We belong to the night - Ellen Foley

Releasing the bombastic single 'We belong to the night' in the slipstream of the success of 'Paradise by the dashboard light', the famous Meatloaf track on which Ellen Foley performed the female lead vocals, was a smart move from the record company.

It was also rewarded: 'We belong to the night' became a number 1 hit in the Netherlands for Ellen Foley in the autumn of 1979. Amazingly, the single did not chart in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 4182
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'We belong to the night' / 'Young lust'

Ramon - Fay Lovsky

Taken from Fay Lovsky's 1983 album 'Origami', the track 'Ramon' was remixed for the single release. It was one of many Fay Lovsky singles that didn't reach the Dutch Top 40.

I've seen this single numerous times over the years, but it is only now that I've decided to collect all of her singles that I finally got around to buying this one. I didn't know the track so well, but I'm glad to say this is one of her better singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 4177
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Ramon (special dance mix)' / 'Window across the street'

Lonely boy - Andrew Gold

Andrew Maurice Gold was born in Burbank, California on August 2, 1951. He recorded 'Lonely boy' in 1976 for his album 'What's wrong with this picture?' . The song features backing vocals by Linda Ronstadt. The lyric of the song follows the life of a child who is neglected by his parents after the birth of a younger sister. Many assume this song to be autobiographical, but Gold has denied this.

When released as a single in 1977, it reached number 7 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 11 in the UK singles chart and number 31 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4170
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Lonely boy' / 'Must be crazy'

The friends of Mr. Cairo - Jon and Vangelis

'The friends of Mr. Cairo' is the title track of Jon & Vangelis' second album, released in 1981. On the album, the track lasts 12 minutes, but is edited down to a little more than 4 minutes for this single release. It is still a rather confusing track, which didn't have any commercial appeal.

The song is an ode to classic Hollywood films of the Thirties and Fourties. Most notable references are to the classic film noir 'The Maltese falcon'. The track incorporates sound effects and voice impressions of the stars of the era, most notably Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre.

My collection: 7" single no. 4168
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The friends of Mr. Cairo' / 'Beside'

Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic - Jona Lewie

Jona Lewie is best known for his wry lyrics in the songs he's recorded. This is why 'Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic' is a remarkable single in his catalogue: it is an almost entirely instrumental track. It does feature a guitar part, performed by Juan Martin.

Instrumental tracks are rarely commercially successful, and this one is no exception: the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4166
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic' / 'I'll be here'

The hunter - Clannad

Clannad recorded 'The hunter' as a new track on their 1989 compilation album 'Past present'. It is a re-worked version of the song 'Herne' from their 1984 album 'Legend'. The track was recorded in Peter Gabriel's Real World studios in Bath.

The single did not chart in the UK, unlike the album 'Past present', which reached number 5 in the UK albums chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4164
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The hunter' / 'Atlantic realm (The theme from)'

Another latin love song - The Belle Stars

The Belle Stars made a name for themselves in the London club circuit when they started performing in 1981. Within a few months they appeared on the front cover of Sounds magazine. They were signed by Stiff Records.

The band's debut single, 'Hiawatha' was released in the late spring of 1981. This single failed to chart, just like the follow-up 'Slick trick'. Their third single was this EP, with the lead track 'Another latin love song'. Again, it failed to break into the charts. The band finally found success with their fourth single, a cover of the song 'Iko Iko'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4163
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 7, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Another latin love song', 'Miss world' / 'Stop now', 'Having a good time'