Schlager cocktail - Various artists

This 'Schlager cocktail' EP is a collection of songs that were popular in the early Sixties. None of the songs are performed by the original artists, but that's what makes it more interesting, I think. Especially when one of the songs is a Eurovision Song Contest track! 

'Zwei kleine Italiener' is performed here by Virginia Markus & Emilio Vallati. Although it doesn't stray too far from the original song by Conny Froboess, it does have a few differences, especially in the vocals. The instrumental 'Claire de lune à Maubeuge' is especially nice to listen to.

My collection: 7" single no. 8400
Found: Variaworld, Utrecht, 12 August 2026
Tracks: ' Quando quando quando' (Jean Couroyer), 'Tanz mit mir in den Morgen' (Otto Markert), 'Tango Italiano' (Jean Couroyer), 'Zwei kleine Italiener' (Virginia Markus & Emilio Vallati) / 'The lion sleeps tonight' (Jean Couroyer), 'La Chansonette' (Jean Couroyer), 'Michael' (The Streetsingers), 'Claire de Lune à Maubeuge'

San Remo Hits - Various

The 'Populaire Platen Kring' ('Popular Records Circle') was a Dutch phenomenon from the early Sixties. The labels do not bear dates. It is completely unknown how often a new edition appeared on the market. What is known is that most items contain imitated songs, a bit like the later English Top of the Pops albums.

This edition features hits from the San Remo festival - and indeed the Eurovision Song Contest. Of particular interest for me was the version of 'Addio Addio', performed by one Jean Couroyer and 'Romantica' by Togliani. Modugno himself appears with 'Nel blu dipinto di blu'.

My collection: 7" single no. 7333
Found: Discogs.com, received 18 September 2024
Tracks: 'Quando quando quando' (Jean Couroyer), 'Nel blu dipinto di blu' (Modugno), 'Gondoli' Gondola'' (Jean Couroyer), 'Le mille bolle blu' (Renatino) / 'Addio addio' (Jean Couroyer), '24 milla baci' (Rondinella), 'Tango Italiano' (Jean Couroyer), 'Romantica' (Togliani)