Freedom - George Michael

George Michael wrote the song 'Freedom '90' almost as a small autobiography. It described his fame and fortune in the early days with Wham!. The song was initially perceived to be describing Michael's effort to break free from his publishing contract with Sony Music. However, as Michael's sexuality came to light a few years later, the song became equally recognized as a one that describes the struggles of being a homosexual in the closet. The ''90' added to the end of the title is to prevent confusion with a Wham! song also titled 'Freedom'.

While still refusing to appear in music videos, a music video was directed by David Fincher, featuring a number of supermodels, including Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford, who mouthed the words. It also featured the destruction of various symbols of Michael's past, including the famous guitar, jukebox, and leather jacket of the 'Faith' era. The single was rewarded with a number 1 in Japan, peaking at number 28 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3257
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 20, 2000
Cost: 40p
Tracks: 'Freedom '90' / 'Freedom '90 (Back to reality mix)'

Rockit - Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit' is one of many instrumental tracks released as a single in the Eighties. It stood out because of the groundbreaking music video directed by Godley & Creme, featuring robot-like sculptures by Jim Whiting moving in time to the music in a seemingly perpetuum mobile.

Featuring scratch sounds and synthesizers, it was very much of its time, but also a track that has stood the test of time. It was a big hit in Europe, peaking at number 7 in the Netherlands and Austria, number 10 in Sweden and number 4 in Switzerland.

My collection: 7" single no. 1603
Found: March 28, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Rockit' / 'Rockit (album version)'

Straight lines - New Musik

In 1980, CBS Records released the 'NU Disk' series of records on the Epic label. While they were similar to EP's, since both formats contained more than two tracks. EPs were usually on 7″ vinyl, and played at 45rpm. NU Disks were on 10″ vinyl, and they played at 33 1/3 rpm! For the most part, NU Disks were by New Wave synth-pop bands.

'Straight lines' by New Musik is a good example of that. Their NU Disk contained three album tracks (from their album 'From A to B', also released in 1980) plus the 'B-side' track 'Sad films'.

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: unknown
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Straight lines', 'On islands' / 'Living by numbers', 'Sad films'

Give up your guns - The Buoys

Bill Kelly, Fran Brozena, Jerry Hludzik, Carl Siracuse, Chris Hanlon and Sally Rosoff formed the Buoys in the early Seventies. The band was based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Songwriter Rupert Holmes wrote their first hit 'Timothy' in 1971 and selected the Buoys to record this song himself.

The follow-up single 'Give up your guns', a narrative featuring an escaped bank robber. The single has the distinction of becoming a top 10 hit twice: it reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1972, then reached number 8 in the summer of 1979.

My collection: 7" single no. 376
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Give up your guns' / 'The prince of thieves'

I drove all night - Cyndi Lauper

'I drove all night' was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly for Roy Orbison. He first recorded the song in 1987, but it was only released in 1992, after it was a top 10 hit for Cyndi Lauper in 1989.

Lauper recorded the track for her third solo album 'A night to remember'. The single reached number 6 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 7 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 876
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 10, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I drove all night' / 'Maybe he'll know'

Never as good as the first time - Sade

I'm glad to say that my collection of Sade singles also contains some rarities. Some of them have already been featured on this blog - and here's another one. 'Never as good as the first time' was the third single from Sade's second album 'Promise' and while it was re-recorded for the single release, this Spanish promo contains the album version of the track.

What's more, it is a one-sided disc. Although the B-side does have a label, there is no groove pressed on it. The sleeve features the Spanish tour dates and a photograph that is not used on the regular sleeve of the single. Quite the collector's item!

My collection: 7" single no. 3268
Found: October 22, 2000
Cost: ?
Tracks: 'Never as good as the first time'

I want that man - Deborah Harry

After having been in the band Blondie for years, Debbie Harry recorded her first solo album 'Kookoo' in 1981. The band then regrouped briefly, before disbanding in 1983. Six years later, Harry released her second solo album 'Def dumb and blonde'.

'I want that man' was the first single taken from that album. Produced by Tom Bailey (ex-Thompson Twins) and Eric "E.T." Thorngren, the single sounded more poppy than any of her previous work, either with or without the band Blondie. She was rewarded with a number 13 peak position in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1057
Found: HMV, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'I want that man' / 'Bike boy'