Lay your hands on me - Thompson Twins

The Thompson Twins enjoyed a lot of success with their 1984 album 'Into the gap'. They had to come up with a new album soon, so the writing and recording of the next album 'Here's to future days' began in late 1984. The band recorded the single 'Lay your hands on me' with producer Alex Sadkin. The new single climbed to number 13 on the UK singles chart.

My copy of the single came in a limited edition poster bag. I might never have bought it otherwise: I thought the track was a lot weaker than previous singles. Nowadays I feel differently: it still sounds rather fresh.

My collection: 7" single no. 1905

Found: Record fair, Den Haag, May 2, 1993

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Lay your hands on me' / 'The Lewis Carol'

Download: here

Lover come back to me - Dead or Alive

After their considerable success with 'You spin me 'round', Dead or Alive came up with another energetic popsong in the guise of 'Lover come back to me'. Personally I always thought this was an even more powerful song, but the masses disagreed: this single fared less well. It peaked at number 11 in the UK and number 30 in the Netherlands.

By the time of the next single, the momentum of Dead or Alive seemed to have disappeared, each single scoring less well than its predecessor. And producers Stock Aitken & Waterman moved on to greener pastures with singing soapstars and fair-haired boys.

My collection: 7" single no. 292

Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985

Cost: 5,5 guilders

Track: 'Lover come back to me' / 'Far too hard'

Download: here

Alles heeft ritme - Frizzle Sizzle

Sisters Karin and Laura Vlasblom and their friends Mandy Huydts and Marjon Keller debuted in 1981 on 'Kinderen voor kinderen', a Dutch television programme and LP featuring songs by a children's choir. In 1984 the girls appeared on the fifth annual show to tell that they formed a girl group. Naming themselves Frizzle Sizzle they were selected to represent the Netherlands in the 1986 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Alles heeft ritme'. They ended up 13th in the contest in a field of 20 contestants. In the Dutch Top 40, the song peaked at number 21.

I found this single, amazingly, in a Record Exchange in London, in the basement of the Goldhawk Road shop. I think it's the only time I bought a Dutch language record abroad.

My collection: 7" single no. 3090

Found: Record Exchange, London, May 12, 1999

Cost: 20p

Tracks: 'Alles heeft ritme' / 'Eenmaal jong'

Download: here

Invisible - Alison Moyet

Alison Moyet's third solo single was specially written for her by Motown legend Lamont Dozier, from the famous Holland/Dozier/Holland writing team. The song was released in 1984 and peaked at number 21 in the UK singles chart. A year later, it reached number 31 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart - making it the only US top 40 hit of her career.

By the time I bought this single, it was ancient. I already had all the other singles taken from her debut album 'Alf', so this was a nice completion.

My collection: 7" single no. 3263

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, October 21, 2000

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Invisible' / 'Hitch hike'

Download: here

She sells - Banderas

The second single from Sally Herbert and Caroline Buckley, a.k.a. Banderas, was 'She sells', a song about women being exploited for advertisements. It followed up their successful debut single 'This is your life' (which appeared previously on this blog but was deleted for some strange reason).

I bought this single some time after its release. Before that, I'd gotten hold of Banderas' debut album 'Ripe', which caused my interest in their single releases. It's one of the best pop albums I have.

My collection: 7" single no. 1958

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 25, 1993

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'She sells' / 'She sells (Alternative 7" mix)'

Download: cd-single 'She sells', including both tracks

Martyr - Depeche Mode

Until the imminent release of 'Wrong' in April this year, 'Martyr' is still Depeche Mode's last single release. It came out on November 13, 2006 in support of a new compilation album, 'The best of Depeche Mode volume 1'. Originally titled 'Martyr for love', the song was recorded during sessions for Depeche Mode's previous album 'Playing the angel'. It was considered as the first single from that album, but was subsequently dropped from the album because it was considered to be 'too poppy'.

Released as their 45th single, it was their 35th top 20 hit in the UK. The single was released as a numbered limited edition on a picture disc 7" vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3592
Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, March 5, 2009
Cost: 4,5 euro
Tracks: 'Martyr' / 'Never let me down (Digitalism remix)'

Helden - David Bowie

Besides the French version of 'Heroes', I also found the German one a few days ago. It doesn't often happen that you find several versions of one track in a shop - and (relatively) cheap too. Obviously I bought this one as well.

'Helden' is a slightly better version than the French one, because this one sounds German. Bowie's pronunciation is a bit strange here and there, but it sounds a lot more credible than his French.

My collection: 7" single no. 3591

Found: Plaatboef, Den Haag, March 5, 2009

Cost: 3,5 euro

Tracks: 'Helden' / 'V2 Schneider'

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Walking after you - Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters in 1995 after the demise of grunge-rock band Nirvana. He recruited Nate Mendel, William Goldsmith and Pat Smear shortly before the release of the debut album 'Foo Fighters'. Their second album 'The colour and the shape' was released two years later. It included the original version of 'Walking after you'.

The band re-recorded this track for the soundtrack of the first X-files movie, 'Fight the future'. The original album version was created in between recording sessions for 'The colour and the shape. It was performed by Grohl on vocals (in one take) and all instrument parts except bass, which was performed by the band's bassist Nate Mendel. The soundtrack/single version was performed by the full band, including then-recent additions Taylor Hawkins and Franz Stahl, with guest backing vocals from Craig Wedren from the band Shudder to Think.

I bought this single during a time when 7" vinyl singles were becoming increasingly rare. I'd just bought the soundtrack cd a few weeks earlier, and although I didn't remember this track, I still thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. It's a nice song but I don't really play it much.

My collection: 7" single no. 3051
Found: Record fair, 1998
Cost: 9,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Walking after you' (Foo Fighters) / 'Beacon light' (Ween)

It's different for girls - Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson released his second album 'I'm the man' in 1979. While the title track, released as the first single from the album, didn't chart, Jackson had more success with the second single, 'It's different for girls'. It peaked at number 5 in the UK singles chart and reached number 85 in Australia.

I distinctly remember going to Disco Market in May 1989 and buying a stack of second hand singles from a newly received batch. The sleeves were slightly tattered on the edges, but that didn't spoil my fun: this shop was always able to make me very happy in the knowledge that I'd found some rare old singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 826

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 13, 1989

Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'It's different for girls' / 'Friday'

Download: Album 'I'm the man', including both tracks (part 1 / part 2)

Heart and soul - T'pau

T'pau released their debut single 'Heart and soul' in early 1987. The single initially flopped in the UK, but then reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Subsequently, the single still entered the chart in the UK and climbed to the same position in the UK. After this, 'Heart and soul' was released in Europe, where it was also a success. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 34 in the Dutch Top 40.

'Heart and soul' was re-released in 1997, when it was remixed. This remix version was only released as a cd-single, and didn't chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 617
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'Heart and soul' / 'On the wing'

Talk Talk - Talk Talk

Talk Talk was formed in 1981 by Mark Hollis, Simon Brenner, Lee Harris and Paul Webb. This first line-up enjoyed their first chart success in the UK with the single 'Talk Talk', a synth-oriented pop song, written by Mark Hollis and his brother Ed Hollis, who managed the band Eddie and the Hot Rods, and had started out in a punk band called The Reaction.

'Talk Talk' peaked at number 52 in the UK singles chart, but failed to chart in other territories. Still, it was the first sign of commercial success for one of the most influential bands of the Eighties.

My collection: 7" single no. 2698

Found: Record Exchange, London, July 3, 1996

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Talk Talk' / '?'

Tentations - Jo Lemaire

After her debut solo album 'Concorde' (1983) did fairly well in Belgium and France, Jo Lemaire released a self-titled album in 1984. From this album, the single 'Tentations' was taken, a swinging piece of pop pleasure. Unfortunately, this single and album signalled a few difficult years for Lemaire, as it yielded no commercial success.

I heard the single back in 1984 because my sister had bought it and played it a few times. A decade later, I bought my own copy. I didn't play it much, but recently I rediscovered it and I have to admit: it's a very good single. Even the B-side is pretty wonderful.

My collection: 7" single no. 1857

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, January 30, 1993

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Tentations' / 'L'enfer à deux'

With a little luck - Wings

Paul McCartney and his band Wings recorded 'With a Little Luck' on board the boat 'Fair Carol' in the Virgin Islands. The song was written by Paul McCartney in Scotland. The single hit number 1 in the USA, number 5 in the UK and number 6 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 843

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 27, 1989

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'With a little luck' / 'Backwards traveller', 'Cuff link'

Download: Album 'London town', including these tracks

Ha Ha the sound of laughing - Mo

Mo released the title track of their second album 'Ha Ha the sound of laughing as the second single from that album. It met with muted response from audiences and critics alike. While the previous single 'Cheese' managed a low position in the Dutch Top 40, this single flopped entirely. 'Cheese' would prove to be their last chart success by the way: all the singles that followed didn't chart either.

You would almost think that Mo didn't make interesting music, but they did. Just listen to this track and the energetic B-side 'Stress' and you will hear that the band made glorious synthpop before the term had become popular.

My collection: 7" single no. 3004

Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2000

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Ha Ha the sound of laughing' / 'Stress'

Under the milky way - The Church

The Church formed in Canberra, Australia in 1980. Eight years and six albums later, the band released 'Starfish', which spawned their most successful single, 'Under the milky way'. It was written by the band's bassist Steve Kilbey and his then-girlfriend Karin Jansson. The single peaked at number 22 in Australia, and stayed in the US top 40 for several weeks.

According to a press release issued with 'Starfish', the song was written about the Amsterdam music and cultural venue called De Melkweg (Dutch for 'Milky Way'), which Kilbey used to frequent. In the Dutch radio programme '2 meter sessies' the band performed an acoustic version which equalled this studio version, despite being totally different in instrumentation.

My collection: 7" single no. 905

Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 25, 1989

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Under the milky way' / 'Musk'

Disenchanted - The Communards

'Disenchanted' is one of the forgotten singles by the Communards. Known for their high energy dance tracks like 'Never can say goodbye' and 'Don't leave me this way', 'Disenchanted was a bit too intricate for most audiences. In the Netherlands, it didn't chart and in the UK it peaked at number 30 in the singles chart.

To be honest, I'd forgotten about this track when I bought it too. But I had most of the other Communards singles, so this one shouldn't be left out. I'm glad I have it now.

My collection: 7" single no. 2683

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, July 3, 1996

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Disenchanted' / 'Johnny Verso'

I'll always love you - Taylor Dayne

After scoring two big hits with the dance anthems 'Tell it to my heart' and 'Prove your love', Taylor Dayne tried her luck with a ballad. Titled 'I'll always love you', it showed a softer side of the American singer, something that was appreciated a lot in America (it peaked at number 3 in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart), but not so much in Europe, where it stalled outside the top 40 in the Netherlands and only managed a lowly position at number 41 in the UK singles chart.

Personally, I thought this was one of Dayne's better tracks, and it was the first single of her which I bought.

My collection: 7" single no. 638

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1988

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'I'll always love you' / 'Where does that boy hang out'

Download: Album 'Tell it to my heart', including both tracks

Lonely symphony (We will be free) - Frances Ruffelle

Frances Ruffelle was born on August 29, 1965. She is the daughter of Sylvia Young OBE, founder of the famous theatre school where Frances trained and started to perform at the age of seven. She worked in various West End musicals in London, before entering in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, performing 'Lonely symphony'. When asked about her motivations for joining the competition, she jokingly replied that since none of the four constituent nations of the UK (Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland) had qualified for that year's football World Cup finals, it was her responsibility to try to restore some national pride.

She finished tenth in that year's contest, and went on to record a few solo cd's. 'Lonely symphony' peaked at number 25 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2894

Found:Beanos, East Croydon, London, October 24, 1997

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Lonely symphony (We will be free)' / 'Is this a broken heart?'

Substitute - Clout

Clout formed in 1977 in South Africa. Original members were Glenda Hyam, Lee Tomlinson, Ingrid Herbst, Cindy Alter and Jenni Garson. Their first hit was 'Substitute', a cover version of a song originally recorded by the Righteous Brothers in 1975.

When Clout made number 2 with this single in the Netherlands in 1978, my knowledge of English was only rudimentary. I understood a few lines of the songs, but the conclusion I made was - in hindsight - quite funny: I thought the chorus meant 'I'll be your prostitute'. These days there are websites about misheard lyrics, but misinterpreted lyrics, now that's a whole different ballgame...

My collection: 7" single no. 3479

Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, December 11, 2008

Cost: 0,5 euro

Tracks: 'Substitute' / 'When will you be mine'

Shut up - Madness

'Shut up' was another single drawn from Madness' 1981 album '7'. The lyric of the song tells a story of a criminal who, despite obvious evidence, tries to convince people he is not guilty. Even though the song is called 'Shut up', the two words do not appear in the lyric. However, they were the final words of an additional verse which was part of an early version of the song.

In the UK, 'Shut up' peaked at number 7 in the singles chart. The single was only a minor hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 31 in the Dutch Top 40. I remembered it vividly from the tense atmosphere and the great piano backing in the last few seconds of the track.

My collection: 7" single no. 429
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 29, 1986
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Shut up' / 'A town with no name'