Wednesday, 17 February 2010

I'm so excited - Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters originally released 'I'm so excited' on their 1982 album 'So excited!'. The track was remixed for a single release in 1984. It reached number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 18 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 11 in the UK singles chart.

In the music video, the sisters acted as if they were getting ready for a night out. Anita is shown dressing up and putting on makeup, Ruth in a nightgown seductively and playfully getting dressed on her bed, and June taking a bubble bath. The video created a minor controversy in America because of a shot where June gets out of the tub. Although the towel she has is covering her stomach, it doesn't prevent June from showing a little 'too much' of her lower body. The shot was edited in slow-motion for later broadcasts.

My collection: 7" single no. 623
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 26, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I'm so excited' / 'Dance electric'

When the rain begins to fall - Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora

The Israeli millionaire Meshulam Riklis is widely credited for launching (or buying) Pia Zadora's career as a celebrity. He married her in 1977, and shortly after that she made her debut as the Dubonnet Girl, appearing in print and television commercials for the apéritif distributed by a company he owned.

He then financed the movies 'Butterfly' and 'Voyage of the rock aliens', in which Zadora had a starring role. 'When the rain begins to fall' was a duet of Zadora with Jermaine Jackson, recorded for the latter movie. The song was a big success in Europe, most of all the Netherlands where it reached number 1 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 611
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 7, 1988
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'When the rain begins to fall' / 'Substitute'

Sad man - Renée

'Sad man' was released as the third single from Renée's 1980 album 'Reaching for the sky'. The single was promoted for a couple of weeks, but then the record company's attention went towards the Stars on 45 project, which eventually became an international hit.

'Sad man', meanwhile, suffered. Although 10.000 copies of the single were apparently sold, it did not land in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3285
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Sad man' / 'Reaching for the sky'

Take the long way home (live) - Supertramp

Roger Hodgson commented in 1990: ''Take The Long Way Home' has a quality about it that just makes me feel warm inside. I don't know if it's the harmonies or the melodies, or whatever, but I never get sick of it. I always saw the song a little ambiguous. It's on two levels. I see 'home' as being internal and external. It's kind of a play on words. Definitely part of the song is about the shallowness of success and getting caught up in a world and success and chasing, being popular, or whatever, is taking 'the long way home'. Because I think 'home' in its deepest sense is inside, is being at peace with oneself.'

Originally released on the album 'Breakfast in America' in 1979, a live version was recorded on the album 'Paris' a year later and released as a single. This single was not a commercial success, but it's a good version nonetheless.

My collection: 7" single no. 2794
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 14, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Take the long way home (live)' / 'From now on (live)'

Tuesday, 16 February 2010

You know I love you... don't you? - Howard Jones

This limited edition double single is a bit of a weird one, as the second disc only has one side. And so this whole double single edition is made for just one track extra. To make things even stranger: another orchestral track, a version of 'Hungry for the flesh' was recorded at the same time as 'Hide and seek', but both tracks would only be released on the 12" single of the next single, 'A little bit of snow'.

'You know I love you... don't you?' was released as the second single from Howard Jones's third album 'One to one' in November 1986. It was his first single not to reach the UK top 40, stalling at number 43. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, however, the single reached number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 490
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'You know I love you... don't you?' / 'Dig this well deep' // 'Hide and seek (Orchestral version)'

London town - Bucks Fizz

Written by Andy Hill, the lyric of 'London town' tells of someone who is finding it difficult to adjust to life in a big city but is determined to stay. Lead vocals on the track were performed by member Bobby G, although he was unhappy with the way his vocals were mixed, giving them a distorted quality, claiming that he 'sounded like a munchkin'.

Released in September 1983, this was the Bucks Fizz's tenth single. It was the first of their singles not to reach the top 20 in the UK. It peaked at number 34 during a six week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 1667
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, June 20, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'London town' / 'Identity'

Stripped - Depeche Mode

'Stripped' was the first single from Depeche Mode's 1986 album 'Black celebration'. It was the first time that the band presented their gloomier side, a side they would explore more on later albums. The track was laden with samples: the underlying beat is a distorted and slowed-down sound of a motorcycle engine running, while the main melody begins with a car's ignition starting, and the end uses sounds of fireworks. The single peaked at number 15 in the UK singles chart.

In the USA, the B-side 'But not tonight' was preferred. The single was flipped, which did not please the band, because they saw the track as a useless poppy track they recorded in less than a day. To make matters worse, 'But not tonight' did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1328
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Stripped' / 'But not tonight'

Time to say goodbye - Arabesque

Although Arabesque broke up in 1984 when Sandra wanted to pursue a solo career, Jasmin and Michaela continued as Rouge, soldiering on for the remainder of the Eighties.

Meanwhile, the song 'Time to say goodbye' was released as a single and a 12" single by Arabeque in 1985. It was not a commercial success, but fans of the group may have been very happy to get this 'posthumous' release.

My collection: 12" single no. 331
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Time to say goodbye (extended)' / 'Time to say goodbye', 'Stop crying for the moon'

Cradle of love - Billy Idol

'Cradle of love' is a good example of how a rather unremarkable song is brought to attention by an imaginative music video. The video was played often on MTV at the time, and since the video makes you want to watch things go wrong again and again, the song sticks in your mind. Not a surprise, then, that I ended up buying the single.

Billy Idol released 'Cradle of love' in April 1990. The single reached number 34 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1340
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Cradle of love' / '311 man'

Bailar pegados - Sergio Dalma

Sergio Dalma was born as Josep Sergi Capdevila Querol on September 28, 1964 in Sabadell, Spain. He started his career singing in bands and as backing vocalist, until he won the talent show 'Gent d'aqui'. His debut album 'Esa chica es mia' in 1989. Although the album was not very successful, Dalma was chosen to represent Spain during the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest.

'Bailar pegados' was a dramatic ballad that was tipped to win before the Contest took place. In the end, his song finished fourth out of 22 competitors. Dalma continues to be a successful artist in Spain, having had a number 1 album in 2008.

My collection: 7" single no. 4566
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Bailar pegados' / 'Amor descafeinado'

Y solo tu - Bacchelli

Bacchelli was born as José María Bacchelli Ortega in 1952 in Barcelona, Spain. He had a brief career in music in the late Seventies and early Eighties. In 1980 he released the album 'Prohibido'. A year later, he was selected to represent Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest.

He performed the song 'Y solo tu' ('And only you') in Dublin, which reached 14th place at the end of the Contest, out of 20 competitors. The single was released in most of Europe, but commercial success did not follow. A second album, also called 'Y solo tu', failed to sell as well. Shortly thereafter he retired from the music industry.

My collection: 7" single no. 4565
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Y solo tu' / 'Cuando te tengo en mis brazos'

Un grand, grand amour - José Cid

José Cid was born as José Albano Cid de Ferreira Tavares on February 4, 1942 in Chamusca, Portugal. He started a career in music in 1956 when he founded the Babies, a musical group which performed mostly covers. Besides being in various bands in the Sixties and Seventies, he also started a solo career.

In 1980 he was selected to represent Portugal during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Um grande, grande amor'. He finished seventh in a field of 19 competitors, which was Portugal's best result up until then. 'Un grand, grand amour' is the French version of the song, which was released internationally. The single was not a commercial success.

My collection: 7" single no. 4564
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Un grand, grand amour' / 'Barbara'

Les jardins de Monaco - Caline et Olivier Toussaint

While Monaco was absent from the Eurovision Song Contest between 1980 and 2004, they did participate every year between 1959 and 1979. And so, 'Les jardins de Monaco', performed by Caline and Olivier Toussaint has the unique distinction of being the penultimate entry for Monaco before they gave up in the 20th century.

'Les jardins de Monaco' is a mid-tempo disco duet, which makes it sound a bit dated now. At the close of voting during the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest, it finished fourth in a field of 20 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4563
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Les jardins de Monaco' / 'Tous les amoureux'

Monday, 15 February 2010

Waiting for a girl like you - Foreigner

Foreigner used the then-unknown Thomas Dolby to perform synthesizer on their track 'Waiting for a girl like you'. It was one of the factors in making this a big hit. Written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, it was the second single from Foreigner's album '4' (1981).

The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40. It also achieved an odd chart distinction by spending a record-setting 10 weeks at number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, without ever reaching the top. It was held off the top spot by Olivia Newton-John's single 'Physical' for the first nine of those weeks, and by Hall & Oates' 'I can't go for that (No can do)' for the remaining week.

My collection: 7" single no. 1468
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Waiting for a girl like you' / 'I'm gonna win'

Doe iets - Frank Boeijen Groep

The Frank Boeijen Groep released the second single from their third album '1001 hotel' in October 1983. It was 'Doe iets' ('Do something'). The lyric of the song, written as usual by band leader Frank Boeijen, was a cry for action between lovers.

After their first hit single 'Linda', this single again reached the Dutch Top 40, this time peaking at number 25.

My collection: 7" single no. 670
Found: Record fair, October 17, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Doe iets' / 'Macho'

Another one bites the dust - Queen

The bass line of 'Another one bites the dust' was inspired by the song 'Good times' by Chic. Recording sesions in Munich involved John Deacon playing almost all the instruments: bass, piano, rhythm and lead guitars and handclap percussion. Roger Taylor added a drum loop and Brian May contributed some noises with his guitar and an Eventide Harmonizer. There are no synthesizers used in the song: all effects are created with pianos, guitars, and drums, with subsequent tape playback performed in reverse at various speeds. Brian May later recalled: 'Freddie sung until his throat bled on 'Another one bites the dust'. He was so into it. He wanted to make that song something special.'

The single reached number 14 in the Dutch Top 40, number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in Argentina, Canada, Guatemala, Spain and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2107
Found: Record fair, June 4, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Another one bites the dust' / 'Dragon attack'

101 - Sheena Easton

Prince used his pseudonym Joey Coco to write '101' for Sheena Easton. The track was recorded on her 1989 album 'The lover in me', with Prince producing. When it was released as the second single from the album, the sleeve included a beautiful photograph by Sheila Rock.

It was not a big success for Easton, as '101' only reached number 54 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 875
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 3, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: '101' / 'Cool love'

Private eyes - Daryl Hall and John Oates

According to Daryl Hall, 'Private eyes' is 'a real Janna Allen(co-writer and sister of Sara Allen) song. Janna, and I, and Warren Pash wrote that. Warren and Janna wrote most of the song, and I took it and changed it around-changed the chords. Sandy [Sara Allen] and I wrote the lyrics. It’s a real family song, the Allen sisters and me.'

The single carries a similar rhythm to the duo's number one hit from earlier that year, 'Kiss on my list', with the difference being a handclap chorus that has made the song an audience-participation favorite at live Hall and Oates shows. The single reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 32 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2499
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Private eyes' / 'Tell me what you want'

Twilight zone - Golden Earring

My earlier post about 'Long blond animal' by the Golden Earring caused some readers to write a comment. I wrote that if the group had quit like they planned, it would have saved us a lot of unnecessary music. 'What about 'Twilight zone'?', was the general complaint.

Well, indeed. I did like the song when it came out in 1982, and I even bought the single. At the same time, the song has been played so often on radio and television that I'm still very bored by it. So would the world have been a darker place without this single? I don't really think so. But it was a number 1 hit for the band, which should have been, again, reason enough for them to call it quits. Unfortunately, they didn't...

My collection: 7" single no. 149
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Twilight zone' / 'King dark'

Church of your heart - Roxette

'Church of your heart' was the last single release from Roxette's 1991 album 'Joyride' in February 1992. It was the last top 40 hit for Roxette in the USA, peaking at number 36. In the UK, the single reached number 21.

More important to me than the 7" single at the time was the double cd-single release from the UK. I spent ages trying to find it, until I finally did during a record fair in the summer of 1992. This single was much easier to get: I bought it as soon as it came out.

My collection: 7" single no. 1648
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Church of your heart' / 'I call your name'

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