Bang Bang - B.A. Robertson

B.A. Robertson was born on September 12, 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland. He released his debut album in 1973, but he would only find his first chart success in the UK in 1979. His first single to hit the singles chart was 'Bang Bang', which reached number 2 in the summer of that year. It was subsequently also released in the Netherlands, but there it didn't make the charts.

I bought this single as part of a batch of singles, because I vaguely remembered it from my childhood. Back then, I thought it was a very funny single because of the strange vocals at the end. Three decades later the joke has worn thin.

My collection: 7" single no. 3386

Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2006

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Bang Bang' / 'B side the C side'

Download: here

Never as good as the first time - Sade

There is some irony in recording a song called 'Never as good as the first time' and then re-record it for the single release. This is exactly what Sade did in 1986. The funny thing is, the re-recording was actually better than the first one.

When this single was released, Sade was touring in support of her second album 'Promise', and backing singer Leroy Osbourne was recruited. With his added vocals, the track was lifted to above average level. The 12" single contained the full length version of the re-recording, whereas the 7" single contained an edit. The B-side was an instrumental part of the song 'Hang on to your love', as performed during the tour mentioned.

My collection: 12" single no. 53

Found: Free record shop, Den Haag, 1987

Cost: 4,95 guilders

Tracks: 'Never as good as the first time (extended mix)' / 'Keep hanging on'

Download: here

Love is a wonderful colour - The Icicle Works

'Love is a wonderful colour' was the first single by the Icicle Works to reach the UK singles chart. The song is a dynamic piece of work, the vocals by lead singer Ian McNabb sounding suspiciously like David Bowie.

I found the double single edition during my visit to Beanos in 2006. I'd never bought a double single this cheap before.

My collection: 7" single no. 3443

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, 2006

Cost: 20p

Tracks: 'Love is a wonderful colour' / 'Waterline' // 'In the dance the shaman led' / 'The devil on horseback'

Download: Album 'Sessions, mixes and b-sides (1982-1984)', including the three B-sides

Give me back my heart - Dollar

Trevor Horn was already doing production duties for Dollar when they released the single 'Give me back my heart'. This single is rather unique for proving the fact that even a producer like Trevor Horn can't rescue a song like this when it's performed by artists with limited vocal abilities. The whole affair sounds like two mediocre singers in an echo chamber.

I bought this single mainly because of Trevor Horn. Having grown accustomed to his style of producing I expected more of this single than I got. Not that he was to blame...

My collection: 7" single no. 3440

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, June 19, 2006

Cost: 20p

Tracks: 'Give me back my heart' / 'Pink and blue'

Download: here

Rain - The Cult

The Cult achieved mainstream success pretty early on in their career when they released their fourth single 'She sells sanctuary'. It reached number 15 in the UK singles chart. The next single was 'Rain'. It did almost as well: reaching number 17. It has always been a live favourite, being performed at almost every gig since its release. Despite the songs popularity, after performing it live in November 1989 at Wembley, singer Ian Astbury said 'So you like that one?'. After the audience cheered, Astbury responded by saying 'Personally I don't'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3441

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, 2006

Cost: 20p

Tracks: 'Rain' / 'Little face'

Download: here

48 Crash - Suzi Quatro

I've already established on this blog that I've got quite an extensive Kim Wilde collection. But I have to add a dimension to that right here and now: I've also got singles of tracks that she has covered. Suzi Quatro's '48 Crash' was not recorded in the studio by Kim Wilde, however she did perform it live on several occasions in 2004.

When I visited Beanos in 2006, I used the opportunity to get my hands on this rare single. Unfortunately they didn't have a picture sleeve edition, but then those were prety rare in the seventies anyway.

My collection: 7" single no. 3439

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, 2006

Cost: 4 pounds

Tracks: '48 Crash' / 'Little bitch blue'

Download: Album 'A's, B's & rarities', including both tracks (part 1, part 2)

Windpower - Thomas Dolby

Thomas Dolby was born as Thomas Morgan Roberston on October 14, 1958. His 'Dolby' nickname comes from the Dolby Laboratories, and was given to him by school friends due to his seemingly inseparable relationship with his cassette machine. Thomas Dolby released his debut album 'The golden age of wireless' in 1982. This track included 'Windpower'.

I got to know 'Windpower' via a different album: it was included on a compilation album to benefit Greenpeace in 1985. During my last visit to London's Beanos record shop in its original form, I picked up this single at a bargain price.

My collection: 7" single no. 3442

Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, June 19, 2006

Cost: 20p

Tracks: 'Windpower' / 'Flying north'

Download: Album 'The golden age of wireless' including both tracks