You're the one that I want - John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

I was never a fan of 'Grease' in 1978, when everyone in my class was. The girls were in love with John Travolta and the boys were in awe of him. Meanwhile, I preferred the singing qualities of Olivia Newton-John but thought the whole madness about one movie was a bit silly. I was always a bit sceptical of manias anyway.

'You're the one that I want' did stand the test of time, however. The single was a number 1 hit in most countries and it is still the sixth best-selling single ever in the UK, where it has sold over 1,975,000 copies.

My collection: 7" single no. 4504
Found: Any old time, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,1 euro
Tracks: 'You're the one that I want' / 'Alone at a drive-in movie (instrumental)'

Summer nights - John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and cast

So I go to this second hand shop I've seen on a website. The website says that there are bargain singles for 1 euro each. That's a reasonable price - if the singles are good. When I get there, the man says 'I am just getting rid of some stuff, so shall we say 10 cents each?'. It's like I'm suddenly a kids in a candy store with loads of cash to spend. So I buy literally everything that is vaguely interesting.

This was my first find: the 'Grease' single 'Summer nights' as performed by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and the cast of this 1978 movie that took the world by storm. The single reached number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 1 in the UK singles chart, where it stayed for seven weeks.

My collection: 7" single no. 4503
Found: Any old time, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,1 euro
Tracks: 'Summer nights' / 'Rock 'n' Roll party queen' (Louis St. Louis)

Hopelessly - Rick Astley

Rick Astley's fourth album 'Body & soul' is considered a flop, as both singles from the album stranded in the lower regions of the UK singles chart and the album itself never made it into the albums chart. Released in November 1993, 'Hopelessly' was the last of the two, scoring a little higher than the first one, peaking at number 33.

The B-side of this single features a live version of 'Hopelessly', recorded in Milan, Italy for the programme Night Express.

My collection: 7" single no. 4502
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Hopelessly' / 'Hopelessly (live)'

Instinction - Spandau Ballet

'Instinction' was taken from Spandau Ballet's 1982 album 'Diamond'. It was released as the fourth and last single from the album and it reached number 10 in the UK singles chart. In Australia, the single peaked at number 30. In other territories, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4501
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Instinction' / 'Gently'

Shannon - Henry Gross

Henry Gross was born on April 1, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York. Encouraged by his mother, he moved into music at a young age, starting to perform in local clubs when he was only 14 years old. While at college, he was a founder member of the band Sha Na Na, which he left in 1970 to pursue a solo career.

In 1976, he recorded what was to become his signature song, 'Shannon'. The lyric was about the death of Beach Boy Carl Wilson's Irish Setter of the same name. The single reached number 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 25 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 32 in the UK singles chart. The song was picked as a favourite by Kim Wilde during her radio show 'Secret Songs' on Magic FM last year, which is how I first heard it. I'm glad to have located a copy, as the song grabbed me right away.

My collection: 7" single no. 4500
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Shannon' / 'Pokey'

Some people - Belouis Some

'Some people' is the title of Belouis Some's debut album, and also the title of the third single release from that album. This limited edition double single set features two bonus live tracks, recorded for Capital Radio in the UK.

The single reached number 33 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4499
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Some people' / 'Walk away' // 'Have you ever been in love (live)' / 'Jerusalem (live)'

Knocked out - Paula Abdul

'Knocked out' was originally Paula Abdul's debut single, released in February 1988. The song was written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons and LA Reid. In the UK, 'Knocked out' was released three times. It originally charted on September 24, 1988, peaking at a lowly number 98. Following the success of 'Straight up' and its follow-up 'Forever your girl', 'Knocked out' was re-issued and peaked at number 45 on 19 August 1989, just missing out on the top 40.

This single is a copy of the third and last re-release. This limited edition is housed in gatefold sleeve with a competition to win a week in California for two. All the owner had to do is send in the answer to three questions about Paula Abdul (this is before the Wikipedia age, remember!) and send in a postcard. The disc features a remix of 'Knocked out' by Shep Pettibone. The track finally cracked the UK top 40, peaking at number 21 in July 1990.

My collection: 7" single no. 4498
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Knocked out (Pettibone edit)' / 'Knocked out'

The Amsterdam EP - Simple Minds

The Simple Minds released five singles from their 1989 album 'Street fighting years', of which the first and the last one were EP's. The first EP was the 'Ballad of the streets EP', the second one was the Amsterdam EP.

Three tracks were included on this EP, of which only 'Let it all come down' was taken from the album. 'Jerusalem' is an instrumental track written by Hubert Parry and arranged by the Simple Minds, and 'Sign o' the times' is a cover of the Prince track. The EP reached number 18 in the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4497
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Sign o' the times (edit)' / 'Let it all come down (edit)', 'Jerusalem'

Baa-baa black sheep - The singing sheep

Novelty singles: you either love them or loathe them. I was only a child when this single was released in 1982, and I was definitely in the 'love' camp. For years I didn't think much of this track, and now that I have a child of my own I can't wait to play it for her when she's a little older.

'Baa baa black sheep' is an existing English nursery rhyme. The words are not sung in this version - after all, sheep cannot talk. The single actually reached number 42 in the UK singles chart in December 1982.

My collection: 7" single no. 4496
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Baa-baa black sheep' / 'Flock around the clock'

Grace Kelly - Mika

'Grace Kelly' was released in January 2007 as the debut single from Mika. It subsequently appeared on his debut album 'Life in cartoon motion'. The song was written as a satire of musicians who try to reinvent themselves to be popular. The lyric 'So I try a little Freddie' is a reference to Queen's Freddie Mercury, to whose singing voice Mika's has been compared.

The single reached number 1 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40. Initally, the song was available as a download only, but a cd-single was subsequently sold in shops. This 7" single was released in the UK only, featuring an inner sleeve which colours in the words 'Grace Kelly', which are cut out from the outer sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 4495
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'Grace Kelly' / 'Satellite'

Duel - Propaganda

25 years after I bought the single 'Duel' I find out that there's a limited edition double single of this track! Fortunately, I spotted this double single at a bargain price, because nothing is worse than seeing items like this for a staggering amount and you realise you either have to wait forever to find another copy or it will never be available at a reasonable price at all.

Not that the two bonus tracks on disc 2 are very rare anymore: both have been released on the excellent cd/dvd set 'Outside world', released in 2002.

My collection: 7" single no. 4494
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'Duel' / 'Jewel' // 'Lied' / 'The lesson'

Look away - Big Country

I bought a lot of 7" singles last year, but quite frankly I'd forgotten that 'Look away' by Big Country was one of them. And it's not even that long ago!

This limited edition double single adds a second disc with two instrumental tracks, displaying the Celtic influences that Big Country have always flaunted. The tracks come from the soundtrack of the movie 'Restless natives', which was released one year before this single, in 1985.

My collection: 7" single no. 4493
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'Look away' / 'Restless natives' // 'Margos theme' / 'Highland scenery'

Girls and boys - Prince and the Revolution

'Girls & boys' was recorded by Prince on his 1986 album 'Parade'. This limited edition double single was released in the UK in the summer of that year. I remember seeing the double single in the shops for ridiculous prices at the time, so I'm glad I waited for almost 25 years to get it this cheap.

The single was not released in America, but in the UK, 'Girls & boys' peaked at number 11. In the Dutch Top 40, the single peaked at number 29.

My collection: 7" single no. 4492
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'Girls & boys' / 'Under the cherry moon' // 'She's always in my hair' / '17 days (the sun will come down, then U will have 2 choose. If U believe, look 2 the dawn and U shall never lose)'

I'm free - Roger Daltrey

The Who's classic rock opera 'Tommy' has been recorded in various incarnations. Originally, of course, there was the album, released by the band in 1969. Then, a movie, musical and various concert incarnations saw the light of day.

This single is a track from 'Tommy', as performed by Roger Daltrey with the London Symphony Orchestra and the English Chamber Choir. It was taken from the soundtrack of the movie 'Tommy'. The single reached number 13 in the UK singles chart in the summer of 1973.

My collection: 7" single no. 4491
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I'm free' / 'Overture'

Heaven and hell (3rd movement) - Vangelis

Vangelis released his fifth solo album 'Heaven and hell' in 1975. The album became his first commercial success, as it landed in the UK albums chart in 1976, peaking at number 31. It featured his first collaboration with Jon Anderson, with whom he would collaborate more in the early Eighties as Jon & Vangelis.

The track 'Movement 3' came to prominence when it was used in the BBC TV series 'The cosmos' in 1981. The track was released on BBC records and reached the UK singles chart, peaking at number 48.

My collection: 7" single no. 4490
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Heaven & hell (3rd movement)' / 'Alpha'

I want to be straight - Ian Dury and the Blockheads

Ian Dury and the Blockheads released their last album for Stiff Records in 1980, entitled 'Laughter'. At the time, Dury was an alcoholic, and also addicted to Mogadon, a brand of sedative. Coupled with his bad reaction to celebrity, and his bouts of depression, these addictions caused him to be confrontational, argumentative, and controlling. This caused the recording sessions for that album to be quite difficult.

Ahead of the album, however, the single 'I want to be straight' was released. This was the first recording by Ian Dury with the new line-up of the Blockheads, as Chas Jankel had left the band after a particularly stressful tour. This single reached number 22 in the UK singles chart in the summer of 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 4489
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I want to be straight' / 'That's not all'

Blue Jean - David Bowie

David Bowie may have been inspired by Michael Jackson's epic music video for 'Thriller' when he decided to make 'Jazzin' for Blue Jean', a 21 minute music video directed by Julien Temple. For some reason, Jackson's video became legendary and Bowie's video has been largely forgotten.

Bowie later commented on the song: ''Blue Jean' is a piece of sexist rock 'n roll (laughs). It's about picking up birds. It's not very cerebral, that piece'. The single reached number 10 in the Dutch Top 40, number 6 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4487
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Blue Jean' / 'Dancing with the big boys'

Call me - Blondie

'Call me' was the main theme of the movie 'American gigolo'. Producer Giorgio Moroder originally asked Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac to help compose and perform a song for the soundtrack, but she declined. It was at this time that Moroder turned to Debbie Harry and Blondie. Moroder presented Harry with a rough instrumental track called 'Man machine'. Harry was asked to write the lyrics and melody. The completed song was then recorded by the band, with Moroder producing.

When the single was released in early 1980, it reached number 1 in the USA, Canada and the UK. In the Dutch Top 40, 'Call me' peaked at number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 4486
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Call me' / 'Call me (instrumental)'

Words - Bee Gees

These days, most people think that the Bee Gees have always been the trio Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb. But when you look at the sleeve of this 1968 single, 'Words', you can see that the band consisted of five members. The additional two members are Vince Melouney and Colin Peterson. They left the Bee Gees in 1968 and 1970 respectively.

'Words' was written by the three brothers Gibb for their manager Robert Stigwood. It was originally intended for Cliff Richard, but he never got round to recording the track as he wasn't making an album at the time. Rather than wasting the song, The Bee Gees decided to record it themselves. It's good that they did: it gave them a number 1 hit in Germany and the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4485
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Words' / 'Sinking ships'

Jung wie du - Nena

'Jung wie du' ('Young like you') was released in 1985 as the fourth and final single from Nena's 1984 album 'Feuer und Flamme' ('Fire and flames').

The single reached number 47 in the German singles chart, but failed to chart elsewhere in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 4484
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Jung wie du' / 'Das alte Lied'

It's a miracle - Culture Club

'It's a Miracle' was released as the fifth and final single from Culture Club's 1983 album 'Colour by numbers'. The song was first called 'It's America', relating to Culture Club's first trip to the United States. It was later changed.

It became the group's sixth top 5 hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 4. In the Dutch Top 40, the single reached number 20.

My collection: 7" single no. 4483
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'It's a miracle' / 'Love twist (live)'

My forbidden lover - Chic

'My forbidden lover' is another one of those catchy tunes only Chic could make during the late Seventies. It was the second single from the band's third album 'Risque'.

The single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 23 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4482
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'My forbidden lover' / 'What about me'

She's not there - Santana

Rod Argent wrote 'She's not there' and was recorded by his band the Zombies in 1964. Although this version became a hit in several countries, it was not as memorable as the 1978 cover version by Santana.

His version reached number 27 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 11 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4481
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'She's not there' / 'Zulu'

Lass mich dein Pirat sein - Nena

I've been searching for this single for such a long time, that I totally forgot I was searching for it. I saw it for the first time in over 10 years, and for a reasonable price too. For a moment, I was even wondering whether I had it or not...

'Lass ich dein Pirat sein' is a beautiful ballad taken from Nena's 1984 album '?'. It was released as the third and last single from the album and became the least successful one, peaking at number 53 in the German singles chart only. It was played very often on Dutch radio. I recorded the track from the radio but was never able to buy the single at the time.

My collection: 7" single no. 4480
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Lass mich dein Pirat sein' / 'Keine Antwort'

Josephine Baker - Boney M

Boney M officially disbanded after the commercially unsuccessful and ininspired album 'Eye dance' (1985). From that point, several different versions of the group were formed. The classic line-up reformed in 1988 for the album 'Greatest hits of all times - remix 88', but this reunion didn't last very long: within the year Liz Mitchell left the group, to be replaced by Madeleine Davis.

This line-up recorded the single 'Josephine Baker', without the band's original producer Frank Farian's knowledge or approval. He threatened the group with legal action, and so the single was quickly withdrawn. Bobby Farrell re-recorded the song for this 1991 single credited to Boney M. feat. Bobby Farrell, since he won the rights to use the name Boney M. in Holland where he lives. The title was changed simply to 'Josephine Baker'. The single was a charity single in support of The Josephine Baker Children's Foundation, but did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4479
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Josephine Baker' / 'Shame and scandal'

Walking on the moon - The Police

According to Sting, 'Walking on the moon' is about the feeling of being in love. He wrote the song when he: 'was drunk in a hotel room in Munich, slumped on the bed with the whirling pit when this riff came into my head. I got up and starting walking round the room singing: 'Walking round the room, walking round the room'. That was all. In the cool light of morning I remembered what had happened and I wrote the riff down. But 'Walking round the room' was a stupid title so I thought of something even more stupid which was 'Walking on the moon'.'

Released in November 1979, 'Walking on the moon' was a number 1 hit in the UK singles chart, while it also peaked at number 9 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 2 in France.

My collection: 7" single no. 4478
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Walking on the moon' / 'Visions of the night'

Mondsong - Nena

In 1986, Nena released their sixth album 'Eisbrecher' ('Ice breaker'). It was to be their last album as a band; frontwoman Nena Kerner continued as a solo artist, still using the name Nena. The single 'Mondsong' was written by her and recorded with the band.

Although one more single was released from the album, 'Mondsong' ('Moon song') was the last hit single for Nena the band, peaking at number 37 in the German singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4477
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Mondsong' / 'Schön wär es doch'

If you love somebody set them free - Sting

Although the Police never formally broke up, 1985 was the year in which all three members started concentrating on solo projects. The most successful of the three was Sting, who launched his solo career in the summer of 1985 with this single, 'If you love somebody set them free'. It was the first single from his first solo album, 'The dream of the blue turtles', which he recorded with a band of accomplished jazz musicians.

The single reached number 26 in the UK singles chart, number 35 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. I never liked this song much at the time of its release, but now, a quarter of a century later, I have grown to like it. I found a pristine UK pressing of the single, which is always a pleasure too.

My collection: 7" single no. 4476
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 30, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'If you love somebody set them free' / 'Another day'

Blok aan mijn been - Frank Boeijen Groep

'Blok aan mijn been' was the third and final single taken from the self-titled debut album by the Frank Boeijen Groep, the Dutch band that was founded by Frank Boeijen at the end of the Seventies. Like its predecessor 'Vrijdagavond', this single failed to chart.

Just like that single, I had to search for this one for a long time too. I finally found a copy on a festival market for a price that was pretty steep. But after searching for a decade, you're bound to make a compromise. I didn't see the single that much afterwards anyway...

My collection: 7" single no. 2145
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, August 21, 1994
Cost: 12,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Blok aan mijn been' / 'Ik haat jou'

Straighter line - Cock Robin

Just three weeks ago, in my entry about the single 'Manzanar', I wrote that I hadn't been able to find a copy of the third and last single from Cock Robin's third album 'First love last rites', 'Straighter line', and indeed, it has been a hell of a search. But fortunately the single popped up on a mailorder website 12 days ago, and so now I do have it.

'Straighter line' did not chart anywhere, so you'd expect to see this single literally everywhere. But I guess most copies have been destroyed or something. At least I have a copy now.

My collection: 7" single no. 4475
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,4 euro
Tracks: 'Straighter line' / 'We've changed'

Up the hill backwards - David Bowie

David Bowie recorded 'Up the hill backwards' as a track on his 1980 album 'Scary monsters (and super creeps)'. The lyric is often seen as a commentary on the public coverage of his divorce from Angela Bowie, one of several tracks on the album that muse over the double-edged sword of celebrity. It has also been interpreted as facing up to crises in general.

The track was released as the fourth and final single from the album in March 1981. The single was not a big success, reaching number 32 in the UK singles chart and failed to chart everywhere else.

My collection: 7" single no. 4474
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Up the hill backwards' / 'Crystal Japan'

History 1992 - Mai Tai

After Mai Tai had some big successes in the Eighties, their career came to a complete standstill when their third album 'Cool is the rule' (1987) was less successful. They disappeared from view until 1991, when a 'Best of' album was released. This album featured one new track, 'Dance in the light'. That single did not chart.

'History 1992' can be considered one last desperate attempt at chart success. The hit from 1985 was remixed by one Gary Jones, and released as a single. This single did not chart. Soon after, Mai Tai decided to split up.

My collection: 7" single no. 4473
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,1 euro
Tracks: 'History 1992 (radio mix)' / 'History 1992 (Burn-it-mix)'

Love of the common people - Paul Young

'Love of the common people' was written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins. The lyrics tell a bleak story of poverty and joblessness. Though Wilkins and Hurley did not expressly say so in the lyrics, the song is also a protest of what they saw as the failure of the American government to do more for the poor and unemployed than it had. The track was originally recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1967, then covered by Nicky Thomas in 1970.

Paul Young released his version of the song originally in 1982. After it failed to chart, he had two hit singles with 'Wherever I lay my hat' and 'Come back and stay'. The track was re-released in 1983, and on this occasion it peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart and topping the chart in Ireland and the Netherlands. This limited edition double single features three live tracks, with one clocking in at an impressive 9 minutes.

My collection: 7" single no. 4470
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Love of the common people' / 'Behind your smile (live)' // 'Wherever I lay my hat (live)' / 'Oh women (live)'

Thursday's child - Tanita Tikaram

'Thursday's child' was released as the third and last single from Tanita Tikaram's second album 'The sweet keeper'. The track was re-recorded for the single release. However, this did not help matters much: the single did not chart.

The B-side is a charming song taken from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4471
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Thursday's child' / 'Once and not speak'

The circus - Erasure

According to Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, 'The circus' was a deliberate departure of the pop sound of their previous six singles. The lyric touches on social issues and center around the lament of 'working men', whose bright futures and job securities are left shattered in the modern world of greedy corporations and technology.

'The circus' was the fourth and final single from the album of the same name. As the album version was 5'30 minutes long, the song was remixed for the single, clocking in at 3'50. The single peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart. In Germany, where this limited edition pressed on red vinyl was released, the single peaked at number 30.

My collection: 7" single no. 4468
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,25 euro
Tracks: 'The circus (remix)' / 'The circus (Decay mix)'

Somewhere in the world - Boney M

With Bobby Farrell out of the line-up of Boney M and new male singer Reggie Tsiboe in, the group was facing difficult times. With already three singles landing outside of the top 40 in Germany, 'Somewhere in the world' was the fourth attempt at having more success - but another failure.

'Somewhere in the world' was the first and only single from Boney M's seventh studio album 'Ten thousand lightyears'. The single only reached number 49 in the German singles chart and failed to chart anywhere else. Though unremarkable, this track is still quite beautiful and features the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4466
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Somewhere in the world' / 'Exodus (Noah's ark 2001)'

La fiesta terminó - Paloma San Basilio

Paloma San Basilio was born on November 22, 1950 in Madrid, Spain. She started her career in the Spanish music scene in the Seventies with the album 'Sombras'. In 1985, she represented Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'La fiesta terminó'. This song was composed by Juan Carlos Calderón, who is best known for the 1973 entry 'Eres tu' by Mocedades, which ended second in the Contest but went on to become a worldwide hit. 'La fiesta terminó' was less successful: it finished 14th in the Contest in a field of 19 competitors.

This single features the track 'Sin ti' on the B-side, a Spanish language cover of Nilsson's 'Without you'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4465
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'La fiesta terminó' / 'Sin ti'

Only your love - Bananarama

'Only your love' was the first single by Bananarama after a four year relationship with the producers trio Stock, Aitken & Waterman. This song was co-written and produced by Youth. It was released as the first single from the group's fifth studio album 'Pop life' and released several months prior to its release.

The song contains several references to other singles: the 'woo woo' hoots directly reference 'Sympathy for the devil' by the Rolling stones, and the track also contains samples of 'Loaded' by Primal Scream and 'Fool's gold' by the Stone Roses. The single peaked at number 27 in the UK singles chart but did not chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 4464
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,3 euro
Tracks: 'Only your love' / 'Only your love (Hardcore instrumental)'

Never knew love - Rick Astley

'Never knew love' was written by John Paul and Derek Bordeaux and recorded by Rick Astley on his third album 'Free', the one he made without the involvement of Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Instead, this track was produced by Gary Stevenson and Astley himself.

The single was not a big success, while it only charted in the UK, where it stalled at number 70. As a result, this third single was also the last from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4463
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 2,2 euro
Tracks: 'Never knew love (remix)' / 'So glad'

A little respect - Erasure

I might never have heard 'A little respect' if Kim Wilde hadn't decided to start performing the song live during her 2009 spring tour. Although the single was a big hit in the UK in 1988, I didn't hear the song at the time so I caught up 21 years later.

Written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the heavily synthesized instrumentation is accentuated by acoustic guitar and Bell's use of falsetto in the chorus. The lyrics are an empowering plea to a lover to show compassion and respect. It reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and even managed to reach number 14 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4472
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'A little respect' / 'Like Zsa Zsa Zsa Gabor'

Song sung blue - Altered Images

If this song sounds familiar to you, then most probably you're reminded of the original version of 'Song sung blue' by Neil Diamond, recorded in 1972. It was a number 1 hit in the USA, also reaching number 14 in the UK singles chart.

Altered Images recorded this cover version on their album 'Pinky blue' in 1982. With the peculiar but charming voice of Clare Grogan and the very Eighties treatment of the track, it was given a new lease of life. Although the single did not chart in any territory...

My collection: 7" single no. 4462
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Song sung blue' / 'See you later'

More than physical - Bananarama

'More than physical' was one of two tracks on Bananarama's 1986 album 'True confessions' that were produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, with the other tracks being produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain. The other track was 'Venus', which had just become a worldwide hit after its single release. 'More than physical' was released as the follow-up in an attempt to capitalize on that success.

The track was remixed for the single, giving it a similar Hi-NRG sound as 'Venus'. However, this did not prove to be a successful strategy: the single stalled at number 41 in the UK singles chart and number 73 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4461
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'More than physical' / 'Scarlett'

Principles of lust - Enigma

'Principles of lust' was the third single released from Enigma's debut album 'MCMXC a.D.'. The single version of 'Principles of lust' is actually 'Find love', part two of the album version of 'Principles of lust'. The song contains a sample of 'Justify my love' by Madonna. The cover includes a detail from the painting Venus, Cupid, Folly, and Time by Agnolo Bronzino.

'Principles of lust' reached number 29 in France, number 90 in Germany and number 59 in the UK singles chart. This 7" single is pretty rare, I don't think I've seen it very often even in 1991, when it was just released.

My collection: 7" single no. 4460
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 3,3 euro
Tracks: 'Principles of lust (radio edit)' / 'Principles of lust (Jazz mix)'

Bridge of spies - T'pau

The title track of T'pau's debut album 'Bridge of spies' was released as a single in the USA and Germany only. This is the German single, featuring the US edit of the track, as well as the live version of 'Sex talk' which was released as a single in the UK around the same time.

I actually bought this single over 10 years ago already, but to my dismay it turned out to contain the wrong disc in the sleeve. So I've had the sleeve for a long time, but now for the first time I can say I really own this single.

My collection: 7" single no. 4459
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Bridge of spies (US remix)' / 'Sex talk (live)'

I can't go for that (No can do) - Daryl Hall and John Oates

Daryl Hall sketched out the basics of 'I can't go for that' one evening at a music studio in New York City in 1981 after a recording session for the album 'Private eyes'. Hall played a bassline on a Korg organ, then came up with a guitar riff - both were recorded by sound engineer Neil Kernon. The duo Hall & Oates took it from there the next day.

The single version of 'I can't go for that' is not an edit of the album verison, but an edit of the dance mix. It was released as a single in early 1982 and reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 195
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1983
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I can't go for that (No can do)' / 'Unguarded minute'

I won't steal away - Time Bandits

'I won't steal away' was one of the songs to come out of the collaboration between the Time Bandits lead singer Alides Hidding with American hit producer Dan Hartman. It was recorded on the band's 1986 album 'Fiction' and released as a single.

The single reached number 16 in the Dutch Top 40, and was their last single to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3301
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'I won't steal away' / 'Cool world'

No one is to blame - Howard Jones

'No one is to blame' was a track on Howard Jones' second studio album 'Dream into action'. It was originally recorded as a ballad, but for the single release, the track was re-recorded with Phil Collins producing and adding backing vocals and drums into the mix.

The single became a hit, peaking at number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 16 in the UK singles chart.

I bought the German pressing of this single at the time of its release, and found an American pressing with a totally different sleeve in 2000.

My collection: 7" single no. 3240
Found: London, October 19, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'No one is to blame' / 'The chase'