Don't bring me down - Electric Light Orchestra

A common mondegreen in this song is the perception that, following the title line, Jeff Lynne shouts 'Bruce!' However, he is actually saying a made-up word 'Grroosss'. After the song's release, so many people had misinterpreted the word as Bruce that Jeff Lynne actually began to sing the word as Bruce for fun at live shows.

Released as the third single from their 1979 album 'Discovery', 'Don't bring me down' was actually the first ELO single not to feature a string section. The single reached number 3 in the UK singles chart, number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40. During its chart run I thought I saw this single in the discount bin, but I had a big blackout, as I came home with 'Shine a little love'. I bought this single 16 years later.

My collection: 7" single no. 2441
Found: August 26, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't bring me down' / 'Dreaming of 4000'

Love is a stranger - Eurythmics

'Love is a stranger' was originally released in November 1982, but it failed to chart. When 'Sweet dreams (are made of this)' became a hit single, this single was re-released in March 1983. On that occasion, it peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart, number 13 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 23 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

On the track, the rare Movement Systems Drum Computer and various synthesizers are used, combined with Lennox's strident multi-tracked vocal harmonies. The song is also punctuated with vocal grunts of "uh!" from Stewart.

I bought two different copies of this single: at the time of its re-release, I bought the Dutch pressing. Sixteen years later, I found a UK pressing with a totally different sleeve: the original 1982 version.

My collection: 7" single no. 197 / no. 3168
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983 / House of Rhythm, London, January 18, 2000
Cost: 3,5 guilders / 60p
Tracks: 'Love is a stranger' / 'Monkey monkey'

Lonesome loser - Little River Band

The Australian Little River Band crossed over to America after they became very successful in their homeland in 1976. When they combined the release of the single 'It's a long way there' with promotional visits, they managed a breakthrough in the USA, which in turn meant that their career took on a global scale.

From 1978 until 1981, Little River Band achieved six consecutive US Top 10 singles with 'Reminiscing', 'Lady', 'Lonesome loser', 'Cool change', 'The night owls' and 'Take it easy on me'. Two of these hits are featured on this American 'super oldies' single, released in 1981.

My collection: 7" single no. 3242
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Lonesome loser' / 'Lady'

Discotheque - U2

The single 'Discotheque' was the start of one of a controversial period for the band U2. Critics and fans were put off by the dance-inspired album 'Pop' and the band themselves later expressed dismay at the fact that they had to finish the album too quickly because the accompanying Popmart tour was already booked.

The single was released in February 1997 after the track had been leaked on the internet. There was a fear that this leak would harm sales, but of course it didn't: the single reached number 1 in the UK singles chart as well as in Ireland and New Zealand. In the Netherlands, 'Discotheque' reached number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 2848
Found: Record fair, 1997
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Discotheque' / 'Holy Joe'

Leningrad - Billy Joel

This single was released when the Russian town St. Petersburg was still called Leningrad. The song was written by Billy Joel about a Russian clown named Viktor, whom he met while touring the Soviet Union in 1987. Throughout the song, major items of Viktor's and Joel's lives are compared to show the cultural difference of the United States of America and the Soviet Union.

'Leningrad' was taken from Joel's eleventh studio album 'Storm front' (1989) and managed to chart in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, peaking at number 53, 15 and 14 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 1140
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, January 6, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Leningrad' / 'The times they are a changin' (live)'

Best kept secret - China Crisis

Released in 1987, 'Best kept secret' was the second and last single release from the China Crisis album 'What price paradise', which was released the year before. It was their first single to also be released as a cd-single, which was a new format at the time.

The single reached number 36 in the UK singles chart and as such was the last single by China Crisis to reach the top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1025
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Best kept secret' / 'The instigator (Italian fuzzbox version)'

Long blond animal - Golden Earring

I have to be honest and say that these days I don't like Golden Earring at all. They have turned into a band that is mercilessly repeating itself with performances in theatres with unplugged concerts. The band members are these old men who should think about having an annual prostrate checkup instead of planning new tourdates.

Back in 1980, it was a different story: the album 'Prisoner of the night' was released and the single 'Long blond animal' was a rock track that was totally out of sync with the new wave sounds that were taking over the charts. Still it managed to get to number 19 in the Dutch Top 40. The band was considering to throw in the title as the album and two later singles didn't sell as well. Maybe they should have done it - it might have saved us from the misery they are going through now.

My collection: 7" single no. 849
Found: Den Haag, May 27, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Long blond animal' / 'Triple treat'

Vivo cantando - Salomé

Salomé was born as Maria Rosa Marco on June 21, 1943 in Barcelona, Spain. She found international fame in 1969 when she represented Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Vivo cantando' ('I live singing'). Two memorable aspects of the performance were Salomé's costume – a pantsuit covered in long strands of porcelain resembling beads – and the fact that the singer chose to dance on the spot during certain parts of the song.

The song ended up winning the contest in a tie with three other songs: United Kingdom's 'Boom Bang-a-Bang' performed by Lulu, 'De troubadour' by Lenny Kuhr representing the Netherlands, and 'Un jour, un enfant' sung for France by Frida Boccara. From these countries, only Spain never managed to win again after 1969.

My collection: 7" single no. 4411
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Vivo cantando' / 'Abrazame otra vez'

Round and round - Spandau Ballet

'Round and round' was the fourth and last single from Spandau Ballet's 1984 album 'Parade'. It was a hit in the UK, but it performed less well in the chart than its three predecessors, stalling at number 18.

In Europe, 'Round and round' performed even worse, failing to chart in most countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 2593
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, December 30, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Round and round' / 'True (live)'

Sweet sixteen - Billy Idol

Billy Idol's third studio album 'Whiplash smile', released in 1986, contained the midtempo ballad 'Sweet sixteen', which was subsequently released as a single in 1987. At the time of its release, I bought a cassette single in London, and only got around to buying the 7" single two years later.

The single reached number 7 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 17 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1086
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, October 27, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Sweet sixteen' / 'Beyond belief'

Reasons to be cheerful, part 3 - Ian Dury and the Blockheads

'Reasons to be cheerful, part 3' can be described as a 'shopping list song'. It is a simple list of a number of reasons to be cheerful. The list of reasons to be cheerful includes Buddy Holly, equal voting rights for men and women, Piccadilly Circus in London, porridge oats, wine, Elvis Presley, a cure for smallpox, going to the toilet, National Health Service's free glasses, Woody Allen, the song 'Volare', Smokey Robinson and nudity.

The single was released in July 1979 and reached number 3 in the UK singles chart. How apt.

My collection: 7" single no. 1601
Found: Record fair, March 28, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Reasons to be cheerful, part 3' / 'Common as muck'

Ole, ole! - Izhar Cohen

Izhar Cohen returned to the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel in 1985 after winning the 1978 edition with 'A-ba-ni-bi'. He performed the song 'Ole, ole!' together with four unnamed band mates. At the close of voting, the song finished 5th in a field of 19 competitors.

I already have the English release of 'Olé olé' for a few months now, but it was a great relief to find this version, as it contains the original Hebrew version of the song as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 4389
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ole, ole! (English version)' / 'Ole, ole! (Hebrew version)'

Escapade - Janet Jackson

'Escapade' was inspired by the Martha & the Vandellas 1965 single 'Nowhere to run', which Jackson originally intended to remake, but instead choose to record a new song with a similar feel after a suggestion from producer Jimmy Jam.

When released as the third single from her 1989 album 'Rhythm Nation 1814', the song peaked at number 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in March 1990. The single also reached number 17 in the UK singles chart and number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1191
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 2, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Escapade' / 'Escapade (instrumental)'

Can't stay away from you - Gloria Estefan

When 'Can't stay away from you' was released in the autumn of 1988, it was credited to Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, effectively phasing out the band name. The album 'Let it loose', from which the single was taken, was re-released as 'Anything for you', also reflecting this change of name.

Meanwhile, the ballad 'Can't stay away from you' became a big hit for Estefan, reaching number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 743
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, February 11, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Can't stay away from you' / 'Let it loose'

In dreams - Marty Wilde

After his daughter Kim had some success with her first two albums, father Marty decided to get back into the game as well. He signed with Kaleidoscope Records, a small subsidiary of Epic Records, and released this cover of the Roy Orbison track 'In dreams'.

The single did not become the success he may have hoped for. The problem is, while this is a good version of the song, it was a bit out of time. It mystifies me why he didn't try out a song of his own - after all, Marty Wilde was one of the best songwriters in the UK at the time, with many hit singles under his belt.

My collection: 7" single no. 3434
Found: Esbjerg, June 17, 2006
Cost: 10 Danish crowns
Tracks: 'In dreams' / 'Hard to find, easy to lose'

Vrijdagavond - Frank Boeijen Groep

It's interesting how record companies sometimes think they know better than the artist. For the second single of the Dutch Frank Boeijen Groep, the record company re-edited the track 'Vrijdagavond' ('Friday night'), including the chorus not two, but four times. The cuts are audible and frankly only make the song repetitive.

No wonder, then, that 'Vrijdagavond' did not chart in the Netherlands. It subsequently became a very rare single, which many fans are searching for even now. I found my copy almost 20 years after its release in 1981.

My collection: 7" single no. 3188
Found: eBay.nl, received September 12, 2000
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Vrijdagavond' / ''s Nachts wanneer ik waak'

Found my girl - Imagination

Released in 1985, 'Found my girl' was dedicated to Charlotte. The song was written by Leee John and Ashley Ingram, so without any additional information I can only assume that the girl meant something to one of them - or both. However passionate the message in the song, it left the audiences cold, as the single didn't chart in any territory.

The 12" single adds two live tracks into the mix, and if you think Imagination live is quite a boring affair, think again: the live arrangement of the earlier single 'In and out of love' is quite, er, imaginative.

My collection: 12" single no. 525
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Found my girl' / 'In and out of love (live)', 'I gave it all (live)'

Perfect day - Duran Duran

This limited edition 'scratch 'n' sniff' sleeve still works after 15 years: there is a sweet strawberry/cherry smell coming from the front when you rub it. It's a good gimmick, but fortunately the music on the disc is very good too.

Duran Duran recorded an album of covers in 1995, entitled 'Thank you'. Lou Reed called Duran Duran's version of 'Perfect day' 'the best cover ever done of one of my songs', and rightfully so. The song was notable for a rare appearance by Roger Taylor. He had been Duran Duran's first drummer, but left the band at the height of their fame in 1986, and had had little contact with them in the ten years since. He rejoined Duran Duran in the studio to record 'Perfect day', 'Watching the detectives' and 'Jeepster'. 'Perfect day' reached number 28 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2258
Found: Record fair, April 8, 1995
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Perfect day' / 'Femme fatale (alternative mix)'

Johnny come home - Fine Young Cannibals

Released in late 1984, 'Johnny come home' was the debut single by the British band Fine Young Cannibals, taken from their self-titled debut album. The lyric of the song tells the gritty realistic story of a runaway youth, and alternates from the first-person narrative, explaining how his arrival in the big city has not turned out as he expected, to the view of the parents in the chorus, expressing their wish that he would come home.

The single reached number 76 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but was a big hit in Europe, peaking at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 21 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 323
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Johnny come home' / 'Good times and bad'

Every breath you take - The Police

Sting commented about 'Every breath you take': 'I woke up in the middle of the night with that line in my head, sat down at the piano and had written it in half an hour. The tune itself is generic, an aggregate of hundreds of others, but the words are interesting. It sounds like a comforting love song. I didn't realise at the time how sinister it is. I think I was thinking of Big Brother, surveillance and control.'

Sting later said he was troubled by how many people think the song is more positive than it is. He insists it's about unrequited love (the song was written at the time he and his then wife divorced), about the obsession with the lost lover, the jealousy and surveillance that followed. It went on to become the Police's signature tune. As of 2003, Sting was still taking in an average of $2000 per day in royalties. In October 2007, Sting was awarded a Million-Air certificate for 9 million airplays of 'Every breath you take' in the United Kingdom.

My collection: 7" single no. 763
Found: Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Every breath you take' / 'Murder by numbers'

Sunday girl - Blondie

'Sunday girl' was the fourth single to be taken from Blondie's album 'Parallel lines'. Two versions of the song were included on the single: one in English and one in French. My copy of the single unfortunately didn't come in a picture sleeve - and so I'm still searching for one that does.

The single reached number 1 in the UK, Australia and Ireland, while also reaching number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 176
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Sunday girl' / 'Sunday girl (French version)'

Shiny happy people - R.E.M.

Although the intro of 'Shiny happy people' is a lovely melody, it doesn't sit well with the rest of the song, which is a pretty straightforward rock song. I've always had mixed feelings towards this song, but still felt positive enough to buy it when I did.

'Shiny happy people' was the second single from R.E.M.'s 1991 album 'Out of time'. The song features guest backing vocals by Kate Pierson of the B52's who also appeared in the song's music video. The single peaked at number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 6 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1510
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, August 17, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Shiny happy people' / 'Forty second song'

Pass the Dutchie - Musical Youth

Last week, my wife came home from the local Kringloop shop with two singles, one of them being 'Save your love (for #1)' by René and Angela. The other one was 'Pass the dutchie' by Musical Youth. Although the sleeve was in perfect shape, unfortunately it contained the wrong single. When I went shopping yesterday, I found the single once more, and so I now own it.

Musical Youth recorded 'Pass the Dutchie' in 1982. It was a major hit, reaching number 1 in the UK and the Netherlands in the autumn of 1982. It was a cover version of the song 'Pass the Koutchie' by The Mighty Diamonds, which deals with the recreational use of cannabis. For the cover version, the song's title was changed to 'Pass the Dutchie', and all obvious drug references were removed from the lyrics.

My collection: 7" single no. 4454
Found: Kringloop, Lisse, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,7 euro
Tracks: 'Pass the Dutchie' / 'Please give love a chance'

All right - Christopher Cross

At the time of its release in February 1983, I thought that Christopher Cross's 'All right' was one of the dullest songs on the planet. But 27 years later, you can see that I've changed my mind. The fact is, these days it's hard to find any melodic pop songs anymore and it's good to be able to travel back to the early Eighties via singles like this.

'All right' is a track from the album 'Another page', also released in 1983. It reached number 16 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 51 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4453
Found: Kringloop, Lisse, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,7 euro
Tracks: 'All right' / 'Long world'

Sussudio - Phil Collins

According to Phil Collins, 'Sussudio' is the result of an improvisation. He was just playing around with a drum machine, and the lyric 'sus-sussudio' was what came out of his mouth. 'So I kinda knew I had to find something else for that word, then I went back and tried to find another word that scanned as well as 'sussudio', and I couldn't find one, so I went back to 'sussudio',' Collins explained. The lyrics are about a schoolboy crush on a girl at school.

The single reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40, number 12 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4452
Found: Kringloop, Lisse, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,7 euro
Tracks: 'Sussudio' / 'The man with the horn'

I love Rock 'n Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker from The Arrows wrote 'I love Rock 'n Roll' in 1975. They recorded the track on RAK Records, produced by Mickie Most. Although not a chart hit because the label did not promote the song, it did catch the attention of Joan Jett when the Arrows performed the song on their weekly television series The Arrows Show.

She first recorded the song in 1979 with two of the Sex Pistols: Steve Jones and Paul Cook. This first version was not released until 1993 on the album 'Flashback'. In 1982, Jett re-recorded the song, this time with her band, The Blackhearts, and this recording became a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 1 single for seven weeks. The single also hit number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 4 in the UK singles chart. Let us forget about the lifeless version by Britney Spears in 2002, shall we?

My collection: 7" single no. 4451
Found: Kringloop, Lisse, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,7 euro
Tracks: 'I love Rock 'n Roll' / 'Love is pain'

I was made for dancin' - Leif Garrett

Leif Garrett was born as Leif Per Nervik on November 8, 1961. He started his career in entertainment at just five years old, acting in several television series in America. In 1976, he signed a recording contract and released his self-titled debut album. His second album 'Feel the need' spawned the single 'I was made for dancin'', which became his first worldwide hit single, reaching number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. Subsequent singles and albums couldn't match this succcess however.

I bought a copy of this single - a UK pressing with a custom record company sleeve - already in 1979 during a holiday in London, which would have placed it among the first 30 singles in my current collection. However, not long after that holiday, my sister talked me into swapping the single for a different one out of her collection, and as I didn't play that single often enough, I agreed. Now, 30 years later, the single is back in my possession: an American pressing in a picture sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 4450
Found: Kringloop, Lisse, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,7 euro
Tracks: 'I was made for dancin'' / 'Living without your love'

Worn down piano - Mark and Clark Band

This is one single I almost didn't buy because I thought I already had it. I didn't, but the sleeve looks awfully familiar. I just can't work out where I might have seen it.

Anyway: 'Worn down piano' is one of the most interesting songs from 1977. Split into two parts, the full length of the song is over eight minutes. The lyric tells a story of an old piano that's about to be auctioned off, while a poor man plays the most beautiful melodies on it. The single reached number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4449
Found: Kringloop, Lisse, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,7 euro
Tracks: 'Worn down piano (part 1)' / 'Worn down piano (part 2)'

Funkytown - Lipps Inc.

Lipps Inc. (pronounced like 'lip sync') was a studio band that is quite basically the very definition of the term 'one hit wonder'. The group was formed in Minneapolis by Steven Greenberg, who wrote and produced all of the group's music, and who also played several musical instruments. The lead singer was Cynthia Johnson, and the rest of the group consisted of a changing group of session musicians.

The group released their debut album 'Mouth to mouth' in 1980. The single 'Funkytown' was taken from this album and became a number 1 hit in the USA, the Netherlands and several other European countries. In the UK singles chart it reached number 2. Their further singles failed to chart, and so Lipps Inc. gradually faded from view. They actually released four albums between 1980 and 1983, none of which attracted much attention.

My collection: 7" single no. 4448
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Funkytown' / 'All night dancing'

Jij daar! - Petra and Co.

Petra De Steur was born in Gent, Belgium on June 20, 1972. She was discovered in 1988 and scored a series of hits in Belgium between 1989 and 1992 as Petra & Co. 'Jij daar', a dance song produced by wellknown producer Phil de Wilde (who's worked with Kabouter Plop, K-Otic and Kate Ryan) and low on substance, was their second hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

She reinvented herself in 2006 and is known since then as La Sakhra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4447
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Jij daar!' / 'Where and when'

Someone loves you honey - June Lodge and Prince Mohammed

The biggest hit of 1982 in the Netherlands was 'Someone loves you honey' by June Lodge and Prince Mohammed. This reggae version of a country and western tune topped the charts in Jamaica and went on to chart all over Europe.

Although the record was a big hit, it bankrupted producer Joe Gibbs, as he had failed to pay royalties to the songwriter. An album of the same name, featuring the deejay talents of Prince Mohammed was released in 1982.

My collection: 7" single no. 4446
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Someone loves you honey' / 'Stay in tonight'

Hot love - Five Star

'Hot love' is the second single from Five Star's self-titled 1990 album. The single was, like the album, recorded in their new studio built in the grounds of their family home in Ascot, Berkshire. When the single only reached number 68 in the UK singles chart, the press were quick to declare Five Star's bankruptcy, although the band refuted those claims, saying that they were in fact very happy and wealthy, after all the fortunes their previous hits had brought them.

Still, bad times were ahead as the album was shelved by the record company after the disappointing result of the single. The album was released in the USA, and only available as an import in the UK. The band subsequently left Epic and pursued a career in the United States.

My collection: 7" single no. 4445
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Hot love' / 'Act one'

Together we're strong - Mireille Mathieu and Patrick Duffy

The singing aspirations of the actors from the popular evening drama 'Dallas' has led to some pretty embarrassing results. Readers of this blog have already heard the single by Charlene Tilton, and here is another shocking example.

Mireille Mathieu and Patrick Duffy recorded 'Together we're strong' in 1983 when Duffy appeared in Mathieu's French television show. The song, which was written by Ralph Siegel and Richard Palmer James, was released as a single and, unbelievably, became a hit all over Europe. In the Dutch Top 40, 'Together we're strong' landed at number 5. I bought this single strictly for its comedy value.

My collection: 7" single no. 4444
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Together we're strong' / 'Something's going on'

What kind of dance is this - Veronica Unlimited

Producer Hans van Hemert formed Veronica Unlimited on the occasion of the 12,5 year jubilee of the Dutch broadcaster Veronica's Dutch Top 40. His idea to make a disco medley of old hits, combined with jingles from Radio Veronica, was realised by singers such as Margriet Eshuijs and Sandra Reemer, although the line-up soon changed to include four German singers: Manfred Kohler, Edna Bejarano, Gabi Kreutz and Angie Kreutz.

'What kind of dance is this' was the group's first single and also their biggest hit. It reached number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1977. The B-side of this single features a disco version of the classic melody 'Für Elise'. Subsequent releases couldn't match this success, and ultimately the group broke up in 1981.

My collection: 7" single no. 4443
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'What kind of dance is this' / 'Ferme la porte'

Manhattan - G'Race

The band Grace, then without apostrophe, is founded in 1968 by Henk van der Burgh and his two brothers Frans and John, together with Ronald Dobber and Guido Collard. The band plays predominantly covers. In 1970, John and Frans van der Burgh leave the band, and they are replaced by Ed Kemperman and Peter de Wijn. Their debut single 'I hear music' is released in 1975, but it doesn't chart. Two further singles also flop.

In 1979, singer Gerda van den Outenaar joins the band. It ultimately results in a change of the band name in 1983 to G'Race and a contract with a bigger record company. G'Race's first single 'Manhattan' is released and peaks at number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. It's the first of three hit singles, after which the band keeps trying for success without results.

My collection: 7" single no. 4442
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Manhattan' / 'Manhattan (part 2)'

The message is love - Arthur Baker and the backbeat disciples

Arthur Baker was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 22, 1955. During the Seventies he started working as a DJ in the Boston area. In 1981, he moved to New York, where he continued to work as a DJ, while also moving into production. He produced amongst others Afrika Bambaataa and Planet Patrol.

In the late Eighties and early Nineties, Baker worked with soul star Al Green, writing and producing the international hit 'The message is love'. The single reached number 8 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 38 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4441
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'The message is love' / 'The message is love (Cupid mix)'

Gonna make you a star - David Essex

'Gonna make you a star' was released in the autumn of 1974 as a single by David Essex. The song was written by himself and produced by Jeff Wayne. The record features a prominent use of the synthesizer.

The single reached number 1 in the UK singles chart, spending three weeks at the top in November 1974. In the Dutch Top 40, where it entered in January 1975, it peaked at number 12.

My collection: 7" single no. 4440
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Gonna make you a star' / 'Window'

Everything I own - Boy George

'Everything I own' was written by David Gates to be recorded by his band Bread in 1972 on their album 'Baby I'm a want you'. Although the song is frequently interpreted as a romantic love song, Gates actually wrote the song as a tribute to his late father. It quickly became a popular standard, recorded by artists such as Olivia Newton-John, Rod Steward, Chrissie Hynde... and Boy George.

Boy George's version was a reggae treatment of the song, released as his debut solo single after Culture Club split up in 1987. Coming at the time of his arrest for possession of heroin it provided a major boost to his career. It was a number 1 in many countries, including the UK, Italy, Norway, Canada and South Africa. In the Dutch Top 40, the single peaked at number 3 - Boy George's only top 10 hit in the Netherlands to this day.

My collection: 7" single no. 4439
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Everything I own' / 'Use me'

Guilty - Barbra Streisand

When Barbra Streisand asked Barry Gibb to write an album for her, he not only contributed his songs, but also his voice, as well as producing the whole thing. The title track, 'Guilty', was actually recorded as a duet between Streisand and Gibb, and subsequently released as a single too.

The single peaked at number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 34 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4438
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Guilty' / 'Life story'

Lost in music - Sister Sledge

'Lost in music' was originally a track on Sister Sledge's 1979 album 'We are family'. I've had the 1984 release of the single for almost 10 years now, but this is the original release from 1979. It features a version of the track 'Thinking of you' on the B-side.

The single reached number 15 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4437
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Lost in music' / 'Thinking of you'

Float on - The Floaters

The Floaters was formed by the former Detroit Emeralds singer James Mitchell, with his brother Paul Mitchell, Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, and the unrelated Ralph Mitchell. Most of The Floaters were from the Sojourner Truth housing project, on Detroit's Eastside.

James Mitchell apparently came up with the idea and tune for their one major hit, 'Float on' in a dream. The lyrics spotlighted each member of the band, who introduced themselves with their name and astrological sign. The single became a world wide hit in 1977, reaching number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 in the UK Singles Chart. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 5.

My collection: 7" single no. 4436
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Float on' / 'Everything happens for a reason'

Break it out - Lisa

Lisa was born as Lisa Schulte Nordholt in Breda, the Netherlands on January 26, 1956. As Lisa Boray she forged a career as a singer in the Seventies as a member of the Houseband and the band Navel. As a session singer she can be heard on most Dutch albums of the first half of the Eighties. In 1982 she is part of the background choir during the Dutch entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, Bill van Dijk's 'Jij en ik', and again in 1988 when Gerard Joling represents the Netherlands with 'Shangri-la'.

'Break it out' is a single taken from her solo album 'Searchlight', credited simply to Lisa. The single reached number 9 during an eight week chart run in the Dutch Top 40. In 1991, she sings the theme song for the Dutch soap opera 'Goede tijden slechte tijden' ('Good times bad times') together with Louis de Vries. When this is released as a single, it again reaches number 9 during an eight week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 4435
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Break it out' / 'Break it out (instrumental)'

A good heart - Feargal Sharkey

'A good heart' was written by Maria McKee about her relationship with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers keyboard player Benmont Tench. The track was recorded in 1985 by Feargal Sharkey and produced by David A. Stewart from the Eurythmics. It was released as Sharkey's debut solo single, after having been in the band the Undertones for seven years.

It was a very successful debut, topping the charts in the UK and the Netherlands in November 1985 and February 1986 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 4434
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'A good heart' / 'Anger is holy'

Talking out of line - Bardo

Bardo represented the United Kingdom during the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest with 'One step further'. That song sounded a bit like a poor man's Bucks Fizz, and that was even more obvious with this follow-up single, 'Talking out of line'. The song was even written by Andy Hill and Nichola Martin, who were responsible for bringing together both Bucks Fizz and Bardo, so that's no real surprise then.

While 'One step further' reached number 2 in the UK singles chart, this single, released just two months later, did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4433
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'Talking out of line' / 'Always thinking of you'

What kinda boy you're lookin' for (girl) - Hot Chocolate

'What kinda boy you're lookin' for (girl)' was the twelfth top 10 hit for Hot Chocolate in the UK singles chart, peaking at number 10 in the spring of 1983. In the Dutch Top 40, it was the group's penultimate hit single, peaking at number 21.

Written by lead singer Errol Brown and produced by Mickie Most, the track used a formula that had become familiar by 1983: a catchy refrain and soulful vocals.

My collection: 7" single no. 4432
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'What kinda boy you're lookin' for (girl)' / 'Got to get back to work'

It ain't over 'til it's over - Lenny Kravitz

I've always ignored Lenny Kravitz singles in the Nineties, mainly because I felt they were quite repetitive: they seemed to be remakes of his debut hit 'Let love rule'. In later years, I discovered a few songs that I still find worthwhile to own. 'It ain't over 'til it's over' is one of them.

The song was released as the second single from Kravitz's second album 'Mama said' (1991). The horn line at the end of the song is performed by the Phenix Horns from Earth, Wind & Fire. 'That song just came out one day, and I knew it had a classic vibe. And I still love that song very much today', Lenny Kravitz commented in 2000. The title of the song is based on a quote from the Baseball player and manager Yogi Berra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4431
Found: Kringloop, Sassenheim, January 23, 2010
Cost: 0,12 euro
Tracks: 'It ain't over 'til it's over' / 'The difference is why'