Net als toen - Corry Brokken

How times have changed. When the Eurovision Song Contest was just a new invention, the Netherlands were actually very successful. Between 1956 and 1975, the country won four times - and they never managed this after 1975. The first time the Netherlands won was in the second year of Eurovision, 1957.

Corry Brokken sang 'Net als toen' ('Just like the old days'), a song that featured a violin solo by Sem Nijveen and was almost three and a half minutes long. In this year's contest the Italian entry lasted for five minutes, whilst the UK's entry lasted for almost two minutes. It was because of songs like the former that a rule was eventually introduced restricting each song to a maximum of three minutes; this rule still applies today.

This single, meanwhile, is a true rarity. It simply cannot be found - although I did buy this copy in a shop without any trouble. I was very surprised with it, even if the vinyl wasn't pressed perfectly.

My collection: 7" single no. 4860
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Net als toen' / 'Wees maar niet boos'

Wildfire - Time Bandits

Although the Time Bandits basically still exist (at least, frontman Alides Hidding still uses the name when he performs solo or with a band), they split up in 1989. 'Wildfire' was the last single to be released by the band, but it failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

The single was taken from the band's 1987 album 'Can't wait for another world', which contained a few songs written by Alides Hidding with American singer/producer Dan Hartman. This single contains two of them.

My collection: 7" single no. 4856
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Wildfire' / 'You're not at home'

The big kiss - Thereza Bazar

After the breakup of the duo Dollar, Thereza Bazar released one solo album in 1985 called 'The big kiss', which she co-wrote. The album reportedly cost half a million pounds to produce and generated media attention, but according to Bazar, the album's circulation was poor due to a mix-up at the record company, with the album unavailable at the time of its advertised release. Today Bazar mentions the incident as the most upsetting of her career.

The first single from the album was the title track was released in the summer of 1985. It didn't chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 4855
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The big kiss' / 'Give yourself up'

Tracie - Level 42

Level 42 members Gary Husband and Mark King wrote 'Tracie' and recorded it on their 1988 studio album 'Staring at the sun'.

The song was released as a single near the end of 1988. It peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart and number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4854
Found: Grammfoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Tracie' / 'Three words'

Als ik 'n meisje was - Toontje Lager

For a little while in the Eighties, the Dutch group 'Toontje Lager' were very hot. After the very successful albums 'Erop of eronder' (1982) and 'Stiekem dansen' (1983) the band suddenly failed to attract lots of attention. Their singles flopped and they didn't even record an album anymore.

In 1985, the band decided to call it quits. 'Als ik 'n meisje was' ('If I were a girl') was their last single release - and this one too failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4853
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Als ik 'n meisje was' / 'Hart van goud'

Popmuzik (Ben Liebrand single edit) - M

Attentive readers of this blog will recall I posted a 1989 remix of M's 'Popmuzik' on this blog back in August 2009. I bought that one in the UK. It appears that the Netherlands also released a remix of 'Popmuzik' that same year, except this one was made by Ben Liebrand, the Dutch DJ who had become a household name during the Eighties.

Indeed, his remix is very different from the one on the other single - but less unsuccessful. While the UK version reached number 15 in the UK singles chart, this single did not chart in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4852
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Popmuzik (Ben Liebrand single edit)'

Someone somewhere (in summertime) - Simple Minds

I think 'Someone somewhere (in summertime)' is my favourite Simple Minds song of all times. Still, it took me this long to find a copy of the single. Fortunately, it is a UK pressing so that's made it worthwhile waiting.

The track was released as the third and final single from the bands' 1984 album 'New gold dream'. It reached number 36 in the UK singles chart and number 19 in Ireland. In Europe, the single was ignored. How very strange.

My collection: 7" single no. 4851
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Someone somewhere (in summertime)' / 'King is white and in the crowd'

It's raining - Darts

The British doo-wop revival band Darts were very successful in the Seventies. The eight piece band had three successive number 2 hits in the UK singles chart with covers of early U.S. rock and roll and R&B songs.

'It's raining', released in July 1978, was the last of them. It was also the band's last hit in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4850
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'It's raining' / 'Messing shoe blues'

Love games - Level 42

'Love games' was the first single taken from Level 42's debut album and their first chart success. This 12" single features the full length version of the track, which is over seven minutes long.

According to a blurb on the back of the sleeve, 'Having grown up with influences such as Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Stevie Wonder, John McLaughlin plus George Benson the blend was right for one of the most exciting developments in British music for years.'

My collection: 12" single no. 428
Found: Record Exchange, London, 2002
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Love games (full length version)' / 'Forty two'

Won't you hold my hand now - King

The British band King were very successful in the UK in 1984, and so it didn't take long for the record company to realise that they could also have a shot at launching the band in the USA. That's where this 12" single was made, and this copy was released for promotion as a gold stamp on the back of the sleeve proves.

This 12" single features three remixes of the track 'Won't you hold my hand now', one of the heavier tracks on the band's debut album. The sleeve design features a photograph by Sheila Rock, who made many beautiful portraits of Eighties artists.

My collection: 12" single no. 361

Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 1998

Cost: 5 guilders

Tracks: 'Won't you hold my hand now ('Heavy times' mix)' / 'Won't you hold my hand now ('85 Reasons to hold hands mix)', 'Won't you hold my hand now (dub mix)'

Menage a trois - K-Ram

I have a copy of the single by K-Ram called 'Menage a trois'. Some time after buying the single I found this 12" single and I decided I wanted to hear the remix - especially since I could buy the 12" single for a low price.

K-Ram sounds a lot like Wham!, but it tries too hard to do so without being able to match the quality of the duo's lyrics.

My collection: 12" single no. 337
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2000
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Menage a trois (Whopper chopper mix)' / 'Menage a trois', 'Menage a trois (instrumental)'

Sensitive - Mick Karn

Japan member Mick Karn released his solo single 'Sensitive' in 1982. On the track, he collaborated with Ricky Wilde, who had just had his production debut on his sister's debut album 'Kim Wilde' in 1981. Ricky produced the track and also performed guitar and keyboards on it.

This 12" single features a remix of 'Sensitive', as well as the atmospheric B-side 'The sound of waves'.

My collection: 12" single no. 327
Found: Record fair, 1995
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Sensitive (remix)' / 'The sound of waves'

Professional widow / Hey Jupiter - Tori Amos

Tori Amos has made some beautiful music during the Nineties, but her career took a bizarre turn in 1996 when her record company thought it would be a great idea to remix her songs from the album 'Boys for Pele'. The remix of 'Professional widow' sounded nothing like the original and was a random collection of noises put together by one Armand van Helden, but it gave her a number 1 hit in the UK.

This 12" single features two further remixes: a beautiful version of 'Hey Jupiter' and an awful version of 'Talula'. Proof that remixes can add or detract from a track is given on this disc in equal measures, although the two awful remixes are considerably longer than the beautiful one.

My collection: 12" single no. 540
Found: unknown, 1996
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'Professional widow (Armand's Star Trunk Funkin' mix)' / 'Hey Jupiter (The Dakota version - radio edit)', 'Talula (BT's Synethasia mix)'

Severina - The Mission

Probably the biggest asset of the British band The Mission is that sometimes they used the angelic voice of Julianne Regan from All about Eve for their backing vocals. They did this, for instance, on their 1987 single 'Severina'. It was great that this 12" remix of 'Severina' highlights her voice even more.

The 12" single became an even more attractive package because of the limited edition poster included with it. Not that the men from the Mission were so handsome, but anything extra is always fun to have.

My collection: 12" single no. 323
Found: Record fair, 2000
Cost: 25 guilders
Tracks: 'Severina (Aqua-marina mix)', 'Wishing well' / 'Tomorrow never knows (Amphetamix)'

Kids in America - Kim Wilde

In 1981, Kim Wilde debuted with the single 'Kids in America'. It was a big hit all over Europe, but in the USA it took almost a year for it to be released. When it was released, it did reach the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 25.

This promotional 7" single was released in the USA to help along radio promotion. This rare single features the track on both sides, so as to avoid DJ's playing the B-side by mistake. It was quite extraordinary to find this single in pristine condition almost 30 years after its release.

My collection: 7" single no. 4849
Found: eBay.com, received May 11, 2010
Cost: $7
Tracks: 'Kids in America' / 'Kids in America'

Onschuld - Frank Boeijen

The fourth single from Frank Boeijen's debut solo album 'Wilde bloemen' ('Wild flowers') was the track 'Onschuld' ('Innocence'). It was re-recorded in June 1992, which didn't help its chart performance incidentally: like the other three singles from the album, it didn't chart in the Netherlands.

The B-side was recorded for the album together with Henny Vrienten, frontman of the popular Dutch Eighties band Doe Maar.

My collection: 7" single no. 1704
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, September 5, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Onschuld' / 'Het ijs'

May this be your last sorrow - Banderas

To this day, I am still mystified as to why the Banderas only ever recorded one album. Their music was accessible, the voice of Caroline Buckley sounded a lot like Madonna's - except better - and their album 'Ripe' was one of the best records of 1991 - in my opinion of course.

'May this be your last sorrow' was the third and last single drawn from that album, and this promotional 12" single features one remix that wasn't included on the commercially available cd-single. The 'Jimmy Phensic mix' isn't that wonderful, but still, it's an exclusive track.

My collection: 12" single no. 220
Found: Big Company Records, London, October 1992
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'May this be your last sorrow (7")', 'May this be your last sorrow (Less Stress 12") / 'May this be your last sorrow (Smith & Mighty - The Original Plan mix)', 'May this be your last sorrow (Smith & Mighty - The Jimmy Phensic mix)'

European queen - Billy Ocean

Not only did Billy Ocean record different versions of his song 'Caribbean queen', entitled 'African queen' and 'European queen', but there were also different edits of those songs. This single of 'European queen' features an edit which is shorter by 30 seconds when compared to the album version, but also an instrumental version which is actually longer than the album version! It's only 10 seconds longer, but still...

Having heard this song too often back in 1984, I never bought it, but now, more than a quarter of a century later, it's actually fun to hear this again.

My collection: 7" single no. 4848
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'European queen' / 'European queen (instrumental)'

Carribean queen - Billy Ocean

'Caribbean queen' was recorded by Billy Ocean in 1984 with Robert John 'Mutt' Lange co-writing and producing the track. The single reached number 6 in the UK singles chart, number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 15 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song was recorded with different titles for different parts of the world - resulting in versions such as 'European queen' and 'African queen'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4847
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Caribbean queen' / 'European queen'

King for a day - Thompson Twins

Following on from their hugely successful 1984 album 'Into the gap', the Thompson Twins experienced some troubles with their follow-up, 'Here's to future days' (1985). Frontman Tom Bailey was diagnosed with nervous exhaustion just before the release of the album and holding off on its release eventually led to reconsideration of the whole project. After Bailey's recovery, they re-recorded the album with producer Nile Rodgers taking over from Alex Sadkin.

Still, the album turned out to be less successful than its predecessor. The singles, too, disappointed commercially. 'King for a day' flopped in many territories and only reached number 22 in the UK - although it still made number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4846
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'King for a day' / 'Rollunder'

They don't know - Tracey Ullman

Kirsty MacColl wrote and recorded 'They don't know' in 1979. It was a popular song on the radio in the UK, but a strike at her distributors prevented the single from being shipped and promoted properly, preventing release of the single. The song was not included on any album, but later appeared on a compilation album 'Galore' (amongst others).

In 1983, Tracey Ullman recorded a cover version of the song on her debut album, 'You broke my heart in 17 places'. It became the album's most successful single, charting in the top ten of various national charts including a number 2 placing in the UK and number 8 in the USA and the Netherlands. MacColl performed backing vocals on Ullman's version and keeping her original "bay-ay-be-ee" in the middle of the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 4845
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'They don't know' / 'The B side'

Sister paradise - Time Bandits

The second single release by the Dutch band Time Bandits was not as succesful as their debut. Whereas 'Live it up' soared to number 9 in the Dutch Top 40, this single did not chart.

It didn't bode well for their debut album, but that was a pretty good success nonetheless. The band of Alides Hidding and company would be successful throughout the Eighties.

My collection: 7" single no. 4844
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sister paradise' / 'Cues part II'

Ordinary lives - Bee Gees

'Ordinary lives' was released in early 1989 as the first single from the Bee Gees' sixteenth studio album 'One'. Following the premature death of their younger brother Andy Gibb in 1988, the Bee Gees dedicated this song and their new album to him.

The single was a moderate success, reaching number 8 in Germany, number 23 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 54 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4843
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Ordinary lives' / 'Wing and a prayer'

Star - Kiki Dee

In 1981, 'Star' was Kiki Dee's first solo single release in four years, after the duet with Elton John, 'Don't go breaking my heart' made her a household name in 1978. The single was taken from her first album for her new label Ariola, 'Perfect timing'. Until then, Kiki Dee had been signed to Elton John's record company Rocket.

'Star' was written by Doreen Chanter of the Chanter Sisters. The single reached number 13 in the UK singles chart. Between 1987 and 1990 it was the theme song of the BBC One programme 'Opportunity knocks'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4842
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Star' / 'Give it up'

Jive talkin' - Boogie Box High

Boogie Box High were a musical project headed by Andros Georgiou in the late Eighties that featured a range of musical collaborations such as his cousin George Michael, guitarist Nick Heyward (of Haircut 100), keyboardist Mick Talbot (of Style Council), guitarist–songwriter David Austin, bassist Deon Estus and others.

Released in 1987, Boogie Box High's first single 'Jive talkin'' quickly reached number one in several countries. Part of this success was caused by the involvement of George Michael, who sang lead and backing vocals on the track. Due to contractual obligations to Epic Records, George was never credited on the original release, although fans quickly recognized his voice, making the song an instant hit.

My collection: 7" single no. 4841
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Jive talkin'' / 'Rhythm talkin' (part 1)'

I can dream about you - Dan Hartman

Dan Hartman recorded 'I can dream about you' for the soundtrack of the movie 'Streets of fire'. In the movie, the sog was performed by Winston Ford.

Dan Hartman's version was released as a single in 1984. It reached number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4840
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'I can dream about you' (Dan Hartman) / 'Blue shadows' (The Blasters)

Dim all the lights - Donna Summer

'Dim all the lights' was taken from Donna Summer's album 'Bad girls' and produced by longtime collaborator Giorgio Moroder with Pete Bellotte. Just like the two previous singles from the album, 'Hot stuff' and 'Bad girls', this was another massive hit for her, reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 29 in the UK singles chart. However, in the Netherlands, the single flopped.

Donna Summer herself wrote the song, without any co-writers. As such, 'Dim all the lights' was her only hit single that she wrote alone. She originally intended to give the song to Rod Stewart, but changed her mind at the last minute.

My collection: 7" single no. 4839
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Dim all the lights' / 'There will always be a you'

See see the sun - Kayak

Kayak's 1973 single 'See see the sun' was taken from their debut album of the same name. It was actually their third single, but the first one to fail to reach the chart even in the Netherlands.

Finding a Kayak single these days is pretty hard, so I was really stunned to find this one for almost nothing. The quality of the disc isn't the best, as you can hear, but what do you expect, after 37 years?

My collection: 7" single no. 4838
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 8, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'See see the sun' / 'Give it a name'

Twee gezichten - Frank Boeijen

Frank Boeijen recorded the track 'Twee gezichten' ('Two faces') together with Henk Hofstede from the Nits. It was released as the third single from Boeijen's debut solo album 'Wilde bloemen' ('Wild flowers').

The B-side was a live track, recorded at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium on February 20, 1992. It was a Dutch version of Elvis Presley's famous track 'I can't help falling in love with you'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1703
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, September 5, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Twee gezichten' / 'Kan er niets aan doen (live)'

Something about you - Level 42

Level 42 have always had a knack for making catchy tunes, and when they were at the height of their fame in the mid-Eighties, they were able to treat their fans to lively extended versions of their hit singles.

'Something about you' was released in 1985. The 'Sisa mix' on this 12" single was uncredited, but one can presume that producer Julian Mendelsohn had something to do with it.

My collection: 12" single no. 301
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1991
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Something about you (Sisa mix)' / 'Coup d'etat (version)'

Whenever you need me - T'pau

Without even knowing what was on it, this 12" single was an attractive proposition: it was released as a box set featuring a giant poster of Carol Decker. When I ordered my copy from the UK, the disc turned out to feature an extended remix of 'Whenever you need me', which was not included on the cd-single.

The only thing that irks me to this day, is that the paper slip around the orange box in which this 12" single was packaged tore apart on the day I received it. So I have a damaged copy, alas.

My collection: 12" single no. 114
Found: Esprit mail order, UK, received August 1991
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'Whenever you need me (extended)' / 'Whenever you need me (single version)', 'All the love'

The sensual world - Kate Bush

When Kate Bush created 'The sensual world', she originally wanted it to be the speech by Molly Bloom from James Joyce's book 'Ulysses' set to music. However, she was unable to get permission from Joyce's estate to do this. And so she decided to alter the lyric. In the new version, Molly Bloom steps out of the black and white, two-dimensional pages of the book into the real world, and is immediately struck by the sensuality of it all.

Upon its release, the single reached number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in the Dutch Top 40. The single was Bush's first release in three years, an eternity in those days. Little did people know that she would take much more time in between albums later on in her career...

My collection: 7" single no. 989
Found: HMV, London, October 16, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'The sensual world' / 'Walk straight down the middle'

Don't tell me lies - Breathe

'Don't tell me lies' was released in 1987 as the debut single by the British band Breathe. It wasn't until their second single 'Hands to heaven' was released, that they became well-known, as this first single only reached number 77 in the UK singles chart. The single was re-released in 1989 as the last single from their debut album 'All that jazz', and on that occasion it reached number 45.

This 12" single was released in 1987 and featured a free second disc with a dance remix of 'Don't tell me lies'. There is something wrong with my copy though: the labels of disc 1 were stuck on disc 2 and vice versa. It's all very confusing - but at least all four tracks are there.

My collection: 12" single no. 254
Found: Record Exchange, London, 1995
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Don't tell me lies (extended version)' / 'Moments (extended version)' // 'Don't tell me lies (dance mix)' / 'Don't tell me lies (12" dub mix)'

Living on video - Trans X

The Canadian duo Trans X became one hit wonders in 1983 with their song 'Living on video'. Written by Pascal Languirand, it was a catchy pop tune about the 'modern' life of the early Eighties.

This 12" single features two extended versions of the track, one in English and one in French. When you listen to it, you can't help but notice that the French vocals sound a bit hysterical - in all senses of the word.

My collection: 12" single no. 316
Found: Record fair, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Living on video (extended version)' / 'Vivre sur video (extended version)'

Dance this night away - Maarten Peters

The unsuccessful single 'Dance this night away' by Maarten Peters was his only one to be released as a 12" single featuring a remix. And it was quite a famous name who remixed his track: Ben Liebrand, who'd had several hit singles to his name during the mid-Eighties. Even he couldn't help this track.

The remix has all the hallmarks of a Liebrand mix: a new dance beat, several elements from the original song and a good groove. And an interesting buy: these days you can't find this 12" single anywhere.

My collection: 12" single no. 69
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'Dance this night away (Ben Liebrand dance mix)' / 'Dance this night away (instrumental)'

Matters of the heart - Freur

So here's another disc by Freur. The more often I write about this group, the less I know what to write. They are completely unknown to most people and I don't even know whether these posts appeal to anyone. But Freur has become an essential part of my collection with all their 7" and 12" singles taken from that debut album 'Doot doot', released in 1982.

'Matters of the heart' was another single taken from the album, and both the A-side are, as they call it, 'Dun dif'runt'. It's quirky and eclectic as always.

My collection: 12" single no. 391
Found: Record fair, 2000
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Matters of the heart (Dun dif'runt)' / 'You're a hoover (Dun dif'runt too)'

Closest thing to heaven - Kane Gang

The Kane Gang recorded and released 'Closest thing to heaven' in 1984. I never heard a song any better than this from them, although initially I only knew the single version. This 12" version is slightly longer and adds a little extra to what's already quite a perfect song.

What a difference, though, with the B-side: two throwaway tracks that you are better off not listening to.

My collection: 12" single no. 247
Found: unknown
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Closest thing to heaven (Full version)' / 'Mighty day', 'Bride of smalltown mudwrestles with Abbott & Costello in outer space (3D Mad Mix II creed)'

Ze geeft om mij - Frank Boeijen

Frank Boeijen recorded a new version of 'Ze geeft om mij' ('She cares for me'), a track from his debut solo album 'Wilde bloemen' ('Wild flowers') when it was released as the second single from that album. The track got an altogether 'warmer' sound.

The B-side was a Dutch language cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Suzanne', performed live during the television programme Rotland, presented by Jan Rot. Boeijen recorded that track in the studio with Belgian singer Yasmine some years later.

My collection: 7" single no. 1584
Found: February 15, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Ze geeft om mij' / 'Suzanne (live)'

Popcorn - Popcorn players

Back in 1972, the composition 'Popcorn' by Gershon and Kingsley was a very popular track. No less than four different performers charted with it in the Dutch Top 40. When this LP was released in 1972, roughly translated as 'The first hits of Veronica 538' after the famous radio station broadcasting in the Netherlands, the track could not be omitted.

However, I think they couldn't get permission from Hot Butter, Revolution System, Anarchic System and the Popcornmakers, so a fifth version was included, as performed by the Popcorn players. And when you collect all versions of 'Popcorn' like me, this one is a definite must have.

My collection: LP, unnumbered
Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, 2000
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Vaya con dios' (The Cats), 'Popcorn' (The Popcorn Players), 'Everybody is telling me' (Monica & Oscar Benton), 'Black & white' (Three dog night), 'Femmes aux jeux d'amour' (Adamo), '10538 Overture' (Electric Light Orchestra) / 'Who was it?' (Hurricane Smith), 'To make my life beautiful' (Alex Harvey), 'Go all the way' (Raspberries), 'Devilish Mary' (Jen Rog), '6 Uhr früh in den Strassen' (Christian Anders), 'Oei oei' (Jan Boezeroen)

Little brother - Blue pearl

What kind of a name is Durga McBroom? It sounds like something from a fantasy movie. In actual fact, it's the name of the singer of Blue Pearl, one half of a dance duo consisting of her and Martin Glover, who later became famous as the producer Youth.

This 12" single features two unremarkable tracks, but since the B-side is a cover version of Kate Bush's 'Running up that hill', I still was tempted to buy it. Not that this version is actually any good: it's possibly the most unpassionate version of that song ever.

My collection: 12" single no. 408
Found: unknown
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Little brother (remix)' / 'Running up that hill'

Hang on now - Kajagoogoo

Kajagoogoo were very successful after they stormed the pop scene with 'Too shy' in 1982. Subsequent singles 'Ooh to be ah' and 'Hang on now' reached the top 20 in the UK without too much trouble, and part of the appeal was, believe it or not, the outrageous hairstyles of the members of the group.

The record company recognised this fact with this release: the 12" single of 'Hang on now' came with a free poster. It took away attention from the fact that the music was pretty good, too: 'Hang on now' features lush synthesizers and a great guitardriven melody.

My collection: 12" single no. 344
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1997
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Hang on now (extended)' / 'Hang on now (instrumental)', 'Introduction'

Rain or shine - Five Star

One of Five Star's biggest hits, 'Rain or shine' is best described as a mid-tempo ballad. The single was released in the summer of 1986 and reached number 2 in the UK singles chart.

This 12" single is an attractive package as it brings together two remixes of 'Rain or shine' plus an instrumental remix of 'Find the time', one of Five Star's previous hits. The throwaway B-side 'Summer groove' is also there, of course.

My collection: 12" single no. 259
Found: Record Exchange, London, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Rain or shine (remix)', 'Rain or shine (dub)' / 'Summer groove', 'Find the time (instrumental remix)'

Experiment IV - Kate Bush

In 1986, Kate Bush was involved in the creation of her first - and so far, only - compilation album. She recorded two new tracks for the album, both of which were released on this 7" single. The new track 'Experiment IV' was about the army experimenting with sound to 'kill someone from a distance'. The other track was an old one: 'Wuthering heights', Kate's debut single, in a new version. According to her, the original sounded too much like a young woman.

Both tracks showcase a woman who is definately a perfectionist. But in the case of the B-side, it doesn't always work out well. Fortunately, the A-side compensates a lot for it. The guest appearance of Nigel Kennedy on violin adds much to the spooky atmosphere of the track.

My collection: 7" single no. 473
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Experiment IV' / 'Wuthering heights (new vocal)'

Koud in mijn hart - Frank Boeijen

After disbanding the Frank Boeijen Groep, frontman Frank Boeijen went solo. His first solo album was released a year after the last Frank Boeijen Groep album, so fans didn't have to wait for too long for new work from the singer.

'Koud in mijn hart' ('Cold in my heart') was released as the album's first single in November 1991. The song was written, composed and produced by Boeijen himself, but the B-side was proof that he wasn't just a lonely singer/songwriter now: that track was made in collaboration with Henk Hofstede from the band The Nits.

My collection: 7" single no. 1550
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 7, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Koud in mijn hart' / 'Wilde bloemen'

I'm only shooting love - Time Bandits

I have no idea whether the Time Bandits had any success in America in 1984, but that is where this 12" single comes from. The record company must have thought it a viable option, as they put a lot of work into it: the original track, produced by Pim Koopman, was remixed by Steve Thompson, who was a wellknown producer and remixer stateside.

Three versions of the track appear on this 12" single, which is marked 'For promotion only' on the back of the sleeve. 'Sale is unlawful', it says too. Still, I bought this disc in a shop in London.

My collection: 12" single no. 309
Found: Record Exchange, London
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'I'm only shooting love (extended version)' / 'I'm only shooting love (dub)', 'I'm only shooting love (single)'

There's more to love - The Communards

This 12" single contains a very different kind of extended mix: basically it sounds like the whole track has been re-recorded. 'There's more to love (than boy meets girl)' has been given an infusion of Latin brass, giving the track a summery feel. The serious message in the lyric still remains: love is not reserved for straight couples only.

The B-side gives the listener three further treats: two old-fashioned-sounding tracks and one acapella-ish version of the A-side track.

My collection: 12" single no. 539
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'There's more to love (extended)' / 'Zing went the strings of my heart', 'Spanish rap', 'When the boy in your heart is the boy in your arms'

Interview 1986 - Kate Bush

When Kate Bush returned to the pop scene with her landmark album 'Hounds of love', everybody wanted to make money with it. There were quite a few bootleggers who released interview cd's, lp's and singles at the time.

This white vinyl 7" single was made in the UK and contains an interview of unknown origins. Not much surprises in the answers, because even at the time the information given was quite wellknown.

My collection: 7" single no. 1223
Found: Record fair, April 22, 1990
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Interview (part 1)' / 'Interview (part 2)'

So many men, so little time - Miquel Brown

It's no wonder, I guess, that one of the most popular gay anthems of 1983 was also a hit in the clubs and discotheques. This extended version of Miquel Brown's very appropriate 'So many men, so little time' was a corker at many gay - but also straight parties.

Accoding to the bio on the back of the sleeve, Miquel Brown was born in Detroit, Michigan (USA) and arrived in London in May 1973 to start a career as a singing and dancing actress. 'So many men, so little time' is called 'a biography of a modern day girl' and is dedicated to Miquel's father, Samuel Stevenson. I bet he's proud.

My collection: 12" single no. 538
Found: unknown
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'So many men, so little time (extended)' / 'So many men, so little time (extended instrumental)'