Der Kommissar - Matthew Gonder

Written by Robert Ponger and Falco, 'Der Kommissar' was originally a hit for Falco in 1982. Other acts were quick to follow and record cover versions of this song. I already wrote about the version by After the Fire, released in the summer of 1982.

This version was recorded by Matthew Gonder also in 1982. Apparently, besides this English translation of the track he's also recorded a French version. Ironically, I bought this single (in English) from a French dealer.

My collection: 7" single no. 3732

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Der Kommissar' / 'A part of me'

Love isn't love - Carola

This is the English version of 'Främling', the song with which Carola represented Sweden during the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest. Presumably she tried to conquer the UK with this single, but it was an unsuccessful attempt. The single was also widely available in the Netherlands, but I'm not sure whether it helped in achieving number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

While Carola didn't win Eurovision in 1983, she returned in 1991 to win the Contest with 'Fangad av en stormvind'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3718

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009

Cost: 3 euro

Tracks: 'Love isn't love' / 'Life'

On islands - New Musik

When I started collecting New Musik singles, I didn't know that the three albums they made brought forth so many different singles. I'm a lot wiser now than I was in the days before the Internet. I was aware of this French release for some time, but never thought I would actually find it - and so cheaply, too!

'On islands' is a track from New Musik's debut album 'From A to B'. The B-side 'Straight lines' was actually released as a single in the UK and was their first (minor) hit there. Now all I have to do is find the group's last single, 'The planet doesn't mind'...

My collection: 7" single no. 3730

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'On islands' / 'Straight lines'

Show you the way to go - The Jacksons

'Show you the way to go' was the second single by the Jacksons (They were named the Jackson 5 before that). It was their first hit in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 12 in the summer of 1977. In the UK, it did even better: it reached number one.

The song was written and produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, who were responsible for the majority of the Jacksons' work after they moved from the Motown label to Epic Records. In 1978, when they released 'Destiny', the Jacksons finally took over creative control.

My collection: 7" single no. 3738

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Show you the way to go' / 'Blues away'

Treat me good - Frizzle Sizzle

Time for some bubblegum pop, written by Jochem Fluitsma and Ed van Tijn, the songwriting duo that was responsible for a lot of bubblegum pop hits from the Eighties onwards. Although this song was no different from a lot of their other stuff - or perhaps because of that! - this single didn't become a hit. It signalled the beginning of the end for Frizzle Sizzle: after a few more unsuccessful singles they broke up.

My collection: 7" single no. 3740

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Treat me good' / 'Stand in your way'

Stand and deliver - Adam and the Ants

Released in spring 1981, 'Stand and deliver' was Adam and the Ants' biggest hit. Originally a track from their album 'Prince charming', it entered the UK singles chart at number one and stayed on that position for five weeks.

'Stand and deliver / Your money or your life' was a phrase commonly used by highwaymen in 18th century England during robberies. The music video featured Adam Ant dressed as a 'dandy highwayman'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3723

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Stand and deliver' / 'Beat my guest'

Parles-vous Français? - Baccara

Spanish flamenco artists Mayte Mateos and Maria Mondola formed Baccara in 1977. They achieved international success almost immediately with 'Yes sir I can boogie', a disco hit that went number one in various European countries.

Luxembourg was quick to recognise their success and invited them to represent the country during the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest. They performed the song 'Parlez-vous Français?', which became seventh in the Contest.

My collection: 7" single no. 3724

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 23, 2009

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Parlez-vous Français' / 'Amoureux'