For the love of Conchita - Doce

The Portuguese girl group Doce was formed in 1980 by Laura Diogo, Lena Coelho, Fátima Padinha, and Teresa Miguel. They participated in the Portuguese national final for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980, but finished second. In 1981 they tried again, with the song 'Ali-Bábá, um homem das Arábias', which finished fourth. Their third try in 1982 was successful: the song 'Bem bom' brought them to Harrowgate to participate in that year's Contest.

After this song was released as a single, they followed it up with 'For the love of Conchita'. It didn't chart in most countries, except for Portugal. I bought the single while buying a stack of singles in my favourite shop round the corner, just out of curiosity.

My collection: 7" single no. 3294

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'For the love of Conchita' / 'Choose again'

Why - Annie Lennox

After having been one half of Eurythmics together with David A. Stewart, Annie Lennox started to work on a solo album together with former Trevor Horn protegé Stephen Lipson. The first result of their work was the single 'Why', released in early 1992. The single was an immediate commercial success, peaking at number 1 in Italy, number 5 in the UK and Ireland and number 6 in Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

I bought the single immediately after its release, convinced as I was that Annie Lennox's work was worth buying. And it was, at least for that first album 'Diva'. Later albums never quite reached that level of quality in my humble opinion...

My collection: 7" single no. 1594

Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 21, 1992

Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Why' / 'Primitive'

Twist in my sobriety - Tanita Tikaram

Tanita Tikaram achieved an international breakthrough with the song 'Twist in My Sobriety' in 1988. Taken from her debut album 'Ancient heart', this self-penned song was immediately recognised as something special. The single peaked at number 22 in the UK, number 23 in the Netherlands, number 2 in Germany and Austria and number 6 in Switzerland, Norway and France.

The first line of the song, 'All God's children need travelling shoes' is the title of a book by writer/poet Maya Angelou. The song was covered by Liza Minelli in 1989. Other covers were made by Italian disco singer George Aaron, Chinese singer Chyi Yu and death metal band Cynicism.

My collection: 7" single no. 673

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, October 28, 1988

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'Twist in my sobriety (edit)' / 'Friends'

La folie - Valerie Lagrange

Valerie Lagrange was born in Paris on February 25, 1942. During her teens she started auditioning for acting roles, which resulted in her appearing in various French films. In 1964 she released her first single, a double A-side featuring the songs 'Paris-Wellington' and 'La nuit de mon amour'.

Many singles and albums later, Valerie released 'La folie' in 1984. It was taken from her album 'Les trottoirs de l’éternité'. It was a big hit in French-speaking countries, and also nearly made the Dutch Top 40. This is how I caught on to this song: it was regularly played on the radio and on one occasion I recorded it. Seven years later, I got hold of the single. It's still an alltime favourite of mine.

My collection: 7" single no. 1457
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, June 27, 1991
Cost: 3,9 guilders
Tracks: 'La folie' / 'Personne n'entend'

Felicidad - Boney M

Boney M released the single 'Felicidad' in 1980. The song was not included on any studio album. It was a cover of one hit wonder Massara's 'Margherita'. The single peaked at number 6 in Germany, but failed to chart in other countries.

Due to a frosty relationship to the group's members at the time, producer Frank Farian tried to record it with session singers Cathy Bartney, Patricia Shockley and Madeleine Davis plus himself only on vocals. He was then forced by record company Hansa to overdub Boney M. singers Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett's vocals.
My collection: 7" single no. 81
Found: Vienna, July 1980
Cost: nothing (present)
Tracks: 'Felicidad' / 'Strange'

The honeythief - Hipsway

Hipsway were formed in Glasgow in 1984 by ex-Altered Images guitarist Johnny McElhone on bass, and featuring Grahame Skinner (vocals), Pim Jones (guitar) and Harry Travers (drums). They were soon signed up by Mercury Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1985. Their debut single 'The honeythief' made number 17 in the UK singles chart, but stalled at number 33 in the Netherlands. The band split up in 1989, with McElhone leaving to found Texas.

I don't think I remembered the song when I bought it, but I did know I liked the song. Many years later, the track has disappeared from my memory alltogether. It was nice to hear it again when I played it recently.

My collection: 7" single no. 833
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 20, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'The honeythief' / 'Wild sorrow'

Follow my rainbow - Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton made her acting debut in November 1987 in the television series 'Miami Vice', playing a singer named Caitlin Davies. She was to be protected by Sonny Crockett (played by Don Johnson) until her court appearance to render crucial testimony against certain corrupt music industry mavens. After five episodes, the character ended up being killed just moments after singing 'Follow my rainbow'.

The song was featured on the soundtrack album for 'Miami Vice', which was released in 1988, and subsequently also appeared on Easton's own album 'The lover in me', that same year. The single was released in late 1989, but did not chart. Personally I think the sleeve is better than the record, actually.

My collection: 7" single no. 2320

Found: Record fair, June 3, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Follow my rainbow' / 'Days like this'