Never my love - Patty Brard

'Never my love' was written by American siblings Donald and Richard Addrisi, who recorded under the name the Addrisi Brothers and had two Top 40 hits as singers. The first recording of the song that achieved chart success was by the Association, an American pop-rock band from California. Their version peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in late 1967.

Dutch singer Patty Brard recorded the song in 1983 on her second solo album 'You're in the pocket'. Released as a single, the track did not chart but it still got some attention because of the music video, in which Brard was rolling around in the nude. Don't bother to look for it on YouTube: it can't be found.

My collection: 7" single no. 2726
Found: September 7, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Never my love' / 'Oh girl'

Everlasting love - Sandra

'Everlasting love' was written by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden. It was first a hit for soul singer Robert Knight in 1967. The song was subsequently covered by various acts, the most famous of which were U2 in 1989 and Love Affair in 1968. The Love Affair version peaked at number 1 in the UK in January 1968.

Sandra recorded her cover version of the song as a new track for her compilation album 'Ten on one' in 1988. The European release featured the track 'Change your mind', from Sandra's debut album, while the UK single featured the other new track from 'Ten on one', 'Stop for a minute'.

My collection: 7" single no. 1860 (German pressing) / no. 2670 (UK pressing)
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, January 30, 1993 / Leeds, June 30, 1996
Cost: 3 guilders / 1,5 pounds
Tracks: 'Everlasting love' / 'Change your mind' (German pressing)
'Everlasting love' / 'Stop for a minute' (UK pressing)

Love's been a little bit hard on me - Juice Newton

'Love's been a little bit hard on me' was released in 1982. It reached number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 during the summer of that year. I bought the single because I liked the song, while it met with disapproval of my sister, with whom I had an almost shared record collection at the time. Suffice to say that she was rather shocked that I came home with this one...

My collection: 7" single no. 135
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 3,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Love's been a little bit hard on me' / 'Ever true'

Candle in the wind (live) - Elton John

'Elton John live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra' was released in 1987. This single, a live version of 'Candle in the wind', the famous song dedicated to Marilyn Monroe, was taken from that album. The single reached number 5 in the UK and Canada.

While touring in Australia, the year before, Elton lost his voice. Shortly thereafter he underwent throat surgery. Several non-cancerous polyps were removed from his vocal cords, and John lost his famous falsetto, and he sang with a new voice.

My collection: 7" single no. 627
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Candle in the wind (live)' / 'Sorry seems to be the hardest word (live)'

Feel so high - Des'ree

As written before on this blog, 'Feel so high' was released twice in the UK, with the second release being the most successful one. The original single had a different B-side than this reissue. The sleeve was also different.

Enough reasons for me to warrant the purchase of this single. It was the last 7" single by Des'ree I bought. Not long after this, the vinyl format was abandoned by the record company and the artist started recording dull songs.

My collection: 7" single no. 2361
Found: July 3, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Feel so high' / 'Got to be strong'

When will I see you again - Three Degrees

'When will I see you again' was written and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The Three Degrees recorded and released the track in 1974. Sheila Ferguson from the group recalled that 'the song was played to me by Kenny Gamble at the piano in 1973 and I threw a tantrum. I screamed and yelled and said I would never sing it. I thought it was ridiculously insulting to be given such a simple song and that it took no talent to sing it. We did do it and several million copies later, I realized that he knew more than me.'

The single became one of the most successful recordings using the 'Philly Soul' sound, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. In the UK the single topped the chart, whereas in the Netherlands it reached number 4.

My collection: 7" single no. 2958
Found: February 9, 1998
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'When will I see you again' / 'I didn't know'

Feel the raindrops - The Adventures

Almost a decade before I bought the 12" single of 'Feel the raindrops', I bought the 7" single. It was one of the best tracks of 1985 in my opinion, and after the beautiful 'Send my heart', this was another track I instantly fell in love with.

The song still sounds as fresh as ever now in 2009. Music like this has become pretty rare in the mean time.

My collection: 7" single no. 440
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, July 26, 1986
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Feel the raindrops' / 'Nowhere near me'