Private investigations - Dire Straits

Dire Straits surprised, I think, everyone with 'Private investigations'. Up until the release of this single, they delivered rather straight guitar-based rock songs, while this track added a layer of sophistication to their work. Mark Knopfler commented about the lyric of the song: 'It's just about the private investigations... What have you got at the end of the day... Nothing more than you started out with'.

The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40. I bought my copy from my sister, who bought a second copy of this single because she played this one so often. When I listen to it now, the single hasn't deteriorated much.

My collection: 7" single no. 306
Found: Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Private investigations' / 'Badges posters stickers t-shirts'

Following - The Bangles

'Following' was the fifth and last single to be taken from the Bangles' very successful album 'Different light'. In the UK, it was released in a limited edition poster sleeve. I bought this single without knowing the song just because of this poster sleeve - I love limited edition versions as I've stated before on this blog.

The single reached number 55 in the UK singles chart, but failed to chart in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 1217
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, April 22, 1990
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Following' / 'Dover beach'

Oh Patti (Don't feel sorry for loverboy) - Scritti Politti

'Oh Patti (Don't feel sorry for loverboy)' is a track on Scritti Politti's 1988 album 'Provision'. It features Miles Davis, who plays a trumpet solo. The single reached number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 29 in the Dutch Top 40.

This very attractive limited edition box set features the single plus three postcards and a sect of stamps. The colour poster that should be in it as well is missing, so I hope I can find a complete box set one day.

My collection: 7" single no. 761
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, March 2, 1989
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Oh Patti (Don't feel sorry for loverboy)' / 'Oh Patti (instrumental)'

Who - Diana Ross

'Who' is a track on Diana Ross's 1982 album 'Silk electric'. It was released as a single but, unlike other singles from the album, it didn't chart in any territory. Since I can't find any details about this single, I even start to wonder whether it was released worldwide. This copy was made in Holland and it may have been an exclusive release.

My collection: 7" single no. 4421
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, January 9, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Who' / 'Anywhere you run to'

The alternative way - Anita Meijer

This single represents Anita Meijer's breakthrough in the Netherlands. After some time as a singer in the band Rainbow Train, she recorded 'The alternative way' as a duet with Hans Vermeulen, who also produced and arranged the track. It quickly rose to the top of the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1976.

It would take Meijer five years to reach number 1 again with the less engaging 'Why tell me why'. Although very famous in the Netherlands, she was never able to score any hits in other countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 4420
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, January 9, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The alternative way' / 'You showed me how'

I wish - Stevie Wonder

Some singles are just classic tracks and it can be quite surprising to come across them in the bargain bin. But that's just what happened with 'I wish' by Stevie Wonder, one of the most recognisable tunes from 1977.

The track was written by Wonder himself. The lyric is about looking back on his childhood. Taken from his classic album 'Songs in the key of life', it reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4419
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, January 9, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'I wish' / 'You and I'

A way you'll never be - Leisure Process

When you hear 'A way you'll never be', you may think it's a Level 42 track. And you wouldn't be too far from the truth: guest musicians on this track are Mark King and Phil Gould from Level 42. It didn't help the commercial appeal of this single: it sunk without a trace.

I bought 'Love cascade' last year and that track was good enough to make me curious about the rest of this band's output.

My collection: 7" single no. 4418
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, January 9, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'A way you'll never be' / 'Rachel dreams'