A message to your heart - Samantha Janus

'A message to your heart' was written and composed by Paul Curtis and performed by the unknown singer Samantha Janus during the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest. Curtis wrote a socially conscious track about poverty and starvation, full of the usual cliches: we should all be very happy because we're living in 'paradise'. Yeah, right.

On the night of the Contest, Janus was dressed in a pink mini-dress, flanked by three women (Zoë Pico, Lucy Moreby, and Nicky Belsher) in white mini-dresses. Janus later commented that she thought her performance was 'ridiculous', because she was dressed in such a sexy outfit singing about starving children. The song finished tenth on the Contest and reached number 30 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3953
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'A message to your heart' / 'Heaven is a place for heroes'

I'm never giving up - Sweet dreams

Carrie Gray, Helen Kray and Bobby McVay formed Sweet dreams in 1983, when they were selected to represent the UK during the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest with 'I'm never giving up'. The song finished sixth in the Contest and reached number 21 in the UK singles chart. The group was re-launched later in the year as Dreams, but their new single '17 electric (look out!)' failed to chart.

Bobby McVay went on to become a local radio presenter. Carrie Gray married singer David Grant and became a vocal coach. In this role she appeared in BBC Television's Fame Academy in 2002-2004, and has also participated in a few Eurovision programmes on BBC 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 3952
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I'm never giving up' / 'Two way mirror'

Waiting for the loveboat - The Associates

After the departure of Alan Rankine and Michael Dempsey, The Associates was basically the solo project of Billy MacKenzie. He started working on what was to become the album 'Perhaps', released in 1985. The album was preceded by the single 'Waiting for the loveboat', a minor hit single peaking at number 53 in the UK singles chart.

Because the album 'Perhaps' only sold 40,000 copies whereas it cost £250,000to make, MacKenzie fell into significant debt to his record company.

My collection: 7" single no. 3951
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Waiting for the loveboat' / 'Schampout'

Popmuzik (1989 re-mix) - Robin Scott's M

Robin Scott celebrated the tenth anniversary of his biggest hit 'Popmuzik' with a new remix of the track. It was released in June 1989 and became M's first UK hit since 1980's 'Official secrets'. The single peaked at number 15.

The original 1979 mix of 'Popmuzik' is featured on the B-side of this single, although that one sounds remixed as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 3950
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Popmuzik (1989 re-mix)' / 'Popmuzik (Original 1979 mix)'

So far so good - Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton recorded 'So far so good' for the soundtrack of the movie 'About last night', released in 1986. It was just after she'd released the album 'Do you', which was produced by Nile Rodgers (the B-side is taken from that album), and this track was produced by Narada Michael Walden. The Scottish girl was working with a lot of 'black' artists, although she was yet to meet the man who would turn her career around: Prince.

This single reached number 43 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. I don't know if it was released in the UK - this is an American pressing.

My collection: 7" single no. 3949
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'So far so good' / 'Magic of love'

Flash - Stephanie

It's always weird to find a single not intended for the UK market in a shop in the UK. But here I was, finding a copy of Princess Stephanie of Monaco's 'Flash', the French version of 'One love to give'.

As described in that post, this single reached number 4 in France and number 28 in Switzerland. Due to the similarity of the sleeve I doubted for a moment whether or not I had this single already. I'm glad I decided to take it with me just in case. Turns out I really didn't have this one!

My collection: 7" single no. 3948
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Flash' / 'Le sega Mauricien'

Where does the time go - Julia Fordham

Julia Fordham released 'Where does the time go' in 1989 as a single from her second album 'Porcelain'. The male voice on the track was performed by John O'Kane. The single peaked at number 41 in the UK singles chart.

Although I am not familiar with most of Fordham's work, I decided I wanted to try this one out, if nothing else for the ridiculously low price of this disc.

My collection: 7" single no. 3947
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Where does the time go' / 'My little secret'

Stranger to the rain - Frances Ruffelle

Before Frances Ruffelle represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 with 'Lonely symphony (We will be free)', she had a successful career in several musicals in London's West End. She debuted in the late Eighties in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Starlight Express' in the principal role of Dinah. A year later, she played Éponine in 'Les Miserables'.

In 1990, Frances Ruffelle joined the cast of 'Children of Eden'. She also appeared on the soundtrack album of this musical. The single 'Stranger to the rain' was released in the autumn of 1990, but it did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3946
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Stranger to the rain' / 'Stranger to the rain (instrumental)'

The medal song - Culture Club

'The medal song' was released in 1984 as the second single from the album 'Waking up with the house on fire', Culture Club's third album. Boy George later commented he felt the album experienced a lukewarm reception because of the half-hearted material on the album. The group was pressured by their record company to come up with a quick follow-up to their second album 'Colour by numbers'.

'The medal song' performed poorly in the charts, peaking at number 32 in the UK singles chart and their first hit single not to reach the top 10 in the UK. Not even this limited edition gatefold sleeve could help matters much.

My collection: 7" single no. 3945
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'The medal song' / 'Don't go down that street'

Meet el presidente - Duran duran

I've had the cd-single of Duran Duran's 'Meet el presidente' for two decades now. It was released in a gatefold sleeve, which I imagined was exclusive to the cd-single format. But I was wrong: in the UK, the 7" single was also released in a gatefold sleeve, with the same band photo inside as the one in the cd-single sleeve. I didn't have the 7" single yet, so I was happy to snap this one up.

The single charted in the UK, peaking at number 24, whereas in the Netherlands the single made number 31. Still, 'Meet el presidente' was the least successful single from the band's 1986 album 'Notorious'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3944
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Meet el presidente' / 'Vertigo (Do the demolition)'

I don't know what it is but I love it - Chris Rea

'I don't know what it is but I love it' was released as a single from Chris Rea's 1984 album 'Wired to the moon'. It only became a minor hit for Rea, reaching number 65 in the UK singles chart.

It was another Chris Rea single which I hadn't heard before, but because the man has made such a lot of great songs, I was confident that this single would be interesting too. And so it is.

My collection: 7" single no. 3943
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I don't know what it is but I love it' / 'Mystery man'

Baker street (remix) - Gerry Rafferty

Someone responded on this blog a while ago, writing that I should feature Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker street' on here. Well, I would want to, but I haven't got that particular single yet. Meanwhile, I did find the next best thing: a remix of the track. It was released on the occasion of the release of 'Right down the line: the best of Gerry Rafferty' in 1990.

Fortunately the remix has been done in good taste: it brings forward certain elements of the original recording, and also adding some sounds that were not in the original recording at all if I'm not mistaken. Nothing beats the original, of course, but this is quite an interesting remix. The single reached number 53 in the UK singles chart in March 1990.

My collection: 7" single no. 3942
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Baker street (remix)' / 'Night owl'

There must be an angel (playing with my heart) - Eurythmics

The Eurythmics released 'There must be an angel (playing with my heart)' as the second single from their 1985 album 'Be yourself tonight'. The song features a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder. It reached number 1 in the UK singles chart (the band's only number one hit in the UK to date) and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song's music video was one in a long line of innovative clips from the Eurythmics. In the clip, Stewart portrays Louis XIV of France in the Court of the Sun King, while Lennox appears as a singer brought forth to perform and entertain the King. Bored at first, Stewart eventually becomes enthralled with Lennox's performance as the song reaches its conclusion. The video clip was rotated endlessly on television at the time, causing me getting totally bored with the song. Fortunately that effect has worn off now.

My collection: 7" single no. 3941
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'There must be an angel (playing with my heart)' / 'Grown up girls'

Jeannie no - Judie Tzuke

Judie Tzuke's fifth album 'Ritmo' was released in 1983. From that album, this single 'Jeannie no' was released. Like other singles by Tzuke, it did not chart. That's not to say that the song is bad: it's a lively track that showcases Judie's clear voice.

I didn't know this song but I bought it on the strength of the artist's name. Turns out I was right... again.

My collection: 7" single no. 3940
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Jeannie no' / 'Information (live)'

Love's strange ways - Chris Rea

Back in 1999, I used a listing of Chris Rea's hit singles and my own 7" singles to compile a 'greatest hits' double cd of my own. With the aid of cd's from the public library, I had a chance to make something really complete, unlike commercial compilations. Listening to the 2 discs after I made them, I concluded that Rea has made some great music since his debut in 1978. But because this wasn't a hit, I missed 'Love's strange ways'.

The single was taken from Chris Rea's 1983 album 'Water sign', from which 'I can hear your heart beat' was taken. This single is a great track - and I only discovered it now.

My collection: 7" single no. 3939
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Love's strange ways' / 'Smile'

Warning sign - Nick Heyward

'Warning sign' was Nick Heyward's attempt at making a soulful track. It seemed strange that a 'white boy' would want to sound so 'black'. It was a stand-alone single (i.e. not released on any of his albums) and reached number 25 in the UK singles chart.

Back in 1984, when this single was released, I was a bit irritated by the video - I don't really know why. As a result, I grew to dislike the song. But now I have to admit that it really is one of Heyward's better tracks.

My collection: 7" single no. 3938
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Warning sign' / 'Warning sign (version)'

Wonderful dream - Anne Marie David

This year, I've been able to buy 'Tu te reconnaitras' and the German version of that song, 'Du bist da'. Somehow it was just a question of time that I would bump into the English version, 'Wonderful dream'. Interesting fact: the A-side of this single is in stereo, the B-side is only in mono.

Anne Marie David was one of the few Eurovision winners that charted in the UK singles chart with a translated version of their song. The single peaked at number 19, which is pretty good in England for a non-UK entry. I'm still looking for a disc with a picture sleeve if it exists, but for now this will do.

My collection: 7" single no. 3837
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Wonderful dream' / 'Tu te reconnaitras'

Love or something - Bob Geldof

After Bob Geldof has made a career of charity, he was still not a very rich man. He still had a solo music career and recorded the album 'The vegetarians of love' in 1990. 'Love or something' was the second single from that album. Whereas the first single, 'The great song of indifference' reached number 15 in the UK singles chart, this one did not chart at all.

Geldof still did well for himself: in 2001, his fortune was estimated to be £30 million. It is not known how much of his earnings he donates to charity himself...

My collection: 7" single no. 3936
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Love or something' / 'Out of order'

I will - The Fixx

The British new wave band had a few hits during their career, but this single, 'I will' was not one of them. Released in 1984 as a single from their album 'Phantoms', it went by unnoticed. In their native UK, they would have no further hits after the 1982 singles 'Stand or fall' and 'Red skies', whereas in Canada and the USA other singles became hits right until 1991.

I bought this single mainly because I knew the band and because it was produced by one of the best producers around, Rupert Hine.

My collection: 7" single no. 3935
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'I will' / 'Questions'

She's got claws - Gary Numan

In 1981, Gary Numan did a series of farewell concerts in London, after growing weary of the pressures of fame. This decision proved short-lived, as later on in 1981 Numan released a new album called 'Dance'. The album featured several distinguished guest players; Mick Karn (bass, saxophone) and Rob Dean (guitar) of Japan, Roger Mason (keyboards) of Models and Roger Taylor (drums) of Queen.

'She's got claws' was the only hit single released from this album, peaking at number 6 in the UK singles chart in September 1981.

My collection: 7" single no. 3934
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'She's got claws' / 'I sing rain'

Discipline of love - Robert Palmer

'Discipline of love' was released as the first single from Robert Palmer's 1985 album 'Riptide'. It was Palmer's first solo single after the Power Station project which he'd done with members of Duran Duran.

The single was not a big success: it only reached number 95 in the UK singles chart. After later singles did have some chart success, it was re-released in 1986, improving on its previous chart run, reaching number 68.

My collection: 7" single no. 3933
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Discipline of love' / 'Dance for me'

Arthur's theme (Best that you can do) - Christopher Cross

'Arthur's theme' was written in collaboration between Christopher Cross, pop music composer Burt Bacharach and his frequent writing partner Carole Bayer Sager. A fourth writing credit goes to Minnelli's ex-husband and Australian songwriter Peter Allen, also a frequent collaborator with Bayer Sager.

The single was taken from the soundtrack of the movie 'Arthur' starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli. It reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 7 on the UK singles chart. It was one of the first songs I recorded from the radio with my new tape recorder which I got for my eleventh birthday. Almost 28 years later, I've got the single!

My collection: 7" single no. 3932
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Arthur's theme (Best that you can do)' / 'Minstrel Gigolo (edit)'

Some guys have all the luck - Robert Palmer

'Some guys have all the luck' was written by Jeff Fortang. It was a hit three times in the UK. The earliest version by the Persuaders, released in 1973, did not reach the UK singles chart, but the cover versions by Rod Stewart (1984), Maxi Priest (1987) and Robert Palmer (1979) did.

This version is the rockiest one, with passionate vocals by Robert Palmer. It was taken from his 1982 album 'Pride' and reached number 16 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3931
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Some guys have all the luck' / 'Too good to be true'

Beethoven - Eurythmics

One of the strangest singles in their career, the Eurythmics released 'Beethoven' in October 1987. It is a bizarre track with plenty of samples and drum loops and a lot of spoken word text by Annie Lennox. The lyric portrays a battle between voices in the head of a housewife suffering from mental disorders.

I didn't like the song when it was released and I'm still not sure whether I like it now. But in a record collection that's growing ever more 'complete', I decided I wanted to have every Eurythmics single, even the 'lesser' ones.

My collection: 7" single no. 3930
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Beethoven' / 'Heaven'

Olé olé - Izhar Cohen

After buying six singles in the Soul & Dance department, I went a few numbers down the road and reached the 'Music & Video Exchange' on Notting Hill Gate. I went down to the basement, suspecting that if they were still selling cheap singles, they'd be there. And I was right: a whole alphabetized collection was waiting there for me. When I started browsing, this single was the first one (of the 37 I would eventually find here!) that I wanted to have. Quite a strange find.

Izhar Cohen won the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest for Israel with 'A-ba-ni-bi'. Israel must have been looking for another victory when they sent him again in 1985. This time, he tried it with that famous Hebrew chant, 'Olé Olé'. The original version of the song (in Hebrew) is not included on this single, for it contains the English version only. I didn't even know the song had been released in the UK, but this is really an English pressing.

My collection: 7" single no. 3929
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Olé olé' / 'Blue'

Harvest for the world - Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers consisted of the brothers Ronald, O'Kelly Jr, Rudolph, Ernie, Marvin and Chris Isley. In 1976 they released the album 'Harvest for the world'. The title track was released as a single in July 1976 and peaked at number 10 in the UK singles chart.

A decade later, the track would be covered by Jason Donovan with Kim Wilde for a TV programme celebrating the 30th anniversary of Amnesty International.

My collection: 7" single no. 3928
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Harvest for the world' / 'Let me down easy'

Dead giveaway - Shalamar

Personally, I only know 'The second time around' and, more recently, 'Friends', but taking a quick look at the Guinnes book of hit singles (UK) reveals that Shalamar has actually released more than a dozen hit singles during their career.

While I was shopping in the Soul and dance department of the Record Exchange in London, I found three different Shalamar singles I didn't know. I decided to buy one of them, because the sleeve was quite beautiful and because I was rather curious. 'Dead giveaway' is a decent single, which also turns out to be one of the three UK top 10 hits, peaking at number 8 in June 1983.

My collection: 7" single no. 3927
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Dead giveaway' / 'I don't wanna be the last to know'

Mornin' - Al Jarreau

Released as a single from Al Jarreau's 1983 album 'Jarreau', 'Mornin'' is a very laidback easy listening jazz ballad, which lyrically displays all the good things in life. The song was the embodiment of positivity, which struck a chord with many people in various countries. The single hit number 21 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 28 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3926
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Mornin'' / 'Not like this'

Step right up - Jaki Graham

Jaki Graham had her biggest chart successes when she duetted with David Grant, but she also released plenty of solo singles. 'Step right up' was a slightly formulaic Eighties pop song, released in November 1986 and her last big hit in the UK singles chart, peaking at number 15.

The real treat here is the sexually charged 'The closest one', which is on the B-side of this single. A duet with Derek Bramble, who also co-wrote the song, it shows off Jaki's amazing vocal range.

My collection: 7" single no. 3925
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Step right up' / 'The closest one'

Let's groove - Earth Wind and Fire

In 1981, Earth Wind & Fire released their album 'Raise!'. From this album, the single 'Let's groove' was taken. The song peaked at number 3 in the UK and USA and number 5 in the Netherlands. The song was nominated for a Grammy in the category 'Best R&B Vocal performance by a duo or group'.

I was never a fan of Earth Wind & Fire during their heyday, but like many songs from the Eighties, I started to like them in hindsight.

My collection: 7" single no. 3924
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Let's groove' / 'Let's groove (instrumental)'

You might need somebody - Randy Crawford

So I'm going to do something I've never done on this blog before: a series of postings. A chronological listing of all that I've bought in London during my one day shopping spree - a series of posts that will take me a few days actually.

I came into London by plane, taking the train from Gatwick to Victoria and then went to Ealing Broadway to check out the Oxfam music shop. It was a disappointment: they only had some second hand cd's and lp's, no singles at all. So I went back. My first successful visit was in Notting Hill Gate, in the 'Soul and Dance Exchange'. I never went there before but they had a nice amount of singles there. My first catch: 'You might need somebody' by Randy Crawford, a hit for her 1981, peaking at number 11 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3923
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'You might need somebody' / 'You bring the sun out'

London town - Bucks Fizz

Bucks Fizz's 1983 Greatest Hits compilation featured a couple of new songs, of which 'London town' was one. Written by Andy Hill, the lyrics tell of someone who is finding it difficult to adjust to life in a big city but is determined to stay. Lead vocals on the track were performed by member Bobby G, although he was unhappy with the distorted way his vocals were mixed, claiming that he 'sounded like a munchkin'.

This 12" single features an extended club mix of the track plus an extra B-side track.

My collection: 12" single no. 382
Found: Record fair, 1995
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'London town (extended club mix)' / 'Identity', 'Love dies hard'

Ocean blue - ABC

'Ocean blue' was released as the fourth single from ABC's 1984 album 'How to be a zillionaire'. The single version was very different from the album version, featuring a richer, fuller sound. The B-side was the album track 'Tower of London', a tribute to the landmark in the UK's capital.

The single stalled at number 51 in the UK singles chart during its three week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 1181
Found: Oldies Unlimited, received February 26, 1990
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Ocean blue' / 'Tower of London'

Streets of London - Ralph McTell

I'm taking a day off and am going to London for one day. Flying down in the morning and flying back in the evening, I've got exactly 10 hours to hunt down records in various second hand shops in the world's capital of music (Or at least it used to be before the music industry went belly-up).

I've prepared a few posts for you all to read in my absence. And of course I had to make a few appropriate ones. 'Streets of London' is one of the most classic songs about London. It was performed by Ralph McTell (born December 3, 1944) in 1969 on his album 'Spiral staircase' but it was not released as a single in the UK until 1974, when it reached number 2 in the singles chart. In the Netherlands, it reached number 9 in 1972.

My collection: 7" single no. 1044
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 40p
Tracks: 'Streets of London' / 'Summer lightning'

I want your sex - George Michael

George Michael released his first controversial solo single in 1987, the provocative 'I want your sex'. It was banned on many daytime radio stations in both the USA and the UK. Despite - or perhaps because of - all the controversy, the single became a number 1 hit in the UK and the Netherlands. It also reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It is remarkable that George Michael's 1998 compilation album 'Ladies & Gentlemen' does not feature the A-side of this single, but rather the B-side. Perhaps he's grown to be ashamed of this display of casual hornyness?

My collection: 7" single no. 543
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I want your sex (Rhythm 1: Lust)' / 'I want your sex (Rhythm 2: Brass in love)'

Kissed you in the rain - Freiheit

'Kissed you in the rain' was the second single taken from Freiheit's 1988 album 'Fantasy'. As always, the track was produced by Armand Volker. The single was a success in Germany but in other countries it did not chart.

The release of this single effectively ended the band's international career. They are still recording, but they have returned to German-language songs, as in their home country they remained popular.

My collection: 7" single no. 3309
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Kssed you in the rain' / 'Moonlight'

Have you ever been in love - Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer was born as Gerard Hugh Sayer on May 21, 1948 in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, England. A popular singer in the Seventies and early Eighties, he released his tenth studio album 'Have you ever been in love' in November 1983. The single of the same name was released a year earlier and reached number 19 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 10 in the UK singles chart.

In later years, Sayer has been maligned because of these ballads, that are perceived to be overly sentimental. Personally I think it is just within the boundaries of good taste - the melody is beautiful anyway.

My collection: 7" single no. 964
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 10, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Have you ever been in love' / 'I don't need dreaming anymore'

Hands across the ocean - The Mission

'Hands across the ocean' was in fact an ep, containing three songs that were all interesting to me for a variety of reasons. The title track featured backing vocals by Julianne Regan from All about Eve. 'Amelia' was an emotional track about child abuse, apparently written by the band after reading the story of a fan. And finally, 'Love' is a cover of the John Lennon track.

The single was released to promote the release of the 'outtakes' album 'Grains of sand' in 1990. It reached number 28 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2203
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, October 8, 1994
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Hands across the ocean' / 'Amelia', 'Love'

Ma quale idea - Pino d'Angio

Pino d'Angio was born as Giuseppe Chierchia in Pompeii, Italy in 1952. In 1981, he made a name for himself in Europe with his disco hit 'Ma quale idea', a track that could be seen as an Italian rap track, because of Pino's deep monotonous voice.

The single peaked at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and made a big impression on me, a 10 year old boy who was just forming his musical taste. Listening again to it now, it really isn't a bad track.

My collection: 7" single no. 124
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Ma quale idea' / 'Lezione d'amore'

Guilty (live) - Mike Oldfield

It's a wellknown fact that Mike Oldfield reached his artistic peak right at the beginning of his career when he composed 'Tubular bells' in 1971, the debut album released two years later would be the career-defining work that is still celebrated nowadays - most recently with a luxury 'ultimate edition' comprising a cd with demos, a surround sound mix and a hardback book. Oldfield has milked it a bit too, releasing a 'Tubular Bells 2' and 'Tubular Bells 3', a 'Millennium bell' and a seemingly endless array of cd and dvd releases.

This single is a lesser known Tubular Bells rarity. This live version of 'Guilty' is taken from Oldfield's 1979 live album 'Exposed' and contains a short Tubular Bells theme within the song. What's more, the B-side is an abridged version of the live performance of Tubular Bells which is found on 'Exposed'. I was really happy to find this single, because at the time I was making my own cd compilation of Tubular Bells rare tracks, the so-called 'Tubular best'. Now why didn't any record company come up with that idea?

My collection: 7" single no. 3034
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 26, 1998
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Guilty (live)' / 'Extract from Tubular bells (live)'

Dancing girls - Nik Kershaw

'Dancing girls' was released as the third single from Nik Kershaw's debut album 'Human racing' (1984). The track was remixed for the single release. Also notable was the entertaining and funny music video, using the theme of the song very well.

The single peaked at number 13 in the UK singles chart, number 14 in Ireland and number 21 in Germany.

My collection: 7" single no. 2510
Found: Record Exchange, October 30, 1995
Cost: 80p
Tracks: 'Dancing girls' / 'She cries'

Who's Johnny - El Debarge

El Debarge was born on June 4, 1961. He was the lead singer of the band Debarge, which scored their biggest hit in 1985 with the UK number 4 hit 'Rhythm of the night'. After this success, El left the group to start a solo career. His first break came in 1986 when he was asked to perform a song for the soundtrack of the movie 'Short circuit': 'Who's Johnny'.

Although this single only made number 60 in the UK singles chart, it reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and the US Billboard Hot 100. This double single features the two hitsingles: 'Who's Johnny' and 'Rhythm of the night'. One of those delicious double singles. A great buy!

My collection: 7" single no. 2574
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Who's Johnny' / 'Love me in a special way' // 'Rhythm of the night' / 'Queen of my heart'

Woman to woman - Beverley Craven

'Woman to woman' was released as the third single from Beverley Craven's self-titled debut album. Just like 'Promise me' and 'Joey' before it, this single did not chart in the UK. But the single also didn't chart in the Netherlands.

All this despite a rather attractive B-side, a new track that didn't appear on the album. It seemed Craven's career was off to a rough start.

My collection: 7" single no. 1438
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 11, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Woman to woman' / 'Everything but the blues'

Take me (Heart and soul) - Sad Café

The English soft rock band Sad Cafe was very successful in the late Seventies, but during the Eighties they faded more and more into obscurity. What made matters worse was that band member Paul Young joined the side project of Genesis member Mike Rutherford, Mike & the Mechanics.

Paul Young re-joined Sad Cafe in the late Eighties, splitting his time between the two bands. Sad Cafe released the album 'Whatever it takes' in 1989, from which this unsuccessful single was taken.

My collection: 7" single no. 971
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, August 29, 1989
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Take me (Heart and soul)' / 'Universe'

Don't cry for me Argentina - Julie Covington

The musical 'Evita', written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, began life as an album before ever taking form on the British stage. Julie Covington first sang 'Don’t cry for me Argentina' for the original 1976 studio release. The single with the Julie Covington recording reached number 1 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40.

Initially there had been concerns that the song sounded a little too boring for commercial chart success - despite being considered to be the best song to promote the album. There was so much concern that Julie Covington even recorded a version with alternative lines, however in the end the original version was released for the single.

My collection: 7" single no. 661
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, October 1, 1988
Cost: 1 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't cry for me Argentina' / 'Rainbow high'

Love comes quickly - Pet Shop Boys

'Love comes quickly' was released as the third single from the Pet Shop Boys' debut album 'Please'. Although it was a top 20 hit in the UK, its chart performance was disappointing, given that it followed the worldwide number one, 'West end girls'. The song is about the inevitability of falling in love, even for those who deliberately shun the idea.

The B-side, 'That's my impression' was written in a basement in Camden Town (London) where the duo wrote all their early songs. Neil Tennant commented: 'When we'd written the music, I took the words of a song I'd written in the Seventies and just changed them to fit the tune. Rather enigmatic words.'

My collection: 7" single no. 420
Found: V&D, Den Haag, June 28, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Love comes quickly' / 'That's my impression'

Rockin' back inside my heart - Julee Cruise

'Rockin' back inside my heart' was released as the second single from Julee Cruise's 1989 debut album 'Floating into the night'. David Lynch wrote the lyrics for the song and Angelo Badalamenti composed the music.

The song was featured prominently in the long-anticipated Twin Peaks episode in which the killer of Laura Palmer was finally revealed after a year of anxious, media-driven anticipation. The single, meanwhile, was a modest hit in the UK singles chart, stalling at number 66.

My collection: 7" single no. 1935
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, July 9, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Rockin' back inside my heart (edit)' / 'Falling'

Tell me tomorrow - Princess

Released in May 1986, 'Tell me tomorrow' was the last UK top 40 hit for Princess, peaking at number 34. The track was again produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, the hottest pop producers at the time. Princess would have two more chart hits, but in the lower regions of the UK singles chart.

The B-side single contains the original demo version of her biggest hit, the debut single 'Say I'm your number one'.

My collection: 7" single no. 461
Found: V&D, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Tell me tomorrow' / 'Say I'm your number one (original demo)'