Less cities, more moving people - The Fixx

According to the German press bio included in the sleeve of this single, 'Less cities, more moving people' was written by all band members of the Fixx together, 'which explains their tight sound'. The single, taken from the Fixx's third album 'Phantoms', was produced by Rupert Hine - and it could easily have been performed by him, too.

Although the band delivered a rather powerful pop song with this track, it did not chart in any territory. I can't remember how I got to hear this track back in 1984, but I remembered it ever since.

My collection: 7" single no. 4311
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Less cities, more moving people' / 'Deeper & deeper'

Love, truth and honesty - Bananarama

'Love, truth and honesty' was written by Bananarama and Stock, Aitken and Waterman, with the latter trio producing the track. It was the first single release from the group's 'Greatest Hits collection', also released in 1988. It is actually the only Bananarama track which gives songwriting credit to new member Jacquie O'Sullivan.

The single reached number 23 in the UK singles chart but stalled at number 89 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4310
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love, truth and honesty' / 'Strike it rich'

Diana - Münchener Freiheit

'Diana' was the fourth and last single from Münchener Freiheit's 1988 album 'Fantasie'. It didn't chart, not even in their homeland Germany. Maybe it's because this track does not contain much surprises when compared to other songs from the band. The public probably decided they'd had enough.

This single got me thinking whether I actually know any Dianas. I realised that I've only known one Diana - and that was 20 years ago.

My collection: 7" single no. 4308
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Diana (single remix)' / 'Land der Fantasie'

Lies - Thompson Twins

'Lies' was released as the first single from the Thompson Twins' fourth album 'Quick step and side kick'. This album was the result of songwriting sessions in Egypt and the Bahamas, followed by a recording session at Compass Point Studios in Nassau with producer Alex Sadkin.

The single reached number 67 in the UK singles chart. When the single was released a year later in the USA, it reached number 30 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4307
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Lies' / 'Beach culture'

Union city blue - Blondie

'Union city blue' was written by Deborah Harry and Nigel Harrison and was recorded on Blondie's 1979 album 'Eat to the beat'. It was released as the second single from the album in the UK, where it reached number 13 in the singles chart. The song featured in the 1981 horror movie 'The Hand'.

In the USA, the single was not released, they released 'The hardest part' instead.

My collection: 7" single no. 4305
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Union city blue' / 'Living in the real world'

Don't look down (the sequel) - Go West

'Don't look down' was released as the last single from Go West's self-titled debut album. Housed in a gatefold sleeve, the single reached number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in New Zealand. Two years later, the track became the band's first hit in the USA, where it reached number 39.

I first heard the track during a live performance of Go West during a Here & Now Tour. It's a dynamic track that appealed to me right away.

My collection: 7" single no. 4304
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Don't look down (the sequel)' / 'Innocence (The desperation edit)'

Love me to sleep - Hot Chocolate

Someone wrote on the back of the sleeve of this single, which I bought second hand. It reads: 'Steadily skipping little 120 bpm tin pop pusher (inspired by Clarence Carter's old 'Looking for a fox'?), flip of the dead slow 'Love me to sleep'. It's a good description of this single.

Released in December 1980 as a single from their album 1980 'Class', 'Love me to sleep' reached number 50 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4301
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love me to sleep' / 'The girl is a fox'