If you cared - Kim Appleby

I didn't know 'If you cared' had been released as a single until I found it a year after its release. The upside was: I found it during a record fair and the single included a German bio. Another item from DJ-land, then!

'If you cared' was remixed for the single release, making it sound a little more powerful than the album version. The single reached number 44 in the UK singles chart. This was the fourth and last single drawn from Kim Appleby's debut album and another track co-written by her by then deceased sister Mel.

My collection: 7" single no. 1598
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, March 28, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If you cared (7" remix)' / 'If you cared (Ben Chapman mix)

Dance little sister - Terence Trent d'Arby

From the sleeve of this single I can trace its travels. After it was made it ended up in the music library of Capital radio in the UK. One day, it was taken to a Music & Video Exchange in London, where it sat in the racks for some time. It was bought by a Dutch record dealer, who sold it on the Parkpop festival in Den Haag - and that's where I got it.

'Dance little sister' was the second single from Terence Trent d'Arby's debut album, released the autumn of 1987. The single peaked at number 30 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 20 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. For me, the song was an acquired taste - initially I didn't like it at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 1252
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 24, 1990
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Dance little sister' / 'Dance little sister part 2'

Only one word - Propaganda

When the single 'Only one word' was released, it was also released as a limited edition 10" single in a box set. The box set featured three colour prints and one exclusive track: the demo version of 'Only one word'. When you listen to it, it sounds a bit like a rough version of the track performed live.

I've never had a formal 10" single collection, there's only a handful in my possession. But this one is one I really like. Even if that one exclusive track doesn't really excite me...

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: Record fair, 1994
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'Only one word' / 'Only one word (demo version)', 'Open spaces'

Fire of love - Earth and fire

'Fire of love' was the first single release by Earth & Fire after their number one hit 'Weekend'. Like that song, this one was taken from the album 'Reality fills fantasy'. It has always been a track which left me wondering what could have happened after the fade out. The guitar solo is intriguing and leaves the listener wanting more.

The single was less successful, however, stalling at number 23 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 772
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 16, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Fire of love' / 'Season of the falling leaves'

This beat is Technotronic - Technotronic

I don't know exactly why it happened, but somehow I was still buying Technotronic singles when the joke was already wearing thin. The songs were all the same, the raps changed but I never liked rapping anyway. So sometimes even I can't figure out what I was thinking.

'This beat is Technotronic' was part three in the series of repetitive thumping tracks, this time showcasing the vocals of one MC Eric. The single reached number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40. It's quite amazing results for such bad music.

My collection: 7" single no. 1211
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 20, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'This beat is Technotronic' / 'This beat is Technotronic (Rap to beats)'

On the outside - Roch Voisine

Roch Voisine was born as Joseph Armand Roch Voisine in Edmundston, New Brunswick (Canada) on March 26, 1963. He aspired to be a professional ice hockey player until he was severely injured playing baseball in 1981. (Further proof that sports are unhealthy for you.)

His musical breakthrough came with his 1989 album Hélène which sold three million copies and became a major hit not only in Quebec but also in France, Belgium and Switzerland.His self-titled album from 1990 featured this single, 'On the outside'. It became a hit in the Netherlands - his only one to date - peaking at number 21.

My collection: 7" single no. 1546
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 2, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'On the outside' / 'She had a dream'

Riders on the storm - The Doors

The musical legacy of the Doors has proved to be indestructible. Their albums have been remastered, reissued and re-released countless times, and every time they attract a new, younger audience. The music and lyrics are a powerful concoction that can be consumed without any reservations - unlike the amounts of drugs lead singer and principal songwriter Jim Morrison took that ultimately killed him.

This single was released in 1990 to promote the album 'The best of the Doors', which is what the title promises: a compilation album of their biggest hits. 'Riders of the storm' was taken from the band's last album with Morrison, 'LA Woman'. Featured here is an edited version of that track.

My collection: 7" single no. 1171
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 9, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Riders on the storm [edit]' / 'The mosquito'

Bermuda triangle - Barry Manilow

In 1980, Barry Manilow released his album 'Barry', his first album not to top the US albums chart, stalling at number 15. The single 'Bermuda triangle' was taken from this album, but similarly failed to make an impact in the USA.

In the UK, the single was released a year later, and then managed to reach number 15. In Germany, it peaked at number 16.

My collection: 7" single no. 96
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Bermuda triangle' / 'Lonely together'

Showdown at big sky - Robbie Robertson

1987 was the year when the first cd player entered our house. Every disc my sister and me bought was played almost religiously, while we listened to the sound of this flawless disc. Of course, I was still very much into the 7" vinyl format, so when a great song came around that was released as a single, I bought it. It widened the scope of my musical tastes beyond radio material.

'Showdown at big sky' was one of those singles I never heard on the radio, but solely on my sister's copy of Robbie Robertson's cd 'Robbie Robertson'. A great song, which didn't chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 709
Found: 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Showdown at big sky' / 'Hell's half acre'

Big apple - Kajagoogoo

'Big apple' was the first single release by Kajagoogoo after lead singer Limahl had left the band. The remaining four members recorded this song with bassist Nick Beggs taking over vocal duties. The song features a harder, somewhat rockier sound when compared to the more 'polished' sound of their debut album.

The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. Things seemed to turn out alright for the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 738
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 9, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Big apple' / 'Monochromatic (live)'

Don't drive drunk - Stevie Wonder

'Don't drive drunk' contains all the hallmarks of dodgy Eighties production. Repetitive samples, funny sounds and, frankly, a rather sub-par sound overall. And still it's a catchy song, the kind that Stevie Wonder has a knack of.

The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'The woman in red' and released as a single in December 1984. It reached number 62 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3349
Found: Record fair, 2002
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't drive drunk' / 'Don't drive drunk (instrumental)'

Je ne sais pas pourquoi - Kylie Minogue

'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' was supposed to be released as a double A-side with 'Made in heaven', but it performed so well on its own that the plans to release it as a double A-side single were changed (Although this particular single does list it as the AA-side).

The song was released as Kylie's fourth single in the winter of 1988 and reached number 2 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3329
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' / 'Made in heaven'

If it happens again - UB40

'If it happens again' was the seventh top 10 hit in the UK for UB40. It peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart, but did even better in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song may be one of the most catchy ones in the whole UB40 catalogue. The brass section excels while the refrain is instantly recognisable. Not so the sleeve: I wanted to have this song fo a few years until finally one day I turned over the sleeve (the title of the song is listed on the back only) and finally realised that this was it.

My collection: 7" single no. 952
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 18, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If it happens again' / 'Nkomo a gogo'

Love hurts - Nazareth

'Love hurts' was written by Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant and first recorded by the Everly Brothers in July 1960. The song was covered by Roy Orbison in 1961 and issued as the B-side of his single 'Running scared'.

Nazareth recorded their version of 'Love hurts' in 1974. They changed one line in the lyric, from 'Love is like a stove / It burns you when it's hot' to 'Love is like a flame / It burns you when it's hot'. Their version reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in Canada, Norway and the Netherlands. It remains the best-known recording of the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 881
Found: June 16, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love hurts' / 'Down'

Save the best for last - Vanessa Williams

'Save the best for last' was written by Phil Galdston, Wendy Waldman and Jon Lind. It was recorded by Vanessa Williams on her 1992 album 'The comfort zone'. The song is about a person who stands by and watches as the object of her desires dates all of these different women, and then he finally decides to consummate a relationship with the singer.

This single became the biggest hit of Williams' career, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks, peaking at number 3 in the UK singles chart as well as the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1618
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 4, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Save the best for last' / '2 of a kind'

Train - Red Box

I was very familiar with Red Box's debut album 'The circle and the square' and its singles by the time I saw this single in a shop somewhere in London. I didn't now about this single, I'd never heard of it, so my curiosity kicked in and I bought it.

I was so glad I did - this track was in many ways quirkier and more original than the earlier singles - and those were pretty inventive anyway. 'Train' was the only single from Red Box's second album 'Motive'. It took me another 13 years to find that one on cd.

My collection: 7" single no. 2026
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Train' / 'Hello, he lied'

Don't tell me lies - Breathe

'Don't tell me lies' was originally Breathe's debut single, released in 1986. Although it reached number 77 in the UK singles chart, the band took some time to come up with better material, finally returning in 1988 with the top 5 hit 'Hands to heaven'.

After 'How can I fall' was also a chart hit, 'Don't tell me lies' was re-released. The single reached number 45 this time around.

My collection: 7" single no. 784
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 25, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't tell me lies' / 'Monday morning blues'

Dark is the night - Shakatak

Shakatak are famous for their lightweight, coffee table music. 'Dark is the night' is a perfect example of this: there is a chorus, sung by a female singer, but there are no verses. Instead, instrumental passages should do it for the listener.

Released in May 1983, this single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 21 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2689
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, July 3, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Dark is the night' / 'I lose myself'

The scientist - Coldplay

I still remember vividly how I entered an HMV store in Liverpool on the last day of a holiday in the UK in December 2002 and heard this song. I was immediately impressed and bought the cd-single right away. In those days, I'd almost given up on the 7" vinyl format. Luckily, I have reconsidered and that's why I ended up buying this 7" single late last year.

Chris Martin commented about 'The scientist': 'That's just about girls. It's weird that whatever else is on your mind, whether it's the downfall of global economics or terrible environmental troubles, the thing that always gets you most is when you fancy someone.' The inside cover of the band's accompanying album 'A rush of blood to the head' states: 'The scientist is Dan'. 'Dan' refers to Dan Keeling, the A&R man who signed the band to Parlophone.

My collection: 7" single no. 3500
Found: eBay.co.uk, received December 23, 2008
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'The scientist' / '1.36', 'I ran away'

September - Earth Wind and Fire

Groups like Earth, Wind & Fire don't really exist anymore, I think. Looking at this sleeve, it's hard to imagine how these nine people resolved issues like wages, dinner and successful group photos. Look closely at this one: at least two of them have their eyes closed.

'September' (Yes, I had to put it up this month) was recorded during the sessions for the album 'I am', but released ahead of the album. It reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 3 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3209
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 30, 2000
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'September' / 'Can't hide love'