Ein Bisschen Frieden - Nicole

'Ein Bisschen Frieden' was written by Eurovision Song Contest veterans Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger. It was performed at the 1982 edition of the Contest by 17 year old high school student Nicole. With her innocent looks and white guitar, she managed to secure Germany's first (and last) ever win.

I hated the song with a passion. The tacky lyrics and the corny melody did nothing for me. But all these years later, there is one convincing reason to own this single: I have nearly all of the Eurovision winners.

My collection: 7" single no. 3376

Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2003

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Ein Bisschen Frieden' / 'Thank you, merci, danke'

Human features - Black

Originally a three-piece pop outfit from Roby, near Liverpool, England, Black featured Colin Vearncombe (born June 25, 1962, West Derby, Liverpool), Dave Dickie and Jimmy Sangster. Vearncombe was previously in the Epileptic Tits at the age of 16, playing punk cover versions. He then moved on to producing his own tapes until Dickie (ex-Last Chant) and Sangster formed a unit together.

Black's first single was 'Human features', released in 1981 on the independent Rox label. The single did not chart and was probably released in a very small quantity. Finding this single is next to impossible. I searched for it for years on end, and finally only got it because an old Black fan was selling off his items. I spent a small fortune, but was extremely happy to get my hands on this rare recording.

My collection: 7" single no. 2983
Found: Private seller, received April 9, 1998
Cost: 20 pounds (or more)
Tracks: 'Human features' / 'Electric church'

I don't want to talk about it - Everything but the girl

'Everything but the grl are Tracey Thorn on vocals and Ben Watt on guitar and vocals. 'I don't want to talk about it' was released to coincide with their fourth LP, 'Idlewild' (February 1988) from which the B-side 'Oxford Street' is taken. The string arrangement was written by Ben Watt and Nick Ingman.'

The back of the sleeve tells a rather complete story. However, the single only became a hit in July 1988, but when it did, it reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, making it the duo's biggest hit up to that point.

My collection: 7" single no. 1566

Found: All that music, Leiden, January 2, 1992

Cost: 2,5 guilders

Tracks: 'I don't want to talk about it' / 'Oxford Street'

I don't want to talk about it - Rod Stewart

'I don't want to talk about it' was written by Danny Whitten. His band Crazy Horse released it on their self-titled album in 1971. In 1975, Rod Stewart recorded his version for his album 'Atlantic Crossing'.

The single topped the singles chart in the UK, although it has been claimed afterwards that this was rigged and that the Sex Pistols' 'God save the queen' was the actual best selling single at the time. In Germany the single reached number 4, and in the Netherlands it went to number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 1162

Found: All that music, Leiden, January 27, 1990

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'I don't want to talk about it' / 'The first cut is the deepest'

Run silent - Shakespear's sister

The debut album by Shakespear's sister, 'Sacred heart', featured a track 'Run silent, run deep'. It was released as a single with the shorter title 'Run silent'. The single was released in a limited edition gatefold sleeve, with a booklet in the middle.

It did not help the chart placing of the single: it only made number 54 in the UK singles chart. To me, it's still one of the better tracks from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 991

Found: Tower Records, London, October 16, 1989

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Run silent' / 'Mr. Wrong'

Wicked game - Chris Isaak

Chris Isaak recorded 'Wicked Game' for his third studio album 'Heart shaped world'. Despite being released as a single in 1989, it didn't become a hit until it was later featured in the David Lynch film 'Wild at heart'. This single is the latter release, with an instrumental track by Angelo Badalamenti - also from the film - on the B-side. Part of the success can also be attributed to the music video, directed by Herb Ritts, featuring a topless Helena Christensen.

The single went to number 10 in the UK and number 5 in the Netherlands. It also become Chris Isaak's only American hit single, peaking at number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 1380
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, February 9, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Wicked game' (Chris Isaak) / 'Cool cat walk' (Angelo Badalamenti)

Love of my life - Queen

The studio version of 'Love of my life' appeared on Queen's 1975 album 'A night at the Opera'. Freddie Mercury wrote it on the piano and guitarist Brian May rearranged the song for acoustic 12-string guitar to facilitate live performances. The song was written for Mary Austin, Mercury's girlfriend at the time.

This live version, taken from the double album 'Live killers' was released as a single in 1979. It was a number one hit in Brazil and Argentina, but stalled at number 63 in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 1574

Found: January 25, 1992

Cost: 7,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Love of my life (live)' / 'Now I'm here (live)'