19 (German version) - Paul Hardcastle

Paul Hardcastle had a surprise hit with '19' in 1985, a song about America's involvement in the Vietnam war and the effect it had on the soldiers who served, using sampled dialogue from an American television documentary about the post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by veterans. He quickly recorded versions in French and German as well.

While I knew about these versions, I never realised a 12" version might also exist. But here it is: an extended remix of the German version of '19', featuring sampled dialogue entirely in German.

My collection: 12" single no. 607
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: '19 (German version) (12" mix)' / '19 (German version) (7" mix)', 'Eat your heart out'

Your love is so good for me - Diana Ross

'Your love is so good for me' was released in 1978 as a single from Diana Ross's 1977 album 'Baby it's me'. The album was produced by Richard Perry and the single was written by Ken Peterson. The album also contained songs written by Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers, but for some reason those were not selected for a single release.

This slightly repetitive song reached number 49 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This pressing comes from France, but unfortunately I have no information what the single did in the charts in that country.

My collection: 7" single no. 5227
Found: Record fair, utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Your love is so good for me' / 'Baby it's me'

Miss you much - Janet Jackson

Here's another good example of the Puck-trick I employed so successfully last Saturday. In April I spotted this promotional 7" single of Janet Jackson. Interesting, since I've become a bit of a Janet Jackson collector lately. But I already owned the 'normal' single of 'Miss you much', so I wasn't prepared to spend 3 euros on this one.

But fortunately the same dealer returned this month, with a special discount on all of his 7" singles. Now the single had become very cheap, and it was still the collector's item I wanted to have. It's mine now!

My collection: 7" single no. 5233
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Miss you much' / 'You need me'

Who do you wanna be - Luv'

'Who do you wanna be' was the eighth single by Dutch girl group Luv', released in the autumn of 1979 by Philips/Phonogram Records. This song was taken from the group's debut album 'With Luv'' and released as a contract-fulfilling single just before they left the label and switched to CNR/Carrere Records. The single was only released in the Netherlands.

The girl group didn't promote the song as they focused on their new releases with Carrere, which is why it failed to reach the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 5264
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Who do you wanna be' / 'I.M.U.R.'

It could happen to you - Robert Palmer

'It could happen to you' was released in 1989 as the sixth and last single from Robert Palmer's 1988 album 'Heavy Nova'. His first album for EMI Records after a 15-year association with Island Records (both with Vinegar Joe and as a solo artist), it followed Palmer's very popular album 'Riptide'. The name Heavy Nova derives from Palmer's love of both heavy metal and bossa nova rhythms.

The single only reached number 71 in the UK singles chart, but was not released in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 5262
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'It could happen to you' / 'Change his ways'

I can't escape from you - Act

'I can't escape from you' was written by Claudia Brücken and Thomas Leer. It was the fourth and final single from Act. ZTT Records withdrew the previous single 'Chance' and hurriedly released 'I can't escape from you' on 7 March 1988. The single only managed to reach number 90 in the UK singles chart.

A 12" single and cd-single also appeared, featuring a cover of the Smiths' single 'Heaven knows I'm miserable now'.

My collection: 7" single no. 5259
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I can't escape from you' / 'Dear life'

Don't drop bombs - Liza Minelli

'Don't drop bombs' was released as the second single from Liza Minelli's 1989 album 'Results'. Like the album, the single was produced by the Pet Shop Boys and Julian Mendelssohn. The track was written by the Pet Shop Boys and featured background vocals by Tessa Niles. The single was a club favourite, but stalled at number 46 in the UK singles chart.

This limited edition of the single features a poster sleeve. Disappointingly, the same photograph was used for the poster, but it's still a collector's item. And you know how much I love those.

My collection: 7" single no. 5257
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Don't drop bombs' / 'Don't drop bombs (instrumental)'