Since yesterday - Strawberry Switchblade

This single is the one that earned Strawberry Switchblade the title of 'one hit wonders'. How unfair! The album they released in the same year, 1985, is full of poppy tracks that could easily have won over the general public. But then, you already knew that, didn't you? I wrote about them before.

I got my copy of this single long overdue, as a belated birthday present from my brother. He had this collection of singles he was going to sell, and I found a small stack of little gems in that collection.

My collection: 7" single no. 2809

Found: Den Haag, January 26, 1997

Cost: nothing (present)

Tracks: 'Since yesterday' / 'By the sea'

Download: Since yesterday, By the sea

Maniac - Michael Sembello

Michael Sembello began his career as a professional musician by becoming a studio guitarist. He did session work for artists like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. In 1983, he released his debut album 'Bossa Nova Hotel'. It included the track 'Maniac', which was selected for the soundtrack of the movie 'Flashdance'. It gave him his first (and last) international hit.

A big hit like that is often the kiss of death for a pop artist. These days, Sembello's career has been focused on Eastern music and spirituality.

My collection: 7" single no. 491

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1984

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Maniac' / 'Maniac (instrumental)'

Download: here

Another man - One 2 Many

The band One 2 Many consisted of Dag Kolsrud (keyboard), Camilla Griehsel (vocals) and Jan Gisle Ytterdal (guitar). They formed in Norway in the mid-eighties and signed to A&M Records. Their debut album 'Mirror' spawned four singles, of which 'Another man' was the second. The single did less well than the debut single 'Downtown', which became a hit in various territories. 'Another man' didn't chart outside of Scandinavia.

The 12" single contains only an instrumental version of 'Another man', no further remixes. But the sleeve alone would persuade many men to buy it. Including me.

My collection: 12" single no. 410

Found: Record Exchange, London, 2002

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Another man' / 'You're the reason', 'Another man (instrumental)'

Download: here

When love breaks down - Prefab Sprout

'When love breaks down' was released four times by CBS Records before it finally reached the UK Singles chart in November 1985. And even then it managed to peak at number 25. Why it was so difficult for this single to become a hit, I'll never understand. The record company did their best, anyway. There are several different sleeves around for this single, and the double single which I found recently should also have helped. It includes four tracks spread over two discs.

My collection: 7" single no. 3465

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 29, 2008

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'When love breaks down' / 'Diana' // 'The yearning loins' / 'Donna Summer'

Download: here

Winter song - Angel

The American heavy metal band Angel always dressed in white. They were discovered by Kiss's Gene Simmons and were signed to their record label Casablanca. Angel never achieved mass commercial success but did get a cult following. Their single 'Winter song' was released in early 1978 and reached no. 20 in the Netherlands. One thing is obvious: this band ain't so tough. They recorded 'Winter song' with the California Boys Choir...

My collection: 7" single no. 2600

Found: Grammofoonplatenwinkel, Utrecht, December 30, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Winter song' / 'Can you feel it'

Download: Album 'An Anthology', including both tracks

Telegraph - OMD

'Telegraph' was the second single taken from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 1983 album 'Dazzle Ships'. After the success of 'Maid of Orleans' a year earlier, the singles from 'Dazzle Ships' did considerably worse. 'Genetic engineering' only made no. 20 in the UK singles chart, while this single only reached no. 42.

When I see that Esprit Mailorder is currently selling this picture disc for almost 13 euros, I'm glad I found my copy last weekend for a quarter of that price.

My collection: 7" single no. 3509

Found: Record Mania, Amsterdam, December 27, 2008

Cost: 3 euro

Tracks: 'Telegraph' / '66 and fading'

Download: here

Why? - Bronski Beat

Bronski Beat released 'Why?' as the follow-up single to 'Smalltown boy'. The song was recorded at RPM Studios, New York City and pursued an energetic musical formula. The lyrics focused more centrally on anti-gay prejudice. It became the trio's second Top 10 success in the UK and the Netherlands, peaking at number 6 in the former and number 2 in the latter. These days it is still considered to be a popular gay anthem.

My collection: 7" single no. 2126

Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, July 30, 1994

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Why?' / 'Cadillac car'

Download: here