The runner - Three Degrees

The long career of the Three Degrees is quite extraordinary. Formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, they managed to be successful in three decades, first with Philadelphia soul, then with glittering disco and finally with Stock/Aitken/Waterman-produced dance music.

This single comes from the middle period: released in 1979, 'The runner' is an upbeat, fast-paced disco track, which has become a radio classic.

My collection: 7" single no. 3175

Found: Record fair, February 19, 2000

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'The runner' / 'Out of love again'

Fly like an eagle - Steve Miller Band

'Fly like an eagle' was written by Steve Miller. It appeared on his 1976 album of the same title. The song went to number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart during the week of January 8, 1977. Amazingly, it didn't chart in the UK, but it did reach number 27 in the Netherlands. Since then, it has gotten some sort of 'classic' status.

In 1997, Seal recorded a cover version of this song for the soundtrack of the movie 'Space Jam'. Still, nothing beats the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 359

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Fly like an eagle' / 'Mercury blues'

Is it a dream - Classix Nouveaux

Classix Nouveaux was formed in 1979 by Jak Airport, B.P. Hurding, Mik Sweeney and Sal Solo. Their first live gig took place in August 1979 at Camden Palace. With publicity growing for the band, their dramatic and heavily made up image helped quickly associate them with the New Romantic movement, alongside bands like Japan and Ultravox.

Their debut album 'Night people' came out in 1981. The single 'Guilty' narrowly missed the UK top 40, just like the three subsequent singles. It was 'Is it a dream', taken from their second album 'La Verité' (1982) that finally propelled them to number 11 in the UK chart. It is still their biggest hit and a regular on eighties compilation cd's.

My collection: 7" single no. 2886

Found: London, October 29, 1997

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Is it a dream' / 'Where to go'

Sweet lullaby - Deep Forest

Deep Forest is a musical group consisting of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. Michel Sanchez came up with the idea of mixing Baka Pygmy chants with modern music after hearing on-site recordings of these tribes. Along with Eric Mouquet they created the project Deep Forest.

Their first self-titled album (nominated for a Grammy) was released in 1992, with 'Sweet lullaby' being the hit single that would put Deep Forest on the musical map. It peaked at number 10 in the UK singles chart. The song is adapted from a traditional song from the Solomon Islands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3346

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, 2001

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Sweet lullaby (original mix)' / 'Sweet lullaby (ambient mix)'

Words - The Christians

The brothers Garry, Roger and Russell Christian together with Henry Christian Priestman formed the Christians in 1985. Roger left the band in 1987 because of his reluctance to go on tour. After a very successful debut album and a couple of charity singles, the band released their second album 'Colour' in 1990.

It was preceded by the single 'Words', based on a traditional folk tune. It was a good success in Europe, where it became a number 1 hit in France and peaked at number 5 in the Netherlands. It did less well in the UK, where it stalled at number 18. The vinyl single features an edit of 'Words', whereas other formats contained the full album version which lasts over 7 minutes.

My collection: 7" single no. 1127

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 8, 1989

Cost: 6,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Words' / 'Long gone'

See that glow - This Island Earth

This Island Earth was formed by John Hawkins and Kevin Brown in early 1983. The band also included Steve Brown, Rachel Furness and Mark Griffith. They signed to Magnet records, and released 'See that glow' in 1984. It became a minor hit in January 1985, peaking at number 47 in the UK singles chart. After one more single, the band disappeared from view.

This is a very catchy tune, but I forgot all about it after 1985. Almost a decade later I remembered it, and got this single during a record fair. It's always nice to rediscover and old gem.

My collection: 7" single no. 2572
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'See that glow' / 'See that glow (instrumental)'

Today - Talk Talk

'Today' was Talk Talk's first top 20 hit in the UK and Ireland. Taken from their debut album 'The party's over', the single was written by the whole band and featured the album track 'It's so serious' on the B-side. The songs were produced by Colin Thurston (who would go on to produce hits for Duran Duran and Howard Jones).

I bought the single several years after its release, like all the singles taken from that album. At some point there seemed to be no end to those early singles. But now I'm glad that I have them all.

My collection: 7" single no. 2168

Found: Record Exchange, London, September 26, 1994

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Today' / 'It's so serious'