History 1992 - Mai Tai

After Mai Tai had some big successes in the Eighties, their career came to a complete standstill when their third album 'Cool is the rule' (1987) was less successful. They disappeared from view until 1991, when a 'Best of' album was released. This album featured one new track, 'Dance in the light'. That single did not chart.

'History 1992' can be considered one last desperate attempt at chart success. The hit from 1985 was remixed by one Gary Jones, and released as a single. This single did not chart. Soon after, Mai Tai decided to split up.

My collection: 7" single no. 4473
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,1 euro
Tracks: 'History 1992 (radio mix)' / 'History 1992 (Burn-it-mix)'

Love of the common people - Paul Young

'Love of the common people' was written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins. The lyrics tell a bleak story of poverty and joblessness. Though Wilkins and Hurley did not expressly say so in the lyrics, the song is also a protest of what they saw as the failure of the American government to do more for the poor and unemployed than it had. The track was originally recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1967, then covered by Nicky Thomas in 1970.

Paul Young released his version of the song originally in 1982. After it failed to chart, he had two hit singles with 'Wherever I lay my hat' and 'Come back and stay'. The track was re-released in 1983, and on this occasion it peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart and topping the chart in Ireland and the Netherlands. This limited edition double single features three live tracks, with one clocking in at an impressive 9 minutes.

My collection: 7" single no. 4470
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love of the common people' / 'Behind your smile (live)' // 'Wherever I lay my hat (live)' / 'Oh women (live)'

Thursday's child - Tanita Tikaram

'Thursday's child' was released as the third and last single from Tanita Tikaram's second album 'The sweet keeper'. The track was re-recorded for the single release. However, this did not help matters much: the single did not chart.

The B-side is a charming song taken from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4471
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Thursday's child' / 'Once and not speak'

The circus - Erasure

According to Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, 'The circus' was a deliberate departure of the pop sound of their previous six singles. The lyric touches on social issues and center around the lament of 'working men', whose bright futures and job securities are left shattered in the modern world of greedy corporations and technology.

'The circus' was the fourth and final single from the album of the same name. As the album version was 5'30 minutes long, the song was remixed for the single, clocking in at 3'50. The single peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart. In Germany, where this limited edition pressed on red vinyl was released, the single peaked at number 30.

My collection: 7" single no. 4468
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'The circus (remix)' / 'The circus (Decay mix)'

Somewhere in the world - Boney M

With Bobby Farrell out of the line-up of Boney M and new male singer Reggie Tsiboe in, the group was facing difficult times. With already three singles landing outside of the top 40 in Germany, 'Somewhere in the world' was the fourth attempt at having more success - but another failure.

'Somewhere in the world' was the first and only single from Boney M's seventh studio album 'Ten thousand lightyears'. The single only reached number 49 in the German singles chart and failed to chart anywhere else. Though unremarkable, this track is still quite beautiful and features the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4466
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Somewhere in the world' / 'Exodus (Noah's ark 2001)'

La fiesta terminó - Paloma San Basilio

Paloma San Basilio was born on November 22, 1950 in Madrid, Spain. She started her career in the Spanish music scene in the Seventies with the album 'Sombras'. In 1985, she represented Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'La fiesta terminó'. This song was composed by Juan Carlos Calderón, who is best known for the 1973 entry 'Eres tu' by Mocedades, which ended second in the Contest but went on to become a worldwide hit. 'La fiesta terminó' was less successful: it finished 14th in the Contest in a field of 19 competitors.

This single features the track 'Sin ti' on the B-side, a Spanish language cover of Nilsson's 'Without you'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4465
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'La fiesta terminó' / 'Sin ti'

Only your love - Bananarama

'Only your love' was the first single by Bananarama after a four year relationship with the producers trio Stock, Aitken & Waterman. This song was co-written and produced by Youth. It was released as the first single from the group's fifth studio album 'Pop life' and released several months prior to its release.

The song contains several references to other singles: the 'woo woo' hoots directly reference 'Sympathy for the devil' by the Rolling stones, and the track also contains samples of 'Loaded' by Primal Scream and 'Fool's gold' by the Stone Roses. The single peaked at number 27 in the UK singles chart but did not chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 4464
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,3 euro
Tracks: 'Only your love' / 'Only your love (Hardcore instrumental)'

Never knew love - Rick Astley

'Never knew love' was written by John Paul and Derek Bordeaux and recorded by Rick Astley on his third album 'Free', the one he made without the involvement of Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Instead, this track was produced by Gary Stevenson and Astley himself.

The single was not a big success, while it only charted in the UK, where it stalled at number 70. As a result, this third single was also the last from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4463
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 2,2 euro
Tracks: 'Never knew love (remix)' / 'So glad'

A little respect - Erasure

I might never have heard 'A little respect' if Kim Wilde hadn't decided to start performing the song live during her 2009 spring tour. Although the single was a big hit in the UK in 1988, I didn't hear the song at the time so I caught up 21 years later.

Written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the heavily synthesized instrumentation is accentuated by acoustic guitar and Bell's use of falsetto in the chorus. The lyrics are an empowering plea to a lover to show compassion and respect. It reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and even managed to reach number 14 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4472
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'A little respect' / 'Like Zsa Zsa Zsa Gabor'

Song sung blue - Altered Images

If this song sounds familiar to you, then most probably you're reminded of the original version of 'Song sung blue' by Neil Diamond, recorded in 1972. It was a number 1 hit in the USA, also reaching number 14 in the UK singles chart.

Altered Images recorded this cover version on their album 'Pinky blue' in 1982. With the peculiar but charming voice of Clare Grogan and the very Eighties treatment of the track, it was given a new lease of life. Although the single did not chart in any territory...

My collection: 7" single no. 4462
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Song sung blue' / 'See you later'

More than physical - Bananarama

'More than physical' was one of two tracks on Bananarama's 1986 album 'True confessions' that were produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, with the other tracks being produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain. The other track was 'Venus', which had just become a worldwide hit after its single release. 'More than physical' was released as the follow-up in an attempt to capitalize on that success.

The track was remixed for the single, giving it a similar Hi-NRG sound as 'Venus'. However, this did not prove to be a successful strategy: the single stalled at number 41 in the UK singles chart and number 73 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4461
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'More than physical' / 'Scarlett'

Principles of lust - Enigma

'Principles of lust' was the third single released from Enigma's debut album 'MCMXC a.D.'. The single version of 'Principles of lust' is actually 'Find love', part two of the album version of 'Principles of lust'. The song contains a sample of 'Justify my love' by Madonna. The cover includes a detail from the painting Venus, Cupid, Folly, and Time by Agnolo Bronzino.

'Principles of lust' reached number 29 in France, number 90 in Germany and number 59 in the UK singles chart. This 7" single is pretty rare, I don't think I've seen it very often even in 1991, when it was just released.

My collection: 7" single no. 4460
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 3,3 euro
Tracks: 'Principles of lust (radio edit)' / 'Principles of lust (Jazz mix)'

Bridge of spies - T'pau

The title track of T'pau's debut album 'Bridge of spies' was released as a single in the USA and Germany only. This is the German single, featuring the US edit of the track, as well as the live version of 'Sex talk' which was released as a single in the UK around the same time.

I actually bought this single over 10 years ago already, but to my dismay it turned out to contain the wrong disc in the sleeve. So I've had the sleeve for a long time, but now for the first time I can say I really own this single.

My collection: 7" single no. 4459
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Bridge of spies (US remix)' / 'Sex talk (live)'

I can't go for that (No can do) - Daryl Hall and John Oates

Daryl Hall sketched out the basics of 'I can't go for that' one evening at a music studio in New York City in 1981 after a recording session for the album 'Private eyes'. Hall played a bassline on a Korg organ, then came up with a guitar riff - both were recorded by sound engineer Neil Kernon. The duo Hall & Oates took it from there the next day.

The single version of 'I can't go for that' is not an edit of the album verison, but an edit of the dance mix. It was released as a single in early 1982 and reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 195
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I can't go for that (No can do)' / 'Unguarded minute'

I won't steal away - Time Bandits

'I won't steal away' was one of the songs to come out of the collaboration between the Time Bandits lead singer Alides Hidding with American hit producer Dan Hartman. It was recorded on the band's 1986 album 'Fiction' and released as a single.

The single reached number 16 in the Dutch Top 40, and was their last single to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3301
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I won't steal away' / 'Cool world'

No one is to blame - Howard Jones

'No one is to blame' was a track on Howard Jones' second studio album 'Dream into action'. It was originally recorded as a ballad, but for the single release, the track was re-recorded with Phil Collins producing and adding backing vocals and drums into the mix.

The single became a hit, peaking at number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 16 in the UK singles chart.

I bought the German pressing of this single at the time of its release, and found an American pressing with a totally different sleeve in 2000.

My collection: 7" single no. 3240
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'No one is to blame' / 'The chase'

Don't bring me down - Electric Light Orchestra

A common mondegreen in this song is the perception that, following the title line, Jeff Lynne shouts 'Bruce!' However, he is actually saying a made-up word 'Grroosss'. After the song's release, so many people had misinterpreted the word as Bruce that Jeff Lynne actually began to sing the word as Bruce for fun at live shows.

Released as the third single from their 1979 album 'Discovery', 'Don't bring me down' was actually the first ELO single not to feature a string section. The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40. During its chart run I thought I saw this single in the discount bin, but I had a big blackout, as I came home with 'Shine a little love'. I bought this single 16 years later.

My collection: 7" single no. 2441
Found: August 26, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't bring me down' / 'Dreaming of 4000'

Love is a stranger - Eurythmics

'Love is a stranger' was originally released in November 1982, but it failed to chart. When 'Sweet dreams (are made of this)' became a hit single, this single was re-released in March 1983. On that occasion, it peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart, number 13 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 23 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

On the track, the rare Movement Systems Drum Computer and various synthesizers are used, combined with Lennox's strident multi-tracked vocal harmonies. The song is also punctuated with vocal grunts of "uh!" from Stewart.

I bought two different copies of this single: at the time of its re-release, I bought the Dutch pressing. Sixteen years later, I found a UK pressing with a totally different sleeve: the original 1982 version.

My collection: 7" single no. 197 / no. 3168
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983 / House of Rhythm, London, January 18, 2000
Cost: 3,5 guilders / 60p
Tracks: 'Love is a stranger' / 'Monkey monkey'

Lonesome loser - Little River Band

The Australian Little River Band crossed over to America after they became very successful in their homeland in 1976. When they combined the release of the single 'It's a long way there' with promotional visits, they managed a breakthrough in the USA, which in turn meant that their career took on a global scale.

From 1978 until 1981, Little River Band achieved six consecutive US Top 10 singles with 'Reminiscing', 'Lady', 'Lonesome loser', 'Cool change', 'The night owls' and 'Take it easy on me'. Two of these hits are featured on this American 'super oldies' single, released in 1981.

My collection: 7" single no. 3242
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Lonesome loser' / 'Lady'

Discotheque - U2

The single 'Discotheque' was the start of one of a controversial period for the band U2. Critics and fans were put off by the dance-inspired album 'Pop' and the band themselves later expressed dismay at the fact that they had to finish the album too quickly because the accompanying Popmart tour was already booked.

The single was released in February 1997 after the track had been leaked on the internet. There was a fear that this leak would harm sales, but of course it didn't: the single reached number 1 in the UK singles chart as well as in Ireland and New Zealand. In the Netherlands, 'Discotheque' reached number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 2848
Found: Record fair, 1997
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Discotheque' / 'Holy Joe'