Aquarius - Gary Fane

This single comes from the album 'Horoscope' (1980), subtitled 'Gary Fane's musical interpretation of the Zodiac'. The album apparently features 14 tracks, one track for every sign in the zodiac plus an 'Overture' and a 'Finale'. The album was produced by Jaap Eggermont (of 'Stars on 45' fame), who enlisted the help of famous Dutch musicians Jan Rietman, Hans Hollestelle and Dick Bakker.

Gary Fane's real name is Gerard Veen. He started his career with the Dutch group Johnny Kendall and the Heralds. This group has a couple of hits in the Sixties. 'Aquarius' peaked at number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. It was his only solo hit, although he did release another single, entitled 'Love' in 1981. Since then, he has kept on making music, although it didn't bring him any commercial success.

My collection: 7" single no. 1942

Found: Disco Market, Den haag, August 11, 1993

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Aquarius' / 'Leo'

Download: Album 'Horoscope', including both tracks

More than just the two of us - Sneaker

Sneaker was formed in 1973 by Mitch Crane, Michael Carey Schneider, Michael Cottage, Tim Torrance, Mike Hughes and Jim King. The band cited Steely Dan, the Eagles and the Doobie Brothers as their primary musical influences. Indeed, the band's name came from a Steely Dan track, 'Bad sneakers'.

'More than just the two of us' was the band's biggest hit, which became a top 40 hit in America. The single was taken from their self-titled debut album, released in 1981. After their second album, 'Loose in the world' (1982) the band broke up.

My collection: 7" single no. 1492

Found: Den Haag, July 18, 1991

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'More than just the two of us' / 'In time'

Nocturne - Clerx and Van Dijk

Secret Garden represented Norway during the 1995 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. They won the edition with 'Nocturne'. Featuring a lyric consisting of about eight lines, some were outraged that an instrumental track would win a 'song' contest. Personally I still think it's one of the best winners ever - especially when you consider all the boring predictable Irish songs that won the Contest in the Eighties.

Jan, who makes the excellent Eurocovers blog, informs me that there are at least 47 cover versions of this track. One of them is this dance version by Clerx & Van Dijk, released in 2002. Vocals in this version are performed by Margot Roeken. I ordered the 12" single recently and received it today. What a great way to start the weekend.

My collection: 12" single no. 487
Found: Y-Music, mailorder, received February 21, 2009
Cost: 10 euro
Tracks: 'Nocturne (Fire & Ice mix)', 'Innocent' / 'Nocturne (Original mix)', 'Nocturne (Remix)'

Going in with my eyes open - David Soul

As much as I remembered 'Don't give up on us', the only thing I knew about 'Going in with my eyes open' was that I didn't dislike the song when it was in the chart. Of course, I was only six years old at that time - so when I bought the single two decades later it was a bit of a gamble. What's more, the copy I bought originally didn't even have a picture sleeve. I replaced it two weeks after buying that one with a copy that did.

'Going in with my eyes open' peaked at number 17 in the Dutch Top 40, number 2 in the UK and number 54 in the US Billboard Hot 100. I think the British people were right: it's still a beautiful song now.

My collection: 7" single no. 2380

Found: House of rhythm, London, July 1, 1995

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Going in with my eyes open' / 'Topanga'

The best thing - Charley

Michelle Charles played Marilyn 'Charley' Charlton in the British youth TV series Byker Grove between 1990 and 1992. She recorded 'The best thing', a song which apparently she also sung in the television series.

But this is not why I bought this 12" single. The real reason is the B-side track, 'You don't know me'. Written by Kim Wilde and Tony Swain, this track was never recorded by Kim herself as far as I know (although it might well have been), and ended up being performed by Charley. This 12" single is pretty rare these days, although the cd-single is even more rare. It does exist - so if anyone has a copy for me, don't hesitate to contact me...

My collection: 12" single no. 421

Found: Record Exchange, London, 2000

Cost: 50p

Tracks: 'The best thing (FM mix)', 'The best thing (Byker Grove mix)' / 'The best thing (12" original mix)', 'You don't know me'

The man with the child in his eyes - Inside moves

I think I've mentioned a few times that I like cover versions. Especially Kim Wilde and Kate Bush cover versions are always interesting to me, just because I love the original songs so much I always like to hear what other artists do with them. (I also like cover versions of Eurovision songs, so Eurocovers is really an addictive blog for me.)

So every now and again I go hunting for cover versions I haven't heard yet. That is how I found this single by Inside moves, an anonymous dance outfit from 1992. Their version of 'The man with the child in his eyes' is typical nineties fare, nothing too high class unfortunately. It's hard to do justice to Kate Bush.

My collection: 7" single no. 3364

Found: Esprit mail order, 2002

Cost: 5 pounds

Tracks: 'The man with the child in his eyes' / 'I wish'

Magic fly - Space

Space was founded in 1977 by Didier Marouani (also known as Ecama), Roland Romanelli, and Jannick Top in Marseille, France. Their debut single 'Magic fly' and the album of the same name, both released in 1977, gave them immediate success. Today, they are considered to be pioneers of the eurodance/electronica genre.

I first heard the track 'Magic fly' in 1996 when it was shown on a television show. I was very surprised when I found this old single within days in the record shop in my hometown which I regularly visited.

My collection: 7" single no. 2645
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 24, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Magic fly' / 'Ballad for space lovers'

One love - Sniff 'n' the Tears

Sniff 'n' the Tears will always be remembered for their biggest hit, 'Driver's seat', one of the best songs to play if you're driving around in a car. Or so I've heard - I don't have a car. Which may be why I prefer this single, released three months earlier in August 1980.

'One love' comes from Sniff 'n' the Tears' 1980 album 'The game's up'. It reached number 34 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 111

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'One love' / '5 & zero'

Scottish rain - The Silencers

The Silencers were a Scottish rock band formed in London in 1986, consisting of Jimme O'Neill, Cha Burns, Joseph Donnelly and Martin Hanlin. Their debut single was 'Painted moon', written by O'Neill about his reaction to the Falklands war. Their first album 'A Letter from St. Paul' was released soon after. The Pretenders invited the band to support them on their European tour.

In 1988 The Silencers toured Europe with The Alarm and 'Painted Moon' became a radio hit in Britain. The band moved back to Scotland and recorded second album 'A Blues for Buddha', with Flood producing. The first single drawn from that album was 'Scottish rain', a song about love and fallout from Chernobyl. The band then toured Europe with Simple Minds for four months, culminating with a stadium show at Wembley in front of 80,000.

It was my sister who'd discovered the Silencers and bought this single. I bought it soon after and was pleasantly surprised that it came in a gatefold sleeve - always a nice item. My sister actually saw them play live in Rotterdam, supporting the Simple Minds - my interest waned after this one single.

My collection: 7" single no. 972
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, August 29, 1989
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Scottish rain' / 'A blues for buddha', 'Gimme shelter'

About this DMCA nonsense

Readers of this blog know that I write entries about various 7" and 12" single with an image of the sleeve, some random facts and memories, plus the information about that single - and whenever possible a link to a soundfile. Blogger has been deleting random posts over the last few months, without stating what the hell the problem was with those particular posts. I've been writing messages to them but they are as responsive as my deaf and insane neighbour.

Their actions are based on the DMCA, they write. Has any reader got any understanding of this? Since when is it illegal to link to stuff that's already out there on the web? And what does Blogger want - that I stop blogging? Your responses are welcome here. God knows that big corporations don't listen to reason, but it would be nice to hear from some people out there who do give a f***.

What's more, this blog will feature divshare from now on - I've noticed that they host a lot of music as well and it allows me to stream music instead of letting people download the stuff. Perhaps this is more acceptable to the DMCA people? We'll find out.

Door de wind - Ingeborg

In the 1989 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, Belgium was represented by Ingeborg Sergeant and the song 'Door de wind' ('Through the wind'). The song was written by Stef Bos, who also performed backing vocals on the track.

Unfortunately, it wasn't a big success for Belgium: the song ended up on 19th place in the Contest. The single features the normal and acoustic version of 'Door de wind'. It's a charming little song, but probably not Song Contest material.

My collection: 7" single no. 873

Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 3, 1989

Cost: 6,5 guilders

Tracks: 'Door de wind' / 'Door de wind (acoustische versie)'

Download: here

This is welfare - The Dutch

The Dutch band aptly named The Dutch is formed in Amstelveen in 1979. Singer Hans Croon writes mostly politically inspired lyrics for their songs. In 1983 they have their first and only hit with 'This is welfare', a beautiful piano-based popsong. I remember recording the song from the radio and playing it over and over again.

In 1989 I finally buy my own copy of the single. The band has already disbanded by then: the have gone on to form Siobhan in 1987.

My collection: 7" single no. 1098
Found: All that music, Leiden, November 11, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'This is welfare' / 'Heimat vorbei'
Download: here

Morning dew - Long John Baldry

John William Baldry was born on January 12, 1941. He was commonly known as Long John Baldry, as he grew 2m (6ft 7 in) tall. His career started in the early sixties. He recorded mainly blues songs, but in 1967, he recorded a pop song 'Let the heartaches begin' that went to number one in Britain.

In the seventies Baldry had mental health problems and was institutionalised. The 1979 album 'Baldry's Out' was recorded after his release. From the follow-up, the 1980 album 'Long John Baldry' came this single, 'Morning dew'. It was another impressive pop song, which made number 18 in the Dutch Top 40. In the UK, it didn't chart.

Baldry died on July 21, 2005, in a Vancouver hospital of a chest infection.

My collection: 7" single no. 2124

Found: Record fair, July 30, 1994

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Morning dew' / ' I want you, I love you'

Download: here

Just the two of us - Grover Washington Jr.

'Just the two of us' was recorded by jazz musician Grover Washington Jr. (1943-1999) with vocals by Bill Withers. It was released as a single in June 1980, and rewarded with a Grammy Award on February 24, 1982.

My collection: 7" single no. 2255
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, March 22, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Just the two of us' / 'Make me a memory (Sad Samba)'
Download: Album 'Winelight', including both tracks

Typical! - Frazier Chorus

Not only do I have the 10" single of 'Typical!', I've got the 7" single too. It contains the title track plus the B-side 'String'.

I bought this single in Beanos, the big second hand record shop in East Croydon, London, along with three other singles by Frazier Chorus. I'd discovered the band a few years earlier, but it was only when I bought a cd ('Sue') that I realised I had to have all the singles, and not just 'Dream kitchen'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2523

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

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Typical!' / 'String'

Download: here

Mirror mirror - Dollar

The four singles that Trevor Horn produced for Dollar were among the most successful of the duo's career. Among those, 'Mirror mirror' was the most successful one, peaking at number 4 in the UK singles chart and staying in there for 17 weeks.

Personally, I think it's the least dodgy of all Dollar singles. There's always been something naff about the duo's output, but this single is actually quite decent.

My collection: 7" single no. 3435

Found: Esbjerg, Denmark, June 17, 2006

Cost: 10 Danish crowns

Tracks: 'Mirror mirror' / 'Radio'

Download: here

Johnny Johnny - Prefab Sprout

Another impressive single by Prefab Sprout, released from the album 'Steve McQueen'. On that album it was entitled 'Goodbye Lucille #1'. This song is a tense affair, and only lets go in the last few seconds, when the track fades out.

I was fascinated by this song when it was released, and played it dozens of times after I found this single at a discount price. In my book, it's still one of Prefab Sprout's best songs ever.

My collection: 7" single no. 399

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Johnny Johnny' / 'Wigs'

Download: 'Johnny Johnny' / 'Wigs'

Children of paradise - Boney M

'Children of paradise' was released as a single in autumn of 1980 to fill the gap between Boney M's 1979 album 'Oceans of fantasy' and the 1981 album 'Boonoonoonoos'. The single featured the religiously-inspired title track and a disco cover of the 1968 psychedelic track 'In a gadda-da-vida' by Iron Butterfly.

As usual, the single became a Europe-wide hit for Boney M. I bought the single as soon as it came out. Aged 10, I bought all of Boney M's singles at the time.

My collection: 7" single no. 73

Found: Wouters, Den Haag, 1980

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'Children of paradise' / 'Gadda-da-vida'

Download: here

You won't see me cry - Wilson Phillips

At the time I bought this single, the forthcoming demise of the 7" vinyl single format as a commercial item in Europe was getting more obvious by the week. Although 7" singles were still being made in the UK, European pressings became increasingly rare. At the time of buying this single, I was buying every track I liked on this format on principle.

'You won't see me cry' was actually the first Wilson Phillips track I liked - all their previous singles were dull and uninteresting to me. It wasn't a hit in the Netherlands, but it peaked at number 18 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1684

Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, July 11, 1992

Cost: 6,5 guilders

Tracks: 'You won't see me cry' / 'This doesn't have to be love'

Download: here

Something for the weekend - The Divine Comedy

After having been in the music business for seven years, and having released three albums, The Divine Comedy suddenly found chart success in the UK for the first time with this single, 'Something for the weekend'. Released in June 1996 in advance of the fourth album 'Casanova' it peaked at number 14 in the UK singles chart - and it would be the first of many chart hits that followed.

I found this single while on holiday in York. I knew about the Divine Comedy, but wasn't aware that this new single was released. I bought it despite not having heard it, and of course I bought every single and album since then.

My collection: 7" single no. 2647

Found: HMV, York, June 28, 1996

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Something for the weekend' / 'Songs of love (Theme from 'Father Ted')

Download: here