Quand je te rêve - Céline Carzo

Céline Carzo represented Luxembourg during the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest. It was one of the most dynamic songs Luxembourg had ever contributed to the Contest. After it finished 13th in a field of 22 competitors, I lost hope that this song would be released in the Netherlands. All I could do was search for the single that was released in Luxembourg and/or France. Someone I knew actually bought a copy in France, but he also told me it was very rare.

Indeed, it took me seven years to find this single. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the single version lasted for 4 minutes, 1 minute longer than the maximum performance time during the Contest.

My collection: 7" single no. 2849

Found: Bea Records, 1997

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Quand je te rêve' / 'Looking for love'

Love and pride - King

The band King formed in 1983 in Coventry. The band consisted of lead singer Paul King, Mick Roberts, Anthony Wall and Jim Lantsbery. Their debut album 'Steps in time' was released in 1984, along with the band's debut single 'Love & pride'. In May 1984, this single only reached number 84 in the UK singles chart, but after extensive promotion the single was re-released and made number 2 in early 1985.

This limited edition release features a colour poster. It was the main reason for buying the single at the time, because I didn't really need to hear this track anymore. Now I'm glad to have it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3084
Found: Record Exchange, London, May 10, 1999
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Love & pride' / 'Don't stop'

Computer games - Mi-sex

The Australian new wave rock band Mi-sex was founded in 1978. The band centered around Steve Gilpin (vocals), Murray Burns (keyboards) and Kevin Stanton (guitar). In August of that year, they were signed to CBS Records. Their debut album 'Graffiti crimes' included their biggest hit 'Computer games'. This single went to number 1 in Australia and was a top 5 hit in New Zealand.

The single was also released in the Netherlands - which is how I heard it - but failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2903

Found: Record Exchange, London, October 30, 1997

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Computer games' / 'Wot do you want'

Opportunities (Let's make lots of money) - Pet Shop Boys

The first version of 'Opportunities' was recorded already in 1983, produced by Bobby Orlando. However, this version wasn't released. When the Pet Shop Boys signed to Parlophone records in 1985, they re-recorded the song with J.J. Jeczalik (from Art of Noise) and Nicholas Froome producing.

This single charted lowly at number 116 in the UK. Their second single on Parlophone would be 'West End Girls' in a new version. This would become what many people thought to be their debut single - and a worldwide hit.

My collection: 7" single no. 2642

Found: Record fair, May 12, 1996

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Opportunities (Let's make lots of money)' / 'In the night'

It's a fine day - Opus III

Opus III consisted of vocalist Kelly Hawkshaw and producers Kevin Dodds, Ian Munro and Niger Walton. 'It's a fine day', their debut single in 1992, was a cover of a 1983 single by Jane & Barton. Their debut album 'Mind fruit' was an uplifting dance album, with a strong environmental message in the lyrics and album liner notes.

This single peaked at number 5 in the UK singles chart and was also a minor hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 2391

Found: Eastbourne, July 5, 1995

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'It's a fine day' / 'Evolution rush'

Take a chance on me - Abba

Much has been said about Abba's later years, when both couples had divorced and their music took on an increasingly serious tone. It's easy to forget that it all started out as great fun. 'Take a chance on me' is one of those upbeat tracks. The song's origins sprang from Ulvaeus, whose hobby was running. While running, he would sing a "tck-a-ch"-style rhythm to himself over and over again, which then evolved into "take-a-chance" and the eventual lyrics.

'Take a chance on me' was a number one hit in Austria, Belgium, Ireland and the UK, and peaked at number 2 in the Netherlands. The song was covered by Erasure on their 'Abba-esque' EP (1992).

My collection: 7" single no. 2117

Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, June 11, 1994

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Take a chance on me' / 'I'm a marionette'

Cold spell ahead - The The

The The was founded by Matt Johnson in the late Seventies, together with Keith Laws and Peter Fenton-Jones. The latter dropped out within a year, and Peter Ashworth and Tom Johnston were added to the band. They recorded and released the debut single 'Controversial subject'. After this, Johnston and Ashworth dropped out of the band. As a duo (Johnson and Laws), The The began playing shows with some of that era's most influential groups: Wire, Cabaret Voltaire and Scritti Politti amongst others. In 1981, Johnson issued a solo album on 4AD called 'Burning Blue Soul'; years later, it would be re-issued and credited to The The. In September 1981, the duo signed a contract with Some Bizzare Records, and released the 7" single 'Cold Spell Ahead'. Shortly thereafter, Laws left and the only remaining member of The The was Johnson.

'Cold spell ahead' was re-released in 1992. This re-release is in my collection - the original release it probably very expensive and hard to get.

My collection: 7" single no. 1755
Found: Tower Records, London, October 19, 1992

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Cold spell ahead' / 'Hot ice'

Teenage queenie - Pussycat

Taken from their 1981 album 'Blue lights', 'Teenage queenie' was a minor hit for the Dutch band Pussycat, peaking at number 36 in the Dutch Top 40. It was also their penultimate hit: 'Lovers of a kind' (1983) would get to number 15, but after that, the hits dried up. The band finally broke up in 1985.

Pussycat will always be remembered for their worldwide hit 'Mississippi', which gave them a number one hit in the UK in 1976. This song sounds very different from that one, though the band's signature sound, formed by slide guitars and Toni Willé's distinctive voice is still there.

My collection: 7" single no. 903

Found: All that music, Leiden, June 23, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Teenage queenie' / 'Who's gonna love you'

How can we hang on to a dream - Tim Hardin

Tim Hardin was born on December 23, 1941. His career as an American folk musician started in 1966, with the release of his debut album 'Tim Hardin 1'. This contained the song 'Misty roses', which reached the top 40 in America. His second album 'Tim Hardin 2' was released in 1967, and contained 'How can we hang on to a dream', which was his only UK hit, charting for one week on number 50. The song did considerably better in the Netherlands, where it made number during its ten week chart run.

Tim Hardin developed a heroin addiction, which took control of his life by the time his last album, 'Nine', was released in 1973. He died of a heroin and morphine overdose on December 29, 1980. In 1987, the song was re-released after it was used on the soundtrack of the Dutch movie 'Zoeken naar Eileen' ('Searching for Eileen'). This time around, the song peaked at number 4. I always considered it to be a very moving song.

My collection: 7" single no. 1813
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 9, 1993
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'How can we hang on to a dream' / 'Misty roses'

The girls are back in town - Risqué

'The girls are back in town' was the debut single by Risqué. Although their career continued for several years, it would prove to be their biggest chart success, peaking at number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

I bought this single as part of a big shopping spree at Disco Market, my favourite little second hand shop in Den Haag. For once, I was allowed to go in the back room, where thousands of singles were stored, just waiting to be put in the shop. I bought a few dozen singles that day...

My collection: 7" single no. 3284
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'The girls are back in town' / 'Risqué disco'

Don't stop me now - Queen

Queen released 'Don't stop me now' in 1978 as a single from their album 'Jazz'. The song was written and composed by Freddie Mercury. On the studio version, Brian May's only guitar playing is in his guitar solo, but on live versions performed on the band's 1978 and 1979 tours, May would also play rhythm guitar throughout the rest of the song to add a rockier feeling to it. Despite all this, it is said that May did not like this song at all.

The single reached number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 14 in the Dutch Top 40. I bought the single over a year after Freddie Mercury died. After his death, I liked Queen a lot more than before. I still don't know why that is.

My collection: 7" single no. 1887
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, April 24, 1993

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Don't stop me now' / 'In only seven days'

Toccata - Sky

Sky was a UK-based instrumental group which came together in 1979. Members were John Williams (who was at that time already an accomplished instrumentalist in his own right), Kevin Peek (who'd worked with, amongst others, Cliff Richard, Manfred Mann and Jeff Wayne), Herbie Flowers (a former member of Blue Mink and T-Rex), Tristan Fry and Francis Monkman.

They fused together musical styles including rock, classical and jazz. Their second album 'Sky 2' was released in 1980, and from that album the single 'Toccata' was drawn. It peaked at number 5 in the UK and number 20 in the Netherlands. In both countries, it was the only Sky single to reach the chart, although at least two others were released.

My collection: 7" single no. 2150

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, September 1, 1994

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Toccata' / 'Vivaldi'

Better the devil you know - Kylie Minogue

The release of 'Better The Devil You Know' marked a milestone in Kylie Minogue's career. While still being produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman like she had been throughout her musical career up to that point, she took creative control over her image. She recorded a video for the single which broke with the 'girl-next-door' image she'd had for several years.

The single became Kylie's fifth number 2 single in the UK, having also had four number 1 hitsingles. The Dutch audience was less impressed: the single peaked at number 22 only. I only discovered the song years later, after Kylie had made some more serious music. I had to admit some of her previous work was pretty nice too.

My collection: 7" single no. 3332

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'better the devil you know' / 'I'm over dreaming (over you)'

Ruthless queen - Kayak

After some personnel changes, the band Kayak, which had been going for 16 years, was working with a new lead singer, Edward Reekers, and for the first time with two female backing vocalists (Irene Linders and Katherine Lapthorn. Enormous success followed with the commercial-sounding single 'Ruthless queen' and its parent album 'Phantom of the night'.

'Ruthless queen' became the biggest hit of Kayak's career, peaking at number 6 in the Dutch Top 40. For some time, Kayak was my favourite Dutch band, even though I was only eight years old.

My collection: 7" single no. 712
Found: All that music, Leiden, December 30, 1988
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Ruthless queen' / 'Ivory dance'

No blue skies - Lloyd Cole

After Lloyd Cole & the Commotions disbanded in 1989, Lloyd Cole decided to relocate to New York and record solo work. The first result was the 1990 album 'Lloyd Cole' and the solo debut single 'No blue skies'. I was pleasantly surprised by this track, which sounded a lot more accessible than the last few singles by Lloyd Cole & the Commotions.

Still, it only managed a number 42 placing in the UK singles chart, and no chart placing in Europe at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 1173
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 17, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'No blue skies' / 'Shelly I do'

Under your thumb - Godley and Creme

After having been in 10CC for years, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme left the band to pursue other musical interests. They released seven albums as a duo, of which 'Ismism' (1981) was their fourth. It contained the single 'Under your thumb', which was their biggest hit in the UK, peaking at number 3. In the Netherlands, it did worse than previous single 'An Englishman in New York', whcih reached number 3 in the previous year (but did not chart in the UK!), but this single still peaked at a respectable number 18.

My collection: 7" single no. 593

Found: All that music, Leiden, February 16, 1988

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Under your thumb' / 'Power behind the throne'

Everybody wants to run the world - Tears for fears

Tears for fears had a big worldwide hit with 'Everybody wants to rule the world' in 1985. In the slipstream of charity projects like Band Aid, Live Aid etcetera, 1986 saw the event Sport Aid take shape. Tears for Fears were asked to contribute a theme song, which became 'Everybody wants to run the world'. Roland Orzabal explained why the song was recorded: '...to get Bob Geldof off our backs! He gave us so much gip for not turning up at Live Aid. All those millions of people dying, it was our fault. I felt terrible. I tell you, I know how Hitler must have felt.'

Being absolutely appalled about anything to do with sports, I had a lot of doubt whether I should buy this single. In the end, my desire to have a complete Tears for fears collection was stronger.

My collection: 7" single no. 1317

Found: Virgin Megastore, London, October 16, 1990

Cost: 3 pounds

Tracks: 'Everybody wants to run the world' / 'Everybody wants to run the world (Running version)'

The living daylights - A-ha

A-ha recorded 'The living daylights' for the soundtrack of the 1987 James Bond movie of the same name. The single was a commercial success, peaking at number 11 in the Netherlands and number 5 in the UK. Critics were less friendly: they said that after 'A view to a kill' by Duran Duran, this was another 'desperate attempt to market James Bond to a young audience'.

Desperate or not, it remains a good anthem. Personally I was more offended by A-ha's version of this song on their 1988 album 'Stay on these roads': the soul was taken out of the song and replaced by lots of hollow-sounding synths.

The single was released in a standard sleeve in Europe and the UK, but in the UK there was also a limited edition with a gatefold sleeve (pictured below). I own both editions, although it took me years to find the limited edition.

My collection: 7" single no. 541 / no. 2788
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987 / Record fair, Utrecht, November 9, 1996
Cost: 6 guilders / 10 guilders
Tracks: 'The living daylights' / 'The living daylights (instrumental)'

A-ba-ni-bi - Izhar Cohen and the Alpha-Beta

The approximate translation of 'A-ba-ni-bi' is 'I love you'. So the title of this song is actually Hebrew, and not, as I always thought, one of those nonsensical titles which the Eurovision Song Contest became famous for. Izhar Cohen performed the song in 1978 and won the Contest, which meant that Israel won it for the very first time. Broadcasters in many of the non-participating Arab countries in North Africa and Asia who had been transmitting the contest, had to cut the broadcast when it was clear Israel was going to win. Jordanian TV famously ended the show with a still photo of a bunch of daffodils rather than acknowledge the Israeli entry.

Several cover versions of this song exist, including an Icelandic one by Paul Oscar and a beautiful, almost transcendental version by K.O.B. While this song was performed in Hebrew on the Contest, this single features the English version only.

My collection: 7" single no. 3007

Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1999

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'A-ba-ni-bi' / 'Illusions'

Runaway girl / It's all right - Sterling Void

Sterling Void released this double A-side single in late 1988. In January 1989, 'Runaway girl/It's all right' made the UK singles chart and peaked at number 53. But this is not what made the band well-known.

In the summer of 1989, the Pet Shop Boys recorded a cover version of 'It's all right', entitled 'It's alright', which made the UK top 5. I guess lots of Pet Shop Boys fans hunted for the original song after that - I certainly did because I was rather curious how it would sound. Suffice to say that it's pretty standard late Eighties dance-type stuff.

My collection: 7" single no. 3067

Found: House of Rhythm, London, May 10, 1999

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Runaway girl' / 'It's all right'

Living by numbers - New Musik

'Living by numbers' is New Musik's biggest hit. Released in January 1980, it peaked at number 13 in the UK singles chart. It was the second single taken from their debut album 'From A to B', and a great synthpop track.

I bought the single after I bought the album. Since the single never charted in the Netherlands, I hadn't heard the track before that. Several different sleeves exist for this single; this is the UK edition, which I bought in London.

My collection: 7" single no. 2656

Found: London, June 29, 1996

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Living by numbers' / 'Sad films'

Irresistible - Cathy Dennis

A track from Cathy Dennis' second album 'Into the skyline', this single peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart. This and subsequent singles seemed to get into the top thirty without too much trouble. In America, Dennis experienced a brief peak of fame, making a cameo in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' singing the song 'Moments of Love' (a minor U.S. chart hit).

I bought this single shortly after I'd bought the cd 'Into the skyline', but in time I experienced that Cathy Dennis' singles from 1992 aged quite quickly.

My collection: 7" single no. 2389

Found: Eastbourne, July 5, 1995

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Irresistible' / 'Irresistible (7" remix version)

Never can say goodbye - Communards

After the Communards had a number one hit in the UK in 1986 with 'Don't leave me this way', a cover of Thelma Houston's Seventies disco track, they tried to repeat this feat in 1987 with another cover of a disco track. They recorded a version of 'Never can say goodbye', which was a disco hit for Gloria Gaynor in 1974. This time around, however, they only made number 4 in the UK. The single did slightly better in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 3.

While the single was in the chart I bought it on the then rather new cd-single format. I found the 7" single years later.

My collection: 7" single no. 2814

Found: Record fair, February 1, 1997

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Never can say goodbye' / '77 the great escape'

Love's crashing waves - Difford and Tilbrook

Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook had been in the band Squeeze since 1974. After eight years, the band broke up as a result of conflict between (other) band members. Difford and Tilbrook continued to work together, and released one self-titled album as 'Difford & Tilbrook' (1984). The album is considered to be a 'lost' Squeeze album since Difford and Tilbrook were the only constant members of that band, which reformed already in 1985.

'Love's crashing waves' was their debut single, taken from that album. I remembered it because I thought the song was very boring - probably a result from the accompanying video which was played on television repeatedly in 1984. In 1998 I bought the single after I found that the chorus was still in my head after not having heard the song for over a decade. I had a hunch, and I was right: now I like the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 2991

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, May 27, 1998

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Love's crashing waves' / 'Within these walls of without you'

Winter song - Chris Rea

This EP features three songs that are ideal for the Winter season. But on dark evenings, I often play Chris Rea anyway, whatever season it is. 'Winter song' was released in November 1991, and reached number 27 in the UK singles chart. The EP also featured 'Tell me there's a heaven' (track not included here), which was a hit for Rea in February 1990.

I bought this single at the point I started to doubt the existance of 'Tell me there's a heaven' as a separate single release. I have no regrets though: 'Winter song' is a beautiful song in its own right.

My collection: 7" single no. 2164

Found: London, September 26, 1994

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Winter song' / 'Footprints in the snow', 'Tell me there's a heaven'

Riders on the storm - Annabel Lamb

'Riders on the storm' was written and recorded by The Doors on their 1971 album 'L.A. Woman'. According to band member Robby Krieger, it was inspired by the song '(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend', a country and western song from 1948. The original recording incorporates real sound effects of thunder and rain, along with Ray Manzarek's Fender Rhodes electric piano playing, which emulates the sound of rain.

Annabel recorded a cover version in 1983, which leaves out much of the original version to replace it with modern synth sound effects. Unlike the original, the single didn't chart outside the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 556

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1986

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Riders on the storm' / 'No cure'

Love is a battlefield - Pat Benatar

Years after I bought 'Love is a battlefield' on 12" single, I found the 7" single and decided to buy that one as well. It was cheap enough: the sleeve was torn, but thankfully the disc was still in good order.

A number one hit in 1984, I can still picture every second of the song in my head, having heard it so often back then. As a result, I don't play this single a lot. But when I do, it takes me right back to that year, watching videos on television.

My collection: 7" single no. 2465

Found: September 9, 1995

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Love is a battlefield' / 'Hell is for children (live)'

Some people - Fra Lippo Lippi

'Some people' was another single taken from Fra Lippo Lippi's 1987 album 'Light and shade', and I'm glad to say it sounds more upbeat and less bland than the other single, 'Angel'. The single didn't help their international career much: it failed to chart in all territories, except, probably, Scandinavia.

My collection: 7" single no. 3186

Found: Mail order, 1999

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'Some people' / 'Even tall trees bend (live)'

All the world loves lovers - Prefab Sprout

'All the world loves lovers' was released in 1992 as the third single from the compilation album 'A life of surprises'. After the success of previous single 'If you don't love me' (peaking at number 33 in the UK singles chart) the chart performance of this single disappointed: it only managed a lowly number 61.

I was very surprised to find that this single was 'Made in Holland'. The band had never had a hit in this country. Later I understood that Dutch record pressing plants had started to manufacture for the UK in the diminishing market for vinyl records.

My collection: 7" single no. 2090

Found: Record fair, April 16, 1994

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'All the world loves lovers' / 'Machine gun Ibiza'

I see hope in the morning light - Midge Ure

The single 'I see hope in the morning light' was released in 1991 as the second single from Midge Ure's third solo album 'Pure'. The ethnic sounds of this track couldn't persuade the record-buying public: it was his first solo single not to chart in any territory.

I bought my copy on the strength of Ure's name, having never heard this song at all. I must admit I didn't play it much myself.

My collection: 7" single no. 2363
Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 1, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I see hope in the morning light' / 'The man I used to be'

Blue velvet - Bobby Vinton

'Blue velvet' was first a hit for Tony Bennett in 1951. Bobby Vinton recorded his version twelve years later, and made number 1 in America. In the UK, the song did not chart until it was used in a commercial by Nivea lotions. On that occasion, it made number 2.

In 1986, the song was used prominently on David Lynch's movie 'Blue velvet', which is where I heard this song when the film was televised somewhere in the late Nineties. I didn't like the movie, but I did like the song. And so I bought it when I found the 1990 UK release.

My collection: 7" single no. 3259

Found: October 20, 2000

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Blue velvet' / 'Blue on blue'

With every beat of my heart - Taylor Dayne

'With every beat of my heart' was the first single from Taylor Dayne's second album 'Can't fight fate' (1989). The single wasn't a big success, as it peaked at number 53 in the UK and didn't chart in the Netherlands.

In the UK, the single was released as a limited edition with a posterbag and featuring Taylor Dayne's debut hit 'Tell it to my heart' on the B-side. It has to be said that the two pictures on the posterbag were quite sexy.

My collection: 7" single no. 3110

Found: Big Company records, London, May 13, 1999

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'With every beat of my heart' / 'Tell it to my heart'

This house - Alison Moyet

'This house' was originally released as the B-side to Alison Moyet's single 'Love letters' (1987). When Moyet recorded her 1991 album 'Hoodoo', she decided to re-record the song, adding a bridge near the end of the song, and deleting the beautiful guitar solo that embellished the original.

It was released as the third - and most successful - single from the album, peaking at number 31 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 40 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1552

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, December 7, 1991

Cost: 3,5 guilders

Tracks: 'This house' / 'Come back home'

A question of lust - Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode released 'A question of lust' as the second single from their multimillion selling album 'Black celebration' (1986). In the Netherlands, where the band had a little difficulty getting any chart success, it was only their fourth chart single, peaking at number 24. However, in the UK, where the band was usually more successful, it only made number 28.

'A question of lust' was only the second single by Depeche Mode featuring lead vocals by Martin Gore, the first one being 'Somebody' (1984).

My collection: 7" single no. 438

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'A question of lust' / 'Christmas island'

I see a boat on the river - Boney M

Not long after the American band Styx released their single 'Boat on the river', Boney M released 'I see a boat on the river'. It was another big hit for the band, reaching number 7 in the Netherlands. The track appeared on the compilation album 'The magic of Boney M', along with the B-side, 'My friend Jack'. This track was released as an A-side in the UK, but only made number 57 there.

My collection: 7" single no. 47

Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1980

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'I see a boat on the river' / 'My friend Jack'