Mindworks - Sam Brown

'Mindworks' was released as the fourth single from Sam Brown's 1990 album 'April moon'. In the UK, a strictly limited edition featured a pop-up gatefold sleeve, with part of the lyric of the song and Sam Brown's head popping out.

Still, the single did not chart in any territory. Remarkably, the record company did not give up after this and released one more single from the album: 'As one'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1309
Found: HMV, London, October 15, 1990
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Mindworks' / 'No man is an island'

When doves cry - Prince

I've never actually seen a dove cry, but I guess that's a poetic license the Purple Majesty took on himself in this song. Prince wrote and composed the tracks after all the other tracks on the album 'Purple rain' (which was also the soundtrack to the movie of the same name) were complete. In addition to vocals, he also played all instruments on the track. Remarkably, there is no bass line in the track. Prince has said that there originally was a bass line, but decided that the song was too conventional with it.

The song was released as the first single from the album, peaking at number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 237
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1984
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'When doves cry' / '17 days (the rain will come down, then U will have 2 choose. If U believe, look 2 the dawn and U shall never lose)'

Walking down your street - The Bangles

Following up the massive hit 'Walk like an Egyptian' was quite a chore for the Bangles, as they didn't have a lot of these unusual tracks on their album 'Different light'. In the end, the record company opted for 'Walking down your street', in a slightly remixed version when compared to the album version. In the UK, they released the single in a limited edition double pack with 'Walk like an Egyptian' as the free second single.

Of course, this single scored less well. It peaked at number 16 in the UK singles chart and number 33 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 504
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Walking down your street' / 'Return post' // 'Walk like an Egyptian' / 'Not like you'

Just an illusion - Imagination

'Just an illusion' was written by Leee John and Ashley Ingram from the band Imagination, together with their producers Steve Jolley and Tony Swain. The smooth soul sound of the track appealed to a lot of listeners.

When the track was released as a single in March 1982, it became the band's biggest hit, peaking at number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2054
Found: November 20, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Just an illusion' / 'Just an illusion (instrumental)'

Lost without your love - Bread

Bread broke up in 1974 and lead singer David Gates launched a solo career, as well as Jimmy Griffin. The band come back together in 1976 when their record label expressed interest in another album. David Gates, Jimmy Griffin, Mike Botts and Larry Knechtel returned to the studio that year and recorded the album 'Lost without your love', which was released in January 1977.

The title track, written and sung by Gates, was the band's last top 10 hit in the USA, peaking at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 14 and in the UK singles chart it got as far as number 27.

My collection: 7" single no. 1235
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 25, 1990
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Lost without your love' / 'Change of heart'

You treated me wrong - Maywood

The sisters Alie and Doetie de Vries, calling themselves Alice May and Caren Wood, started singing at a very early age. The joined the Karina's in 1974, moving on to the country group Colt 45 in 1976 and in 1977 forming the duo The Lady Pop's. In 1978 they decided to continue as Maywood.

'You treated me wrong' was their second single, produced by ex-Kayak drummer Pim Koopman, who had just started producing. Although the single only reached number 32, it was their first Dutch Top 40 hit and the start of a very successful career.

My collection: 7" single no. 782
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 24, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'You treated me wrong' / 'I can't let you go now'

Saltwater - Julian Lennon

Julian Lennon sounds a lot like his famous father on this 1991 single, 'Saltwater'.The song combines subtle melodies with a lyric full of environmentally conscious themes such as pollution and poverty. The many marvels and feats of human civilization are in sharp contrast with the way we handle our planet. The track features George Harrison on lead guitar.

This first single from Julian Lennon's 1991 album 'Help yourself' became his biggest hit in the UK, peaking at number 6 during a 13 week chart run. In the Netherlands, it peaked at number 15.

My collection: 7" single no. 1531
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, September 28, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Saltwater' / 'Rebel king (edit)'