Amiga Quartett - Robin Gibb

I was ordering some singles online and this one popped up with the same seller for just one euro. As you know I'm a sucker for Amiga EP's, I snapped it up despite already owning both tracks on side A. Which is why I was so pleasantly surprised by the two other tracks. 'Robot' in particular is a song you wouldn't expect from one of the Bee Gees.

My quest for Amiga Quartett EP's will continue for some time, because these East German discs have a special kind of appeal - especially when they contain music from artists that I know and like.

My collection: 7" single no. 7383
Found: Discogs.com, received 8 October 2024
Tracks: 'Juliet', 'How old are you' / 'Boys do fall in love', 'Robot'

How old are you? - Robin Gibb

While a member of the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb still had a solo career. During the Eighties he released three solo albums: 'How old are you', 'Secret agent' and 'Walls have eyes'. From the first of these comes this single, the title track of that album.

'How old are you' reached number 37 in Germany and number 92 in the UK singles chart. Although I do remember the song from 1983, it was not a hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4228
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'How old are you?' / 'I believe in miracles'

Saved by the bell - Robin Gibb

Traditionally, Robin Gibb was the lead singer of the Bee Gees, vying for the spot with his elder brother Barry Gibb during the trio's first period of success in the late Sixties. This resulted in a splitup of the Bee Gees, with all three brothers trying a solo career.

Robin's career took off really well, with his debut solo single 'Saved by the bell' reaching number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1969. The album 'Robin's reign' was less successful. In the end, the Bee Gees reformed in 1970, starting a second run of success.

My collection: 7" single no. 4202
Found: Flea market, Den Haag, November 15, 2009
Cost: 0,75 euro
Tracks: 'Saved by the bell' / 'Mother and Jack'

Juliet - Robin Gibb

Robin Gibb was not content just to be part of the Bee Gees, one of the most successful bands of all time. In 1983, he released a solo album. It was actually his second solo album, since 1970's 'Robin's Reign' was an early attempt at making it on his own. The 1983 album 'How old are you?' was a more successful attempt, since it yielded several hit singles.

'Juliet' was the first single taken from the album. It was a number one hit in Germany, Switzerland and Italy, peaking at number 2 in Austria and, by way of contrast, number 94 in the UK. Robin performed this song last December during the Night of the Proms concerts in Germany, and I took to the song instantly. I simply had to buy the single. I didn't know it was such an old song, though!

My collection: 7" single no. 3620
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 18, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Juliet' / 'Hearts on fire'