Young guns (Go for it) - Wham!

'Death by matrimony' is a phrase in the lyric of this song, which is a good summary of what the song is about. George Michael wrote 'Young guns (Go for it)' about a teenage lad's worry that his best friend was getting too committed to a girl when he should be enjoying his youth and the single life. One of the most talked about lines in the song is the spoken line 'Caution pays'. Since the line is played at a lower speed than originally recorded, people mistakenly thought that the line is 'Abortion pays', which, ironically, would have fit in with the overall theme of the song.

'Young guns' became Wham!'s first hit, reaching number 3 in the UK and number 4 in the Netherlands. Due to this success, the previous single 'Wham Rap' was re-released, becoming a top 10 hit for the band in both countries as a result.

My collection: 7" single no. 3847
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Young guns (Go for it)' / 'Going for it'

Love in the shadows - E.G. Daily

After E.G. Daily reached the chart in several countries with 'Say it say it', a second single was taken from her 1985 album 'Wild child': 'Love in the shadows'. The single proved less successful, as it did not chart in any territory.

However, the song was used in the movie 'Thief of hearts', released roughly around the same time.

My collection: 7" single no. 3844
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Love in the shadows' / 'Little toy'

Neon City - Mistral

Another single, another singer. The studio band Mistral had a different singer for every single - although they were all released in 1978. 'Neon city' was the least futuristic-sounding of the three, while the vocals on this one were performed by Mariska Veres, who was like band member Robbie van Leeuwen formerly in Shocking Blue.

This single only made it to number 37 in the Dutch Top 40. Although Mistral released three further singles in 1980, this one was the last to reach the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3842
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Neon city' / 'Asphalt'

Tunnel of love - Fun Boy Three

Fun Boy Three released 'The tunnel of love' in 1983. It was a rather cynical song, bemoaning life and the twists and turns it takes. Despite this rather dark subject, the single made number 10 in the UK and peaked a number 25 in the Netherlands.

The single would be the trio's penultimate success in the UK, the rather more poppy 'Our lips are sealed' being the last.

My collection: 7" single no. 3834
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The tunnel of love' / 'The lunacy legacy'

If I had words - Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley

Before Scott Fitzgerald represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988 with 'Go', he'd had one previous success, a decade earlier. Together with Yvonne Keeley and the St. Thomas Moore School Choir he performed 'If I had words', a song that topped the chart in the Netherlands and peaked at number 3 in the UK.

The music was taken from the main theme of the Maestoso from Saint-Saens Symphony No.3 in C minor (Organ Symphony) with an added reggae beat. The lyrics and arrangement were by Jonathan Hodge, a prolific writer of TV jingles and movie themes, who also produced the single.

My collection: 7" single no. 3838
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'If I had words' / 'This time of year'

Heaven on earth - Nathalie

Beautiful Belgian girl Nathalie had only one international hit - 'My love won't let you down' - but released a few more singles during the Eighties. The 1984 single 'Heaven on earth' was, like the hit single that preceded it, produced by Peter Godwin, a minor god of Eighties pop music.

Things become more interesting when you listen to the B-side, which is produced by 'Twilight'. It becomes rather obvious on that track that the girl can't really sing that well... But her looks are still, er, heaven on earth - as is obvious from the cover.

My collection: 7" single no. 3835
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Heaven on earth' / 'Cyclops dancer'

Lovers of a kind - Pussycat

After their success in the Seventies, the Dutch band Pussycat never really recovered during the Eighties. They only managed a few minor hits in the Netherlands. What's more, the band slimmed down to only four members, having originally started with eight.

'Lovers of a kind', a modern sounding song was their last hit in the Netherlands, reaching number 15 in February 1983.

My collection: 7" single no. 3840
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Lovers of a kind' / 'Closer to you'

Barracuda - Heart

'Barracuda' was released in 1977 as the first single from Heart's third album 'Little queen'. The song is an aggressive hard rock number notable for its galloping guitar riff. In interviews, Ann Wilson commented that the song was about the band's anger towards Mushroom Records, after they attempted a publicity stunt involving sisters Ann and Nancy and a made-up lesbian affair. The song particularly focuses on Ann's rage towards a man who came up to her after a concert asking how her 'lover' was. She initially thought he was talking about her then-boyfriend, band manager Michael Fisher. After he revealed he was talking about her sister Nancy Wilson, Ann became angry and went back to her hotel room to write the original lyrics of the song.

The single reached number 11 in the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, but wasn't such a success in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 3839
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Barracuda' / 'Cry to me'

Nobody does it better - Carly Simon

'Nobody does it better' was written by Carole Bayer Sager and composed by Marvin Hamlisch. Carly Simon recorded it as the theme song for the 1977 James Bond film 'The spy who loved me'. For the first time, the Bond theme song did not have the same title as the movie itself, although the phrase 'The spy who loved me' does appear in the lyric.

The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, number 7 in the UK and a rather disappointing number 31 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3845
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Nobody does it better' / 'After the storm'

In and out of love - Imagination

Leee John (yes, with three 'e's!) and Ashley Ingram met in the late Seventies and formed a songwriting partnership, trying to start their own 'slinky, sexy and erotic' group, initially working in a short-lived band called Fizzz. Whilst auditioning for another short-lived band, Midnight Express, they met drummer Errol Kennedy.

Together they made a demo of the song 'Body talk' using the band name Imagination, which they took to producers Steve Jolley and Tony Swain. They agreed to produce their debut album, which was also named 'Body talk', and a story of success followed. The debut single 'Body talk' was a top 10 hit in the UK during the summer of 1981. Released in September 1981, their second single 'In and out of love' reached number 16 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3833
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'In and out of love' / 'In and out of love (instrumental)'

Take a chance with me - Roxy Music

'Take a chance with me' is the last single release by Roxy Music. It was released in August 1982 as the third single from the band's final album 'Avalon'. The single reached number 26 in the UK and number 18 in the Netherlands.

Roxy Music toured extensively until 1983, when Bryan Ferry dissolved the band and band members devoted themselves full time to solo careers.

My collection: 7" single no. 3837
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Take a chance with me' / 'The main thing (remix)'

Starship 109 - Mistral

The studio group Mistral was initiated by Robbie van Leeuwen (ex-Shocking Blue) and Rick van der Linden. While on their debut single 'Jamie' the vocals were performed by Sylvia van Asten, on the next single 'Starship 109' Marjan Schattelijn took care of this. Sylvia had left because of internal differences.

'Starship 109' was even more successful than 'Jamie' had been: the single reached number 9 in April 1978.

My collection: 7" single no. 3841
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Starship 109' / 'Love destruction'

It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it - Fun Boy Three with Bananarama

'It ain't what you do (It's the way that you do it)' was originally written by jazz musicians Melvin 'Sy' Oliver and James 'Trummy' Young. It was first recorded in 1939 by both Jimmie Lunceford and Ella Fitzgerald.

It was transformed to a ska/pop song in 1982, when Fun Boy Three recorded their debut album.
Terry Hall of the trio owned a copy of Bananarama's previous single 'Aie a mwana' and after reading an article about them he decided he wanted them to sing background vocals on this song, solely based on the fact that he liked their look. It became the first chart success for Bananarama and the start of their long and fruitful career. In the Netherlands, both bands debuted in the chart with this song, reaching number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 3831
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it' / 'The 'Funrama' theme'

Automatic pilot - Fay Lovski

Fay Lovski was one of the more interesting artists in the Netherlands during the first half of the Eighties. Her 1982 single 'Automatic pilot' did not reach the Dutch Top 40, but it is still a very charming song, making great use of the new sounds of that time.

I have to say that I've mostly forgotten about this song. I still decided to buy the single because most of her songs during that time are quite special. Fortunately, this one is no exception.

My collection: 7" single no. 3832
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Automatic pilot' / 'Walk don't walk'

Say it say it - E.G. Daily

So I've had the 12" single of 'Say it say it' for more than 20 years. I didn't buy the single because I didn't have enough money at the time. I didn't have that excuse anymore when I saw the single today - a steal at only 50 eurocents. Besides, the single had a B-side that didn't appear on the 12" single!

The single was a reasonable success for the American singer. It reached number 11 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 70 in the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3843
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Say it say it' / 'Don't let them take the child away'

Blow the house down - Living in a box

Having seen the Here and Now tours in the UK between 2001 and 2004, I've also had the pleasure to see Living in a box live. It was a mixed pleasure, actually. The songs were decent enough, but the band members had become a bit older and didn't move too subtle anymore. Especially 'Blow the house down' lacked the power it should have.

Back in 1989, this single was a hit for the band. It reached number 10 in the UK and number 11 in the Netherlands. I didn't like it back then. But the live performances did change that: it's actually quite a powerful song. Just as long as singer Richard Darbyshire didn't try to clap his hands in the air, though...

My collection: 7" single no. 3830
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Blow the house down' / 'Dance the mayonnaise'

Club Fantastic megamix - Wham!

'Club Fantastic megamix' is a unique Wham! single, because it's the only one that didn't become a top 10 hit in the UK. It still peaked at number 15, so that wasn't too bad, but all the other singles they released during their career made it into the top 10, which is quite a feat!

The megamix was a medley of three album tracks from Wham's debut album 'Fantastic': 'A ray of sunshine', 'Love machine' and 'Come on'. The band members George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley did not approve of this release. It was released three months after Wham! had begun proceedings to leave the label Innervision records.

My collection: 7" single no. 3846
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Club Fantastic megamix' / 'A ray of sunshine (instrumental mix)'

Positive reaction - Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith became a model during her early teens. In 1987 she was signed to PWL Records. The production trio Stock/Aitken/Waterman produced her first two singles, 'I just can't wait' and 'Positive reaction'. Neither single charted in the UK. The latter reached number 9 in Italy and number 11 in Switzerland.

Mandy Smith started dating Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman at age 13 in 1983. Six years later, they got married. In 1991, they divorced. In 2001, she was briefly engaged to Vanity Fair fashion model Ian Mosby with whom she had a son, Max Harrison Mosby. Smith now lives in Manchester. Having tried a career as a make up artist, Smith is presently training to be a counsellor.

My collection: 7" single no. 3836
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Positive reaction (Our Mandy's mix)' / 'Positive reaction (Amanda's mix)'

(Si Si) Je suis un rock star - Bill Wyman

Bill Wyman was born as William George Perks on October 24, 1936. He is best known as bass guitarist of the Rolling Stones, which he was between 1962 and 1992. While in the Stones, he recorded four solo albums, the third of which was 'Bill Wyman', released in 1982.

The single '(Si Si) Je suis un rock star' was released in July 1981 and became a top 20 hit in several countries. In the Netherlands, the single peaked at number 13, while in the UK it reached number 14.

My collection: 7" single no. 3829
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: '(Si Si) Je suis un rock star' / 'Rio de Janeiro'

Blaze of glory - Joe Jackson

It is printed on the sleeve and on the label of this single: 'For promotion only Not for sale'. So was 'Blaze of glory' released commercially as a single? You would guess not, because it is not listed in his discography on Wikipedia and discogs.com. Yet, I do have a cd-single which does not come with the 'promotion only' warning... How strange!

Anyway, 'Blaze of glory' is the title track of Joe Jackson's 1989 album. The on the album were an examination of his generation as the Eighties were ending, ranging from the optimism of the Fifties ('Tomorrow's world') to the politics of terrorism ('Rant and rave', included here on the B-side). The title track tells the story of a singer who is successful, but then dies young.

My collection: 7" single no. 1117
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, December 1, 1989
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Blaze of glory' / 'Rant and rave'

She's out of my life - Michael Jackson

It's hard to believe now, but 20 years ago, when you wanted to hear a song and not be dependent of radio stations, you actually had to buy records. You could also opt for cd's, but since my money resources were limited, I usually bought singles. And this is how I ended up with this single from the 'Hall of fame' series by Epic Records.

'She's out of my life' was an old song from 1980, which I did not have. I really wanted to have it, and while I am usually searching for picture sleeves, in this instance I made do with this release. Even if it didn't look that attractive, and even if the B-side was already part of my collection. These days, most people just download tracks somewhere. Life has become so much easier.

My collection: 7" single no. 1079
Found: HMV, London, October 19, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'She's out of my life' (Michael Jackson) / 'Lovely one' (Jacksons)

I'll wait - Taylor Dayne

Even though the American double 12" single of 'I'll wait' contains no less than 7 remixes of the track, the 'US 7" mix' is not on it. That one is included on the B-side of this single, which I bought almost a year after I bought the 12" format.

By that time, I was merely completing my collection, not so much an avid Taylor Dayne fan anymore. That star had faded fast, unfortunately.

My collection: 7" single no. 2360
Found: June 30, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I'll wait (Hot mix)' / 'I'll wait (US 7" mix)'

More than the sun - Black

'More than the sun' was the second single by Black. Unlike the debut single 'Human features', this single was released on the independent 'Wonderful world of...' label. It is an early version of a track that Black would re-record in 1984, when they were signed to WEA Records. The B-side 'Jump' is an even bigger rarity, since that track never appeared again.

I ordered this single, together with another early Black release, in the UK, although I can't remember from which company. I received it some time after I ordered it. It was a very special moment: I was filling in some much-lamented gaps in my Black collection.

By the way: if you go to Black's official website, you can download the new album 'The Given' for free! (Donations welcome.)

My collection: 7" single no. 2626
Found: received March 9, 1996
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'More than the sun' / 'Jump'

Love is - Vikki

Vikki Watson was born in 1959 in Liss, Hampshire (UK). As a child she took singing and dancing lessons, and then went on to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She wanted to become an opera singer, but soon realized that her voice was more suited to popular music.

In 1985 she represented the United Kingdom during the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Love is', gaining fourth place. The single reached number 49 in the UK singles chart. She toured the United States and then returned to her Celtic roots. She did well in terms of touring, television shows and live work, yet a difficult lifestyle coupled with the commercial direction of the material, drove her to emigrate to the United States. These days she is performing world music under the pseudonym Aeone.

My collection: 7" single no. 3828
Found: 45toeren.nl, received July 3, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Love is' / 'Lead me through the darkness'

Livin' thing - Electric Light Orchestra

'Livin' thing' was written by Jeff Lynne and appears on ELO's 1976 platinum-selling album 'A New World Record'. In the UK and Canada the single peaked at number 4, whereas in the Netherlands ELO scored their first top 10 hit with this, peaking at number 6. According to 'Unzipped', Suzi Quatro's autobiography, her sister Patti sang uncredited backing vocals on the track, particularly the 'higher and higher' parts.

The chorus of the song ('It's a livin' thing / It's a terrible thing to lose / It's a given thing / What a terrible thing to lose') has been subjected to frequent interpretation, because the lyric never explicitly identifies what 'it' is. This has led to the interpretation by some that the song was intended as an anti-abortion or a pro-environmentalist statement. Lyrical imagery elsewhere in the song may also give support to these impressions. Jeff Lynne has stated that the song was intended to be about love and the loss of love.

My collection: 7" single no. 3819
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Livin' thing' / 'Fire on high'

You're the greatest lover - Luv'

'You're the greatest lover' is Luv's signature song. Originally released in July 1978, it reached number 1 a month later. The trio was at the height of their popularity in the second half of 1978, when also their next single 'Trojan horse' became a number 1 hit.

So is it alright to buy singles by Luv' when you're a grown man? I guess not. I've got the perfect excuse, though: I've got nearly all their singles because I bought them as a kid. Now all I want to do is complete the set, like I'm doing with a lot of other artists. Just label this as a guilty pleasure...

My collection: 7" single no. 3823
Found: La La Land, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'You're the greatest lover' / 'Everybody's shakin' hands on Broadway'

Wow (Eddy TM Losers remix) - Snow Patrol

The album 'DanceRocks' was released in April 2007 and features remixes by Eddie Temple Morris. It's a collection of rock tracks by bands such as the Doors, the Who and the Infadels, remixed to fit the taste of the dancefloor crowd.

One of the tracks on the album is the Eddy TM Losers remix of 'Wow' by Snow Patrol. Being one of the hot bands around, that remix was also released on a promotional 7" single, backed with a remix of a track by Stone Lions. I didn't know this promo existed, but when I saw it I bought it immediately.

My collection: 7" single no. 3814
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 4,5 euro
Tracks: 'Wow (Eddie TM Losers remix)' (Snow Patrol) / 'Transitions' (Stone Lions)

New dimension - Imagination

Imagination released the single 'New dimension' in 1983. It met with a muted response from the record-buying audience: the single only charted in the UK (where it peaked at number 56) and Germany (where it peaked at number 61). In the Netherlands, it was the biggest success, reaching number 12. It was also their last hit in the Netherlands.

When I bought this single I didn't know whether I had it already. Maybe this is because many of Imagination's singles sound the same. It's hard to distinguish the one from the other. That's not to say that the songs are bad: this is another great, dynamic dance track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3821
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'New dimension' / 'I'll always love you'

Schoolgirl - Steve Forbert

Steve Forbert was born on December 13, 1955 in Meridian, Mississippi. In America he is best known for his song 'Romeo's tune', which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1980. However, in the Netherlands he had only one hit, 'Schoolgirl', which reached the Dutch Top 40 in March 1981 and peaked at number 19.

I only bought the single for the striking resemblance between the sleeve of this single and Kim Wilde's single 'Schoolgirl', which was released in 1986. Both were wearing jeans, both were photographed in black and white and both had a song entitled 'Schoolgirl'. However, hers is a lot better than his...

My collection: 7" single no. 3818
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Schoolgirl' / 'Rain'

The way to your heart - Soulsister

The Belgian duo Soulsister, consisting of Jan Leyers and Paul Michiels, released their fourth single 'The way to your heart' in 1988. What was interesting about this release, was the fact that initially the single was released at half price with only one track - the B-side being totally blank. The track owed a lot to the Sixties Motown sound.

The single reached number 7 in the Netherlands and also charted in many other European countries. After its European success, the single was released in the US in 1989 were it went to number 41 in the Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 3822
Found: La La Land, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Track: 'The way to your heart'

There's no answer to it - Ph.D.

The self-titled debut album from Ph.D. did not only include their big hit 'I won't let you down' and the unsuccessful 'Little Suzi's on the up' but also this follow-up single, 'There's no answer to it'. This third single didn't trouble the charts anyway and sunk without a trace.

My collection: 7" single no. 3815
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'There's no answer to it' / 'Rock 'n' Roll days'

Einstein a go-go - Landscape

Landscape was formed in 1974 by Richard James Burgess, Christopher Heaton, Andy Pask, Peter Thoms and John Walters. They began experimenting with computer programmed music and electronic drums in the late Seventies, making records in the emerging genres of electronic dance music and synthpop.

They had only two hits in the UK, both in 1981: 'Norman Bates' which reached number 40 and the number 5 hit 'Einstein a go-go'. They never managed to score a hit outside of the UK, but this single appears on many Eighties compilation cd's.

My collection: 7" single no. 3824
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Einstein a go-go' / 'New religion'

Poker face - Lady Gaga

I don't really keep up with the hypes of today anymore. Sad to say, I've lost touch with the charts some years ago because the amount of untalented people and angry 'niggaz' became too high for me. But sometimes a new song still reaches me when I flick through the channels on TV.

Lady Gaga was born as Stefani Germanotta on March 28, 1986, in Yonkers, New York (USA). Her debut single was 'Just dance', released in April 2008, which was a number one hit in the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. 'Poker face' was released in September 2008, and added France, Germany, New Zealand and Sweden to the countries where it topped the charts. About the song, Lady Gaga commented: 'It's about a lot of different things. I gamble but I’ve also dated a lot of guys who are really into sex and booze and gambling, so I wanted to write a record my boyfriends would like too.'

My collection: 7" single no. 3825
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 5,9 euro
Tracks: 'Poker face' / 'Poker face (Space Cowboy remix)'

Video - The Dutch

After The Dutch had their first hit with 'This is welfare' and the mini-album of the same name, they released a new track as a single in 1984. It was 'Video', another nicely crafted popsong. The single did not chart - and in fact I didn't know it existed until today. I didn't really keep up with the band at all, so that's not so shocking.

The nice thing about buying singles is that every once in a while you can try out something. And as in this case, sometimes you get lucky.

My collection: 7" single no. 3820
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Video' / 'D'Artagnan'

Down to earth - Curiosity killed the cat

In 1985, the band Curiosity Killed the Cat was signed to Phonogram records. The group began recording their first album. However, producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare were taken off the project after some time, and replaced by Stewart Levine. As a result, the album was delayed for nearly a year.

The first single from the album, 'Misfit', was released in July 1986, but it was not successful. They had more luck when in December of the same year 'Down to earth' was released. Not only did the single go to number 3 in the UK singles chart, it also crossed over to the European audiences. In the Netherlands, the single peaked at number 12.

My collection: 7" single no. 3816
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Down to earth' / 'Down to earth (instrumental)'

Yellow boomerang - Middle of the Road

By 1973, the band Middle of the Road had stopped having hits in the UK. Their popularity remained unchanged on the European mainland. So much so, that the 1973 single 'Yellow boomerang' made it to number 2 in the Netherlands.

More singles followed, as well as a handful of albums, but by 1976 the musical landscape had changed and Middle of the Road eventually called it a day.

My collection: 7" single no. 3817
Found: La La Land, July 2, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Yellow boomerang' / 'Eve'

Oh yeah - Ash

'Oh Yeah' was released as the fifth single from Ash's album '1977'. It became their second Top 10 single. The lyric tells a tale of a 'bitter-sweet teenage love story'. The song features backing vocals by Lisa Moorish. Mark Hamilton has said of the single cover that it's 'supposed to show two young lovers just around 'that' age. Look they're in the woods, they've that sorta look on their faces that they might just have done 'it' whils't their mates waited 10 feet away drinking shandy bass and getting fucked up on a Lambert & Butler.'

The cd-single featured a cover of Abba's 'Does your mother know', which is why I bought that one. In the end I decided to buy the 7" single as well, even if that track was missing and replace by an exclusive 'Quartet' version of 'Oh yeah'. The single was pressed on yellow vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 2648
Found: Virgin Megastore, London, June 28, 1996
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Oh yeah', 'T-Rex' / 'Everywhere is all around', 'Oh yeah (Quartet version)'

Diamonds - Herb Alpert

What kind of a name is Herb? Well, anyway, Herb Alpert and his business partner Jerry Moss were the founders of the A&M label. When they signed Janet Jackson in the early Eighties, they couldn't have known about the level of stardom she would achieve, but when she did, Alpert made good use of it.

The 1987 single 'Diamonds' by Herb Alpert features prominent vocals by Janet Jackson, and it was probably a deciding factor in becoming a hit. The single reached number 27 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2561
Found: Record fair, November 19, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Diamonds (edit)' / 'African flame (edit)'

Lament - Ultravox

Ultravox's 1984 album 'Lament' saw the band continuing to move away from the synth pop style associated with their previous albums, heading into a more mainstream pop/rock direction, alike their comtemporaries Echo and the Bunnymen, Simple Minds and U2. The album featured greater use of guitar and 'stadium' reverb.

However, the title track was a melancholy ballad, accompanied by a music video featuring the band on a remote Scottish island. The single peaked at number 22 in the UK singles chart. This single was released, like many previous singles, on clear vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 1005
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Lament' / 'Heart of the country (instrumental)'

Scales of justice - Living in a box

'Scales of justice' was Living in a box's second single. It was taken from their self-titled debut album and reached number 30 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, where the debut single 'Living in a box' had been a hit, this single did not trouble the chart at all.

This single is packaged in a very attractive 'box' sleeve, meaning that it folds out to a cube (minus the bottom and top). I didn't know the song that well but this gimmick convinced me to buy this.

My collection: 7" single no. 3162
Found: November 27, 1999
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Scales of justice' / 'Ecstacy'

Love is - Alannah Myles

Alannah Myles followed up her hugely successful debut single 'Black velvet' with the more straightforward rock song 'Love is'. To promote sales, the UK record company released the single in a limited edition single box set, including two full colour heart-shaped prints. It's the kind of box set that makes you wonder why: the prints could easily have been stuck in the sleeve of the single. But anyway...

'Love is' did not match the success of its predecessor, reaching number 61 in the UK singles chart and number 32 in the Dutch Top 40. Her career was effectively over in the UK, since none of her subsequent singles charted. In the Netherlands, she did return...

My collection: 7" single no. 2920
Found: November 9, 1997
Cost: 2,5 pounds
Tracks: 'Love is' / 'Rock this joint'

Zusammen geh'n - Tony Wegas

Tony Wegas was born as Anton Hans Sarközi on May 3, 1965 in Unterschützen, Austria. He was born in a Roma family. His father, who was a musician, learned him to play guitar, keyboards, drums, bass and panflute. He represented his country twice, during the Eurovision Song Contest in 1992 and 1993. He reached 14th place in 1993 with 'Maria Magdalena', and 10th place in 1992 with 'Zusammen geh'n'. I bought this single mostly because I was in Austria in 1992 and I stumbled on it. I didn't really particularly like this track.

Tony Wegas had some problems in the second half of the Nineties. Being addicted to cocaine and heroin, he ended up in prison, being sentenced for 30 months in April 1997, after robbing two elderly women.

My collection: 7" single no. 1681
Found: Strass, Austria, July 2, 1992
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Zusammen geh'n' / 'Zusammen geh'n (instrumental)'

Cantonese boy - Japan

'Cantonese boy' was the third single taken from Japan's 1981 album 'Tin drum'. The album continued their now developed use of electronic elements coupled with traditional instrumentation, but leans a lot more towards far-eastern influences than any of their previous albums. This single was released as a double single set, including a track called 'Gentlemen take Polaroids', taken from their previous album of the same name.

'Cantonese boy' reached number 24 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2095
Found: London, 1994
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Cantonese boy' / 'Burning bridges' // 'Gentlemen take Polaroids' / 'The experience of swimming'

Amigo - Black Slate

Black Slate was formed in 1974 with musicians from England, Jamaica, and Anguilla.They backed Delroy Wilson and Ken Boothe on their UK appearances, and had their first reggae-chart hit themselves in 1976, with the anti-mugging song 'Sticks man', calling themselves Disco Reggae Band Black Slate.

They toured the UK for the first time in 1978, and formed their own TCD label, having a minor hit with 'Mind your motion'. They also backed Dennis Brown when he played live in the UK, and in 1980 their Rastafarian rallying call 'Amigo' was picked up by Ensign Records, and reached number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in the Dutch Top 40. An album, 'Sirens in the city', followed on Ensign the following year. The band released two further albums in 1982 and 1985, but little was heard of them after that.

My collection: 7" single no. 2604
Found: Record fair, January 27, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Amigo' / 'Black Slate Rock'

From the hip ep - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

The 'From the hip EP' was the last single release of Lloyd Cole & the Commotions before the band broke up and Lloyd Cole continued solo. The song 'From the hip' was taken from the band's 1987 album 'Mainstream', but the three other tracks were new recordings. The EP reached number 56 in the UK singles chart.

Neil Clark continued working with Lloyd Cole on almost all of his solo releases and full band tours. He was also member of the short-lived group Bloomsday. Blair Cowan collaborated with Cole and his new backing band in New York on Cole's first two solo albums. He played with Del Amitri, Paul Quinn and the Independent Group, the Kevin McDermott Orchestra and Texas. He is now an IT-specialist at British Telecom. Lawrence Donegan became a journalist and author. Stephen Irvine, finally, worked as a session musician with Del Amitri, Sarah Cracknell and Etienne Daho.

My collection: 7" single no. 1076
Found: HMV, London, October 19, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'From the hip', 'Please' / 'Lonely mile', 'Love your wife'

Een vrouw zoals jij - Hans de Booy

Hans de Booy was born on June 2, 1958 in Arnhem, the Netherlands. In the early Eighties he made his debut with the album 'Hans de Booy', which was successful in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The album contained three hit singles, of which 'Een vrouw zoals jij' ('A woman like you') was the first.

The single reached number 20 in the Dutch Top 40 in January 1983.

My collection: 7" single no. 222
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Een vrouw zoals jij' / 'Sammy'