Sleeping satellite - Tasmin Archer

Although first released in 1992, Archer and her co-writers wrote 'Sleeping satellite' in the late Eighties, but it was only when Archer got a record deal that the song saw the light of day. Archer sings backing vocals on the track along with Tessa Niles and Carol Kenyon. Released on August 31, 1992, the single rose to the top of the chart in the UK, creating an instant media hype at the time.

The single was also a success in other countries. In the Netherlands, 'Sleeping satellite' became Archer's only chart hit, peaking at number 9 in November 1992.

My collection: 7" single no. 2482
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 29, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Sleeping satellite' / 'Sleeping satellite (acoustic version)'

Shadow on the wall - Mike Oldfield

'Shadow in the wall' by Mike Oldfield was taken from his 1983 album 'Crises'. Vocals on this track were performed by Roger Chapman, formerly from the band Streetwalkers. The single had an aggressive sound, very different from the biggest hit from the same album, 'Moonlight shadow'.

The single was a number 1 hit in Austria, reached number 10 in the Netherlands and stalled at number 95 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 218
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Shadow on the wall' / 'Taurus 3'

What's in a kiss - Gilbert O'Sullivan

Gilbert O'Sullivan was born on December 1, 1946 in Waterford, Ireland. After scoring worldwide successes with songs like 'Alone again (naturally)' and 'Get down', he released the 1980 album 'Off centre', with 'What's in a kiss' as the first single from that album.

The single reached number 19 in the UK singles chart and number 21 in Japan. I got to know the song thanks to a compilation album released in the second half of the Eighties, and bought the single not long after that.

My collection: 7" single no. 846
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 27, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'What's in a kiss' / 'Down, down, down'

Ooh to be ah - Kajagoogoo

After the success of their debut single 'Too shy', Kajagoogoo's follow-up single 'Ooh to be ah' was released quickly. Although not topping the chart like its predecessor, the single still reached a respectable seventh place in the UK singles chart.

The nonsensical title hides a lyric about the showbiz and glamour world in which appearance is all-important. It is still a very topical song, then.

My collection: 7" single no. 1307
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 15, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Ooh to be ah' / 'Animal instincts'

Smooth operator - Sade

'Smooth operator' was released as the third single from Sade's debut album 'Diamond life'. Ray St. John, who co-wrote the song with Sade Adu, was a member of Adu's former band Pride, although he was not a member of the band Sade. The pair had co-written the song in 1982 while still members of Pride, but they did not get around to recording it because St. John left Pride shortly after Sade joined.

The B-side of the single contained a non-album track, 'Spirit', whereas the A-side was an edited version of the album track. It reached number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 19 in both the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1417
Found: April 7, 1991
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Smooth operator' / 'Spirit'

Phased EP - All about Eve

In 1992, All about Eve left their record company Phonogram and signed to MCA Records. They recorded a new album 'Ultraviolet', which was released in the autumn, with this EP preceding it. Well, it was... different. Gone was the romantic, goth-like All about Eve of the past: here was a modern, cold-sounding band, with Julianne Regan's vocals buried deep in the mix.

The Phased EP was a collection of two album tracks, one instrumental version of an album track and one non-album track ('Ascent/descent'). It barely caught on, but still managed to reach number 38 in the UK singles chart during its two week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 1726
Found: Tower Records, London, October 17, 1992
Cost: 2,3 pounds
Tracks: 'Phased', 'Mine' / 'Infrared (instrumental version)', 'Ascent/descent'

Set the fire to the third bar - Snow Patrol

'Set the fire to the third bar' was the third single taken from Snow Patrol's fourth album 'Eyes open'. It features guest vocals from Martha Wainwright, a Canadian-American folk-rock singer/songwriter. The lyric of the song is about a couple separated by a great distance and their longing to be together again. After their long journey to meet each they would settle down in front of an electric bar fire, hence the title, 'Set the fire to the third bar'.

The single reached number 18 in the UK singles chart and number 22 in the Irish chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3580
Found: eBay, received February 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Set the fire to the third bar' / 'Chasing cars (live)'

Fat - Weird Al Yankovic

Released in 1988, 'Fat' by Weird Al Yankovic is a parody of Michael Jackson's 1987 single 'Bad'. In a way, Yankovic continued the theme set out by his parody of 'Beat it', entitled 'Eat it'. The music video for 'Fat' was shot in the same subway set as the music video for 'Bad' and parodies a host of elements from that video.

Although the music video was shown numerous times on Dutch television, it did not chart. In the UK singles chart, 'Fat' reached number 80, whereas in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart it peaked at number 99.

My collection: 7" single no. 3998
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received August 12, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Fat' / 'You make me'

I've been in love before - Cutting Crew

Vocalist Nick Van Eede founded Cutting Crew along with Canadian guitarist Kevin Scott MacMichael in 1985, and the two made demos that led to a recording contract, before bassist Colin Farley and drummer Martin Beadle joined in 1986. They recorded the debut album 'Broadcast', which was released that same year. Their debut single '(I just) Died in your arms' was a worldwide hit, but after that they had some trouble coming up with a satisfactory successor.

'I've been in love before' was released two times: the original single appeared in later 1986. A different version of the single appeared a year later, featuring a shorter and slightly remixed version of the A-side. I bought the 1987 version (pictured below) in 1995, but depending on my photographic memory once again, I bought the 1986 version (pictured above) last week. At first, I thought I'd struck out, but listening more closely to the tracks made me realise these are actually two different singles.

Both singles actually made the UK singles chart: the 1986 version reached number 31, whereas the 1987 version reached number 24.

My collection: 7" single no. 2519 (1987 version) / no. 3997 (1986 version)
Found: Record Exchange, London, November 1, 1995 / August 5, 2009
Cost: 60p / 1 pound
Tracks: 'I've been in love before' / 'Life in a dangerous time'

Human racing - Nik Kershaw

'Human racing' was the fifth and final single from Nik Kershaw's debut album of the same name. Kershaw suddenly showcased a certain Stevie Wonderesque quality in his voice while singing this song. While initially this song bored me - probably because of the music video accompanying it - it has grown into my alltime favourite Nik Kershaw tracks.

The single became a hit in the UK only, peaking at number 19 in the UK singles chart. To this day I don't know why this didn't appeal to international audiences.

I bought a double single edition of this a decade ago, featuring a second single with two live tracks. The gatefold sleeve showed a rather funny playing board based on Kershaw's songs. On August 5, I found a picture disc of this single (pictured below) for 50p at Revival Records.

My collection: 7" single no. 3056
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, May 8, 1999
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Human racing' / 'Faces (remix)' // 'Cloak and dagger (live)' / 'Drum talk (live)'

Real life - Simple Minds

'Real life' was released as the fourth single from the Simple Minds' 1991 album 'Real life'. Released in October 1991, it was the first time since 1984's 'Up on the catwalk' that a single by the band stalled outside the top 20 of the UK singles chart, reaching number 34 only.

That's not to say that this is a bad track, because it contains all the hallmarks of a good Simple Minds track. But perhaps it wasn't memorable enough. I mean, even I didn't know I already had the single and bought another copy last week in London. It cost me 10p, so I'm not complaining - but I already had it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3054
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, May 8, 1999
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Real life' / 'See the lights (live)'

The visitors - Abba

The title track from Abba's last album 'The visitors' (1981) was released as a single in the USA, after the band participated in an American TV show, 'Let Poland Be Poland', broadcast via satellite around the world on January 31, 1982. The show, which also featured Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Orson Welles, Henry Fonda and US President Ronald Reagan, was a public protest against the then-recent imposition of martial law in Poland. Abba performed this song, which is a protest against the mistreatment of political dissidents in the Soviet Union back then.

This promotional 7" single contains both the full length version of the song and an edit, which is 80 seconds shorter than the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 3996
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'The visitors' / 'The visitors (short version)'

My love is for real - Paula Abdul

'My love is for real' was the first single from Paula Adul's 1995 album 'Head over heels'. The middle-eastern sounding groove is given more depth by guest vocals performed by Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The single did not become as big a hit as expected, peaking at number 28 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, it didn't even make the Dutch Top 40.

This 7" single is another surprise for me: while I was ordering some other singles this one popped up in the list. I wasn't aware it had been released on this format, so I snapped it up.

My collection: 7" single no. 3995
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'My love is for real' / 'Didn't I say I love you'

Stranger in Moscow - Michael Jackson

'Stranger in Moscow' was the fifth and last single from Michael Jackson's album 'History'. While writing the song, Jackson used elements of Russian imagery and symbolism to help promote the concept of fear and alienation in the track. It concludes with a narrative, spoken in Russian, by a KGB interrogator. Translated into English he says, 'Why have you come from the west? Confess! To steal the great achievements of the people, the accomplishments of the workers...'. The single was a number 1 in Spain, and reached number 4 in the UK and the Netherlands.

Although before this year I assumed there were no 7" singles released after 'Scream' and 'You are not alone', now I find myself owning 'They don't care about us' and 'Stranger in Moscow'. So now, obviously, I'm after 'Earth song'. Where can I find that one?

My collection: 7" single no. 3992
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Stranger in Moscow (radio edit)' / 'Stranger in Moscow (Tee's radio mix)'

John the revelator / Lilian - Depeche Mode

The last of three Depeche Mode singles, and indeed the last single I bought in London on August 5. 'John the revelator' and 'Lilian' were two tracks from the band's 2005 album 'Playing the angel', released as a double A-side. On the 7" there were two remixes not available on any other (commercial) format. It was the first double A-side from Depeche Mode since 1984's 'Blasphemous Rumours/Somebody'.

The single became another number 1 hit for the band in Denmark, reaching number 18 in the UK singles chart. This picture disc 7" single is a numbered limited edition; this is number 2162.

This concludes my chronological listing of every single I bought in London on August 5. I hope you enjoyed looking in my heavy bag - without you having to carry it back to the airport and back home!

My collection: 7" single no. 3991
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'John the revelator (UNKLE dub)' / 'Lilian (Robag Wruhme slomoschen kikker)'

Suffer well - Depeche Mode

'Suffer well' was the third single from Depeched Mode's 2005 album 'Playing the angel'. It was released in March 2006. It is the first Depeche Mode single whose lyrics are written by David Gahan. It is also the first Depeche Mode single that's not written by Martin Gore since 'Just can't get enough' in 1981, which was written by Vince Clarke. Finally, this is the first Depeche Mode single ever to be co-written with non-members of the band (Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner wrote the music).

The single reached number 1 in Denmark and went top 10 in Finland, Italy and Spain. In the UK, the single peaked at number 12. This picture disc 7" single was released as a numbered limited edition; this is number 3477.

My collection: 7" single no. 3990
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'Suffer well (Metope vocal remix)' / 'The darkest star (Monolake remix)'

Precious - Depeche Mode

Although the meaning of almost all of Depeche Mode's songs are not revealed because Martin Gore prefers people to find their own meanings for each song, he made an exception with 'Precious', explaining that the song is written about his children and what they must have been going through when he was getting a divorce from their mother.

Released as the first single from their 2005 album 'Playing the angel', it was a number 1 hit in four countries, peaking at number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. This picture disc 7" single was released as a numbered limited edition; this is number 4535.

My collection: 7" single no. 3989
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'Precious (album version)' / 'Precious (Michael Mayer Ambient mix)'

Paris is burning - Ladyhawke

'Paris is burning' was the second single by Ladyhawke, taken from her debut self-titled album. Originally this track reached number 61 in the UK singles chart, however when it was re-released in March 2009 as a digital download and limited 7" vinyl, it improved on this chart placing and peaked at number 47.

What's a bit strange about this 7" single, is that it doesn't contain any 'regular' version of the track, just a remix and a French language version.

My collection: 7" single no. 3988
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Paris is burning (Peaches remix)' / 'Paris s'enflamme'

Poupée de cire, poupée de son - Arcade Fire

Officially this is a double A-side single split evenly between the bands Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem, but I have to say that I think Arcade Fire's cover version of 'Poupée de cire poupée de son' is the superior track here.

Arcade Fire played this song, originally performed by France Gall, during their 2007 tour in support of their second album 'Neon Bible' and recorded a studio version especially for this limited edition 7" single. LCD Soundsystem's 'No love lost' is a cover of a New Order track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3987
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 12 pounds
Tracks: 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' (Arcade fire) / 'No love lost' (LCD Soundsystem)

Forever autumn - Justin Hayward

Unlike 'The eve of the war', this second single taken from Jeff Wayne's musical version of 'War of the worlds' did not come with a beautiful picture label. Still, this is the way the single was released in the UK, and I thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. Unfortunately, this particular copy proved to be pressed on pretty bad quality vinyl. I saw some spots in the shop, but I assumed it was dirt which I could wipe from the record. But it's actually engrained in the vinyl itself! Well, kindof another collector's item, I guess.

'Forever autumn' was a huge hit for Justin Hayward, peaking at number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 22 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3986
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Forever autumn' / 'The fighting machine'