Cars and girls - Prefab Sprout

'Cars and girls' was the first single taken from Prefab Sprout's 1988 album 'From Langley Park to Memphis'. The song is a response to Bruce Springsteen's perceived lyrical style and alleged narrow song repertoire. McAloon suggests that Springsteen's worldview is too restricted and that 'some things hurt more, much more, than cars and girls'.

The single reached number 44 in the UK singles chart. It is one of their best known songs despite this comparatively low chart placing.

My collection: 7" single no. 4173
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Cars and girls' / 'Vendetta'

Hitpack - Luv'

Although Luv' had their biggest successes in the late Seventies and early Eighties, someone thought it would be a good idea to release a Megamix of their biggest hits in 1989. The 'Hitpack', as it was called, was mixed by Peter Slaghuis, a moderately wellknown Dutch DJ around that time, and he put together the Luv' singles 'Casanova', 'U.O. me', 'You're the greatest lover' and 'Trojan horse'. The nonsensical B-side finished the job.

Obviously, the single did not chart. Luv' were a thing of the past, and megamixes are rarely a commercial success anyway.

My collection: 7" single no. 4186
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Hitpack' / 'Luv' stuff'

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'