Altijd heb ik je lief - Clouseau

After their performance at the Eurovision Song Contest was a relative disappointment, Clouseau still released an album of English language songs in 1991. When this release plus related singles didn't give them the international success they wanted, they decided to record a new album with Dutch songs.

'Altijd heb ik je lief' ('I love you always') was the first single from the new album, released in January 1992. The single reached number 6 in the Belgian singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1580
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 25, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Altijd heb ik je lief' / 'Lied voor jou'

When you walk in the room - Paul Carrack

'When you walk in the room' was written and recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1963. The lyrics of the song attempt to detail the singer's emotions when in the presence of the person he or she loves. There is also an expression of frustration by the singer that he or she cannot manage to tell that person of his or her love.

The song has since been covered by many artists including the Searchers and Agnetha Fältskog. In 1987, Paul Carrack released his version as the first single from his album 'Carrackature'. It reached number 48 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4811
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'When you walk in the room' / 'Collrane'

Revival - Eurythmics

'Revival' was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart together with guest keyboardist Pat Seymour. The lyric is a call for renewal and encouragement. Lennox sings the song to a subject who is facing hardships and feeling low, or perhaps is feeling bitter after much struggle in life.

The single was not released in the USA, and was only a minor hit in the UK, peaking at number 26. In the Dutch Top 40, it fared marginally better, peaking at number 25.

My collection: 7" single no. 4812
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Revival' / 'Precious'

No tiene edad - Gigliola Cinquetti

Gigliola Cinquetti won the 1964 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Non ho l'eta per amarti'. The song was released as a single and became a hit all over Europe. As a result, Cinquetti recorded the song in several other languages besides Italina. The English got 'This is my prayer', the French were promised 'Je suis à toi' and there waseven a Japanese version, 'Yumemiro omoi'.

This Spanish EP features four Spanish recordings from Cinquetti, including the Spanish version of her Eurovision hit, 'No tiene edad'. It is a charming version of a timeless classic.

My collection: 7" single no. 4822
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'No tiene edad', 'Eres un buen muchacho' / 'Cuando veo que todos se quieren', 'Pienso en las cosas perdidas'

Vision of you - Belinda Carlisle

'Vision of you' was the fifth single taken from Belinda Carlisle's album 'Runaway horses' (1990). Like most of her work during that time, the song was written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley and produced by Rick Nowels. The single featured a remixed version of the album version, giving it a more uptempo sound.

The song was the lowest charting single from the album. In the UK, it only managed to reach number 41. The single was re-released a year later after the success of '(We want) the same thing' and 'Summer rain', but it charted lower at number 71.

My collection: 7" single no. 4810
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Vision of you' / 'Leave a light on (Kamikazee mix)'

Somewhere somebody - Five Star

'Somewhere somebody' was released while the band was touring. Hence, live photographs were used on the sleeve. The merchandise sellers were in full swing, too: the back of the sleeve advertises a video and a book.

Released in the summer of 1987, the single was the third taken from Five Star's third album, 'Between the lines'. 'Somewhere somebody' was written by Dean Chamberlain and Martin Briley. Peaking at number 23 in the UK singles chart, it became the group's lowest charting single since 'Love take over' in 1985.

My collection: 7" single no. 4816
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Somewhere somebody' / 'Have a good time'

Some people - Fra Lippo Lippi

The Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi has never known any enduring success in the UK and Europe, but their popularity is still quite extraordinary in Asia. 12" singles like this one would probably be sold for collectors prices over there, especially with exclusive live tracks on the B-side of this disc. As it is, I could buy this 12" single for next to nothing.

'Some people' is an excellent track from the band's 1987 album 'Light and shade' and is backed with two live versions of tracks of their previous and most accomplished album 'Songs' (1985). Fra Lippo Lippi is always worth a listen.

My collection: 12" single no. 152
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Some people' / 'Even tall trees bend (live)', 'Come summer (live)'