For that's what this is: a vocal version of 'Chariots of fire', with lyrics provided by Jon Anderson (who recorded loads of tracks together with Vangelis himself). And although this version isn't quite as beautiful as the original instrumental version, it's interesting nonetheless.
My collection: 7" single no. 6944
Found: Vinyl & zo, Rijswijk, 15 April 2023
Tracks: 'Race to the end' / 'Seasons of love'
Though the single peaked at number four in the Netherlands and number five in Greece, it failed to chart in the United Kingdom. Critics observed similarities between Van Hemert's 'Auntie' composition and 'Those were the days', a 1968 hit by Mary Hopkin. In turn, the Belgian entry to the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest - 'Hey nana' by Micha Marah - was accused of plagiarising the song 'Auntie'.
My collection: 7" single no. 6648
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, 5 March 2022
Cost: €1
Tracks: 'Auntie' / 'Auntie (instrumental version)'
I don't think many chart singles are based on classical music these days. But in the Seventies and early Eighties, it happened every once in a while. This track by Demis Roussos is a good example: 'Follow me' was based on Rodrigo's Concerto d'Aranjuez, and was an impressive piece clocking in at six minutes.
