Strut your funky stuff - Frantique

Frantique was an American disco group, formed in the late Seventies by Tricia Cheyenne, Florence Raynor and Denise Russelle. They released one album called 'Strut your funky stuff' in 1979. The title track of the album was successful as a single, reaching number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

This copy of the single has had quite a tour around the three biggest cities of the Netherlands: the stamps on the sleeve and label of the record come from a bar disco in Rotterdam, and I bought it in Amsterdam. Now it's found a good home in the third biggest city of the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4351
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Strut your funky stuff' / 'Getting serious'

I'm specialized in you - Time bandits

I've had the 7" single of 'I'm specialized in you' for more than 12 years now, but I never knew there was a 12" single as well. When I saw it, I decided to buy it right away. 12" singles from the early Eighties can be quite rare, especially when they are from Dutch bands. And then there's the added attraction of a real 'extended version', instead of a remix which is a total slaughtering of the original song (like they are nowadays).

Sure enough, this extended version of 'I'm specialized in you' is very enjoyable when you like the original track. The odd thing is that this 12" single plays on 33rpm instead of the usual 45rpm!

My collection: 12" single no. 523
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'I'm specialized in you (extended)' / 'Ginny (puts her hands on her shoulders)'

One voice - John Watts

John Watts was founder member of the band Fischer Z. The band was active from 1978 to 1981. When they split up, John Watts started a solo career. This single, 'One voice', was his debut single. According to the sleeve of this single, he also went on tour: the dates in Belgium and Luxembourg in April 1982 are printed on the back.

'One voice' was not a hit and John Watts would have no further solo success either. In 1987, he founded another band, also called Fischer Z.

My collection: 7" single no. 4350
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'One voice' / 'Holiday in France'

Right between the eyes - Wax

After the 1983 split of 10CC, Graham Gouldman and Andrew Gold started working together in England. During a period of seven months they wrote enough songs for an album. They chose World In Action as the band name and released a single called 'Don't break my heart'. Soon afterwards they changed their name to Common Knowledge. A second single 'Victoria' was released, but both singles failed to get any attention and the album was shelved.

When they had written a new batch of songs and changed labels, they took on the name Wax. Their first album, released in 1986 was called 'Magnetic heaven' and contained their first hit single: 'Right between the eyes', whcih reached number 60 in the UK singles chart and number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4349
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Right between the eyes' / 'Only a visitor'

Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners

The chorus of 'Come on Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners was loosely inspired by the song 'A man like me' by the Sixties British soul group Jimmy James and the Vagabonds. When the song was released as a single in the summer of 1982, it reached number 1 in the UK singles charts, staying there for four weeks. The single also reached number 1 in Australia and the USA, while peaking at number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

Two decades later, frontman Kevin Rowland would create some controversy releasing a solo album wearing a 'men's dress' on the cover.

My collection: 7" single no. 4348
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Come on Eileen' / 'Dubious'

Don't tell me - Blancmange

1984 was a successful year for the duo Blancmange. Their album 'Mange tout' reached the top 10 in the UK albums chart, while the singles 'Waves', 'Blind vision' and 'That's love that it is' all reached the UK top 40.

The biggest hit that year, however, was the dynamic 'Don't tell me'. It reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and also reached number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 583
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't tell me' / 'Get out of that'

Pandora's box - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'Pandora's box' was the second single taken from OMD's 1991 album 'Sugar tax'. The song was inspired by silent film actress Louise Brooks and is named after one of the films she starred in. The phrase 'Pandora's box' does not appear in the lyric of the song.

Released in June 1991, the single reached number 7 in the UK singles chart, as well as the charts in Sweden and Austria. In France, the single peaked at number 49.

My collection: 7" single no. 1509
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, August 17, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Pandora's box' / 'All she wants is everything'

Boys in the street - Eddy Grant

In 1984, Eddy Grant released his seventh album 'Going for broke'. After the success of its predecessor 'Killer on the rampage', the album took a similar approach but was less successful chart-wise. The single 'Boys in the street' reached number 78 in the UK singles chart but flopped in most other territories.

This copy of the single was pressed in Germany and released as a limited edition on red vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3274
Found: Record fair, November 11, 2000
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Boys in the street' / 'Time to let go'

Changes - Imagination

It's like the old saying: 'The more things change, the more they stay the same'. In 2010, as in 2009 and 2008, I will continue to publish information about my 7" singles and 12" singles. I expect to have put up my whole collection in a few months from now, after which I will always put up new acquisitions.

And so, this year should start with 'Changes', a 1983 hit single for the British soul trio Imagination, taken from their second album 'In the heat of the night'. The single reached number 31 in the UK singles chart and number 23 in the Dutch Top 40. As always, the single was produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain.

My collection: 7" single no. 2146
Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, August 25, 1994
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Changes' / 'So good, so right'

Sing little birdie - Teddy Johnson and Pearl Carr

So yesterday I went on another shopping spree, this time in Amsterdam. I visited two shops I have been before, plus three new addresses, of which one was particularly of interest. As the shop's website announced, some Eurovision singles were just in, and I bought a whole stack of them. Some unique stuff, discs I've never even seen before!

So I thought I would finish this year by writing an entry on the last 7" single I bought in 2009. Interestingly enough, it's a single from 50 years ago. In 1959, the United Kingdom was represented by the husband and wife duo Teddy Johnson and Pearl Carr with the song 'Sing little birdie'. They finished in second place.

See you next year!

My collection: 7" single no. 4412
Found: Second life music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Sing little birdie' / 'If I could live my life again'

In all the right places - Lisa Stansfield

Lisa Stansfield recorded 'In all the right places' for the soundtrack of the movie 'Indecent proposal'. The artwork of the sleeve contains a photograph of the two actors that starred in the movie: Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson.

The song was written by Stansfield with her producers Andy Morris and Ian Devaney, along with John Barry, who was responsible for the score of the movie. The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2580
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'In all the right places' / 'In all the right places (Soul mix)'

Feel the love - 10CC

'Windows in the jungle' was released in 1983 as the ninth studio album by 10CC. Eric Stewart recalled that the finished album did not meet his initial expectations: 'It started as a concept album and I'm sorry I didn't pursue that goal, the pressure for the hit single always got in the way with 10CC albums.'

'Feel the love' was the second single from the album. It was promoted with a tennis-themed music video directed by former 10CC members Godley and Creme. The single did not chart in the UK, but did reach number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 887
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 16, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Feel the love' / 'She gives me pain'

Numb - Pet Shop Boys

'Numb' is one of the few songs recorded by the Pet Shop Boys that wasn't written by themselves. The song was composed by Los Angeles songwriter Diane Warren and originally meant to be a new song on the Pet Shop Boys' 2003 compilation 'PopArt'. The track was finally included on their 2006 album 'Fundamental'.

'Numb' was subsequently released as the third single from the album in a drastically edited, nay, butchered version. The single peaked at number 23 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3448
Found: HMV, London, 2006
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Numb' / 'Party song'

Missing you - Diana Ross

I started today with a tribute to Marvin Gaye, so it's only fitting that I end today with one as well. Diana Ross recorded 'Missing you' in 1984, not long after Gaye's tragic death. Ross and Gaye had both been artists at Motown from the early Sixties to the early Eighties, and had also recorded a duets album together called 'Diana & Marvin' (1973).

The song was written and produced by Lionel Richie, who wrote the song shortly after he had conversations about Gaye with Diana Ross. Released in late 1984, the song became one of Ross' last major hits in the USA, reaching number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK singles chart, 'Missing you' reached number 76.

My collection: 7" single no. 266
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1984
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Missing you' / 'Touch by touch (instrumental)'

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'