Lessons in love - Level 42

'Lessons in love' was released in April 1986 as the first single from Level 42's seventh studio album 'Running in the family'. It was the first of five singles from that album, and paved the way for international success for the band.

For the first time they reached the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at number 12 in 1987. In the UK, the single reached number 3, while in the Dutch Top 40 it got to number 2. Level 42 scored their first hit with this in Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Indonesia and other countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 1333
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Lessons in love' / 'Hot water (live)'

Sexcrime (1984) - Eurythmics

When the British film '1984' was made in the UK, the Eurythmics were contacted to make the soundtrack. They agreed, and so the album of the same name came to be. 'Sexcrime (1984)' was the first single lifted from the album, released in October 1984.

The single peaked at number 4 in the UK singles chart, becoming Eurythmics' sixth song in a row to enter the Top 10. It was also a big hit throughout Europe and became one of the duo's biggest selling singles in Australia.

My collection: 7" single no. 2024
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Sexcrime (1984)' / 'I did it just the same'

Arizona sky - China Crisis

'Arizona sky' was released in 1986 as the first single from China Crisis' fourth album 'What price paradise'. The single was a minor success in the UK, reaching number 47 in the singles chart.

I bought the 12" single quite recently, but I've had the 7" single for almost two decades now.

My collection: 7" single no. 1456
Found: Record fair, June 27, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Arizona sky' / 'Trading in gold'

Aloha-oe, until we meet again - Goombay Dance Band

Germany has been responsible for quite a few dodgy acts through the years, and Goombay Dance Band can be considered as one of them. They formed in the late Seventies, and styled their music to combine Caribbean soca and calypso with western pop.

'Aloha-oe, until we meet again' was released in 1980 as the follow-up to their debut hit 'Sun of Jamaica'. The track was inspired by a traditional Hawaiian song. This single reached number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 60
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1980
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Aloha-oe, until we meet again' / 'Conga man'

Can you feel it - The Jacksons

Michael Jackson and his brothers formed the Jacksons, a successful group that made hit singles until the Eighties, after which solo careers took preference over the group effort. 'Can you feel it' is arguably the band's last big hit, released on the 1980 album 'Triumph' and released as a single in early 1981. It reached number 6 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40, while it only reached number 77 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The accompanying music video was noted for its remarkable special effects created by Robert Abel and Associates. Michael created the video's concept and Tito's sons Taj and Taryll appeared as extras.

My collection: 7" single no. 844
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 27, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Can you feel it' / 'Wondering who'

I'm not afraid - Black

Through the years I have heard some horrendous single edits, but none have been as monstrous as the 7" edit of Black's 'I'm not afraid'. Someone took a blunt knife and started hacking into this track, particularly during the last few minutes. You can hear the voice being cut during singing, each and every cut is audible. And all this to bring down the length of this track with one minute. Perhaps they should just have released the five minute version.

Consequently, this single, the follow-up to Black's biggest hit 'Wonderful life', did not chart. What's interesting about the sleeve is that the German version, pictured here, features the entire lyric of the song on the front, whereas on the UK single (which I don't own, unfortunately) only the refrain, printed in blue, is shown.

My collection: 7" single no. 589
Found: Gé Hofenk, Leiden, February 16, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I'm not afraid' / 'Have it your own way'

Let's dance - Chris Rea

Chris Rea released his ninth studio album 'Dancing with strangers' in 1987. The single 'Let's dance' was taken from this album: a bouncy pop song about, well, dancing.

Released in June 1987, 'Let's dance' became Rea's biggest hit up to that point, reaching number 12 in the UK singles chart during a 10 week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 931
Found: July 6, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Let's dance' / 'I don't care anymore'