Same old story - Ultravox

Just 31 years after I first bought 'Same old story' by Ultravox, I found this rather handsome picture disc of the same single. As far as I know it's the only picture disc they ever released with a band photo on it. Unfortunately, the line-up had shrunk to three persons at that time, because Warren Cann was dismissed, citing 'musical differences' at the time. In later years Midge Ure would reflect on that decision as 'a mistake'. 

The same could be said for the entire U-Vox album, which isn't a favourite among fans. Released after Ure's adventures around Band Aid and Live Aid, the album was a strange affair, mixing rock and folk influences but ditching most of the synth-based material that they had become famous for. 'Same old story' is a good example of that: it is not by any means a strong Ultravox track. But it's a pretty picture disc!

My collection: 7" single no. 8266
Found: Discogs.com, received 25 March 2026
Tracks: 'Same old story' / '3' 

Rovers return - Korgis

After 'Everybody's got to learn sometime' and 'If it's alright with you baby', I was totally surprised by the next Korgis single, 'Rovers return'. It was an instrumental piece with just a few dogs barking during it. I'm not exactly a dog lover, but the melody was strong enough to keep me hooked. It was the kind of synthpop I absolutely loved back in 1980 - and kept loving ever since. 

Through the years I've bought my fair share of 'Rovers return' singles: the original Dutch version, a French version and this version which features two singles on one disc. The latest addition is the original UK pressing, which is a double A-side with 'Wish you a merry Christmas'. It's a bit early for that. 

My collection: 7" single no. 8262
Found: De Waterput, Bergen op Zoom, 6 March 2026
Tracks: 'Rovers return' / 'Wish you a merry Christmas' 

The harder they come - Joe Jackson Band

'The harder they come' was originally written and recorded by Jimmy Cliff, who released it as a single in 1972. It was written for the movie of the same name. 

In 1980 Joe Jackson and his band recorded a cover version of the song. The single was not a hit in the UK, but reached number 35 in the Dutch Top 40. I remember the song from long ago and so I decided to buy the single when I came across a copy recently. 

My collection: 7" single no. 8261
Found: De Waterput, Bergen op Zoom, 6 March 2026
Tracks: 'The harder they come' / 'Out of style', 'Tilt' 

Won't you hold my hand now - King

The sleeve of this 7" single is similar to the American 12" single in my collection, but with green lettering instead of red. The B-side features a track that doesn't appear on that 12" single. 

The single made less of an impression than the biggest hit the band ever had, the ubiquitous 'Love and pride'. Ironically, the last single by King I bought - just last year - was also 'Won't you hold my hand now', but that was the 1985 re-release.

My collection: 7" single no. 8259
Found: Discogs.com, received 3 March 2026
Tracks: 'Won't you hold my hand now' / 'Endlessly' 

I could be happy - Altered Images

Clare Grogan was just seventeen years old when she started Altered Images with her bandmates Gerard "Caesar" McInulty (guitar), Michael "Tich" Anderson (drums), Tony McDaid (guitar), and Johnny McElhone (bass guitar). Two years later they had a big hit in the UK with the first single from their second album Pinky Blue. 

'I could be happy' is a song that always cheers you up with its bright sound and cheerful singing. This picture disc was released at the time to boost sales of the single, which ended up peaking at number 7 in the UK singles chart. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7944
Found: Discogs.com, received 25 March 2026
Tracks: 'I could be happy' / 'Insects' 

Visions in blue - Ultravox

The discovery of several picture discs of Ultravox singles has triggered a new obsession: trying to catch them all. And I've been rather successful recently. A recent acquisition was this picture disc of 'Visions in blue', a song I first discovered when I bought the greatest hits collection LP four decades ago, imaginatively titled The Collection.

This picture disc simply recreates the sleeve of the single and is perhaps a superfluous addition to my collection, but anyway, I think it's worth it.

My collection: 7" single no. 7943
Found: Discogs.com, received 18 March 2026
Tracks: 'Visions in blue' / 'Break your back' 

Kate Bush - Viva City

Viva City was a band consisting of Trev Stardust, Ali Allerdyce, Bruce Tate and Chris Cairns. There isn't a lot of information about this band and the only website they ever had was on the now mostly defunct Myspace.com. 

And so we're left with this track 'Kate Bush', named after one of the best musicians in the world. This single was pressed on white vinyl. I would like to know more about the background of this track, but unfortunately there is no way of knowing! 

My collection: 7" single no. 7942
Found: Discogs.com, received 18 March 2026
Tracks: 'Kate Bush' / 'Wealth'