La la la - Merino Costa

Released in 1968, shortly after Spain's historic Eurovision Song Contest win, Merino Costa released this cover version of Massiel's song 'La la la'. Essentially, it's a cash-in on her success, as this version is not too far removed from the original.

There are various cover versions of 'La la la' around, actually. Which is quite strange since the song was put down by critics and the viewing audiences after it won. Apparently it was still worth cashing in on the song's success...

My collection: 7" single no. 5180
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'La la la' / 'Teresa mia'

Don't dream it's over - Paul Young

Paul Young made a name for himself crooning old soul hits like 'Wherever I lay my hat' and 'Love of the common people' during the Eighties. When he took on Crowded House's 'Don't dream it's over' on the occasion of the release of his greatest hits album 'From time to time' in 1991 the audience had a much harder time to swallow it.

Still, it was a hit in various territories, albeit just not such a big one. It reached number 20 in the UK singles chart and reached anywhere between number 13 and 71 in European charts. It was a big hit in Norway, where the single reached number 6. Backing vocals on the track were performed by Paul Carrack.

My collection: 7" single no. 5160
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Don't dream it's over' / 'I need somebody'

How can you mend a broken heart - Bee Gees

The Bee Gees released 'How can you mend a broken heart' in 1971. Barry and Robin Gibb wrote the song in August 1970, when the Gibb brothers had reconvened following a period of break-up and alienation. They said that they originally offered it to Andy Williams, but ultimately the Bee Gees recorded it themselves and included it on their 1971 album, 'Trafalgar'.

The song was recorded on 28 January 1971 in London. It was released as a single in May 1971 ahead of the album. Although failing to chart in the UK singles chart, the song became the Bee Gees' first number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 5141
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'How can you mend a broken heart' / 'Country woman'

Solsbury hill (live) - Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel released 'Peter Gabriel plays live' as his fifth album in 1983. The album was originally released as a double album and longplay cassette, with sixteen songs and a running time of over 80 minutes. It was eventually issued as a double CD set, and, in 1985, as a single CD version 'Plays Live – Highlights' with only twelve songs and some significant track time alterations.

This live version of 'Solsbury hill' was lifted from the album for a single release. It was not a hit, but apparently it inspired Sarah McLachlan to record a cover of this song a decade later.

My collection: 7" single no. 5157
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Solsbury hill (live)' / 'Kiss of life (live)'

Do you remember? (live) - Phil Collins

'Do you remember?' was originally a track on Phil Collins's 1990 album 'But Seriously'. Shortly after the release of that album, Collins released 'Serious hits... live!', an album with live versions of his best songs. A live version of 'Do you remember?' was released as a single in the UK and Europe and managed to reach number 57 in the UK singles chart.

The song was written by Collins and produced by Collins and Hugh Padgham. Singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop is a backing vocalist on the track. The B-side features a live version of one of the Eighties' most accomplished love songs, 'Against all odds'.

My collection: 7" single no. 5158
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Do you remember (live)' / 'Against all odds (live)'

One of these nights - Eagles

'One of these nights' is a song written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey and recorded by the Eagles. The title track from their 1975 album, the song became their second single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart after 'The best of my love'. The single version was shortened from the album version of the song, removing most of the song's intro and most of its fade-out.

According to songwriter Glenn Frey, the song is about putting things off. 'We've all said, 'one of these nights I'm gonna do something - get that girl, make that money, find that house'. We all have our dreams - a vision we hope will come true someday. When that 'someday' will come is up to each of us.'

My collection: 7" single no. 5175
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'One of these nights' / 'Visions'

Let the music play - Shannon

'Let the music play' was released by Shannon in 1983. The original version of the record was produced by Mark Liggett and Chris Barbosa. The rhythmic ingenuity of the track included a drum-machine pattern produced by a filtered Roland TR-808.

The single reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 14 in the UK singles chart. Although Shannon never reached the US top 40 again, she had five more hits in the UK. Despite this, she is still regarded as a one hit wonder.

My collection: 7" single no. 5162
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Let the music play' / 'Let the music play (dub version)'