Walking after you - Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters in 1995 after the demise of grunge-rock band Nirvana. He recruited Nate Mendel, William Goldsmith and Pat Smear shortly before the release of the debut album 'Foo Fighters'. Their second album 'The colour and the shape' was released two years later. It included the original version of 'Walking after you'.

The band re-recorded this track for the soundtrack of the first X-files movie, 'Fight the future'. The original album version was created in between recording sessions for 'The colour and the shape. It was performed by Grohl on vocals (in one take) and all instrument parts except bass, which was performed by the band's bassist Nate Mendel. The soundtrack/single version was performed by the full band, including then-recent additions Taylor Hawkins and Franz Stahl, with guest backing vocals from Craig Wedren from the band Shudder to Think.

I bought this single during a time when 7" vinyl singles were becoming increasingly rare. I'd just bought the soundtrack cd a few weeks earlier, and although I didn't remember this track, I still thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. It's a nice song but I don't really play it much.

My collection: 7" single no. 3051
Found: Record fair, 1998
Cost: 9,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Walking after you' (Foo Fighters) / 'Beacon light' (Ween)

It's different for girls - Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson released his second album 'I'm the man' in 1979. While the title track, released as the first single from the album, didn't chart, Jackson had more success with the second single, 'It's different for girls'. It peaked at number 5 in the UK singles chart and reached number 85 in Australia.

I distinctly remember going to Disco Market in May 1989 and buying a stack of second hand singles from a newly received batch. The sleeves were slightly tattered on the edges, but that didn't spoil my fun: this shop was always able to make me very happy in the knowledge that I'd found some rare old singles.

My collection: 7" single no. 826

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 13, 1989

Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'It's different for girls' / 'Friday'

Download: Album 'I'm the man', including both tracks (part 1 / part 2)

Heart and soul - T'pau

T'pau released their debut single 'Heart and soul' in early 1987. The single initially flopped in the UK, but then reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Subsequently, the single still entered the chart in the UK and climbed to the same position in the UK. After this, 'Heart and soul' was released in Europe, where it was also a success. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 34 in the Dutch Top 40.

'Heart and soul' was re-released in 1997, when it was remixed. This remix version was only released as a cd-single, and didn't chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 617
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1988
Cost: 4 guilders
Tracks: 'Heart and soul' / 'On the wing'

Talk Talk - Talk Talk

Talk Talk was formed in 1981 by Mark Hollis, Simon Brenner, Lee Harris and Paul Webb. This first line-up enjoyed their first chart success in the UK with the single 'Talk Talk', a synth-oriented pop song, written by Mark Hollis and his brother Ed Hollis, who managed the band Eddie and the Hot Rods, and had started out in a punk band called The Reaction.

'Talk Talk' peaked at number 52 in the UK singles chart, but failed to chart in other territories. Still, it was the first sign of commercial success for one of the most influential bands of the Eighties.

My collection: 7" single no. 2698

Found: Record Exchange, London, July 3, 1996

Cost: 1 pound

Tracks: 'Talk Talk' / '?'

Tentations - Jo Lemaire

After her debut solo album 'Concorde' (1983) did fairly well in Belgium and France, Jo Lemaire released a self-titled album in 1984. From this album, the single 'Tentations' was taken, a swinging piece of pop pleasure. Unfortunately, this single and album signalled a few difficult years for Lemaire, as it yielded no commercial success.

I heard the single back in 1984 because my sister had bought it and played it a few times. A decade later, I bought my own copy. I didn't play it much, but recently I rediscovered it and I have to admit: it's a very good single. Even the B-side is pretty wonderful.

My collection: 7" single no. 1857

Found: Concerto, Amsterdam, January 30, 1993

Cost: 3 guilders

Tracks: 'Tentations' / 'L'enfer à deux'

With a little luck - Wings

Paul McCartney and his band Wings recorded 'With a Little Luck' on board the boat 'Fair Carol' in the Virgin Islands. The song was written by Paul McCartney in Scotland. The single hit number 1 in the USA, number 5 in the UK and number 6 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 843

Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 27, 1989

Cost: 1 guilder

Tracks: 'With a little luck' / 'Backwards traveller', 'Cuff link'

Download: Album 'London town', including these tracks

Ha Ha the sound of laughing - Mo

Mo released the title track of their second album 'Ha Ha the sound of laughing as the second single from that album. It met with muted response from audiences and critics alike. While the previous single 'Cheese' managed a low position in the Dutch Top 40, this single flopped entirely. 'Cheese' would prove to be their last chart success by the way: all the singles that followed didn't chart either.

You would almost think that Mo didn't make interesting music, but they did. Just listen to this track and the energetic B-side 'Stress' and you will hear that the band made glorious synthpop before the term had become popular.

My collection: 7" single no. 3004

Found: Geest, Den Haag, 2000

Cost: 2 guilders

Tracks: 'Ha Ha the sound of laughing' / 'Stress'