Alive and kicking - Simple Minds

'Alive and kicking' was released as a single from the Simple Minds' 1985 album 'Once upon a time'. The single featured a single version that was 40 seconds shorter than the album version. However, the instrumental version on the B-side was 35 seconds longer, clocking in at 6 minutes.

The single reached number 7 in the UK singles chart, number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1470
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Alive and kicking' / 'Alive and kicking (instrumental)'

What have I done to deserve this? - Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield

The Pet Shop Boys recorded a duet with Dusty Springfield in 1987. It was released as the second single from their 1987 album 'Actually'. The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart, the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Dutch Top 40. (What a coincidence!)

The song's success helped revive Springfield's career and led to a resurgence of interest in her music. Following this duet, the Pet Shop Boys wrote and produced the singles 'Nothing has been proved' and 'In private' for Springfield.

My collection: 7" single no. 1641
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 3, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'What have I done to deserve this?' / 'A new life'

Famous last words - Tears for Fears

'Famous last words' was the last track on the Tears for Fears album 'The seeds of love' (1989) and released as the fourth and final sigle from that album. It was released by the record company without the band's involvement.

The single peaked at number 83 in the UK singles chart. Around this time, Curt Smith left Tears for Fears and Roland Orzabal continued the band alone.

My collection: 7" single no. 1348
Found: Melody Maker, October 27, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Famous last words' / 'Mothers talk (US remix)'

Hang on now - Kajagoogoo

With its swirling synthesizers and lush production, 'Hang on now' was the third top 20 hit for Kajagoogoo in 1981, taken from their debut album 'White feathers'. It was also their last single before lead singer Limahl left Kajagoogoo.

From the second album on, Kajagoogoo continued as a quartet, with bassist Nick Beggs taking over vocal duties.

My collection: 7" single no. 1308
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 15, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Hang on now' / 'Hang on now (instrumental)'

Banana republic - Boomtown Rats

Banana republic is a derogatory term for a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. The Boomtown Rats had a hit in the UK with a song with the title 'Banana republic', reaching number 3 in the UK singles chart in November 1980.

The track was taken from their 1980 album 'Mondo Bongo'. The album was was produced by Tony Visconti, who is best known for his work with David Bowie.

My collection: 7" single no. 958
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 10, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Banana republic' / 'Man at the top'

Never / These dreams - Heart

Both 'Never' and 'These dreams' were released as singles in 1985, but this double A-side was released in the UK in a limited edition gatefold sleeve edition in 1988. This is after their biggest success 'Alone', taken from 'Bad animals' (1987). These two tracks come from Heart's previous self-titled album (1985).

This double A-side release was another success for the band, peaking at number 8 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3104
Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 13, 1999
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Never' / 'These dreams'

Please don't make me cry - UB40

After UB40 had a big success with their cover version of 'Red red wine' (originally recorded by Neil Diamond), they released 'Please don't make me cry'. Both singles were taken from the group's 1983 album 'Labour of love', a collection of covers. The B-side of this single is a cover of Bob Marley's 'Keep on moving'.

This single peaked at number 10 on the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 817
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 13, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder Tracks: 'Please don't make me cry' / 'Keep on moving'