Brass in pocket - The Pretenders

'Brass in pocket' was released as the Pretenders' third single. It was their first success, reaching number 1 in the UK singles chart in January 1980. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 7. The song takes its title from an expression Hynde heard from a member of a Yorkshire-based support band who was looking for his money.

Chrissie Hynde commented about 'Brass in pocket' two decades after its release: 'When we recorded the song I wasn't very happy with it and told my producer that he could release it over my dead body, but they eventually persuaded me. So I remember feeling a bit sheepish when it went to number one.'

My collection: 7" single no. 1011
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Brass in pocket' / 'Swinging London', 'Nervous but shy'

To miss someone - Feargal Sharkey

'To miss someone' is another single from Feargal Sharkey's 1991 album 'Songs from the mardi gras'. Since I liked the album and especially the near-title track ('After the mardi gras'), I decided to buy all the singles from that album. 'To miss someone', however, is not one of the strongest tracks on the album. The real treat here is the acoustic performance of 'I'll take it back', originally also a track on the album.

The single did not chart in the UK, and the fact that this single is a promotional copy adds some credibility to the assumption that DJ's rather sold off the disc than play it.

My collection: 7" single no. 2339
Found: London, June 26, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'To miss someone' / 'I'll take it back (live)'

Liberation - Pet Shop Boys

'Liberation' was released as the fourth single from the Pet Shop Boys' 1993 album 'Very'. The single reached number 14 in the UK singles chart and was the lowest charting single from the album. The single was released on several formats, including two cd-singles, a double 12" single set and this 7" single.

The music video was full of computer generated graphics, which is true for all the videos from the album 'Very'. The wonderful B-side 'Decadence' features Johnny Marr from the Smiths on guitar.

My collection: 7" single no. 2099
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, April 16, 1994
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Liberation' / 'Decadence'

African and white - China Crisis

So this is the debut single from China Crisis, released on the indie label Inevitable Records in 1982. Even though this single was unsuccessful in a commercial sense, it was re-released after they signed with Virgin Records, and that remixed version, which was described on this blog here, reached number 45 in the UK singles chart.

The B-side 'Be suspicious' was never re-recorded or re-released, so that's an exclusive on this record only. I think these days, this single is pretty hard to come by.

My collection: 7" single no. 4317
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'African and white' / 'Be suspicious'

Guilty - Mike Oldfield

'Guilty' was Mike Oldfield's attempt to capitalise on the disco/dance music trend of the late Seventies. It sounded a lot more danceable than his previous singles. When released in April 1979, the single reached number 22 in the UK singles chart.

I've had the 12" single of 'Guilty' for some time now, and I decided I wanted to have the 7" single as well. After all, you don't really own a single unless you've got the 7" single, do you?

My collection: 7" single no. 4316
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Guilty' / 'Excerpt from Incantations'

Jimmy Mack - Sheena Easton

Some time ago, I wrote about a cover version of 'Jimmy Mack' by Risqué. I didn't know then that the track had also been covered by Sheena Easton two years after Risqué's version. I'm almost certain that she didn't hear that track, but it's nice to compare the two anyway.

Sheena Easton's version was produced by Nile Rodgers, just like the parent album 'Do you'. The single reached number 65 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK and Europe, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4314
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Jimmy Mack' / 'Money back guarantee'

You can do magic - America

When I was a regular listener of a local illegal radio station (back in the Eighties, the government in the Netherlands wanted to have completely noiseless airwaves), 'You can do magic' by America was regularly played. I never found the single, and I think I know now why: it was a single from 1982, and I heard it at least a year or two later.

'You can do magic' was America's biggest hit in the USA, peaking at number 8 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK it did less well, stalling at number 59.

My collection: 7" single no. 4313
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'You can do magic' / 'Even the score'

3D dance - Trans X

When you see the sleeve pictured here, you might think it's a mispressing. But that's not true: you need to watch it with 3D glasses (Don't know if it works on the screen of your computer though!). The music weekly Bravo in Germany supplied them with the 12" single of this, but not with the 7" single.

It was a nice gimmick with this synthpop track by the Canadian duo Trans X. Despite the very Eighties sound of this, I'm still curious how this track would sound in Dolby Surround. Released in February 1984, this single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4312
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: '3D dance' / '3D dance (instrumental)'

Less cities, more moving people - The Fixx

According to the German press bio included in the sleeve of this single, 'Less cities, more moving people' was written by all band members of the Fixx together, 'which explains their tight sound'. The single, taken from the Fixx's third album 'Phantoms', was produced by Rupert Hine - and it could easily have been performed by him, too.

Although the band delivered a rather powerful pop song with this track, it did not chart in any territory. I can't remember how I got to hear this track back in 1984, but I remembered it ever since.

My collection: 7" single no. 4311
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Less cities, more moving people' / 'Deeper & deeper'

Love, truth and honesty - Bananarama

'Love, truth and honesty' was written by Bananarama and Stock, Aitken and Waterman, with the latter trio producing the track. It was the first single release from the group's 'Greatest Hits collection', also released in 1988. It is actually the only Bananarama track which gives songwriting credit to new member Jacquie O'Sullivan.

The single reached number 23 in the UK singles chart but stalled at number 89 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4310
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love, truth and honesty' / 'Strike it rich'

Diana - Münchener Freiheit

'Diana' was the fourth and last single from Münchener Freiheit's 1988 album 'Fantasie'. It didn't chart, not even in their homeland Germany. Maybe it's because this track does not contain much surprises when compared to other songs from the band. The public probably decided they'd had enough.

This single got me thinking whether I actually know any Dianas. I realised that I've only known one Diana - and that was 20 years ago.

My collection: 7" single no. 4308
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Diana (single remix)' / 'Land der Fantasie'

Lies - Thompson Twins

'Lies' was released as the first single from the Thompson Twins' fourth album 'Quick step and side kick'. This album was the result of songwriting sessions in Egypt and the Bahamas, followed by a recording session at Compass Point Studios in Nassau with producer Alex Sadkin.

The single reached number 67 in the UK singles chart. When the single was released a year later in the USA, it reached number 30 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4307
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Lies' / 'Beach culture'

Union city blue - Blondie

'Union city blue' was written by Deborah Harry and Nigel Harrison and was recorded on Blondie's 1979 album 'Eat to the beat'. It was released as the second single from the album in the UK, where it reached number 13 in the singles chart. The song featured in the 1981 horror movie 'The Hand'.

In the USA, the single was not released, they released 'The hardest part' instead.

My collection: 7" single no. 4305
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Union city blue' / 'Living in the real world'

Don't look down (the sequel) - Go West

'Don't look down' was released as the last single from Go West's self-titled debut album. Housed in a gatefold sleeve, the single reached number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in New Zealand. Two years later, the track became the band's first hit in the USA, where it reached number 39.

I first heard the track during a live performance of Go West during a Here & Now Tour. It's a dynamic track that appealed to me right away.

My collection: 7" single no. 4304
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Don't look down (the sequel)' / 'Innocence (The desperation edit)'

Love me to sleep - Hot Chocolate

Someone wrote on the back of the sleeve of this single, which I bought second hand. It reads: 'Steadily skipping little 120 bpm tin pop pusher (inspired by Clarence Carter's old 'Looking for a fox'?), flip of the dead slow 'Love me to sleep'. It's a good description of this single.

Released in December 1980 as a single from their album 1980 'Class', 'Love me to sleep' reached number 50 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4301
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love me to sleep' / 'The girl is a fox'

Wonderful - Mari Wilson with the Wilsations

Although Mari Wilson recorded most of her singles circa 1983 with her band the Wilsations (and also performed live with them), this is the only single which is actually credited to 'Mari Wilson with the Wilsations'.

Produced by Tony Mansfield, this single managed to reach number 47 in the UK singles chart, and it was also her last single to reach that chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4298
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Wonderful' / 'I may be wrong'

Nur die Liebe läßt uns leben - Mary Roos

Mary Roos was born as Rosemarie Schwab on January 9, 1949. She started singing at a very early age and recorded her first song when she was 9 years old.

In 1972, she represented Germany during the Eurovision Song Contest after a rather controversial win during the national final. Mary stated that she did not expect to win at all and that she was already removing her make-up when she was called back on stage. After the reprise of the winning song, she was booed off stage. However, at the Eurovision Song Contest she finished third. The single reached number 17 in the German singles chart. The B-side of this single is a German language cover of 'You can't hurry love', the famous Supremes track from 1966.

My collection: 7" single no. 4277
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Nur die Liebe läßt uns leben' / 'Die Liebe kommt leis''

The ELO EP - Electric Light Orchestra

In December 1978, the ELO EP was released in the UK only, to promote the three LP box set 'Three Light Years'. The box set contained three recent albums by the band: 'On the third day' (1973), 'Eldorado' (1974) and 'Face the music' (1975).

'Can't get it out of my head' was the lead track on the EP, which reached number 34 in the UK singles chart. This way the track finally became hit in the UK, after it had charted already in 1974 in the USA, where it peaked at number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 4270
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Can't get it out of my head', 'Strange magic' / 'Ma-ma-ma belle', 'Evil woman'

We are detective / Watching - Thompson Twins

According to the German press bio enclosed in the sleeve of this single, the Thompson Twins were having trouble deciding on a single for Germany in the summer of 1983. 'We are detective' had just been a top 10 hit in the UK, and 'Watching' was due to be released soon. According to the bio, it was the band's female member Alannah Currie who proposed to release a double A-side single in Germany, including both singles.

The sleeve also contains a postcard, written by Britta Hofmann, who requests that the song 'We are detective' be played in the programme 'Pop Nach 8'. Presumably the DJ did play this single, and then gave it up for sale some time later. The things you find in second hand singles...

My collection: 7" single no. 4306
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'We are detective' / 'Watching'

I owe you nothing - Bros

I recently wrote about Bros' 1988 single 'I owe you nothing' and the fact that it was originally released a year earlier. What I didn't know was that this original release came in a different sleeve. I found that single and decided to buy it right away.

So I bought it because of the sleeve, but much to my surprise, the version on this single is also different from the one on the 1988 single. So this really is the original version of 'I owe you nothing'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4309
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I owe you nothing' / 'I owe you nothing (The voice)'

Dance hall days revisited - Wang Chung

Wang Chung's biggest hit was 1984's 'Dance hall days'. When subsequent singles turned out to be less successful, the band decided to revisit the track. Hence 'Dance hall days revisited', released in 1989.

This new version is basically a remix of the original track with added raps by a certain Angel C. Despite those raps, this is quite a reasonable version. But - unsurprisingly - it didn't become a hit.

My collection: 7" single no. 4303
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Dance hall days revisited' / 'At the speed of life'

A new flame - Simply Red

'A new flame' is the title track of Simply Red's third studio album, which was released in 1989. The track was released as the third single from the album, after the cover version of 'If you don't know me by now' which reached number 1 in several countries.

By comparison, this single did a lot worse. It reached numebr 17 in the UK singles chart and number 27 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4302
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'A new flame' / 'More'

In love with love - Debbie Harry

According to Debbie Harry, 'In love with love' is lyrically the sequel to Blondie's 'Heart of glass'. The track was released in May 1987 as the second single from her album 'Rockbird'. It was remixed for the single by Pete Hammond and produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman.

The single reached number 45 in the UK singles chart and number 70 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4300
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'In love with love' / 'French kissin' in the USA (French version)'

Hold me in your arms - Imagination

By the time Imagination released the 1988 single 'Hold me in your arms', not much was left of their popularity in the early Eighties, when they stormed the charts with the Tony Swain and Steve Jolley-produced hits 'Body talk', 'Just an illusion' and 'Changes'.

Although I like 'Hold me in your arms', I have to agree that there really isn't that much to distinguish this track from any other dance track at the time. Imagination had lost their identity, and as such, it was impossible for them to have another hit. The B-side of this single features a remix of 'Instinctual', their last single to reach (the lower regions of) the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4299
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Hold me in your arms' / 'Instinctual (The Def Vocal Mix - edit)'

Ain't that peculiar - Mari Wilson

'Ain't that peculiar' was the last single by Mari Wilson to reach the UK singles chart, although it only managed to scrape in at number 78. She'd let go of her Fifties look on the single's sleeve, and the track itself sounded a bit more modern as well.

I didn't know the track when I bought this single, but I've bought quite a few Mari Wilson singles this year and they have not disappointed. Including this one.

My collection: 7" single no. 4297
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ain't that peculiar' / 'The maximum damage'

I won't bleed for you - Climie Fisher

'I won't bleed for you' was a 1988 single by Climie Fisher. The single reached number 35 in the UK singles chart.

The single was released in a limited edition box set, featuring a set of postcards, each containing information on the music videos the duo had recorded until then. The dealer which I bought this box from, had an expensive collection starting at 3 euros, but this one was in the bargain bin, strangely enough.

My collection: 7" single no. 4296
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'I won't bleed for you' / 'Climbing up the ladder'

Every 1's a winner - Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate frontman Errol Brown wrote 'Every 1's a winner', recorded and released as a single in 1978. It gave the band a number 6 hit in the USA and the Netherlands, while it peaked at number 12 in the UK singles chart.

I've known this song ever since it came out and I've owned it on a compilation double LP since 1979. It's taken me 30 years to find the 7" single.

My collection: 7" single no. 4295
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Every 1's a winner' / 'Power of love'

Down, down - Status Quo

I've often said that one of the most appropriate songs for my funeral would be 'Down down' by Status Quo. And then I discovered I didn't actually have the song. Now that I've heard it, I still think it would be a great soundtrack to those final moments.

'Down down' was first released in November 1974. The track was taken from the album 'On the level'. The album version is more than 5 minutes long whereas the single version was edited to almost 4 minutes. The single was a number 1 hit in the UK, while peaking at number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4294
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Down down' / 'Night ride'

Love's unkind - Donna Summer

'Love's unkind' was produced by Giorgio Moroder, just like the album whence it came from, 'I remember yesterday'. The lyric of the song is a tribute to high school crushes and love triangles. It was a big hit in the UK singles chart, peaking at number 3, whereas it only reached number 32 in the Dutch Top 40.

Donna Summer looks decidedly pregnant on the sleeve of this single, but I think she's just wearing a very strange dress.

My collection: 7" single no. 4293
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love's unkind' / 'Black lady'

We are glass - Gary Numan

'We are glass' was released in 1980 as the first single from his 1980 album 'Telekon'. While his previous album 'The pleasure principle' (1979) was recorded entirely without guitars, this new album did contain the instrument again. As Numan commented, 'getting rid of guitars had been a mistake'.

Numan has said that 'We are glass' was inspired by a comment from a magazine staffer: 'Somebody once told me, a man from Omni, said that he thought I'd been put here by... something... aliens or something, to carry out a cause... which I thought was very flattering but a little silly... 'We are glass' I wrote because of that, y'know, like all pop stars are put here for reasons'. The B-side was a version of the first movement of Erik Satie's 'Trois Gymnopedies', in an arrangement that added guitar, bass and synthesizer to the original's solo piano part. The single reached number 5 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4292
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'We are glass' / 'Trois Gymnopedies (First movement)'

Cross the line - Spandau Ballet

It doesn't happen often that I find an unknown single from a famous band, but here it is. 'Cross the line' was apparently released by Spandau Ballet as a single from their 1986 album 'Through the barricades'.

The B-side was a live track taken from the video 'Through the barricades... across the border'. The single did not chart in any territory and I didn't know about this release until I found this single last week. I think Spandau Ballet fans will not be surprised at this single, but I was.

My collection: 7" single no. 4291
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Cross the line' / 'Virgin (live)'

After the love has gone - Princess

'After the love has gone' is another single by Princess produced and written by Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

Released in 1985 as the follow-up to her most successful single 'Say I'm your number one', it reached number 28 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4290
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'After the love has gone' / 'After the love has gone (Senza voce)'

C'est la vie - Charlene Tilton

At some point in the Eighties, the actors of the legendary TV series 'Dallas' decided they could sing as well as act. Patrick Duffy recorded a rather dodgy duet with Mireille Mathieu, whereas Audrey Landers launched a singing career, working with German producers.

And then there's Charlene Tilton (who played Lucy in the series), who also worked with a German producer, Heidi Brühl, to release 'C'est la vie' in 1984. The single reportedly reached number 1 in Germany. Unpretentious pop. No more, no less.

My collection: 7" single no. 4288
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'C'est la vie' / 'C'est la vie (instrumental)'

Jones the rhythm - Grace Jones

I wonder if there will ever be a deluxe re-release of Grace Jones' classic album 'Slave to the rhythm'. There's a plethora of remixes of the title track, but there aren't that many other bonus tracks.

It was quite interesting to find this single, the second one taken from the album. 'Jones the rhythm' is a less familiar single from 'Slave to the rhythm', primarily because it didn't chart. It features an edit of the album version, as well as a very interesting instrumental B-side track. 'Junkyard' is constructed in the same style as the album, and as such could easily be tacked on to the track listing. I do hope it happens someday.

My collection: 7" single no. 4287
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Jones the rhythm' / 'Junkyard'

Nathan Jones - Bananarama

'Nathan Jones' was originally released in 1971. The song was written by Leonard Caston and Kathy Wakefield and recorded by the Supremes, post-Diana Ross. The single reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1988, Bananarama released their cover version of the song as a single. It was originally included on their 1987 album 'Wow!'. After Siobhan Fahey left the group and was replaced by Jacquie O'Sullivan, they re-recorded the song for the single. This version reached number 15 in the UK singles chart, but did not chart in the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 4286
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Nathan Jones' / 'Once in a lifetime'

Surface tension - Rupert Hine

When I bought this single, I suddenly realised that I didn't have any UK pressed 7" singles by Rupert Hine until now. 'Surface tension' was released in 1981 as a single from his third album 'Immunity'. The B-side, 'House arrest', would reappear as a track on his 1982 album 'Waving not drowning'.

Of course, this was another non-charting single for Rupert Hine. As successful as he is as a producer, as a performing artist he never got the recognition he deserves.

My collection: 7" single no. 4284
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Surface tension' / 'House arrest'

Ein gold'ner Stern - Mouth and MacNeal

Mouth & MacNeal represented the Netherlands during the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with 'I see a star'. Composed by Hans van Hemert and Gerrit den Braber, the duo recorded the song in three languages: Dutch, English and German. This single contains the German version, and was released in German speaking countries.

The German translation was provided by Günther Behrle, whereas the B-side, the German versoin of 'Liefste' ('My Friend'), was translated by W. Mürmann. I don't know whether this version was a hit in any country.

My collection: 7" single no. 4273
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Ein gold'ner Stern' / 'Liebling'

Electricity - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark formed in 1978, when childhood friends Paul Humphreys and Andy McCluskey, who had been in a few bands before, decided to play as a duo, using a Teac 4 track tape-recorder as backing.

They managed to released their debut single on the independent label Factory Records in 1979. 'Electricity' was supposed to be produced by Martin Hannett, but the A-side was the band's original demo, produced by their friend Paul Collister, owner of their Teac tape-recorder. The single's sleeve was designed by Peter Saville, who would continue to do the band's artwork throughout most of the Eighties. The unusual graphics that feature on the sleeve were partially inspired by Andy and Paul's original musical notation style. Unable to read or write music, they adapted a series of symbols, each one representing different instruments. The single did not chart, but the band subsequently went on tour supporting Gary Numan, which gave them enough exposure to warrant a debut album, released in 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 4269
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Electricity' / 'Almost'

Tricks of the light - Mike Oldfield

'Tricks of the light' was the second single taken from Mike Oldfield's 1984 album 'Discovery'. Vocals were performed by Barry Palmer and Maggie Reilly, who also appeared on the two previous singles: 'Crime of passion' and 'To France' respectively.

The single did not perform well in the charts: it only reached number 91 in the UK singles chart and number 46 in the German singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4250
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Tricks of the light' / 'Afghan'

The day before you came - Blancmange

Just two years after the release of 'The day before you came' by Abba, the British duo Blancmange recorded and released a cover version of the song. While the original only reached number 32 in the UK singles chart, the Blancmange version managed to reach number 22. However, where the Abba version managed to chart all over Europe, the Blancmange single only charted in the UK.

It was their last significant hit, as subsequent Blancmange singles peaked at number 40 or lower in the UK singles chart. I didn't like this cover version in 1984, when it came out, but now I think it's a pretty decent version.

My collection: 7" single no. 4285
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The day before you came' / 'All things are nice (version)'

African and white (remixed version) - China Crisis

China Crisis signed to Virgin records in 1982, releasing their debut album 'Difficult shapes & passive rhythms, some people think it's fun to entertain' in December of that year.

Their first hit in the UK was a re-release of 'African & White'. This song was originally released in 1981 on an independent label, but this Virgin release was a remix of the track. The single reached number 45 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4283
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'African and white (remixed version)' / 'Red sails'

Secret separation - The Fixx

'Walkabout' was the fourth album by the Fixx, released in 1986. From this album, the single 'Secret separation' was taken. Like most singles by the band, it did not chart, although it was played often on the radio.

Personally I didn't know this single existed until I saw it and bought it recently. I did know the album very well, as my sister bought it in the late Eighties, and I recorded it and played it rather often at the time. So this was a really nice find.

My collection: 7" single no. 4282
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Secret separation' / 'Sense the adventure'

Manolo Manolete - Vanessa Paradis

Vanessa Paradis debuted in 1987 with 'Joe le taxi', and then followed it up with 'Manolo Manolete', a song about a Spanish bullfighter. The single only managed to reach number 10 in the French singles chart, but flopped everywhere else.

As a result, the track did not appear on her debut album 'M&J', released in 1988.

My collection: 7" single no. 4281
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Manolo Manolete' / 'You you'

The Summer Megamix - Boney M

The height of Boney M's success was gone, vanished by the end of the Eighties. Still, someone thought it would be a good idea to release a 'Summer Megamix', consisting of their biggest summer hits: 'Sunny', 'Ma baker', 'Hooray! Hooray! It's a holi-holiday', 'Gotta go home' and 'Kalimba de luna'. The megamix was made by Michael Newman and Charles Key B, together with Pete Hammond from Pete Waterman Limited.

The single was, as far as I know, only released in France, peaking at number 11 in the French singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4280
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The summer megamix' / 'The calendar song'

Ella elle l'a - France Gall

Written by Michel Berger, 'Ella elle l'a' is a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. France Gall, who was married to Berger, recorded the song for her 1987 album 'Babacar'.

The single reached number 2 in France. In Germany, it became a number 1 hit (which is rather rare for a French song), while in the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 30.

My collection: 7" single no. 4279
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ella elle l'a' / 'Dancing brave'

Touch - Colin Blunstone

It's not always a bad life, being a pop star. Colin Blunstone not only has one of the best male voices in the industry, but for the sleeve of his single 'Touch' he also had to pose with a nude woman in his arms. That's not so bad, is it?

Released in February 1983, 'Touch' sounds a lot like an Imagination single. You would expect that this track was produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley as well, but it isn't - it was produced by one Peter Bardens, who also wrote the song. The single did not chart in any territory, which really is a shame.

My collection: 7" single no. 4278
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Touch' / 'Touch (instrumental)'

Are you sure? - The Allisons

The Allisons were an English pop duo consisting of Bob Day (born Bernard Colin Day, 2 February 1941, Trowbridge, Wiltshire) and John Alford (born Brian Henry John Alford, 31 December 1939, London). They were marketed as being brothers, using the same surname of Allison.

They represented the United Kingdom during the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Are you sure'. They came in second place with 24 points. The song was released as a single on the Fontana Records label, and climbed to number 1 on the UK NME pop chart. However, the official UK singles chart states that the song peaked at number 2. Despite a couple of minor follow-up hits, the duo disbanded in 1963. It doesn't happen so often that I pay a large amount for a single without a picture sleeve, but this old rarity - in a perfect state! - did warrant it.

My collection: 7" single no. 4272
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 3,5 euro
Tracks: 'Are you sure?' / 'There's one thing more'

If you leave - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'If you leave' was recorded in 1986 by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for the soundtrack of the movie 'Pretty in pink'. The song was featured prominently during the final scene of the movie.

Subsequently, the single became the group's biggest hit in the USA, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the song was virtually ignored in the UK, where it only reached number 48 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4253
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'If you leave' / '88 seconds in Greensboro'

Na na hey hey kiss him goodbye - Bananarama

'Na na hey hey kiss him goodbye' was written and recorded by Paul Leka, Gary DeCarlo and Dale Frashuer, using the band name Steam. It was released in late 1969. It became a number one hit in the USA and peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart.

In February 1983, Bananarama released the song as a single off their album 'Deep sea skiving'. This version became a number 5 hit in the United Kingdom, but stalled just outside the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (at number 101) later in the year.

My collection: 7" single no. 4249
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 21, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Na na hey hey kiss him goodbye' / 'Tell tale signs'