Dreiklangs dimensionen - Rheingold

In 1980 Rheingold was formed by Bodo Staiger, Lothar Manteuffel and Birgitte Kunze. They released their self-titled debut album that same year. Although this album contained 'Dreiklangs dimensionen' and the single reached number 17 in the German singles chart, it took two years for the single to break through in the Netherlands and reach number 20 there.

Rheingold was part of the 'Neue Deutsche Welle' movement, and they were the first band to get into the German top 20 with a single. It's still a modern synthpop classic.

My collection: 7" single no. 2051

Found: Record fair, November 20, 1993

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Dreiklangs dimensionen' / 'Rendezvous'

Download: here

On the border - Al Stewart

Everyone remembers Al Stewart's hit 'Year of the cat', and rightfully so, because it's a classic track. It was also his only hit in the UK. But in the Netherlands it's a different story: 'Year of the cat' reached number 6 in the Dutch Top 40, but the next single, 'On the border', did even better, reaching number 5.

I bought this single, with a slightly tattered sleeve, in 1995. When I saw the man live on February 16, 1996, I took the sleeve with me. And I was lucky: I actually met the man after the concert and got this sleeve signed, as well as the cd I bought there. I consider this quite a collector's item, although I don't know how much people would give for an Al Stewart signature these days...

My collection: 7" single no. 2566

Found: All that music, Leiden, November 19, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'On the border' / 'Flying sorcery'

Download: Album 'Year of the cat', including both tracks

Fantasy Island - The Millionaires

In 1982, the Dutch national final for the Eurovision Song Contest was pretty exciting. It took place in Scheveningen and was presented by Lenny Kuhr (who had won the contest in 1969). The three songs 'Fantasy Island', 'Pierement' and 'Jij en ik' were all sung by three contestants: Bill van Dijk, Bonnie St. Claire and the Millionaires.

'Fantasy island' was the big favourite of the audience. A jury of experts preferred 'Jij en ik'. When this was announced, the audience reacted with a lot of booing and whistling. Bill van Dijk was chosen as the best performer of this song, and he went on to represent the Netherlands at the Contest. His single flopped, whereas the Millionaires recorded 'Fantasy island' and had a minor hit with it, reaching number 31 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3139

Found: Den Haag, July 24, 1999

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Fantasy Island (Dutch version)' / 'Fantasy island (English version)'

Download: here

Catch - The Cure

The Cure's then-current single 'Catch' was not at the top of my list of singles I wanted to buy when I went to London in the summer of 1987. But when I saw this limited edition, I quickly changed my mind. I knew about clear vinyl discs, but with the sleeve also transparent, this truly was an eyecatcher!

'Catch' was the second single taken from the Cure's album 'Kiss me kiss me kiss me'. It reached number 27 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 549

Found: Tower Records, London, 1987

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Catch' / 'Breathe'

Download: here

Radio Heart - featuring Gary Numan

Gary Numan's career is well described in sources like Wikipedia, but there is no information about the project Radio Heart in which he participated in 1987. It was a top 30 hit in the UK, and although I can't remember how I first heard it, I knew I liked it right away. 'Radio heart' is a very radiofriendly track (no pun intended!) and it stays in your mind once you've heard it.

My collection: 7" single no. 2175

Found: House of Rhythm, London, September 27, 1994

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Radio heart' / 'Radio heart (instrumental)'

Download: here

I caught you out - Rebecca de Ruvo

Rebecca de Ruvo was born in Stockholm in 1969. She debuted on Swedish television in 1988, presenting the youth programme 'Druvan'. Soon after that, she started presenting programmes like 'Awake on the wild side' and 'Dial MTV' on MTV Europe (back when they were still broadcasting music programmes). Personally I always had a soft spot for her, because of her bubbly presentation and extremely beautiful appearance.

In 1994, she tried her hand at music. The single 'I caught you out' was released in the autumn, but unfortunately it wasn't a commercial success. A solo album may have been recorded, but it was never released. De Ruvo joined the band Breaker a few years later, but they were equally unsuccessful.

My collection: 7" single no. 2161

Found: HMV, London, September 26, 1994

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'I caught you out (Ben Liebrand's Station Edit)' / 'I caught you out (Nellee Hooper's Album Mix)'
Download: here

Communication - Spandau Ballet

You could say that 'Communication' was the last credible single by Spandau Ballet before they sold out to smooth middle-of-the-road pop blandness. Although it was the second single from the album 'True', it wasn't until the title track was released as the third single that the band was put down by critics.

'Communication' was Spandau Ballet's first hit in America, reaching number 59 in the Billboard Hot 100. In Europe it didn't do much, although it reached number 12 in the UK. I bought the single after I'd seen the video on TV, and I was pleasantly surprised by the short but sweet remix on the B-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 374

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Communication' / 'Communication (edited club)'

Download: here

Amoureux solitaires - Lio

Lio was born as Wanda Ribeiro de Vasconcelos in 1962 in Mangualde, Portugal. In 1968, she and her family moved to Belgium. She debuted in 1980 with the single 'Le banana split', a hit in Belgium and France. Her second single, 'Amoureux solitaires' also made it to the singles chart in the Netherlands, reaching number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. While her career continued in Belgium and France, she never made the Dutch chart again.

I didn't like 'Amoureux solitaires' when it came out, it was only a decade later, when I started discovering music by other French artists like Laurent Voulzy and Mylene Farmer, that I started to rediscover it. The first time I bought the single the sleeve contained a wrong disc. I should have paid more attention! About six months later, I was more successful.

My collection: 7" single no. 1928

Found: Parkpop, June 27, 1993

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Amoureux solitaires' / 'Petite Amazone'

Download: here

In love with you - Maribelle

If it wasn't obvious already, I have a built-in loathing of Dutch music. Most Dutch productions are cheesy and substandard, while most Dutch artists think the world of themselves. So I approach Dutch contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest with caution - and more often than not, I find them downright appalling.

More than a decade after Maribelle represented the Netherlands at the Contest in 1984 and finished 13th, my friend played me his copy of the single. It was quite a shock to find that 'Ik hou van jou' was actually a true classic. Not because of the cheesy lyrics or the slightly overemotional rendition by the singer, but for the sheer beauty of the melody the orchestra plays. After I got the Dutch single I went looking for the English version. This single is actually quite rare, since it wasn't a hit anywhere.

My collection: 7" single no. 2982
Found: Bea Records, April 4, 1998
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'In love with you' / 'I want you back again'
Download: here

Tomorrow's just another day - Madness

'Tomorrow's just another day' is was taken from Madness's fourth album 'The rise and fall'. It peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart in February 1983. It was released as a double A-side with the track 'Madness (Is All in the Mind)'.

The single version is a slight remix of the album track. A slower, blues-style version of the song, with Elvis Costello on vocals, was included as a bonus track on the 12" single.

My collection: 7" single no. 886

Found: All that music, Leiden, June 16, 1989

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Tomorrow's just another day' / 'Madness (is all in the mind)'

Download: Album 'Madness presents the rise & fall', including both tracks

See you tonight - Tower

Tower consisted of Marian Pijnaker, Ton Hoogeboom, Cor van der Hoogt, Henk van Loon and Ben Peterzen. They released their debut album 'Titan' in 1981. The single 'See you tonight' reached number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. Their next single, 'Goin' home' peaked at number 15. Shortly afterwards, the group disbanded. Pijnaker and Van Hoogt formed a new band, Split Decision, and released one single. They then decided to go on as Tower again, but without any commercial success.

'See you tonight' is their one and only monumental piece of work. Impressive synths and powerful singing make this song a rare feat: a Dutch quality production!

My collection: 7" single no. 610

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 7, 1988

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'See you tonight' / 'Higher faster'

Download: here

Europe after the rain - John Foxx

John Foxx is the stage name of Dennis Leigh, born in Chorley, Lancashire (England) around 1947. After recording three albums with the band Ultravox (in their pre-Midge Ure periode) in the Seventies and touring America, John announced he would pursue a solo career upon returning to England. His debut solo single 'Underpass' was a modest hit in the UK.

'Europe after the rain', taken from his second solo album 'The garden' was the last single to reach the UK top 40, peaking exactly at number 40. The song was played a lot on local radio in the Netherlands, which is how I found out about it. I'd all but forgotten the song when I bought it in 1998. And it was a big pleasure to rediscover it.

My collection: 7" single no. 2954

Found: Record fair, Leiden, February 7, 1998

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Europe after the rain' / 'This jungle'

Download: Album 'The garden', including both tracks

Hang on to your love - Sade

'US remix', proclaims the sleeve of this 12" single proudly. But what you get is actually the album track of 'Hang on to your love'. Was it a mistake by Epic Records? Who knows, all I know is that I was pretty miffed when I heard the A-side of this record. Fortunately it also included 'Should I love you', an excellent non-album track by Sade.

'Hang on to your love' was released as the fourth and last single from Sade's classic 1984 album 'Diamond life'. It reached number 28 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 12" single no. 295

Found: Record fair, 1995

Cost: 5 guilders

Tracks: 'Hang on to your love (US remix)' / 'Should I love you', 'Why can't we live together'

Download: here

Let me take you there - Betty Boo

Betty Boo was born as Alison Moira Clarkson on March 6, 1970. Originally nicknamed 'Betty Boop' for her similarity with the well-known cartoon character, she dropped the 'p' to avoid trademark disputes. In 1989 she rose to the scene with the Beatmasters, singing on their single 'Hey DJ - I Can't Dance (To That Music You're Playing)'. She followed this up with a solo single, 'Doin' the do', which reached number 7 in the UK singles chart. Her debut album sold pretty well too, reaching number 4 in the UK Albums chart.

In 1992 she released her second album 'Grrr! It's Betty Boo', with 'Let me take you there' as the first single. It reached number 12 in the UK, but it didn't chart in the Netherlands. Personally I thought this single was her first decent one, an upbeat summery tune whereas earlier work was annoying house-related trash. I bought the poster sleeved single while on holiday in London.

My collection: 7" single no. 1757

Found: HMV, London, October 19, 1992

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Let me take you there' / 'Jet sex'

Download: here

Baby, do you wanna bump - Boney M

Frank Farian (Franz Reuther), a German schlager singer, wasn't happy with the choice of material his record company wanted him to sing. He went into the studio in December 1974 and recorded the single 'Baby, do you wanna bump', singing the title in a deep voice (entirely studio created) as well as performing the high female chorus vocals in his falsetto voice. The music was based on Prince Buster's 'Al Capone' (1967).

When the single was released, it was credited to 'Boney M'. Farian had been watching an Australian detective show, in which the lead character was called Boney, and Farian decided that this would make a good name for a group, and added the M. After a slow start it became a hit in the Netherlands, reaching number 14 in the Dutch Top 40 in January 1976. Because of this success, Farian decided to hire a team to 'front' the group for TV performances. Thus the group was born!

My collection: 7" single no. 3178

Found: Record fair, February 19, 2000

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Baby, do you wanna bump (part 1)' / 'Baby, do you wanna bump (part 2)'

Download: here

Inside - Stiltskin

This commercial made the band Stiltskin an overnight sensation. Peter Lawlor recruiter original members Ray Wilson, James Finnigan and Ross McFarlane to form the band, after writing music he had written for this commercial. The single 'Inside' was released to coincide with the ad campaign and became a number one hit for the band almost immediately.

Unfortunately, the band wasn't able to build on the success; a follow-up single 'Footsteps' only made number 34, and further singles didn't chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2913

Found: London, November 1, 1997

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Inside' / 'America'

Download: here

Twilight cafe - Susan Fassbender

Susan Fassbender was born as Susan Wincup in Wibsey, Bradford, England in 1959. At age 13 she started studying classical piano. A few years later she met guitarist Kay Russell, who would become her songwriting partner throughout her caree. Soon signed to independent record label Criminal Records after impressing her future manager at an instrument shop, Fassbender and Russell wrote 'Twilight Café' which was released in early 1981. The single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart in 1981.

Two other singles followed soon after - 'Stay' and 'Merry-Go-Round', but these didn't chart. Fassbender then retired from the music industry to get married. She raised three daughters. In 1991 she died, aged just 32.

My collection: 7" single no. 131
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Twilight café' / 'Get around it'
Download: here

Street cafe - John Lodge

John Lodge was born on July 20, 1943 and started playing bass guitar with the Moody Blues in 1965. Since then, he has also written and co-written songs in the band, including 'Ride my see-saw' and 'I'm just a singer in a Rock 'n' Roll band'.

In 1977, he released a solo album called 'Natural Avenue'. The track 'Street cafe' from this album ended up being a single in 1980. I recently mentioned this single in this entry. So who inspired whom? You do the math...

My collection: 7" single no. 318

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Street cafe' / 'Threw it all away'

Download: Album 'Natural Avenue', including both tracks

Radioactivity - Kraftwerk

'Radioactivity is in the air for you and me'. The seemingly soulless, mechanic music by Kraftwerk has always had intriguing lyrics. I don't mean 'Mensch / Natur / Technik' of their infamous track 'Expo 2000', of course, but their earlier work. It's hard to believe when you hear 'Radioactivity' that it was released in 1976.

'Radioactivity' was released as a single, and became a hit in France after it was used as the theme to a popular music show. Coincidentally, my copy of this single is a French one.

My collection: 7" single no. 3037

Found: Record fair, Leiden, November 1, 1998

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Radioactivity' / 'Antenna'

Download: Album 'Radioactivity', including both tracks

You make the whole world cry - Tanita Tikaram

Everybody knows Tanita Tikaram's 'Twist in my sobriety', but her later work has been sadly overlooked. And it's such a shame, because she became better as years went by. 'You make the whole world cry' is a great example of this: a monumentally produced 'wall of sound' type track, with an intelligent lyric, although the title seems a tad hyperbolic.

In the UK, neither this single nor the album 'Eleven kinds of loneliness' (1992) charted. Sometimes there is no justice.

My collection: 7" single no. 2539

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, November 1, 1995

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'You make the whole world cry' / 'Rock me 'til I stop', 'Me you & Lucifer'

Download: here