Solsbury hill / Games without frontiers - Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel released his debut solo single in 1977, after leaving the band Genesis, of which he had been the lead singer since its inception. Gabriel actually wrote the song to explain his reasons for leaving the band. The single reached number number 13 in the UK and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40.

On the other side of this 'Old gold' re-release single is the 1980 single 'Games without frontiers'. This track features Kate Bush on backing vocals: she sings 'Jeux sans frontières' (It took me some years to find that out...). The lyric of the song is a critique of nationalism and war, which the song portrays as essentially childish. This single was Gabriel's second hit, peaking at number 4 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1022
Found: London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Solsbury hill' / 'Games without frontiers'

With a little love - Sam Brown

In 1990, Sam Brown released her second album 'April moon'. The album was introduced with the single 'With a little love', a nice pop song that achieved some chart success in the UK (number 23), Germany (number 52) and Australia (number 89).

The single was released in a limited edition box set, featuring a badge and four postcards. When I saw this box set in my favourite record shop at the time, I immediately claimed it. They didn't know the price yet, so I had to come back a week later to have it. It was a long week...

My collection: 7" single no. 1177
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 17, 1990
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'With a little love' / 'Window people'

Sunday Mondays - Vanessa Paradis

Vanessa Paradis released the second single from her third album in January 1993. Like its predecessor 'Be my baby', 'Sunday Mondays' was a track with a very retro feel. No wonder, since the entire album was produced by Lenny Kravitz, the king of retro. The single was a minor success, reaching number 41 in France, number 49 in the UK and number 28 in the Netherlands.

As far as I know, there were no further releases by Paradis on the 7" vinyl format.

My collection: 7" single no. 2356
Found: HMV, London, June 28, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Sunday Mondays' / 'I'm waiting for the man'

Lovely day (Sunshine mix) - Bill Withers

'Lovely day' was already a wellknown song in the Eighties in its original version, recorded by Bill Withers in 1977. For a long time, Withers held the record for the longest held note in the history of pop, for he sings one note towards the end of the song for 18 seconds. The record was only broken in 2000, when A-ha recorded 'Summer moved on', in which lead singer Morten Harkets holds a note for 20 seconds.

Anyway - when Dutch DJ and remixer Ben Liebrand made his 'Sunshine mix' of 'Lovely day', it became an even bigger hit than the original in the Netherlands. Where the song reached number 24 in 1977, in 1988 it reached number 4. In the UK, this remix reached the same position, although in 1977 the original made number 7 there.

My collection: 7" single no. 669
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, October 22, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Lovely day (Sunshine mix)' / 'Lovely day'

Every heartbeat - Amy Grant

I can't help it, but I am still suspicious when I listen to any song by Amy Grant. Since she started out as a Christian music performer, I'm always afraid she is secretly trying to brainwash the listener (in this case, me) and getting them to convert to the Christian faith. Take the lyric of 'Every heartbeat' for instance: 'No exception to this rule / I’m simple but I’m no fool / I’ve got a witness happy to say / Every hour, every day'. A witness? What witness? You don't mean God, do you? 'Every heartbeat bears your name / Loud and clear they stake my claim / My red blood runs true blue / And every heartbeat belongs to you'. There she goes again... She's talking about God, isn't she?

Well, maybe I'm paranoid and it's really just a nice little lovesong. That's what I prefer to believe anyway. The single peaked at number 25 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2179
Found: House of Rhythm, London, September 27, 1994
Cost: 20p
Tracks: 'Every heartbeat (7" Heart and soul mix)' / 'Every heartbeat (7" Body and soul mix)'

Sentinel (Single restructure) - Mike Oldfield

With 'Sentinel', Mike Oldfield introduced his album 'Tubular bells II' to the world. The single was a remixed version of a track on the album, produced by Trevor Horn, Mike Oldfield and Tom Newman. It was the most successful single from the album, peaking at number 10 in the UK singles chart.

A remix cd-single appeared at the same time as this vinyl single, featuring three spacey versions of 'Sentinel' by the Orb. I didn't know this cd-single existed until very recently - so I bought it on eBay. That's how it goes these days - for this 7" single I had to fly to London. (Well, not only for this single, but you know what I mean.)

My collection: 7" single no. 1775
Found: Virgin Megastore, London, October 21, 1992
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Sentinel (Single restructure)' / 'Early stages'

Most of all - Jody Watley

I think this song is my favourite Jody Watley track. The sad lyrics are not at all reflected in the bouncy, poppy song and the uplifting melody. It's great fun to sing along to this one, whether you're up or down.

Not many people agreed with me, it seems: the single was the least successful from Jody Watley's debut album. The single stalled at number 60 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and did not chart in Europe. This German edition of the single comes in a poster sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 2154
Found: Leiden, September 3, 1994
Cost: 1,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Most of all' / 'Some kind of lover (instrumental)'

Thuis ben - Hans de Booy

The English equivalent for the title 'Thuis ben', a song in Dutch by Hans de Booy, is 'Am home'. Not a very pretty title, but according to the singer at the time, it was the only good choice for the song, as these two words kept recurring in the lyric.

The single gave De Booy his second and last top 10 hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 7 in January 1984. He kept writing and recording material, but subsequent records failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 223
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Thuis ben' / 'St. Mère Église'

Could it be I'm falling in love - David Grant and Jaki Graham

'Could it be I'm falling in love' was originally recorded in 1972 by the American R&B vocal group The Spinners (known as 'Detroit Spinners' in the UK).

David Grant & Jaki Graham recorded the song in 1985 and reached number 5 on the UK singles chart. This was such a big success for the two, that they decided to record another duet later that year, entitled 'Mated'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2875
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 28, 1997
Cost: 40p
Tracks: 'Could it be I'm falling in love' / 'Turn around'

These dreams - Heart

My photographic memory does not really help when a song is released in two different sleeves. But in this case, I ended up buying two different singles from two different countries with two different B-sides. The European edition (pictured above) features 'All eyes', whereas the UK edition (pictured below) features 'Shell shock'. Both tracks are taken, like the A-side, from Heart's 1985 self-titled album.

'These dreams' was dedicated (on the album) to Nancy Wilson's good friend Sharon Hess, who died of leukemia shortly before the song was made. The lyrics of the song describe the fantasy world a person enters when faced with a difficult situation in real life. The final verse seemingly suggests that, moments before awakening, what one desires the most is exactly that which is out of reach in a dream: 'In a wood full of princes, freedom is a kiss / But the prince hides his face from dreams in the mist'.

The song was written by Martin Page and Bernie Taupin. It was first offered to Stevie Nicks, but she had no interest in recording the track. Heart were more impressed, and decided to record it. When it came time for Nancy Wilson to record her vocal, she was suffering from a cold and her voice sounded somewhat raspy and gravelly. After the song reached its peak of success, producers reportedly wanted Nancy to recreate the gravelly sound on future recordings, asking her, 'Can't you just get sick again?'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2302
Found: May 27, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'These dreams' / 'All eyes'

My collection: 7" single no. 2696
Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 3, 1996
Cost: 1,6 pounds
Tracks: 'These dreams' / 'Shell shock'

For you only - Alison Moyet

'For you only' was re-recorded for a single release that only took place in some European countries. It was the fourth single from Alison Moyet's debut album 'Alf', released after the non-album single 'That ole devil called love'.

It's hard to find any more information about this single, all I know is that it didn't chart in the UK and the Netherlands. Perhaps it did in some other countries, but it wasn't the biggest hit in Moyet's career at any rate.

My collection: 7" single no. 3482
Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2003
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'For you only (new version)' / 'Twisting the knife'

Kissing a fool - George Michael

'Kissing a fool' was written by George Michael about his insecurities as a soulmate and partner because of the baggage and reputation with which he came. The song was released as the sixth and final single from his debut album 'Faith'.

It was also the least successful, reaching number 18 in the UK singles chart and becoming the first single in five not to make number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but number 5. In the Netherlands, the single went to number 13.

My collection: 7" single no. 728
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, January 28, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Kissing a fool' / 'Kissing a fool (instrumental)'

Tired of sleeping - Suzanne Vega

Although I was not impressed with Suzanne Vega's initial material ('Marlene on the wall' bored me to tears) her later work was quite great. Her third album 'Days of open hand' (1990) contained the first single by her I ever bought: 'Tired of sleeping'. With slow, slightly seductive vocals and a beautiful melody, this song landed right in my list of favourites of the year.

My opinion went in against the general opinion at the time: the single did not chart in most territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 1351
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, October 28, 1990
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Tired of sleeping' / 'These whole girls (Run in grace)'

Rent - Pet Shop Boys

The lyric of 'Rent' concerns a financialy one-sided relationship, i.e. that of a kept man. It was the third single from the Pet Shop Boys' album 'Actually'. The B-side 'I want a dog' was inspired by their friend Peter Andreas who said one day 'I want a dog, a chihuahua. I've only got a small flat'. This inspired Neil Tennant, who wrote the lyric for the song.

The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" snigle no. 1042
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Rent' / 'I want a dog'

Don't you (forget about me) - Simple Minds

'Don't you (forget about me)' was released in April 1985 and made a big impression on me right away. I loved the song, and the fact that my record shop was selling it cheaply for one week only meant that I had it even before it charted. It's a purchase I regretted for a long time, because the song was played so often and became such a big hit that I didn't play the single for years on end.

The song was written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff for the soundtrack of the movie 'The breakfast club'. Forsey asked both Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol to record the song, but both declined, although Idol would later perform a cover of it on his 2001 greatest hits compilation. Schiff then suggested the Simple Minds, who initially refused as well, but then were persuaded by their record company to do it. The band reportedly rearranged and recorded 'Don’t you (forget about me)' in three hours in a north London studio and promptly forgot about it'.

The single reached number 1 in the USA, Canada and the Netherlands, while in the UK it reached number 7. Despite its success, the band continued to dismiss the song; the most obvious slight being its absence from their subsequent album 'Once upon a time'. It finally appeared on their 1992 compilation album 'Glittering prize 81/92'.

My collection: 7" single no. 282
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, April 1985
Cost: 4,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't you (forget about me)' / 'A brass band in Africa'

Drowned world/Substitute for love - Madonna

Since the second single from the album 'Ray of light', the title track, was released with a delay of a month in the USA, the record company decided to release 'Drowned world/Substitute for love' as a single in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa to close the gap between the next single release, 'The power of goodbye'. Still, this 7" single is an American pressing.

The single reached number 27 in the Netherlands and number 10 in the UK and Japan. The single was a top 40 hit in most other countries, but didn't make the top 10 in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 3017
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 5, 1998
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Drowned world/Substitute for love' / 'Sky fits heaven (Sasha remix edit)'

Wide boy - Nik Kershaw

Wide boy is a British term for a man who lives by his wits, wheeling and dealing. It is also the title of Nik Kershaw's 1985 hit single, taken from his second album 'The riddle'. The single reached number 9 in the UK singles chart, but did not chart in the Netherlands.

This limited edition of the single comes in a gatefold sleeve with a 12 page booklet full of photographs of Nik.

My collection: 7" single no. 2780
Found: House of Rhythm, London, November 1, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Wide boy' / 'So quiet'

Steppin' out - Joe Jackson

'Steppin' out' was a hit for Joe Jackson in 1982. The song is about the anticipation and excitement of a night out on the town. It became Jackson's biggest hit in the USA, reaching number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK singles chart, it also reached this position.

When his record company released the compilation album 'Stepping out: the very best of Joe Jackson' (1990), the track was re-released as a single. It didn't seem like a very logical thing to do, since the song had already been a hit. This time around, the single flopped.

My collection: 7" single no. 1329
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Steppin' out' / 'Sentimental man'

Laid so low (Tears roll down) - Tears for Fears

With Curt Smith gone, the Tears for Fears name belonged to Roland Orzabal and he decided to continue the band on his own. The first order of business was the compilation album that the record company was going to release. Roland completed a track that originally appeared as a B-side on the single 'Sowing the seeds of love', 'Tears roll down'.

'Laid so low (Tears roll down)' was released in February 1992 and reached number 17 in the UK singles chart, and number 27 in the Dutch Top 40. The compilation album 'Tears roll down (Greatest hits 82-92)' followed quickly and reached number 2 in the UK albums chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1585
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 15, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Laid so low (Tears roll down)' / 'The body wah'

The milkman - Mice

'The milkman' was the second single taken from Mice's debut album 'Because I can'. The album reached the Indie top 10 in the UK, and this single was beginning to attract some attention from press and record buyers alike. The single was promoted with a music video that was also released on a promotional VHS video (Yes, those were the pre-dvd days).

The B-side 'Martian man' was a cover of a song originally performed and written by Lynsey de Paul.

My collection: 7" single no. 2646
Found: London, June 25, 1996
Cost: 1,2 pounds
Tracks: 'The milkman' / 'Martian man'