Same old story - Ultravox

Released in September 1986, 'Same old story' was the first single from Ultravox's final album in the classic line-up with Midge Ure, 'U-vox'. The band moved away from their previous synth-based pop songs and showcased a more rock-oriented sound on this single.

The single wasn't a big hit for the band, peaking at number 31 in the UK singles chart. This limited edition version of the single is a nice item: the outer pvc sleeve has stripes on it, with which you can make the inner sleeve 'invisible', i.e. just a green square and no letters.

My collection: 7" single no. 2457
Found: Record fair, September 9, 1995
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Same old story' / '3'

The downtown lights - The Blue Nile

In 1989, the Scottish band The Blue Nile released their second album after five years of absence from the music scene. It was accepted by music critics with rave reviews, including a rare five-star rating from the UK's Q magazine.

The lead single from the album was 'The downtown lights', one of the few up-tempo tracks from the album. For the first time, the band reached the UK singles chart at number 67 during a one week chart run. The track was later covered by Annie Lennox on her second album 'Medusa'.

My collection: 7" single no. 990
Found: Tower Records, London, October 16, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'The downtown lights' / 'The wires are down'

Together forever - Rick Astley

'Together forever' was the fourth single from Rick Astley's debut album 'Whenever you need somebody'. The track was remixed for the single by Pete Hammond.

The single reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and number 2 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 12.

My collection: 7" single no. 2445
Found: September 2, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Together forever (Lover's leap remix)' / 'I'll never set you free'

I've got you under my skin - Neneh Cherry

In 1990, the album 'Red Hot and Blue' was released in order to raise funds for AIDS research. Twenty artists contributed cover versions of Cole Porter songs to the album. Neneh Cherry's version of 'I've got you under my skin' was released as the lead single from the album.

She did a rather creative cover version of the track, with some added raps and lyrics, a strong bassline and a little less melody. Still, the track stands up well. The single reached number 25 in the UK singles chart and number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2136
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, August 2, 1994
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I've got you under my skin' / 'I've got you under my skin (instrumental)'

Get on your feet - Gloria Estefan

Such is the nature of my record collection, that I sometimes buy a single I moderately like when the limited edition version is attractive enough. This single came in a foldout box set with four postcards. The price was right, so I bought it.

'Get on your feet' is taken from Gloria Estefan's album 'Cuts both ways'. The single peaked at number 23 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2909
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 1997
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Get on your feet' / '1, 2, 3 (live)'

Nothin' at all - Heart

'Nothin' at all' was the fourth single taken from Heart's self-titled 1985 album. It is a love song which describes a new relationship which falls into place without effort or conflict. The track was remixed for this single. In the remix, a vibrant alternate lead vocal take from Ann Wilson is featured with striking embellishments; Howard Leese's guitar solo is vastly different.

The single hit number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It only managed to reach number 76 on the UK singles chart, but a reissue in 1988 managed to reach number 38. The B-side of this single is a rather curious choice: the track was taken from Heart's 1978 album 'Magazine'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2473
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 16, 1995
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Nothin' at all (remix)' / 'I've got the music in me'

Different air - Living in a box

'Different air' was the last single by Living in a box to reach the UK singles chart, albeit at number 57 only. After the ballad hit 'Room in your heart', this single was a decidedly middle of the road track, that didn't touch a lot of people.

Artistic differences, as well as changes to their record label Chrysalis, caused the band to break up in 1990 before they could record a third album.

My collection: 7" single no. 1146
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, January 19, 1990
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Different air' / 'All the difference in the world'