Layla (acoustic) - Eric Clapton

It was a good concept for a TV programme: take an artist, preferably an accomplished one, and have him (or her, or them) play a selection of his tracks without the aid of electronic equipment. This was the basic idea for 'MTV Unplugged', a series that turned out well in the early Nineties. It was interesting to see that bands like the Cure were exceptionally inventive, and singers like George Michael, Seal and even Eric Clapton were actually very good. (And what a shame that Tori Amos had already become too contrived by the time she appeared in the programme).

Sometimes artists would release their performances on 'Unplugged' as an album. Eric Clapton's performance was released in 1992, with the performance of 'Layla' released as a single. It reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 45 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1774
Found: Virgin Megastore, London, October 21, 1992
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Layla (acoustic)' / 'Tears in heaven (acoustic)'

Hail Hail Rock 'n' Roll - Garland Jeffreys

'Hail hail rock 'n' roll' is a tribute to Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent and many other stars of the early rock & roll days. Garland Jeffreys recorded the track, which is named after the Chuck Berry album from 1987.

The single reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 72 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1640
Found: May 3, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Hail hail rock 'n' roll' / 'Bottle of love'

Sticky George - James Warren and the Korgis

'Sticky George' was the title track from the Korgis' third studio album. It was released as a single in 1981. Like with the single 'Dumb waiters', the artwork department had an easy week, as again the album sleeve was used for this single.

The single did not reach the chart in any territory. I do remember hearing it for the first time back in 1981 and being very impressed.

My collection: 7" single no. 1534
Found: Brussels, October 11, 1991
Cost: 80 Belgian Francs
Tracks: 'Sticky George' / 'Nowhere to run'

Will you be there (in the morning) - Heart

'Will you be there (in the morning)' was written by songwriter and producer Robert John 'Mutt' Lange, who also wrote Heart's 1990 chart hit 'All I wanna do is make love to you'. Personally, I much prefer this song.

The track was released as the first single from the band's 11th studio album 'Desire walks on'. It was the only single from the album to reach the chart, peaking at number 39 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK, it reached number 19. The 7" single was released only as a picture disc in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 2077
Found: February 19, 1994
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Will you be there (in the morning)' / 'These dreams (live)'

So lonely - The Police

'So lonely' was originally released as a single from the album 'Outlandos d'Amour' in November 1978. The single did not chart at first, but when it was re-released in February 1980 it reached number 6 in the UK and number 31 in the Dutch Top 40.

According to Sting, 'Let's be honest here, 'So lonely' was unabashedly culled from 'No woman no cry' by Bob Marley. Same chorus. What we invented was this thing of going back and forth between thrash punk and reggae. That was the little niche we created for ourselves.'

My collection: 7" single no. 1014
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'So lonely' / 'No time this time'

Forever dancing - Beloved

Janet Jackson fans may want to have this 12" single, as it samples her track 'Nasty'. Besides, the lyric of 'When I think of you' is quoted by singer Jon Marsh. 'Forever dancing' was released in 1987 during a stage in the Beloved's career when all their records failed to reach the charts in the UK.

The band originally had a guitar-oriented sounds (as is evident from the two other tracks on this 12" single) but soon began using drum machines and dance elements. Real success would come when Guy Gausden and Tim Havard left the group and Jon Marsh and Steve Waddington recorded the album 'Happiness'.

My collection: 12" single no. 158
Found: Den Haag, 1992
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Forever dancing (remix)' / 'If only '87', 'Surprise me'

Almost seems (too late to turn) - Clannad

'Almost seems (too late to turn)' is a track on Clannad's 1985 album 'Macalla' and, to me, a standout track on their compilation album 'Pastpresent' released a few years later. The song was used as the official Children in Need charity single for 1985 in the UK.

However, the single only reached the number 80 position in the UK singles chart. My copy of the single was used for promotion and still has a sticker 'Not for resale' on the label.

My collection: 7" single no. 2705
Found: July 3, 1996
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Almost seems (too late to turn)' / 'Journey's end'