Showing posts with label Eurythmics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eurythmics. Show all posts

Wednesday 29 May 2019

I need a man - Eurythmics

A long time ago, when I was working at the public library, I had the opportunity to borrow cd's for free. During that time I listened to a lot of music I didn't (yet) own - and I do mean A LOT. One of the bands that I listened to was Eurythmics. In the end I wasn't that impressed with their albums, which is why I never bought them. But there were a lot of good singles, and I did buy those.

'I need a man' somehow escaped my attention and that must be because of the frankly horrible sleeve of that single in Europe. The American sleeve looks a lot nicer, as you can see here. The best track on this single actually isn't the A-side: I prefer the album track that is included on the flipside. 'Heaven' is a weird, but great track.

My collection: 7" single no. 6084
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, May 24, 2019
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I need a man' / 'Heaven'

Friday 4 May 2012

Julia - Eurythmics

Taken from the soundtrack of the movie '1984', for which Eurythmics provided the soundtrack, 'Julia' was the second single from that album. It couldn't be as successful as the catchy 'Sexcrime (1984)' but personally I find this track much more beautiful.

This 12" single features extended versions of both the A- and B-side of the single. Although 'Julia' is labelled as 'extended', it is actually the album version of the track, and not, like the B-side, a 'real' extended version.

My collection: 12" single no. 153
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1992
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Julia (extended)' / 'Ministry of love (extended)'

Saturday 28 April 2012

Touch dance - Eurythmics

'Touch Dance' is a remix album by the Eurythmics. This mini-album was released by RCA Records in May 1984, six months after the release of the album 'Touch'. It contains dance remixes of four tracks from Eurythmics' Touch album, by John 'Jellybean' Benitez and François Kevorkian, who were noted producers in the New York club scene. Amazingly, it omits all the hits from that album: 'Here comes the rain again', 'Right by your side' and 'Who's that girl'.

Annie Lennox has said in interviews that she disliked the record, as it was too much of a commercial product and was put together by RCA with little involvement from herself and Dave Stewart.

My collection: LP (unnumbered)
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 14, 2012
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'The first cut (François Kevorkian mix)', 'Cool blue (Jellybean remix)', 'Paint a rumour (Jellybean remix)', 'Regrets (François Kevorkian mix)' / 'The first cut (instrumental)', 'Cool blue (instrumental)', 'Paint a
rumour (instrumental)'

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Who's that girl - Eurythmics

There was some doubt in my mind upon buying this 12" single, whether it would contain an extended version of 'Who's that girl', as it wasn't described as such on the label. Strange, because the extended version of 'Who's that girl' would be something to brag about as it's actually quite good.

'Who's that girl' was the first single from the band's third album 'Touch' and a top 10 hit in several European countries. In the UK, the single peaked at number 3.

My collection: 12" single no. 605
Found: Record Exchange, London, 200X
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Who's that girl [extended version]' / 'You take some lentils... and you take some rice', 'ABC (Freeform)'

Friday 15 April 2011

Sisters are doin' it for themselves - Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin

'Sisters are doin' it for themselves' was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. It was intended as a feminist anthem. They recorded the track together with American soul/R&B musician Aretha Franklin and released as a single by RCA Records in October 1985. It was featured on both Eurythmics' 'Be yourself tonight' and Franklin's 'Who's zoomin' who?' albums.

The single reached number 18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and number 9 in the UK Singles Chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 5076
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 9, 2011
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sisters are doin' it for themselves' / 'I love you like a ball and chain'

Saturday 29 January 2011

Thorn in my side - Eurythmics

'Thorn in my side' was released as a single from the Eurythmics' album 'Revenge' in the summer of 1986. Written by band members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, the song is a cast-off to an unfaithful lover.

The single became Eurythmics' ninth Top 10 single, reaching number five in the UK singles chart. In the United States, the track stalled at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 5003
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 29, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Thorn in my side' / 'In this town'

Friday 16 April 2010

Revival - Eurythmics

'Revival' was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart together with guest keyboardist Pat Seymour. The lyric is a call for renewal and encouragement. Lennox sings the song to a subject who is facing hardships and feeling low, or perhaps is feeling bitter after much struggle in life.

The single was not released in the USA, and was only a minor hit in the UK, peaking at number 26. In the Dutch Top 40, it fared marginally better, peaking at number 25.

My collection: 7" single no. 4812
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Revival' / 'Precious'

Wednesday 14 April 2010

Sweet dreams (are made of this) '91 - Eurythmics

In 1991, the Eurythmics decided to take a break from working together to concentrate on solo efforts. Annie Lennox recorded the awardwinning album 'Diva', David A. Stewart formed the Spiritual Cowboys, releasing two albums with the group.

The record company took the opportunity to release a greatest hits album. In order to promote the album, a remix of 'Sweet dream (are made of this)' was made and released as a single. The remix didn't really change much from the original song, but simply added some sounds and beats to what was already a pretty perfect popsong. It reached number 48 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2201
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, October 8, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Sweet dreams (are made of this) '91' / 'The king & queen of America'

Monday 12 April 2010

Angel - Eurythmics

'Angel' was written by Eurythmics band members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart. It was the fourth single taken from their album 'We too are one'.

The single reached number 23 in the UK singles chart, but failed to reach the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1233
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 8, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Angel' / 'Angel (Choir version)'

Friday 9 April 2010

The king and queen of America - Eurythmics

Released as the third single from their album 'We too are one', the Eurythmics' 'The king and queen of America' was written by band members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. The song's music video showed Lennox and Stewart in a variety of costumes and settings which parodied various aspects of American pop culture, including a game show host and hostess, singing cowboy and cowgirl à la Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

The single reached number 33 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 29 in the UK singles chart. It was not released in America.

My collection: 7" single no. 1204
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 7, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The king and queen of America' / 'See no evil'

Sunday 4 April 2010

Who's that girl - Eurythmics

Not to be confused with the Madonna track that was released four years later, 'Who's that girl' was released by the Eurythmics in 1983. The music video featured Annie Lennox appearing in a male and female version. She appeared as a nightclub singer performing the song and also as a man who is a member of the audience. The video features cameo appearances by Bananarama, Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston of Bucks Fizz, Kiki Dee, Hazel O'Connor, Kate Garner of Haysi Fantayzee, Thereza Bazar of Dollar and Marilyn. In the end of the clip, the female-Lennox is shown kissing the male-Lennox.

The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 21 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 208
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Who's that girl?' / 'You take some lentils... and you take some rice'

Friday 2 April 2010

Don't ask me why - Eurythmics

'Don't ask me why' was written by Annie Lennox and David Stewart. The lyric of the song describes the ending of a relationship. The lyric can also be interpreted as a personal message from Lennox to her ex-husband, from whom she split acrimoniously in 1985, although some think the lyric is directed towards ex-lover and band partner Stewart.

The song was released as the second single from the Eurythmics' album 'We too are one'. It reached number 25 in the UK singles chart and number 40 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1125
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't ask me why' / 'Rich girl'

Tuesday 30 March 2010

You have placed a chill in my heart - Eurythmics

'You have placed a chill in my heart' was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, and appears on the duo's album 'Savage'. It was released as the fourth single from the album.

The track is driven by a drum machine and is a mostly synth-based pop song. Lyrically, Lennox sings of mustering the power to leave a destructive relationship with a lover who does not return the affection she deserves. The single reached number 16 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 687
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'You have placed a chill in my heart' / 'You have placed a chill in my heart (acoustic version)'

Sunday 28 March 2010

Here comes the rain again - Eurythmics

'Here comes the rain again' was performed by the Eurythmics on their 1983 album 'Touch' and written by its members, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Dave Stewart commented: 'The whole song was about that undecided thing, like here comes depression, or here comes that downward spiral. But then it goes, 'so talk to me like lovers do.' It's the wandering in and out of melancholy, a dark beauty that sort of is like the rose that's when it's darkest unfolding and bloodred just before the garden, dies. And capturing that in kind of oblique statements and sentiments.' He also revealed that the lyric to the song came into being after an argument between himself and Lennox while they were doing some songwriting in New York City's Columbus Hotel. The basic melody had already been written and Lennox looked out the window after their fight and noticed it was starting to rain. She announced, 'Here comes the rain again'.

The string arrangements by Michael Kamen were performed by members of the British Philharmonic Orchestra. The track actually lasted for five minutes, but was edited when it was released on the 'Touch' album to four and a half minutes. The track was edited even further for the single release. The full length version only appeared in 1991 on the US edition of 'Greatest hits'.

My collection: 7" single no. 981
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, August 29, 1989
Cost: 2 guilder
Tracks: 'Here comes the rain again' / 'Paint a rumour'

Monday 1 March 2010

The miracle of love - Eurythmics

'The miracle of love' was recorded by the Eurythmics in 1986 on their sixth album 'Revenge'. It was subsequently released as the third single from the album, although the single was not released in the United States.

It reached number 31 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 23 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 488
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'The miracle of love' / 'When tomorrow comes (live)'

Wednesday 24 February 2010

When tomorrow comes - Eurythmics

I remember the feeling of disillusionment when I first heard 'When tomorrow comes' by the Eurythmics. They were always known for their synthpop tracks, but on this song, there was literally no synthesizer in sight. And weren't there already too many guitar bands?

'When tomorrow comes' isn't a bad song, though. The album 'Revenge' would continue this rock sound, making the synthpop label on Eurythmics a bit misplaced anyway. Meanwhile, this single only reached number 30 in the UK singles chart and number 19 in the Dutch Top 40, while becoming a top 10 hit in Scandinavia and Australia.

My collection: 7" single no. 463
Found: V&D, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'When tomorrow comes' / 'Take your pain away'

Friday 19 February 2010

It's alright (Baby's coming back) - Eurythmics

'It's alright (Baby's coming back)' was a slight return by Eurythmics to the electronic-based sounds of their earlier albums. Driven by a subtle drum machine track, Lennox sings a straightforward ode to a lover returning to her after a long absence. The instrumental passages feature some elaborate multitracked harmony guitar parts from Stewart.

The track was released as the fourth and final single from their album 'Be yourself tonight'. It peaked at number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2027
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'It's alright (Baby's coming back)' / 'Conditioned soul'

Saturday 13 February 2010

Right by your side - Eurythmics

One of the most successful collaborations in Eighties pop is the Eurythmics. Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox were continually changing their sound, releasing one hit single after another. 'Right by your side' was lyrically and sonically different from past single releases from the band. The track is an uptempo love song featuring calypso music, synthesized steel drum and marimba sounds as well as a horn section.

The track was released as the second single from Eurythmics' third album 'Touch'. It reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3097
Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 13, 1999
Cost: 40p
Tracks: 'Right by your side' / 'Right by your side (Party mix)'

Friday 12 February 2010

Julia - Eurythmics

'Julia' was a track on the soundtrack of the movie '1984', which was composed and recorded entirely by the Eurythmics. It was subsequently released as the second and final single from the album. The song is a ballad with very sparse electronic instrumentation and an almost a cappella performance by Lennox. Her vocals are accentuated by vocoder effects in the background. The title and lyrics of the song are based upon the novel's heroine and love interest, Julia.

The single was released as a limited edition in the UK, featuring a pop-up sleeve and a picture disc with a still image from the film, featuring English actress Suzanna Hamilton as Julia. The single reached number 44 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1346
Found: Sister Ray, London, October 18, 1990
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Julia' / 'Ministry of love'

Thursday 28 January 2010

Love is a stranger - Eurythmics

'Love is a stranger' was originally released in November 1982, but it failed to chart. When 'Sweet dreams (are made of this)' became a hit single, this single was re-released in March 1983. On that occasion, it peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart, number 13 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 23 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

On the track, the rare Movement Systems Drum Computer and various synthesizers are used, combined with Lennox's strident multi-tracked vocal harmonies. The song is also punctuated with vocal grunts of "uh!" from Stewart.

I bought two different copies of this single: at the time of its re-release, I bought the Dutch pressing. Sixteen years later, I found a UK pressing with a totally different sleeve: the original 1982 version.

My collection: 7" single no. 197 / no. 3168
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983 / House of Rhythm, London, January 18, 2000
Cost: 3,5 guilders / 60p
Tracks: 'Love is a stranger' / 'Monkey monkey'

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