Jack is back - Earth and Fire

The second single from Earth & Fire's 1982 album 'In a state of flux' was the radiofriendly 'Jack is back', an unpretentious pop song from the band that had slowly moved away from their progressive rock roots.

The single reached number 29 in the Dutch Top 40. Although all three singles from 'In a state of flux' reached the Dutch Top 40, it was also the last album by the band - until a reunion album in 1989, that is.

My collection: 7" single no. 430
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 29, 1986
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Jack is back' / 'Hide away'

I just can't help it - The Korgis

Released in 1980, 'I just can't help it' was the Korgis' fourth single release. Their debut single 'Young 'n Russian' was released twice without chart success, whereas their second single 'If I had you' gave them their first chart success.

'I just can't help it' was remixed for the single release, but it didn't help matters much: the single didn't reach the UK singles chart. Their next single would be the biggest hit of their career: 'Everybody's gotta learn sometimes'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2899
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 30, 1997
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'I just can't help it' / 'O Maxine'

I want your (hands on me) - Sinéad O'Connor

'I want your (hands on me)' was already not the strongest track on Sinéad O'Connor's debut album 'The lion and the cobra', but the single version, released in the spring of 1988, had the added bonus of a rap by a certain MC Lyte. And as you well know, rapping is the worst kind of self-expression.

I wasn't going to buy this single at first, until I noticed the B-side contained a live version of 'Just call me Joe', recorded during a BBC Radio One session in 1987. Okay, so the B-side was better than the A-side this time around... The single reached number 77 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2546
Found: Record Exchange, London, November 1, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I want your (hands on me) (feat. MC Lyte)' / 'Just call me Joe (live)'

Killer - Seal

Adamski and Seal recorded 'Killer' in 1990, providing Seal with a platform from which to launch his own solo career. On his debut album, he recorded a new version of the song - and this version was released as the fourth single from the album. This new version was produced by Trevor Horn and William Orbit.

Seal's version of 'Killer' reached number 8 in the UK singles chart. The B-side consisted of two tracks, both recorded live in an attempt to launch him as a 'serious' live artist too. Seal has since done several tours, proving that his great voice is not just a product of studio alterations.

My collection: 7" single no. 2165
Found: London, September 26, 1994
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Killer' / 'Hey Joe', 'Come see what love has done'

Drive - The Cars

'Drive' was the third single from the Cars' 1984 album 'Heartbeat City'. Written by Ric Ocasek and produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and the Cars, the lead vocals were performed by the band's bassist Benjamin Orr.

The single reached number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 28 in the Dutch Top 40. In the summer of 1985, the song was used for a video showing footage of hungry Ethiopian children during the Live Aid concert. Despite the fact that 'Who's gonna drive you home tonight' is a bit of a stupid question in a country where cars are nowhere to be seen and the question 'Who's gonna give you food tonight' might be more appropriate, the single found itself in the public eye once more. When it was re-released, it reached number 4 in the UK and number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 327
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Drive' / 'Stranger eyes'

Fame 90 - David Bowie

'Fame' was written by David Bowie, Carlos Alomar and John Lennon in 1975. The original version of the song was released as a single that same year and shot to number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1990, a remixed version of the song was released by EMI to coincide with the Sound + Vision tour and the release of the ChangesBowie compilation cd. The B-side of the single featured a very regrettable version with random mumblings by a female rapper. In the UK, 'Fame 90' was released in a special pack featuring three photograph prints. The single reached number 28 in the UK singles chart and did not chart in the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 1229
Found: Free Record Shop, April 22, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Fame 90 (Gass mix)' / 'Fame 90 (Queen Latifah's rap version)'

I don't care anymore - Phil Collins

A track like 'I don't care anymore' is a far cry from the syrupy ballad material Phil Collins recorded later on in his solo career. Apparently, the lyric of this song is about the anger Collins felt after his first marriage dissolved.

Taken from his second solo album 'Hello, I must be going!', this single did not chart. The B-side was released as a single later on, and reached number 45 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2416
Found: July 22, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I don't care anymore' / 'Don't let him steal your heart away'