Just like that - Gemini

'Just like that' was written and composed by Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1982. The song was one of many to be recorded for Abba's new studio album. After several attempts at recording it, the band finally decided to put it aside (A part of it was finally released in 1994 when Abba released the 'Thank you for the music' box set).

In 1985, Ulvaeus and Andersson decided to rework both composition and lyrics, offering it to Karin and Anders Glenmark, who recorded an album as Gemini, produced by the two Abba members. The single reached number 21 in the Netherlands, making it their only hit single in this country to date.

My collection: 7" single no. 408

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'Just like that' / 'Live on the love'

The story of me - Everly Brothers

Don and Phil Everly, better known as the Everly Brothers, had a very successful music career between 1957 and 1973, but split acrimoniously when Don Everly came onstage too drunk to perform live on July 14, 1973. They did not speak for ten years, and only met once in 1975 on their father's funeral.

The brothers reformed in 1983 with 'EB 84', an album produced by Dave Edmunds. The track 'On the wings of a nightingale', written by Paul McCartney, was a minor success and returned them to the charts. 'The story of me' was the second single taken from this album. While this didn't become a hit, it's my favourite Everly Brothers track and until now the only single of theirs that I have in my collection!

My collection: 7" single no. 269

Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1984

Cost: 5,5 guilders

Tracks: 'The story of me' / 'Following the sun'

I'll be your shelter - Taylor Dayne

'I'll be your shelter' was released as the second single from Taylor Dayne's 1989 album 'Can't fight fate'. Sounding more like a rock track than any of her previous singles, this was a bit of a departure from her dance-oriented repertoire. It didn't win over the audience: the single still only managed a number 43 placing in the UK, and did not chart in the Netherlands.

I thought it was a better single than 'With every beat of my heart', so I was really happy to buy this one.

My collection: 7" single no. 1176

Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 17, 1990

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'I'll be your shelter' / 'Ain't no good'

Ouragan / Irresistible - Stephanie

Royalty are usually old and boring, even the young ones. But Princess Stephanie of Monaco is an exception to this rule: she was a swimwear designer, a fashion model and a singer. She released her debut album 'Besoin' in 1986, a collection of Europop songs, with 'Ouragan / Irresistible' as the first single taken from that album.

The song was written by Romano Musumarra, who had already written hits for French singers Jeanne Mas and Elsa. He actually offered 'Ouragan' to Jeanne Mas, but after she declined, he decided to offer it to the princess. The single was a number 1 hit in France, where it topped the chart for two months. In Germany it peaked at number 2, and in the Netherlands it reached number 31.

My friend Puck once made a nice remix of this track. Perhaps he will upload it here...

My collection: 7" single no. 3361

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 2002

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Ouragan' / 'Irresistible'

Crazy on you - Heart

Heart released their debut single in 1976. 'Crazy on you' would be featured on their debut album 'Dreamboat Annie'. It was a hardrock track, true to the sound of the early years of the band. The single peaked at number 35 in their native America, but reached number 2 in the Netherlands.

I vividly remember hearing this song as a child, thanks to my sister who'd bought the single while they were too expensive for me to buy. I've always held a soft spot for the band since then.

My collection: 7" single no. 535

Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 28, 1987

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Crazy on you' / 'Soul of the sea'

Game on - Catatonia

'International velvet' was the third album of the Welsh band Catatonia, which consisted of lead singer Cerys Matthews with Mark Roberts, Paul Jones, Owen Powell and Aled Richards. The album became their breakthrough as it topped the UK albums chart in 1998.

The single 'Game on' was the fifth taken from the album and included a live acoustic version of the previous single 'Strange glue' on the B-side. This limited edition 7" single was pressed on bright green vinyl and also included a large poster.

My collection: 7" single no. 3040

Found: Record fair, 1998

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Game on' / 'Strange glue (live acoustic version)'

The sun always shines on TV - A-ha

Released as the second single from their debut album 'Hunting high and low', 'The sun always shines on TV' was a powerful pop/rock track, starting out as a ballad. While the previous single 'Take on me' was a number one hit in America and many other countries, this single failed to match that success. Only in the UK and Ireland, where 'Take on me' had peaked at number 2, this single managed to top the chart in early 1986.

The single version of 'The sun always shines on TV' is 30 seconds shorter than the album version and has never been released on cd. The B-side has only ever been released on cd in Japan.

My collection: 7" single no. 393

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'The sun always shines on TV' / 'Driftwood'