Why can't we live together (new version) - Mike Anthony

So when 'Why can't we live together' by Mike Anthony was withdrawn, a new version was rushed out to continue the success story. This new version entered the Dutch Top 40 on April 17, exactly when the original version left the chart, and rose further to number 6. This version lasted eight weeks in the chart.

Further information about this track is not available. Mike Anthony also disappeared from the music business, at least here in the Western world.

My collection: 7" single no. 2421
Found: All that music, Leiden, July 22, 1995
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Why can't we live together (new version - part 1)' / 'Why can't we live together (new version - part 2)'

Why can't we live together - Mike Anthony

Mike Anthony entered the Dutch Top 40 on April 3, 1982 with his version of Timmy Thomas' 'Why can't we live together'. The chart run of this single was only two weeks, while in the second week it climbed to number 15.

The Jamaican DJ ran into some legal problems with this single, as it used samples of the original recording by Timmy Thomas without consent. Within two weeks, the single was withdrawn and replaced with a new version.

My collection: 7" single no. 2418
Found: Plaatboef, Leiden, July 22, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Why can't we live together (part 1)' / 'Why can't we live together (part 2)'

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'