Having it all - Eighth Wonder feat. Patsy Kensit

Most people know the movie 'Absolute beginners' from the single 'Absolute beginners' by David Bowie, but this movie had so much more to offer. Who could forget Sade's beautiful song 'Killer blow'? It's a shame that was never released as a single.

I thought the same about 'Having it all', performed in the movie by Patsy Kensit from Eighth Wonder. I was surprised, and pleased, to find that this song was released as a single, albeit in Japan only. The jazzy track is a departure from their other material, which is much more synth-driven, but I guess that's what makes this track extra special.

My collection: 7" single no. 6467
Found: Discogs.com, received 6 October 2021
Cost: $5
Tracks: 'Having it all' / 'Stay with me (instrumental)'

I'm not scared - Eighth wonder

The Pet Shop Boys produced 'I'm not scared' for Eighth Wonder, the group with frontwoman Patsy Kensit. She appeared in the BBC programme 'Saturday kitchen' earlier this month, with some people commenting that she looked like she'd had some cosmetic surgery done. Shame, because she always looked so great in the past and cosmetic surgery rarely does anything to enhance looks. Just ask Pete Burns.

The single 'I'm not scared' was produced by the Pet Shop Boys and Phil Harding. This 12" single features an extended 'disco mix'. I looked for the cd-single for ages, but it's very hard to find a copy for a reasonable price. So in the mean time, this disc will have to do.

My collection: 12" single no. 433
Found: House of Rhythm, London, 2003
Cost: 1,4 pounds
Tracks: 'I'm not scared (disco mix)' / 'I'm not scared', 'J'ai pas peur'

Will you remember - Eighth Wonder

Released in 1987, Eighth Wonder's single 'Will you remember' did not chart in the UK. It is a somewhat unremarkable dance track with the seductive voice of Patsy Kensit as the main attraction.

I didn't know the track when I bought this single, however I did know the B-side. 'Having it all' was featured in the movie 'Absolute beginners' and was performed in the movie by Patsy. This B-side is the original version of the track, with its jazzy music.

My collection: 7" single no. 2171
Found: Record Exchange, London, September 27, 1994
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Will you remember' / 'Having it all'

My own way - Duran Duran

I thought I knew everything about Duran Duran's discography, until I found this single. I'd never heard of the track, the sleeve looked unlike any other Duran Duran sleeve at the time and so I assumed it was an early single, from before they were famous.

In fact, it was the fourth single by the band, a new track not on any album to capitalise on the success of 'Girls on film', their previous hit single. 'My own way' has often been cited by the band as their least favourite and is rarely played live. The single reached number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in Australia.

My collection: 7" single no. 2467
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 16, 1995
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'My own way' / 'Like an angel'

I'm not scared - Eighth Wonder

Patsy Kensit joined the band of her brother Jamie in 1983, aged 14. Together with Geoff Beauchamp, Lawrence Lewis and Jake Walters they started performing live, trying to get the attention of record labels. In 1985 they were signed to CBS Records and began recording in London, while Patsy Kensit also managed to land a role in the movie 'Absolute beginners'.

During the recording of their second album 'Fearless' in 1987, they came in contact with the Pet Shop Boys, who co-produced and wrote 'I'm not scared'. This was released as the first single from the album. It was a number 1 hit in Italy, reaching number 7 in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 997
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 16, 1989
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'I'm not scared' / 'J'ai pas peur'