Las palabras de amor - Queen

'Las palabras de amor' was inspired by the band's close relationship with their Latin American fans. It was released as a single from Queen's 1982 album 'Hot space' in June 1982. The single reached number 17 in the UK singles chart and number 26 in the Dutch Top 40.

The baby's face image of the single's cover would reappear on The Cross single for their song 'New dark ages'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4705
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Las palabras de amor' / 'Cool cat'

Into the blue - The Mission

'Into the blue' was released in 1990 as the third single from the Mission's fourth album 'Carved in sand'. I never bought the single because of the similarity between the sleeve of this single and the one of 'Hands across the ocean' (at least, in my mind), which made me think I already had it.

The single reached number 32 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4714
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Into the blue' / 'Bird of passage'

Sexual healing - Marvin Gaye

'Sexual healing' was composed by Marvin Gaye, Odell Brown and David Ritz. The song discusses a man's aching for finding sexual salvation with his woman - hence the title 'Sexual healing'. Some saw the song as Gaye's harmonious plea to sex in the form of him preaching the word of gospel, marrying his divided soul.

Released in 1982, it was Marvin Gaye's first single since his exit from his long-term record label Motown earlier in the year, following the release of the album 'In our lifetime' the previous year. The single reached number 1 in Canada and New Zealand, peaking at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 4 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4699
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Sexual healing' / 'Sexual healing (instrumental)'

Tonight - Tina Turner with David Bowie

While Tina Turner live sounds a lot like a cat being strangled, this single is still of interest because of the appearance of David Bowie on the title track. The song 'Tonight' was written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop for Iggy's 1977 album 'Lust for life'. It subsequently appeared as the title track of Bowie's 1984 album.

Bowie recorded the track on his own album as a duet with Tina Turner. When Turner was on tour, he performed the song together with her on March 23, 1985 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. This version was included on the album 'Tina Live in Europe' in 1988, and released as a single. It was a number 1 hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 53 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4693
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Tonight (live)' / 'River deep mountain high (live)'

Samba d'amour - Middle of the Road

After having had eight hit singles in several countries between 1971 and 1973, 'Samba d'amour' was the first of four singles that was only successful in Germany.

'Samba d'amour' was released in the summer of 1973 as the only single from Middle of the Road's 1973 album 'Music music'. It was the group's first album on the Ariola label. Ariola did not have the rights to release material in the UK and so an arrangement was made with a local Scottish record company to distribute 'Music music'. It failed to attract national attention in the UK and was relegated to obscurity there.

My collection: 7" single no. 4691
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Samba d'amour' / 'Winter's sun'

Have you ever had it blue - The Style Council

The Style Council recorded 'Have you ever had it blue' for the soundtrack of the movie 'Absolute beginners'. After David Bowie's song of the same name was released as a single, the Style Council's track was the next single to be taken from the soundtrack album.

Although this single couldn't match the success of Bowie's track, it still managed to climb to number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4713
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Have you ever had it blue' / 'Mr. Cool's dream'

Surrender - Swing out sister

'Surrender' is a 1987 single released by British pop act Swing Out Sister from their debut album, 'It's better to travel'. The song features a trumpet solo performed by John Thirkell. It was released as the follow-up to the successful single, 'Breakout'.

The song peaked at number 7 in the UK Singles Chart in January 1987 and reached the same position in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4717
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Surrender' / 'Who's to blame?'

Stray cat strut - Stray Cats

'Stray cat strut' is a track on the Stray Cats' debut album, released in 1981 in the UK. Released as the third single from that album, it reached number 13 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 11 in the UK singles chart.

In 1982, the song became a hit in the US, peaking at number 3 in the Billboard Hot 100. Brian Setzer later played this song with his new band, The Brian Setzer Orchestra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4696
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Stray cat strut' / 'Drink that bottle down'

My broken souvenirs - Pussycat

'My broken souvenirs' was released in March 1977 as the fourth single from Pussycat's debut album 'First of all'. Like their debut single and number 1 hit 'Mississippi', the song was written by Werner Theunissen.

The single becomes the second (and last) number 1 hit in the Netherlands for the group - it also reaches number 1 in New Zealand, by the way.

My collection: 7" single no. 4679
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'My broken souvenirs' / 'Nothing to hide'

I don't wanna get hurt - Donna Summer

The album 'Another place and time' by Donna Summer, released in 1987, was entirely written and produced by Stock Aitken & Waterman. As a result, the songs sounded a lot like many other hits at the time.

'I don't wanna get hurt' especially sounded like a Kylie Minogue or Mel & Kim track. I wonder if many Donna Summer fans were thrilled with this. The song was remixed for its release as a single. It reached number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4668
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I don't wanna get hurt' / 'I don't wanna get hurt (instrumental)'

Victim of love - Erasure

'Victim of love' was written by Erasure band members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell and incorporates the signature Erasure sound of uptempo rhythm, analog synthesizer and a prominent acoustic guitar. Bell's lyrics pertain to one's apprehension when entering into a new love relationship. The song's protagonist doesn't 'want to look like some kind of fool' or become a 'victim of love'.

The song was released as the third single from their second album 'The circus' and remixed for single release. The single peaked at number 7 in the UK singles chart in June 1987.

My collection: 7" single no. 4690
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Victim of love' / 'The soldier's return'

Flashback - Imagination

'Flashback' was released in 1981 as a single by Imagination. It was their third single overall, but also the third single taken from their debut album 'Body talk', named after their debut single which peaked at number 4 in the UK single. Like the second single 'In and out of love', this single peaked at number 16 in the UK singles chart.

Although I spotted two versions of this single when I bought it, the other one had a photograph on the sleeve, but the B-side was 'In and out of love', which I already owned as a single in its own right. The B-side of this Belgian pressing is 'Burnin' up', which could be considered an early house track for its repetitiveness.

My collection: 7" single no. 4657
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Flashback' / 'Burnin' up'

Tired of getting pushed around - 2 men, a drum machine and a trumpet

During a time out from the Fine Young Cannibals between their debut album and its follow-up, David Steele and Andy Cox recorded - without frontman Roland Gift - an instrumental house single as 2 men, a drum machine & a trumpet.

Entitled 'Tired of getting pushed around', the single reached number 18 in the UK singles chart and number 29 in the Dutch Top 40. Meanwhile, Roland Gift took up acting, appearing in the movie 'Sammy and Rosie get laid'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4727
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Tired of getting pushed around' / 'Make it funky'

Dreamer - Supertramp

'Dreamer' was originally recorded in 1974 by Supertramp on their album 'Crime of the century'. Released as a single, it peaked at number 13 in the UK singles chart.

A live version, taken from the album 'Paris', was released in 1980. That live version reached number 15 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart ad number 36 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4694
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Dreamer' / 'Bloody well right'

I missed again - Phil Collins

Everybody remembers Phil Collins' debut single 'In the air tonight' of course, but can you also name the single that followed it up? Released just two months after that classic single, 'I missed again' was the second single taken from Collins' debut album 'Face value'. The song, like many on that album, is about Collins' anger and frustration about his first wife leaving him.

The single reached number 14 in the UK singles chart. In the USA, where 'I missed again' was actually released as Phil Collins' debut single, it peaked at number 19 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4701
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I missed again' / 'I'm not moving'

Chances - Hot Chocolate

Released in September 1982,'Chances' was a single taken from Hot Chocolate's album 'Mystery'. As usual, the tracks on this single were produced by Mickie Most and written by frontman Errol Brown.

The single reached number 32 in the UK singles chart, but failed to chart in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4652
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Chances' / 'A night to remember'

The height of the fighting - Heaven 17

In 1982, 'The height of the fighting' was released as the fourth and final single from Heaven 17's debut album 'Penthouse and pavement', and their only single of that year. The song that featured a repetitive chorus and not much in the way of a verse, turned out to be a commercial disaster: it failed to reach the UK singles chart.

I first found out about this track in 1985 as part of a Heaven 17 megamix that was released that year. I never actively searched for this single, but since I was on the take, I figured I might as well buy this one too.

My collection: 7" single no. 4650
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The height of the fighting' / 'Honeymoon in New York'

My girl - Madness

'My girl' first made its way into the Madness's set when they were performing as The Invaders. The first performance of the song came in July 1978, when it was still titled 'New song'. Mike Barson, who wrote the song about his girlfriend at the time, originally performed lead vocals and even sang on the demo for the song. However, Suggs took over the vocal duties before long, and sang the album version of the song.

The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart in 1980. Last year, the Pet Shop Boys released a cover version of the song on their latest EP 'Christmas'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4724
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'My girl' / 'Stepping into line'

Old friends - Everything but the girl

In October 1991, Everything but the girl released their sixth album 'Worldwide'. 'Old friends' was released as a single from that album, featuring a live recording of the 1988 track 'Apron strings', recorded live in Minneapolis/St. Paul in June 1990.

'Old friends' was one of many Everything but the girl singles that didn't reach the charts - not even in their native UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 4723
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Old friends' / 'Apron strings (live)'

To cut a long story short - Spandau Ballet

Spandau Ballet debuted in 1980 with the single 'To cut a long story short'. According to the blurb on the back of the sleeve of the Spanish pressing: ''To cut a long story short' es un tema de fuerte ritmo en el que destaca especialmente la voz de su solista y el trabajo de la guitarra y la percusión. Pero es realmente toto el equipo de Spandau Ballet el que consigue que su nombre se haya catapultado hacia el estrellato en solamente unas cuantas semanas.' Which probably means the song is quite good.

I bought both the UK and Spanish pressings in one go, mainly because the Spanish version had such an interesting sleeve. Since I bought quite a few singles, I got a discount, which basically means I got it for free.

'To cut a long story short' reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in Australia. The song reportedly inspired Vince Clarke while writing Depeche Mode's 'Just can't get enough'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4720 / no. 4721
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'To cut a long story short' / 'To cut a long story short (version)'

Ik lig op m'n kussen stil te dromen '89 - Hepie en Hepie

The 1960 Harry Locklin song 'Send me the pillow that you dream on' has been covered by many artists, Such as Johnny Tillotson and Marty Wilde. A Dutch version was recorded by the sisters Hepie & Hepie in the Netherlands. In 1980, their 'Ik lig op m'n kussen stil te dromen' reached number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

In 1989, some people decided to have a bit of fun and remix this song according to contemporary rules. A James Brown sample here, a rhythm track that was popular at the time, and voila: the '89 version of 'Ik lig op m'n kussen stil te dromen' was there. It reached number 9 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1989.

My collection: 7" single no. 986
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, September 30, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Ik lig op m'n kussen stil te dromen ('89 versie)' / 'Turn up the pillow'

Ever since you said goodbye - Marty Wilde

Released in October 1962, 'Ever since you said goodbye' would turn out to be Marty Wilde's last chart hit in the UK. It reached number 31 during a 7 week chart run.

The B-side of this single features a cover version of the 1960 Harry Locklin song 'Send me the pillow that you dream on'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4718
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ever since you said goodbye' / 'Send me the pillow you dream on'

Jerusalem - Alphaville

In 1992, Alphaville member Ricky Echollette commented about 'Jerusalem': 'One day we were given the sketch for a theatre play, for which we were supposed to write the soundtrack. It's the story of a man, who at night convinces lonely passers-by on Brooklyn Bridge to commit suicide. He offers them as human sacrifices for his lover, who, years ago - because of him - committed suicide at the same location. In his frenzy he turns her into Eris, the Goddess of Revenge. Due to time problems, we were unable to pursue this project. But it was in that time, that 'Jerusalem' came to life.'

The song was included on Alphaville's second album 'Afternoons in Utopia', which was released in 1986. 'Jerusalem' was released as a single in Germany only, reaching number 57 in the charts.

My collection: 7" single no. 4715
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Jerusalem' / 'Vingt mille lieues sous les mers'

Als er iemand is, die op je wacht - Annie

Those who read my previous entry on Annie's 'Mishandeld, vernederd, verkracht' already know that one could expect only the very worst in the lyrics of this Dutch artist. Which is why at some point I actually started collecting her singles. Several titles will follow on this blog, but this single is a strange one, as it seems particularly innocent.

The A-side, 'Als er iemand is, die op je wacht' ('If there's someone waiting for you') describes the joy of having a relationship - and sharing all the good and bad things in life. The B-side, 'Oma is jarig' ('Grandma's birthday') describes a birthday party of a woman whose children and grandchildren will come to visit. Especially on the B-side, there's still an air of impending doom. You half expect Grandma to die at the end of the song - but strangely, it doesn't happen. Maybe it was an effort to make something more commercially appealing. Of course, it didn't work: like all of Annie's other singles, this one didn't chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2871
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 16, 1995
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Als er iemand is, die op je wacht' / 'Oma is jarig'

If you can't give me love - Suzi Quatro

After having had several successes in the early Seventies with her particular brand of glam rock tracks, Suzi Quatro had a hard time finding any success after 1974. She still released records, but they all failed to chart. In the mean time, she worked as a session musician.

'If you can't give me love' was the single that changed her fortunes. It reached number 4 both in the UK singles chart and in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4711
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'If you can't give me love' / 'Cream dream'

All this time - Sting

Sting commented about 'All this time': 'It's about the death of my father, so its pretty dark as a record but on this song the words are foiled by this fairly jolly tune. That's something I like to do quite a lot, combine dark subject matter with upbeat music. No, its not based on a dream. The lyrics seem surreal, but they are all images I remembered from my home town: ferries, priests, shire horses. I grew up by the shipyards. I just wanted to escape. I suppose it was quite a surreal place, though. It is the landscape of my dreams.'

The song was released as the first single from Sting's 1991 album 'The soul cages'. It was most successful in Canada, where it reached number 1. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, 'All this time' peaked at number 5, whereas it reached number 13 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 22 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4707
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'All this time' / 'I miss you Kate (instrumental)'

Tied up - Olivia Newton-John

'Tied up' was one of two new songs recorded for the 1982 compilation album called 'Olivia's Greatest Hits Volume 2'. The song was the second single released from the album, following 'Heart attack', the other new track recorded for the package.

The song features Tom Scott on horns. He was also the opening act for Olivia's 1982 'Physical' world tour.The single reached number 38 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4697
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Tied up' / 'Physical (live)'

Don't be foolish - Peter Marsh and Vangelis

Peter Marsh started out in the British music scene together with his brother-in-law, Ken Nicol. First as Nicol and Marsh, but later changing names to Easy Street, they released three albums together. After that Peter mainly played with short-lived bands and projects such as Twist (1979) and Mannfred Mann's band Chance (1980).

In 1980 Peter Marsh hung around Nemo Studios for a while, contributing several songs on Vangelis' album 'See you later'. They also recorded this single together: 'Don't be foolish'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4685
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Don't be foolish' / 'Doesn't matter'

I wanna dance - Take it easy

The Dutch band Take it easy thought it was a good idea to record and release two Dutch translations of Eurovision songs in 1987. Why they picked two songs that didn't win, but the numbers 4 and 12 is beyond me.

'I wanna dance' (also known as 'Ja sam za ples') was the Yugoslavian entry by Novi Fosili, which finished fourth in the contest. 'Boogaloo' was originally performed in Swedish by Lotta Engberg, finishing twelfth. The Dutch translations are amusing versions, but nothing very spectacular. Obviously, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4397
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I wanna dance' / 'Boogaloo'

Chemistry - The Nolans

The Nolans released the album 'Portrait' in 1982. The album, like its predecessor, was produced by Ben Findon and Nicky Graham separately. Both producers were now giving the songs a heavy disco sound such as 'Don't let it go by' (by Findon) and 'Chemistry' (by Graham).

'Chemistry' was released as a single, which peaked at number 15 in the UK singles chart. Meanwhile, 'Portrait' finished as one of the top 100 selling albums of 1982 in the UK and was certified gold by the BPI.

My collection: 7" single no. 4642
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Chemistry' / 'Are you thinking of me'

A little tenderness - Sheena Easton

'A little tenderness' was released in 1981 as the third single from Sheena Easton's second album 'You could have been with me'. By that time, several singles had been released with almost the same sleeve: compare the one picture here with the ones of 'You could have been with me' and 'Ice out in the rain' and you'll be amazed.

This single did not reach the Dutch Top 40 or the UK singles chart. No further singles were released from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4688
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'A little tenderness' / 'Family of one'

Mississippi - Pussycat

With the song 'Mississippi', the band Pussycat reached the Dutch Top 40 for the very first time. And it was a big success, as it peaked at number 1 for four weeks in the Dutch chart in December 1975. The single also spent four weeks at the top of the UK singles chart a year later.

Written by Werner Theunissen and produced by Eddy Hilberts, the lyric of the song is about the history of music, how rock music became more popular than country music.

My collection: 7" single no. 4734
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, March 20, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Mississippi' / 'Do it'

The William Tell Overture - Mike Oldfield

The 'William Tell Overture' is the instrumental introduction to the opera 'William Tell' by Gioachino Rossini. There has been repeated use (and sometimes parody) of this overture in popular media and it is quoted by Dmitri Shostakovich in his Symphony No. 15. William Tell was composed in 1829 and was the last of Rossini's 39 operas.

Mike Oldfield recorded a guitar-based version of the William Tell Overture in 1976. When released as a single, it failed to chart in all territories. It remains one of his lesser known singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 4733
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, March 20, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'William Tell Overture' / 'First excursion'

Sugar - Ruud Bos

The Dutch broadcaster TROS showed the weekly television drama 'De Fabriek' ('The factory') in 1981 and 1982. The sugar factory of the Dutch company CSM was one of the locations where the series was filmed. It became a television hit, with several million viewers every week.

One of the assets of the series was the theme tune, composed by Ruud Bos. Entitled 'Sugar' on this single, it is familiar even to some people who never even saw the series. Still, the single was never a hit in the Netherlands. I still consider this single a rare find.

My collection: 7" single no. 4732
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, March 20, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sugar' / 'Action'

Barbados - Typically Tropical

Typically Tropical was a British duo comprising Geraint Wyn Hughes and Jeffrey Calvert. They met through Hughes' band Quasar. They recorded the song 'Barbados' in 1974, after Calvert had been on holiday in Barbados and based the song on his experiences. It was recorded with various session musicians, including guitarist Chris Spedding, drummer Clem Cattini, and Vic Flick.

The song was ready for release in November 1974, but the release was stalled by the record company because they thought the song was better suited as a summer hit. They were right: the song reached number 1 in the UK singles chart, also peaking at number 10 in the Dutch Top 40 shortly afterwards. The Dutch Vengaboys made a horrible version of this song in 1999, entitled 'We're going to Ibiza'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4731
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, March 20, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Barbados' / 'Sandy'

Working my way back to you - Spinners

'Working my way back to you' was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell. It was originally recorded by The Four Seasons in 1966, becoming a top 10 hit in the USA, but it was less successful in other territories.

In 1980, The Spinners' medley of "Working my way back to you' and Michael Zager's 'Forgive me girl' topped the UK singles chart for two weeks in April. In the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and in the Dutch Top 40, the single peaked at number 2.

My collection: 7" single no. 4730
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, March 20, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Working my way back to you' / 'Disco ride'

Sweet freedom - Michael McDonald

The soundtrack of the 1986 American movie 'Running scared' featured several wellknown artists. Kim Wilde delivered 'Say you really want me', Patti Labelle sang 'I know what I want' and Michael McDonald performed 'Sweet freedom'.

The former Doobie Brothers member also managed to have a worldwide hit with his song, because it was released as a single. 'Sweet freedom' reached number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4729
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, March 20, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sweet freedom' / 'The freedom eights'

No commitments - PS and the Footnotes

I bought 'Final love song' a long time ago, but I was aware of another single by PS & the Footnotes, the Dutch band that never found fame despite a short-lived record deal with EMI.

'No commitments' was also released in 1984 and was equally unsuccessful in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4677
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'No commitments' / 'Straight through the heart'

Eve of destruction - Geff Harrison

'Eve of destruction' was written by P.F. Sloan in 1965 as a grave warning of imminent apocalypse, and considered by some to be the epitome of a protest song. It expressed the frustrations and fears of young people in the age of the Cold War, Vietnam, the nuclear arms race, and the civil rights movement. The most famous version of this song was recorded that same year by Barry McGuire. It earned him a worldwide hit.

This version was recorded and released in 1984 by the German singer Geff Harrison. It updates the Sixties track a bit, although it can hardly be considered a very Eighties version.

My collection: 7" single no. 4648
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Eve of destruction' / 'How can you sleep'

Cantara Pepe - The Press

In 1980, the Dutch band The Walkers changes its name into The Press. Consisting of Rene Innemee, Michel and Walter Nita, John Coenen, Floor Minnaert and Willy Bronzwaer, they release their debut single 'I'm gonna shoot the D.J.' a few months later.

In July 1981, they release the follow-up, 'Cantara Pepe'. This single, taken from their album 'Press here', reaches number 11 in Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4675
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Cantara Pepe' / 'In the quiet of the night'

Kick it in - Simple Minds

'Kick it in' was released as the third single from the 1989 Simple Minds album 'Street fighting years'. Although I wasn't that convinced that this song was actually any good, I was curious about the 89 remix of 'Waterfront', which is included on the B-side of this single. And so it still ended up in my collection.

The single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart, while also making number 29 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4670
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Kick it in' / 'Waterfront (89 remix)'

Day after day - The Pretenders

The Pretenders released their second album 'Pretenders II' in August 1981. Most critics at the time called it disappointing, although it is now generally considered a great album.

The track 'Day after day' was released as a single. The accompanying music video was played a lot on MTV in the USA, but that didn't lead to any chart success. In the UK, meanwhile, the single peaked at number 45.

My collection: 7" single no. 4676
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Day after day' / 'In the sticks'

Shock the monkey - Peter Gabriel

I first heard Peter Gabriel's 'Shock the monkey' as part of a compilation album for Greenpeace, released in the mid-Eighties. That compilation was remarkable for its inclusion of Kate Bush's 'Breathing' - the single version no less.

I never actually knew 'Shock the monkey' was released as a single, but that's mostly because it was not a hit in the Netherlands. Released in September 1982, it reached number 58 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4728
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Shock the monkey' / 'Soft dog (instrumental)'

Spirit, body and soul - The Nolan Sisters

In 1979, the Nolan Sisters participated in the UK national final for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Harry my Honolulu lover'. It was considered a favourite before the final took place, but in the end it came fourth, with Black Lace going on to represent the UK.

The group was picked up by Epic Records and the song was released as their first single for the label. It failed to chart. The follow-up 'Spirit, body & soul' was released in October 1979 and was ore successful: it peaked at number 34 .

My collection: 7" single no. 4640
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Spirit, body & soul' / 'More to love'

Can't get it out of my head - Electric Light Orchestra

First released on Electric Light Orchestra's fourth album 'Eldorado' in July 1974, 'Can't get it out of my head' was relased as a single in November 1974.

It became the band's first top ten single in the US, reaching number 9. It also reached number 19 in the Dutch Top 40. Amazingly, both the single and LP failed to chart in the UK. In 1978 the song was included on a four-track ELO EP that was released in the UK only, which reached number 34 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4692
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Can't get it out of my head' / 'Illusions in G Major'

Love will tear us apart - Paul Young

'Love will tear us apart' was originally recorded by the British band Joy Division in 1979. The lyric ostensibly reflect the problems in frontman Ian Curtis's marriage to Deborah Curtis, as well as his general frame of mind in the time leading up to his suicide in May 1980. Deborah Curtis had the phrase 'Love will tear us apart' inscribed on Ian Curtis's memorial stone.

Paul Young took on the task of recording a cover version of the song on his 1983 debut solo album 'No parlez'. Although his version lacks the macabre undertones of the Joy Division version, it's still a reasonably good effort. The track was released as a single in the Netherlands only, reaching number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4672
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love will tear us apart' / 'One step forward'

She was naked - Supersister

Supersister was formed in Den Haag, Netherlands in 1970 by Robert Jan Stips, Sacha van Geest, Marco Vrolijk and Ron van Eck. They made a name for themselves with progressive rock and made their debut with the album 'Present from Nancy'.

Their single 'She was naked' was a hit in the early summer of 1970, peaking at number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. The B-side, 'Spiral staircase' is really interesting for its weird lyric.

My collection: 7" single no. 4695
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'She was naked' / 'Spiral staircase'

All summer long - Chris Rea

'All summer long' was released as a single from Chris Rea's commercially and critically acclaimed album 'Shamrock Diaries' (1985). The album reached number one in several countries including Germany and The Netherlands.

While this single did not reach the UK singles chart, it did reach number 35 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4681
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 13, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'All summer long' / 'Dancing shoes'