Hold on tight - Electric Light Orchestra

'Hold on tight' was the first single to be released from ELO's 1981 album 'Time' and was their last top 10 hit in the UK, reaching number 4 in the summer of 1981. In the Netherlands, where the single reached number 5, they would have one more top 10 hit single with 'Rock and roll is king' in 1983.

The song is quite unique for an English band, because it contains a verse sung in French. The words are a direct translation of the English verse sung earlier on in the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 3859
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Hold on tight' / 'When time stood still'

Annie I'm not your daddy - Kid Creole and the Coconuts

Kid Creole and the Coconuts enjoyed the biggest hit of their career in the autumn of 1982, when 'Annie I'm not your daddy' reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. It became the signature song for the band.

Thomas August Darnell Browder, who renamed himself Kid Creole in 1980, described his persona as 'inspired by Cab Calloway and the Hollywood films of the Thirties and Fourties. The Kid fills out his colorful zoot suits with style and grace, dancing onstage with his inimitable, relentless and self-proclaimed cool'. Well, a line like 'If I was in your blood, then you wouldn't be so ugly' is decidedly icy.

My collection: 7" single no. 3857
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Annie I'm not your daddy' / 'You had no intention'

(You is) A guarantee for love - Smithereens

Smithereens was a short-lived Dutch rock band who enjoyed no chart success at all. Their single '(You is) A guarantee for love' was released in December 1985 and was played on the radio for a while, but without any commercial success. The band should not be confused with the American rock band the Smithereens.

My collection: 7" single no. 3867
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: '(You is) A guarantee for love' / 'Promiscuous'

Sketches of Spain - The Nits

The single 'Sketches of Spain' was a gripping tale of the Spanish civil war, taken from the Nits' 1983 album 'Kilo'. The single was the third hit single for the band, reaching number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

I recorded the song - like many others - from the radio in 1983, but I never realised that I didn't have this single until I bought it today. Well, that's one error corrected then!

My collection: 7" single no. 3855
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sketches of Spain' / 'Bild am Sontag (As usual)'

UFO (We are not alone) - Bolland and Bolland

The brothers Rob and Ferdi Bolland enjoyed a handful of hit singles in the Netherlands during the Seventies, but this single, 'UFO (We are not alone)' was the beginning of a tough time for them. It was the first of many singles that wouldn't reach the charts. In fact, only one more single would do that - and that was in 1990.

This single was released in 1978, around the time when Jeff Wayne was enjoying lots of success with his 'War of the worlds' epic. The brothers could not profit from that success with this release.

My collection: 7" single no. 3856
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, July 18, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'UFO (We are not alone)' / 'Funkadelic man'

Fragile - Sting

'Fragile' was released as a single from Sting's 1987 album 'Nothing like the sun'. It was released as a limited edition with a poster sleeve and a standard edition with a beautiful glossy cardboard sleeve, both of which I have. It is a perfect song to play on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning.

According to Wikipedia, the song is a tribute to Ben Linder, an American civil engineer who was killed by the Contras in 1987 while working on a hydroelectric project in Nicaragua. Meanwhile, Sting was touring the world with some indian with a frisbee in his lip to promote the problems of the South African rainforests. It's this kind of blathering that made Sting such a bore during the second half of the Eighties. The single, meanwhile, was a number 10 hit in the Netherlands, while in the UK it only made number 70.

My collection: 7" single no. 614 (1 & 2)
Found: Free Record Shop, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders + 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Fragile' / 'Frágil (Portuguese)'

Who is it - Michael Jackson

'Who is it', to me, is one of the standout tracks on Michael Jackson's 1991 album 'Dangerous'. Michael Jackson sang it a cappella during his 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, and the positive reaction to this prompted Sony to issue it as a single in the U.S. instead of the planned 'Give in to me'. The single peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 10 on the UK singles chart and number 15 on the Dutch Top 40.

Vinyl pressings exist from various countries, but this limited edition from the UK is by far the most interesting. It contains a free-standing cutout portrait of Michael, like it says on the sleeve. In the days after Michael's death, the price of this item shot up to 20 pounds, so I was very relieved to find a more reasonably priced copy in an online shop.

My collection: 7" single no. 3852
Found: Disc Covery records, received July 15, 2009
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Who is it' / 'Rock with you (Masters at Work remix)'

The first picture of you - The Lotus Eaters

'The first picture of you' was the debut single by the Lotus Eaters. The song was first recorded during a John Peel Radio 1 session in 1982 and when aired, stimulated a bidding war between major UK record labels. It took some time for the band to find the right producer for this delicate, acoustic sound, but they eventually teamed up with Nigel Gray, who had previously produced The Police and Siouxsie & the Banshees.

The song, after its release, received more UK radio plays in 1983 than any other song. It becpeaked at number 15 in the UK singles chart after the band had appeared on 'Top of the Pops' twice.

My collection: 7" single no. 2169
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 26, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'The first picture of you' / 'The lotus eaters'

I call your name - A-ha

'I call your name' was released as the second single from A-ha's fourth album 'East of the sun west of the moon'. As a single release, it was another disappointing one for the fans because it only contained two album tracks. At this point in the band's career, they were very greedy with bonus tracks and remixes.

Maybe this is why the sales were disappointing: the single only charted in France, Germany in the UK, reaching number 45, 37 and 44 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 1367
Found: Melody Maker, December 29, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I call your name' / 'The way we talk'

Boogie nights - Heatwave

'Boogie nights' was released in 1976 as the debut single by British band Heatwave. The band consiseted of Americans Johnnie Wilder and Keith Wilder, Spaniard Mario Mantese, Czechoslovakian Ernest Berger, Jamaican Eric Johns plus British members Rod Temperton and Roy Carter.

The song became their signature song, peaking at number 2 in the UK and America, and number 17 in the Neherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 960
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 10, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Boogie nights' / 'All you do is dial'

See the day - Dee C. Lee

Dee C. Lee was born as Diane Catherine Sealey in Balham, South London on June 6, 1961. She was a backing vocalist for Wham! in the early Eighties, but left the group when she joined Paul Weller's new band the Style Council. At the same time, she launched a solo career. She later married Weller (although they have already divorced again by now), and they have two children, Nathaniel and Leah.

The self-penned ballad 'See the day' was released in 1985 and peaked at number 3 in the UK singles chart, the first and biggest hit of her solo career. The song was covered in 2005 by Girls Aloud.

My collection: 7" single no. 381
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'See the day' / 'The Paris match'

Only the rain - Dolly Dots

Angela Groothuizen, Angéla Kramers, Anita Heilker, Esther Oosterbeek, Patty Zomer and Ria Brieffies were brought together by a producer who had witnessed the success of Luv', and thought he could improve on the formula by putting six instead of three women on stage. In a way, he was right, although artistically it didn't really get any better.

'Only the rain' was released at a time when the band was still going strong in 1985. The single was released in a limited edition pressed on white vinyl, which became the main reason for me to buy it - albeit seven years later. The single peaked at number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1635
Found: April 20, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Only the rain' / 'Loverboy'

Hands to heaven - Breathe

'Hands to heaven' was the breakthrough hit single by Breathe, released in 1988. The song was written by group members David Glasper and Marcus Lillington. Ian Spice and Michael Delahunty completed the line-up.

The single reached number 4 on the UK singles chart, while in the USA the single even made number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart that same month This song was one of a number of singles, many by British and Australian bands, that helped to shape the smooth jazz radio format in the US in the mid to late 1980s. Other associated artists include Swing Out Sister, Johnny Hates Jazz, Icehouse and Sade.

My collection: 7"single no. 1049
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 80p
Tracks: 'Hands to heaven' / 'Life & times'

Say I'm your no. 1 - Princess

The debut single by Princess was 'Say I'm your no. 1'. Like most of her work, the single was produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, the producers trio that was at the height of their popularity during that year, 1985. In the UK and the Netherlands, the single peaked at number 7.

I didn't like the song when it came out; Princess looked ridiculous in that hat and it dominated my view of the artist and the song at first. In hindsight, I liked it better, and in the end I caved and bought it.

My collection: 7" single no. 1760
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 20, 1992
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Say I'm your no. 1' / 'Say I'm your no. 1 (Senza voce)'

Crockett's Theme - Jan Hammer

'Crockett's Theme' was another track from the soundtrack of the TV series 'Miami Vice', with which Jan Hammer made his name in the mid-Eighties. The initial version of the theme first appeared in the episode 'Calderone's Return: Part 1 - The Hit List' which aired on October 19, 1984 in the USA.

Released as a single, the track hit number 2 in the UK singles chart and topped the charts in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 1038
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Crockett's theme' / 'Miami Vice: New York theme'

Strange way - All about Eve

'Strange way' was the song that started it all for All about Eve mark 2, featuring Marty Wilson-Piper on guitars instead of Tim Bricheno. Like Julianne Regan commented in 1998: 'On the very first day in the unglamorous King's Cross rehearsal room, within the first hour of playing, Andy, Mark and Marty had written the music to 'Strange way'. I was in a state of absolute delight. To see this instant musical chemisty develop right in front of me and to feel and be involved in this great natural rapport that was happening was, after the recent miseries we'd been through, nothing short of wonderful.'

Unfortunately, this great single release (with a marvellous B-side!) was not rewarded by the UK audience: the single stalled at number 50 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1529
Found: Wreckastow, Rotterdam, September 28, 1991
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Strange way' / 'Drawn to earth'

Voyage voyage - Desireless

Desireless was born as Claudie Fritsch-Mentrop on December 25, 1952 in Paris, France. In 1983, she met Jean-Michel Rivat, a composer and record producer who had already made his name working with Michel Delpech, France Gall and Patrick Juvet, amongst others.

In 1986, Rivat composed 'Voyage Voyage', a synthpop song that topped the charts in many European countries, and even reached number five in the UK Singles Chart — a rare feat for a French-language song, although this was a remix of the original entry, which made number 53 in the UK.

I have both releases: the original one (pictured above) and the UK remix version (pictured below). Having heard the two singles, I still can't quite figure out the difference between the two. Maybe if you play it loud...?

Original version
My collection: 7" single no. 3144
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 18, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Voyage voyage' / 'Destin fragile (instrumental)'

Remix version
My collection: 7" single no. 2487
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 80p
Tracks: 'Voyage voyage (remix)' / 'Destin fragile (instrumental)'

Only time will tell - Earth and Fire

'Only time will tell' was the second single taken from Earth & Fire's 1974 album 'To the world of the future' and the first of their hit singles not to reach the top 10 in the Netherlands. The single peaked at number 12, which may be explained by the slightly more complicated 'stop/start' structure of the song.

The track still sounds epic, like most of the band's work in the Seventies. I discovered the single a decade after its release and was immediately hooked.

My collection: 7" single no. 862
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 2, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Only time will tell' / 'Fun'

What a fool believes - The Doobie Brothers

Although originally released in 1979, 'What a fool believes' only made the Dutch chart upon its reissue in 1986. It reached number 12, which is a better placing than the two in the UK in 1979 and 1986, when it reached number 31 and 57 respectively. In the USA, 'What a fool believes' was one of the few non-disco hits to top the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1979.

The song was written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald and recorded on the 1978 Doobie Brothers album 'Minute by minute', with McDonald performing lead vocals.

My collection: 7" single no. 1336
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'What a fool believes' / 'Don't stop to watch the wheels'

Wijs me de weg - Humphrey Campbell

In 1991, the Netherlands did not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest because it was organised on May 4, traditionally a national holiday in Remembrance of the dead from World War II. In 1992, the country returned to the Contest with Humphrey Campbell's 'Wijs me de weg'. Campbell was chosen during a national final in which ten artists sang ten different songs.

'Wijs me de weg' was written by producer Edwin Schimscheimer. At the close of the voting, the song received 67 points, finishing 9th in a field of 23 participants. The energetic live version must have contributed to this success. On the record, the song sounds unbelievably flat. 'Wijs me de weg' did not chart in the Netherlands. This was also the last Dutch song for Eurovision that was released on the 7" vinyl format.

My collection: 7" single no. 3854
Found: 45toeren.nl, received July 16, 2009
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'Wijs me de weg' / 'Open your eyes'