Jericho - Simply Red

'Jericho' was the fourth single release from Simply Red's debut album 'Picture book'. It didn't change much about the troubled chart history of the band up to that point. Although their debut single 'Money's too tight (to mention)' hit number 13 in the UK singles chart, subsequent singles didn't reach the top 40 anymore. This single, too, stalled at number 53.

Things were different in the Netherlands: their third single 'Holding back the years' had reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40, and 'Jericho' got to number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 410
Found: V&D, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Jericho' / 'Jericho the musical'

All together now - The Farm

'All together now' was recorded by the Liverpudlian pop band The Farm on their album 'Spartacus' in 1990. Lyrically, the song was inspired by the Christmas Day Truce during World War I in 1914, when soldiers from both sides put their weapons down and met in no-mans-land to exchange gifts and play football. The song was produced by Suggs from Madness.

Originally released in November 1990, the single peaked at number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1376
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 26, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'All together now' / 'All together now (Terry Farley / Peter Heller mix)'

Sea of heartbreak - Marty Wilde

When his daughter Kim made it big in 1981, partially thanks to his own songwriting, Marty Wilde decided to try and record another disc himself, too. This single was one of the results. Released on the small Kaleidoscope label, it featured a modern-sounding (for that time) production.

'Sea of heartbreak' was originally a hit single for Don Gibson in 1961. Personally I prefer the B-side, which was written by Marty and his son Ricky - the same duo that wrote Kim's first three albums. This single was not a success for Marty.

My collection: 7" single no. 1872
Found: Record fair, March 27, 1993
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Sea of heartbreak' / 'Don't wanna be the one'

Loverboy - Billy Ocean

I remember a very strange music video for Billy Ocean's 'Loverboy', which was played rather often on television in 1985. These days, it simply does not appear anymore, except of course on YouTube.

The single was a good success for Billy Ocean, peaking at number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1842
Found: January 23, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Loverboy' / 'Loverboy (dub mix)'

I feel possessed - Crowded House

'I feel possessed' was written by Neil Finn and included on Crowded House's album 'Temple of low man'. It was released as the final single from the album. The B-side was a live version of 'Mr. Tambourine man', a song originally performed by the Byrds and performed together with Roger McGuinn from the Byrds.

The single did not chart in most territories, although it was released worldwide.

My collection: 7" single no. 950
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 5, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I feel possessed' / 'Mr. Tambourine man (live)'

Jesus to a child - George Michael

'Jesus to a child' was the first single release from George Michael's 1996 album 'Older'. The song was a melancholy tribute to Michael's Brazilian friend and lover Anselmo Feleppa, whom he met when performing in Rio de Janeiro in 1991. Feleppa died two years later from an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage. Michael had been unable to write for the next 18 months as a consequence of his grief, but then penned the words to 'Jesus to a child' in little more than an hour, indicating that the time was right to move on with his life. Michael consistently dedicates the song to Feleppa before performing it live.

The single reached number 1 in the UK and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. As far as I know, this American pressing of the 7", without a picture sleeve, was the only 7" single release of 'Jesus to a child'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3993
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: $4
Tracks: 'Jesus to a child' / 'One more try'

Breakfast - The Associates

'Breakfast' was a single taken from the Associates' 1985 album 'Perhaps'. The album cost £250,000 and four years to make, partly because the master tapes disappeared halfway through the process (allegedly they were hidden by frontman Billy MacKenzie because he was dissatisfied with them). In the end, the album only sold 40,000 copies, putting MacKenzie in significant debt with his record company.

Meanwhile, 'Breakfast' was the standout track from the album, released as a single in early 1985. It reached number 49 in the UK singles chart. And yes, I own the 12" single as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 258
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Breakfast' / 'Breakfast alone'

You're a lady - Peter Skellern

Peter Skellern was born on March 14, 1947 in Bury, Lancashire. He studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and then joined pop groups like Harlem and March Hare.

He scored his first solo hit in 1972 with 'You're a lady'. The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 50 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1187
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 3, 1990
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'You're a lady' / 'Manifesto'

I don't want your love - Duran Duran

Duran Duran released 'I don't want your love' as the first single from their 1988 album 'Big thing'. The single version was a remix by Shep Pettibone.

The single peaked at number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40. It did much better in Italy, where the single spent six weeks at number 1, and in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where the single peaked at number 4.

My collection: 7" single no. 1565
Found: All that music, Leiden, January 2, 1992
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'I don't want your love' / 'I don't want your love (album version)'

Under pressure - Queen and David Bowie

David Bowie originally came to the studio with Queen to sing backing vocals on a track called 'Cool cat'. He wasn't satisfied with the backing vocals he did, but did want to collaborate with the band on a different song. Queen had been working on a song under the title 'Feel like', but were not yet satisfied with the result. The band had a jam session together with Bowie, from which 'Under pressure' evolved.

When the single was released, it was a number 1 hit in the Netherlands and the UK. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single reached number 29.

My collection: 7" single no. 3225
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Under pressure' / 'Soul brother'

Born to be wild - Steppenwolf

'Born to be wild' was written by Mars Bonfire. Although initially offered to other bands, the track was first recorded in 1968 by Steppenwolf. It was their second and most successful single, reaching number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 30 in the UK singles chart and number 32 in the Dutch Top 40.

In 1973, the single was re-released in the Netherlands. On this occasion, it reached number 16 in the Dutch Top 40. Even later still, in 1999, the single saw a successful re-release in the UK, peaking at number 18.

My collection: 7" single no. 2553
Found: Record fair, November 19, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Born to be wild' / 'Magic carpet ride'

Why can't I be you? - The Cure

'Why can't I be you?' was the first single release from the Cure's 1987 album 'Kiss me kiss me kiss me'. It was the first Cure single to also be released on the then new cd-single format.

The single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart and number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2495
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Why can't I be you?' / 'A Japanese dream'

Golden days - Bucks Fizz

'Golden days' was written by Terry Britten and Sue Shifrin and originally recorded by Cliff Richard as 'The golden days are over' on his 1983 album 'Silver'. Bucks Fizz recorded their cover version on their 1984 album 'I hear talk'.

When the single was released in October 1984, just ahead of the album, it stalled at number 42 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3130
Found: July 24, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Golden days' / 'Where do I go now'

Jealous guy - John Lennon

'Jealous guy' first appeared on John Lennon's 1971 album 'Imagine'. The track was originally written as 'Child of nature' for the Beatles' White Album in 1968. When the track was not used on the album, Lennon rewrote the lyric and recorded the song himself as 'Jealous guy'.

'Jealous guy' was released as a single in November 1985. It reached number 65 in the UK singles charts.

My collection: 7" single no. 453
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Jealous guy' / 'Going down on love'

Under attack - Abba

'Under attack' was recorded by Abba betwee August 2 and August 4, 1982. It was one of the tracks on what was to become Abba's final recording sessions, and released as a single from the compilation album 'The Singles: the first 10 years'. The video for 'Under attack' was made in November 1982, shortly before the release of this single.

'Under attack' was not a commercial success. The single did reach number 5 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 3 in Belgium, but in other countries the single fared less well. After the single's release, it was decided that ABBA would take a 'break'; however, they would not record as a group again.

My collection: 7" single no. 178
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, December 1982
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Under attack' / 'You owe me one'

Another step (closer to you) - Kim Wilde and Junior

Since today is Kim Wilde's 49th birthday, I thought it would be appropriate to post a single by her today. This is 'Another step (closer to you)', a duet with Junior Giscombe. The track was always going to be a duet, but when a demo version lacked soul, the idea to use Junior on it was born.

The single was released as the third single from Kim's 1986 album 'Another step', and became a top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number 6 in the UK singles chart. When 'You keep me hangin' on' became a number 1 hit in the USA, the single was also released as the follow-up over there, but with much less success.

My collection: 7" single no. 528
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Another step (closer to you)' / 'Hold back'

Christian - China Crisis

I completely missed out on 'Christian' when it was first released in 1983. I only heard the track when it was included on the limited edition double single of 'You did cut me', which I'd bought in 1990. A year later, I got my hands on the original single, which actually contains not one, but two B-side tracks.

I didn't know then that a picture disc had also been released in the UK. I found that one four years later, during a record fair. Since I have a thing for picture discs, I obviously bought that one as well, completing my China Crisis collection even further.

'Christian' was the band's first significant hit in the UK, peaking at number 12 in February 1983. It was the beginning of a great career with lots of interesting music.

My collection: 7" single no. 1462 / no. 2573
Found: June 27, 1991 / Record fair, December 16, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders / 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Christian' / 'Greenacre bay', 'Performing seals'

My heart can't tell you no - Rod Stewart

'My heart can't tell you no' was a single taken from Rod Stewart's 1988 album 'Out of order'. The track was written by Simon Climie, of Climie Fisher fame. It was a significant change in style for Rod Stewart, who performed many racy rock tracks until the mid-Eighties. He seemed to have calmed down a little, which was even more evident in the B-side: a cover of 'Try a little tenderness' - already foreshadowing his new career in the Noughties, covering old American standards.

Although this single was a big hit in the USA, it left European audiences cold. It only reached number 49 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 757
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, February 23, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'My heart can't tell you no' / 'Try a little tenderness'

Big love - Fleetwood Mac

'Big love' was written by Lindsey Buckingham, and was originally going to be part of his third solo album which he began working on in 1985, but the project became a Fleetwood Mac album instead. Since Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac in 1987 (shortly after the album 'Tango in the night' was released), the band never performed 'Big love' live until his return in 1997. Meanwhile, the single reached number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

Though many assumed the female 'ahh' in this track to be Stevie Nicks, it was actually Lindsey Buckingham performing both, created by way of his voice being sampled and altered in the studio to mimic that of a woman.

My collection: 7" single no. 513
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Big love' / 'You and I, part I'

The flame - Arcadia

'The flame' was released as the third single from Arcadia's sole album 'So red the rose' in July 1986. The single reached number 58 in the UK singles chart and number 29 in the Irish singles chart.

The song was mostly remarkable for its music video (stills of which are featured on the sleeve of this single). The storyline revolved around a series of comic disasters that befall an awkward, nerdish character (played by Simon Le Bon) and his girlfriend while visiting a haunted house. At one point, John Taylor comes out of the closet with a contract for the band to sign. It was around this time that the three remaining Duran Duran members were preparing to write and record the next album.

My collection: 7" single no. 460
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'The flame (remix)' / 'Flame game (Yo homeboy mix)'

Every beat of my heart - Chris Rea

The ballad 'Every beat of my heart' was taken from Chris Rea's self-titled album. The track was produced by Jon Kelly and Chris Rea and written by Chris Rea. The lyric of the song is quite sentimental.

The single was not a commercial success, as it didn't chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 1104
Found: All that music, Leiden, November 11, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Every beat of my heart' / 'Don't look back'

In a lifetime - Clannad

Clannad may well have made the best track of their career with 'In a lifetime'. By bringing in Bono from U2, they managed to breathe some extra life into their music, and that was much needed, since most of their material is so, well, calm. The passionate vocals by Bono work wonders with the band's beautiful melodies.

'In a lifetime' was the first single release from Clannad's eighth studio album 'Macalla' (1985). It reached number 20 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. When it was re-released in the UK in 1989, the single peaked at number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 414
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 13, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'In a lifetime' / 'Indoor'

Lean on you - Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard worked with producer Alan Tarney once again on his album 'Stronger' (1989). The single 'Lean on you' was taken from this album - and personally I think this is one of the best songs of his career.

Not that many people agreed with me though: it only charted in the UK, where it peaked at number 17, and Ireland, where it reached number 10.

My collection: 7" single no. 1112
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 17, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Lean on you' / 'Hey mister'

Manic Monday - The Bangles

With 'Manic Monday' the Bangles finally had a worldwide hit single on their hands. The song was written by Prince in 1984 and originally recorded as a duet for the Apollonia 6 album, but the song was eventually pulled. Two years later, as he was attempting to 'court' singer Susanna Hoffs of the band, Prince, using the pseudonym Christopher, offered the song to them to record their version.

The single reached number 2 in both the UK singles chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as reaching number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2019
Found: Sounds Familiar, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 20p
Tracks: 'Manic Monday' / 'In a different light'

Everything's coming up roses - Black

After years of struggling, Black finally signed with a major label in 1987. A&M records took on the task of lifting the band from its indie status and towards the higher regions of the charts. The first single on A&M was 'Everything's coming up roses', a rather rough track when compared to the rest of their later repertoire.

It has to be said: A&M did their best, even releasing the single as a limited edition pressed on white vinyl and with a four page booklet included in the gatefold sleeve. Nevertheless, the single did not chart. But fortunately, good things were just around the corner for Black.

My collection: 7" single no. 1770
Found: London, October 20, 1992
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Everything's coming up roses' / 'Ravel in the rain'

I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing - Pet Shop Boys

'I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing' is a track on the Pet Shop Boys' fifth studio album 'Very'. The track was remixed and released as the third single from the album in November 1993. It reached number 13 in the UK singles chart. The single was remixed for the 12" and cd-single formats by six different remixers.

In 1998, Robbie Williams recorded a cover version of this track as a bonus track on his single 'Let me entertain you'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2063
Found: Wreckastow, Rotterdam, December 24, 1993
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing' / 'Too many people'

Familiar ground - Lori Spee

When I was young, I had a weekly allowance of three guilders. The record shop around the corner sold chart singles for six guilders, so I had to save up for two weeks to buy a singles. But fortunately, the shop also sold off singles that left the charts for three guilders. So usually I opted for these discount discs. Sometimes this resulted in a bad buy: a single I bought and then rarely ever played again.

These bad buys usually happened in weeks when there weren't that many good singles available at discount price. Lori Spee's 'Familiar ground' is a good example of this: throughout my life I think I played this single five times, at most. Lori was an American immigrant, based in the Netherlands, singing these kind of middle of the road songs and having moderate success with it. This particular single did not chart at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 120
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Familiar ground' / 'Problem child'

By your side - Sade

'By your side' was the first single from Sade's fifth studio album 'Lovers Rock', released in 2000. The track was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, losing out to Nelly Furtado's 'I'm like a bird' (unbelievably). The single reached number 17 in the UK singles chart.

As far as I know, this is the only release of the single on 7": an American pressing featuring the same track on both sides. It's also, as far as I know, the last 7" single release by Sade.

My collection: 7" single no. 3270
Found: HMV, London, October 23, 2000
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'By your side' / 'By your side'

Dangerous - Roxette

'Dangerous', written by Per Gessle, is the fourth single released from Roxette's album 'Look Sharp!'. Gessle penned it just before Roxette's first tour in 1987.

Released at the end of 1989, it was the group's third top 10 showing on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 2 in February 1990. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 1195
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, March 14, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Dangerous' / 'Surrender (live)'

Every 1's a winner (Groove mix) - Hot Chocolate

Ben Liebrand has remixed many tracks since the early Eighties, and some of them were even released as singles. Some examples already made their way onto this blog, and here's another one: his 1987 remix of Hot Chocolate's 'Every 1's a winner'. It was released after his remix of 'You sexy thing', released in January 1987, reached number 10 in the UK singles chart.

This remix was less successful by comparison: it only made number 69 in the UK singles chart in April 1987.

My collection: 7" single no. 2321
Found: Record fair, June 3, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Every 1's a winner (Groove mix)' / 'So you win again'

Secret - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'Secret' is a single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark released as a single from their 1985 album 'Crush'. It was their second hit in the US, peaking at number 63 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also made the top 40 in the UK at number 34. The song was also featured in the movie 'Arthur 2: On the rocks' and on its soundtrack album.

This single was released as a limited edition in a poster sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 2374
Found: Record fair, February 1, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Secret' / 'Drift'

The promise you made - Cock Robin

'The promise you made' was written by Peter Kingsbery for the debut album of his band Cock Robin. It was released as the album's second single in 1986. It became a major hit in the Netherlands, topping the Dutch Top 40 March 1986 for several weeks. It also went top 10 in France, Germany and Switzerland.

I own two different versions of the single: one was released in Europe with a beautiful coloured sleeve (pictured above). In the UK, an alternate sleeve was used, with a monochromo photograph and an alternate design (pictured below).

In 2005, Belgian singer Kate Ryan recorded and released a cover version of this song, in French and English.

My collection: 7" single no. 785 / no. 2021
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 30, 1989 / House of Rhythm, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The promise you made' / 'Have you any sympathy'

Even aan mijn moeder vragen - Bloem

The Dutch band Bloem was formed in 1980 by Joost Timp, Cor Claessen, Juus Piek and Tom Sijmons. Their debut single 'Even aan mijn moeder vragen' ('Have to ask my mum') was an immediate hit, selling 45.000 copies in the Netherlands and reaching number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

I didn't like that song, but I got to hear the B-side, which was fantastic. The lyric of 'Kassa's overdag' ('Tills at daytime') was written from the point of view of a shoplifter. I liked the track so much I even mutilated the sleeve of this single not so long after I bought it, making it seem like the B-side was the A-side. Defacing sleeves is a capital offence, of course. In my defense: I was very young.

My collection: 7" single no. 99
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Even aan mijn moeder vragen' / 'Kassa's overdag'

Electric avenue - Eddy Grant

'Electric avenue' is one of Eddy Grant's most popular tracks. It was taken from his 1983 album 'Killer on the rampage'. The song is named after Electric Avenue, a market street in the Brixton area of London, England.

The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart, and number 6 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2826
Found: February 1, 1997
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Electric avenue' / 'Walking on sunshine'

One day I'll fly away - Randy Crawford

Randy Crawford left the Crusaders in 1979 and started a solo career. It took off right away with this single, the beautiful ballad 'One day I'll fly away'. I remember it became a chart tip on the Dutch broadcaster TROS, played every hour on the radio. At the end of the day I wished she would really fly away.

The single reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 in the autumn on 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 822
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 13, 1989
Cost: 1 guilders
Tracks: 'One day I'll fly away' / 'Last night at danceland'

Relax - Frankie goes to Hollywood

I don't have many Frankie goes to Hollywood singles (though that may still change when I get a chance), but this is one of them: the 1993 re-release of 'Relax', originally the band's debut single in 1983. It was re-released to promote the compilation album 'Bang! The Greatest hits of Frankie goes to Hollywood'.

The single featured a new 1993 version of 'Relax' on the B-side, although that one is basically just a slightly sped up version of the track. The single reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40. Both peak positions were lower than ten years before.

My collection: 7" single no. 2059
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 3, 1993
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Relax' / 'Relax MCMXCIII'

One step ahead - Nik Kershaw

'The works' was Nik Kershaw's fourth album, released in 1989. Although it was intended to be his big comeback after two years away from the music scene, the album did not have the amount of success which was hoped for.

The first single from the album was 'One step ahead', a decent pop song with a slight retro sound when compared to its contemporaries. The single reached number 55 in the UK singles chart during a one week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 2143
Found: Utrecht, August 2, 1994
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'One step ahead' / 'When I grow up'

See you - Depeche Mode

After Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode, the remaining members were left to their own devices. Martin Gore stepped up and wrote the first post-Clarke single, 'See you'. It was still a rather innocent love song, showing once again how much has changed since then. If he would have written this song now, it would have been the point of view of a stalker, or something.

'See you' became the band's biggest hit up to that point, reaching number 6 in the UK singles chart, which was higher than all three previously released singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 746
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'See you' / 'Now this is fun'

Control - Janet Jackson

'Control' was the fourth single taken from Janet Jackson's third album of the same name. The song was written by Jackson, James Harris III, and Terry Lewis and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The lyric is about Jackson who wants to finally take control of her life. Its arrangement, built upon complex rhythmic tracks, showcased a state-of-the-art production.

Jackson has performed the song on almost all of her tours. The single reached number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 42 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2323
Found: June 3, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Control' / 'Fast girls'

Love like a river - Climie Fisher

'Love like a river / It's flowing' is not one of the biggest poetic accomplishments of all time, but at least Climie Fisher managed to make a nice popsong with these words. They released 'Love like a river' in the autumn of 1988 and had a hit with it in various European countries. The single peaked at number 22 in the UK singles chart and hit number 18 in Austria.

This single was released in a limited edition with a free poster. I managed to score a copy years after its release.

My collection: 7" single no. 2887
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, October 29, 1997
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Love like a river' / 'Love changes everything'

Waves - Blancmange

When I heard Blancmange's 'Waves' for the first time, I thought it was a fascinating track. With an intro lasting for 40 seconds and an instrumental backing that was nothing short of overwhelming, it was one of those singles I simply had to own.

'Waves' was released in February 1983 and reached number 19 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 214
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Waves' / 'The game above my head'

Kid - Pretenders

I got to know the song 'Kid' by the Pretenders when they released an acoustic ballad version of the song in 1994. After I bought that cd-single I got curious about the original version, and it's that curiosity that made me buy this 7" single.

'Kid' was originally released as the second single from the Pretenders, taken from their self-titled 1979 debut album. The single reached number 33 in the UK singles chart and number 90 in Australia. It was their last single release before 'Brass in pocket', the song that would take them all the way to number 1 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2704
Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 3, 1996
Cost: 20p
Tracks: 'Kid' / 'Tattooed love boys'

You don't love me - Marilyn

Well, I've got the 12" single of 'You don't love me', but I've got the 7" single as well. It was Marilyn's third single, reaching number 40 in the UK singles chart, which was lower than his previous two efforts - but it was his first single to score in European charts. In the Dutch Top 40, 'You don't love me' reached number 14.

His debut album 'Despite straight lines' was released one year later, in 1985. The album failed to chart and subsequent singles were also unsuccessful. The momentum of Marilyn had gone as fast as it came.

My collection: 7" single no. 781
Found: All that music, Leiden, March 24, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'You don't love me' / 'Raining again'

Don't answer me - Alan Parsons Project

In 1984, Alan Parsons Project released their seventh and commercially most successful album 'Ammonia Avenue'. The first single from the album was 'Don't answer me', a track that had a 'wall of sound' production style made famous by Phil Spector.With lead vocals by Eric Woolfson and an animated music video, the track became a big hit all over Europe.

'Don't answer me' reached number 7 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 58 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3314
Found: March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't answer me' / 'You don't believe'

Don't cry for me Argentina - Sinéad O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor released her version of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice song 'Don't cry for me Argentina' as the second single from her album 'Am I not your girl', an album of covers of mostly jazz standard. This particular track came from the musical Evita.

Sinéad O'Connor's version managed to reach number 53 in the UK singles chart, although it failed to chart in most other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 1802
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 19, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't cry for me Argentina' / 'Scarlet ribbons (live)'

Allan (live) - Mylene Farmer

The live version of 'Allan' was the first single taken from Mylene Farmer's first live album, 'En concert' (1989). The song, which originally appeared on Mylene's second album 'Ainsi soit je..', is a tribute to the American poet Edgar Allan Poe. One verse of the song contains the word 'Ligeia' which refers to the name of Poe's fairy tale published in 1837.

'Allan' was only performed during Mylene's 1989 live tour, and has not appeared on subsequent live concerts since then. This single reached number 32 in the French singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2111
Found: Record fair, June 4, 1994
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Allan (live)' / 'Psychiatric'

I ran - A flock of seagulls

'I ran' was the third single of A flock of seagulls, taken from their self-titled debut album. The single peaked at number 1 in Australia, number 43 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In an interview, band member Mike Score said that he resents the song, but plays it live because people enjoy it.

My collection: 7" single no. 863
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 2, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I ran' / 'Pick me up'

And the world turns on - Bolland and Bolland

The brothers Rob and Ferdi Bolland had become completely independent by the mid-Eighties. Originally performing artists, they started producing in the early eighties and even owned their own recording studio as well.

When they released one of their last singles in 1988, it had also become clear that they might have been in need of some outside advise. 'And the world turns on' is a nice enough song, but the production is so cluttered and the track is so full of sound effects, that there's hardly any song left. No wonder it didn't chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 702
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 17, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'And the world turns on (European mix)' / 'And the world turns on (USA mix)'