Easier to walk away - Elton John

The sleeve of this single announces that all royalties from the sale of the record will be divided equally between four charities: the Terence Higgins Trust, London Lighthouse, Jefferiss Research Wing Trust and Body Positive. But that wasn't the most attractive thing about this single: 'Easier to walk away' is a strong pop song, and quite a change from the dull dross that was 'Sacrifice', Elton John's biggest hit in the UK in 1990.

'Easier to walk away' was released as a single from Elton's greatest hits compilation 'The very best of Elton John', released in 1991. The single only reached number 63 in the UK singles chart and number 51 in Germany.

My collection: 7" single no. 1502
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 6, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Easier to walk away' / 'I swear I heard the night talking'

This used to be my playground - Madonna

'This used to be my playground' was written and produced by Madonna and Shep Pettibone, and recorded as one of the last songs during the sessions for her 1992 studio album 'Erotica'. The single was released in the summer of 1992, and reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song also featured in the movie 'A league of their own', starring Madonna, Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. In spite of its commercial success, Madonna has never performed it live. It also does not appear on succeeding greatest hits albums.

My collection: 7" single no. 3239
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'This used to be my playground (single version)' / 'This used to be my playground (album version)'

The hurtin' doesn't go away - Anita Meyer

Anita Meyer was born on October 29, 1954. She starts singing at an early age and starts performing during her teens together with her brother. Her first solo success comes in 1976, when she releases her debut single 'The alternative way', produced by Hans Vermeulen, a famous Dutch singer/songwriter.

Although 'The alternative way' is a number 1 hit in the Netherlands, subsequent singles fail to equal that success, and this single, 'The hurtin' doesn't go away', released in 1981, fails to chart. It is the last single before her biggest chart success, 'Why tell me why', which stays at number 1 for several weeks.

My collection: 7" single no. 138
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'The hurtin' doesn't go away' / 'You'

Woman in love - Barbra Streisand

'Woman in love' may be one of Barbra Streisand's most famous songs. It was released as a single from her 1980 album 'Guilty'. Like the entire album, the song was written by Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees.

The single reached number one in the USA, Canada, most European countries, as well as Australia and South Africa.

My collection: 7" single no. 402
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Woman in love' / 'Run wild'

Una rosa es una rosa - Mecano

The sentence 'Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose' was written by Gertrude Stein as part of the 1913 poem 'Sacred Emily', which appeared in the 1922 book 'Geography and Plays'. In that poem, the first 'Rose' is the name of a person. The quote is often interpreted as meaning 'things are what they are'. In Stein's view, the sentence expresses the fact that simply using the name of a thing already invokes the imagery and emotions associated with it.

'Una rosa es una rosa es una rosa', the Spanish translation of Stein's verse, is the chorus of a song by the Spanish pop music group Mecano that appeared on their 1991 album, 'Aidalai'. The lyric of the song tells the story of a man in love with a woman who by turns hurts and soothes him.

My collection: 7" single no. 1685
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, July 11, 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Una rosa es una rosa' / 'Cruz de navajas'

Separate lives - Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin

Stephen Bishop wrote 'Separate lives'. He reportedly recorded the song himself as a duet with Kim Wilde, but in the end, it appeared as a duet between Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin. They recorded the track for the soundtrack of the movie 'White nights'.

'Separate lives' reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 4 in the UK singles chart. The song was subsequently nominated for an Oscar for 'Best original song'. It lost to Lionel Richie's 'Say you, say me' from the same movie.

My collection: 7" single no. 1416
Found: April 7, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Separate lives' / 'I don't wanna know'

Devil woman - Cliff Richard

'Devil woman' was written by Terry Britten and Christine Holmes. It was first recorded by Holmes under the name Kristine. The song is told from the point of a view of a man jinxed from an encounter with a stray cat with evil eyes, and his discovery that the psychic medium, a Gypsy woman, whose help he sought to break the curse was the one responsible for the curse in the first place.

When Cliff Richard recorded the song in 1976 and released it as a single, it reached number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK singles chart. 'Devil woman' reached number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 3199
Found: September 30, 2000
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Devil woman' / "Love on (Shine on)'

Roll over lay down - Status Quo

The sixth studio album by Status Quo was 'Hello!', released in 1973. 'Roll over lay down' was the first track on that album, but the only single released from 'Hello!' was 'Caroline'.

'Roll over lay down' still became one of the band's better known tracks, due to its single release from the subsequent live album 'Live!', released in 1975. This live ep, featuring three tracks, reached number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1632
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 18, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Roll over lay down' / 'Gerdundula', 'Junior's wailing'

Machinery - Sheena Easton

If it wasn't for my sister, I might never have bought 'Machinery' by Sheena Easton when I did. She played this single over and over when it was released, and not long after that I bought myself a copy.

'Machinery' is a track from Easton's third album 'Madness, money and music'. It didn't chart in the Netherlands, but it reached number 38 in the UK singles chart and number 57 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 147
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Machinery' / 'So we say goodbye'

No one can - Marillion

'No one can' was released as the second single from Marillion's 1991 album 'Holidays in Eden'. In the UK, the single was released in a limited edition box set, including a badge and four art prints.

Upon its original release, 'No one can' reached number 33 in the UK singles chart. The track was re-released in 1993, when Marillion released a greatest hits album. On that occasion, the single peaked at number 26.

My collection: 7" single no. 1505
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 7, 1991
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'No one can' / 'A collection'

True - Spandau Ballet

The song 'True' was a definite change of style for the band Spandau Ballet. It was a slow pop-ballad, paying tribute to Marvin Gaye and the sound he helped to establish. It was released a year before Gaye was murdered in 1984.

The single became Spandau Ballet's biggest and most remembered song, reaching number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Dutch Top 40 and number 1 in the UK singles chart. In the UK, the single was released in a special gatefold sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 3250
Found: London, November 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'True' / 'Lifeline (Edited remix for U.S.A.)'

Do they know it's Christmas? - Band Aid

After the phenomenal success of the charity single 'Do they know it's Christmas?' by Band Aid in December 1984, a lot happened. Millions were raised by spinoff projects, the Live Aid concert took place, and this in turn led to several live concerts all over the world for this or other charities. And so, in December 1985, 'Do they know it's Christmas?' was re-released, to commemorate a quite extraordinary year.

When you listen to the new B-side 'One year on', it's amazing what has happened with all the proceeds from Band Aid and Live Aid projects. Also, when you hear Midge Ure reading the list of stuff that went to Africa 25 years later, it makes you realise that no matter how many goods you send to that continent, they are still starving over there. It's a bit like a bottomless pit, isn't it? Quite a sobering Christmas thought...

My collection: 7" single no. 4375
Found: Independent Outlet, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'Do they know it's Christmas?' / 'One year on (Feed the world)'

It should be Christmas everyday - Suzanne Michaels

The Dutch girl Suzanne Krijnen, who was 15 years old in 1979, had sent in a demo to a record company. Within a few months, she had a record deal and released 'It should be Christmas everyday', taking on the stage name Suzanne Michaels. Although the single did not chart, it has become a seasonal favourite.

Two forther singles, 'Mandelay' (1981) and 'With love' (1984) also failed to reach the chart. After leaving highschool she stopped her own career in music, although she was available as a session singer.

My collection: 7" single no. 4376
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'It should be Christmas everyday' / '(Christmas) Have a merry Christmas'

Easier said than done - Jon Anderson

In December 1985, Jon Anderson released 'Three ships', an album featuring versions of old Christmas carols and some original material. The single 'Easier said than done', composed by Vangelis, was released as a single almost at the same time.

The B-side featured a version of the well-known Christmas carol 'Three ships' (the title track of the album), written before the 17th century. The single did not chart, by the way...

My collection: 7" single no. 4374
Found: Independent Outlet, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'Easier said than done' / 'Three ships'

Last Christmas - Wham!

Whenever it's Christmas, you will hear Wham!'s hit 'Last Christmas'. It may be one of the most popular Christmas anthems ever. On its first release in 1984, it sold well over a million copies, reaching number 2 in the UK singles chart. (It was held off the top spot by Band Aid's 'Do they know it's Christmas'.)

Since then, the single has been re-released almost every year. This single is the re-release from 1989, featuring a different sleeve. The rest is the same: the Christmas song and its B-side, the great track 'Everything she wants', which kept the single in the charts in January 1985.

My collection: 7" single no. 4206
Found: Flea market, Den Haag, November 15, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Last Christmas' / 'Everything she wants'

Land of make believe - Bucks Fizz

'The land of make believe' was released in November 1981 as the fourth single by Bucks Fizz, who started their career in March that year, when they won the Eurovision Song Contest. It was released in time for Christmas and a limited edition featured an extra outer sleeve (pictured above) with a Christmas wish from the band.

In the Christmas chart, the single was placed at number 5, but it went number 1 in January 1982. It was included on the group's second album 'Are you ready'.

The close of the song features a nursery rhyme narrated by Abby Kimber, who was the 11-year old daughter of an executive of RCA Records. This was an original piece, penned by Sinfield, and read: 'I've got a friend who came to tea / And no-one seems to know but me / He came today, but had to go / To visit you? You never know!'. The track is not a Christmas song, but the B-side 'Now you're gone' actually does contain a reference to Christmas.

My collection: 7" single no. 2911
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 1997
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Land of make believe' / 'Now you're gone'

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)'