Ain't no sunshine - Joe McGann and Rebecca de Ruvo

'Ain't no sunshine' was originally a hit for Bill Withers in 1971. It was re-recorded by Joe McGann and MTV hot babe Rebecca de Ruvo with a studio group called Bi Virtue. This 12" single was released in 1992.

This is one of those releases that sinks without a trace, fails to chart anywhere, and ends up in the sales bin all over Europe. I didn't know this version, but was curious enough about Rebecca de Ruvo's singing qualities to try it out. Hearing this now, it really sounds like an early Nineties production.

My collection: 12" single no. 522
Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, 2000
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Ain't no sunshine (radio mix)', 'Ain't no sunshine (Phill Chill mix)' / 'Why can't we just be friends (radio mix)', 'Ain't no sunshine (Up front mix)'

Sailing on the seven seas - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Paul Humphreys left Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark in 1989 when the band's success in America forced them to make creative compromises. Other members of the band soon left as well, leaving founder member Andy McCluskey to go on solo under the OMD banner.

His first 'solo' OMD album was 1991's 'Sugar tax', preceded by the single 'Sailing on the seven seas'. The track featured a rather sparse synth sound, although it didn't sound very much like previous OMD tracks. The single peaked at number 3 in the UK singles chart, making this a very successful comeback.

My collection: 7" single no. 1486
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, July 3, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Sailing on the seven seas' / 'Burning'

Simply irresistible - Robert Palmer

'Simply irresistible' was released as the first single from Robert Palmer's 1988 album 'Heavy Nova'. The single was accompanied by a music video that has since become one of the iconic images of the Eighties: Robert palmer backed by an all female band of mannequins.

The single reached number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 44 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2557
Found: November 19, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Simply irresistible' / 'Nova'

Ice out in the rain - Sheena Easton

While 'You could have been with me' was taken from Sheena Easton's second album of the same name and 'Ice out in the rain' was taken from her third album, the two singles' sleeves still share the same photograph and artwork.

'Ice out in the rain' is one of Sheena Easton's lesser known single releases. When it was released as the follow-up to 'Machinery', it didn't chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 1472
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Ice out in the rain' / 'Loner'

Chant no. 1 - Spandau Ballet

'Chant no. 1 (I don't need this pressure on)' was the first single taken from Spandau Ballet's second album 'Diamond'. Released in the summer of 1981, it became the band's biggest hit up to that point, peaking at number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in Australia.

Spandau Ballet was still profiting from the New Romantics scene in 1981, but their fortunes were quickly changing. Subsequent singles fared less well, and for their third album 'True', a change of style was much needed.

My collection: 7" single no. 85
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Chant no. 1' / 'Feel the chant'

In the Dutch mountains - The Nits

The Dutch band The Nits released the album 'In the Dutch mountains' in October 1987. The title track was released as the first single, reaching number 14 in the Dutch Top 40. The band decided to go back to basics and record this album live to two-track in their own rehearsal space to, in their own words, 'reproduce the special atmosphere of a Nits concert'.

The album was the first to be released in the UK and the USA. While the single 'In the Dutch mountains' was a success in several European countries, the album failed to receive similar commercial acclaim. This copy of the single was made in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 1031
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'In the Dutch mountains' / 'Strangers of the night'

Hourglass - Clannad

'Hourglass' and 'Theme from Harry's Game' were released as a double A-side single by Clanad in 1989 to promote the greatest hits album 'Pastpresent'. 'Hourglass' was a new track, whereas 'Theme from Harry's Game' was (and still is) Clannad's biggest hit to date.

While 'Pastpresent' became Clannad's best selling album, reaching number 5 in the UK albums chart, this single did not chart at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 1055
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Hourglass' / 'Theme from Harry's Game'