Real life - Simple Minds

'Real life' was released as the fourth single from the Simple Minds' 1991 album 'Real life'. Released in October 1991, it was the first time since 1984's 'Up on the catwalk' that a single by the band stalled outside the top 20 of the UK singles chart, reaching number 34 only.

That's not to say that this is a bad track, because it contains all the hallmarks of a good Simple Minds track. But perhaps it wasn't memorable enough. I mean, even I didn't know I already had the single and bought another copy last week in London. It cost me 10p, so I'm not complaining - but I already had it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3054
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, May 8, 1999
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Real life' / 'See the lights (live)'

The visitors - Abba

The title track from Abba's last album 'The visitors' (1981) was released as a single in the USA, after the band participated in an American TV show, 'Let Poland Be Poland', broadcast via satellite around the world on January 31, 1982. The show, which also featured Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Orson Welles, Henry Fonda and US President Ronald Reagan, was a public protest against the then-recent imposition of martial law in Poland. Abba performed this song, which is a protest against the mistreatment of political dissidents in the Soviet Union back then.

This promotional 7" single contains both the full length version of the song and an edit, which is 80 seconds shorter than the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 3996
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'The visitors' / 'The visitors (short version)'

My love is for real - Paula Abdul

'My love is for real' was the first single from Paula Adul's 1995 album 'Head over heels'. The middle-eastern sounding groove is given more depth by guest vocals performed by Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The single did not become as big a hit as expected, peaking at number 28 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, it didn't even make the Dutch Top 40.

This 7" single is another surprise for me: while I was ordering some other singles this one popped up in the list. I wasn't aware it had been released on this format, so I snapped it up.

My collection: 7" single no. 3995
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'My love is for real' / 'Didn't I say I love you'

Stranger in Moscow - Michael Jackson

'Stranger in Moscow' was the fifth and last single from Michael Jackson's album 'History'. While writing the song, Jackson used elements of Russian imagery and symbolism to help promote the concept of fear and alienation in the track. It concludes with a narrative, spoken in Russian, by a KGB interrogator. Translated into English he says, 'Why have you come from the west? Confess! To steal the great achievements of the people, the accomplishments of the workers...'. The single was a number 1 in Spain, and reached number 4 in the UK and the Netherlands.

Although before this year I assumed there were no 7" singles released after 'Scream' and 'You are not alone', now I find myself owning 'They don't care about us' and 'Stranger in Moscow'. So now, obviously, I'm after 'Earth song'. Where can I find that one?

My collection: 7" single no. 3992
Found: eBay.com, received August 6, 2009
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Stranger in Moscow (radio edit)' / 'Stranger in Moscow (Tee's radio mix)'

John the revelator / Lilian - Depeche Mode

The last of three Depeche Mode singles, and indeed the last single I bought in London on August 5. 'John the revelator' and 'Lilian' were two tracks from the band's 2005 album 'Playing the angel', released as a double A-side. On the 7" there were two remixes not available on any other (commercial) format. It was the first double A-side from Depeche Mode since 1984's 'Blasphemous Rumours/Somebody'.

The single became another number 1 hit for the band in Denmark, reaching number 18 in the UK singles chart. This picture disc 7" single is a numbered limited edition; this is number 2162.

This concludes my chronological listing of every single I bought in London on August 5. I hope you enjoyed looking in my heavy bag - without you having to carry it back to the airport and back home!

My collection: 7" single no. 3991
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'John the revelator (UNKLE dub)' / 'Lilian (Robag Wruhme slomoschen kikker)'

Suffer well - Depeche Mode

'Suffer well' was the third single from Depeched Mode's 2005 album 'Playing the angel'. It was released in March 2006. It is the first Depeche Mode single whose lyrics are written by David Gahan. It is also the first Depeche Mode single that's not written by Martin Gore since 'Just can't get enough' in 1981, which was written by Vince Clarke. Finally, this is the first Depeche Mode single ever to be co-written with non-members of the band (Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner wrote the music).

The single reached number 1 in Denmark and went top 10 in Finland, Italy and Spain. In the UK, the single peaked at number 12. This picture disc 7" single was released as a numbered limited edition; this is number 3477.

My collection: 7" single no. 3990
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'Suffer well (Metope vocal remix)' / 'The darkest star (Monolake remix)'

Precious - Depeche Mode

Although the meaning of almost all of Depeche Mode's songs are not revealed because Martin Gore prefers people to find their own meanings for each song, he made an exception with 'Precious', explaining that the song is written about his children and what they must have been going through when he was getting a divorce from their mother.

Released as the first single from their 2005 album 'Playing the angel', it was a number 1 hit in four countries, peaking at number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40. This picture disc 7" single was released as a numbered limited edition; this is number 4535.

My collection: 7" single no. 3989
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'Precious (album version)' / 'Precious (Michael Mayer Ambient mix)'

Paris is burning - Ladyhawke

'Paris is burning' was the second single by Ladyhawke, taken from her debut self-titled album. Originally this track reached number 61 in the UK singles chart, however when it was re-released in March 2009 as a digital download and limited 7" vinyl, it improved on this chart placing and peaked at number 47.

What's a bit strange about this 7" single, is that it doesn't contain any 'regular' version of the track, just a remix and a French language version.

My collection: 7" single no. 3988
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Paris is burning (Peaches remix)' / 'Paris s'enflamme'

Poupée de cire, poupée de son - Arcade Fire

Officially this is a double A-side single split evenly between the bands Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem, but I have to say that I think Arcade Fire's cover version of 'Poupée de cire poupée de son' is the superior track here.

Arcade Fire played this song, originally performed by France Gall, during their 2007 tour in support of their second album 'Neon Bible' and recorded a studio version especially for this limited edition 7" single. LCD Soundsystem's 'No love lost' is a cover of a New Order track.

My collection: 7" single no. 3987
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 12 pounds
Tracks: 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' (Arcade fire) / 'No love lost' (LCD Soundsystem)

Forever autumn - Justin Hayward

Unlike 'The eve of the war', this second single taken from Jeff Wayne's musical version of 'War of the worlds' did not come with a beautiful picture label. Still, this is the way the single was released in the UK, and I thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. Unfortunately, this particular copy proved to be pressed on pretty bad quality vinyl. I saw some spots in the shop, but I assumed it was dirt which I could wipe from the record. But it's actually engrained in the vinyl itself! Well, kindof another collector's item, I guess.

'Forever autumn' was a huge hit for Justin Hayward, peaking at number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 22 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3986
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Forever autumn' / 'The fighting machine'

And that's no lie - Heaven 17

'...And that's no lie' was originally the 10 minute closing track of Heaven 17's 1984 album 'How men are'. When released as a single, the track was heavily edited to appeal to radio DJ's and music video stations. The problem was, the edit made the track kindof a jumbled mess and left nothing intact of the tension of the original track.

As a result, '...And that's no lie' became the first Heaven 17 single since 1982's 'Let me go' not to reach the top 40 in the UK. It stalled at number 52.

My collection: 7" single no. 3985
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'And that's no lie' / 'The fuse'

Goodbye cruel world - Shakespear's sister

In 1990, both Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit became pregnant. Their band Shakespear's sister was put on hold for a year. They returned in late 1991 with the release of the single 'Goodbye cruel world', which peaked at number 59 in the UK singles chart.

The single would be included on their second album 'Hormonally yours', which would also include their biggest success, 'Stay'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3984
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Goodbye cruel world' / 'Moonchild'

Big shot - Momentarily - Jona Lewie

Although I have a considerable record collection - as you can tell from this blog - I've never come across a 6" single before. Imagine my surprise when I saw this little treasure. The sleeve cheekily suggests that if your record player does not play this disc, you should 'invest in the seven inch version'.

Well, fortunately my record player is not fully automatic and I was able to play this disc. It's just as well, since I did pay more than 60p for it. 'Big shot - Momentarily' was a hit for Jona Lewie in Germany, but in the UK, where this 6" single was released, it did not chart. I guess not everyone is into gimmicks as much as I am.

My collection: 6" single no. 3983
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Big Shot - Momentarily' / 'I'll get by in Pittsburgh'

Chasing pavements - Adele

The last stop in my tour around London (bar the obligatory visit to HMV, but I haven't bought a 7" single there in a long time!) was Sister Ray in Berwick Street. Almost closed last year, I was happy to hear that the shop was saved, and even happier to see that they still stocked an attractive amount of 7" singles. I ended up buying 10 pieces, most of them recent ones, such as this one.

Adele's 'Chasing pavements' was released in January 2008 as her second single. The song refers to an incident that occurred at 6am one day after a fight with a former boyfriend during which Adele was running down the street alone. The single peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 9 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3982
Found: Sister Ray, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Chasing pavements' / 'That's it, I quit, I'm moving on'

Just dance - Lady Gaga

This is the debut single by Lady Gaga, released in April 2008. 'Just dance' was co-written by Lady Gaga herself, and she commented: 'I was very hungover. I wrote the song in about 10 minutes with [producer] RedOne. And it was my first time being in a Hollywood studio. Very pristine, big huge room with giant speakers.' Not surprising that the lyric of the song is about being intoxicated at a party.

So it's a bit vacuous, this song. Usually, pop songs are. The single still ended up a number 1 hit in the UK, USA and Ireland. The single initially didn't chart in the Netherlands, but when re-released in January 2009, it still reached number 1.

My collection: 7" single no. 3981
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Just dance' / 'Just dance (HCCR's Bambosa main mix)'

Party fears two - The Associates

In 1982, the popularity of synthpop was rising in the UK. Numerous bands were riding the wave, including the Associates, who had been struggling since 1979 for some recognition. Their single 'Party fears two' became the first and biggest hit of their career, peaking at number 9 in the UK singles chart.

In 2006, the Divine Comedy recorded a cover version of 'Party fears two' on their album 'Victory for the comic muse'. It was through this cover version that I got to know the song. The original track features rather preposturous by Billy MacKenzie.

My collection: 7" single no. 3980
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Party fears two' / 'It's better this way'

Sunset now - Heaven 17

In 1984, Heaven 17 released the album 'How men are'. It featured some acoustic instruments for the first time in addition to their usual digital samples, synthesizers and drum machines. The vocal group Afrodiziak also appeared on four track on the album.

'Sunset now' was released as the first single from the album, and also its most successful. The single peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3979
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Sunset now' / 'Counterforce'

I want you back - Bananarama

'I want you back' was the first single by Bananarama after the departure of Siobhan Fahey. She was replaced by Jacquie O'Sullivan. 'I want you back' was featured on Bananarama's fourth studio album 'Wow!' and originally recorded with Fahey. For the single release, the track was re-recorded with O'Sullivan. No further singles from 'Wow!' were released.

The audience responded well to this release, as it peaked at number 5 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3978
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'I want you back' / 'Bad for me'

Personal touch - Errol Brown

After the band Hot Chocolate disbanded in 1987, lead singer Errol Brown attempted a solo career. His debut solo single was this one, 'Personal touch', produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley. Released in July 1987, the single peaked at number 25 in the UK singles chart.

What's interesting is that the B-side of this single is actually more engaging than the A-side. Based around a gimmicky sound of a ringing telephone, it demands your attention throughout the song. In my opinion, this is a double A-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 3977
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Personal touch' / 'Why don't you call me'

Love in the first degree - Bananarama

Released in October 1987, 'Love in the first degree' was the second single from Bananarama's fourth studio album 'Wow!'. Like the rest of the album, the track was produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman and includes many of their trademark sounds. The lyrics were written by Siobhan Fahey and built upon by SAW and the other two Bananarama members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward.

The single was the band's biggest selling single in the UK, peaking at number 3 (like two other singles by them). As one of their final performances with Fahey, the group performed the song at the BRIT Awards with a large entourage of male dancers dressed only in black bikini briefs. The song was nominated for best British single at the BRIT Awards, but lost to Rick Astley's 'Never gonna give you up'.

I bought this single together with three others in the basement of the Berwick Street branch of the Music & Video Exchange in London.

My collection: 7" single no. 3976
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Love in the first degree' / 'Mr. Sleaze'