Half a minute - Matt Bianco

'Half a minute' was the third single taken from Matt Bianco's debut album 'Whose side are you on' (1984). The video was on television almost daily in 1984, when the single came out. It reached no. 23 in the UK singles chart, but it didn't make the Dutch Top 40.

I found the 12" single in London and bought it because it was very cheap. It should be: the sleeve was torn and folded, and the disc wasn't in the best condition. But I was curious to find out what the extended version was like. It's still a lovely, summery song.

My collection: 12" single no. 431

Found: Big Company records, London, 2001

Cost: 50p

Tracks: 'Half a minute (extended version)' / 'Matts Mood I', 'Matts Mood II'

Download: here

Song 2 - Blur

'Song 2' was the second single released from Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997). The riff-based track, known for its overdriven chorus, is among the most well-known songs. The song was called 'Song 2', according to Damon Albarn, because the working title ended up sticking. It ended up, coincidentally, peaking at no. 2 in the UK singles chart, and lasts for exactly two minutes and two seconds.

The 7" single was released on purple vinyl. This is the main reason why I bought it: I didn't know the track yet, I did however like its predecessor, 'Beetlebum'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2862

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, September 20, 1997

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Song 2' / 'Get out of cities'

Download: cd-single 'Song 2', including both tracks

No more "I love you's" - The Lover Speaks

The Lover Speaks consisted of David Freeman and Joseph Hughes. They formed in 1985 after working in the punk band The Flys. They got a recording contract with A&M Records via Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame. After releasing their debut album and this single, they toured with the Eurythmics in 1986. They returned to the studio in 1988 and recorded another album, The Big Lie with Iovine, Stewart and Daniel Lanois producing - only to face A&M Records not wanting to release it. The duo then split. Freeman went on to release a few solo albums in the 1990s.

'No more "I love you's"' got some belated praise when it was covered by Annie Lennox on her album 'Medusa' (1995). I liked that cover and went searching for the original version. I found it on the second to last day of the year!

My collection: 7" single no. 2589

Found: Grammofoonplatenwinkel, Utrecht, December 30, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'No more "I love you's"' / 'This can't go on'

Download: 'No more "I love you's"' / 'This can't go on'

The closing of the year - Wendy and Lisa

Taken from the soundtrack of the movie 'Toys', 'The closing of the year' was credited to The Musical Cast of Toys featuring Wendy & Lisa. In actual fact, it sounds like Wendy & Lisa featuring Seal, who also sings a verse in this song. This track was produced by Trevor Horn, who was working with Wendy & Lisa on an album at the time. That project, however, has never been released.

'The closing of the year' is a festive, positive, uplifting track. It never charted and has sunk into oblivion. I couldn't think of a more fitting title to end 2008 with in this blog. See you next year!

My collection: 7" single no. 2458

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 9, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'The closing of the year (edit)' / 'The closing of the year (instrumental)'

Download: cd-single 'The closing of the year', including both tracks

Hablemos del amor

Raphael competed in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest with the monumental ballad 'Hablemos del amor'. It is an impressive bit of singing, with an equally impressive orchestral backing. Hard to believe that this is 41 years ago, although it does sound slightly oldfashioned. When I first heard this song - it was little more than 10 years ago - I was very impressed. I was very glad when I found this ep, even though the vinyl was a bit battered.

Raphael, who was born on May 5, 1943, represented Spain at Eurovision in 1966 and 1967. He reached 7th and 6th position respectively. Even if he didn't win, it was the first time that Spain obtained a high place in the competition. It turned Raphael into an international star.

My collection: 7" single no. 2968

Found: Bea Records, February 21, 1998

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Hablemos del amor', 'Si un amor se va' / 'No tiene importancia', 'Quedate con nosotros'

Download: Album 'Raphael 1966-1967', including all four tracks (part 1/part 2)

Tokyo - Lili and Sussie

I bought this single on the relative strength of 'Candy love', Lili & Sussie's only hit in the Netherlands. I didn't expect much from 'Tokyo'. It's a bit of throwaway pop, likeable but a bit fluffy. It didn't trouble the charts outside of Scandinavia, although I don't even know if it charted there either.

Part of my record collection is 'buying by association'. It's obvious that this time the lucky grab wasn't too lucky, although the single is nice enough.

My collection: 7" single no. 3333

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Tokyo' / 'Do you remember'

Download: here

Perfect way - Scritti Politti

'Perfect way' was released in September 1985 and reached no. 45 in the UK singles chart. Not an impressive success, despite its catchy hooks. In America it did far better, reaching no. 11. The 12" single was remixed by François Kevorkian, who remains best known for his work with Kraftwerk.

I bought my copy of the 12" as a bargain in London. I was always interested in those eighties singles by Scritti Politti and the extended versions seemed like a good addition to my collection.

My collection: 12" single no. 264

Found: Record Exchange, London, 1995

Cost: 50p

Tracks: 'Perfect way (extended mix)' / 'Perfect way (version) (extended mix)'

Download: here

You'll always find me in the kitchen at parties - Jona Lewie

One of the big complaints of the early eighties was that any fool with a synthesizer could knock out a hit, because with a computer it was easy to make what you wanted. Jona Lewie's 'You'll always find me in the kitchen at parties' is one of those songs that could have gotten this criticism, because it sounds deceptively simple.

Contrary to popular belief, Kirsty MacColl didn't perform backing vocals on this track; she only appeared with Jona Lewie on TV a couple of times to mime to the vocals recorded by the wives of Bob Andrews (producer of the song) and Dave Robinson (owner of Stiff Records, to which Jona was signed).

My collection: 7" single no. 2103

Found: Record fair, Leiden, May 28, 1994

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'You'll always find me in the kitchen at parties' / 'Bureaucrats'

Download: here

Hacka-Tacka music - Baba & Roody

The reggae-track 'Hacka-Tacka music' is most notable for its panting and groaning by the French performers, Baba & Roody. It was a sensation in the Netherlands in the late Seventies because of their performance in the weekly chart show 'Toppop': the female singer's top slowly moved downwards, revealing a whole nipple in the end.

I bought the single for its comedy value in 1989, and then a year later once again, to give it to a friend during his birthday party, saying 'This is the one you've been searching for so long!'. (In fact, it's his birthday again today!) He was asked to play the single by all who were there, and while the song was playing his head turned bright red. I really had to laugh.

My collection: 7" single no. 959

Found: All that music, Leiden, August 10, 1989

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Hacka-Tacka music' / 'La musique erotique'

Download: here

Forever - Kiss

After 'Unmasked', Kiss went through hard times. Peter Criss left the band, the remaining members worked with a replacement for a while and then decided to really put down their masks. They struggled with their fanbase and identity for years. In 1989, they released the album 'Hot in the shade'. This single, 'Forever', was written by Paul Stanley with Michael Bolton and features the kind of melodrama you would expect from the latter, but not from Kiss. It is a hard-edged rock ballad, which appealed to me a lot at the time. Despite the success of 'Forever', 'Hot in the Shade' became the first Kiss album to fail to reach platinum status since 'Creatures of the night' (1982). A live version appeared on 'Kiss Symphony: Alive IV' (2003).

My collection: 7" single no. 1261

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, July 14, 1990

Cost: 3,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Forever' / 'The street giveth and the street taketh away'

Download: Album 'Hot in the shade', including both tracks (password: heavyrock4life.blogspot )

Typical! - Frazier Chorus

'Typical!' was Frazier Chorus's second single to make the UK Singles chart, and it peaked at no. 53. That's pretty much where all their singles ended up: Frazier Chorus never became known for their mass commercial appeal. But they appealed to me, for their melodic pop and rather clever lyrics.

It is important to note that 'Typical!' is one of a handful of 10" singles I own. They were never classified and numbered like my 7" and 12" singles were. 10" singles were never a very widespread format, which makes them all the more interesting. Especially when, like in this case, they contain extra bonus tracks.

My collection: 10" single (unnumbered)

Found: House of Rhythm, London

Cost: 3,2 pounds

Tracks: 'Typical!', 'String' / 'Storm (live mix)', 'Typical! (live mix)'

Download: here

Since yesterday - Strawberry Switchblade

This single is the one that earned Strawberry Switchblade the title of 'one hit wonders'. How unfair! The album they released in the same year, 1985, is full of poppy tracks that could easily have won over the general public. But then, you already knew that, didn't you? I wrote about them before.

I got my copy of this single long overdue, as a belated birthday present from my brother. He had this collection of singles he was going to sell, and I found a small stack of little gems in that collection.

My collection: 7" single no. 2809

Found: Den Haag, January 26, 1997

Cost: nothing (present)

Tracks: 'Since yesterday' / 'By the sea'

Download: Since yesterday, By the sea

Maniac - Michael Sembello

Michael Sembello began his career as a professional musician by becoming a studio guitarist. He did session work for artists like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. In 1983, he released his debut album 'Bossa Nova Hotel'. It included the track 'Maniac', which was selected for the soundtrack of the movie 'Flashdance'. It gave him his first (and last) international hit.

A big hit like that is often the kiss of death for a pop artist. These days, Sembello's career has been focused on Eastern music and spirituality.

My collection: 7" single no. 491

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1984

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Maniac' / 'Maniac (instrumental)'

Download: here

Another man - One 2 Many

The band One 2 Many consisted of Dag Kolsrud (keyboard), Camilla Griehsel (vocals) and Jan Gisle Ytterdal (guitar). They formed in Norway in the mid-eighties and signed to A&M Records. Their debut album 'Mirror' spawned four singles, of which 'Another man' was the second. The single did less well than the debut single 'Downtown', which became a hit in various territories. 'Another man' didn't chart outside of Scandinavia.

The 12" single contains only an instrumental version of 'Another man', no further remixes. But the sleeve alone would persuade many men to buy it. Including me.

My collection: 12" single no. 410

Found: Record Exchange, London, 2002

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Another man' / 'You're the reason', 'Another man (instrumental)'

Download: here

When love breaks down - Prefab Sprout

'When love breaks down' was released four times by CBS Records before it finally reached the UK Singles chart in November 1985. And even then it managed to peak at number 25. Why it was so difficult for this single to become a hit, I'll never understand. The record company did their best, anyway. There are several different sleeves around for this single, and the double single which I found recently should also have helped. It includes four tracks spread over two discs.

My collection: 7" single no. 3465

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 29, 2008

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'When love breaks down' / 'Diana' // 'The yearning loins' / 'Donna Summer'

Download: here

Winter song - Angel

The American heavy metal band Angel always dressed in white. They were discovered by Kiss's Gene Simmons and were signed to their record label Casablanca. Angel never achieved mass commercial success but did get a cult following. Their single 'Winter song' was released in early 1978 and reached no. 20 in the Netherlands. One thing is obvious: this band ain't so tough. They recorded 'Winter song' with the California Boys Choir...

My collection: 7" single no. 2600

Found: Grammofoonplatenwinkel, Utrecht, December 30, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Winter song' / 'Can you feel it'

Download: Album 'An Anthology', including both tracks

Telegraph - OMD

'Telegraph' was the second single taken from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1983 album 'Dazzle Ships'. After the success of 'Maid of Orleans' a year earlier, the singles from 'Dazzle Ships' did considerably worse. 'Genetic engineering' only made no. 20 in the UK singles chart, while this single only reached no. 42.

When I see that Esprit Mailorder is currently selling this picture disc for almost 13 euros, I'm glad I found my copy last weekend for a quarter of that price.

My collection: 7" single no. 3509

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 3 euro

Tracks: 'Telegraph' / '66 and fading'

Download: here

Why? - Bronski Beat

Bronski Beat released 'Why?' as the follow-up single to 'Smalltown boy'. The song was recorded at RPM Studios, New York City and pursued an energetic musical formula. The lyrics focused more centrally on anti-gay prejudice. It became the trio's second Top 10 success in the UK and the Netherlands, peaking at number 6 in the former and number 2 in the latter. These days it is still considered to be a popular gay anthem.

My collection: 7" single no. 2126

Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, July 30, 1994

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Why?' / 'Cadillac car'

Download: here

The wild places - Duncan Browne

Duncan Browne was born on March 25, 1947. Together with Peter Godwin he formed the band Metro in the mid-70s. In 1978, he released his solo album 'The Wild Places'. Having had a hit in the UK in 1972 with 'Journey', much was expected from the title track, but surprisingly, it was only a hit in the Netherlands. Duncan Browne died of cancer on May 28, 1993.

I found the picture disc in 1989 in London. Contrary to a previous copy I had, pressed in Holland, this picture disc features an edited version of 'The wild places'. I didn't know this when I bought this single - the fact that this was a picture disc was reason enough for me.

My collection: 7" single no. 87

Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'The wild places' / 'Camino Real parts 2 & 3'

Download: here

The sweetest taboo - Sade

Sade released their second album 'Promise' in 1985, after the very successful debut album 'Diamond life'. The 'difficult second album' syndrome didn't apply to the band: the second album did just as well as its predecessor.

Lead single was the catchy 'The Sweetest Taboo'. The 12" single featured an extended mix of the track, which kept the tension of the original version intact. I loved the single, so I bought the 12" single pretty soon afterward. It's strange that the extended versions of Sade have never been released on cd.

My collection: 12" single no. 22

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 14,95 guilders

Tracks: 'The sweetest taboo (extended version)' / 'You're not the man'

Download: here