More than just the two of us - Sneaker

Sneaker was formed in 1973 by Mitch Crane, Michael Carey Schneider, Michael Cottage, Tim Torrance, Mike Hughes and Jim King. The band cited Steely Dan, the Eagles and the Doobie Brothers as their primary musical influences. Indeed, the band's name came from a Steely Dan track, 'Bad sneakers'.

'More than just the two of us' was the band's biggest hit, which became a top 40 hit in America. The single was taken from their self-titled debut album, released in 1981. After their second album, 'Loose in the world' (1982) the band broke up.

My collection: 7" single no. 1492

Found: Den Haag, July 18, 1991

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'More than just the two of us' / 'In time'

Nocturne - Clerx and Van Dijk

Secret Garden represented Norway during the 1995 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. They won the edition with 'Nocturne'. Featuring a lyric consisting of about eight lines, some were outraged that an instrumental track would win a 'song' contest. Personally I still think it's one of the best winners ever - especially when you consider all the boring predictable Irish songs that won the Contest in the Eighties.

Jan, who makes the excellent Eurocovers blog, informs me that there are at least 47 cover versions of this track. One of them is this dance version by Clerx & Van Dijk, released in 2002. Vocals in this version are performed by Margot Roeken. I ordered the 12" single recently and received it today. What a great way to start the weekend.

My collection: 12" single no. 487
Found: Y-Music, mailorder, received February 21, 2009
Cost: 10 euro
Tracks: 'Nocturne (Fire & Ice mix)', 'Innocent' / 'Nocturne (Original mix)', 'Nocturne (Remix)'

Going in with my eyes open - David Soul

As much as I remembered 'Don't give up on us', the only thing I knew about 'Going in with my eyes open' was that I didn't dislike the song when it was in the chart. Of course, I was only six years old at that time - so when I bought the single two decades later it was a bit of a gamble. What's more, the copy I bought originally didn't even have a picture sleeve. I replaced it two weeks after buying that one with a copy that did.

'Going in with my eyes open' peaked at number 17 in the Dutch Top 40, number 2 in the UK and number 54 in the US Billboard Hot 100. I think the British people were right: it's still a beautiful song now.

My collection: 7" single no. 2380

Found: House of rhythm, London, July 1, 1995

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Going in with my eyes open' / 'Topanga'

The best thing - Charley

Michelle Charles played Marilyn 'Charley' Charlton in the British youth TV series Byker Grove between 1990 and 1992. She recorded 'The best thing', a song which apparently she also sung in the television series.

But this is not why I bought this 12" single. The real reason is the B-side track, 'You don't know me'. Written by Kim Wilde and Tony Swain, this track was never recorded by Kim herself as far as I know (although it might well have been), and ended up being performed by Charley. This 12" single is pretty rare these days, although the cd-single is even more rare. It does exist - so if anyone has a copy for me, don't hesitate to contact me...

My collection: 12" single no. 421

Found: Record Exchange, London, 2000

Cost: 50p

Tracks: 'The best thing (FM mix)', 'The best thing (Byker Grove mix)' / 'The best thing (12" original mix)', 'You don't know me'

The man with the child in his eyes - Inside moves

I think I've mentioned a few times that I like cover versions. Especially Kim Wilde and Kate Bush cover versions are always interesting to me, just because I love the original songs so much I always like to hear what other artists do with them. (I also like cover versions of Eurovision songs, so Eurocovers is really an addictive blog for me.)

So every now and again I go hunting for cover versions I haven't heard yet. That is how I found this single by Inside moves, an anonymous dance outfit from 1992. Their version of 'The man with the child in his eyes' is typical nineties fare, nothing too high class unfortunately. It's hard to do justice to Kate Bush.

My collection: 7" single no. 3364

Found: Esprit mail order, 2002

Cost: 5 pounds

Tracks: 'The man with the child in his eyes' / 'I wish'

Magic fly - Space

Space was founded in 1977 by Didier Marouani (also known as Ecama), Roland Romanelli, and Jannick Top in Marseille, France. Their debut single 'Magic fly' and the album of the same name, both released in 1977, gave them immediate success. Today, they are considered to be pioneers of the eurodance/electronica genre.

I first heard the track 'Magic fly' in 1996 when it was shown on a television show. I was very surprised when I found this old single within days in the record shop in my hometown which I regularly visited.

My collection: 7" single no. 2645
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 24, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Magic fly' / 'Ballad for space lovers'

One love - Sniff 'n' the Tears

Sniff 'n' the Tears will always be remembered for their biggest hit, 'Driver's seat', one of the best songs to play if you're driving around in a car. Or so I've heard - I don't have a car. Which may be why I prefer this single, released three months earlier in August 1980.

'One love' comes from Sniff 'n' the Tears' 1980 album 'The game's up'. It reached number 34 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 111

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1981

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'One love' / '5 & zero'