Too much trouble - Limahl

After Limahl left the band Kajagoogoo, he embarked on a solo career. His first solo single was 'Only for love', a hit in the UK, USA and Germany. The second single, released in early 1984, was 'Too much trouble'. This single reached number 26 in Germany and number 64 in the UK singles chart.

Both singles were included on Limahl's debut solo album, 'Don't suppose', released in 1984.

My collection: 7" single no. 1828
Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, January 13, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Too much trouble' / 'You've been gone for a little while (Too much trouble reprise)'

Go west - Pet Shop Boys

In 1992, when Pet Shop Boys were asked by Derek Jarman to perform at an AIDS charity event at The Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, Chris Lowe of the duo selected 'Go west' (originally released by the Village People) as the song they would perform. Though singer Neil Tennant was unable to remember the lyrics during that performance, the two decided to record it as a single.

The original single version of the song, set for an earlier release in 1992 as a non-album single, was never used. When the single was released as the second single from their album 'Very' in 1993, it reached number 2 in the UK singles chart, number 1 in Germany and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1988
Found: HMV, London, October 18, 1993
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Go west' / 'Shameless'

Loving you - Chris Rea

'Loving you' was released as the first single from Chris Rea's fourth album in 1982. The single was only a minor success, reaching number 65 in the UK singles chart and number 88 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It's not one of Rea's best singles, overstretching his voice as he sings this song. But it's still a decent release.

My collection: 7" single no. 3095
Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 13, 1999
Cost: 80p
Tracks: 'Loving you' / 'Let me be the one'

Get down - Gilbert O'Sullivan

'Get down' is a track on Gilbert O'Sullivan's 1973 album 'I'm a writer, not a fighter'. The single spent two weeks at the top of the UK singles chart and reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

As young as I was in 1973, the song has always stuck in my head as one of the catchy tunes of that time. I'd all but forgotten about this track until I found the single today.

My collection: 7" single no. 4205
Found: Flea market, Den Haag, November 15, 2009
Cost: 0,30 euro
Tracks: 'Get down' / 'A very extraordinary sort of girl'

Honey - Bobby Goldsboro

Bobby Goldsboro was born on January 18, 1941 in Marianna, Florida. He left university in 1961 to pursue a music career. He played guitar with Roy Orbison between 1962 and 1964, while releasing a few unsuccessful solo singles. In 1964, he had his first hit with 'See the funny little clown', after which his solo career took off.

The biggest hit of his career was 'Honey', released in 1968. The song is an unmitigated tearjerker, in which the protagonist mourns the death of his young wife. The single reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 6 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 2 in the UK singles chart. The single was re-released in 1975, and on this occasion it reached number 2 in the UK singles chart once more. The song is quite controversial among music lovers, as it has appeared on 'worst songs of all times' lists frequently. Personally I think this track is very beautiful.

My collection: 7" single no. 4204
Found: Flea market, Den Haag, November 15, 2009
Cost: 0,40 euro
Tracks: 'Honey' / 'Muddy Mississippi line'

Nothing rhymed - Gilbert O'Sullivan

Gilbert O'Sullivan was born as Raymond Edward O'Sullivan on December 1, 1946. He attended St. Joseph's and the Swindon College of Art, playing drums in a band founded by Rick Davies (who would go on to be in Supertramp).

In 1967, O'Sullivan signed a recording contract, releasing a handful of unsuccessful singles. It was in 1971, when he signed to MAM records, when he achieved his first major success with the song 'Nothing rhymed'. It reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4203
Found: Flea market, Den Haag, November 15, 2009
Cost: 0,30 euro
Tracks: 'Nothing rhymed' / 'Everybody knows'

Saved by the bell - Robin Gibb

Traditionally, Robin Gibb was the lead singer of the Bee Gees, vying for the spot with his elder brother Barry Gibb during the trio's first period of success in the late Sixties. This resulted in a splitup of the Bee Gees, with all three brothers trying a solo career.

Robin's career took off really well, with his debut solo single 'Saved by the bell' reaching number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1969. The album 'Robin's reign' was less successful. In the end, the Bee Gees reformed in 1970, starting a second run of success.

My collection: 7" single no. 4202
Found: Flea market, Den Haag, November 15, 2009
Cost: 0,75 euro
Tracks: 'Saved by the bell' / 'Mother and Jack'