I see a boat on the river - Boney M

Not long after the American band Styx released their single 'Boat on the river', Boney M released 'I see a boat on the river'. It was another big hit for the band, reaching number 7 in the Netherlands. The track appeared on the compilation album 'The magic of Boney M', along with the B-side, 'My friend Jack'. This track was released as an A-side in the UK, but only made number 57 there.

My collection: 7" single no. 47

Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1980

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'I see a boat on the river' / 'My friend Jack'

Gli impermeabili - Paolo Conte

Italian singer Paolo Conte had his first Dutch chart success in 1987 with 'Gli impermeabili', a beautiful melodic piece of work. It peaked at number 30 in the Dutch Top 40. His biggest hit 'Max' followed six months later.

I didn't catch this song as it was in the charts, but got to know it later through a Paolo Conte compilation album. I bought the single some time after that, having already forgotten what the song sounded like, but remembering that I liked it. Sometimes all you need is a title.

My collection: 7" single no. 2273
Found: Record fair, April 23, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Gli impermeabili' / 'Simpati-Simpatia'

Come back to me - Janet Jackson

'Come back to me' is the fifth single taken from Janet Jackson's highly successful album 'Rhythm nation 1814'. It reached number 20 in the UK singles chart in January 1990.

Part of the success can be attributed to this limited edition 7" box set, which came with a free fold-out poster and an '1814' metal badge. I had a hard time finding a copy of this, but finally managed to do this during a holiday in London in October 1990.

My collection: 7" single no. 1169

Found: Record Exchange, London, October 1990

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Come back to me (7" I'm beggin' you mix)' / 'Alright (7"R&B mix)'

The piano song - Freur

Freur's second album 'Get us out of here!' (1985) was only released in Germany and the Netherlands. The single 'The piano song' was taken from this album, but it was another unsuccessful release by the band.

In 1986, Freur went into recess when John Warwicker left the band. A year later, remaining members Karl Hyde, Rick Smith, Alfie Thomas and Bryn Burrows, along with bassist Baz Allen started a new band called Underworld, and had a minor success with the single 'Underneath the Radar' (1988).

My collection: 7" single no. 2955

Found: Record fair, February 7, 1998

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'The piano song' / 'Emeralds and pearls'

Mama used to say - Junior

Junior Giscombe debuted in 1982 with 'Mama used to say'. It was a number 7 hit in the UK, but also made it into the top 10 in the USA, which earned him a 'best newcomer' award from Billboard magazine. This flying start didn't help his further career, though: the only other top 10 hit Junior had in the UK was a duet with Kim Wilde in 1987 ('Another step (closer to you)').

I got to know the song because of an acapella rendition during a television programme. It was interesting enough for me to try and find out the original version.

My collection: 7" single no. 2383

Found: House of rhythm, London, July 1, 1995

Cost: 60p

Tracks: 'Mama used to say' / 'Mama used to say (instrumental mix)'

World outside your window - Tanita Tikaram

The fourth and last single from Tanita Tikaram's debut album 'Ancient heart' was 'World outside your window'. The single did not chart in the Netherlands and only managed a number 58 placing in the UK during its two week run in the singles chart. It was probably a tad optimistic for the record company to want to milk the album.

The song is upbeat, quite catchy and accessible nonetheless. I bought my - slightly tattered - copy in a warehouse after it was thrown in the discount bin.

My collection: 7" single no. 948

Found: V&D, Den Haag, July 21, 1989

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'World outside your window' / 'For all these years (instrumental)'

While you wait - New Musik

At some point, every New Musik single I found was a nice surprise. I had the albums 'From A to B', 'Anywhere' and 'Warp', and I knew that all the tracks were great. So all I had to look for next were the B-sides. And there were B-side aplenty: 'While you wait', this single, even had two.

I never understood the lack of commercial success New Musik had though. Out of a dozen singles, only four made the UK singles chart - and even less abroad. It's a shame: when you listen to these tracks now they still sound fresh.

My collection: 7" single no. 2915

Found: November 1, 1997

Cost: unknown

Tracks: 'While you wait' / 'From the village', 'Guitars'