rolls Royce'.

The song was released as the first single from Oasis' third album 'Be here now'. Although the track clocks in at a lengthy six minutes, it was never edited for radio. The single reached number 1 in the UK singles chart - as had become tradition with Oasis singles - but also topped the charts in Finland, Ireland and Spain. In the Dutch Top 40, 'D'you know what I mean?' reached number 25. The 7" single was released in a gatefold sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 2861
Found: Record fair, 1997
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'D'you know what I mean?' / 'Stay young'

History - Mai Tai

'History' was the fourth hit single for Mai Tai in the Netherlands, peaking at number 22 in the Dutch Top 40 in May 1985. The single was released in the UK at the same time and became their first international hit. It peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart.

The trio became a regular guest at the satellite music tv stations at the time, such as Sky Channel and Music Box. In a way, this UK pressing of Mai Tai's 'History' was the beginning of a success story that would last for three hit singles in the UK...

My collection: 7" single no. 3059
Found: Record Exchange, London, May 9, 1999
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'History' / 'History (instrumental)'

Victor should have been a jazz musician - Grace Jones

After all the sonic mayhem of the Trevor Horn-produced album 'Slave to the rhythm' (1985), Grace Jones returned in 1986 with the album 'Inside story', produced by Nile Rodgers and Grace Jones herself.

The single 'Victor should have been a jazz musician' is a far cry from 'Slave to the rhythm', as it's a slow jazz track. The single was successful in the Netherlands, where it reached number 26 in the Dutch Top 40, but it failed to chart in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 2625
Found: March 2, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Victor should have been a jazz musician' / 'Crush'

De Nederlandse sterre die strale overal! - Rubberen Robbie

When Dutch producer Jaap Eggermont achieved international success with his series of 'Stars on 45' singles, the group Rubberen Robbie - also Dutch - was inspired to create a parody. They glued together bits and pieces of famous Dutch songs and wrote their own funny lyrics for these songs. It gave them their first chart hit, and quite a big one: 'De Nederlandse sterre die strale overal!' ('The Dutch stars shine everywhere!') reached number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1981.

The B-side was the bluesy 'In de goot' ('In the gutter'), a story of a jobless lazy bum, who spends his days drinking and spending what little money he has on useless objects. It was a pretty accurate description of the 'no future' generation of that time.

My collection: 7" single no. 506
Found: Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'De Nederlandse sterre die strale overal!' / 'In de goot'

It's only love - Simply Red

'It's only love' was written by Jimmy and Vela Cameron and recorded by Barry White on his album 'The man' (1978).

In 1988, Simply Red recorded a cover version of the song for their third studio album 'A new flame'. It was released as the album's first single. It reached number 1 in Italy, number 7 in Ireland and number 13 in the UK. In the Dutch Top 40, 'It's only love' reached number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 732
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, February 4, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'It's only love' / 'Turn it up'

Shoobedoo da dabba doobee - Imagination

Imagination's 'Shoobedoo da dabba doobee', released in the USA with the considerably duller title 'This means war', was released in 1984, ending a very successful run of chart hits for the band in the UK. This single failed to reach the UK singles chart and was also unsuccessful elsewhere in Europe.

Personally, I have always been fond of this track and especially its title. And it's one of those singles I've been searching for years, until I finally found it almost a decade after its release.

My collection: 7" single no. 1823
Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, January 13, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Shoobedoo da dabba doobee' / 'Shoobedoo da dabba doobee (dub version)'

I'm gonna love you too - Blondie

Joe Mauldin, Niki Sullivan and Norman Petty wrote 'I'm gonna love you too', originally recorded by Buddy Holly in 1958. Mauldin and Sullivan were members of Holly's band The Crickets; Petty was Holly's first manager and also his recording engineer.

Blondie's version of the song was chosen as the first single from their album 'Parallel lines'. Although the band was very successful with their cover of 'Denis', which was featured on their previous albums, this single failed to chart in most territories, although it did reach number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 121
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I'm gonna love you too' / 'Fanmail'

Worlds apart - Cock Robin

Cock Robin released their third album 'First love last rites' in 1989. The music on the album was a bit darker than on previous efforts, and a little less poppy and accessible as well. Produced by Rhett Davies, the album featured some hispanic influences.

Some of these influences could be heard on the first single from the album, 'Worlds apart', released in December 1989. The single did not chart in most territories, with the exception of France, where it peaked at number 22.

My collection: 7" single no. 1116
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, November 24, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Worlds apart' / 'Don't think twice (live)'

Eyes without a face - Billy Idol

Coincidence or not? In 1960, a French horror movie called 'Les yeux sans visage' was released. Billy Idol came up with the song 'Eyes without a face' in 1984, in which Perri Lister sings exactly those French words in the background.

Although Billy Idol usually recorded more rock-oriented tracks, it was this midtempo ballad that gave him a worldwide hit. The single reached number 24 in the Dutch Top 40, number 18 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2673
Found: Record Exchange, London, June 30, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Eyes without a face' / 'The dead next door'

Hotel California / Desperado - The Eagles

Not one, but two classic songs feature on this 'Old Gold' single from 1985. I bought this single for the A-side track, 'Hotel California', a 1977 hit for the Eagles from their album of the same name. On the surface, the song tells the tale of a weary traveler who becomes trapped in a nightmarish luxury hotel that at first appeared inviting and tempting. The song is an allegory about hedonism and self-destruction in the Southern California music industry of the late Seventies; Don Henley commented: 'It's basically a song about the dark underbelly of the American dream and about excess in America, which is something we knew a lot about.'

The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40 when it was released in April 1977.

My collection: 7" single no. 552
Found: WH Smith, London, October 1987
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Hotel California' / 'Desperado'

Hey mister heartache - Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde made her return to the limelight with this 1988 single, 'Hey mister heartache', the first single from her sixth album 'Close'. The track was written by Kim with her guitarist Steve Byrd and featured Junior Giscombe on backing vocals.

The single was only a minor hit, reaching number 37 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 31 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" singel no. 605
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, April 23, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Hey mister heartache' / 'Tell me where you are'

Someday (I'm coming back) - Lisa Stansfield

Lisa Stansfield recorded 'Someday (I'm coming back)' for the soundtrack of the very successful movie 'The Bodyguard' starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. The track was released as a single in December 1992, one month after the release of Houston's dreadful theme song 'I will always love you'.

By comparison, Lisa Stansfield's single garnered much less attention from the media and record-buying public. The single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40 - a stark contrast to Houston's undeserved number 1 hit.

My collection: 7" single no. 1801
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 11, 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Someday (I'm coming back)' / 'Tenderly (live)'

Stay (Faraway, so close!) - U2

Bono and The Edge worked for a long time on 'Stay (Faraway, so close!)', a track that was inspired by the music of Frank Sinatra. They actually made the melody during sessions for U2's album 'Achtung baby', but only completed the song when they heard that Wim Wenders was looking for a song for his new movie 'Faraway, so close!'.

he single's B-side featured the song 'I've got you under my skin', as a duet between Bono and Sinatra, which was originally released on Sinatra's album 'Duets'. (I wonder how many U2 fans were excited about this track...) Released in November 1993, the single reached number number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2062
Found: Wreckastow, Rotterdam, December 24, 1993
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Stay (Faraway, so close!)' / 'I've got you under my skin'

Tragedy and mystery - China Crisis

When China Crisis started work on their second album 'Working with fire and steel', they added Gazza Johnson and Kevin Wilkinson to their line-up. Together with original members Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon they recorded a collection of tracks that included the hit singles 'Hanna Hanna', the title track and 'Tragedy and mystery'.

'Tragedy and mystery' was released as the first single from the album, six months prior to its release. A limited edition was pressed as a picture disc 7" single. While not a hit in Europe, the single reached number 46 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2014
Found: London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Tragedy & mystery' / 'A golden handshake for every daughter'