On the outside - Roch Voisine

Roch Voisine was born as Joseph Armand Roch Voisine in Edmundston, New Brunswick (Canada) on March 26, 1963. He aspired to be a professional ice hockey player until he was severely injured playing baseball in 1981. (Further proof that sports are unhealthy for you.)

His musical breakthrough came with his 1989 album Hélène which sold three million copies and became a major hit not only in Quebec but also in France, Belgium and Switzerland.His self-titled album from 1990 featured this single, 'On the outside'. It became a hit in the Netherlands - his only one to date - peaking at number 21.

My collection: 7" single no. 1546
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 2, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'On the outside' / 'She had a dream'

Riders on the storm - The Doors

The musical legacy of the Doors has proved to be indestructible. Their albums have been remastered, reissued and re-released countless times, and every time they attract a new, younger audience. The music and lyrics are a powerful concoction that can be consumed without any reservations - unlike the amounts of drugs lead singer and principal songwriter Jim Morrison took that ultimately killed him.

This single was released in 1990 to promote the album 'The best of the Doors', which is what the title promises: a compilation album of their biggest hits. 'Riders of the storm' was taken from the band's last album with Morrison, 'LA Woman'. Featured here is an edited version of that track.

My collection: 7" single no. 1171
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 9, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Riders on the storm [edit]' / 'The mosquito'

Bermuda triangle - Barry Manilow

In 1980, Barry Manilow released his album 'Barry', his first album not to top the US albums chart, stalling at number 15. The single 'Bermuda triangle' was taken from this album, but similarly failed to make an impact in the USA.

In the UK, the single was released a year later, and then managed to reach number 15. In Germany, it peaked at number 16.

My collection: 7" single no. 96
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Bermuda triangle' / 'Lonely together'

Showdown at big sky - Robbie Robertson

1987 was the year when the first cd player entered our house. Every disc my sister and me bought was played almost religiously, while we listened to the sound of this flawless disc. Of course, I was still very much into the 7" vinyl format, so when a great song came around that was released as a single, I bought it. It widened the scope of my musical tastes beyond radio material.

'Showdown at big sky' was one of those singles I never heard on the radio, but solely on my sister's copy of Robbie Robertson's cd 'Robbie Robertson'. A great song, which didn't chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 709
Found: 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Showdown at big sky' / 'Hell's half acre'

Big apple - Kajagoogoo

'Big apple' was the first single release by Kajagoogoo after lead singer Limahl had left the band. The remaining four members recorded this song with bassist Nick Beggs taking over vocal duties. The song features a harder, somewhat rockier sound when compared to the more 'polished' sound of their debut album.

The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. Things seemed to turn out alright for the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 738
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 9, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Big apple' / 'Monochromatic (live)'

Don't drive drunk - Stevie Wonder

'Don't drive drunk' contains all the hallmarks of dodgy Eighties production. Repetitive samples, funny sounds and, frankly, a rather sub-par sound overall. And still it's a catchy song, the kind that Stevie Wonder has a knack of.

The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'The woman in red' and released as a single in December 1984. It reached number 62 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3349
Found: Record fair, 2002
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't drive drunk' / 'Don't drive drunk (instrumental)'

Je ne sais pas pourquoi - Kylie Minogue

'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' was supposed to be released as a double A-side with 'Made in heaven', but it performed so well on its own that the plans to release it as a double A-side single were changed (Although this particular single does list it as the AA-side).

The song was released as Kylie's fourth single in the winter of 1988 and reached number 2 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3329
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' / 'Made in heaven'