Message in a bottle - The Police

'Message in a bottle' was released as a single from the Police's second album 'Reggatta de Blanc'. The single was The Police's first number 1 hit in the UK singles chart, peaking at number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 and only reaching number 74 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Police frontman Sting has stated later that this is his favourite song.

The Police reformed at Live Earth, a 2007 charity concert to raise awareness of global warming and other environmental hazards and performed 'Message in a bottle' as the US finale. Unfortunately Kanye West was mumbling through this track as well at the time. This 7" single was pressed on green vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3261
Found: Record Exchange, London, 2002
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Message in a bottle' / 'Landlord'

The promise - Arcadia

After their first hit 'Election day', things quickly went downhill for Arcadia. The single 'Goodbye is forever' was only released in the US, while in Europe the follow-up was 'The promise', a track featuring Sting on backing vocals.

'The promise' reached number 37 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in Ireland, but failed to chart anywhere else. In fact, I only found out about the release years after it happened...

My collection: 7" single no. 2265
Found: Record fair, April 8, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The promise' / 'Rose arcana'

Don't turn me away - 10CC

The eighth studio album by 10CC was 'Ten out of 10', released in 1981. It failed to chart in the USA and UK. The album marked the first involvement with the band by American singer-songwriter Andrew Gold. The American record company wanted more of an American flavour to the album.

In the UK, the record company was less enthusiastic about this change. They replaced all three of Andrew Gold's contributions, as well as a Gouldman-penned track, with four tracks by Gouldman and Stewart. The second single taken from the album was 'Don't turn me away', written by Eric Stewart. I always thought it was an excellent song, however this single too failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 594
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 16, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't turn me away' / 'Tomorrow's world today'

Tingalingaling - Luv'

On March 5, 1981, Luv' disbanded. The replacement of Patty Brard by Ria Tielsch did not bring them the amount of success they hoped for, and there are also personal reasons to quit. However, that summer the trio reforms for a one off performance in the amusement park the Efteling for an event sponsored by the music weekly Hitkrant. Press and fans are enthusiastic, and so their record company decides to release one more single from Luv's last album, 'Forever yours'.

'Tingalingaling' is released in July 1981 and reahces number 29 in the Dutch Top 40. Luv' perform the song in the popular tv programme 'Nederland Muziekland', which also is their official goodbye.

My collection: 7" single no. 4185
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Tingalingaling' / 'Billy the kid'

Rapture '88 - Blondie

In 1988, Blondie's record company released 'Once more into the bleach', an album of remixes of Blondie hits. It also contained material from Deborah Harry's solo career and was released as 'Debbie Harry and Blondie'.

Three singles were released from the album, and 'Rapture '88' was one of them. The track was remixed by Teddy Riley and brought forward Debbie Harry's voice into the mix. This single was only released in Europe, as in America and the UK the B-side, a remix of 'Denis' was preferred. That remix reached number 50 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4193
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, November 8, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rapture '88 (Teddy Riley remix)' / 'Denis (Dancin' Danny D remix)

All I want is you - U2

'All I want is you' is a track on U2's 1988 album 'Rattle and hum'. Although I really didn't like that album, this was the one standout track from that album and I was glad to see the single release - although the 7" single contains a rather ugly edit of the track.

The single reached number 83 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40 upon its original release in June 1989.

My collection: 7" single no. 893
Found: June 17, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'All I want is you (edit)' / 'Unchained melody'

Seven years in Tibet - David Bowie

'Seven years in Tibet' is one of the tracks on David Bowie's stunning 1997 album 'Earthling'. It was released as the fourth single from the album. The single included a Mandarin version of the song. The title of this translation translates back into English as 'A fleeting moment'.

The single reached number 61 in the UK singles chart during its one week chart run. The limited edition 7" single release was pressed on clear vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 2928
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 3, 1998
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Seven years in Tibet (edit)' / 'Seven years in Tibet (Mandarin version)'