Don't give up - Peter Gabriel

The Italian promo single is a strange phenomenon. There are several in my collection, and without exception they are white label promos, released in a custom white sleeve, with two A-side tracks from different artists on them. In this case: 'Don't give up' by Peter Gabriel and 'In too deep' by Genesis.

I'm not up on Italian chart placings, but it's safe to assume that both singles were a hit in Italy. What's interesting about this single is that in a way it reunites the old line-up of Genesis. But that's a rather pointless observation. It's a nice collector's item for fans of Genesis, Peter Gabriel... and Kate Bush of course.

My collection: 7" single no. 1718
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 19, 1992
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't give up' (Peter Gabriel with Kate Bush) / 'In too deep' (Genesis)

This is your land - Simple Minds

'This is your land' was released as the second single from the Simple Minds' 1989 album 'Street fighting years' in April 1989. The song was written and composed by the band and features Lou Reed as guest vocalist.

The single peaked at number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40. It's quite a long single, as both sides clock in at over six minutes. Great value for money!

My collection: 7" single no. 878
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 10, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'This is your land' / 'Saturday girl'

Closer to your heart - Clannad

With less folk influences, a clear rhythm and intelligable lyrics, 'Closer to your heart' was widely considered to be Clannad's first 'pop' single. The single was taken from the band's 1985 album 'Macalla'.

Amazingly, this great song did not chart in any territory. My copy of the single bears a sticker with the text 'Not for resale' on the back.

My collection: 7" single no. 1465
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Closer to your heart' / 'Buachaill on eirne'

So sorry, I said - Liza Minelli

'So sorry, I said' was the third single release from Liza Minelli's 1989 'Results' album, which was produced by the Pet Shop Boys. The single was released in a limited edition gatefold sleeve featuring a photograph of Liza with the Pet Shop Boys.

The two tracks on the single were both from the album, which may account for its low chart placing: it only reached number 62 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2269
Found: April 8, 1995
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'So sorry, I said' / 'I can't say goodnight'

I get lonely - Janet Jackson

'I get lonely' was released as the third single from Janet Jackson's sixth studio album 'The velvet rope' (1997) in February 1998. The single version featured extra material by Blackstreet, an American R&B group who apparently specialises in mumbling through other people's good songs in an incoherent manner.

Needless to say, I don't especially appreciate this version, but fortunately the remix on the B-side is a bit more interesting. The single reached number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3015
Found: September 5, 1998
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'I get lonely (TNT remix edit featuring Blackstreet)' / 'I get lonely (Jam & Lewis Feel my bass mix - radio edit)'

It's my mix - Talk Talk

I don't often write about my LP's on this blog, unless it's a rare or very interesting one. And here's a good example. Talk Talk's 'It's my mix' was released in Canada and Italy only (this is the Italian pressing) and contains six extended remixes of Talk Talk tracks. It also features a giant size poster of the photograph on the sleeve.

'Why is it so hard' was originally written by Talk Talk as a song for Michael Apred's film 'First born'. The 7" version of the track was first released on EMI's compilation album 'Asides besides' in 1998. The 12" US remix is only available on this LP - and has so far not been released on cd.

My collection: LP no. 133
Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, 1996
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Why is it so hard (12" US remix)', 'Talk Talk (12" mix)', 'My foolish friend (12" mix)' / 'It's my life (12" mix)', 'Dum dum girl (12" remix)', 'Such a shame (12" US remix)'

She kissed me - Terence Trent d'Arby

'She kissed me' was the third single taken from Terence Trent d'Arby's third album 'Symphony or damn'. It was a more rock-oriented track than any of his previous singles. The B-side features a rather bad remix of the album's first single 'Do you love me like you say'.

The single reached number 16 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2041
Found: HMV, London, October 22, 1993
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'She kissed me' / 'Do you love me like you say (Masters at work 12" mix)'