Heart of the sun - Red Box

This picture disc version of the 12" single of 'Heart of the sun' by Red Box must have been confusing at the time for fans: the A-side of the disc (shown here) carried a picture that was also used on the sleeve of the album 'The circle & the square'.

The disc itself was a good package: interesting remixes of both 'Heart of the sun' and the previous single 'Lean on me', plus a weird B-side. Red Box fans should rejoice: a new album has just been released by Cherry Pop records.

My collection: 12" single no. 552
Found: Esprit Mailorder, received 2000
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Heart of the sun (Slash & Burn)' / 'Enjoy (Solid Gold Easy Amex)', 'Lean on me (Vera's Husband's mix)'

Get outta my way - Kylie Minogue

'Get outta my way' was released last week as the second single from Kylie's current album 'Aphrodite'. Like the previous single 'All the lovers', it was released on two cd-singles and a 7" picture disc. It has already peaked at the number 12 spot in the UK singles chart - and is unlikely to get any higher than that.

The song was written and produced by Lucas Secon, Damon Sharpe, Peter Wallevik, Daniel Davidsen and Cutfather, and co-produced by Stuart Price. He said the song wasn't written for any particular artist and at one point four different artists wanted to cut it as their first single before it was claimed by Kylie.

My collection: 7" single no. 4951
Found: Recordstore.co.uk, received October 8, 2010
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Get outta my way' / 'Get outta my way (Bimbo Jones piano mix - radio edit)'

Star - Time Bandits

There was a time when I thought 'Star' by the Time Bandits was one of the greatest tracks of all time. That feeling has subsided, but it is a pretty nifty pop song nonetheless. It wasn't a hit, which was kindof a shame, but I never actually knew there was a 12" single of this. And that the special remix on it was mixed by Ben Liebrand is a real treat too.

Ben Liebrand made a name for himself during the Eighties with his weekly remix on radio Veronica, and also managed to score a few hits of his own with remixes of oldies (some of which have featured on this blog in the past). This mix is certainly not one of his best, however it is quite a rarity.

My collection: 12" single no. 551
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Star (special remix)' / 'Star (instrumental remix)'

Starlight - Risqué

I hope Jos is still reading this blog, because I know he will be very excited by this record. It's the 12" single of Risqué's 'Starlight', a disc so rare that it isn't even listed in many discographies on the web. Released in 1982, it's from a time when 12" singles weren't a standard yet, and certainly not for Dutch groups.

The song itself isn't very exciting as the girls always seemed to sing in unison. This 'extended long dance version' is slightly longer than the single version, but that doesn't add a lot.

My collection: 12" single no. 550
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Starlight (extended long dance version)' / 'Starlight (instrumental)'

Get out of your lazy bed - Matt Bianco

'Get out of your lazy bed' was the debut single from UK band Matt Bianco, released in 1984. The song became the band's first Top 20 hit, peaking at number 15 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song was used as the theme tune by long running New Zealand children's breakfast show 'What now', and is now firmly linked to Saturday morning cartoons, in the minds of many New Zealanders that grew up during the Eighties and Nineties.

My collection: 7" single no. 4950
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Get out of your lazy bed' / 'Big Rosie'

Took the last train - David Gates

I didn't know this single when I bought it. I almost didn't buy it, because of the fact it didn't have a picture sleeve - and I always prefer to have those. But then I figured this might never have been released with a picture sleeve and I was curious enough to hear this song upon the strength of David Gates' name alone. The former Bread frontman has been responsible for several great songs.

Boy, was I glad that I bought this single! It's a great upbeat track, very melodic. By contrast, the B-side is a wonderful ballad. It was David Gates' only single to reach the UK singles chart, peaking at number 50 in the summer of 1978.

My collection: 7" single no. 4949
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Den Haag, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Took the last train' / 'Ann'

Somebody to love - Queen

Although it lacks the innovation and intricacy of 'Bohemian rhapsody', I've always loved 'Somebody to love' more. It's a beautiful melody and the lyric is very simple: the search for someone to love can be quite desperate.

The single became the band's second number 1 hit in the Netherlands and peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4948
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Somebody to love' / 'White man'

Discipline of love - Robert Palmer

'Discipline of love' was released as the first single from Robert Palmer's 1985 album 'Riptide'. It was Palmer's first solo single after the Power Station project which he'd done with members of Duran Duran. This version of the single comes in a gatefold sleeve with lots of pictures of Robert Palmer, it's quite an interesting sleeve design!

The single was not a big success: it only reached number 95 in the UK singles chart. After later singles did have some chart success, it was re-released in 1986, improving on its previous chart run, reaching number 68.

My collection: 7" single no. 4947
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Discipline of love' / 'Dance for me'

Tall story teller - Arabesque

Sometimes I buy a single because the sleeve is different. It's always interesting to compare. In the case of Arabesque's 'Tall story teller', I already had the German version, but this here is the Dutch version. The record company took a chance, because Arabesque never had a hit in the Netherlands, and this single didn't change much of that.

My collection: 7" single no. 4946
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Tall story teller' / 'Caballero'

Is she really going out with him? (acapella live version) - Joe Jackson

In 1988, the double album 'Live 1980-1986' by Joe Jackson was released. It was an impressive compilation of live performances by the man who gave us so many great pop songs during the Eighties.

The acapella live version of 'Is she really going out with him' was released as a single. It is one of those inexplicable omissions in my 7" single collection: I bought the cd-single at the time but 'forgot' about the vinyl version. It was Joe Jackson's biggest hit in the Netherlands, reaching number 3 in the Dutch top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4945
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Is she really going out with him? (acapella live version)' / 'A slow song (live)'

Is dit alles - Doe Maar

The Dutch band Doe Maar had their first top 10 hit 'Doris Day' in early 1982. The follow-up was the laid back 'Is dit alles' ('Is this all'), released in June 1982. It shot to number 9 in the Dutch Top 40, just months before the band would have their first number 1 hit, cementing their position as the country's favourite pop act.

The song is about a relationship that seems to drag out in routine, and the singer wonders if this is all there is.

My collection: 7" single no. 4944
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Is dit alles' / 'Tijd genoeg'

Jump - Van Halen

One of my favourite games when I am reflecting on my record collection, is finding out which artist has the lowest and highest registration number, i.e. which is the furthest apart. Van Halen is the winner at this point: I only have two singles by the band, 'Running with the devil' being number 51 and 'Jump' has just become number 4943. Breaking this record is quite hard, unless I am ever going to buy another single by Oliver, Patrick Hernandez or Peaches & Herb (which seems unlikely) or the Jam (which is very likely).

'Jump' is one of those Eighties anthem that pretty much everyone knows. It is not representative of the band's style, who usually have a harder sound.

My collection: 7" single no. 4943
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Jump' / 'House of pain'

Love and pride - King

Those of you who have followed this blog since the beginning will remember that I already own a copy of King's 'Love and pride'. It was a limited edition version featuring a different sleeve and a poster. This is the original release from 1984 with a beautiful sleeve. I had to have this beautiful version as well, featuring a totally undamaged UK sleeve.

'Love and pride' became a number 2 hit in the Netherlands in 1985, a year after its original release.

My collection: 7" single no. 4942
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love and pride' / 'Don't stop'

Belle Hélène - Doe Maar

A song like 'Belle Hélène' would be totally unacceptable these days. Back in 1984, the record company had no qualms about releasing a song that contained lyrics describing a love affair with an underage girl. The fact that Doe Maar was the Netherlands' most popular band at the time also helped, of course: they could do no wrong.

It is interesting, however, to note that this single did not become a hit. I have no idea when this single was actually released: it might have been after their breakup that year, when disillusioned fans didn't bother buying their records anymore.

My collection: 7" single no. 4941
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Belle Hélène' / 'Bella Donna'

Who's that girl - The Flying Pickets

My friend Puck, who's into acapella stuff, will be delighted to hear this version of the Eurythmics' hit single 'Who's that girl'. The Flying Pickets had a hit with an acapella version of Yazoo's 'Only you' in 1984, and followed it up with this single. It was not a hit, although it was equally inventive.

The band of six was founded by Brian Hibbard in 1982. The group chose the name The Flying Pickets as band members had played a part in the UK miners strikes of 1972 and 1974. The Flying Pickets came up with the then novel concept of perfoming contemporary pop hits in acapella versions. The height of the group's fame coincided with the 1984 Miners Strike. The Flying Pickets were very vocal in their support of the miners during the dispute and came to blows with the record label Virgin after they picketed Drax Power Station in Yorkshire. They also performed benefit gigs for the miners. Hibbard himself claimed that their political beliefs probably had a detrimental effect regarding the group's mainstream image but it was a sacrifice they were willing to make.

My collection: 7" single no. 4940
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Who's that girl' / 'Remember this (Jara mix)'

State of independence - Jon and Vangelis

If you know anything about Eighties pop music, you will remember Donna Summer's hit single 'State of independence' from 1982. Jon and Vangelis, who wrote the song, recorded the song in 1981 on their album 'Friends of Mr. Cairo', but it turns out they also released it as a single in 1984.

It was released on the occasion of a 'greatest hits' compilation album, and failed to become a hit. Such is the fate of talented composers...

My collection: 7" single no. 4939
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'State of independence' / 'The friends of Mr. Cairo'

Whole lotta love - Blonde on blonde

Page three girls Nina Carter and Jilly Johnson formed the duo Blonde on blonde, releasing a disco-inspired cover version of Led Zeppelin's classic track 'Whole lotta love' in 1979. This picture disc proves that the appeal of the girls was not so much their sound, but rather visual.

Still, it's an interesting cover of the track because it's very different from the 'rock hard' original. The single did not become a hit, but perhaps it should have been.

My collection: 7" single no. 4938
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Whole lotta love' / 'Make me smile'

Master and servant - Depeche Mode

I never bought the 7" single of Depeche Mode's 'Master and servant', and I only found this out a couple of months ago. Therefore it's a lot of fun to find this single for a very reasonable price.

The overtly sexual, SM-themed lyrics of 'Master and servant' - complete with synthesized whip-and-chain sound effects - reportedly got the song banned by many radio stations in the United States. The song narrowly avoided a radio ban by the BBC as well, and might have been banned if the one BBC staffer who wanted to ban the record had not been away on holiday at the time the other staffers voted on whether to add the single to their playlist. Despite all this controversy, the single reached number 6 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4937
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Master and servant' / '(Set me free) Remotivate me'

Alle dagen dorst - Toontje Lager

Released in January 1984, 'Alle dagen dorst' was the second consecutive single by the Dutch band Toontje Lager to narrowly miss the Dutch top 40. 'Alle dagen dorst' ('Thirsty every day') was less inspired than the band's biggest hits and failed to capture the imagination of the record buying public.

The track 'Ben jij ook zo bang', released as a single in 1982, appears on the B-side of this single in a live version.

My collection: 7" single no. 4936
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Alle dagen dorst' / 'Ben jij ook zo bang (live)'

People are strange - Echo and the Bunnymen

The Doors recorded 'People are strange' in the Seventies, one of those Jim Morisson compositions that stays in your head when you've heard it just once. In 1987, the British band Echo & the Bunnymen recorded a cover version of this track for the soundtrack of the movie 'The lost boys'. The song was produced by The Doors' keyboard player, Ray Manzarek.

The single reached number 29 in the UK singles chart and number 13 in the Irish Singles Chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4935
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, October 8, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'People are strange' / 'Run, run, run (live)'