Tubular bells - Mike Oldfield

'Tubular bells' is Mike Oldfield's signature theme and he has released several versions around the theme of the thunderpipes, as well as several singles. The original album was released in 1973 and at the time it came with a single in the UK and a different single in the US.

The American single was released when Mike Oldfield's music was used in the motion picture for 'The Exorcist', and this single features an extract from the album that differs from the UK single. I never knew this, of course, and so when I found out, I had to have this single. It's a bit of a shame it's not in better shape.

My collection: 7" single no. 5044
Found: eBay.com, received March 23, 2011
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'Tubular bells (Now the original theme from 'The Exorcist')' / 'Tubular bells'

To love somebody - Jimmy Somerville

'To love somebody' was originally recorded and released by the Bee Gees in 1967, back when they were still a quintet. The song was written on a boat in Monte Carlo the day the Beatles manager, Brian Epstein was found dead (August 1967) after manager Robert Stigwood encouraged Barry Gibb to write a soul song for Otis Redding. Redding, however, died in an airplane crash before he could record the song.

In 1990, Jimmy Somerville released a reggaefied cover version of the track. Released as a single in November of that year, it reached number 8 in the UK singles chart, his last top 10 hit until now.

My collection: 7" single no. 5043
Found: Kringloop, Haarlem, March 11, 2011
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'To love somebody' / 'Rain'

Son of a preacher man - Dusty Springfield

'Son of a Preacher Man' was recorded by Dusty Springfield in September 1968 as a track on her legendary album 'Dusty in Memphis'. Written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, the song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin, but she turned it down. Only after she'd heard Springfield's version she recorded the song herself. By that time, however, Springfield's version had already become a hit; thus, Franklin's version, included on her 1970 album, 'This girl's in love with you', ended up as a B-side of the single 'Call me' only.

Although the album 'Dusty in Memphis' was released in stereo, the singles off the album were remixed and released in mono. This single reached number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 9 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 5042
Found: Kringloop, Haarlem, March 11, 2011
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Son of a preacher man' / 'Just a little lovin' (Early in the mornin')'

Funny how time flies (when you're having fun) - Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson's album 'Control' was a big success, and the way the album was 'milked' for singles was equal to her brother Michael's 'Thriller' a few years before. After six singles released internationally, 'Funny how time flies (when you're having fun)' was released as single number seven in the UK and Australia.

This limited edition version from the UK featured a giant poster with two pictures of Janet in black and white. The single performed poorly in the UK singles chart despite this: it only reached number 59. Janet performed the song live for the first time in 2008, during her Rock Witchu Tour.

My collection: 7" single no. 5041
Found: Ebay.co.uk, received February 28, 2011
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Funny how time flies (when you're having fun)' / 'When I think of you'

Tomorrow's clown - Marty Wilde

I always get a kick out of buying really old singles, and this one is almost 50 years old. Marty Wilde released 'Tomorrow's clown' in October 1961, and reached number 33 in the UK singles charts with it.

The B-side is called 'The Hellions' and that's also the title of the movie he starred in. The western movie has never been released officially on DVD, but I got a recording of it last year and it's really interesting to see how the rocker proves himself as a credible actor.

My collection: 7" single no. 5040
Found: Ebay.co.uk, received February 21, 2011
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Tomorrow's clown' / 'The Hellions'.

Some kind of lover - Jody Watley

'Some kind of lover' was the fourth single taken from Jody Watley's self-titled debut solo album. It was a relative failure, reaching number 81 in the UK singles chart, but it is one of the nicest funky tracks on the album.

These remixes were made by Louil Silas, jr., who mostly adds a lot of 'bounce' to the track. The 12" single features three versions of the tracks which are quite similar to one another. Still, good stuff.

My collection: 12" single no. 217
Found: Record Exchange, London, 1994
Cost: 1,5 pounds
Tracks: 'Some kind of lover (extended version)' / 'Some kind of lover (instrumental)', 'Some kind of lover (dub)'

If it happens again - UB40

'If it happens again' is one of my favourite tunes by UB40, and a lot of that has to do with the last few minutes of the track. So I was hoping that the 12" version would offer more of that. Well it doesn't, but that's okay because this dub mix is quite interesting too.

It was the seventh top 10 hit in the UK for UB40. It peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart, but did even better in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 12" single no. 375
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If it happens again (12" version)' / 'Nkomo a gogo'