Adolescent sex - Japan

The stuff David Sylvian releases these days is world away from this Japan single from 1978. 'Adolescent sex' was the title track of Japan's debut album and released as a single after the band re-recorded the track to make it sound punchier. It became the band's only single to chart outside of the UK, reaching number 27 in the Dutch Top 40.

David Sylvian has since spoken out against the debut album, saying: 'I regret the first album, Adolescent Sex, in the sense that we were too young, too naive to make it. The people around us should have realised that and not had it released. The second album is okay as a first album.'

My collection: 7" single no. 7708
Found: Kay's Experience, Wagenberg (Netherlands), 12 July 2025
Tracks: 'Adolescent sex' / 'Sometimes I feel so low' 

Knowing me, knowing you - Abba

The sleeve of this single may announce 'Conociendome, conociendote', but the single still features the 'ordinary' English language version: 'Knowing me, knowing you'. The Spanish record companies had a rather annoying habit of translating song titles, while most artists never recorded their songs in Spanish. 
Abba did, of course: there are a few singles performed in Spanish, but not this one.

When I bought this single some time ago I was aware of this, but the sleeve still seduced me. It's one of the more beautiful photographs of the Swedish quartet, and the song is one of the best in their repertoire. I just never featured it on this blog. I discovered quite a few singles that were never on here, so expect some more Abba in the weeks to come.

My collection: 7" single no. 5985
Found: Discogs.com, received 17 January 2019
Tracks: 'Knowing me, knowing you' / 'Money, money, money'

Touch the wind - Mocedades

Mocedades recorded their Eurovision entry 'Eres tu' in many other languages besides Spanish. One of the other versions was recorded in English. 'Touch the wind' was released on many different labels internationally, but never with a picture sleeve. And so I didn't feel too bad when I ordered this copy. 

This copy was made in the USA, but pressings from Angola, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa also exist. The English version was also recorded by many other artists; I own a version by Eydie Gorme.

My collection: 7" single no. 7707
Found: Discogs.com, received 11 July 2025
Tracks: 'Touch the wind (Eres tu)' / 'Eres tu (Touch the wind)' 

I'm the one who really loves you - Mel & KIm

Although this single was never relased with a picture sleeve, it is still a pretty essential addition to any Mel & Kim collection. It features two edits of remixes of 'I'm the one who really loves you', a track from the duo's only album F.L.M. The single was released in the USA only, which is logical when you listen to these remixes - unfortunately they get rid of most of the charm of the original version. 

The remixes were included in the Singles box set that was released in 2019. But obviously it is always good to have the original vinyl single. It's an item I've wanted to have for quite some time - and here it is!

My collection: 7" single no. 7706
Found: Discogs.com, received 11 July 2025
Tracks: 'I'm the one who really loves you (Vocal/Pop radio mix)' / 'I'm the one who really loves you (Vocal/Hip hop radio mix)'

Do it again a little bit slower - Jon & Robin and the In Crowd

Just four weeks ago I posted a version of 'Do it again, a little bit slower' by Herman & Dorothy, and here I am with the original version! Let's just say that an online search always pays off. 

Jon & Robin and the In Crowd recorded the song in 1967. Jon Abdnor Junior and Javonne "Robin" Braga teamed up with the In Crowd, which consisted of Bobby Rambo (guitar, percussion), Jim Glaves (keyboards), Pete Molino (guitar), James Anderson (bass) and Rex Ludwick. The single reached number 18 in the USA and number 9 in Canada. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7705
Found: Discogs.com, received 11 July 2025
Tracks: 'Do it again, a little bit slower' / 'If I need someone - it's you'

Blasphemous rumours / Somebody - Depeche Mode

Back in 1984, Depeche Mode released two great songs as a double A-side. 'Blasphemous rumours' explored the industrial sound the band had pioneered to great effect on their album Some great reward, whereas 'Somebody' was a fragile ballad, which according to rumours was sung by Martin Gore in the studio after having shed all his clothes. Make of that what you will.

 German buyers were lucky: the first edition of the single was released on red vinyl. These red vinyl editions of Depeche Mode's earlier singles are now highly sought after collectibles, to the point where I think the price has gone up too high. This copy with its tattered sleeve and scratchy vinyl was more affordable, so I went with this one.

My collection: 7" single no. 7704
Found: Discogs.com, received 5 July 2025
Tracks: 'Blasphemous rumours' / 'Somebody (remix)' 

Knowing me, knowing you - Abba

One of Abba's most touching songs (in my opinion) is 'Knowing me, knowing you', with its feeling of impending heartbreak and loss. I bought the single 41 year ago, on the original Dutch pressing. With a renewed interest in Abba in recent years I have started collecting sleeve variants like this one here: the French record company used the same photograph but did a different layout.

So where does this end? There are obviously many sleeve variants around the world, but for me the investment needs to be limited. However even with that, it looks like I will be posting my 100th Abba single on this blog pretty soon.

My collection: 7" single no. 7686
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 15 June 2025
Tracks: 'Knowing me, knowing you' / 'Happy Hawaii'