Dreaming - Blondie

'Dreaming' was the lead single from Blondie's fourth album 'Eat to the beat'. It reached number 2 in the UK singles chart, but did less well in other territories. In their homeland America, it stalled at no. 27.

Personally, I felt this was one of Blondie's best tracks when it came out. During a holiday in Paris, this single was the one I requested from my parents as a souvenir. And that is why to this day I own a French pressing of this single...

My collection: 7" single no. 30

Found: Paris, 1979

Cost: nothing (present)

Tracks: 'Dreaming' / 'Sound asleep'

Download: here

I have a dream - Abba

'I have a dream' was released in December 1979, but it wasn't a Christmas song. Still, the European sleeve of the single states that it is a 'Special Christmas Souvenir edition'. It may have originated from the 'Special Souvenir edition' pictured here. The folded sleeve, released in the UK, contains a special statement from the members of the band, saying that 'November 1979 will always be full of fond memories of our UK tour. Releasing this single gives us the opportunity to thank the thousands of you who made our visit so memorable. In 1979, The Year Of The Child, 'I have a dream' had a special meaning for us and enabled us to perform the song with choirs of British schoolchildren who joined us on stage each night.'

Together with a live recording of 'Take a chance on me' as performed in Wembley, London, this single was not so much a Christmas Souvenir as a UK Tour souvenir.

My collection: 7" single no. 3245

Found: London, 2000

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'I have a dream' / 'Take a chance on me (live)'

Download: here

I've been to a marvellous party - The Divine Comedy

The Divine Comedy contributed a cover version of Noel Coward's 'I've been to a marvellous party' to the 1998 compilation album 'Twentieth Century Blues' to benefit the Red Hot AIDS Charitable Trust. Subsequently, the track was remixed by Trouser Enthusiasts, Sharp South Park, Floorgazm and Pink Noise for a promotional 12" single release, which was never made available commercially. As such, this 12" set was hard to come by.

Having become a fan of the remixes by Trouser Enthusiasts, it didn't take me long to order the set up from England. Within a week I was the proud owner of this set, which, aside from that Trouser Enthusiasts remix, consists mainly of loud bouncing noises...

My collection: 12" single no. 399

Found: Esprit Mail Order, UK, 1999

Cost: 15 pounds

Tracks: 'I've been to a marvellous party (Trouser Enthusiasts Formaldehyde Spritzer mix)' / 'I've been to a marvellous party (Sharp South Park Remix)' // 'I've been to a marvellous party (Floorgazm remix)' / 'I've been to a marvellous party (Pink Noise remix)'

Download: here

Bad times - Ellis Beggs and Howard

After Kajagoogoo split in 1986, bassist Nick Beggs started to work with several other musicians. He formed Ellis Beggs & Howard in March 1987, together with Simon Ellis and Austin Howard. They quickly found success in Europe, thanks to debut single 'Big bubbles, no troubles'. This single, 'Bad times', was the second single, which failed to make any impact in the charts. The album 'Homelands' underwent a similar fate.

My collection: 7" single no. 3513

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 0,75 euro

Tracks: 'Bad times' / 'One tongue'

Download: here

Carmen Brasilia - Bob Callaghan and co.

This single was released in 1972 at the same time as other versions of 'Carmen Brasilia' by Anarchic System and Revolution System. The Moog synthesizer was getting popular under the influence of Gershon Kingsley's 'Popcorn' tune. Like the other versions, 'Carmen Brasilia' is an instrumental track, performed on a Moog synthesizer, based on the most famous part of the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. The B-side of this single is based on the old traditional 'Amazing grace'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3501

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 3 euro

Tracks: 'Carmen Brasilia' / 'Il gabbiano infelice'

Download: Album 'Instrumental Moog Synthesizer', including both tracks

Highly Strung - Spandau Ballet

Just like on previous 12" single 'I'll fly for you', Spandau Ballet fans got their money's worth when they got the 12" single of 'Highly Strung': it contained two remixes of that track. The A-side was called 'Highly Re-Strung' and on the B-side there was an extended version of 'Highly Strung'. It was the third single taken from their million-selling album 'Parade', which would be their last album on the Chrysalis label. 'Highly strung' reached number 15 in the UK singles chart.

I bought this 12" single yesterday during a shopping spree in Amsterdam. It's good to know that old vinyl is still on the market when you know where to look.

My collection: 12" single no. 473
Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Highly re-strung' / 'Highly strung (extended version)'

Cheers then - Bananarama

'Cheers Then' appeared on Bananarama's debut album 'Deep Sea Skiving' and was released as the third single in December 1983. After having had three consecutive top-ten hits, 'Cheers Then' peaked at a disappointing number 45 in the UK singles chart.

The music video was a recreation of the musical film The Sound of Music. The girls re-enact many of the scenes from the film, including the step-jumping scene for 'Do-Re-Mi' and running in the hills.

My collection: 7" single no. 2565

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, November 19, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Cheers then' / 'Girl about town'

Download: here