Still a thrill - Jody Watley

My last post about Jody Watley was about the 7" single of 'Still a thrill', which I bought almost six months ago. I've had the 12" single for a lot longer, although my records don't show exactly when I bought it. A sexy sleeve coupled with three very danceable remixes is a good proposition, especially when the disc is cheap, which it was.

According to some of the response on this blog recently there were some rumours about my untimely death. I can assure you that this event will not happen anytime soon. However, having written about all of my 7" singles (bar a handful) and most of my 12" singles, my posts will be less regular as of now. Don't worry, I will still be buying records too - so who knows what happens before the year is over. I have to say that making entries on this blog is 'still a thrill'.

My collection: 12" single no. 549
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Still a thrill (radio edit)' / 'Still a thrill (extended version)', 'Still a thrill (bonus beat)'

The taste of your tears - King

Having collected all of the 7" singles by King, it was soon a matter of finding the accompanying 12" singles. My sister owned all of them before I did, so I was familiar with most of the tracks, especially the extra B-side track on this one: the reprise of 'Alone without you'. I remember making a compilation tape starting with the original version and ending with this reprise version. The tape had a great buildup, as the A-side was full of uptempo tracks and the B-side had mostly ballads. It provided me with 90 minutes of extreme listening pleasure - and it's a shame I don't have that tape anymore.

Years later I found this 12" single and obviously I bought it immediately. As far as I know, this reprise version has not been released on cd, but the remix of 'The taste of your tears' has. And quite rightfully too, because it's very well made.

My collection: 12" single no. 82
Found: All that music, Leiden, 1992
Cost: 7,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The taste of your tears (Breaker heart mix)' / 'Crazy party', 'Alone without you (Reprise)'

All the lovers - Kylie Minogue

You have to have a big ego if you call your album 'Aphrodite' and pose as if you are the Greek goddess of love herself. But then Kylie has been successful for two decades now and then your ego is bound to grow. Fortunately, her tunes aren't half bad these days, as the mentioned album proves.

'All the lovers' was released a few months ago on two different cd-singles and a picture disc 7" single - something one has to applaud in this era where digital downloads seem to rule the world. The Spanish version of the title track is an added bonus not available on the cd-singles, and so this 7" single is worth owning.

My collection: 7" single no. 4921
Found: Recordstore.co.uk, received July 1, 2010
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'All the lovers' / 'Los amores'

The red shoes - Kate Bush

Kate Bush's most beautiful single 'Moments of pleasure' was not released on 7" vinyl. It's a damn shame, but at least EMI was sensible enough to pick up where it left off, with the next single 'The red shoes'. It was the title track of Kate's 1993 album and released in part to promote the movie 'The line, the cross & the curve' which was launched at a film festival in London in the spring of 1994.

The single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart in April 1994, spending three weeks in the chart. Besides the 7" vinyl, there was also a double cd-single edition featuring a dance mix of 'The red shoes'. The B-side 'You want alchemy' was a great treat for fans.

My collection: 7" single no. 2100
Found: Record fair, April 16, 1994
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'The red shoes' / 'You want alchemy'

Only for you - Louise Tucker

The classically trained Louise Tucker became involved in the world of pop when producers Charlie Skarbek and Tim Smit recorded the album 'Midnight blue' with her. Her soprano voice and synthpop music were an interesting combination and gave her a hit in America and the Netherlands with the title track of that debut album.

In some countries a second single was released, 'Only for you'. This single was considerably less successful, as it didn't chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 4920
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Only for you' / 'Jerusalem'

Knocked out - Paula Abdul

As I'd written before, 'Knocked out' was Paula Abdul's debut single in 1988. I bought the re-released version from 1990 in January this year, and now I found the original release as well. I didn't know there was a limited edition poster sleeve of this debut single, but now I have it.

This version only managed to reach number 98 in the UK singles chart, despite the very pretty poster.

My collection: 7" single no. 4919
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Knocked out' / 'Knocked out (instrumental)'

I'm on automatic - Sharpe and Numan

Bill Sharpe and Gary Numan recorded the album 'Automatic' in 1989 and this single was taken from the album. Like the album, the single wasn't a commercial success despite the lightweight pop that was contained in the album.

I've always been very fond of their first collaboration, 'Change your mind' and thought their other collaborations were pretty good too. It's hard to understand that many people didn't see it this way.

My collection: 7" single no. 4918
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'I'm on automatic' / 'Love like a ghost'

Blame it on the boogie - Big Fun

Big Fun were an English boyband featuring Phil Creswick, Mark Gillespie and Jason John (a.k.a Jason Herbert). Their only album, 'A pocketful of dreams' (1990), reached the Top 10 in the UK Albums Chart and contained this hit single, 'Blame it on the boogie', a cover of the famous Jacksons track.

It was their first and biggest it in the UK, where it reached number 4 in the singles chart. In the Netherlands, it was their only hit, peaking at number 28.

My collection: 7" single no. 4917
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Blame it on the boogie' / 'Blame it on the boogie (instrumental)'

I wanna hold your hand - Dollar

The duo Dollar had just released their debut album 'Shooting star' in 1979 when they released this single, a cover of the wellknown Beatles track 'I wanna hold your hand'. Whereas the original sounds straightforward and confident, this version, produced by Christopher Neil, sounds a bit shaky and lacks a bit in the vocal department.

Still, it went to number 9 in the UK singles chart, and gave the duo their fourth top 10 hit in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 4916
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'I wanna hold your hand' / 'Love one another'

All day in love - Alan Sorrenti

Italian singer Alan Sorrenti had a European hit with his song 'Tu sei l'unica donna per me' ('You are the only woman for me'), although in some countries the English version 'All day in love' was promoted to the A-side.

In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 26 in the autumn of 1979. It was one year before his appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Non so che darei'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4915
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'All day in love' / 'Tu sei l'unica donna per me'

Our lips are sealed - Gogo's

Written by Go-Go's guitarist Jane Wiedlin and Specials and Fun Boy Three singer Terry Hall, 'Our lips are sealed' was first recorded by the Go-Go's as the lead single from their 1981 album 'Beauty and the Beat'. It was their debut American single. The single peaked at number 20 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 47 in the UK singles chart.

The following year, Terry Hall re-recorded the song with his own band, Fun Boy Three. This version became a major hit, reaching number 7 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4914
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Our lips are sealed' / 'Surfing and spying'

What I like about you - The Romantics

'What I like about you' was written by the Romantics around a guitar part by Mike Skill. The song's 'Hey, uh-huh-huh' refrain was influenced by the Yardbirds' 'Over under sideways down' and Chuck Berry's 'Back in the U.S.A.'.

The single reached number 48 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4913
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'What I like about you' / 'First in line'

Take care of yourself - Level 42

'Take care of yourself' was the only new song on the compilation album 'Level best', released in October 1989. It was the last song recorded with guitarist Alan Murphy, who died of Aids on October 19, 1989.

The track was released as a single to promote the album. 'Take care of yourself' reached number 39 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4912
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, June 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Take care of yourself' / 'Silence (live)'

Ciao amore - Vlado and Isolda

Vlado Kalember and Izolda Barudzija represented Yugoslavia in 1984 at the Eurovision Song Contest with the pop song 'Ciao amore'. Izolda had some previous experience as a backing singer in two previous contest, most famously the year before when Daniel reached the top 5 with 'Julie'. Vlado Kalember would return to the contest in 1988 as a member of Silver Wings with the song 'Mangup'.

'Ciao amore' wasn't a very successful entry for Yugoslavia: it finished eighteenth in a field of 19 contestants.

My collection: 7" single no. 4911
Found: eBay.nl, received June 2, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Ciao amore (English version)' / 'Ciao amore (Croatian version)'

Boom boom - Mabel

Mabel was a Danish band, fronted by Michael Trempenau and featuring three other Danish guys. They recorded four albums and were very popular in Denmark and Spain.

In 1978 Mabel represented Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Boom boom'. The song finished sixteenth in a field of 20 competitors. The group then moved to New York City, but broke up soon after that.

My collection: 7" single no. 4910
Found: eBay.nl, received June 2, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Boom boom (English version)' / 'F.B.I. on the nail'

Il y aura toujours des violons - Joël Prevost

Joël Prévost was born as Richard-Jacques Bonay on February 16, 1950 in Narbonne, France. He was adopted soon after birth by a family from northern France, renamed Jean-Luc Potaux, and grew up at Trith-Saint-Léger, close to the border with Belgium. He moved to Paris in 1970 and in 1972 signed a contract with CBS Records, releasing a string of singles and touring over the next few years with artists such as Serge Gainsbourg, Mike Brant, Michèle Torr and Serge Lama.

He is however best known for his participation in the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest, when he represented France with the song 'Il y aura toujours des violons' ('There will always be violins'). It finished in third place in a field of 20 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4903
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 3,5 euro
Tracks: 'Il y aura toujours des violons' / 'Raoul'

J'ai déjà vu ça dans tes yeux - Jeane Manson

Jeane Manson was born as Jean Manson on October 1, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for the August 1974 issue. She had a few film roles before she was a Playmate, but her entertainment career took a major turn forward when she moved to France soon after she appeared in Playboy.

Performing under the name Jeane Manson, she became a recording artist in Europe. Her albums have covered several genres, from pop to gospel and country. Jean also has hosted several television specials in France and had a regular role on the longrunning primetime soap Riviera. She represented Luxembourg in the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest in Jerusalem, achieving 13th place for her song 'J'ai deja vu ça dans tes yeux'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4902
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, May 28, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'J'ai déjà vu ça dans tes yeux' / 'Ma pauvre musique'

Rubberband girl - Kate Bush

After a silence of four years, Kate Bush returned to the music scene in 1993 with the song 'Rubberband girl'. I remember Puck managed to buy a promotional cd-single two days before the release of the single for me, and so I got to hear the song a little earlier than usual. But of course, I had to buy several more formats until I would be entirely satisfied. So I bough the regular cd-single, the 2-track European cd-single, the American cd-single, an American promotional cd-single, a picture disc 12" single... plus the 7" single of course.

Out of all the formats, the 7" single is probably the most beautiful, with its glossy sleeve and picture labels. The single reached number 12 in the UK singles chart, but failed to chart in the Netherlands.

More recently, I found a jukebox promotional 7" single with no sleeve and a very basic black label. I guess it's a rarity, so I was rather surprised to pick it up for next to nothing.

My collection: 7" single no. 1947 / no. 4259
Found: HMV, London, September 25, 1993 / Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds / 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Rubberband girl' / 'Big stripey lie'

Telegram - Silver convention

Producers and songwriters Sylvester Levay and Michael Kunze recruited Linda Thompson, Penny McLean and Ramona Wulf to form Silver Convention. After having had worldwide hits with disco tracks like 'Fly Robin fly' and 'Get up and boogie', they struggled to have more success with formulaic disco songs, but failed to do so.

In 1977, they represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Telegram'. As a result of a new language rule, they were allowed to perform the song in English. They finished eighth in a field of 18 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4898
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'Telegram' / 'Midnight lady'

If leaving me is easy - Phil Collins

Phil Collins debuted as a solo artist in 1981 with his album 'Face value'. Three singles were taken from the album, of which 'If leaving me is easy' was the last one. The single was released in a limited edition poster cover, and featured the demo version of 'In the air tonight' - Phil's very successful debut single - on the B-side.

'If leaving me is easy' reached number 17 in the UK singles chart and also charted in several European countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 4909
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'If leaving me is easy' / 'Drawing board (In the air tonight)'

Someone to somebody - Feargal Sharkey

'Someone to somebody' was released in 1986 as the third single from Feargal Sharkey's self-titled debut album. In the UK, the single was released in a limited edition poster sleeve, featuring a live photograph and six different versions of the cover.

The single was Sharkey's least successful single up to that point, as it only reached number 64 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4908
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Someone to somebody' / 'Cold water'

Wouldn't change a thing - Kylie Minogue

What's odd about this single, is that it sounds so slow now. In the Eighties, Kylie was the hottest dance act in the Stock/Aitken/Waterman stable, but 'Wouldn't change a thing' sounds a lot like a 45rpm single played on 33rpm speed.

'Wouldn't change a thing' was the second single taken from Kylie's second album 'Enjoy yourself'. It reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in Germany. It went top 10 in Australia and Finland.

My collection: 7" single no. 4907
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1,1 euro
Tracks: 'Wouldn't change a thing' / 'It's no secret'

Keep each other warm - Bucks Fizz

Although the popularity of Bucks Fizz was slowly fading, their record company still tried everything to keep the hit machine going. 'Love the one you're with', the second single from the band's 1986 album 'Writing on the wall', had reached number 47 in the UK singles chart but the record company didn't give up.

And so, a third single, 'Keep each other warm' was released as a limited edition double single, featuring a medley of all album tracks on the second disc. It helped, but only slightly: this single made it to number 45.

My collection: 7" single no. 4906
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 2,8 euro
Tracks: 'Keep each other warm' / 'Give a little love' // 'Writing on the wall medley, part 1' / 'Writing on the wall medley, part 2'

Dance with me - Orleans

Orleans was formed in Woodstock, New York in February 1972, by John Hall, Larry Hoppen and Wells Kelly. In November of that year, the group also added Larry's younger brother Lance to the line-up. Jerry Marotta joined the next year, completing the quintet.

'Dance with me' was taken from the band's third album 'Let there be music'. The single was a big hit in the USA, but failed to chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 4905
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Dance with me' / 'Ending of a song'

Time - Frida and B.A. Robertson

Released in 1984, the track 'Time' was recorded by Frida (formerly from Abba) and B.A. Robertson for the soundtrack of 'Abbacadabra', a musical based on music by Abba. In fact, 'Time' was based on the instrumental track 'Arrival', from Abba's 1976 album of the same name, with added lyrics.

Frida recorded a French version of this track together with Daniel Balavoine as 'Belle'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4904
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1,75 euro
Tracks: 'Time' / 'I am the seeker'

I love Saturday - Erasure

Erasure released their album 'I say I say I say' in 1994, at a time when the 7" single was fast becoming harder to find. Only the first two singles, 'Always' and 'Run to the sun' were released on 7" vinyl in the UK - and for more than a decade, their remaining singles were released as cd-singles only.

But much to my surprise, I found a 7" vinyl copy of the third (and last) single from the album 'I say I say I say' recently: 'I love Saturday'. It was made in Germany, where Erasure have always been popular. However, the single reached number 69, their lowest-charting single in Germany up to that point. In the UK, meanwhile, the single reached number 20.

My collection: 7" single no. 4901
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'I love Saturday' / 'Dodo'

Megamix:Ninety! - Mel and Kim

The 1990 megamix of Mel & Kim tracks, created by Alan Coulthard, was released as a 12" single and a 7" single. I was lucky enough to find the 12" single a long time ago, but the 7" single has eluded me for a long time. Until recently, when it suddenly popped up on a mailorder website. What's interesting about this single is that both the A-side and the B-side are shorter than its 12" single counterparts.

There is also a cd-single, but that one is even harder to find. I wonder if I'll ever get my hands on that one.

My collection: 7" single no. 4900
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1,75 euro
Tracks: 'Megamix:Ninety!' / 'Showing out (Italo House mix)'

Johnny Rocco - Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin

'Johnny Rocco' was written by Les Vandyke in the late Fifties and recorded by several rock and roll acts, including Marty Wilde.

Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin recorded their version in 1982 as a track on their album 'Disappear'. When released as a single, it didn't manage a chart placing.

My collection: 7" single no. 4899
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Johnny Rocco' / 'The Hamburger song (We've survived this before)'

Hurricane - Westend

Westend was an Austrian band, consisting of Gary Lux, Hans Christian Wagner, Bernhard Rabitsch, Peter Vieweger and Patricia Tandien. They represented their country during the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Hurricane'.

The song is an up-tempo track, in which the band sings about being without the object of their affections and likens this condition to being in a hurricane. The song finished ninth in a field of 20 participants.

My collection: 7" single no. 4897
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Hurricane' / 'Hurricane (instrumental)'

Tall story teller - Arabesque

Most of the songs by the German disco trio Arabesque follow a certain formula, which is defined by unified vocals and a firm disco beat. And 'Tall story teller' is no exception.

Released in the autumn of 1982, the single featured the track 'Caballero' on the B-side, which was released as a single in Japan only. In Japan, Arabesque were quite famous; even in the late Nineties their whole repertoire was released on cd in that country.

My collection: 7" single no. 4896
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received May 28, 2010
Cost: 1,4 euro
Tracks: 'Tall story teller' / 'Caballero'

Looker - Sue Saad

The band Sue Saad and the Next never made it big, but existed from 1979 to 1986. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1980, but only managed a lowly placing in the US album chart at number 131.

After the album, only one single was released, 'Looker' credited to Sue Saad. It did not chart, but the band still played live concerts until 1986, while also contributing tracks to movie soundtracks from time to time.

My collection: 7" single no. 4895
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Looker' / 'Highwire'

Gimme love/gimme pain - Sue Saad and the Next

The only claim to fame Sue Saad and the Next ever made was a hit in the Netherlands with the dramatic rock song 'Young girl'. I bought the single at the time and for years it was one of my favourite songs of all times.

I never bought any of their next singles, until I found 'Prisoner' six months ago. 'Gimme love/gimme pain', which I found just the other day, is another example of their brand of new wave rock. It was not a hit, but sometimes the best singles are those that are ignored by the general public...

My collection: 7" single no. 4894
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Gimme love/gimme pain' / 'Kamonbaybeh'

Drama! - Erasure

Last week when we were in Utrecht, Puck showed me this single by Erasure. I couldn't for the life of me figure out whether I already had it or not. I've seen the sleeve numerous times through the years, of course, which causes confusion in my photographic memory.

When I came home, it turned out I didn't have this single, and so, since I knew I would be back at the store this week, I had a new opportunity to buy it. 'Drama' was the first single from Erasure's 1989 album 'Wild!' and was a number 4 hit in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4893
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Drama!' / 'Sweet sweet baby'

Hold on - Bolland en Bolland

The Dutch brothers Bolland recorded a very American-sounding single in 1978, entitled 'Hold on'. I got to know the song because of a compilation album of 1978 hits which I got as a present in 1979, but the strange thing is: 'Hold on'was never a hit.

That's not to say it's a bad song: it could easily compete in the international charts at the time - but I think the record company never even tried this.

My collection: 7" single no. 4892
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Hold on' / 'Outlaws paradise'

London - Alessi

The Alessi Brothers made some great jazzy stuff in the late Seventies,with one of their best known tracks being 'Oh Lori'.

This single was taken from the same album as 'All for a reason', a year after 'Oh Lori'. It's an ode to one of the world's most exciting cities, 'London'. And it's got that same jazzy feel.

My collection: 7" single no. 4891
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'London' / 'Farewell'

The one that you love - Air Supply

'The one that you love' is a classic love song, written by Graham Russell and recorded by the Australian band Air Supply. The single reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1981. Although it is a wellknown song, the single did not chart in most of Europe.

This copy of the single was pressed on green vinyl, which I suppose is part of a limited edition run. Quite a beautiful collector's item!

My collection: 7" single no. 4890
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The one that you love' / 'I want to give it all'

Am I normal? - Eye to eye

After the duo Marshall Hain split up, Kit Hain went on a solo career and Julian Marshall seemingly disappeared from the pop scene. Seemingly, because in 1980 he was part of the group Eye to eye.

Most people don't know this, as the single 'Am I normal?' did not become a hit. The beautiful sleeve featured a painting called 'Hand Maid', created by Philip Castle.

My collection: 7" single no. 4889
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Am I normal?' / 'Tonight insomnia'

Early morning wake up call - Flash and the Pan

The title track of Flash and the Pan's 1985 album 'Early morning wake up call' was released as a single. It wasn't a commercial success, but it is quite a catchy track in the style of this Australian band.

My collection: 7" single no. 4888
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Early morning wake up call' / 'Look at that woman go'

In the clouds - All about Eve

When I started collecting All about Eve records in the late Eighties, I quickly became aware that they'd released some independent 12" singles at the beginning of their career. The 12" of 'D for desire' never came within my grasp for a reasonable price, and neither did 'In the clouds', their second release from 1985.

While I was never prepared to shell out 50 pounds or more for 'D for desire' ever since I got a bootleg 7" single, I did buy this 12" single for 20 pounds. That's still a lot of money, but it was lot cheaper than they were going for at the time - plus it was in pristine condition. Sometimes you have to live a little.

My collection: 12" single no. 270
Found: Record fair, London
Cost: 20 pounds
Tracks: 'In the clouds' / 'End of the day', 'Love leads nowhere'

Hot water - Level 42

There are no credits for the 'Mastermix' of Level 42's 'Hot water', but it is an impressive mix, clocking in at 10 minutes, no less. This 12" snigle also contains an extended version of the B-side, 'Standing in the light'.

At the time of its release, Level 42 were at the verge of becoming a supergroup, a status they achieve a year later when they released their album 'Running in the family'. 'Hot water' was taken from its predecessor, 'True colours'.

My collection: 12" single no. 418
Found: Record Exchange, London,
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Hot water (Mastermix)' / 'Standing in the light (extended version)'

The slightest touch - Five Star

Five Star took no less than six hit singles from their album 'Silk and steel', but one had to admit that they weren't exactly lazy about it. 'The slightest touch', the last single to be taken from the album, was remixed by Shep Pettibone and the 12" single contained three remixes of the track made by him.

'The slightest touch' is one of the few Five Star songs to have been covered by another artist; Louise recorded the track for her 'Changing Faces: The Best of Louise' greatest hits album in 2001. This version of the song was based on the album mix and was not released as a single.

My collection: 12" single no. 343
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'The slightest touch (The Pettibone Touch remix)', 'The slightest touch (House touch)' / 'Stone court', 'The slightest touch (Slightest dub)'

Lean on me - Red Box

Red Box had their first hit single in 1985 with 'Lean on me'. It took me some time to realise that this was actually a good song, but when I did, I decided I wanted to have the 12" single as well. By that time, it was pretty hard to get, and so I had to resort to mail order in order to get it.

This 12" single actually contains two different versions of 'Lean on me' plus a remix of the B-side track 'Stinging bee'. Packages like this are always value for money.

My collection: 12" single no. 548
Found: Fun records, received 2002
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Lean on me (Dogmatix)' / 'Stinging bee (Catmatix)', 'Lean on me'

Love letters - Alison Moyet

I bought the 7" single of Alison Moyet's 'Love letters' in 1989 because I liked the song. Then I discovered the B-side 'This house', which made me buy the cd-single as I had to have it in pristine quality. And then I discovered that the 12" single actually had an extended version of 'Love letters' which didn't appear on the cd-single...

I was quite happy to buy this 12" single as it was very cheap. And fortunately, the extended version of 'Love letters' was worth every penny.

My collection: 12" single no. 379
Found: unknown
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love letters (extended version)' / 'This house', 'Ne me quitte pas (live)'

Rocket man - Kate Bush

In 1991, Polydor Records released 'Two Rooms: Celebrating the songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin'. The title refers to the song on Elton John's album '21 at 33', 'Two rooms at the end of the world', to the duo's unusual collaborative style, and is also the title of a 1991 movie documenting their collaboration.

Kate Bush's version of 'Rocket man' was released as the album's first single. The 7" single appeared in a poster sleeve, of which the UK version was slightly bigger than the one made in Germany. The single peaked at number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 22 in the Dutch Top 40. In 2007 the track won The Observer readers' award for Greatest Cover of all time.

My collection: 7" single no. 1560
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 16, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Rocket man' / 'Candle in the wind'

When we were young - Bucks Fizz

'When we were young' was a change in direction for Bucks Fizz. The production was heavy and the song had an ominous tone, far removed from the group's usual pop sound. It was the first and only single to feature lead vocals by Jay Aston. Aston's vocals were notably different from her solo appearances on previous Bucks Fizz songs Aston herself has said that she was adopting an effected voice, similar to Hazel O'Connor. She has since stated, despite the song's success, her vocal affectation wasn't a good idea, although has rated it her favourite Bucks Fizz song, while member Cheryl Baker has commented that she never liked the song due to its downbeat tone.

This 12" single features and extended club version of the track and an extra B-side track.

My collection: 12" single no. 381
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'When we were young (extended club version)' / 'When the love has gone', 'Where the ending starts'

Strut - Sheena Easton

I bought the 7" single of 'Strut' for almost nothing in 1993, so it's only fair that I would find the 12" single for a tiny amount as well. I'm glad to say I did.

This 12" single features a dance mix Eighties-style: instrumental passages and echoes - and that's pretty much it. That's the way I like it best...

My collection: 12" single no. 548
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Strut (Dance mix)' / 'Letters from the road'

Questionnaire - Chas Jankel

Although this is a 12" single, it doesn't really contain a track especially made for it: both 'Questionnaire' and 'Boy' appear in their respective album versions. But because 'Questionnaire' was edited for the 7" single, this still is an attractive disc.

Chas Jankel worked with Ian Dury on a lot of tracks recorded by the latter. On this occasion, Jankel ended up recording the track he'd written with Ian Dury himself.

My collection: 12" single no. 547
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Questionnaire' / 'Boy'

Love's gotta hold on me - Dollar

When I listen to this single, I can't help but notice the dodgy sound effects and the very thin voice of Thereza Bazar. Dollar were just starting out in 1979, when 'Love's gotta hold on me' was released. The duo had had two minor hits in the UK, but hit the big time - amazingly - with this one: it reached number 4 in the UK singles chart.

The song does not convince me: personally, I prefer the B-side, 'Tokyo'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4887
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Love's gotta hold on me' / 'Tokyo'