Spirit of the forest - Spirit of the forest

After Band Aid, Dance Aid, Ferry Aid and USA for Africa, the Gentlemen without weapons figured they had something to add to the growing amount of charity singles: a rainforest appeal. Together with the animal and rainforest noises which they'd already used for an album, they rounded up lots of famous artists to record 'Spirit of the forest'.

Somehow, the idea didn't quite work. The song sounded a bit naff and people were apparently not so concerned about the destruction of the rain forest as they were about starving children in Africa. The single was a commercial failure, but fans of Afrika Bambaataa, Jon Anderson, B52's, Michael de Barre, Big Country and the few dozen other artists mentioned on the sleeve of this single had another collector's item to get their hands on.

My collection: 7" single no. 900
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 23, 1989
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Spirit of the forest' / 'Spirit of the forest'

Feel like change - Black

Colin Vearncombe, who on his own made up the band Black, was inspired to write 'Feel like change' by the events taking place in South Africa: the freeing of Nelson Mandela and the impending dismantling of the Apartheid regime.

The track was released as the first single from Black's third album, 'Black' (1991). Produced by Robin Millar, both the single and the album featured an altogether smoother sound. Coupled with Vearncombe's excellent vocals, this was a very enjoyable listening experience. 'Feel like change' reached number 56 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1439
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 18, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Feel like change' / 'Nice'

Let it be - Ferry Aid

On March 6, 1987, the Herald of Free Enterprise - a ferry between Zeebrugge in Belgium and Dover in England - capsized, which killed 193 passengers and crew. The Sun newspaper, which had sold cheap tickets for the ferry on that day, quickly organized a recording of a charity recording. The song 'Let it be' was performed by an impressive array of artists, recorded on March 14, 15 and 16 at PWL studios. The recording was produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

Contributing artists were, in order of appearance: Paul McCartney, Boy George, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Nick Kamen, Paul King, Mark King, Taffy, Andy Bell, Pepsi & Shirley, Mel & Kim, Jaki Graham, Mark Knopfler (guitar solo), Gary Moore (guitar solo), Kim Wilde, Nik Kershaw, Edwin Starr, Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot, Ruby Turner and Kate Bush. The closing choruses of the song feature an ensemble choir featuring many of the above performers as well other recording artists, including Bonnie Tyler, Errol Brown, Hazel O'Connor, The Nolans, Rick Astley, Jim Diamond, Doctor and the Medics, Alvin Stardust, Steve Strange, Mandy Smith, Su Pollard, Maxi Priest and members of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Go West, The Alarm and Bucks Fizz.

The single made number 1 in the UK singles chart and also topped the charts in Switzerland and Norway. In the Dutch Top 40, Ferry Aid reached number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 575
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'Let it be' / 'Let it be (Gospel Jam mix)'

Can't get enough (of your love) - Kim Wilde

'Can't get enough (of your love)' was released as the second single from Kim Wilde's 1990 album 'Love moves' in Europe. It was promoted with a slightly hyperactive music video in which Kim and her band were placed on rotating platforms. Musically, the song resembled the 1988 hit 'Never trust a stranger'. Kim commented: ''Can't get enough' is about pure energy really. There is a reality to 'Can't get enough' but it's not very seriously.'

The single only reached number 58 in the German singles chart, in other territories it failed to reach the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1255
Found: Melody Maker, July 5, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Can't get enough (of your love)' / 'Someday'

Ben je daar vannacht - Clouseau

Released in July 1992, 'Ben je daar vannacht' ('Are you there tonight') was the third single from Clouseau's 1992 album 'Doorgaan'. Just like the two previous singles, it features a slightly harder rock sound than most people had become accustomed to from the band.

The single did not chart in the Netherlands - the first one in a long time not to do so - but did reach number 16 in the Belgian singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2067
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, February 19, 1994
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Ben je daar vannacht' / 'Mysterie alom'

New beginning (Mamba Seyra) - Bucks Fizz

I bought the 7" single of Bucks Fizz's 'New beginning (Mamba Seyra)' pretty soon after its release. The 12" single followed years later, after a period in which I'd grown tired of the song and eventually started to like it again. The fact that Puck was quite interested in this track also helped, of course.

I finally bought this 12" single in 1996. It features an extended version of the track as well as two bonus tracks. The extended version is loud and full of echoes - very Eighties indeed.

My collection: 12" single no. 297
Found: Record fair, 1996
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'New beginning (Mamba Seyra) (extended version)' / 'In your eyes', 'I need your love'

Now you're gone - Black

The third and last single from Black's 1988 album 'Comedy' was the upbeat 'Now you're gone'. At least, the music sounded quite upbeat, the lyric was less optimistic. Still, it was a change from the mostly minor key tracks Black had released up until then. Not that it met with a lot of enthusiasm: the single only reached number 66 in the UK singles chart.

The B-side, a so-called 'Mardi Gras version' of 'Now you're gone', is a nice extra, and quite a surprising version of the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 724
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 28, 1989
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Now you're gone' / 'Now you're gone (Mardi Gras version)'

Ik zie een ster - Mouth and MacNeal

'Ik zie een ster' is the original Dutch version of the 1974 Eurovision entry by Mouth and MacNeal, 'I see a star'. Although they performed the song in English during the Contest - as a result of relaxed language rules - this single contains a version entirely in Dutch.

The song was released as a single in the Netherlands in March 1974 and reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. That's quite remarkable, as 'I see a star' finished third during the Contest as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 3694
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, May 5, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Ik zie een ster' / 'Liefste'

Singles bag - John Lennon

In support of Record Store Day, EMI released a limited edition John Lennon vinyl package. It's titled 'Singles bag', but it's not really a bag, but rather a cardboard envelope with three singles, a poster, three postcard and one plastic adaptor in it. It's a real treat for John Lennon fans and those who appreciate his music.

Of course, there isn't really anything new in the bag: all three singles have been released in the past. Still, it is quite wonderful to hear 'Imagine' once again - still the highlight of this bag in my opinion - and of course who could resist the sound of Yoko Ono screaming like an escaped inmate of a psychiatric ward in 'Why'? The poster of the duo in the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam during their 'Bed-in for peace' action is a nice extra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4837
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, April 17, 2010
Cost: Well... let's just say it wasn't cheap.
Tracks: 'Mother' (John Lennon) / 'Why' (Yoko Ono) // 'Imagine' / 'It's so hard' // 'Watching the wheels' (John Lennon) / 'Yes, I'm your angel' (Yoko Ono)

Last day - Editors

Last year, the Editors released their most recent album 'In this light and on this evening'. Produced by Flood, the sound of the album leaned a lot towards band he'd produced before, such as U2 and Depeche Mode. The first single from the album was 'Papillon', which appears on this single in a beautiful acoustic version.

The track 'Last day' was not included on the album, but most probably recorded during the sessions for it. This single was released exclusively on Record Store Day, April 17, 2010.

My collection: 7" single no. 4836
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, April 17, 2010
Cost: 10 euro
Tracks: 'Last day' / 'Papillon (acoustic live at Studio Brussels)'

Side of the road - Babyshambles

Pete Doherty formed Babyshambles during a hiatus from his band the Libertines in 2003. Although Doherty is mainly famous for his drug abuse, the band was actually able to find some sort of commercial recognition with their debut album 'Down in Albion' (2005). Initially an independent band, they signed with Parlophone in 2007.

On Record Store Day, Parlophone released this limited edition 7" vinyl with two tracks by Babyshambles. Personally, I think the B-side is better than the A-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 4835
Found: La La Land, April 17, 2010
Cost: 6 euro
Tracks: 'Side of the road' / 'UnBiloTitled'

Back to the start - Lily Allen

'Back to the start' is a track on Lily Allen's most recent album, 'It's not me, it's you' (2009). It was getting a lot of airplay in Australia, having peaked at number 21 in the Australian Airplay chart.

On Record Store Day (April 17, 2010), a limited edition 7" vinyl single was released, available only for one day. The single contains this track and the bonus track 'Kabul shit'. It is unlikely that the track will be released as a 'regular' single, but meanwhile, this is a great collector's item.

My collection: 7" single no. 4834
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, April 17, 2010
Cost: 7 euro
Tracks: 'Back to the start' / 'Kabul shit'

Teen wave - Ricky Wilde

Ricky Wilde's career never really took off outside of Scandinavia - which is quite extraordinary for a British artist. Ricky only released six singles on the UK records label, before concluding that the life of a pop star wasn't something he wanted. The fact that he was teased in the school yard because of his musical aspirations probably didn't help either.

'Teen wave' was the last single release of Ricky, released in 1974. The song was written and produced by his father Marty Wilde and is the roughest of his singles, leaning heavily into the glam rock genre.

My collection: 7" single no. 2921
Found: Record fair, November 9, 1997
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Teen wave' / 'Round and round'

Hier komt de storm - Frank Boeijen Groep

The third and last single from the Frank Boeijen Groep's seventh album 'Welkom in Utopia' was 'Hier komt de storm' ('Here comes the storm'). The single version was heavily edited, which detracted a bit from the track. As a result, the single failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

Meanwhile, the band had concluded their theatre tour across the Netherlands and work was already underway for the next album. They had never been as popular as they were right at that moment.

My collection: 7" single no. 584
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Hier komt de storm' / 'Oorlog der liefde'

Time - Kim Wilde

The second single from Kim Wilde's 1990 album 'Love moves' was 'Time' - at least, it was in the UK and Australia. The record company in Europe opted for 'Can't get enough (of your love)' instead, and so a nightmare was born. Back in 1990, it was very hard to get hold of English singles.

I had to wait until a holiday in London in October - four months after the release of the single - to find a copy. And even then, it was very hard to find one. I eventually found a copy in a dark second hand shop off Kensington High Street - and it was the only copy I saw that week.

My collection: 7" single no. 1320
Found: London, Otcober 16, 1990
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Time' / 'Someday'

Hounds of love - Kate Bush

I've got very strong principles when it comes to my record collection: I never buy a single twice, unless it's from my favourite artists. Kate Bush is one of them, and so when I saw this American pressing of 'Hounds of love', I had to have it. Of course, there's always the small matter of the price: I never bought her Japanese singles because they are way too expensive.

But I happened on this American pressing for a reasonable price, and so I could get my hands on it. Not only the sleeve is different: the B-side is 'Burning bridge', which in Europe was the B-side to 'Cloudbusting'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2864
Found: Record fair, 1995
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Hounds of love' / 'Burning bridge'

On the chart tip EP - Various artists

The British music magazine Record Mirror released an EP with four tracks from various artists from time to time. This, apparently, was the first, released in 1989. It brings together two album tracks from INXS and Black plus an exclusive track from Transvision Vamp and an exclusive remix from Neneh Cherry.

I bought the EP mainly for 'You don't always do what's best for you', a track from Black's then-current album 'Comedy'. Although this is the album version, it fades away 30 seconds earlier and so this is an exclusive edit of the track.

My collection: 7" single no. 2032
Found: Sounds Familiar, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Johnson's Aeroplane' (INXS), 'Child of the age' (Transvision Vamp) / 'Buffalo stance (The There's Nothing Wrong Mix (Sukka Mix II))', 'You don't always do what's best for you' (Black)

Vanavond ga ik uit - Clouseau

'Vanavond ga ik uit' ('I'm going out tonight') was written by famous Belgian singer/songwriter Raymond van 't Groenewoud. He gave the song (together with another song, 'Verlangen' ('Desire')) to Clouseau, who recorded it on their new album 'Doorgaan' ('Going on') in 1992.

Released as the second single from the album, it reached number 26 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 9 in the Belgian singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1650
Found: Melody Maker, May 9, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Vanavond ga ik uit' / 'Er kan nog iemand mee'

Bye bye I love you - Ireen Sheer

Ireen Sheer was born on February 25, 1949 in Basildon, England. Sheer was discovered at the beginning of the Sixties through a talent competition, but still took time to graduate from a bank apprenticeship in spite of her early success. She sang for several pop groups, such as The Family Dogg, before she went solo in 1970. She was marked an official success when 'Goodbye Mama' became a Top 5 hit on the German charts in 1973. After that, she released several records, almost every one going on to become a hit.

In 1974 she represented Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Bye bye, I love you'. It reached 4th place in a field of 17 competitors. It wouldn't be the last time she appeared in the Contest: she returned in 1978 for Germany and in 1985 for Luxembourg again.

My collection: 7" single no. 4833
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Bye bye I love you' / 'Tous les grands sentiments'

El - Lucia

Lucia was born as María Isabel Rodríguez Lineros on April 2, 1964 in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. She is best known for representing Spain at the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Él' ('He'). She finished tenth in a field of 18 competitors.

She has also worked as a radio and TV presenter in Seville, and she participated at the reality show contest 'La Granja' (Spanish version of 'The Farm') in 2003.

My collection: 7" single no. 4832
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'El' / 'Tendras que decidir'