Back and forth - Cameo

Cameo were very popular in the mid-Eighties after they had a worldwide hit with 'Word up!', the title track of their 1986 album. Subsequent singles 'Candy' and 'Back and forth' were not as successful, but were still hits in some territories.

'Back and forth' was released in April 1987 as the last single from the album and reached number 11 in the UK singles chart. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single peaked at number 50.

My collection: 7" single no. 4879
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Back and forth' / 'You can have the world'

Knock on wood (remix) / Light my fire (remix) - Amii Stewart

Amii Stewart's career was slowly grinding to a halt when this remix double A side was released in 1985. Her biggest hits 'Knock on wood' and 'Light my fire' were remixed by Barry Leng and Alan Coulthard.

The single was a big success in the UK, where it reached number 7. And thus, the 'Top Hit UK' label on the sleeve of this German pressing is no lie. I don't know what position the single reached in Germany - but in the Netherlands it failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4878
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Knock on wood (remix)' / 'Light my fire (remix)'

Disco Bouzouki - Bouzouki Disco Band

The French producers Jean Kluger and Daniel Vangarde created the track 'Disco Bouzouki', roughly inspired by Greek music, in 1977. The Bouzouki Disco Band they called themselves, and the single became quite a hit in France. When released in other countries, it wasn't quite as successful - despite the rather attractive sleeve.

A few years later, Kluger and Vangarde were more successful when they produced the duo Ottawan, who hit the charts in 1980 and 1981 with hits like 'D.I.S.C.O.' and 'Hands up'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4877
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Disco Bouzouki' / 'Do re mi fa soul'

Light my fire - Amii Stewart

American disco singer Amii Stewart recorded a remarkable disco-flavoured cover version of the Doors' famous rock track 'Light my fire' in 1979. Her version was a commercial success, hitting number 5 in the UK singles chart.

The Doors track has been covered by many other tracks through the years. Acts like Jose Feliciano, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Bassey, Baccara, Massive Attack, Trini Lopez and UB40 have all had a shot at it - although nothing beats the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 4876
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Light my fire' / 'Bring it on back to me'

Trees and flowers - Strawberry Switchblade

A song about agoraphobia, 'Trees and flowers' was originally the debut single of Strawberry Switchblade, the Scottish duo consisting of Jill Bryson and Rose McDowall. Released on the indie label '92 happy customers', it didn't reach the chart, but it got them noticed by bigger record companies.

They eventually signed with WEA records, who released their debut album in 1985. A limited reissue pressing of the 7" was made and given away with initial copies of the album. This copy was actually sold separately - and so I snapped it up.

My collection: 7" single no. 4875
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Trees and flowers' / 'Go away'

Be my lover now - Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder

Human League frontman Philip Oakey and legendary producer Giorgio Moroder had worked together previously. Two singles had already been released - the hit single 'Together in electric dreams' and the flop 'Good-bye bad times' - when 'Be my lover now' was released in 1985.

Like 'Good-bye bad times', this single did not reach the UK singles chart. Meanwhile, their self-titled album reached number 52 in the UK albums chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4874
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Be my lover now' / 'Be my lover now (instrumental version)'

Memory of your name - Private Lives

In 1982, when this single was released, the British band Private Lives consisted of John Adams, Rick Lane and John Reid. Two years later, Adams would record the first Private Lives album together with Morris Michael.

'The memory of your name' was one of the singles released by the early line-up that wasn't successful. Interesting fact: Simon Climie plays guitar on the track. He would later form Climie Fisher together with Rob Fisher.

My collection: 7" single no. 4873
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Memory of your name' / 'Swim away'