Food for thought - UB40

'Food for thought' was the first single release by British reggae band UB40. The song was an attempt to publicize and condemn the Ethiopian famine in Africa, comparing it with the Western over-indulgent celebration of Christmas, a full five years before Band Aid brought the subject to widespread attention.

It was released as a double A side along with 'King', which was a song written about the late Martin Luther King, questioning the lost direction of his followers and the state of mourning of a nation after his death. The single reached number 4 in the UK singles chart early in 1980 and number 1 in New Zealand a few months later.

My collection: 7" single no. 4813
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Food for thought' / 'King'

Playing the blues - Maarten Peters

In early 1991, Maarten Peters came up with the follow-up to his successful 1989 album 'White horses in the snow'. Entitled 'A scary tale', it was a collection of songs mainly inspired by fairytales.

The first single 'Playing the blues', however, was not one of them. This one sounded like a poppy version of a blues track. It probably didn't sound that believable coming from a white Dutch man, because the single failed to chart even in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1397
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 9, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Playing the blues' / 'Merlin'

Mach die Augen zu (und wünsch dir einen Traum) - Severine

In 1971, Severine won the Eurovision Song Contest for Monaco with the song 'Un banc, un arbre, une rue'. She recorded three alternative versions of the song: 'Chance in time' (English version), 'Il posto' (Italian) and 'Mach die Augen zu (und wünsch dir einen Traum)'.

This German version was released in German-speaking countries. It reached number 23 in the German singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4771
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Mach die Augen zu (und wünsch dir einen Traum)' / 'Ich denke oft noch an dich'

Angel - Eurythmics

'Angel' was written by Eurythmics band members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart. It was the fourth single taken from their album 'We too are one'.

The single reached number 23 in the UK singles chart, but failed to reach the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1233
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 8, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Angel' / 'Angel (Choir version)'

Whatever happened to Benny Santini? - Chris Rea

When Chris Rea signed his first record deal with Magnet Records in 1978, they suggested he use the stage name Benny Santini. He refused, but it did inspire him to write the song 'Whatever happened to Benny Santini?'. What's more, his debut album was named after this song.

And the song in turn was released as the second single from the album. Although this single flopped all over Europe, it did manage to reach number 71 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Even more remarkable: only 'Fool (if you think it's over)' (1978) and 'Diamonds' (1979) were bigger single hits for Rea in the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 4794
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Whatever happened to Benny Santini?' / 'Three angels'

De verzoening - Frank Boeijen Groep

There was always something quite embarrassing about 'De verzoening' ('The reconsiliation') by the Frank Boeijen Groep. Frontman Frank Boeijen wrote the song with a very personal lyric, leading to a chorus that proclaimed 'Heb me lief' ('Love me'). During live concerts and television performances this led to hysterical audiences singing along to those lines, something that always struck me as something otherworldly.

Anyway, the song struck a chord with many people, which led to it becoming a modest hit: it reached number 32 in the Dutch Top 40. The response endures to this day: whenever Boeijen sings this song, audiences sing along as if their lives depend on it. I just chuckle whenever I notice that.

My collection: 7" single no. 487
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'De verzoening' / 'Niemand heeft gelijk'

Only for love - Limahl

'Only for love' is the debut single by former Kajagoogoo singer Limahl, who was fired from the group by his bandmates in 1983. The song was later included on Limahl's 1984 debut solo album, 'Don't suppose'. The song became his first solo hit, peaking at number 16 in the UK singles chart.

It also played a part in the singer meeting producer Giorgio Moroder, while he was performing the song at a rock festival in Tokyo the following year. Moroder would help Limahl reach greater international success later in his career.

My collection: 7" single no. 4790
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Only for love' / 'OTT (Over the top)'

Running up that hill - Kate Bush

During many televised interviews and in dozens of magazine articles, Kate Bush has had to explain the meaning behind her 1985 single 'Running up that hill' while she was promoting her album 'Hounds of love'. I'm sure this is one of the reasons why she did so little promotion ever since. She commented: 'I was trying to say that, really, a man and a woman, can't understand each other because we are a man and a woman. And if we could actually swap each other's roles, if we could actually be in each other's place for a while, I think we'd both be very surprised!'

The single was released in August 1985 and was basically Kate's comeback single after an absence of over two years from the pop scene. Many people thought this was an extremely long time. (Little did they know about what Kate would do later on in her career...). She was welcomed back in many countries with one of the biggest hits of her career. 'Running up that hill' reached number 3 in the UK, number 6 in the Netherlands and number 30 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 316
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, August 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Running up that hill' / 'Under the ivy'

You and your heart so blue - Bucks Fizz

'You and your heart so blue' was released when band member Jay Aston announced she was leaving Bucks Fizz .Halfway through promoting the single, the group recruited a new female singer, Shelley Preston. More publicity went towards a TV special that was filmed in Mauritius, but remained unscreened as the production company went bankrupt midway through filming.

The single became overshadowed in all the publicity and failed to reach the UK top 40, stalling at number 43.

My collection: 7" single no. 4784
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'You and your heart so blue' / 'Now those days are gone'

Both sides of the story - Phil Collins

'Both sides of the story' was the first single from Phil Collins' 1994 album 'Both sides'. It was one of his socially conscious lyrics, trying to make a case for listening to both sides of a story before making a judgement.

The single reached number 25 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2008
Found: Virgin Megastore, London, October 18, 1993
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Both sides of the story' / 'Always (live)'

The wizard - Paul Hardcastle

'Top of the Pops' was the most popular television chart programme in the history of television. Broadcast by the BBC in the UK between 1964 and 2006, it had a weekly audience of millions, tuning in to see studio performances of the biggest chart hits by all the artists and bands that mattered.

This show also had a theme tune, which changed from time to time. Between April 1986 and October 1991, Paul Hardcastle's 'The wizard' was the tune that was used. It was released as a single in 1986, just after the success of Hardcastle's '19'. This single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4809
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The wizard (part 1)' / 'The wizard (part 2)'

Louise - Clouseau

Released as the follow-up to their biggest hit up until then, 'Daar gaat ze', 'Louise' was the second single by Clouseau with a girl's name as the title. And just like 1989's 'Anne', 'Louise', released in May 1990, was a song about a girl that is adored by the protagonist.

The band had no complaints about popularity: the single reached number 9 in the Belgian chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1464
Found: Record fair, June 29, 1991
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Louise' / 'Zij is van mij'

Year of the cat - Al Stewart

Al Stewart and Peter Wood wrote 'Year of the cat', the title track of Stewart's 1976 album. The lyric tells the story of a tourist who meets a hippie girl in an exotic market, stays the night with her, and thus misses his tour bus. The album version of the track includes many instrumental passages and clocks in at 6 minutes and 37 seconds. This single version is edited down to 3 minutes and 25 seconds, which is way too short in my opinion.

The single reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 31 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4818
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Year of the cat' / 'Broadway Hotel'

Let me be yours - Five Star

'Let me be yours' was released in November 1988 as the fourth and final single from Five Star's fourth album 'Rock the world'.

The album wasn't the band's biggest success, and the single was just as unfortunate: it stalled at number 51 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2575
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Let me be yours' / 'Rare groove'

Das Model - Kraftwerk

Hard to believe, but although Kraftwerk's 'The model' has become some sort of Eighties classic, the track was actually released in 1978. It just goes to show how ahead of their time the German perfectionists were even in the beginning of their career. The German version of 'The model' was called 'Das Model', and was released in Germany with the English version on the B-side.

When radio DJ's started playing the B-side, EMI re-issued the single in December 1981 – apparently against the band's wishes – with 'The model' as the A-side. That single reached number 1 in February 1982 and spent a total of 21 weeks in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4788
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Das Model' / 'The model'

It's a hard life - Queen

'It's a hard life' was written by Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury. A track on their 1984 album 'The works', it was released as the third single from that album. It reached number 6 in the UK singles chart.

The song is a continuation of the theme presented in earlier single 'Play the game': Mercury writes from the same lover's perspective at a later stage in their search for true love. The opening lyric of 'It's a hard life' is based on the line 'Ridi, Pagliaccio, sul tuo amore infranto!' ('Laugh, Pagliaccio, at your broken love!') from 'Vesti la giubba', an aria from Ruggiero Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci.

My collection: 7" single no. 585
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 6, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'It's a hard life' / 'Is this the world we created?'

Blue Peter - Mike Oldfield

Mike Oldfield recorded a rendition of the theme tune of the BBC Television programme 'Blue Peter' in 1979. It was used by the show between 1979 and 1989. A single was also released, the royalties of which went to the Cambodia appeal launched by the show. The single peaked at number 19 in the UK singles chart.

Traditionally, the debut of a new version of the famous theme tune 'Barnacle Bill' is accompanied with an introduction by the presenters at the time explaining the reasons behind the new rendition. Mike Oldfield's version had its genesis in his appearance on the programme in 1979 to demonstrate how modern pop music was created using multi-track recording techniques. Oldfield also recorded a new version of the programme's closing music, which runs for just 20 seconds and has never been commercially released.

My collection: 7" single no. 4804
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Blue Peter' / 'Woodhenge'

One night affair - Spargo

The current amount of singles in my collection has been counted on arrival since the early Eighties. The last revision of these numbers took place sometime in 1984, when I decided I needed to ditch number 114. It was a terrible single from a Dutch singer who shall not be named here. The problem was, I needed to find a single to replace that one. All I had was a disc by Spargo that I had always kept despite the fact that it was half broken and the sleeve had gone missing. The name: 'One night affair'. Yesterday, I decided to fix the situation forever by buying a new (and complete) copy of that very single.

'One night affair' was a hit for the Dutch band Spargo in April 1981. It reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 114
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'One night affair' / 'Running from your lovin''

Stutter rap (No sleep til bedtime) - Morris Minor and the Majors

British comedian Tony Hawks formed Morris Minor and the Majors together with Paul Boross and Phil Judge. Taking on the names Morris Minor, Rusty Wing and Phil Errup, they recorded 'Stutter rap (No sleep til bedtime)', a style parody of the Beastie Boys. The subtitle plays on their single 'No sleep till Brooklyn'.

The single also features the song 'Another boring 'B' side', which became something of a cult classic, particularly for its memorable chorus, which simply repeated the line: 'Very very very very very very boring'. The single reached number 4 in the UK singles chart, number 14 in Canada and number 2 in Australia.

My collection: 7" single no. 4815
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Stutter rap (No sleep til bedtime)' / 'Another boring 'B' side'

Verslaafd aan jou - Frank Boeijen Groep

'Verslaafd aan jou' ('Addicted to you') was the second single from the Frank Boeijen Groep's 1986 album 'In natura'. Released in September 1986, it reached number 34 in the Dutch Top 40.

The single version was slightly shorter than the album version of the track. There were no signs yet that the next single would become the big hit it would be.

My collection: 7" single no. 449
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, September 3, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Verslaafd aan jou' / 'Op zoek naar de verloren tijd'

Leipzig - Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin

'Leipzig' was originally recorded by Thomas Dolby. Originally appearing as a B-side to an early Dolby single produced by Andy Partridge, 'Leipzig' - according to Stewart and Gaskin - sounded like a great song in embryo. The backing was minimal, the overall mood dark and introspective.

Dave & Barbara's version of the song is, by contrast, expansive and technicoloured, with a big, rolling beat, embellished with electronic percussion, keyboards, and cartoony sound effects.

My collection: 7" single no. 4786
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Leipzig' / 'Rich for a day'

I feel you - Depeche Mode

Was this Depeche Mode, or a heavy metal band? This was the question that bothered many listeners when the first single from their Depeche Mode's album 'Songs of faith and devotion' was released in early 1993. 'I feel you' sounded rough and tough, with a tormented Dave Gahan screaming his lungs out. He still had some drug-fuelled nightmares to go, but on this single, it sounded like he was already going through them.

On the cover of this single, there are four symbols, each representing a member. To tell which member it is, there's a number on the right-corner of each symbol, which is that band member's birthdate, or you can match the symbols up with the symbols on the cover of the album, which overlap a picture of that band member.

My collection: 7" single no. 1936
Found: Musik Box, Vienna, July 12, 1993
Cost: 30 Schilling
Tracks: 'I feel you' / 'One carress'

Heart of glass - Blondie

Almost immediately after its release, 'Heart of glass' became the subject of controversy because of its disco sound. At the time, Blondie was one of the bands at the forefront of New York's growing New Wave musical scene and were accused of 'selling out' for releasing a disco song. There was also the issue of the use of the expression 'pain in the ass' within the lyrics which, at the time, did not sit easily with the BBC. The radio version changed it to 'Heart of glass'.

This Dutch pressing of the single uses an edited version of the 'disco version' that was released on the 12" single. It reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40. In several other European countries and the UK, 'Heart of glass' reached number 1.

My collection: 7" single no. 4795
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Heart of glass' / 'Heart of glass (instrumental)'

Heart of glass - Blondie

'Heart of glass' was originally recorded by Blondie in 1975 under the name 'Once I had a love', and was much slower with a blues/reggae vibe to it. The song was frequently performed on tours, then was re-recorded with the same title in 1978, when the song was made a bit more rock-oriented. When Blondie recorded the album 'Parallel lines', disco was big on the music scene, and producer Mike Chapman decided to give the song the disco twist. It became one of the best-known Blondie recordings.

For the single release the track was remixed by Chapman with the double-tracked bass drum even more accentuated. The versions appearing on the 7" single issued in early 1979 varied from country to country. On this American copy, an edited album version appears, backed by the track '11:59', also from the album 'Parallel lines'.

My collection: 7" single no. 118
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1980
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Heart of glass' / '11:59'

Centipede - Rebbie Jackson

The single 'Centipede' by Rebbie Jackson was always quite an elusive disc for me. I saw the music video in 1984 and have been searching for this 7" single ever since. Two months ago, I managed to find the 12" single, which was also quite stunning.

And yesterday, my fortunes took an amazing turn when I found this copy of the 7" single. Granted, the sleeve has been written on, but what to expect for a disc that only cost me 50 cents. I'm satisfied: it only took me a quarter of a century, and I saved some money in the process...

My collection: 7" single no. 4775
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Centipede' / 'Centipede (instrumental)'

I'll be there - Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey had only released two album when she was invited to perform an acoustic concert in the MTV programme 'Unplugged'. She hadn't even played live before, making this in a way her live debut. She added the song 'I'll be there' to her set list at the last minute, after she had been informed that most acts on the show commonly perform at least one cover. She sang the song together with backing singer Trey Lorenz.

The MTV Unplugged special aired on May 20, 1992, and was a notable success. Carey's label received many requests to release 'I'll be there' as a single, which had not been planned. A radio edit of the song was created which removed dialogue portions of the performance. The single reached number 1 in Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the USA. During Michael Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009, Carey and Lorenz sang their rendition of the song in tribute to him.

My collection: 7" single no. 1675
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 27, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'I'll be there' / 'So blessed'

White fool - Clannad

'White fool' was released as the third single from Clannad's 1987 album 'Sirius'. I've never actually seen this single, but during the record fair I bought this copy, I suddenly saw several copies in different stands. Sometimes it's as if a record company decides to give out copies from decades ago.

The single was not a commercial success, which may be attributed to the rather sketchy nature of this particular track.

My collection: 7" single no. 4780
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'White fool' / 'Many roads'

Vulnerable - Roxette

The last single from Roxette's album 'Crash! Boom! Bang' was also the last of their singles to be released on the 7" vinyl format. Unfortunately, it wasn't their best single. 'Vulnerable' is a syrupy ballad with lyrics that are not very imaginative. The inspired lead vocals by Marie Fredriksson are also missing, as she is relegated to backing vocals, making way for Per Gessle's less interesting lead vocals.

As a result, 'Vulnerable' was the first Roxette single to miss the UK top 40 since 1989's 'Listen to your heart', peaking at number 44 in April 1995.

My collection: 7" single no. 2259
Found: April 8, 1995
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Vulnerable (edit)' / 'The sweet hello, the sad goodbye'

Don't stop it now - Hot Chocolate

Ever since I decided to complete my Hot Chocolate singles collection, I keep finding titles I never knew existed. Granted, I only have a basic knowledge of this band's output, but there also seems no end to their singles discography.

'Don't stop it now' was released in March 1976 as the follow-up to one of their biggest hits, 'You sexy thing'. In the UK, the single reached number 11, but in the Netherlands this single failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4772
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Don't stop it now' / 'Beautiful lady'

Hilda - Clouseau

Released as the follow-up to 'Geef het op', 'Hilda' was one of the other songs Clouseau performed during the national final in Belgium for the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest. The band actually performed three songs, from which one was picked to represent Belgium in 1991. The other two songs landed on this single.

Released in July 1991, 'Hilda' was a hit in Belgium but failed to chart in the Netherlands. At the time, I thought this was the best song of the three, but in hindsight I think 'Geef het op' was the right choice for the international final.

My collection: 7" single no. 1485
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, July 3, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Hilda' / 'Ik kan zonder jou'

Spring affair - Donna Summer

'Spring affair' is a song by Donna Summer from her 1976 album 'Four seasons of love'. The song (which represents the 'spring' phase of the concept album) tells of the beginning of a new relationship. At the time of its release, Summer had already started to make her name as the leading female disco singer by releasing frankly sexual songs that were considerable in length. The album version of 'Spring affair' lasted over eight minutes.

For the single release, the track was edited down to less than four minutes. It earned her a minor hit in the USA and Canada, peaking at number 58 and number 62 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 4774
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Spring affair' / 'Winter melody'

Typical male - Tina Turner

Tina Turner was quickly becoming a bit of a caricature in 1986, sporting a red miniskirt in the music video for 'Typical male'. One could discuss whether it's appropriate for someone in their fourties to wear miniskirts, but the fact is, by dressing up like that almost continually, it started to look a bit laughable to me.

Anyway, back to the song: 'Typical male' was recorded with Phil Collins on drums and released as the first single from Tina's 1986 album 'Break every rule'. The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 33 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40. The B-side, 'Don't turn around', was covered by Aswad and Ace of Base some years later.

My collection: 7" single no. 482
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Typical male' / 'Don't turn around'

Le chant de Mallory - Rachel

'Le chant de Mallory' ('Mallory's song') was performed by French singer Rachel at the 1964 Eurovision Song Contest, representing France. The lyric of the song deals with the story of Michael Mallory, a soldier. The singer asks him to sing the song he used to sing once more, as it was a song of love.

The song finished fourth in a field of 16 competitors. This EP brings together the Eurovision song along with three more chansons by Rachel.

My collection: 7" single no. 4767
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Le chant de Mallory', 'Feu de bois' / 'Mon coeur', 'L'eau sous les ponts'

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'