Bem bom - Doce

The female quartet Doce, consisting of Laura Diogo, Lena Coelho, Fátima Padinha and Teresa Miguel, represented Portugal during the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest with the catchy pop song 'Bem bom' ('Very good'). During their performance, the four women were dressed in musketeer outfits.

They finished 13th in a field of 18 competitors. The single was released in several European countries, but failed to chart outside of Portugal.

My collection: 7" single no. 4400
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Bem bom (English version)' / 'Bem bom (Portuguese version)'

Tomb of memories - Paul Young

I bought a copy of 'Tomb of memories' for something quite close to nothing in July 2009, although I was aware of the limited edition double single version. I didn't really think I would find it so fast for such a reasonable price.

This limited edition double single has two live tracks on the second disc. It's nothing very special, but it is a double single. Did I ever mention that I am a sucker for such limited editions?

My collection: 7" single no. 4386
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 3,5 euro
Tracks: 'Tomb of memories' / 'Man in the iron mask' // 'Bite the hand that feeds (live)' / 'Love will tear us apart (live)'

Vamos a la playa - Righeira

'Vamos a la playa' was originally performed by the Mexican band Los Joao. Righeira recorded their version of the song in 1983. It reached number 53 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

This single features 'Vamos a la playa' on both sides - the labels give no further information. I'm not sure, but I think the B-side version is performed in Italian instead of Spanish.

My collection: 7" single no. 4384
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Vamos a la playa' / 'Vamos a la playa'

The eve of the war - Jeff Wayne

I've already got two copies of 'The eve of the war', namely the Dutch pressing and the UK pressing from 1978. When you listen to the version of 'The eve of the war' on this single, you will hear that it is performed by a different vocalist. And this is where the confusion begins...

When 'Eve of the war' was released as a single, Justin Hayward had already had a hit with 'Forever autumn'. There was no rights clearance for a single release of 'The eve of the war', and so Chris Thompson stepped in and sung an alternative version of the song. That version is featured on the 1978 singles - although the Justin Hayward version was also available circa 1978 when the rights issues were sorted out. This single was released in 1989, when Jeff Wayne's musical version of the War of the Worlds was re-released on lp and cd. And it features the Justin Hayward version! Obviously, I had to have this one as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 4382
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The eve of the war' / 'The red weed'

Where did love go wrong - Belle and the Devotions

The response on this blog is sometimes very useful. Last year I found out that there are three singles by Belle and the Devotions: their Eurovision entry 'Love games' of course, 'Got to let you know', released in 1983, and this one: 'Where did love go wrong'.

It was of course just a matter of time until I would find this one. And as always, I found it in a place where I least expected it: in a second hand shop in Amsterdam. Like the other two singles, it sounds like a modern Motown track. And I guess that was the sound that the group was always going for. I have to say that in my opinion, this is the least interesting single of the three.

My collection: 7" single no. 4383
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Where did love go wrong' / 'When you're alone'

She loved like diamond - Spandau Ballet

'She loved like diamond' sounds a bit like a rough demo, and so it is quite a surprise to find that it is actually Spandau Ballet's sixth single, the third single taken from their second album 'Diamond'. Earlier singles like 'Muscle bound' and 'Chant no. 1' sound a lot more sophisticated than this track.

Perhaps this is also why it was less successful chart-wise: 'She loved like diamond' only reached number 49 in the UK singles chart, the lowest chart placing for any Spandau Ballet single up until then.

My collection: 7" single no. 4381
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'She loved like diamond' / 'She loved like diamond (instrumental)'

Fool's paradise - Rosie Vela

I was very excited to find this single by Rosie Vela. Not because it contained any new tracks (both the A-side and the B-side are taken from her 1986 album 'Zazu'), but because of the sleeve and the fact that I didn't really know this single existed. Sure, I do have the 12" single so it was only logical a 7" single would also exist, but I always assumed it was only released in the UK and with a sleeve similar to the 12" single version.

But this is German pressing, featuring 'Tonto' on the B-side instead of 'Interlude'. I can only assume that there's a different UK pressing of 'Fool's paradise' on 7" single somewhere too. I'll keep on searching...

My collection: 7" single no. 4380
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Fool's paradise' / 'Tonto'

Dansez maintenant - Dave

I don't remember this myself, but I am told that I was very much impressed with the song 'Dansez maintenant' by Dave when I was five years old. Dave was born as Wouter Otto Levenbach on May 4, 1944 in Amsterdam. He had a string of number 1 hits in France in the Seventies, but he remained virtually unknown in his country of origin.

The exception was 'Dansez maintenant', a track based on 'Moonlight serenade' by Glenn Miller and Mitchell Parish. It reached number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 in the autumn of 1975.

My collection: 7" single no. 4378
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Dansez maintenant' / 'Dimanche avec toi'

S-S-S-Single bed - Fox

The British band Fox formed in 1974, with members Noosha Fox, Kenny Young, Herbie Armstrong, Jim Gannon, Pete Solley, Gary Taylor and Jim Frank. The band had a lot of success with their self-titled debut album, which was released in 1975 and featured the distinctive lead vocals by Noosha Fox. When she was relegated to backing vocals for half of the tracks on the second album 'Tails of illusion' (1975), success eluded the band.

They came back in 1976 with the single 'S-S-S-Single bed', which did feature Noosha Fox on lead vocals. The single topped the chart in Australia and reached number 10 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 4 in the UK singles chart. The track was recently covered by Bananarama on their 2009 album 'Viva'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4377
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'S-S-S-Single bed' / 'Silk milk'

She - Charles Aznavour

When Frenchmen speak English, it's always hilarious. And even on this classic recording by Charles Aznavour, you can't help but grin at the heavy French accent in this beautiful little song. 'She' was released in 1974 and reached number 1 in the UK singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40. The single did not have any success in the USA or France. Anavour also recorded the song in French, Italian, Spanish and German.

The British duo Vegas recorded a great cover version of 'She' on their eponymous and only album, released in 1992.

My collection: 7" single no. 4373
Found: Independent Oulet, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1.25 euro
Tracks: 'She' / 'La Barraka'

Christmas Anachronisms

I have added three Christmas singles to this blog today - but I have placed them under December 26, 2009. I bought these singles on December 30, 2009 and I decided I didn't want to make you wait until December 2010 to see them. So here they are:

• Easier said than done - Jon Anderson
• It should be Christmas everyday - Suzanne Michaels
• Do they know it's Christmas? - Band Aid
  

I'm coming out - Diana Ross

'I'm coming out' is a track on Diana Ross's 1980 album 'Diana', which was produced by Chic members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. The lyric of the song focuses on coming into one's own self, that is, asserting oneself to reach self-actualization. These days, however, it has become some sort of gay anthem, as 'coming out' has taken on a different meaning in recent decades.

Released as a single, 'I'm coming out' peaked at number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 23 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4372
Found: Independent Outlet, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'I'm coming out' / 'Never say I don't love you'

Illegal alien - Genesis

The lyric of 'Illegal alien' are a humorous depiction of the frustrations an illegal immigrant faces, leading up to the chorus: 'It's no fun/Being an illegal alien'. Even though the lyrics are intended as a satire and to be taken in jest, it can easily be misinterpreted as making light of the problem of illegal immigrants.

The single did not chart in many countries, but did reach number 46 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4371
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Illegal alien' / 'Turn it on again (new live version)'

Matters of the heart - Freur

'Matters of the heart' was the second single taken from Freur's debut album 'Doot doot'. As with all of their other singles, it didn't reach the chart. The single version is 15 seconds shorter than the album version.

Why Freur never had a breakthrough remains a mystery: their music was not so different from other bands around at the time, but they certainly packed more power and had great melodies. I for one am a collector.

My collection: 7" single no. 4370
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'Matters of the heart' / 'You're a hoover'

Till I loved you - Barbra Streisand and Don Johnson

'Till I loved you' was a duet recorded by Barbra Streisand and Don Johnson, which appeared on Streisand's 1988 album of the same name. The track was produced by Phil Ramone. The single reached number 16 in the UK singles chart, number 25 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. I bought the 3" cd-single when this single came out, and now, two decades later, I finally own the 7" single as well.

The tenor Placido Domingo and Jennifer Rush recorded a cover version of the song in 1989.

My collection: 7" single no. 4369
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,75 euro
Tracks: 'Till I loved you' / 'Two people'

Baby I'm a fool for you - Sylvia and the Sapphires

Just like their debut single 'Shopping around', Sylvia and the Sapphires' 1982 single 'Baby I'm a fool for you' gives you the impression that you are listening to a Sixties Tamla Motown single. By that time, however, most people were listening to synthpop and new wave tracks, and so this single didn't really stand a chance in the charts.

My collection: 7" single no. 4368
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,75 euro
Tracks: 'Baby I'm a fool for you' / 'I only wish tonight could last forever'

Reach out - Time Bandits

Released in 1984, 'Reach out' was a single by the Time Bandits. While the B-side 'Ushi girl' was taken from their album 'Tracks', the A-side was a new track. It was also the only single by the band to reach the Dutch Top 40 in 1984, although a few more singles were released. 'Reach out' reached number 35 in the Top 40.

At the time of the release of this single in the Netherlands, an earlier single, 'I'm only shooting love', reached number 1 in New Zealand.

My collection: 7" single no. 4367
Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,75 euro
Tracks: 'Reach out' / 'Ushi girl'

Morning train - Sheena Easton

After Sheena Easton's debut single 'Modern girl' failed to chart, both that song and 'Morning train' featured in the BBC documentary 'The big time'. Both songs suddenly reached the chart as a result. 'Morning train' became a number 3 hit in the UK, also reaching number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song is about a woman who waits at home all day for her man to come home from work. The music video was filmed on the Bluebell Railway, a heritage line running between East and West Sussex in England.

My collection: 7" single no. 4366
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Morning train' / 'Moody (My love)'

Let me be the one - The Shadows

The Shadows, who are best known for their work with Cliff Richard in the Sixties, represented the United Kingdom during the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Let me be the one'. The song finished second in the Contest, behind Teach-In from the Netherlands with 'Ding-a-dong'.

The single subsequently reached number 12 in the UK singles chart. It was also released in Europe, but without much chart success. This particular pressing comes from France.

My collection: 7" single no. 4365
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Let me be the one' / 'Stand up like a man'

Home on Monday - Little River Band

'Home on Monday' is one of those songs I heard on the radio quite regularly in the Eighties, without actually knowing the name of the band that performed the song. It turned out to be the Little River Band, an Australian rock band, that had a hit with this song in 1977.

The single reached number 13 in the Dutch Top 40, as well as scoring top 10 in Australia and the USA.

My collection: 7" single no. 4363
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Home on Monday' / 'The inner light'

Girl crazy - Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate have had several big hits during their 15 year career, and 'Girl crazy' is one of them. It reached number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40. At the time, I was not impressed with the song, but these days it's at least a lot better than most current chart hits.

'Girl crazy' was produced by the late great Mickie Most and released on his RAK record label, as with all of Hot Chocolate's output between 1970 and 1984.

My collection: 7" single no. 4362
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Girl crazy' / 'Bed games'

Obsession - Animotion

Animotion was formed in 1983 by Astrid Plane, Paul Antonelli, Charles Ottavio, Frenchy O'Brien, Bill Wadhams and Don Kirkpatrick. They released their self-titled debut album in 1984. A few months later, in early 1985, 'Obsesison' gave the band international success.

The song was originally written and recorded as a duet by songwriter Holly Knight and musician Michael Des Barres in 1983, but this version did not meet with commercial success. Animotion's version reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in Canada and the USA. In the Netherlands, the single was not a hit, but it was prominently featured in a TV programme. I forget which one...

My collection: 7" single no. 4361
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Obsession' / 'Turn around'

What's another year - Johnny Logan

After almost thirty years, I think it's time to concede that 'What's another year' is actually a briliant, if someone melodramatic, pop song. I listened to it today and couldn't help but feel impressed by the melody and even the lyric. It was of course the song that launched Johnny Logan's career as Eurovision celebrity - even if in 1980 it wasn't yet obvious that he would win the Contest twice again: in 1987 with 'Hold me now' and in 1992 as a songwriter with 'Why me', performed by Linda Martin.

'What's another year' was written by Shay Healy about watching his father coming to terms with the death of his wife and companion, Mairin. After winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980, the single reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 1 in the UK singles chart.

I bought the Irish pressing of 'What's another year', which amazingly is a few seconds longer than the Dutch pressing which I've had for a couple of years. You can hear that the song fades out slightly earlier on the Dutch pressing.

My collection: 7" single no. 3487 / no. 4364
Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2003 / Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro / 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'What's another year' / 'One night stand'

Mea culpa (part 2) - Enigma

'Mea culpa' was released as the second single from Enigma's debut album 'MCMXD a.D.'. The title of the song comes from the Latin phrase for 'My fault'. The origin of the expression is from a traditional prayer in the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church known as Confiteor (Latin for 'I confess'), in which the individual recognizes his or her flaws before God.

The single reached number 4 in France, number 7 in Germany and Italy, and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.
My collection: 7" single no. 4360
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Mea culpa (Orthodox version)' / 'Mea culpa (Catholic version)'

Shouldn't do that - Kaja

I always am a bit miffed when I find out that there's a special edition of a record or cd I already have. And so, just a few weeks after buying Kaja's 'Shouldn't do that', I found out there was a limited edition double single edition - and I was rather irritated by that. Fortunately, I didn't spend a fortune on the single I bought in April, and this double single version wasn't particularly expensive either, so I've got three discs for the price of one, so to speak.

'Shouldn't do that' was only a minor hit in the UK, peaking at number 63. No further singles by Kaja, as the band named themselves in 1985 when they tried to shed the image of the teen idol band Kajagoogoo, charted.

My collection: 7" single no. 4359
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'Shouldn't do that' / 'Charm of a gun' // 'Huricane' / 'What ever you want'

Runaway - Thompson Twins

The single 'Runaway' by the Thompson Twins was the second single from their second album 'Set', and the follow-up to the American hit single 'In the name of love'. At the time of release, Thompson Twins was a seven piece band, consisting of later core members Alannah Currie, Tom Baily and Joe Leeway, along with Chris Bell, Peter Dodd, John Roog and Matthew Seligman.

The single was released as a limited edition double single in the UK, featuring two live tracks on the second disc. It didn't help: the single flopped.

My collection: 7" single no. 4358
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Runaway' / 'Open your eyes' // 'Living in Europe' / 'Make believe'

The belle of St. Mark - Sheila E

Taken from her debut album 'The glamorous life', 'The belle of St. Mark' was a 1984 hit single for Sheila E., written and produced by herself. The single reached number 34 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

The single came out during a time when Sheila E. was still part of Prince's entourage. Around the same time, the duo had a brief romantic relationship, although Prince was also still involved with Susannah Melvoin, twin sister of Wendy Melvoin of Wendy & Lisa fame.

My collection: 7" single no. 4357
Found: Record mania, Amterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The belle of St. Mark' / 'Too sexy'

Nasty little green men - Classix Nouveaux

The question about life on other planets has been asked on several hit singles, most famously in 'Life on Mars?' by David Bowie. 'Nasty little green men' by Classix Nouveaux is less wellknown, but it's a very funny little track. The band had their first hit in the UK with 'Guilty' in 1981, but this single was released in 1980. It was their second single, after the equally unsuccessful 'Robots dance'.

At the time of release, Classix Nouveaux consisted of Sal Solo, Mik Sweeney, Gary Steadman and B.P. Hurding. The line-up of the band would change almost constantly in the six years Classix Nouveaux existed.

My collection: 7" single no. 4356
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Nasty little green men' / 'Test tube babies'

Don't stop the music - Yarbrough and Peoples

The duo Cavin Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples were discovered by Charlie Wilson from the Gap Band, and signed their first record deal in 1980. Their debut album 'The two of us' was released the same year, with the hit single 'Don't stop the music' becoming their biggest hit.

The single reached number 19 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40. Because I was interested in pop music from a very early age, I still consider this track as one of the main sounds of 1981. It brings back memories of schooldays.

My collection: 7" single no. 4355
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Don't stop the music' / 'You're my song'

You took the words right out of my mouth - Meatloaf

According to his autobiography, Meat Loaf asked Jim Steinman to write a song that wasn't 15 or 20 minutes long, and, in Meat Loaf's words, a 'pop song'. The song was reportedly written in 1975, and a key factor in Meat Loaf and Steinman deciding to do an album together.

The single was released as the follow-up to 'Paradise by the dashboard light', one of the biggest hits of the Seventies. This single did comparatively worse, reaching number 33 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

I bought this copy with a picture sleeve because I only had an American copy from 1978 without a picture sleeve. The B-side of that single features a heavily edited version of 'Paradise by the dashboard light'. Or is it the other way around? I can't tell from the single itself.

My collection: 7" single no. 4354
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'You took the words right out of my mouth' / 'Two out of three ain't bad'

My collection: 7" single no. 317
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'You took the words right out of my mouth' / 'Paradise by the dashboard light'

Invitation - Earth and Fire

When you hear the later hits by Earth & Fire and compare it with this 1971 single, you cannot believe it's actually the same band. The line-up has changed over the years, but the music has done so even more.

'Invitation' was released in February 1971 and peaked at number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4353
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Invitation' / 'Song of the marching children'

Ordinary day - Curiosity killed the cat

Curiosity killed the cat released their third single 'Ordinary day' in 1987, after their second single had become a number 3 hit in the UK. Though not quite as catchy, this single peaked at number 11 in the UK singles chart.

Two months after the release of this single, Curiosity released their debut album 'Keep your distance', which entered the UK albums chart at number 1.

My collection: 7" single no. 4352
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ordinary day' / 'Bullet'

Strut your funky stuff - Frantique

Frantique was an American disco group, formed in the late Seventies by Tricia Cheyenne, Florence Raynor and Denise Russelle. They released one album called 'Strut your funky stuff' in 1979. The title track of the album was successful as a single, reaching number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

This copy of the single has had quite a tour around the three biggest cities of the Netherlands: the stamps on the sleeve and label of the record come from a bar disco in Rotterdam, and I bought it in Amsterdam. Now it's found a good home in the third biggest city of the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4351
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Strut your funky stuff' / 'Getting serious'

I'm specialized in you - Time bandits

I've had the 7" single of 'I'm specialized in you' for more than 12 years now, but I never knew there was a 12" single as well. When I saw it, I decided to buy it right away. 12" singles from the early Eighties can be quite rare, especially when they are from Dutch bands. And then there's the added attraction of a real 'extended version', instead of a remix which is a total slaughtering of the original song (like they are nowadays).

Sure enough, this extended version of 'I'm specialized in you' is very enjoyable when you like the original track. The odd thing is that this 12" single plays on 33rpm instead of the usual 45rpm!

My collection: 12" single no. 523
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'I'm specialized in you (extended)' / 'Ginny (puts her hands on her shoulders)'

One voice - John Watts

John Watts was founder member of the band Fischer Z. The band was active from 1978 to 1981. When they split up, John Watts started a solo career. This single, 'One voice', was his debut single. According to the sleeve of this single, he also went on tour: the dates in Belgium and Luxembourg in April 1982 are printed on the back.

'One voice' was not a hit and John Watts would have no further solo success either. In 1987, he founded another band, also called Fischer Z.

My collection: 7" single no. 4350
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'One voice' / 'Holiday in France'

Right between the eyes - Wax

After the 1983 split of 10CC, Graham Gouldman and Andrew Gold started working together in England. During a period of seven months they wrote enough songs for an album. They chose World In Action as the band name and released a single called 'Don't break my heart'. Soon afterwards they changed their name to Common Knowledge. A second single 'Victoria' was released, but both singles failed to get any attention and the album was shelved.

When they had written a new batch of songs and changed labels, they took on the name Wax. Their first album, released in 1986 was called 'Magnetic heaven' and contained their first hit single: 'Right between the eyes', whcih reached number 60 in the UK singles chart and number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4349
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Right between the eyes' / 'Only a visitor'

Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners

The chorus of 'Come on Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners was loosely inspired by the song 'A man like me' by the Sixties British soul group Jimmy James and the Vagabonds. When the song was released as a single in the summer of 1982, it reached number 1 in the UK singles charts, staying there for four weeks. The single also reached number 1 in Australia and the USA, while peaking at number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

Two decades later, frontman Kevin Rowland would create some controversy releasing a solo album wearing a 'men's dress' on the cover.

My collection: 7" single no. 4348
Found: Discostars Recordstore, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Come on Eileen' / 'Dubious'

Don't tell me - Blancmange

1984 was a successful year for the duo Blancmange. Their album 'Mange tout' reached the top 10 in the UK albums chart, while the singles 'Waves', 'Blind vision' and 'That's love that it is' all reached the UK top 40.

The biggest hit that year, however, was the dynamic 'Don't tell me'. It reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and also reached number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 583
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't tell me' / 'Get out of that'

Pandora's box - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

'Pandora's box' was the second single taken from OMD's 1991 album 'Sugar tax'. The song was inspired by silent film actress Louise Brooks and is named after one of the films she starred in. The phrase 'Pandora's box' does not appear in the lyric of the song.

Released in June 1991, the single reached number 7 in the UK singles chart, as well as the charts in Sweden and Austria. In France, the single peaked at number 49.

My collection: 7" single no. 1509
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, August 17, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Pandora's box' / 'All she wants is everything'

Boys in the street - Eddy Grant

In 1984, Eddy Grant released his seventh album 'Going for broke'. After the success of its predecessor 'Killer on the rampage', the album took a similar approach but was less successful chart-wise. The single 'Boys in the street' reached number 78 in the UK singles chart but flopped in most other territories.

This copy of the single was pressed in Germany and released as a limited edition on red vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3274
Found: Record fair, November 11, 2000
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Boys in the street' / 'Time to let go'

Changes - Imagination

It's like the old saying: 'The more things change, the more they stay the same'. In 2010, as in 2009 and 2008, I will continue to publish information about my 7" singles and 12" singles. I expect to have put up my whole collection in a few months from now, after which I will always put up new acquisitions.

And so, this year should start with 'Changes', a 1983 hit single for the British soul trio Imagination, taken from their second album 'In the heat of the night'. The single reached number 31 in the UK singles chart and number 23 in the Dutch Top 40. As always, the single was produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain.

My collection: 7" single no. 2146
Found: Record Palace, Amsterdam, August 25, 1994
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Changes' / 'So good, so right'

Sing little birdie - Teddy Johnson and Pearl Carr

So yesterday I went on another shopping spree, this time in Amsterdam. I visited two shops I have been before, plus three new addresses, of which one was particularly of interest. As the shop's website announced, some Eurovision singles were just in, and I bought a whole stack of them. Some unique stuff, discs I've never even seen before!

So I thought I would finish this year by writing an entry on the last 7" single I bought in 2009. Interestingly enough, it's a single from 50 years ago. In 1959, the United Kingdom was represented by the husband and wife duo Teddy Johnson and Pearl Carr with the song 'Sing little birdie'. They finished in second place.

See you next year!

My collection: 7" single no. 4412
Found: Second life music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Sing little birdie' / 'If I could live my life again'

In all the right places - Lisa Stansfield

Lisa Stansfield recorded 'In all the right places' for the soundtrack of the movie 'Indecent proposal'. The artwork of the sleeve contains a photograph of the two actors that starred in the movie: Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson.

The song was written by Stansfield with her producers Andy Morris and Ian Devaney, along with John Barry, who was responsible for the score of the movie. The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2580
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'In all the right places' / 'In all the right places (Soul mix)'

Feel the love - 10CC

'Windows in the jungle' was released in 1983 as the ninth studio album by 10CC. Eric Stewart recalled that the finished album did not meet his initial expectations: 'It started as a concept album and I'm sorry I didn't pursue that goal, the pressure for the hit single always got in the way with 10CC albums.'

'Feel the love' was the second single from the album. It was promoted with a tennis-themed music video directed by former 10CC members Godley and Creme. The single did not chart in the UK, but did reach number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 887
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 16, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Feel the love' / 'She gives me pain'

Numb - Pet Shop Boys

'Numb' is one of the few songs recorded by the Pet Shop Boys that wasn't written by themselves. The song was composed by Los Angeles songwriter Diane Warren and originally meant to be a new song on the Pet Shop Boys' 2003 compilation 'PopArt'. The track was finally included on their 2006 album 'Fundamental'.

'Numb' was subsequently released as the third single from the album in a drastically edited, nay, butchered version. The single peaked at number 23 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3448
Found: HMV, London, 2006
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Numb' / 'Party song'

Missing you - Diana Ross

I started today with a tribute to Marvin Gaye, so it's only fitting that I end today with one as well. Diana Ross recorded 'Missing you' in 1984, not long after Gaye's tragic death. Ross and Gaye had both been artists at Motown from the early Sixties to the early Eighties, and had also recorded a duets album together called 'Diana & Marvin' (1973).

The song was written and produced by Lionel Richie, who wrote the song shortly after he had conversations about Gaye with Diana Ross. Released in late 1984, the song became one of Ross' last major hits in the USA, reaching number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK singles chart, 'Missing you' reached number 76.

My collection: 7" single no. 266
Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1984
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Missing you' / 'Touch by touch (instrumental)'

Easier to walk away - Elton John

The sleeve of this single announces that all royalties from the sale of the record will be divided equally between four charities: the Terence Higgins Trust, London Lighthouse, Jefferiss Research Wing Trust and Body Positive. But that wasn't the most attractive thing about this single: 'Easier to walk away' is a strong pop song, and quite a change from the dull dross that was 'Sacrifice', Elton John's biggest hit in the UK in 1990.

'Easier to walk away' was released as a single from Elton's greatest hits compilation 'The very best of Elton John', released in 1991. The single only reached number 63 in the UK singles chart and number 51 in Germany.

My collection: 7" single no. 1502
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 6, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Easier to walk away' / 'I swear I heard the night talking'