Over you - Roxy Music

I discovered this single while I was wallowing in selfpity after once again I was not successful in conquering a young girl's heart. It was the dreary spring of 1989, and 'Over you' instantly became one of my favourite songs. I guess I was overdramatizing a tad.

'Over you' was the first single released from Roxy Music's 1980 album 'Flesh + Blood'. It reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 17 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 865
Found: All that music, Leiden, June 2, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Over you' / 'Manifesto'

Save a prayer - Duran Duran

So this single contains the only official version of 'Save a prayer' by Duran Duran. It clocks in at 5'30 minutes, unlike an edited version that keeps popping up on compilation albums and even official Duran Duran cd's. That edited version is about 10 seconds or so shorter, and omits a few 'Save a prayer for the morning after's from the last minute of the recording. That has always irked me.

The track was taken from their second album 'Rio'. It reached number 2 in the UK singles chart in the summer of 1982. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart, but was re-released in January 1985 after the band had so much success with 'The reflex' and 'The wild boys'. On that occasion, the single reached number 19.

My collection: 7" single no 263
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Save a prayer' / 'Hold back the rain (remix)'

Broken land - The Adventures

Between 1986 and 1988, things went quiet around the Adventures. During this time, main songwriter Pat Gribben composed some songs, the band left Chrysalis Records and signed to Elektra Records.

'Broken land', released in early 1988, was promoted heavily by their new record company. The sound of the band was warmer, and included some traditional instruments such as uillean pipes. The single became the band's first significant hit, peaking at number 20 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 722
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, January 21, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Broken land' / 'Don't stand on me'

Waar ze loopt te wandelen - Henk Westbroek

Henk Westbroek started a solo career after the band Het Goede Doel folded. His first solo single was 1992's 'Waar ze loopt te wandelen' ('Wherever she's walking'), which became a hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

Subsequent singles didn't get a release on 7" vinyl anymore, as the format was on its way out in 1992. Westbroek continued to make interesting tracks, so a few cd-singles of his have actually made it into my collection as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 1651
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 9, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Waar ze loopt te wandelen' / 'Positief'

If you cared - Kim Appleby

I didn't know 'If you cared' had been released as a single until I found it a year after its release. The upside was: I found it during a record fair and the single included a German bio. Another item from DJ-land, then!

'If you cared' was remixed for the single release, making it sound a little more powerful than the album version. The single reached number 44 in the UK singles chart. This was the fourth and last single drawn from Kim Appleby's debut album and another track co-written by her by then deceased sister Mel.

My collection: 7" single no. 1598
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, March 28, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If you cared (7" remix)' / 'If you cared (Ben Chapman mix)

Dance little sister - Terence Trent d'Arby

From the sleeve of this single I can trace its travels. After it was made it ended up in the music library of Capital radio in the UK. One day, it was taken to a Music & Video Exchange in London, where it sat in the racks for some time. It was bought by a Dutch record dealer, who sold it on the Parkpop festival in Den Haag - and that's where I got it.

'Dance little sister' was the second single from Terence Trent d'Arby's debut album, released the autumn of 1987. The single peaked at number 30 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 20 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. For me, the song was an acquired taste - initially I didn't like it at all.

My collection: 7" single no. 1252
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 24, 1990
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Dance little sister' / 'Dance little sister part 2'

Only one word - Propaganda

When the single 'Only one word' was released, it was also released as a limited edition 10" single in a box set. The box set featured three colour prints and one exclusive track: the demo version of 'Only one word'. When you listen to it, it sounds a bit like a rough version of the track performed live.

I've never had a formal 10" single collection, there's only a handful in my possession. But this one is one I really like. Even if that one exclusive track doesn't really excite me...

My collection: 10" single [unnumbered]
Found: Record fair, 1994
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'Only one word' / 'Only one word (demo version)', 'Open spaces'

Fire of love - Earth and fire

'Fire of love' was the first single release by Earth & Fire after their number one hit 'Weekend'. Like that song, this one was taken from the album 'Reality fills fantasy'. It has always been a track which left me wondering what could have happened after the fade out. The guitar solo is intriguing and leaves the listener wanting more.

The single was less successful, however, stalling at number 23 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 772
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 16, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Fire of love' / 'Season of the falling leaves'

This beat is Technotronic - Technotronic

I don't know exactly why it happened, but somehow I was still buying Technotronic singles when the joke was already wearing thin. The songs were all the same, the raps changed but I never liked rapping anyway. So sometimes even I can't figure out what I was thinking.

'This beat is Technotronic' was part three in the series of repetitive thumping tracks, this time showcasing the vocals of one MC Eric. The single reached number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 7 in the Dutch Top 40. It's quite amazing results for such bad music.

My collection: 7" single no. 1211
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 20, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'This beat is Technotronic' / 'This beat is Technotronic (Rap to beats)'

On the outside - Roch Voisine

Roch Voisine was born as Joseph Armand Roch Voisine in Edmundston, New Brunswick (Canada) on March 26, 1963. He aspired to be a professional ice hockey player until he was severely injured playing baseball in 1981. (Further proof that sports are unhealthy for you.)

His musical breakthrough came with his 1989 album Hélène which sold three million copies and became a major hit not only in Quebec but also in France, Belgium and Switzerland.His self-titled album from 1990 featured this single, 'On the outside'. It became a hit in the Netherlands - his only one to date - peaking at number 21.

My collection: 7" single no. 1546
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 2, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'On the outside' / 'She had a dream'

Riders on the storm - The Doors

The musical legacy of the Doors has proved to be indestructible. Their albums have been remastered, reissued and re-released countless times, and every time they attract a new, younger audience. The music and lyrics are a powerful concoction that can be consumed without any reservations - unlike the amounts of drugs lead singer and principal songwriter Jim Morrison took that ultimately killed him.

This single was released in 1990 to promote the album 'The best of the Doors', which is what the title promises: a compilation album of their biggest hits. 'Riders of the storm' was taken from the band's last album with Morrison, 'LA Woman'. Featured here is an edited version of that track.

My collection: 7" single no. 1171
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, February 9, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Riders on the storm [edit]' / 'The mosquito'

Bermuda triangle - Barry Manilow

In 1980, Barry Manilow released his album 'Barry', his first album not to top the US albums chart, stalling at number 15. The single 'Bermuda triangle' was taken from this album, but similarly failed to make an impact in the USA.

In the UK, the single was released a year later, and then managed to reach number 15. In Germany, it peaked at number 16.

My collection: 7" single no. 96
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Bermuda triangle' / 'Lonely together'

Showdown at big sky - Robbie Robertson

1987 was the year when the first cd player entered our house. Every disc my sister and me bought was played almost religiously, while we listened to the sound of this flawless disc. Of course, I was still very much into the 7" vinyl format, so when a great song came around that was released as a single, I bought it. It widened the scope of my musical tastes beyond radio material.

'Showdown at big sky' was one of those singles I never heard on the radio, but solely on my sister's copy of Robbie Robertson's cd 'Robbie Robertson'. A great song, which didn't chart in Europe.

My collection: 7" single no. 709
Found: 1987
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Showdown at big sky' / 'Hell's half acre'

Big apple - Kajagoogoo

'Big apple' was the first single release by Kajagoogoo after lead singer Limahl had left the band. The remaining four members recorded this song with bassist Nick Beggs taking over vocal duties. The song features a harder, somewhat rockier sound when compared to the more 'polished' sound of their debut album.

The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. Things seemed to turn out alright for the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 738
Found: All that music, Leiden, February 9, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Big apple' / 'Monochromatic (live)'

Don't drive drunk - Stevie Wonder

'Don't drive drunk' contains all the hallmarks of dodgy Eighties production. Repetitive samples, funny sounds and, frankly, a rather sub-par sound overall. And still it's a catchy song, the kind that Stevie Wonder has a knack of.

The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'The woman in red' and released as a single in December 1984. It reached number 62 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3349
Found: Record fair, 2002
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't drive drunk' / 'Don't drive drunk (instrumental)'

Je ne sais pas pourquoi - Kylie Minogue

'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' was supposed to be released as a double A-side with 'Made in heaven', but it performed so well on its own that the plans to release it as a double A-side single were changed (Although this particular single does list it as the AA-side).

The song was released as Kylie's fourth single in the winter of 1988 and reached number 2 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3329
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Je ne sais pas pourquoi' / 'Made in heaven'

If it happens again - UB40

'If it happens again' was the seventh top 10 hit in the UK for UB40. It peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart, but did even better in the Netherlands, where it peaked at number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song may be one of the most catchy ones in the whole UB40 catalogue. The brass section excels while the refrain is instantly recognisable. Not so the sleeve: I wanted to have this song fo a few years until finally one day I turned over the sleeve (the title of the song is listed on the back only) and finally realised that this was it.

My collection: 7" single no. 952
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 18, 1989
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'If it happens again' / 'Nkomo a gogo'

Love hurts - Nazareth

'Love hurts' was written by Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant and first recorded by the Everly Brothers in July 1960. The song was covered by Roy Orbison in 1961 and issued as the B-side of his single 'Running scared'.

Nazareth recorded their version of 'Love hurts' in 1974. They changed one line in the lyric, from 'Love is like a stove / It burns you when it's hot' to 'Love is like a flame / It burns you when it's hot'. Their version reached number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 15 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in Canada, Norway and the Netherlands. It remains the best-known recording of the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 881
Found: June 16, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Love hurts' / 'Down'

Save the best for last - Vanessa Williams

'Save the best for last' was written by Phil Galdston, Wendy Waldman and Jon Lind. It was recorded by Vanessa Williams on her 1992 album 'The comfort zone'. The song is about a person who stands by and watches as the object of her desires dates all of these different women, and then he finally decides to consummate a relationship with the singer.

This single became the biggest hit of Williams' career, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks, peaking at number 3 in the UK singles chart as well as the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1618
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 4, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Save the best for last' / '2 of a kind'

Train - Red Box

I was very familiar with Red Box's debut album 'The circle and the square' and its singles by the time I saw this single in a shop somewhere in London. I didn't now about this single, I'd never heard of it, so my curiosity kicked in and I bought it.

I was so glad I did - this track was in many ways quirkier and more original than the earlier singles - and those were pretty inventive anyway. 'Train' was the only single from Red Box's second album 'Motive'. It took me another 13 years to find that one on cd.

My collection: 7" single no. 2026
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Train' / 'Hello, he lied'