Something's gotten hold of my heart - Marc Almond

Most people are familiar with the single 'Something's gotten hold of my heart' as a duet between Marc Almond and the song's original performer, Gene Pitney, but this single was released before the duet version. It's the album version of the track, as recorded by Marc Almond solo.

I don't know enough of the history, but I think this single was released just weeks before the duet version, and finally the duet version came in its place -and became a Europe-wide hit. This version of the single is therefore a bit more rare.

My collection: 7" single no. 5273
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, January 27, 2012
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Something's gotten hold of my heart' / 'King of the fools'

I feel love - Bronski Beat and Marc Almond

Entitled 'I feel love', this is actually a medley of three songs: 'Love to love you' and 'I feel love', originally by Donna Summer and 'Johnnie remember me', originally by Johnny Leyton. Bronski Beat invited Marc Almond to sing on their track. Although the original had been one of Marc Almond's all-time favourite songs, he had never read the lyrics and thus incorrectly sang 'What'll it be, what'll it be, you and me' instead of 'Falling free, falling free, falling free'.

The single was a success, peaking at number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in the Dutch Top 40. The music video was a decidedly camp affair.

My collection: 7" single no. 2245
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 23, 1995
Cost: 1 guilders
Tracks: 'I feel love' / 'Puit d'amour'

The days of Pearly Spencer - Marc Almond

Marc Almond recorded a cover version of David McWilliams' 1967 single 'The days of Pearly Spencer' on his 1992 album 'Tenement Symphony'. Unlike the original, this became a top 10 hit for Almond, peaking at number 4 in the UK singles chart. It would also prove to be Almond's last top 10 hit in the UK.

At the time of buying this single, I only knew the original version. I assumed that Marc Almond would do a decent job with his cover version. Fortunately, I was not wrong.

My collection: 7" single no. 1619
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 18, 1992
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'The days of Pearly Spencer' / 'Bruises'

Something's gotten hold of my heart - Marc Almond and Gene Pitney

'Something's gotten hold of my heart' was written by Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook. It was originally recorded by David and Jonathan. Gene Pitney recorded a more successful version in 1967, peaking at number 5 in the UK singles chart.

The song achieved its greatest success in 1988 when it was covered by Marc Almond. Originally recorded by Almond solo on his 1988 album 'The stars we are', the single version reunited it with its original singer Gene Pitney, their version became a number one single in the UK for four weeks in January 1989. Sales were helped by this limited edition box set which included two postcards, a discography and a badge.

My collection: 7" single no. 719

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1989

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Something's gotten hold of my heart' (Marc Almond & Gene Pitney) / 'Something's gotten hold of my heart' (Marc Almond)

Bitter-sweet - Marc Almond

The second single from Marc Almond's 1988 album 'The stars we are' was 'Bitter-sweet', a beautifully orchestrated song. It only managed a number 40 placing in the UK chart, which was disappointing after the success of the previous single 'Tears run rings', which had peaked at number 26 and also managed a placing in the US Billboard Hot 100.

Like other singles from the album, this one was released as a limited edition pressed on clear vinyl. I'm glad I was able to find one for my collection.

My collection: 7" single no. 2697

Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 3, 1996

Cost: 80p

Tracks: 'Bitter-sweet' / 'King of the fools'

Only the moment - Marc Almond

In 1988, the compact disc was still a relatively new medium so every disc my sister and I bought was shared. I heard Marc Almond's album 'The stars we are' because my sister had bought it and I liked almost every track from that album. Come to think of it, I wonder why I never bought it later.

I did buy all the singles that were taken from the album - and that was also down to the fact that there were such attractive limited editions of them. 'Only the moment' was released on clear vinyl. It was the last single drawn from the album, released in April 1989 and peaking at number 45 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3103

Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 13, 1999

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Only the moment' / 'Real evil'