Donne un peu de toi - Mike Brant

Mike Brant was born as Moshe Brand on February 1, 1947 on Cyprus as the son of a Polish mother who survived Auschwitz and married a Polish resistance fighter. Mike didn't start speaking until 6 years of age, and very soon told his family and friends that when he grew up he'd be "a star... or a tramp!" At the age of 11 he joined his school choir.

His career in music started in the early Sixties. He soon became very popular in France. By 1973, he was giving 250 concerts a year, some attended by 6,000 to 10,000 people. This went on for two years. He suffered from depression and loneliness. On November 22, 1974, he attempted suicide, jumping out the window of his manager's hotel room in Geneva. He received fractures but survived. He cut the number of performances and concentrated on another album, 'Dis-lui'. On April 25, 1975, the day this new album was released, Brant leapt to his death from an apartment in Paris.

My collection: 7" single no. 4830
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Donne un peu de toi' / 'Essayer de lui mentir' // 'Summertime (Tchop, Tchop)' / 'Malaguena'

Toi, la musique et moi - Mary Cristy

Mary Cristy was born as Marie Ruggieri. In 1976, she represented Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest with the disco-inspired 'Toi, la musique et moi'. The song finished third in a field of 18 contestants.

Cristy subsequently also recorded her song in Italian (as 'La musica e noi due'), Spanish ('La música, tú y yo'), German ('Die Musik und ich') and English ('Thank you for rushing into my life').

My collection: 7"single no. 4829
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Toi, la musique et moi' / 'Juste un peu de chagrin'

Per Lucia - Riccardo Fogli

Riccardo Fogli was born on October 21, 1947 in Pontedera, Italy. During the Sixties, he became a fan of The Beatles, which also influenced his decision to start his career as a singer. After some time in bands like Slenders and Pooh, he started a solo career in 1973. His main success, however, came in the Eighties.

In 1983, he represented Italy during the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Per Lucia' ('For Lucia'). He finished in eleventh place in a field of 20 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4828
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Per Lucia' / 'Altri tempi'

Über die Brücke geh'n - Ingrid Peters

Ingrid Peters was born in Dudweiler, Germany on April 19, 1954. During her career, she made several attempts to represent Germany during the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song 'Du bist nicht frei' didn't win the national final in 1979 and in 1983 she finished second during the national final with 'Viva la mamma'.

In 1986, she was finally selected to do the job with the optimistic song 'Über die Brücke geh'n'. She finished eighth in a field of 20 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4827
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Über die Brücke geh'n' / 'Mitten ins Herz'

En un mundo nuevo - Karina

Karina was born as María Isabel Bárbara Llaudés Santiago in Jaén, Andalusia on December 4, 1943. She recorded her first album in 1964 and had her biggest success in the late Sixties and early Seventies, after her breakthrough with a Spanish version of France Gall's 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son'.

In 1971, she represented Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'En un mundo nuevo' ('In a new world'). The song finished second, behind Severine's 'Un banc, un arbre, une rue' for Monaco.

My collection: 7" single no. 4826
Found: eBay.be, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'En un mundo nuevo' / 'Quisiera tener'

Love don't live here - Bananarama

Obviously, when I ordered the 12" single of Bananarama's most recent single 'Love don't live here', I bought the 7" single as well. This 7" single comes with an exclusive new track on the B-side, 'Here comes the rain'.

Producer Ian Masterson was once part of the remix outfit the Trouser Enthusiasts, and it shows on these excellent tracks. Now let's hope that the single turns up in tomorrow's UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4825
Found: What records, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Love don't live here' / 'Here comes the rain'

Hounds of love - Kate Bush

'Hounds of love' is the title track of Kate Bush's 1985 album. The track starts with a sample from the British 1957 horror film 'Night of the demon'. The words 'It's in the trees! It's coming!' are spoken by an actor from the film, Maurice Denham. The song is about being afraid to fall in love; in the song this feeling is compared to being chased by a pack of hounds.

Released as the third single from the album in February 1986, 'Hounds of love' reached number 18 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 392
Found: Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Hounds of love' / 'The handsome cabin boy'

Anne - Kayak

'Anne' was the only single from Kayak's album 'Periscope life' to become a hit in the Netherlands. And rightfully so, I should add: it's a beautiful track with a great melody, performed in style by the Dutch symphonic rockers.

Released in March 1980, 'Anne' reached number 26. The artwork on the sleeve was identical to the album sleeve, which makes it look a bit odd.

My collection: 7" single no. 4817
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Anne' / 'The sight'

Going through the motions - Hot Chocolate

'Going through the motions' was the title track of Hot Chocolate's 1979 album, released as a single in July 1979.

Despite its haunting atmosphere and lyrics, the song did not catch on: it only managed to reach number 53 in the UK singles chart and failed to chart in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4793
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Going through the motions' / 'Stay with me'

N'avoue jamais - Guy Mardel

Guy Mardel was born as Mardochée Elkoubi in Oran, Algeria on June 30, 1944. He moved to France at the age of 15. During his studies in law school, he occasionally sang in a jazz band. In 1963 he signed a recording contract with AZ Records and released two singles, until he was chosen to represent France during the 1965 Eurovision Song Contest.

He performed the song 'N'avoue jamais' ('Never admit'), written by himself and composed by Françoise Dorin. The song finished third in a field of 18 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4770
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'N'avoue jamais', 'Sans rien me dire' / 'S'il pleut ajourd'hui', 'Songe songe'

The way life's meant to be - Electric Light Orchestra

'The way life's meant to be' was the last single to be released from Electric Light Orchestra's 1981 album 'Time'. The song starts with gentle violins, and continues with flamenco-like guitar playing, and castanets. The south Mediterranean sound continues throughout the vocal and choiring on the refrain.

According to Jeff Lynne, 'It seemed to be [a pessimistic view] on that song. Yeah, well, and absolute that song... He's walking down the same street that it was before, like say a hundred years before. But uh, even though he's on the same bit of ground, everything that he knew is, like, buried under this new shit, y'know, that's growing up... on top of it, all these plastic towers and stuff. Ah, the castanets. It was a bit Russian but we put castanets on it and it became Spanish.'

My collection: 7" single no. 4796
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The way life's meant to be' / 'Wishing'

Long Hot Rock Summer - Various artists

This four track EP was included for free with a copy of Popfoto, the music magazine I read every month back in 1989. The label Mercury promoted four of their rock bands with this single. I couldn't decide whether to keep or throw away this disc, and in the end I decided to include it in my collection.

Basically, the tracks on the A-side I find boring, whereas the B-side tracks are marginally better. Kingdom Come's track is probably the best of the four, as it contains less rock cliches than the other three. Why, Dare's song even sounds like a Europe castoff!

My collection: 7" single no. 942
Found: Den Haag, July 8, 1989
Cost: -
Tracks: 'Born to be my baby' (Bon Jovi), 'Gypsy road' (Cinderella) / 'Gotta go (Can't wage a war)' (Kingdom come), 'Into the fire' (Dare)

Undercover of the night - Rolling Stones

'Undercover of the night' was largely composed by Mick Jagger. Keith Richards even commented: 'Mick had this one all mapped out, I just played on it'. The lyric sees Jagger explore the then-ongoing political corruption in Central and South America. According to him, the song was 'heavily influenced by William Burroughs' 'Cities of the red night'.'

The single was promoted with a music video which included some violent scenes, causing it to be censored or even banned in several territories. It didn't hinder its commercial success: 'Undercover of the night' reached number 11 in the UK singles chart, number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4801
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Undercover of the night' / 'All the way down'

Riders in the night - Freur

'Riders in the night' is a track on Freur's debut album 'Doot doot' (1983). It was released as the fourth single from the album. The track was shortened by two minutes, as the album version clocked in at five and a half minutes. The record company probably hoped that a shorter version would be picked up by radio more easily.

Still, this single went the same way all its predecessors went: straight to the bargain bin. Freur has never been commercially successful - it's probably their eclectic mix of pop and rock that caused them so much lack of success.

My collection: 7" single no. 4791
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Riders in the night' / 'You're a hoover'

Oh Diane - Fleetwood Mac

'Oh Diane' was written by Lindsey Buckingham for Fleetwood Mac's 1982 album 'Mirage'. The song, like the album, was produced by him as well.

Despite the previous two singles from the album ('Hold me' and 'Gypsy') being unsuccessful, the song became a surprise big hit for the band in the United Kingdom when released there in December 1982. It peaked at number 9 in February 1983, helping to push its parent album into the Albums chart Top 10.

My collection: 7" single no. 4803
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Oh Diane' / 'Love in store'

Vivre - Guy Bonnet

Guy Bonnet was born in Avignon, in the Vaucluse department in southeastern France in 1945. During his career, he has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest a couple of times. He started in 1968, writing and composing 'La source' for Isabelle Aubret. In 1970 he participated himself with 'Marie-Blanche', which finished fourth out of 12 contestants.

In 1983, he attempted to better that score with the song 'Vivre', which he wrote and performed himself. The song deals with the parting of two lovers, with one apparently slated to be executed by firing squad while the other continues to live. The song was historically the first ever French Eurovision entry to also be recorded in the minority Provençal language, then under the title 'Vièure'. The song finished eighth out of 20 contestants.

My collection: 7" single no. 4823
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Vivre' / 'Un signe d'amour'

Who wants to live forever / Friends will be friends - Queen

After the death of Freddie Mercury, 'Who wants to live forever' was re-released by EMI in March 1992. Originally, the track was released as a single from Queen's 1986 album 'A kind of magic'. The song was written by Brian May for the soundtrack of the movie 'Highlander'. The double A-side 'Friends will be friends' was from the same album, and originally released as the single that preceded 'Who wants to live forever' in 1986.

As far as I know, this double A-side single was only released in the Netherlands. It reached number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1617
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 4, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Who wants to live forever' / 'Friends will be friends'

Altijd heb ik je lief - Clouseau

After their performance at the Eurovision Song Contest was a relative disappointment, Clouseau still released an album of English language songs in 1991. When this release plus related singles didn't give them the international success they wanted, they decided to record a new album with Dutch songs.

'Altijd heb ik je lief' ('I love you always') was the first single from the new album, released in January 1992. The single reached number 6 in the Belgian singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1580
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 25, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Altijd heb ik je lief' / 'Lied voor jou'

When you walk in the room - Paul Carrack

'When you walk in the room' was written and recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1963. The lyrics of the song attempt to detail the singer's emotions when in the presence of the person he or she loves. There is also an expression of frustration by the singer that he or she cannot manage to tell that person of his or her love.

The song has since been covered by many artists including the Searchers and Agnetha Fältskog. In 1987, Paul Carrack released his version as the first single from his album 'Carrackature'. It reached number 48 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4811
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'When you walk in the room' / 'Collrane'

Revival - Eurythmics

'Revival' was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart together with guest keyboardist Pat Seymour. The lyric is a call for renewal and encouragement. Lennox sings the song to a subject who is facing hardships and feeling low, or perhaps is feeling bitter after much struggle in life.

The single was not released in the USA, and was only a minor hit in the UK, peaking at number 26. In the Dutch Top 40, it fared marginally better, peaking at number 25.

My collection: 7" single no. 4812
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Revival' / 'Precious'

No tiene edad - Gigliola Cinquetti

Gigliola Cinquetti won the 1964 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Non ho l'eta per amarti'. The song was released as a single and became a hit all over Europe. As a result, Cinquetti recorded the song in several other languages besides Italina. The English got 'This is my prayer', the French were promised 'Je suis à toi' and there waseven a Japanese version, 'Yumemiro omoi'.

This Spanish EP features four Spanish recordings from Cinquetti, including the Spanish version of her Eurovision hit, 'No tiene edad'. It is a charming version of a timeless classic.

My collection: 7" single no. 4822
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'No tiene edad', 'Eres un buen muchacho' / 'Cuando veo que todos se quieren', 'Pienso en las cosas perdidas'

Vision of you - Belinda Carlisle

'Vision of you' was the fifth single taken from Belinda Carlisle's album 'Runaway horses' (1990). Like most of her work during that time, the song was written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley and produced by Rick Nowels. The single featured a remixed version of the album version, giving it a more uptempo sound.

The song was the lowest charting single from the album. In the UK, it only managed to reach number 41. The single was re-released a year later after the success of '(We want) the same thing' and 'Summer rain', but it charted lower at number 71.

My collection: 7" single no. 4810
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Vision of you' / 'Leave a light on (Kamikazee mix)'

Somewhere somebody - Five Star

'Somewhere somebody' was released while the band was touring. Hence, live photographs were used on the sleeve. The merchandise sellers were in full swing, too: the back of the sleeve advertises a video and a book.

Released in the summer of 1987, the single was the third taken from Five Star's third album, 'Between the lines'. 'Somewhere somebody' was written by Dean Chamberlain and Martin Briley. Peaking at number 23 in the UK singles chart, it became the group's lowest charting single since 'Love take over' in 1985.

My collection: 7" single no. 4816
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Somewhere somebody' / 'Have a good time'

Some people - Fra Lippo Lippi

The Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi has never known any enduring success in the UK and Europe, but their popularity is still quite extraordinary in Asia. 12" singles like this one would probably be sold for collectors prices over there, especially with exclusive live tracks on the B-side of this disc. As it is, I could buy this 12" single for next to nothing.

'Some people' is an excellent track from the band's 1987 album 'Light and shade' and is backed with two live versions of tracks of their previous and most accomplished album 'Songs' (1985). Fra Lippo Lippi is always worth a listen.

My collection: 12" single no. 152
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Some people' / 'Even tall trees bend (live)', 'Come summer (live)'

Love you inside out - Bee Gees

Taken from their album 'Spirits having flown', the single 'Love you inside out' was another hit single for the Bee Gees in the summer of 1979. Like many of their hits in the Seventies, it features the band's trademark falsetto vocal style.

It reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, their ninth and final number 1 hit in that territory. In the UK, the single reached number 13 and in the Dutch Top 40 it only got to number 35.

My collection: 7" single no. 4792
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Love you inside out' / 'I'm satisfied'

Take me home tonight - Eddie Money

Eddie Money was born as Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949 in New York City. After becoming a police officer like his father, he became interested in music and finally landed a recording contract circa 1970. He was successful throughout the Seventies in the USA, but in the Eighties his career began to fail him after several unsuccessful releases, accompanied by his struggles with drug addiction.

In 1986, he made a comeback with the album 'Can't hold back' and the hit single 'Take me home tonight'. The track features Ronnie Spector, who sings the chorus from the Ronettes' hit 'Be my baby' in this song. Released in the autumn of 1986, 'Take me home tonight' reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 527
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Take me home tonight' / 'Calm before the storm'

Pour un instant d'amour - Massimo Ranieri

Massimo Ranieri was born as Giovanni Calone on May 3, 1951 in Naples, Italy. He started singing at the tender age of ten, starting his recording career three years later. After many hits near the end of the Sixties, he started to venture into acting. His screen debut, 'Metello', received rave reviews by critics, and he even won an award for portraying the title character.

In 1971, he was asked to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest. He performed the song 'L'amore e' un attimo' and finished fifth in a field of in Dublin, Ireland, where he placed 5th with the song, 'L'Amore E' Un Attimo'. This single features the French version of that song.

My collection: 7" single no. 4769
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Pour un instant d'amour' / 'Vingt ans'

I can laugh about it now - Black

Spain has always been friendly towards Black, ever since he had his biggest hit 'Wonderful life'. By the time Black's second album 'Comedy' was released in 1988, Spain even had an exclusive single release: the album track 'I can laugh about it now' was released as a single in Spain only. The B-side was a live version of 'All we need is the money', recorded - and released - in Japan in 1987.

I have no chart information about this single, all I know is that another exclusive Black single was released in 1993, the elusive 'Swingtime'. If you can sell that one to me, please contact me...

My collection: 7" single no. 3313
Found: Spanish website, received March 14, 2001
Cost: ?
Tracks: 'I can laugh about it now' / 'All we need is the money (live)'

Are you man enough - Sheena Easton

'Are you man enough', asks Sheena Easton with a bare shoulder on the sleeve of this single. It almost sounds like an indecent proposal. The song was written by G. Lyle and B. Livsey, and so at least the proposal doesn't really come from Easton herself.

The song was released in 1982 as the second single from her third album 'Madness, money and music', and failed to chart in all territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 4787
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Are you man enough' / 'Loner'

Domino - Clouseau

The song 'Domino' describes the end of a relationship with a girl called Domino. She tells the singer he'll forget him, but he still remembers 'She was called Domino or something'.

Released as the second single from their second album, 'Domino' reached number 4 in the Belgian singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1356
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 24, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Domino' / 'Als je lacht'

The time has come - Mike Oldfield featuring Anita Hegerland

I bought this single with an information sheet from the German record company which released this single on November 9, 1987. According to this, Mike Oldfield employed the Norwegian ex-child star Anita Hegerland on lead vocals for 'The time has come'. 'Voll geschmeidiger Kraft interpretiert sie das spannungsreiche, melodische 'The time has come', fur dessen Sphärensound auch Michael Cretu as co-produzent verantwortlich zeichnet.'

Or, as Google Translate tells us: 'Full supple strength she interprets the tension-filled, melodic 'The time has come' records, for the spheres sound even as co-producer Michael Cretu responsible.' You've got to love automatic translators.

My collection: 7" single no. 4806
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The time has come' / 'North point'

Winter in Hamburg - Frank Boeijen Groep

Circa 1987, Frank Boeijen had a much-publicized relationship with English television presenter Amanda Redington. 'Winter in Hamburg' could easily have been a description of a trip the two enjoyed together, but in interviews, Boeijen never spoke much about his personal life, so it's anyone's guess.

The photograph on the sleeve of this single was taken during one of the band's concerts. In 1987, the band embarked on a tour in theatres everywhere in the Netherlands, moving away from the club circuit. It was obvious that their music was better suited for this new environment.

My collection: 7" single no. 571
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Winter in Hamburg' / 'Welkom in Utopia 1 (acoustic)'

I'm losing you - Hot Chocolate

Another single from their 1981 album 'Class', 'I'm losing you' is one of those many infectious Hot Chocolate tunes.

The track was written by Russ Ballard, writer of many hit singles throughout the Eighties. However, this particular single failed to reach the charts in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 4776
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'I'm losing you' / 'Children of spacemen'

It's here - Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde seemingly finished the Eighties in a winning mood: she'd toured with Michael Jackson, her album 'Close' had been a phenomenal success, and superstardom was looming. But meanwhile, she wasn't quite that happy. She'd witnessed the intense loneliness stardom could bring while she was watching Michael Jackson and it wasn't that easy to come up with an equally successful album after 'Close'.

The first single from Kim's 1990 album 'Love moves' was the optimistic 'It's here'. When this single stalled at number 42 in the UK singles chart and was unsuccessful in several other territories, it was a first sign that the Nineties could be a bit troublesome for the British singer.

My collection: 7" single no. 1200
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 30, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'It's here' / 'Virtual world'

C'est peut-être pas l'Amérique - Jean Claude Pascal

A single sleeve like this one wouldn't be acceptable anymore nowadays: a man with a fag in his hand, well, it's a disgrace! It's interesting to see how much has changed in three decades.

Jean Claude Pascal represented Luxembourg for the second time in 1981. His first effort for the same country in 1961 was a big success: his song 'Nous les amoureux' won the Contest. In 1981, he was considerably less successful: 'C'est peut-être pas l'Amérique' finished eleventh in a field of 20 competitors. Maybe the fag had something to do with it after all...

My collection: 7" single no. 4768
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'C'est peut-être pas l'Amérique' / 'Car tu es la musique'

In your room - Depeche Mode

Martin Gore wrote 'In your room', a tense and atmospheric track on Depeche Mode's 1993 album 'Songs of faith and devotion'. It was released as the fourth and final single from that album in a remixed version. The 'Zephyr mix', as it was called, includes music completely redone by Butch Vig of Nirvana fame.

The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 40 in Australia. It achieved its biggest success in Sweden, where the single peaked at number 2. 'In your room' was the last Depeche Mode single to be released on 7" vinyl, until the format was re-used in the Noughties.

My collection: 7" single no. 2404
Found: Wreckastow, Rotterdam, 1994
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'In your room (Zephyr mix)' / 'Higher love (Adrenaline mix)'

Rules of the game - Bucks Fizz

'Rules of the game' was written by Warren Harry. The lyric centres on a woman who becomes famous and turns her back on her old friends, but when the fame ends, she finds herself desperately lonely. Cheryl Baker, who performs lead vocals on this song, has since said of her dislike for this song, stating that she finds the lyrics depressing and was unhappy with the affected way she was asked to sing.

Released in November 1983, the single proved to be one of the group's least successful singles, peaking at number 57 in the UK singles chart. The single was released to promote Bucks Fizz's first Greatest Hits album.

My collection: 7" single no. 4785
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Rules of the game' / 'When we were at war'

Bohemian rhapsody / These are the days of our lives - Queen

Two weeks after the death of lead singer Freddie Mercury, this double A-side single by Queen was released on December 9, 1991. It brought together the band's seminal track 'Bohemian rhapsody' from 1975 and a track from their most recent album, 'Innuendo', 'These are the days of our lives'. The song had very poignant lyrics that seemed almost too appropriate for the occasion.

The single reached number 1 in the UK singles chart immediately after release, and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 a month later.

My collection: 7" single no. 1613
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 28, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Bohemian rhapsody' / 'These are the days of our lives'

Maman - Jean-Jacques

These days, you have the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for children who want to be a performer watched by millions of viewers who get excited at watching young persons do their thing. It always makes me think of pedophiles, but that's a different story.

In 1969, Jean-Jacques was just 12 years old when he participated in the 'real' Eurovision Song Contest. Singing 'Maman', he represented Monaco and finished sixth in a field of 16 contestants. He subsequently recorded the track in French, Spanish and Italian. This EP brings together four French songs, sold as a souvenir of the youngster's Eurovision appearance.

My collection: 7" single no. 4824
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Maman', 'Paris m'a dit je t'aime' / 'Les beaux dimanches', 'Il est vrai'

Sweetest sweetest - Jermaine Jackson

For a little while in 1984, Jermaine Jackson was just about as successful as his brother Michael. It seemed the world just couldn't get enough of Michael Jackson and so any record released by a sibling became a chart hit as well.

Jermaine released the album 'Dynamite' in February 1984, and all the singles taken from that album became hits. 'Sweetest sweetest', the first single from the album, reached number 52 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4777
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sweetest sweetest' / 'Come to me (One way or another)'

Welkom in Utopia 2 - Frank Boeijen Groep

In 1987, the Frank Boeijen Groep released their seventh album 'Welkom in Utopia' ('Welcome in Utopia'). The album featured two title tracks: both titled 'Welkom in Utopia', the two tracks were very different from one another. Number one was the album's opening track, an uptempo track about social circumstances leading to desperate actions.

'Welkom in Utopia 2', the closing track of the album and released as a single ahead of the album, was a midtempo track with a more personal lyric. It was a hit for the band, reaching number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 563
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Welkom in Utopia 2' / 'De tijden'

Love don't live here - Bananarama

'Love don't live here' was released last Monday as the most recent Bananarama single. Taken from their current album 'Viva', the track was written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward and their producer Ian Masterson.

This 12" single features an extended remix of the track, as well as a remix of the album track 'The runner', a cover of the Three Degrees hit from the Seventies. So will this be a hit? I surely hope so, as this is among the girls' best work.

My collection: 12" single no. 536
Found: What records, received April 14, 2010
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Love don't live here (Ian Masterson's extended mix)' / 'The runner (Buzz Junkies 12" mix)'

Raspberry beret - Prince

'Raspberry beret' tells the story of a teenager and his first sexual experience with a girl who wears the titular hat. The video for the song was Prince's first since his short-lived 'ban' on music videos. The song quickly became a fan favorite, and a staple in nearly every Prince tour.

The single reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This UK pressing, featuring a different B-side when compared to the American pressing, only reached number 25 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3096
Found: Record Exchange, London, May 13, 1999
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Raspberry beret' / 'Hello'

You sexy thing (Ben Liebrand remix) - Hot Chocolate

'You sexy thing' was originally a hit for Hot Chocolate in 1975. Dutch DJ Ben Liebrand, who already made a career for himself remixing tracks for Dutch radio and also for record releases, took on the task of remixing the track for a 1987 single release. His effort didn't go by unnoticed: the single reached number 10 in the UK singles chart.

When the original version of 'You sexy thing' was re-released in 1997 and reached number 6 in the UK singles chart, the track became the only Hot Chocolate track to become a top 10 hit in the Seventies, the Eighties and the Nineties. It's almost a shame the song didn't achieve this once again in the Noughties.

My collection: 7" single no. 4797
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'You sexy thing (Ben Liebrand remix)' / 'Every 1's a winner'

You sexy thing - Hot Chocolate

Frankly, I was very surprised when I played this single for the first time after buying it. Everyone knows Hot Chocolate's 'You sexy thing', with the near-falsetto lead vocals by Errol Brown. But this version of the song sounds very different. So what happened? You tell me, I couldn't find any information about it on the web.

'You sexy thing' was released in the autumn of 1975 and reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 2 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4773
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'You sexy thing' / 'A warm smile'

Oh ja (live) - Clouseau

It's a familiar story: a band signs with a record company, has some success, leaves the record company and signs with another one, and the previous record company tries to milk the success to the very last drop. It's no different with Clouseau: when they left HKM music to sign with EMI, HKM released a live album to try and get some extra money in.

To promote the live album - which reached number 10 in the Dutch albums chart - a single was also released: a live version of 'Oh ja' ('Oh yes'), which failed to reach the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2234
Found: Record fair, January 21, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Oh ja (live)' / 'Ik wil vannacht bij je slapen (live)'

Ik wil vannacht bij je slapen - Clouseau

Well, at least they don't beat around the bush. 'Ik wil vannacht bij je slapen' ('I want to sleep with you tonight') was released in February 1991 as the third single from Clouseau's second album, a title that leaves nothing to the imagination.

The appreciation for this single was almost identical in Belgium and the Netherlands, where the single peaked at number 27 and 28 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 1402
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, March 16, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Ik wil vannacht bij je slapen' / 'Oh ja'

La, la, la - Joan Manuel Serrat

Joan Manuel Serrat was born on December 27, 1943. He started his career in music in the early Sixties, first as a member of a pop band in school, and after 1965 as a solo artist.

In 1968, Spain chose Serrat to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. He would sing the song 'La, la, la'. After he asked to sing it in Catalan, the Spanish authorities didn't agree. At the time, the dictator Francisco Franco was repressing the Catalan language. Defiantly, Serrat refused to sing the Spanish-language version, and was hurriedly replaced by Massiel, who went on to win the contest with her Spanish-language interpretation. A recording of Serrat's version of 'La, la, la' still exists on this single, a souvenir of a Eurovision performance that never came to be.

My collection: 7" single no. 4821
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'La, la, la' / 'Mis gaviotas'