China - Huang Chung

The band that found fame as Wang Chung originally started in 1980 as Huang Chung. Jeremy Ryder, Nick Feldman and Darren Costin chose this name as it refers to the standardized bass pitch of ancient China. The literal translation means 'yellow bell', the band summarized the definition as 'perfect pitch'.

They released three singles as Huang Chung before finding fame with 'Dance hall days' with their new band name Wang Chung. 'China' narrowly missed the Dutch Top 40. My sister bought the single when it came out, which is the reason I still remembered it 15 years later. I was very surprised to find the extended version of the track on the B-side. A very good deal.

My collection: 7" single no. 3002
Found: Geest, Den Haag, June 20, 1998
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'China' / 'China (extended version)'

Dr. Mabuse - Propaganda

I'm glad to say I got into Propaganda before they took over the charts in Europe with their second single 'Duel'. 'Dr. Mabuse' peaked at number 27 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in Germany in 1984, but elsewhere the single failed to chart.

The song was named after the fictional character made famous by film maker Fritz Lang. Journalist Paul Morley was involved in signing the band to Trevor Horn's newly-formed ZTT Records label. He marketed the band as 'a twisted, hellish version of Abba'. Well, as a child I thought this was a scary song, indeed.

My collection: 7" single no. 1597

Found: All that music, Leiden, June 28, 1992

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Dr. Mabuse' / 'Dr. Mabuse der Spieler'

De Troubadour - Lenny Kuhr

Today is the 40th anniversary of Lenny Kuhr winning the Eurovision Song Contest with 'De Troubadour'. The event took place on March 29, 1969 and the 16 participating countries awarded the exact same 18 points to four competitors, causing four countries to win that year. Since there was no tie-break rule in place, Spain's Salome won with 'Vivo Cantando', Lulu from the United Kingdom won with 'Boom bang-a-bang', France's Frida Boccara won with 'Un jour, un enfant' and Lenny Kuhr won for the Netherlands.

According to some, France would have been the overall winner because it was their song that got votes from all but six countries, although Lenny Kuhr was the only participant of the four that got the highest mark from one country: six points. Whatever the real outcome might have been, today is a great day to highlight this song. There is a whole website devoted to the 40th anniversary of 'De Troubadour' here, and if you want to hear the song in German, Spanish, French, English and Italian, go to this page. On this blog you can hear the original song plus its B-side, 'Mais non monsieur'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3600

Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, March 14, 2009

Cost: 2 euro

Tracks: 'De Troubadour' / 'Mais non, monsieur'

Me and my foolish heart - Johnny hates Jazz

Before Johnny hates Jazz signed to Virgin records and released the debut album that yielded these hits, they recorded their debut single on RAK records, the label owned by the father of band member Calvin Hayes: Mickie Most. This single did not chart, but the track would end up on their debut album anyway.

Sounds familiar? Well, true, because I wrote about the 12" single of 'Me and my foolish heart' a while ago. The 7" single is in my collection as well. It's got less tracks and a different sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 2097
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, April 16, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Me and my foolish heart' / 'Living in the past'
Download: here

Miyel - Joelle Ursull

After Joelle Ursull participated in the Eurovision Song Contest with 'White and black blues', my friend Puck suddenly bought this cd-single by her. I didn't know the song 'Miyel', but it turned out to be an earlier track by her, taken from her debut album of the same name, released in 1988. The cd-single contained four mixes of the track, and I had to admit that it was a nice song. Not outstanding, but nice.

The vinyl single, which I bought shortly after that, actually featured a B-side track, 'Mal'. It proved that Joelle rarely surpassed the level of 'average'. Except for that French entry of the Contest in 1990, of course...

My collection: 7" single no. 1274

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, August 16, 1990

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Miyel' / 'Mal'

Secret garden - T'pau

In 1987 T'pau became one of my favourite bands. I had all their singles, bought the album, and waited anxiously for album number 2. When their new single 'Secret garden' came out, I couldn't wait to buy it, and so I didn't. It turned out to be a disappointment: I didn't like the harsh rock sound of the A-side, and the B-side sounded just as messy and loud.

It was a first sign of things to come: the album 'Rage' was full of tracks like this, and contained only a few standout tracks. I don't know why I held on. Thankfully, album number three was much better.

My collection: 7" single no. 657

Found: Leiden, September 23, 1988

Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Secret garden' / 'This girl'

Sealed with a kiss - Bobby Vinton

When Jason Donovan hit the charts in 1989 with 'Sealed with a kiss', I immediately recognised a beautiful song - but with a terrible singer. I was relieved when I found out that it was actually a cover version and older versions existed.

One of those versions was pointed out to me by my sister: Bobby Vinton recorded the track in 1972 and reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 with it. It's my favourite version, although earlier versions also exits: Four Voices recorded it in 1960, Brian Hyland in 1962 and Gary Lewis and the Playboys in 1968.

My collection: 7" single no. 1411

Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, April 3, 1991

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Sealed with a kiss' / 'All my life'

Believe in me - Utah Saints

Jez Willis and Tim Garbutt formed Utah Saints in 1990. Early on in their career they had a few hit singles in what they call their 'vocal sample trilogy', of which this one, 'Believe in me' is the third. It features a sample of the Human League's 'Love action', whereas the B-side, a remix of the first part in the trilogy 'What can you do for me', with a sample from the Eurythmics' 'There must be an angel (playing with my heart)'.

The single did not chart in the Netherlands, but peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart. I bought the single because of the Human League sample. When you listen to this track you quickly realise that the guys forgot to make a song.

My collection: 7" single no. 2709

Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 3, 1996

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Believe in me (7" edit)' / 'What can you do for me (Def Mix 7 inch)'

Love action - Human League

'Love action' was the Human League's first top 10 hit in the UK in 1981, which was quite a feat since they'd been at it since 1977. The song is a semi-autobiographical account of lead singer Phil Oakey's relationships. The song contains a cryptic reference to Lou Reed in the lyric, 'I believe what the old man said'. Oakey, speaking in 1982 said, 'no one ever asks me who the old man is... it's Lou (Reed).'

At the time, as a short-lived marketing stunt, the Human League labelled their singles 'Red' or 'Blue'. This was supposed to help buyers differentiate between the band's musical styles. 'Red' was for dance tracks, 'Blue' for pop songs, although the exact difference was never fully explained. 'Love Action' was designated 'Red'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2829

Found: February 1, 1997

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Love action' / 'Hard times'

The runner - Three Degrees

The long career of the Three Degrees is quite extraordinary. Formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, they managed to be successful in three decades, first with Philadelphia soul, then with glittering disco and finally with Stock/Aitken/Waterman-produced dance music.

This single comes from the middle period: released in 1979, 'The runner' is an upbeat, fast-paced disco track, which has become a radio classic.

My collection: 7" single no. 3175

Found: Record fair, February 19, 2000

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'The runner' / 'Out of love again'

Fly like an eagle - Steve Miller Band

'Fly like an eagle' was written by Steve Miller. It appeared on his 1976 album of the same title. The song went to number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart during the week of January 8, 1977. Amazingly, it didn't chart in the UK, but it did reach number 27 in the Netherlands. Since then, it has gotten some sort of 'classic' status.

In 1997, Seal recorded a cover version of this song for the soundtrack of the movie 'Space Jam'. Still, nothing beats the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 359

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Fly like an eagle' / 'Mercury blues'

Is it a dream - Classix Nouveaux

Classix Nouveaux was formed in 1979 by Jak Airport, B.P. Hurding, Mik Sweeney and Sal Solo. Their first live gig took place in August 1979 at Camden Palace. With publicity growing for the band, their dramatic and heavily made up image helped quickly associate them with the New Romantic movement, alongside bands like Japan and Ultravox.

Their debut album 'Night people' came out in 1981. The single 'Guilty' narrowly missed the UK top 40, just like the three subsequent singles. It was 'Is it a dream', taken from their second album 'La Verité' (1982) that finally propelled them to number 11 in the UK chart. It is still their biggest hit and a regular on eighties compilation cd's.

My collection: 7" single no. 2886

Found: London, October 29, 1997

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Is it a dream' / 'Where to go'

Sweet lullaby - Deep Forest

Deep Forest is a musical group consisting of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. Michel Sanchez came up with the idea of mixing Baka Pygmy chants with modern music after hearing on-site recordings of these tribes. Along with Eric Mouquet they created the project Deep Forest.

Their first self-titled album (nominated for a Grammy) was released in 1992, with 'Sweet lullaby' being the hit single that would put Deep Forest on the musical map. It peaked at number 10 in the UK singles chart. The song is adapted from a traditional song from the Solomon Islands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3346

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 2001

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Sweet lullaby (original mix)' / 'Sweet lullaby (ambient mix)'

Words - The Christians

The brothers Garry, Roger and Russell Christian together with Henry Christian Priestman formed the Christians in 1985. Roger left the band in 1987 because of his reluctance to go on tour. After a very successful debut album and a couple of charity singles, the band released their second album 'Colour' in 1990.

It was preceded by the single 'Words', based on a traditional folk tune. It was a good success in Europe, where it became a number 1 hit in France and peaked at number 5 in the Netherlands. It did less well in the UK, where it stalled at number 18. The vinyl single features an edit of 'Words', whereas other formats contained the full album version which lasts over 7 minutes.

My collection: 7" single no. 1127

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 8, 1989

Cost: 6,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Words' / 'Long gone'

See that glow - This Island Earth

This Island Earth was formed by John Hawkins and Kevin Brown in early 1983. The band also included Steve Brown, Rachel Furness and Mark Griffith. They signed to Magnet records, and released 'See that glow' in 1984. It became a minor hit in January 1985, peaking at number 47 in the UK singles chart. After one more single, the band disappeared from view.

This is a very catchy tune, but I forgot all about it after 1985. Almost a decade later I remembered it, and got this single during a record fair. It's always nice to rediscover and old gem.

My collection: 7" single no. 2572
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'See that glow' / 'See that glow (instrumental)'

Today - Talk Talk

'Today' was Talk Talk's first top 20 hit in the UK and Ireland. Taken from their debut album 'The party's over', the single was written by the whole band and featured the album track 'It's so serious' on the B-side. The songs were produced by Colin Thurston (who would go on to produce hits for Duran Duran and Howard Jones).

I bought the single several years after its release, like all the singles taken from that album. At some point there seemed to be no end to those early singles. But now I'm glad that I have them all.

My collection: 7" single no. 2168

Found: Record Exchange, London, September 26, 1994

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Today' / 'It's so serious'

Stay (I missed you) - Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories

Lisa Anne Loeb was born March 11, 1968 in Bethesda, Maryland (USA). She started her career in 1994 with the song 'Stay (I Missed You)'. The song was originally named 'Stay', but at the time it was getting popular, there were several popular songs with 'Stay' in the title, such as the U2 song 'Stay (Faraway, So Close!)'. '(I Missed You)' was tacked on to the end to differentiate it from the others.

The single became a number 1 hit in America and peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2160
Found: HMV, London, September 26, 1994
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Stay (I missed you)' / 'Stay (I missed you) (Living room mix)'

Vi maler byen rød - Birthe Kjaer

Birthe Kjaer was born on September 1, 1948. She's a Danish singer who began her career in the late Sixties. She made several attempts to represent Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest by participating in the national finals of 1980, 1986 and 1987. In 1989 she was finally chosen to do so with the upbeat song 'Vi maler byen rød' ('We paint the town red'). After a hilarious intro, the song keeps its optimistic atmosphere alive. The performance ensured a third place in that year's Contest for Denmark, one of the best placings for the country since Denmark won the 1963 edition.

Kjær hosted the Danish national final to pick the 2009 entry for the Contest, which was broadcast on January 31, 2009.

My collection: 7" single no. 2969
Found: Bea Records, February 21, 1998
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Vi maler byen rød' / 'Det menneske, jeg er'

Could it be I'm falling in love - Worlds Apart

The boyband Worlds Apart was founded in 1993 by Dan Bowyer, Cal Cooper, Schelim Hannan, Steve Hart, Marcus Patrick and Aaron Poole. Bowyer, Patrick and Poole left the band within a year, to be replaced by Nathan Moore. This formation had some chart success with hits like 'Heaven must be missing an angel', 'Everlasting love' and 'Could it be I'm falling in love'. Do these track titles sound familiar? Could be - Worlds Apart released a lot of covers during their career. After five hits in the UK their career played out mostly in Europe, especially in France where they became very popular.

'Could it be I'm falling in love' ended up being in my collection because of this limited edition poster sleeve and the fact that the tracks on this single were produced by Ricky Wilde. The B-side track 'Like it was, like it is' was co-written by him as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 3069

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, May 10, 1999

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Could it be I'm falling in love' / 'Everlasting love', 'Like it was, like it is'

Those were the days / Goodbye - Mary Hopkin

This single features two hits by Mary Hopkin. She was born on May 3, 1950. She started her music career as a folk singer in a Welsh local group called the Selby Set and Mary. After her appearance in the BBC talent show 'Opportunity knocks' she was recommended by model Twiggy to Paul McCartney, who signed her to the Beatles' Apple label.

Her debut single, 'Those Were the Days', produced by McCartney, was released in the UK in 1968 and went on to become a number1 hit. on 30 August 1968. The 1969 single 'Goodbye' reached number 2 in the UK. It's funny that her chart performance was just the opposite in the Netherlands, with 'Goodbye' reaching number 1 and 'Those were the days' peaking at number 2.

My collection: 7" single no. 1957

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 25, 1993

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Those were the days' / 'Goodbye'