Bring out the rain - Maarten Peters

'Bring out the rain' was the third and last single taken from Maarten Peters' third and most successful album 'White horses in the snow'. The single included a special version of the album track 'Who's dreaming (on your pillow)'; the album version of that track had been the B-side of the first single from the album, 'White horses in the snow' (yes, the title track).

This single was the least successful of the three, as it failed to chart even in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1170
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 9, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Bring out the rain' / 'Who's dreaming (on your pillow) (special version)'

Wilde and exciting - Earth and Fire

In August 1970, Earth & Fire had their third top 5 hit in the Netherlands with 'Wild and exciting'. It earned them a performance in the first ever screening of the Dutch television show Toppop, the chart show that started in September 1970 and remained a prime time hit until well into the Eighties.

'Wild and exciting' delivered exactly what the title promised - at least in those days, when rock was still something relatively new. The track sounded a lot like Earth & Fire did in those days, a far cry from the much tamer pop hits they would produce a decade later.

My collection: 7" single no. 4766
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Wild and exciting' / 'Vivid shady land'

Find the time - Five Star

'Find the time' was written by Nick Trevisick and Paul Gurvitz who had previously written the single 'R.S.V.P.' for Five Star the previous year. Released in June 1986, it was the second single from their second album 'Silk and steel'.

The single reached number 20 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 7 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1386
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 22, 1991
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Find the time' / 'Sky'

Going to the run - Golden Earring

'Going to the run' was the first single taken from the Golden Earring's 1991 album 'Bloody Buccaneers'. The single reaches number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and their last big hit before they start to repeat themselves.

In 1992 they record 'The naked truth', an album of 'Unplugged' tracks. From then on, the main body of their work is covers and re-recorded versions of their old hits.

My collection: 7" single no. 1496
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, July 25, 1991
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Going to the run' / 'Time warp'

Sign o' the times - Prince

'Sign o' the time' was constructed by Prince almost entirely on the Fairlight sampling synthesizer, which provides the primary keyboard riff and sampled electronic bass sounds heard on the track. Unlike some artists, Prince did not program new sounds for this song. He simply used the stock sounds the Fairlight offered, including the famed "orchestra hit" towards the end of the track.

The lyric of the song addressed various socio-political problems including AIDS, gang violence, natural disasters, poverty, drug abuse, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and impending nuclear holocaust. Prince famously refused to make a video for the song, so the record company made a video that showed the lyric of the song instead. The single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2326
Found: June 3, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Sign o' the times' / 'La la la, he he hee'

The one - Elton John

'The one' is the first single from Elton John's 1992 album, also called 'The pne'. Elton said that he felt an intense connection to Taupin's lyrics for 'The one' in light of his personal circumstances around the time of making the album, in particular the line 'for each man in his time is Cain until he walks along the beach.'

The single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart, number 11 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1664
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 13, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The one' / 'Suit of wolves'

Love takes time - Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey's debut album for the label was completed and being mastered when she wrote 'Love takes time' with Ben Marguiles. According to Marguiles: 'It was just a piano vocal demo - I played live piano, and she sang it.' During a meeting with the people from her record company, she played the demo. She was told that the song was a 'career-maker', and that it had to go on the first album. Within a few weeks, the song was recorded and included last-minute on the album.

Released as the second single from the album, it reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 24 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 37 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1599
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, March 28, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Love takes time' / 'Sent from up above'

World in my eyes - Depeche Mode

'World in my eyes' was the fourth and final single from Depeche Mode's 1989 album 'Violator', released in September 1990. The two B-sides are both mixes, according to the tracklisting, but since no 'regular' version of these two tracks exist, one can assume that these are the 'regular' versions.

The single was less successful than its predecessors from the album, peaking at number 17 in the UK singles chart but only at number 52 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1322
Found: HMV, London, October 16, 1990
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'World in my eyes' / 'Happiest girl (Jack mix)', 'Sea of sin (Tonal mix)'

Radio gaga - Queen

'Radio gaga' was released in 1984, two years after their last single release. It was unusual for a popular band like Queen to be away from the scene for such a long time back then, and so 'Radio gaga' was some kind of comeback single. The song was a commentary on television overtaking radio's popularity and how one would listen to radio for a favorite comedy, drama, or sci-fi program. It also pertained to the advent of the music video and MTV.

The single was a big success worldwide, reaching number 1 all over Europe and becoming a number 3 hit in Australia. In the UK, the single reached number 2 and in the USA, the single peaked at number 16.

My collection: 7" single no. 1393
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 22, 1991
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Radio gaga' / 'I go crazy'

Get on your feet - Gloria Estefan

'Get on your feet' was one of the singles released by Gloria Estefan while she was recovering from a fractured spine, as a result of a car crash with her tour bus in March 1990. Recovery took ten months, but singles were still released. This limited edition of the single features a posterbag.

The single reached number 12 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 23 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1240
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Get on your feet' / 'Don't let the sun go down on me'

Body talk - Imagination

'Body talk' was Imagination's debut single, released in April 1981. It was this song the trio Leee John, Ashley Ingram and Errol Kennedy took to producers Steve Jolley & Tony Swain on a demo tape. They recorded the track, and a hit was born.

The single reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. Their debut album, also titled 'Body talk', was released a few months later and yielded two more hit singles: 'In and out of love' and 'Flashback'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1822
Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, January 13, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Body talk' / 'Body talk (instrumental)'

Geef het op - Clouseau

After having conquered the charts in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Belgian band Clouseau tried to launch their career in the rest of Europe with an appearance in the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest. The Netherlands were not participating, so both Belgium and the Netherlands were of course hoping for a good result for the group.

'Geef het op' was a dynamic song, performed with conviction in Italy, where the show was hosted, but unfortunately the result was disappointing: they finished 16th in a field of 22 competitors. They did, however, end up with another hit in the Netherlands: the single reached number 17 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1506
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 10, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Geef het op' / 'Geef het op (instrumentale versie)'

The king and queen of America - Eurythmics

Released as the third single from their album 'We too are one', the Eurythmics' 'The king and queen of America' was written by band members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. The song's music video showed Lennox and Stewart in a variety of costumes and settings which parodied various aspects of American pop culture, including a game show host and hostess, singing cowboy and cowgirl à la Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

The single reached number 33 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 29 in the UK singles chart. It was not released in America.

My collection: 7" single no. 1204
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 7, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The king and queen of America' / 'See no evil'

Something happened on the way to heaven - Phil Collins

'Something happened on the way to heaven' was written by Phil Collins and Daryl Stuermer for the movie 'War of the roses', but was ultimately not used. Instead, Collins recorded it on his album 'But seriously'.

The single reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40, number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 15 in the UK singles chart. This copy is part of a limited edition featuring a booklet with photographs from Phil Collins' live tour.

My collection: 7" single no. 1246
Found: Free Record Shop, June 14, 1990
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Something happened on the way to heaven' / 'I wish it would rain (demo)'

The downeaster Alexa - Billy Joel

Taken from Billy Joel's eleventh studio album 'Storm front', 'The downeaster Alexa' is the story of an impoverished fisherman in the Outer Lands and the surrounding waters who, like many of his fellow men, is finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet and keep ownership of his boat.

Alexa, the name of the fishing boat in the song, is the name of Billy Joel's daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. Joel does in fact own a Downeaster lobster/swordfish hybrid boat by the name Alexa, built on a Maine lobster boat hull.

My collection: 7" single no. 1263
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, July 14, 1990
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The downeaster Alexa' / 'And so it goes'

Scandalous - Prince

After all the messy tracks from the soundtrack of 'Batman', 'Scandalous!" was the first single from that soundtrack that was actually a pleasure to listen to. It's a smooth, sexually charged ballad, performed by Prince in falsetto voice.

The single did not chart in the UK and USA, but did reach number 18 in the Dutch Top 40. A 19 minute version entitled the Scandalous Sex Suite was released as a 12" single and cd-single. It featured a seductive conversation between Prince and Kim Basinger with various lyrics from the song interspersed.

My collection: 7" single no. 1144
Found: January 13, 1990
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Scandalous' / 'When 2 R in love'

Policy of truth - Depeche Mode

'Policy of truth' was the third single from Depeche Mode's 1989 album 'Violator', released in May 1990. The song was slightly remixed and extended for its single release, becoming slower than the album version. An introduction was added, Martin Gore's vocals were more prominent, and the sounds at the end were modified.

The single reached number 16 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1248
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 16, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Policy of truth' / 'Kaleid'

Run to you - Roxette

'Run to you' was released as the fourth single from Roxette's 1994 album 'Crash! Boom! Bang!'. The single reached number 27 in the UK singles chart and also reached the charts in Switzerland and Australia.

The melody at the opening of the song is sampled in Tommy Henriksen's hit song, 'I see the sun'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2226
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 17, 1994
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Run to you' / 'Love is all (Shine your light on me)'

Scratching situation - Oozay

Yazoo made an impression in the pop world between 1982 and 1984. Their own singles and albums were successful, but there were also some acts that tried to profit from their success. The acapella group the Flying Pickets recorded a version of 'Only you', and this medley of Yazoo tracks is further proof of their influence at the time.

Oozay ('Yazoo' backwards) was an Italian outfit. The single 'Scratching situation' was a medley of 'State Farm', 'Situation' and 'Don't go', as performed by an Italian female singer (who has a problem pronouncing some of the lyrics), backed with cheaper synthesizers. 'The Lenny Twins' produced the single. It was not a hit in most territories, although I imagine it was still very popular in Italy and a proud possession of many Italo disco fanatics.

My collection: 7" single no. 4764
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Scratching situation' / 'A non scratching situation'

It should have been me - I've got the bullets

'It should have been me' is the sad tale of a woman who witnesses the wedding of the man of her dreams with someone else. The song was written by Stevenson and Whitfield and originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1968.

The Dutch band I've got the bullets recorded a cover version of the song in 1986 on their self-titled debut album. The track was also released as a single, but this one failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4759
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'It should have been me' / 'Special one'

Take my time - Sheena Easton

'Take my time' was the title of Sheena Easton's debut album, released in 1981. Produced by Christopher Neil, the album was a combination of pure pop songs and sentimental ballads. Besides the two hit singles Easton had already had in 1980, 'Morning train' and 'Modern girl', three more singles were taken from the album in 1981.

The title track was the penultimate single taken from the album. It reached number 44 in the UK singles chart but failed to chart in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 4753
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Take my time' / 'Calm before the storm'

Macho - Doe Maar

The lyric of 'Macho' by Doe Maar seemed to be a declaration of love to their main audience: girls. The singer declares that he never had many male friends, but played with girls instead. Basically, the members of Doe Maar declared that they were anything but macho.

In reality, the relationship with their audience was becoming strained. Although they didn't talk much about it at the time, it was becoming obvious that the audiences of screaming girls were becoming a trap for the men who just wanted to develop themselves musically. 'Macho' reached number 12 in the Dutch Top 40 and was in fact their last single before the band broke up - breaking many young girls' hearts.

My collection: 7" single no. 4744
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Macho' / 'Grote broer'

Matrimony - Gilbert O'Sullivan

After a few hit singles with 'Nothing rhymed' and 'Alone again (Naturally)', Gilbert O'Sullivan released 'Matrimony' in May 1972. The single was not released in the UK, but it was a big hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 4.

O'Sullivan's self-created eye-catching visual image comprised a pudding basin haircut, cloth cap and short trousers. His manager reportedly hated the image, but O'Sullivan insisted on using it initially, until he assumed a more modern 'college-like' look in which he often wore a sweater bearing a large letter 'G' - as pictured here on the sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 4743
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Matrimony' / 'January git'

Grey day - Madness

Mike Barson wrote 'Grey day', which was performed for the first time by Madness in 1978 at Acklam Hall, while the band were still known as 'The North London Invaders'. The song was finally recorded in 1981, when it was released as a single in April, the first single from Madness's third album '7'.

The single reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 25 in the Dutch Top 40. The track was always my favourite Madness track, but back in 1981 I didn't buy the single due to lack of money.

My collection: 7" single no. 4745
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Grey day' / 'Memories'

Periscope life - Kayak

'Periscope life' was the title track from Kayak's 1980 album. The album yielded one hit single, 'Anne', but other singles taken from the album failed to reach the Dutch Top 40. This single is one of them.

The song was written by Ton Scherpenzeel, one of the main composers of the band. The single, like the album, sounded a lot poppier than Kayak's earlier work, which was more rock-oriented.

My collection: 7" single no. 4740
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Periscope life' / 'Astral aliens'

Only you - Yazoo

I always regretted the fact that I discovered Yazoo too late to buy their debut single, 'Only you'. After their second single 'Don't go' became a hit, that debut was re-released, but with flipped sides: the B-side 'Situation' reached number 16 in the Dutch Top 40 in November 1982.

It took me 28 years to find the original single. 'Only you' reached number 2 in the UK singles chart but flopped in the Netherlands. Despite that fact, the single was impossible to find for all this time.

My collection: 7" single no. 4763
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Only you' / 'Situation'

Thunder in my heart - Leo Sayer

'Thunder in my heart' was the title track of Leo Sayer's 1977 album. It was released as a single in the autumn of 1977 and reached number 22 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song found fame once more when it was remixed by Meck in 2006. Entitled 'Thunder in my heart again', the track reached number 1 in the UK and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40. According to Leo Sayer: 'It wasn't just because it was a hot tune, it was all because [people thought] 'Oh my God, it's Leo Sayer!''. Still, nothing beats the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 4761
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Thunder in my heart' / 'Get the girl'

Steamhammer Sam - Intaferon

Intaferon was a short-lived Eighties band, consisting of Simon Fellowes and Simon Gillham. Their only claim to fame was this 1983 single, 'Steamhammer Sam', which failed to reach the UK singles chart but did reach number 36 in the Dutch Top 40 that year.

Their song 'Get out of London' was featured in the 2001 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movie 'Winning London'. Their singles were often featured on the Channel Four television show 'Max Headroom'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4760
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Steamhammer Sam' / 'The continuing story of Steamhammer Sam'

Fashion - David Bowie

According to co-producer Tony Visconti, 'Fashion' was the last song completed in the sessions for David Bowie's 1979 album 'Scary monsters'. The song borrowed some elements from the past: the bassline and some of the melody were inspired by Bowie's 1975 hit 'Golden years'. A phrase in the lyric that Bowie borrowed from his past was 'People from bad homes', the title track of a 1973 album he recorded with his proteges The Astronettes, which went unreleased until 1995.

The song was released as the second single from 'Scary monsters'. The single version was an edit of the album version. The single reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 70 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4750
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Fashion' / 'Scream like a baby'

In the middle of the night - I've got the bullets

The Dutch band I've got the bullets formed in 1985. The name of the band was taken from the movie 'Rebel without a cause' in which James Dean exclaims these words in the final scene. The band changes personnel regularly, which isn't strange with nine members . Lead vocalist Fréderique Spigt is the face of the group with her raw voice and dynamic stage persona.

Their single 'In the middle of the night' is released in 1986 and is a modest hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 36 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4758
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'In the middle of the night' / 'Sheet of rain'

The crying game - Boy George

'The crying game' was written by Geoff Stephens and first recorded by Dave Berry in July 1964. Then-unknown session guitarist Jimmy Page played rhythm guitar in this song while Big Jim Sullivan played the solo.

In 1965, Brenda Lee recorded a cover version of the song. Boy George followed suit in 1992. His version was produced by the Pet Shop Boys. Both the Brenda Lee and Boy George versions were used in the Neil Jordan movie, 'The crying game' (1992). The single turned out to be Boy George's last major hit single, peaking at number 22 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It topped the singles chart in Canada.

My collection: 7" single no. 4756
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'The crying game'

The sound of the crowd - Human League

'The sound of the crowd' was the fifth single by the Human League and represents the band's commercial breakthrough, reaching number 12 in the UK singles chart in May 1981.

Written jointly by lead singer Philip Oakey and keyboard player Ian Burden, the song was recorded at Genetic Sound Studios, Reading, in March 1981. It was the first Human League song to feature female vocals from new band members Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall, interacting with Philip Oakey's baritone lead vocals. Originally released as a stand-alone single in April 1981, it was subsequently re-recorded and incorporated into the studio album 'Dare', later in the year.

My collection: 7" single no. 4751
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The sound of the crowd' / 'The sound of the crowd (Add your voice)'

Kiss the bride - Elton John

The third single from Elton John's 1983 album 'Too low for zero' was 'Kiss the bride'. Released in this limited edition double pack, a second disc included the old classic 'Song for Guy' from 1978 and another single from the same year, 'Ego'. Curiously, this package was not housed in a gatefold sleeve; the two discs were crammed into one sleeve instead.

The single reached number 20 in the UK singles chart, with lower chart placings in Australia, Canada and the USA (number 25, 37 and 25 respectively).

My collection: 7" single no. 4747
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Kiss the bride' / 'Dreamboat' // 'Ego' / 'Song for Guy'

Paint me down - Spandau Ballet

Spandau Ballet released the second single from their second album 'Diamond' in November 1981. 'Paint me down' managed to reach number 30 in the UK singles chart, which was their lowest chart placing up to that point.

It has to be said that 'Paint me down' sounds a bit rough and sketchy, and is certainly not up to the standards of previous hits 'Muscle bound' and 'Chant no. 1'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4749
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Paint me down' / 'Man with guitar'

It's all in the game - Carmel

Carmel was born as Carmel McCourt on November 24, 1958 in Wrawby, England. Together with Jim Parris and Gerry Darby she formed the band Carmel in Manchester. Their debut single 'Storm' reached number 1 in the UK independent chart and they were signed to London Records as a result.

'It's all in the game' was taken from Carmel's fourth album 'Everybody's got a little... soul'. The B-side was recorded live at Ronnie Scott's in London on June 28, 1987.

My collection: 7" single no. 4757
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'It's all in the game' / 'More more more (live)'

De beloning - Frank Boeijen Groep

In 1986, the Frank Boeijen Groep switched record labels before they released their sixth album, 'In natura'. The first single from the album was 'De beloning' ('The reward'), a track that sounded a bit like their second biggest hit, 'Kronenburg park'. Like that single, this track featured a group of black women on backing vocals, while the instrumentation relied less on synthesizers and more on acoustic instruments.

The new sound paid off: 'De beloning' reached number 24 in the Dutch Top 40. The album version was considerably longer than the single version, which faded out at 5 minutes.

My collection: 7" single no. 406
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'De beloning' / 'Volle maan'

Still a thrill - Jody Watley

When I bought this single I wasn't sure whether I already had it or not. But I thought what the hell, it's a limited poster sleeve edition, and that alone warranted this acquisition. So I was really happy to find that I didn't actually have this single, which means that this is a genuine addition to my collection.

Jody Watley was hot in 1987. Her self-titled debut solo album was a smash hit and this, the second single from the album saw her singing in a deep lower register. The single only reached number 56 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and did not chart in the UK, where this limited edition was made.

My collection: 7" single no. 4762
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Still a thrill' / 'Looking for a new love (acappella)'

Ben jij ook zo bang - Toontje Lager

The fact that Dutch pop was at its highest artistic level in the first half of the Eighties is proved once more with this single, released by Toontje Lager in September 1982. 'Ben jij ook zo bang' ('Are you so afraid too') is a fast-paced, almost manic track in which a sombre image of the future is painted.

The B-side is even better: a tale of sexual escapades set to great music. The guitar solo at the end is a treat. It's weird that this single didn't even manage to get into the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4765
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Ben jij ook zo bang' / 'In gedachten'

Live at the Marquee - Howard Jones

I was pretty surprised when I found this single. I thought it was a very obscure item, released possibly before Howard Jones' debut single 'New song'. Two live tracks recorded at the Marquee, of which one - the A-side, 'What can I say', written by Howard Jones and William Bryant - I didn't know at all.

As it turns out, this was the 7" single that was included in a limited edition package of the 12" single of Howard Jones' second single, 'What is love'. Since I'm not likely to find that 12" single, I'm glad to have bought this single on its own.

My collection: 7" single no. 4755
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'What can I say (live)' / 'Bounce right back (live)'

Goodnight tonight - Wings

'Goodnight tonight' began as an instrumental track which Paul McCartney had recorded in 1978. Needing a single for Wings to accompany the album 'Back to the egg', he took out the track and brought it into the studio, where the full Wings lineup completed it. Since the track was over seven minutes long, an edited version was used as the single, with the full version available as a 12" single.

The single reached number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart and number 21 in the Dutch Top 40. McCartney's former songwriting partner John Lennon later commented that he didn't care for the song, but enjoyed McCartney's bass guitar on the single.

My collection: 7" single no. 4746
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Goodnight tonight' / 'Daytime nighttime suffering'

(Feels like) Heaven - Fiction Factory

'(Feels like) Heaven' is one of the big pop standards of the eighties. It was released by Fiction Factory in early 1984. It was the band's only big hit, reaching number 6 in the UK singles chart, and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

I also have the 12" single in my collection, but whenever I came across the 7" single I always thought I already had it. There was some doubt when I bought it this time, but I finally managed to pull it off and buy the damn thing.

My collection: 7" single no. 4748
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: '(Feels like) Heaven' / 'Everyone but you'

Love's theme - Love Unlimited Orchestra

'Love's Theme' is an instrumental piece recorded by Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra and released in 1973. It is one of the few instrumental and purely orchestral singles to reach number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in the United States, in early 1974. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 6 in March 1974. The recording, with a large string orchestra and wah-wah guitar, is considered to be an influence to the disco sound, which would become popular the following year.

In May 1993, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark released their single, 'Dream of me (Based on Love's Theme)' on which they sang their own lyrics over a sample of this Barry White's composition.

My collection: 7" single no. 4741
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Love's theme' / 'Sweet moments'

We are not amused - Kayak

The Dutch band Kayak was famous in the Seventies and early Eighties, but still their singles are very hard to find. So whenever I see one these days, I pick it up. In this case, I didn't even know the song - but I wasn't disappointed. Kayak makes very beautiful rock songs, sometimes with a hard edge, and sometimes it's just all peachy.

'We are not amused' was released in May 1975 and failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4739
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'We are not amused' / 'Serenades'

Love is an ocean - Earth and Fire

'Love is an ocean' was another single taken from Earth & Fire's 1981 album 'Andromeda girl'. The song was written by Bert Ruiter and lead singer Jerney Kaagman.

The single, released in February 1982, failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4738
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love is an ocean' / 'You'

Treat me like a lady - Five Star

'Treat me like a lady' was recorded in Five Star's new high-tech studio in the grounds of their family home, Stone Court in Ascot, Berkshire. The studio reportedly cost them £2.5 million. It was their first single for their new record label, Epic.

The single was released in a limited edition envelope pack, including five square 7" photographic prints. It reached number 54 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1196
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1990
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Treat me like a lady' / 'Don't stop'

Adult education - Daryl Hall and John Oates

When Daryl Hall & John Oates released the compilation album 'Rock 'n Soul part 1' in 1984, 'Adult education' was a new track on that album, and released as a single to promote the compilation.

Someone thought it would be a good idea to do the same in 1991, when the compilation 'Looking back' was released. Of course, this single flopped.

My collection: 7" single no. 4742
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Adult education' / 'Rich girl'

I want to break free - Queen

The song 'I want to break free' is more famous for its music video than for its music. Directed by David Mallet, the video was a parody of the northern British soap opera 'Coronation Street'. In it, the band members of Queen dressed in drag, as mildly similar characters found in the soap at the time. The video also featured a ballet piece with the Royal Ballet.

The single reached number 1 in Austria, Belgium, New Zealand, Finland and the Netherlands and peaked at number 3 in the UK singles chart. In the USA, the single only reached number 45. Again, this is explained by the music video, as many people in the USA failed to see the soap-opera connection and interpreted the video as an open declaration of transvestitism and Mercury’s homosexuality. The narrowmindedness of these people prevented all of Queen's singles to reach the top 40 in the USA until 'The show must go on' reached number 2 in 1991.

My collection: 7" single no. 4737
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I want to break free' / 'Machines (or 'Back to humans')'

Rag doll - Aerosmith

The lyric of 'Rag doll' was primarily written by Steven Tyler and Jim Vallance. The song was originally titled 'Rag time' but when Holly Knight was called in to help change the lyric, she suggested 'Rag doll'. This was actually another title Steven and Jim thought of, but Holly ended up getting credits just for two words. Steven was horrified about this and often complained to his manager.

The single peaked at number 17 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 42 in the UK singles chart and number 19 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 721
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, January 21, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Rag doll' / 'St. John'

Baggy trousers - Madness

'Baggy trousers' was included on Madness' 1980 album 'Absolutely' and released as a single in September 1980. Written by lead singer Suggs, the lyric of the song reminisces on school days. The band first began performing the song at live shows in April 1980.

The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. In the UK, it was the eleventh best-selling single of 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 4736
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Baggy trousers' / 'The business'