The big sky - Kate Bush

'The big sky' was one of the tracks on Kate Bush's 1985 album 'Hounds of love'. The song is about remembering some of the simple pleasures enjoyed as children that most no longer find the time for, such as spending the afternoon looking at the sky, watching the clouds take on shapes. It's probably the most uplifting, poppy song on the album.

When the song was released as a single in April 1986, a special single remix was made with an alternate intro. It reached number 15 in the Irish singles chart and number 37 in the UK singles chart.

'The big sky' was also the first Kate Bush single to be released as a picture disc. I wasn't aware of the release of this picture disc until years later. Such special items are notoriously expensive when the name Kate Bush is on it, but just when I had given up hope of finding this for a reasonable price, I found it. Needless to say, I was ecstatic.

My collection: 7" single no. 396 / no. 2948
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1986 / Record fair, Leiden, January 31, 1998
Cost: 6 guilders / 5 guilders
Tracks: 'The big sky (special single mix)' / 'Not this time'

Torture - King

The band King were able to maintain a stylish image throughout their career. The sleeve designs, the music videos and even the songs had a certain glossy quality to them that attracted a faithful fanbase. This 12" single of 'Torture', their last single release, was released in a limited edition poster bag featuring a 1986 calendar with photographs of the band members.

All this to sell a set of tracks that were actually good as well: the extended version of 'Torture' is percussive and dynamic, whereas the extra B-side track 'These things' is recorded with piano and vocals only, creating a very intimate atmosphere.

My collection: 12" single no. 141
Found: Record Exchange, London, 1992
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Torture (PF extended mix)' / 'Groovin' with the Kings', 'These things (The reprise)'

Turn your back on me - Kajagoogoo

Without Limahl, Kajagoogoo were still able to produce some cracking tracks. And the 1984 single 'Turn your back on me' with its great drums and percussion may be their finest track.

It was released as a 12" single as well, featuring an extended version that brought out all the best bits from the song plus some extras.

My collection: 12" single no. 537
Found: unknown
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Turn your back on me (extended version)' / 'The pump rooms of Bath', 'Turn your back on me'

I wanna go to a disco - Ricky Wilde

Father Marty Wilde wrote and produced 'I wanna go to a disco' for his son Ricky Wilde. It was released as a single in 1974. Like the singles before this one, it didn't chart in the UK but it did achieve some success in Scandinavia.

These singles by Ricky Wilde are great collectors items, as he went on to become his sister's producer and songwriter, but never returned to the spotlights himself.

My collection: 7" single no. 3269
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, October 22, 2000
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'I wanna go to a disco' / 'Mrs. Malinski'

World in perfect harmony - Kim Wilde

'Just think of the good things / Instead of all the bad', is the first line of Kim Wilde's 1990 single 'World in perfect harmony'. It was the optimistic counterpart of 'Who's to blame', another track on the same album, 'Love moves'. Both songs were about the environment, a subject close to Kim's heart, but it's no wonder that the optimistic version made it to a single release.

At least, 'World in perfect harmony' was released as a single in Europe. No music video was made for this single, but it was promoted with many performances in television programmes. The single did not chart despite these efforts.

My collection: 7" single no. 1352
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'World in perfect harmony' / 'Can't get enough (of your love) (remix edit)'

Heimwee - Frank Boeijen Groep

Frank Boeijen wrote a song about the people from the Dutch West-Indies, who were forced to come to the Netherlands while waiting for a free republic in their homeland. 'Heimwee gaat nooit over naar het land van onze dromen' ('Homesickness for the country of our dreams never ends') is the key sentence of this song's lyric.

Released as the second single from the Frank Boeijen Groep's eighth album 'Dans in slow-motion', 'Heimwee' did not reach the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 700
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 15, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Heimwee' / 'De wind nam hem mee (live)'

Als je me wil - Clouseau

Clouseau appeared on television quite regularly, and 'Als je me wil' ('If you want me') was one of the tracks that appeared during a television special with the band. I quite liked the song, although by this time I was growing a bit tired of their continuous output of music. Still, I bought the single quite quickly after that.

'Als je me wil' did not chart in the Netherlands but it did reach number 29 in the Belgian singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1719
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, September 26, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Als je me wil' / 'Alarm'

Hoe verschrikkelijk ik ben - Frank Boeijen Groep

The story goes, that when Frank Boeijen told the members of his group that he'd written a song called 'Hoe verschrikkelijk ik ben' ('How terrible I am') they made jokes about it. And it's true, there aren't that many songwriters that qualify themselves as 'terrible'.

The song was released as the first single from the band's 1988 album 'Dans in slow motion' ('Dance in slow motion'), but it failed to chart. Still, the theatre tour that followed sold out and the album sold exceptionally well too.

The single was released in two different sleeves as well: the first edition featured a purple sleeve, whereas later editions (and the cd-single) featured a red sleeve. For no apparent reason, it has to be added.

My collection: 7" single no. 653 (1 & 2)
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, September 15, 1988 / Leiden, November 26, 1988
Cost: 6 guilders / 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Hoe verschrikkelijk ik ben' / 'Piccadilly Circus'

Spirit of the forest - Spirit of the forest

After Band Aid, Dance Aid, Ferry Aid and USA for Africa, the Gentlemen without weapons figured they had something to add to the growing amount of charity singles: a rainforest appeal. Together with the animal and rainforest noises which they'd already used for an album, they rounded up lots of famous artists to record 'Spirit of the forest'.

Somehow, the idea didn't quite work. The song sounded a bit naff and people were apparently not so concerned about the destruction of the rain forest as they were about starving children in Africa. The single was a commercial failure, but fans of Afrika Bambaataa, Jon Anderson, B52's, Michael de Barre, Big Country and the few dozen other artists mentioned on the sleeve of this single had another collector's item to get their hands on.

My collection: 7" single no. 900
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 23, 1989
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Spirit of the forest' / 'Spirit of the forest'

Feel like change - Black

Colin Vearncombe, who on his own made up the band Black, was inspired to write 'Feel like change' by the events taking place in South Africa: the freeing of Nelson Mandela and the impending dismantling of the Apartheid regime.

The track was released as the first single from Black's third album, 'Black' (1991). Produced by Robin Millar, both the single and the album featured an altogether smoother sound. Coupled with Vearncombe's excellent vocals, this was a very enjoyable listening experience. 'Feel like change' reached number 56 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1439
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 18, 1991
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Feel like change' / 'Nice'

Let it be - Ferry Aid

On March 6, 1987, the Herald of Free Enterprise - a ferry between Zeebrugge in Belgium and Dover in England - capsized, which killed 193 passengers and crew. The Sun newspaper, which had sold cheap tickets for the ferry on that day, quickly organized a recording of a charity recording. The song 'Let it be' was performed by an impressive array of artists, recorded on March 14, 15 and 16 at PWL studios. The recording was produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

Contributing artists were, in order of appearance: Paul McCartney, Boy George, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Nick Kamen, Paul King, Mark King, Taffy, Andy Bell, Pepsi & Shirley, Mel & Kim, Jaki Graham, Mark Knopfler (guitar solo), Gary Moore (guitar solo), Kim Wilde, Nik Kershaw, Edwin Starr, Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot, Ruby Turner and Kate Bush. The closing choruses of the song feature an ensemble choir featuring many of the above performers as well other recording artists, including Bonnie Tyler, Errol Brown, Hazel O'Connor, The Nolans, Rick Astley, Jim Diamond, Doctor and the Medics, Alvin Stardust, Steve Strange, Mandy Smith, Su Pollard, Maxi Priest and members of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Go West, The Alarm and Bucks Fizz.

The single made number 1 in the UK singles chart and also topped the charts in Switzerland and Norway. In the Dutch Top 40, Ferry Aid reached number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 575
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'Let it be' / 'Let it be (Gospel Jam mix)'

Can't get enough (of your love) - Kim Wilde

'Can't get enough (of your love)' was released as the second single from Kim Wilde's 1990 album 'Love moves' in Europe. It was promoted with a slightly hyperactive music video in which Kim and her band were placed on rotating platforms. Musically, the song resembled the 1988 hit 'Never trust a stranger'. Kim commented: ''Can't get enough' is about pure energy really. There is a reality to 'Can't get enough' but it's not very seriously.'

The single only reached number 58 in the German singles chart, in other territories it failed to reach the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1255
Found: Melody Maker, July 5, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Can't get enough (of your love)' / 'Someday'

Ben je daar vannacht - Clouseau

Released in July 1992, 'Ben je daar vannacht' ('Are you there tonight') was the third single from Clouseau's 1992 album 'Doorgaan'. Just like the two previous singles, it features a slightly harder rock sound than most people had become accustomed to from the band.

The single did not chart in the Netherlands - the first one in a long time not to do so - but did reach number 16 in the Belgian singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2067
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, February 19, 1994
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Ben je daar vannacht' / 'Mysterie alom'

New beginning (Mamba Seyra) - Bucks Fizz

I bought the 7" single of Bucks Fizz's 'New beginning (Mamba Seyra)' pretty soon after its release. The 12" single followed years later, after a period in which I'd grown tired of the song and eventually started to like it again. The fact that Puck was quite interested in this track also helped, of course.

I finally bought this 12" single in 1996. It features an extended version of the track as well as two bonus tracks. The extended version is loud and full of echoes - very Eighties indeed.

My collection: 12" single no. 297
Found: Record fair, 1996
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'New beginning (Mamba Seyra) (extended version)' / 'In your eyes', 'I need your love'

Now you're gone - Black

The third and last single from Black's 1988 album 'Comedy' was the upbeat 'Now you're gone'. At least, the music sounded quite upbeat, the lyric was less optimistic. Still, it was a change from the mostly minor key tracks Black had released up until then. Not that it met with a lot of enthusiasm: the single only reached number 66 in the UK singles chart.

The B-side, a so-called 'Mardi Gras version' of 'Now you're gone', is a nice extra, and quite a surprising version of the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 724
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 28, 1989
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Now you're gone' / 'Now you're gone (Mardi Gras version)'

Ik zie een ster - Mouth and MacNeal

'Ik zie een ster' is the original Dutch version of the 1974 Eurovision entry by Mouth and MacNeal, 'I see a star'. Although they performed the song in English during the Contest - as a result of relaxed language rules - this single contains a version entirely in Dutch.

The song was released as a single in the Netherlands in March 1974 and reached number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. That's quite remarkable, as 'I see a star' finished third during the Contest as well.

My collection: 7" single no. 3694
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, May 5, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Ik zie een ster' / 'Liefste'

Singles bag - John Lennon

In support of Record Store Day, EMI released a limited edition John Lennon vinyl package. It's titled 'Singles bag', but it's not really a bag, but rather a cardboard envelope with three singles, a poster, three postcard and one plastic adaptor in it. It's a real treat for John Lennon fans and those who appreciate his music.

Of course, there isn't really anything new in the bag: all three singles have been released in the past. Still, it is quite wonderful to hear 'Imagine' once again - still the highlight of this bag in my opinion - and of course who could resist the sound of Yoko Ono screaming like an escaped inmate of a psychiatric ward in 'Why'? The poster of the duo in the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam during their 'Bed-in for peace' action is a nice extra.

My collection: 7" single no. 4837
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, April 17, 2010
Cost: Well... let's just say it wasn't cheap.
Tracks: 'Mother' (John Lennon) / 'Why' (Yoko Ono) // 'Imagine' / 'It's so hard' // 'Watching the wheels' (John Lennon) / 'Yes, I'm your angel' (Yoko Ono)

Last day - Editors

Last year, the Editors released their most recent album 'In this light and on this evening'. Produced by Flood, the sound of the album leaned a lot towards band he'd produced before, such as U2 and Depeche Mode. The first single from the album was 'Papillon', which appears on this single in a beautiful acoustic version.

The track 'Last day' was not included on the album, but most probably recorded during the sessions for it. This single was released exclusively on Record Store Day, April 17, 2010.

My collection: 7" single no. 4836
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, April 17, 2010
Cost: 10 euro
Tracks: 'Last day' / 'Papillon (acoustic live at Studio Brussels)'

Side of the road - Babyshambles

Pete Doherty formed Babyshambles during a hiatus from his band the Libertines in 2003. Although Doherty is mainly famous for his drug abuse, the band was actually able to find some sort of commercial recognition with their debut album 'Down in Albion' (2005). Initially an independent band, they signed with Parlophone in 2007.

On Record Store Day, Parlophone released this limited edition 7" vinyl with two tracks by Babyshambles. Personally, I think the B-side is better than the A-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 4835
Found: La La Land, April 17, 2010
Cost: 6 euro
Tracks: 'Side of the road' / 'UnBiloTitled'

Back to the start - Lily Allen

'Back to the start' is a track on Lily Allen's most recent album, 'It's not me, it's you' (2009). It was getting a lot of airplay in Australia, having peaked at number 21 in the Australian Airplay chart.

On Record Store Day (April 17, 2010), a limited edition 7" vinyl single was released, available only for one day. The single contains this track and the bonus track 'Kabul shit'. It is unlikely that the track will be released as a 'regular' single, but meanwhile, this is a great collector's item.

My collection: 7" single no. 4834
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, April 17, 2010
Cost: 7 euro
Tracks: 'Back to the start' / 'Kabul shit'