Innocent love - Sandra

After the success of her debut album and the first two singles, 'Maria Magdalena' and 'In the heat of the night', Sandra and her husband Michael Cretu had to come up with new material to entertain the fans. 'Innocent love' was released in the summer of 1986 as the first single from the second album 'Mirrors'. Sounding a lot like previous singles, Sandra had reasonable success with it. The single peaked at number 14 in Germany and Switzerland, but at number 4 in Israel and Norway.

The single version of 'Innocent love' fades out earlier than the album version and is shorter by a few seconds.

My collection: 7" single no. 1889

Found: Record fair, May 2, 1993

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Innocent love' / 'Innocent theme'

Somebody's watching me - Rockwell

Rockwell is the son of Motown CEO Berry Gordy, Jr., Kennedy Gordy. He had himself signed to Motown without his father's knowledge. Dad did not find out until 'Somebody's watching me' and the accompanying debut album were released on his own Motown label.

Backing vocals on 'Somebody's watching me' were provided by Michael Jackson, who was not credited on the single for this. It may have contributed to the big success of the single, which peaked at number 6 in the UK and number 2 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 2428

Found: August 19, 1995

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'Somebody's watching me' / 'Somebody's watching me (instrumental)'

Just like that - Gemini

'Just like that' was written and composed by Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1982. The song was one of many to be recorded for Abba's new studio album. After several attempts at recording it, the band finally decided to put it aside (A part of it was finally released in 1994 when Abba released the 'Thank you for the music' box set).

In 1985, Ulvaeus and Andersson decided to rework both composition and lyrics, offering it to Karin and Anders Glenmark, who recorded an album as Gemini, produced by the two Abba members. The single reached number 21 in the Netherlands, making it their only hit single in this country to date.

My collection: 7" single no. 408

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'Just like that' / 'Live on the love'

The story of me - Everly Brothers

Don and Phil Everly, better known as the Everly Brothers, had a very successful music career between 1957 and 1973, but split acrimoniously when Don Everly came onstage too drunk to perform live on July 14, 1973. They did not speak for ten years, and only met once in 1975 on their father's funeral.

The brothers reformed in 1983 with 'EB 84', an album produced by Dave Edmunds. The track 'On the wings of a nightingale', written by Paul McCartney, was a minor success and returned them to the charts. 'The story of me' was the second single taken from this album. While this didn't become a hit, it's my favourite Everly Brothers track and until now the only single of theirs that I have in my collection!

My collection: 7" single no. 269

Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1984

Cost: 5,5 guilders

Tracks: 'The story of me' / 'Following the sun'

I'll be your shelter - Taylor Dayne

'I'll be your shelter' was released as the second single from Taylor Dayne's 1989 album 'Can't fight fate'. Sounding more like a rock track than any of her previous singles, this was a bit of a departure from her dance-oriented repertoire. It didn't win over the audience: the single still only managed a number 43 placing in the UK, and did not chart in the Netherlands.

I thought it was a better single than 'With every beat of my heart', so I was really happy to buy this one.

My collection: 7" single no. 1176

Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 17, 1990

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'I'll be your shelter' / 'Ain't no good'

Ouragan / Irresistible - Stephanie

Royalty are usually old and boring, even the young ones. But Princess Stephanie of Monaco is an exception to this rule: she was a swimwear designer, a fashion model and a singer. She released her debut album 'Besoin' in 1986, a collection of Europop songs, with 'Ouragan / Irresistible' as the first single taken from that album.

The song was written by Romano Musumarra, who had already written hits for French singers Jeanne Mas and Elsa. He actually offered 'Ouragan' to Jeanne Mas, but after she declined, he decided to offer it to the princess. The single was a number 1 hit in France, where it topped the chart for two months. In Germany it peaked at number 2, and in the Netherlands it reached number 31.

My friend Puck once made a nice remix of this track. Perhaps he will upload it here...

My collection: 7" single no. 3361

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 2002

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Ouragan' / 'Irresistible'

Crazy on you - Heart

Heart released their debut single in 1976. 'Crazy on you' would be featured on their debut album 'Dreamboat Annie'. It was a hardrock track, true to the sound of the early years of the band. The single peaked at number 35 in their native America, but reached number 2 in the Netherlands.

I vividly remember hearing this song as a child, thanks to my sister who'd bought the single while they were too expensive for me to buy. I've always held a soft spot for the band since then.

My collection: 7" single no. 535

Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 28, 1987

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Crazy on you' / 'Soul of the sea'

Game on - Catatonia

'International velvet' was the third album of the Welsh band Catatonia, which consisted of lead singer Cerys Matthews with Mark Roberts, Paul Jones, Owen Powell and Aled Richards. The album became their breakthrough as it topped the UK albums chart in 1998.

The single 'Game on' was the fifth taken from the album and included a live acoustic version of the previous single 'Strange glue' on the B-side. This limited edition 7" single was pressed on bright green vinyl and also included a large poster.

My collection: 7" single no. 3040

Found: Record fair, 1998

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Game on' / 'Strange glue (live acoustic version)'

The sun always shines on TV - A-ha

Released as the second single from their debut album 'Hunting high and low', 'The sun always shines on TV' was a powerful pop/rock track, starting out as a ballad. While the previous single 'Take on me' was a number one hit in America and many other countries, this single failed to match that success. Only in the UK and Ireland, where 'Take on me' had peaked at number 2, this single managed to top the chart in early 1986.

The single version of 'The sun always shines on TV' is 30 seconds shorter than the album version and has never been released on cd. The B-side has only ever been released on cd in Japan.

My collection: 7" single no. 393

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'The sun always shines on TV' / 'Driftwood'

Heart of the sun - Red Box

'Heart of the sun' was another single released from Red Box's debut album 'The circle and the square' (1986). After the chart success of the single 'For America', the record company was hoping for another audience favourite. Unfortunately, even with this limited edition double single which literally included that single 'For America', this release stalled at number 71 in the UK singles chart.

Due to increasingly strained relations between the band and their record company, Julian Close left to work in A&R and Simon Toulson-Clarke took time out from writing and recording in order to travel.

My collection: 7" single no. 2013

Found: October 18, 1993

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Heart of the sun' / 'Enjoy (Solid Gold Easy Amex)' // 'For America' / 'R n' A'

Heartland - The The

I really like the politically engaged songs of the Eighties - or at least some of them. The The released Heartland in 1986 at the height of Thatcher's regime - or should I say dictatorship? - in the UK, demolishing all that was social and likeable about the country. The statement 'This is the 51st state of the U.S.A.' is still relevant today, with both the UK and the whole of Europe walking alongside the guiding hand of America.

The The reached number 29 in the UK singles chart with this provocative single. They established themselves as a firmly political band with the accompanying album 'Infected'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1342

Found: Record fair, October 18, 1990

Cost: 6 guilders

Tracks: 'Heartland' / 'Born in the new S.A.'

Iceblink luck - Cocteau Twins

Robin Guthrie, Will Heggie formed the Cocteau Twins in 1979. They met Elizabeth Fraser, who would eventually provide vocals for them. Highly influenced by bands like Joy Division and Siouxie and the Banshees, their music was ethereal and sometimes quite 'new age'.

Their 1990 album 'Heaven or Las Vegas' was their most commercially successful, and when you listen to this single taken from that album, it's easy to hear why: the tracks are quite accessible. Despite 4AD label president Ivo Watts-Russell proclaiming that this LP was one of the best releases ever on his label, he released the Cocteau Twins from their contract at the end of 1990, as his relationship with the band had soured.

My collection: 7" single no. 1296

Found: HMV, London, October 15, 1990

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Iceblink luck' / 'Mizake the mizan'

Our summer - All about Eve

All about Eve formed in 1985. After their first release 'D for Desire', the core of the band became Julianne Regan, Tim Bricheno and Andy Cousin. Aided by a drum machine, they recorded their second single 'Our summer', which became some sort of underground classic. Both tracks were produced by Simon Hinkler and wayne Hussey from the Mission (UK).

When I became a fan of All about Eve I quickly found out about these early singles. I never thought I'd actually own them, knowing that they were so extremely rare. But in April 1996, I finally found a copy. A great victory.

My collection: 7" single no. 2638

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 13, 1996

Cost: 15 guilders

Tracks: 'Our summer' / 'Lady moonlight'

Perfect skin - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

It was 1984 when this video appeared on television regularly - say, every other hour. The new band Lloyd Cole and the Commotions appeared on the scene with this single and eventually scored a hit with it in the UK, peaking at number 26. For reasons I could never explain, the single did not chart in the Netherlands.

It was even stranger that I didn't buy this single, leaving me to search for it for over a decade. Truth be told, I didn't have to buy it the first couple of years because I'd seen and heard it so often that I wouldn't play the single anyway...

My collection: 7" single no. 2377

Found: Record Exchange, London, July 1, 1995

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Perfect skin' / 'The sea and the sand'

A gentleman's excuse me - Fish

Some songs attach themselves to you and take on different, totally personal meanings. This is a good example. 'A Gentleman's excuse me' was released in May 1990, just before I got infatuated with a girl I knew. A love song in the best of traditions, with full orchestral backing, Fish hit the nail on the head with this song for me. I played it endlessly and bought all the editions that existed.

First of all, I got the standard German pressing, which was available everywhere in the Netherlands. Then at a record fair I found the limited edition red vinyl pressing from the UK, pictured below. And finally, I got the regular UK pressing with it's beautiful glossy cardboard sleeve.

'A Gentleman's excuse me' was a minor hit, peaking at number 30 in the UK and number 34 in the Netherlands. Still, I can't imagine I will ever forget this song - it's made a lasting impression on me.

My collection: 7" single no. 1207

Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, April 13, 1990 / Record fair, Den Haag, April 22, 1990 / Record Exchange, London, 1990

Cost: 6 guilders / 10 guilders / 1 pound

Tracks: 'A Gentleman's excuse me' / 'Whiplash'

My camera never lies - Bucks Fizz

Released a year after their debut single and Eurovision winner 'Making your mind up', 'My camera never lies' was Bucks Fizz's third number one hit in the UK. The song was a track from the group's second album 'Are you ready', released two months later. In the Netherlands, the single only managed to get to number 30.

The song was written by band member Andy Hill and Nichola Martin, who had put the group together in 1980 and co-wrote songs for them. The lyrics concern a man who has become obsessed with a woman, who is clearly not interested, but he thinks differently and has convinced himself that she is lying to herself and so he pursues her. The 'camera' of the title denotes his view of the situation.

I ended up buying two versions of the single. After buying the 'normal' version in 1994, I found the limited edition posterbag version a decade later. I simply had to have it. My sister had bought it back in 1982 when the single came out - but the shop didn't have anymore copies.

My collection: 7" single no. 2127 / no. 3244

Found: Record palace, Amsterdam, July 30, 1994 / Record exchange, London, 2002

Cost: 2 guilders / 1 pound

Tracks: 'My camera never lies' / 'What am I gonna do'

I O U - Freeez

The British group Freeez consisted of John Rocca, Peter Maas, Andy Stennet and Paul Morgan. Their biggest hit 'I O U' was recorded in New York and produced by Arthur Baker. It was used in the 1984 movie 'Beat street', featuring the hip hop culture of the early Eighties. The single peaked at number 2 in the UK and the Netherlands.

Although I hated the song when it was in the chart, I started appreciating its charm in the Nineties, when chart music had deteriorated so badly that even the bad songs from the Eighties turned out to be extremely good by comparison.

My collection: 7" single no. 2577

Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 16, 1995

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'I O U' / 'I dub U'

Suburbia - Pet Shop Boys

'Suburbia' was released as the fourth single from the Pet Shop Boys' debut album 'Please' (1986). The song's primary inspiration is the 1984 Penelope Spheeris film 'Suburbia'. In addition to this the tension of the Brixton riots of 1981 and 1985 led Neil Tennant of the duo to writing about the boredom of suburbia and the underlying tension among disaffected youth.

The single was released as a limited edition double single featuring three extra tracks on disc two, including a 'part two' of Suburbia, which was never released on cd in this form.

My collection: 7" single no. 2225

Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 17, 1994

Cost: 10 guilders

Tracks: 'Suburbia' / 'Paninaro' // 'Love comes quickly (Shep Pettibone mix)' / 'Jack the lad', 'Suburbia part two'

Life in a northern town - Dream Academy

The Dream Academy was formed by singer/guitarist Nick Laird-Clowes; multi-instrumentalist Kate St John plus keyboardist Gilbert Gabriel. Their debut single was 'Life in a Northern town', a tribute song to Nick Drake. The lyric is a reference to Tanworth-in-Arden (England) native Nick Drake, who died of an antidepressant overdose in 1974.

The single became the most successful of their career, peaking at number 7 in America and number 15 in the UK. The chanting backing vocals of the song were sampled by English dance act Dario G for their 1997 hit 'Sunchyme'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2910

Found: Record exchange, London, November 31, 1997

Cost: 50p

Tracks: 'Life in a Northern town' / 'Test tape no. 3'

Etienne - Guesch Patti

Guesch Patti was born as Patricia Porasse in Paris, France on March 16, 1946. She decided to begin a singer career and recorded two discs in 1965 that passed unnoticed. In 1984, Patti participated in the trio named 'Dacapo', and had her first solo hit in 1988 with 'Étienne', which was certified gold disc in France. It was a number one hit in France and Italy. In the Netherlands, the single peaked at number 22. It was played often on the radio, but I was not impressed.

It was only later, when I discovered the album 'Labyrinthe' and some great songs on it, that this single became interesting: the B-side is 'Un espoir', one of the standout tracks on the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 2210

Found: Record fair, November 13, 1994

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Etienne' / 'Un espoir'