Preacher man - Bananarama

Bananarama's fifth studio album 'Pop life' was the only one to feature member Jacquie O'Sullivan, who replaced Siobhan Fahey when she left the trio in 1988. The album was made without the involvement of Stock Aitken & Waterman, who produced and co-wrote most of their two previous albums.

'Preacher man' was produced by Youth and was the most successful single from the album, although it peaked at number 20 in the UK singles chart only. It's obvious Bananarama were struggling a bit by 1991.

My collection: 7" single no. 4325
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Preacher man' / 'Megalomaniac'

Say you really want me - Kim Wilde

Although 'Say you really want me' was released as a single in the USA in late 1986, in conjunction with the movie 'Running scared' in which the song was featured, the single was only released in the UK and Australia in July 1987. The single featured a newly remixed version, made by Kim's brother Ricky Wilde.

Two videos were made for this release - one to accompany the 7" version, and a second extended one to promote the song in clubs. This video remix was also released in the UK on a second 12" single. The video was considered 'too raunchy' for children's television, and so it was banned by presenter Timmy Mallett. The single, meanwhile, reached number 29 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 555
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Say you really want me' / 'Don't say nothing's changed'

On Stage EP - Kate Bush

Back in 1979, Kate Bush went on tour. I was only eight years old when she came to Amsterdam, otherwise I would certainly have gone. In hindsight, I probably should have gone anyway, since the woman has never toured since. What a shame!

Although a full video was released in 1979 as well, featuring most of the show as recorded live on May 13, 1979, this single was the only official release on record of that tour. It features four live songs, which were tweaked and redubbed in the studio and, in the case of 'James and the cold gun', edited as well. The single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart, number 15 in Ireland and number 21 in the Dutch Top 40. There are rumours that the video will be released on dvd soon as well. Here's hoping...

My collection: 7" single no. 34
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1979
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Them heavy people', 'Don't push your foot on the heartbrake' / 'James and the cold gun', 'L'amour looks something like you'

The war song - Culture Club

Culture Club released their third album 'Waking up with the house on fire' in 1984. In an attempt to profit from their fame, the record company pushed them to come up with new material as soon as their world tour had ended. The band was a bit tired, and it can be heard in the songs on the album.

The lead single 'The war song' was not very inspired, but ended up being the one hit single from the album. It reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40. Subsequent singles were far less successful.

My collection: 7" single no. 2962
Found: February 9, 1998
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The war song' / 'La cancion de guerra'

Old and wise - Alan Parsons Project

Here's another song that pops up on numerous compilation albums. Oddly enough, most albums use a shorter version than the one that appears on this version. It's a shame, because the saxophone solo at the end is a beautiful thing that deserves to be heard until the very last notes of the fade out.

'Old and wise' was taken from the Alan Parsons Project's 1982 album 'Eye in the sky'. It reached number 19 in the Dutch Top 40, but only managed number 74 in the UK singles chart during a one week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 180
Found: Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Old and wise' / 'Children of the moon'

Greenpeace - Teach-In

During a week when half the world is flying(!) to Copenhagen, Denmark to talk about the environment and how we humans are destroying our planet, I thought I might post a song that is slightly related to the subject. It's Teach-In's 1979 song 'Greenpeace', about the action group of the same name. It was a hit in the Netherlands for this Dutch group, peaking at number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song was recorded both in Dutch and English, and both versions appear on the single. It's amusing that the English version contains a phrase like 'Rainbow Worrier'. The title of the song is sung as 'Green peas'.

My collection: 7" single no. 96
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Greenpeace (English version)' / 'Greenpeace (Nederlandse versie)'

Love games - Level 42

Level 42 had their first significant hart success with 'Love games', the first single from their 1981 album 'Level 42'. Peaking at number 38 in the UK singles chart, they managed a top 10 placing in the Netherlands, peaking at number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

Although the band was not yet a household name, this early single already had all the hallmarks that would make them one of the hottest bands around in the second half of the Eighties: a bouncing bassline, lively vocals and a funky rhythm.

My collection: 7" single no. 1627
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 18, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love games' / 'Forty two'