Maman a tort - Mylene Farmer

Mylene Farmer was born on September 12, 1961 in Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada, a suburb of Montreal. Her parents moved from France in the late Fifties as Farmer's father pursued an engineering contract on a dam. Her family returned to France when she was eight, settling in the Parisian suburb of Ville d'Avray. In 1984, Farmer met Laurent Boutonnat, a young film student, when she replied to a newspaper ad for an actress for a small film he was working on. Farmer and Boutonnat became friends and forged a creative partnership, writing and producing the music.

Boutonnat and a young songwriter named Jérôme Dahan wrote Farmer's first hit, 'Maman a tort', which was released to much success in March 1984. The video cost the modest sum of 5000 Francs but caused a stir in the music world. Boutonnat cast Farmer as a provocative Lolita figure, an image cultivated in her early days, especially on her debut album 'Cendres de lune', which was released in April 1986.

When I collected Mylene Farmer, starting in the early Nineties, these early singles already cost a fortune. I was quite happy to shell out a much larger sum for this single, bought from a dealer who apparently did not know he could easily fetch four times as much for it.

My collection: 7" single no. 2873
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, 1997
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'Maman a tort' / 'Maman a tort (instrumental)'

One thing leads to another - The Fixx

The Fixx were formed in 1980 in London by college friends Cy Curnin and Adam Woods, originally under the name The Portraits. The pair placed an ad for additional members. As a result, Jamie West-Oram, Rupert Greenall and Charlie Barret joined, and the band changed their name to The Fixx.

Their most successful release was the 1983 single 'One thing leads to another', which reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In Europe, the single did not cause such a stir. It was released as a limited edition double single in the UK. The second disc included two earlier singles, which were minor successes in the UK in 1982.

My collection: 7" single no. 2614
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, February 10, 1996
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'One thing leads to another' / 'Inspiration' // 'Red skies' / 'Stand or fall'

Vriendschap - Het Goede Doel

The central theme of the song 'Vriendschap' ('Friendship') is made clear by the first sentence of the refrain: 'Eenmaal trek je de conclusie / Vriendschap is een illusie' ('Once you'll draw the conclusion / Friendship is an illusion'). This single by the Dutch band Het Goede Doel was one I played a lot after I was unsuccessful in conquering the heart of a female friend I had in highschool. She not only told me she wasn't interested in any romantic relationship, she also kept her distance for months. What a great friend she was.

The single was released in January 1983 and reached the number 4 position in the Dutch Top 40, just like their previous release, 'België'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3764
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 3, 2009

Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Vriendschap' / 'Anders dan iedereen'

Bruttosozialprodukt - Geier Sturzflug

Geier Sturzflug was formed by Friedel Geratsch, Werner Borowski, Uwe Kellerhoff, Michael Volkmann and Klaus Fiehe in 1979. They were one of the bands from the German New Wave genre, which took Germany by storm in the early Eighties.

Their single 'Bruttosozialprodukt' was the only one to find success in other non-German-speaking countries. It reached number 22 in the Dutch Top 40 in the summer of 1983.

My collection: 7" single no. 3308
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilders
Tracks: 'Bruttosozialprodukt' / 'Früher oder später'

Somewhere only we know - Keane

'Somewhere only we know' was the first single from Keane's debut album 'Hopes and fears'. The first demo was composed by Tim Rice-Oxley circa 2001. Rice-Oxley composed this song out of hammering with the piano and based on David Bowie's song 'Heroes'. It was first played on the guitar, just before Dominic Scott left the band, and recorded as a demo the same year with a Yamaha CP70 instead of the guitar.

Keane recorded the final version in 2003 at the Helioscentric Studios, Rye, East Sussex for the album. This song was the first Keane item released on vinyl format. The records were numbered and limited to 5000 copies, only sold in the UK. My copy is number 2135. The single peaked at number 3 in the UK and number 15 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3798
Found: eBay.co.uk, received June 24, 2009
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'Somewhere only we know' / 'Snowed under'

It's my life - Talk Talk

During the making of 'Spirit of Eden', Talk Talk manager Keith Aspden had attempted to free the band from their recording contract with EMI. EMI, however, wished to keep the band on their roster. After many months of litigation, the band ultimately succeeded in extracting themselves from the contract. EMI then sued the band, claiming that Spirit of Eden was not "commercially satisfactory", but that case was thrown out of court.

With the band now released from EMI, the label released the retrospective compilation 'Natural history' in 1990. It went on to sell over one million copies in Britain alone and rose to number 3 in the UK album chart. The 1984 single 'It's my life' was also re-released, and this time became the band's biggest success in the UK, making number 13 in the singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2494
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'It's my life' / 'Renée (Live from Hammersmith Odeon)'

Airport - Motors

The song 'Airport' by the Motors used to freak me out, because in the last minute you can hear a high-pitched voice screaming 'Airport!' in the same way my mother used to call me out for dinner. Many times I thought I was actually called by my mother while I was listening to this song.

'Airport' would prove to be the Motors' biggest hit, peaking at number 4 in the UK and number 28 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 621
Found: Parkpop, June 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Airport' / 'Cold love'

Valentine - T'pau

Siren Records re-released 'Valentine' in 1993 to promote 'Heart and soul: the very best of T'pau', a compilation album including all of T'pau's hits and then some. I was really surprised when I found this single, because when I bought it I didn't know that compilation had even been released.

The success of both the single and the album was shortlived: 'Valentine' reached number 53 in the UK singles chart in February 1993 during its one week chart run, while the album held on for two weeks in March, peaking at number 35.

My collection: 7" single no. 2357
Found: June 28, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Valentine' / 'China in your hand (live atHammersmith, March 88)'

Perfect day - Various artists

'Perfect day' was written by Lou Reed in 1972. The song was originally featured on his 1972 album 'Transformer'. The song's lyrics are often considered to suggest simple, conventional romantic devotion, possibly alluding to Reed’s relationship with Bettye Kronstadt (soon to become his first wife) and Reed’s own conflicts with his sexuality, drug use and ego.

In 1997 the track was used by the BBC in a lengthy promotion clip of its diverse music coverage which was broadcast on BBC channels and in cinemas. In reference to the license fee, the film ended with the message 'Whatever your musical taste, it is catered for by BBC Radio and Television. This is only possible thanks to the unique way the BBC is paid for by you. BBC. You make it what it is.' Prompted by a huge public demand the track was released in November as a charity single for Children in Need. It went number one in the UK, selling over a million copies in 1997.

The track was performed by an impressive array of performers, including (but not limited to) Lou Reed, Bono, David Bowie, Elton John, Emmylou Harris, Tom Jones and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

My collection: 7" single no. 2927
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 13, 1997
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Perfect day' / 'Perfect day (Female version)', 'Perfect day (Male version)'

A slow song - Joe Jackson

After his marriage ended, Joe Jackson moved toNew York. His 1982 album 'Night and day' was a partial tribute to the city. Songs like 'Real men' and 'A slow song' referenced New York indirectly. I don't know why 'Real men' ended up on the B-side of the single in the UK, but perhaps it was because of its anti-war sentiments under Thatcher's reign and the Falklands war that was taking place that year.

'A slow song' was put on the A-side instead, a seven minute epic, on the face of it complaining about the loudness of music and DJ's that keep playing uptempo tracks. But as always with Joe Jackson, there's bound to be a message beneath... You tell me!

My collection: 7" single no. 2994
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, May 27, 1998
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'A slow song' / 'Real men'

The mosquito - The Doors

When Jim Morrison died in 1971 at just 27 years, he'd created a legacy together with his band mates John Densmore, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. You'd think that the surviving members were careful not to ruin the memory, but they have been doing several ill-advised things in the 38 years since, the most regrettable being recent tours with Ian Astbury or Brett Scallions trying to replace Morrison.

But in 1971, they also decided to go on as a threesome. They released two more albums before disbanding. Their last album in this form was 'Full circle', released in August 1972. The album was an eclectic mix of styles, as this single, taken from the album, vividly illustrates. 'The mosquito' reached number 18 in the Netherlands, but the question remains: what would Jim Morrison have thought of this?

My collection: 7" single no. 3796
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'The mosquito' / 'It slipped my mind'

Rechtop in de wind - Marcha

Marga Bult was born as Marga Groeneveld on July 2, 1956 in Lattrop, the Netherlands. In 1981, producer Peter Koelewijn selected her out of 250 singers to replace Gemma van Eck, who had left the popular Dutch girl group Babe. They worked together for five years until Babe fell apart.

In 1987, Marga was selected to represent the Netherlands with the song 'Rechtop in de wind' (literal translation: 'Upright in the wind'), a song - not coincidentally - written by Peter Koelewijn. She changed her name to Marcha for this occasion, making it easier for international juries to pronounce her name. She ended at fifth place during the Contest, a surprisingly good result. Even more surprising: it wasn't a hit in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3795
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Rechtop in de wind' / 'Lost in gale force 10'

You better you bet - The Who

In 1981, the Who released their album 'Face dances'. It was their first album since the death of drummer Keith Moon, who was replaced on this album by Kenney Jones. The song 'You better you bet', written by Pete Townshend, was taken from the album as the first single.

It became the last single by the Who that reached the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 18, and the last top 10 hit the UK, where it peaked at number 9. In the Netherlands, it was the band's last hit, also peaking at number 9. I hated the song 28 years ago, but now I really like it! Times have changed.

My collection: 7" single no. 3794
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'You better you bet' / 'The quiet one'

Du bist da - Anne Marie David

Anne Marie David won the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Tu te reconnaitras'. I didn't know at first that she'd released different versions of the song. 'Du bist da' was recorded for German-speaking countries. Even the B-side 'Au bout du monde' was translated into German for this single.

After the Contest, Anne Marie David started touring the world. She lived in Turkey for a while and recorded two singles and one album in Turkey and got several awards there.

My collection: 7" single no. 3973
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Du bist da' / 'Komm' mit mir ins Land der Träume'

Fight for ourselves - Spandau Ballet

In 1986, Spandau Ballet signed to CBS Records and released their fifth studio album 'Through the Barricades'. On the album, the band tried to move away from the pop and soul influences of their two previous albums 'True' and 'Parade' and moved towards rock.

The lead single 'Fight for ourselves', was released in July 1986 in a limited edition including a posterbag. The single reached number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3792
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Fight for ourselves' / 'Fight... the heartache'

Wires - Athlete

When I heard 'Wires', I thought it was the debut single of the band Athlete. But I was wrong: the band was formed in 1999 by Joel Pott, Carey Willets, Steve Roberts and Tim Wanstall and they had already released several singles and one album, 'Vehicles and animals' (2003).

However, their second album 'Tourist' was their definite breakthrough album, reaching number 1 in the UK albums chart. The single 'Wires' was released in January 2005 and reached number 4 in the UK singles chart. The impressive song was written by band leader Joel Pott about his daughter, who was born prematurely. The single was released as a limited edition, including a poster of the strange cover image.

My collection: 7" single no. 3791
Found: eBay.co.uk, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'Wires (radio edit)' / 'Transformer man'

Nearly there - One 2 Many

It's interesting how maintaining this blog has influenced me to buy more singles lately. The 7" single format has always had a special attraction to me, but I thought I'd reached the point where I have everything I wanted to have. But there are some strange omissions in my collection, and this particular one came to my attention recently just by working on this blog!

'Nearly there' was the third single from One 2 Many's only album 'Mirror'. I described the 12" single a few months ago, and that's when I found out that I don't have the single. Well, that error has been corrected now: a friendly dealer on eBay sold me the record and I received it today. I think I have all the One 2 Many singles now!

My collection: 7" single no. 3790
Found: eBay.co.uk, received June 23, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Nearly there' / 'In my heart'

How to be dead - Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol gained mainstream success with their song 'Run' in 2003. The album 'Final straw' was equally successful. It peaked at number 3 in the UK albums chart. The band followed up the success of 'Run' with three more singles from the album, with 'How to be dead' being the last one. That single reached number 39 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3494
Found: eBay.co.uk, received December 23, 2008
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'How to be dead (CLA mix)' / 'You are my joy (Live at Somerset house)'

I believe (A soulful re-recording) - Tears for Fears

'I believe (A soulful re-recording)' was the fifth single taken from Tears for Fears' 1984 album 'Songs from the big chair'. It became their ninth UK Top 40 hit, peaking at number 23. The song also reached the Top 10 in Ireland. The song was written by Roland Orzabal who had originally planned to offer it to British musician Robert Wyatt to record, though it was later decided that Tears for Fears would record the song themselves. A cover of Robert Wyatt's 'Sea song' served as the single's B-side. Although the single was not released in America, this re-recording of the song was done in the midst of the band's 1985 American tour.

This limited edition double single also featured the album version of 'I believe' along with a rather rare remix of 'Shout'.

My collection: 7" single no. 375
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 12 guilders
Tracks: 'I believe (A soulful re-recording)' / 'Sea song' // 'I believe (album version)' / 'Shout (dub mix)'

Can't give you anything (but my love) - The Stylistics

'Can't give you anything (but my love)' was a UK number 1 hit in August 1975 for three weeks by The Stylistics. After splitting from record producer Thom Bell in 1974, songwriters/producers Hugo & Luigi and George David Weiss took over, with arrangements by Van McCoy. Although the split with Bell proved disastrous in the US, The Stylistics continued to be popular in the UK and this was their first and only UK number 1 single.

In 2006, it was used as the base for a Japanese advertisement campaign by Gatsby, to launch their new male hair styling product, 'Moving Rubber'. The campaign was successful due to the tune and that the commercial featured one of Japan's most popular celebrities, Takuya Kimura, of the pop group, SMAP.

My collection: 7" single no. 2806
Found: Record fair, January 25, 1997
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Can't give you anything (but my love)' / 'I'd rather be hurt by you (than be loved by somebody else)'