Tightrope ride - The Doors

After the sudden death of Jim Morrison, the three remaining members of The Doors soldiered on. They released an album called Other voices, and this single was taken from that album. While 'Tightrope ride' could never compare with classics like 'Light my fire', 'Touch me' or 'Riders on the storm', it is still a good example of what these men were capable of. 

Robbie Krieger later reflected: 'We probably shouldn’t have put it out that quick after Jim’s passing. We just felt like that was all we could do. We could've sat around and be depressed. Which we were. But, I don't know. The record company, Elektra, they were wanting us to continue. It wasn’t that hard of a decision.'

My collection: 7" single no. 7591
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1 March 2025
Tracks: 'Tightrope ride' / 'Variety is the spice of life'

Lookin' through the windows - The Jackson 5

Since most of the Jacksons singles from the Eighties are already in my possession, I am often tempted to go back in time and buy some of their earlier stuff. It's not bad, it just doesn't appeal to me in quite the same way. 

'Lookin' through the windows' was released as the second single from the 1972 album of the same name. It reached number 16 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but it didn't chart at all in Europe - with the exception of the UK, where the song peaked at number 9. This single is the Dutch pressing, with the sort of sleeve that was kindof habitual at that time.

My collection: 7" single no. 7593
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1 March 2025
Tracks: 'Lookin' through the windows' / 'Love song'

Llámame - Victor Balaguer

This single spent a long time on my wantlist, and when I ordered it online I didn't pay enough attention to the description, otherwise I would have known that I would receive this single in a record company sleeve instead of the picture sleeve. Oh well, at least it is the original record company sleeve.

'Llámame' was the song performed by Victor Balaguer for Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1962. It was a rather traditional Spanish-style song, which was not out of the ordinary at the Contest around that time. It wasn't a very successful song: it finished in shared last place (with Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria) with zero points. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7587
Found: Discogs.com, received 22 February 2025
Tracks: 'Llámame', 'Serenata' / 'Leccion de Twist', 'Dile tu'

Pange lingua - Mocedades

Anyone who is even remotely interested in the Eurovision Song Contest (and collects records) will probably own a copy of 'Eres tu'. Some might even venture into the unknown and buy the German version, 'Das bist du'. But this single is a rather obscure one: it's 'Pange lingua' with on the B-side a live version of 'Eres tu'!

This single was released in 1984, and features live versions from the album 15 años de musica, a celebratory live album by Mocedades. It's rather lovely that this copy is a promotional version, although the single was also commercially available at the time.

My collection: 7" single no. 7586
Found: Discogs.com, recieved 22 February 2025
Tracks: 'Pange lingua [live]' / 'Eres tu [live]'

The Big Four, no. 20 - Leslie Uggams, Marty Wilde, Guy Mitchell, The Kaye Sisters

I posted no. 11 of the Big Four EP's three years ago, and here is no. 20. The formula remains the same: four songs by four different artists who were popular at the time of the EP's release. There's no year mentioned on the sleeve or label, but thanks to Discogs.com we know that this EP was released in 1959. 

An obvious reason for me to want to have these EP's is the appearance of Marty Wilde, even if the song is not rare: 'Sea of love' is one of his big hits which was also released on a 'normal' 7" single. The three other tracks are a nice bonus. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7580
Found: Discogs.com, received 22 February 2025
Tracks: 'One more sunrise' (Leslie Uggams), 'Sea of love' (Marty Wilde) / 'Heartaches by the number' (Guy Mitchell), 'True love, true love' (The Kaye Sisters)

This is me - Climie Fisher

I've had a version of Climie Fisher's single 'This is me' for the last 35 years, but apparently that version was a re-release. This one is the original version from 1986. As described in the previous post, this is the version that didn't chart. 

It was actually the duo's debut single, and it ended up loitering on number 106 in the UK singles chart - well below what we would call 'hit territory'. Fortunately, their fortunes changed and they enjoyed considerable success in 1988. The album 'Everything' will be released as a deluxe 5cd set in two weeks from now.

My collection: 7" single no. 7583
Found: Discogs.com, received 22 February 2025
Tracks: 'This is me' / 'Far across the water'

A letter to Elise - The Cure

The Cure have consistently released albums and singles until about ten years ago. The recent revival with their excellent new album Songs from the lost world came after a few unremarkable albums - in my opinion then.

'A letter to Elise' came from their last great album before that, Wish. It reached number 28 in the UK singles chart, but it failed to chart in the Netherlands, like all the singles after that. For the longest time I didn't think this single was released on vinyl, so I was quite surprised to find this one after all these years.

My collection: 7" single no. 7585
Found: Discogs.com, received 22 February 2025
Tracks: 'A letter to Elise' / 'The big hand'

Days are OK - The Motels

The singles 'Suddenly last summer' and 'Footsteps' are pretty iconic to me, but I am not really familiar with the Motels's other work. I kept coming across picture discs of 'Days are OK' in shops and record fairs however, and I decided to check the song out. It was OK, I felt. 

The single was released in 1980, and so it actually precedes the other two. It features a louder sound from the band, which I guess is logical: most people mellow with age. The picture disc is a beauty, and so I finally decided to get me a copy. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7584
Found: Discogs.com, received 22 February 2025
Tracks: 'Days are OK' / 'Slow town'

Can't wait for another world - Time Bandits

The Time Bandits enjoyed success in the first half of the Eighties, but by 1986 the singles struggled to get into the charts. Their last hit was 'I won't steal away'. Subsequent singles 'Only a fool', 'We'll be dancing' and 'Wildfire' didn't get into the Dutch Top 40, but did end up in the 'bubbling under' Tipparade chart. 

The latter two were taken from the album 'Can't wait for another world', and the title track was released as the third single from that album. It was the first time a single from the band didn't even get into the Tipparade. They called it quits after that - although lead singer Alides Hidding soldiered on with changing line-ups after that. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7582
Found: Discogs.com, received 20 February 2025
Tracks: 'Can't wait for another world' / 'Sail'

Tooralooralooraloo - Trio

I didn't really notice it at the time, but the German band Trio had a bilingual career. Their most famous single 'Da da da' was recorded in German and English, and it turns out that 'Turaluraluralu' also had an English counterpart. The title makes it look like a throwaway track, but it is actually a very enjoyable song. 

It didn't earn them a lot of international success, unfortunately. The single didn't chart in the UK at all. In the Netherlands, the single peaked at number 34 in the Dutch Top 40 during a three week chart run. After this, Trio was heard outside of Germany no more.

My collection: 7" single no. 7581
Found: Discogs.com, received 20 February 2025
Tracks: 'Tooralooralooraloo (is it old is it new)' / 'Immer noch einmal'

Ice in the sun - Status Quo

Although I already had a single featuring 'Ice in the sun' on the B-side of 'Pictures of matchstick men' on an unsightly 'old gold' release, I always wanted to have the original single as well - but for a fair price. When I finally saw one I snapped it up. 

'Ice in the sun' was written by Marty Wilde, of course, together with Ronnie Scott. They created many songs during the Sixties, but this was one of the better known ones. 'Ice in the sun', reached number 8 in the UK and number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 7565
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Ice in the sun' / 'When my mind is not live'

I need a man - Eurythmics

When I ordered a few singles from the UK I accidentally also ordered this one, because I thought I didn't have it. Obviously I did: I bought 'I need a man' a mere six years ago. But! It was a different sleeve and a different B-side. And this one is just too good to go. We call it 'bijvangst' in Dutch. 

And so, here is 'I need a man' again, with the alternative B-side 'I need you'. It's different from the US edition, and that's because this one was made in the UK. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7576
Found: Discogs.com, received 6 February 2025
Tracks: 'I need a man' / 'I need you'

Fallen angel - Robbie Robertson

I recently rediscovered Robbie Robertson's singles and then I realized that one was still missing from my collection. It's 'Fallen Angel', a track from the same album that contains 'Somewhere down the crazy river' and 'Showdown at big sky'. Both are excellent, but this one even more so. I mean, it contains vocals by Peter Gabriel! 

'Fallen angel' was actually the second single taken from Robbie's self-titled album, and also the least successful, inexplicably. It only made it to number 95 in the UK singles chart. Some things are just too weird for me.

My collection: 7" single no. 7575
Found: Discogs.com, received 6 February 2025
Tracks: 'Fallen angel' / 'Hell's half acre'

You don't believe - Alan Parsons Project

'You don't believe' appeared on the B-side of the single 'Don't answer me'. Both songs appeared on the Alan Parsons Project's 1984 album Ammonia Avenue. 

However, the album The best of the Alan Parsons Project was released in 1983 and 'You don't believe' appeared on that album too. The B-side is also interesting: 'Lucifer' was used on a radio programme in the Netherlands (I forget which one, unfortunately), and so this single is an unexpected great find.

My collection: 7" single no. 7574
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'You don't believe' / 'Lucifer'

Crying in the rain - Everly Brothers

'Crying in the rain' was composed by Carole King with lyrics by Howard Greenfield, originally recorded by American duo the Everly Brothers. Their version was released as a single in December 1961, peaking at number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1962.

The song was a collaboration between Greenfield and King, both of whom worked for music publisher Aldon Music at the time. On a whim, two Aldon songwriting partnerships decided to switch partners for a day; King's regular lyricist and then-husband Gerry Goffin partnered with Greenfield's frequent collaborator Jack Keller, leaving King and Greenfield to pair up.

For younger listeners, the song is best known in a version by A-ha.

My collection: 7" single no. 7570
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Track: 'Crying in the rain' / 'That's old fashioned (That's the way love should be)'

I just don't know what to do with myself - Dusty Springfield

'I just don't know what to do with myself' is a song written by Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. The song was first recorded by Chuck Jackson in 1962. The song was recorded by Dusty Springfield and it reached number 3 on the UK singles chart in 1964. 

Production was credited to Philips Records owner Johnny Franz - although Springfield later stated her solo Philips tracks were self-produced - and arranged by Ivor Raymonde who conducted his orchestra. Springfield, whose first solo recordings had included covers of the Bacharach/David compositions 'Anyone who had a heart' and 'Wishin' and hopin'' - had brought back 'I just don't know what to do with myself' from an overnight trip to New York City where she met up with Bacharach in February 1964. Two years later, the song was also recorded by Dionne Warwick.

My collection: 7" single no. 7567
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'I just don't know what to do with myself' / 'My colouring book'

Zijn eigen wonder - Willeke Alberti

Dutch singer Willeke Alberti had profited from the Eurovision Song Contest before, having recorded 'Uno per tutte' with her father Willy in 1963. Six years later she went at it on her own, recording a version of Frida Boccara's moving chanson 'Un jour, un enfant' - but in a Dutch translation.

Cees Nooteboom provided the lyrics for this song. The Dutch novelist, poet and journalist used to write lyrics for his then-partner Liesbeth List, but later made a name for himself as a writer. The book 'Rituelen' became an international success and he was even mentioned recently as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in literature. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7572
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Zijn eigen wonder' / 'Happy, happy, happy'.

Blue diamond - H2O

I vaguely recall this song from the Eighties, it probably featured on the radio at some point. It didn't chart in the Netherlands, and even in the UK it only managed to scrape to number 77. In fact, the only singles by H2O to get into the UK top 40 were 'Dream to sleep' and 'Just outside of heaven' in 1983. 

'Blue diamond' was released in 1987 and was also released on a cd-single which is now very expensive - at least, on Discogs. (I bet some kind reader of this blog would gladly send it to me for free.) By comparison, this 7" single was a steal for just 1 euro.

My collection: 7" single no. 7569
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Blue diamond' / 'Go on'

Mama's pearl - The Jackson 5

'Mama's pearl' was a hit recording for The Jackson 5 in 1971 and was written by The Corporation, a songwriting team that had helped the group score four consecutive number 1 singles. The song, while sung mostly by Michael featured cameo spots from brothers Jermaine and Jackie. According to a Jackson biographer, it was originally called 'Guess who's making whoopie (with your girlfriend)'. Producer Deke Richards reportedly had the lyrics and title changed to preserve Michael Jackson's youthful, innocent image. 

The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 25 in the UK singles chart, whereas it didn't chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 7562
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025 
Tracks: 'Mama's pearl' / 'Darling dear'

Pictures of matchstick men - Status Quo

Although I already had 'Pictures of matchstick men' in my collection, it was an unsightly 'old gold' release, without a picture sleeve. Fortunately I now own an original release of that song, courtesy of a seller who didn't charge a ridiculous price for it.

According to Francis Rossi, who wrote the song: 'I wrote it on the bog. I'd gone there, not for the usual reasons... but to get away from the wife and mother-in-law. I used to go into this narrow frizzing toilet and sit there for hours, until they finally went out. I got three quarters of the song finished in that khazi. The rest I finished in the lounge.' So basically we know where the song was written, but not what it's about.

My collection: 7" single no. 7564
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Pictures of matchstick men' / 'Gentleman Jim's sidewalk cafe'

As tears go by - Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull passed away recently, on 30 January. I bought her debut single just 11 days earlier and I really wanted to post this single earlier but I just didn't have the time. So here it is, still: quite a bit of history in this 61 year old disc. The song was written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham. Marianne Faithfull recorded and released it as a single in the United Kingdom in 1964. Her song peaked at number 9 on both the UK and Irish singles charts. 

It was actually Marianne's re-recording from 1987 which made me quite fond of the song. It adds a layer of nostalgia which is abent on this early recording. Marianne actually said it herself: "Forty is the age to sing it, not seventeen".

My collection: 7" single no. 7566
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'As tears go by' / 'Greensleeves'

Pop life - Prince and the Revolution

Although Prince was at the top of his game in the mid-Eighties, some singles were simply not released in the Netherlands and so we missed out on a few good songs. One of those songs was 'Pop life', which got its release in the UK after 'Raspberry beret' and before 'Kiss'. 

The single wasn't very successful: it only reached number 60 in the UK and spent two weeks in the chart. Which probably explains why the record company didn't bother releasing it in other territories. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7560
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Pop life' / 'Girl'

Wherever I lay my hat - Paul Young

I've never had any burning desire to buy every Paul Young single that exists, but there are sometimes curiosities that I can't resist. This is the American promotional single for 'Wherever I lay my hat', the first single Paul had any solo success with, and it features an edit of the song.

The edit appears on both sides, which isn't a rare thing for American promotional singles. I guess in America DJ's were prone to play the B-side more often, which makes this a rather convenient disc for them.

My collection: 7" single no. 7559
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Wherever I lay my hat (edit)' / 'Wherever I lay my hat (edit)'

Look out any window - Bruce Hornsby & the Range

Although I haven't really delved into the repertoire of the man, I think Bruce Hornsby plays a mean piano solo. Having played the instrument myself, I know how hard it out to get those sounds out of it, but that it someone who seems to do it effortlessly.

That was one reason to buy this single without ever having heard the song. The other reason was the state of it: it looks like it was released yesterday, even if the sticker mentions the actual release date: 8 August 1988. Yes, this is a promotional copy, and that's a bit of a bonus. The track really doesn't disappoint. I'm going to play this single more than once.

My collection: 7" single no. 7558
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Look out any window' / 'On the Western skyline (live)'

Rage hard (Stamped) - Frankie goes to Hollywood

Although I have a lot of Eighties singles and I consider myself to be quite well informed about the pop music of the Eighties, still I sometimes get surprised. I bought this single by Frankie goes to Hollywood because the sleeve was different to the one I have; it made me curious because the sleeve mentions "(stamped)" under the title. And indeed, it is a different version of the song. 

Apparently, this single was released after 'Rage hard' entered the UK singles chart at number 6. Releasing a different version was probably a way to try and keep the single longer in the charts, and maybe get it higher up. The ploy worked partly, because the peak position ended up being number 4, but it only stayed in the chart for 7 weeks.

My collection: 7" single no. 7557
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Rage hard (Stamped)' / '(Don't lose what's left) Of your little mind'

Piove - André Hazes

Under normal circumstances you would never see a single by André Hazes on this blog, because the man has produced an unspeakable array of terrible singles and albums in my opinion. But these are not normal circumstances, because I discovered that the man recorded an entire album of Italian classics in 1986, and of course four Eurovision songs are among those tracks.

One of them was the classic 'Piove', originally performed by Domenico Modugno for Italy in 1959. And André's version was released as a single. And although all those terrible singles reached the Dutch Top 40, this one failed to chart. 

The copy I bought initially played like boots on a gravel path, but a little dishwashing liquid worked miraculously well; the single sounds pretty good now.

My collection: 7" single no. 7549
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Piove' / 'Melancholie'

Don't be my enemy - Wang Chung

It's fun to have a record player from the Eighties, and a Technics too, but the fact that the arm returns to its base automatically from some point means that certain things like Polish postcards can't be played on it. And this 5" picture disc by Wang Chung is a problem too. I found that out after I bought it. Fortunately the music can still be found online, and so both tracks on this disc can be listened to on YouTube. 

'Don't be my enemy' was the band's first single to actually chart. Even if it only reached number 92 in the UK singles chart in 1983, it was just a taster of what was to come. The next year they would have the biggest hit of their career with 'Dance hall days'. 

My collection: 5" single no. 7556
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Don't be my enemy' / 'The waves (instrumental)'

Do it to me (once more with feeling) - Britt Ekland

Britt Ekland (born as Britt-Marie Eklund; 6 October 1942) is a Swedish actress, model, and singer. She appeared in numerous films in her heyday throughout the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties.Her high-profile social life, her 1964 marriage to actor Peter Sellers, and her relationship with singer Rod Stewart attracted considerable press attention, making her one of the world's most photographed celebrities during the Seventies. 

Her singing career was pretty much a one-off. In 1979 she released this single, 'Do it to me (once more with feeling)', very much a disco-inspired track, made more appealing thanks to the cover image. A picture disc single should have improved the sales too, but the single only charted in Sweden.

My collection: 7" single no. 7555
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Do it to me (once more with feeling)' / 'Private party'

Every day hurts - Sad Café

Sure, I have the Old Gold single with 'Every day hurts' in my collection, but somehow such re-releases are a bit disappointing. The real thing, i.e. the original release is always preferred, of course. Especially when it comes as a picture disc!

'Every day hurts' was released as a single in 1979 and became Sad Café's biggest hit, reaching number 3 on the UK singles chart, with a total of 12 weeks on the chart. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7553
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Every day hurts' / 'Wish this night would never end'

Let your love go - Bread

Bread are best known for their soft pop inclinations, but this single is decidedly edgier. 'Let your love go' was released in 1971 and reached number 28 in the US Billboard Hot 100, slightly disappointing after the two previous singles 'Make it with you' and 'It don't matter to me' reached number 1 and 10 respectively. 

The album Manna, from which this was the lead single, was certified gold in the USA. Things would take a turn for the better with their next single, the classic 'If'.

My collection: 7" single no. 7550
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Let your love go' / 'Too much love'

Save a prayer - Duran Duran

When Duran Duran's 'Save a prayer' was re-released in 1985, I somehow got a copy of an earlier release of the song. It features the full length version, instead of the edited version that appears on this single. And of course, the other version is superior, because it builds up very nicely at the end.

This single comes with a live track from the Arena album on the B-side, and of course a sleeve somewhat in the style of 'The wild boys', since it was released in the absence of new material from the boys. It would be a long wait until 'Notorious', for sure.

My collection: 7" single no. 7547
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Save a prayer [edit]' / 'Careless memories (live from the Arena)'

Pickwick Long Play - Billy Ocean

Back in 1989 and 1990, Oldies Unlimited was the mail order service in the UK which made old singles available to people who sent in money using cheques. It sounds bizarre, and I guess in this day and age it is. But that was the way to go, pre-internet. I would send in my list of singles and whenever a single wasn't available you would get the opportunity to order a different one. If I remember correctly, the list should come with some 'reserve' titles.

One of the singles I wanted was this EP. It featured a handful of Billy Ocean's hits for only one or two pounds! It was a steal, but unfortunately that was one of those singles that wasn't available anymore. I wouldn't say I was hunting for it ever since, but it was kinda delightful to come across a copy all of a sudden. It was still a cheap single, and it still contained six Billy Ocean tracks.

My collection: 7" single no. 7546
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Love really hurts without you', 'Who's gonna rock you?', 'Are you ready' / 'Stop me (if you've heard it all before)', 'Red light spells danger', 'American hearts'

Tears run rings - Marc Almond

Marc Almond had an impressive run of singles when he released his album The Stars We Are in 1988. The singles 'Only the moment', 'Bitter-sweet' and 'Something's gotten hold of my heart' all ended up in my collection. One single didn't: 'Tears run rings'. And that was because I somehow couldn't get hold of the special edition box set that was released in the UK at the time.

The box set hung around in my unconscious for many decades, and when I finally saw one last month, I started to doubt whether I had it or not! Fortunately I could check this blog, and so I found out that I had to buy it. According to Marc, 'Tears run rings' is "a song about evil under the cloak of good: though the world falls apart let's hold on to each other'. It sounds like the song was made for right now.

My collection: 7" single no. 7545
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Tears run rings' / 'Everything I wanted love to be'

Engel der Nacht - Nena

With the album Eisbrecher, the band Nena reached the end of their contract with CBS and the single 'Enger der Nacht' would turn out to be their last. It is a good farewell for a band that enjoyed huge success in the first half of the Eighties.

While the previous single 'Mondsong' reached number 37 in the German singles chart (already a low position for the band), 'Engel der Nacht' didn't chart at all. After this, frontwoman Gabriele Susanne Kerner went solo (confusingly under the stage name Nena) and enjoyed some success on her own.

My collection: 7" single no. 7544
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Engel der Nacht (remix)' / 'Zusammen'

Hot in the city - Billy Idol

'Hot in the city' was re-released a few times, but this one here is the original release from 1982. It features a different sleeve and a different B-side. 

This version of 'Hot in the city' reached number 58 in the UK singles chart; it was his first solo chart placing in the UK. It did significantly better in Austria and New Zealand, where the single reached number 5. When 'Hot in the city' was re-released in 1987, it fared significantly better in the UK too: it peaked at number 13.

My collection: 7" single no. 7543
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Hot in the city' / 'Dead on arrival'

Somewhere down the crazy river - Robbie Robertson

Promotional singles can be confusing, especially when they are delivered in 'regular' sleeves. This Robbie Robertson single is a good example.

The sleeve announces the title track and a B-side, 'Broken arrow'. But the disc containes a remix edit and the LP version of 'Somewhere down the crazy river'. This is also why I wanted to have this disc - because it's great to have both versions of the song. The label of the disc clearly indicates 'For promo use only - Not for sale'. And fortunately, a sticker on the front sleeve also says 'Special radio sampler'. Which made me curious.

My collection: 7" single no. 7542
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Somewhere down the crazy river (Remix/Edit)' / 'Somewhere down the crazy river (LP version)'

Es war keine so wunderbar wie du - Cliff Richard und die Shadows

Back in 1964 Cliff Richard had a hit with 'I could easily fall in love with you'. It isn't easy to find a good copy of a single that old, but I managed it five years ago.

And then, here's the German version of that same song, in the same unscathed condition! In this case, the song is credited to 'Cliff Richard und die Shadows'. I can't find out whether this version was a hit in Germany, but I would assume it was. It is a great version.

My collection: 7" single no. 7534
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Es war keine so wunderbar wie du' / 'Es könnte schon morgen sein'

Angie - Rolling Stones

As far as classics go, the Rolling Stones' 'Angie' qualifies as a real classic. Back in the Eighties, when I was listening to the Top 100 of all times on Veronica Radio, this song was in the top 10, and I think it should be there still if anyone compiles a list. Not because I am so Rolling Stones-minded - quite the contrary! - but it says something when a song like this appeals even to someone like me, who doesn't really like whatever this band did. (There are exceptions, of course, and they are all on this blog.)

'Angie' was also the hardest Rolling Stones single to find - because of its status as a classic. You have to get lucky and find a decent copy for a reasonable price. So last month, I was finally lucky. Sexy cover, too. Probably won't hold up on those prude American media.

My collection: 7" single no. 7533
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Angie' / 'Silver train'

You can't get what you want (till you know what you want) - Joe Jackson

'You can't get what you want (till you know what you want)' is a single from Joe Jackson's 1984 album Body and Soul. It spent sixteen weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was Jackson's second-highest charted song in America when it peaked at number 15 in June 1984. 

The track features a slap bass performance from Jackson's longtime bassist Graham Maby. Maby recalled, 'For 'You can't get what you want', Joe wanted me to slap. It was certainly not one of my strengths, but I think the track came out fine, and it was fun to play live.'

My collection: 7" single no. 7532
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'You can't get what you want (till you know what you want)' / 'Cha cha loco'

Rockin' Robin - Michael Jackson

'Rockin' Robin' was written by Leon René under the pseudonym Jimmie Thomas, and recorded by American singer Bobby Day in 1958. 

In 1972, Michael Jackson released his own version of the song, which was released as a single from his gold-certified solo album titled Got to be there as a follow-up single to the song of the same name. It was the biggest hit from the album, hitting number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the UK singles chart. It was also Michael's second solo single, while he was still a member of the Jackson Five  too.

My collection: 7" single no. 7531
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Rockin' Robin' / 'Love is here and now you're gone'

My life - Billy Joel

Coincidentally, the last Billy Joel single I bought was 'My life', back in 2011. I'm not excatly collecting Billy Joel records, but this Japanese pressing of that same single was just too irresistible. For some reason, Japanese singles have become significantly cheaper recently, and so I just wanted to take this one with me, although it doesn't contain any other music than that other single I bought 14 years ago.

My collection: 7" single no. 7530
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'My life' / '52nd street'

Je t'aime (moi non plus) - Judge Dread

Most people are familiar with 'Je t'aime... moi non plus', the French songs with lots of excited whispering and panting. I don't know if the song has been covered a lot, but I found this single and I just couldn't resist.

It's a version of the song in reggae style by Judge Dread, released in 1974. However, if you expect a rehash of the original, you're quite wrong: in this version things are decidedly less steamy. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7529
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 19 January 2025
Tracks: 'Je t'aime (moi non plus)' / 'The belle of Snodland Town'

Say it again - Precious

Back in 2017 I bought the 7" single of 'Say it again' by Precious. It was an almost superfluous acquisition since I already had the tracks on a cd-single. However, I recently found out that several remixes of the track were only ever released on a 12" single! 

The remixes on this disc come from James Lavonz and Master Stepz. And like many remixes of the Nineties, it is questionable whether these remixes were ever meant to be enjoyed at home - it is mainly club fodder, to be honest. But I'll let you make up your mind. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

My collection: 12" single [unnumbered]
Found: Discogs.com, received 15 January 2025
Tracks: 'Say it again (James Lavonz full vocal mix)', 'Say it again (James Lavonz Ruffa dub mix)' / 'Say it again (Master Stepz Trouble mix)', 'Say it again (Master Stepz Smooth dub mix)'.

Look at you now - OMD

The latest single by OMD is 'Look at you now', taken from their most recent album Bauhaus Staircase. This single was pressed on pink vinyl. The song was announced as 'the final single' from the album.

'Look at you now' is not the strongest track from the album, but it is a pleasant enough track to be released as a single. The B-side, 'Tomorrow is today', is a new track.

My collection: 7" single no. 7526
Found: OMD website, received 7 December 2024
Tracks: 'Look at you now' / 'Tomorrow is today'

Epica Oxygene - Jean Michel Jarre

The French synth wizard Jean Michel Jarre returns to his epic work 'Oxygene' every once in a while, and whenever he does, it's always interesting. This particular version comes from a live performance at the palace of Versailles, and it's a rework that breathes some new life into the composition.

The single, pressed on green vinyl, was released along with Electronic Sounds magazine in the UK. The magazine keeps coming up with interesting releases from time to time, and whenever they do, I'm there to order a copy!

My collection: 7" single no. 7539
Found: Electronic Sounds magazine website, received 28 December 2024
Tracks: 'Epica Oxygene' / 'Equinoxe 7'

C'est d'la faute a pas d'chance - Colette Deréal

Nora Nova represented West-Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964 with 'Man gewöhnt sich so schnell an das Schöne'. The song wasn't very successful: it ended up in a shared last place, along with the entries from Portugal, Yugoslavia and Switzerland.

Still, the French actress and singer Colette Deréal deemed the song interesting enough to make a cover version. Translated into French, the song became 'C'est d'la faute a pas d'chance', and it was released on this EP.

My collection: 7" single no. 7540
Found: Discogs.com, received 31 December 2024
Tracks: 'Je serai la', 'Reviens l'ami' / 'C'est d'la faute a pas d'chance', 'Moi (qui n'ai plus rien)'

Sen eläisin uudelleen - Gugi & Titta

Al Bano & Romina Power represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976 with 'We'll live it all again', a love song that was inspired by their own love story. Although they recorded the song in French and Spanish, Finnish was just a step to far for the Italian duo.

Cue Gugi & Titta, who recorded their own version of the song - in Finnish! Their version is called 'Sen eläisin uudelleen', which means 'I would do it again in a heartbeat'. Slightly different, then, but a reasonably good translation. The single came without a sleeve, unfortunately, but it plays well nonetheless.

My collection: 7" single no. 7541
Found: Discogs.com, received 3 January 2025
Tracks: 'Sen eläisin uudelleen' / 'Pedron maa'

Happy new year - Abba

The good thing about a song called 'Happy new year' is that you can re-release it every year, even if the lyrics are strictly bound to the year 1979. The song has the line 'Who can say what we'll find / What lies waiting down the line / In the end of '89'. Throughout the Eighties it would be believable, but now that we're in the year 2024, we pretty much know what lay waiting in the end of 1989. But maybe the band is now pretending to look forward to 2089? Who knows. 

Still, Abba has this nice tradition to re-release the song on vinyl pretty much every year, and this year they went for a white vinyl disc in a totally white sleeve - except for the titles on the front sleeve in silver and the text on the back sleeve in black. Originally the seller announced a poster as well, but that statement was quickly retracted. That would have been a nice bonus, but oh well. I'm just happy to have 'Felicidad' (the Spanish version of 'Happy new year') on the B-side. At least there is a B-side!

2024 was a good year for my record collection, and I think you've noticed a lot of additions this year. Hopefully 2025 will be just as good! Happy new year to all of you, and see you right here in a couple of days! 

My collection: 7" single no. 7510
Found: Platenzaak.nl, received 29 November 2024
Tracks: 'Happy new year' / 'Felicidad'

Last Christmas - Wham!

Although 'Last Christmas' has been re-released many times since 1984, the record company keeps coming up with new ways to make their re-releases attractive. The latest in the series is this 12" single - a picture disc with the so-called zoetrope effect. It means that you have to look at the disc from about a foot distance from above while it's spinning, and then you may see some moving images.

The track listing of this 12" single is a bit different too: it includes four versions of the track. Both tracks on the B-side are new: they are an instrumental version and a live version from December 2006. George Michael may be dead, but his music still lives on.

My collection: 12" single [unnumbered]
Found: Sounds, Delft, 28 December 2024
Tracks: 'Last Christmas', 'Last Christmas (Pudding mix)' / 'Last Christmas (live)', 'Last Christmas (instrumental)'

December skies - Steven Wilson

Last year Steven Wilson released a Christmas song as a digital single. The song was created with the help of ChatGPT, since he thought he wouldn't be able to write a seasonal lyric himself. It may just be the first song created with the help of artificial intellgence. Personally I have some reservations about using AI to write any text at all, but anyway... 

The song turned out pretty good. In fact, it was released physically this year, both as a cd-single and as a 7" vinyl single. It is actually quite a luxury release, because it also includes three postcards with illustrations by Hajo Müller. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7538
Found: Velvet, Delft, 28 December 2024
Tracks: 'December skies' / 'December skies (instrumental)'