Policy of truth - Depeche Mode

'Policy of truth' was the third single from Depeche Mode's 1989 album 'Violator', released in May 1990. The song was slightly remixed and extended for its single release, becoming slower than the album version. An introduction was added, Martin Gore's vocals were more prominent, and the sounds at the end were modified.

The single reached number 16 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1248
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 16, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Policy of truth' / 'Kaleid'

Run to you - Roxette

'Run to you' was released as the fourth single from Roxette's 1994 album 'Crash! Boom! Bang!'. The single reached number 27 in the UK singles chart and also reached the charts in Switzerland and Australia.

The melody at the opening of the song is sampled in Tommy Henriksen's hit song, 'I see the sun'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2226
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 17, 1994
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Run to you' / 'Love is all (Shine your light on me)'

Scratching situation - Oozay

Yazoo made an impression in the pop world between 1982 and 1984. Their own singles and albums were successful, but there were also some acts that tried to profit from their success. The acapella group the Flying Pickets recorded a version of 'Only you', and this medley of Yazoo tracks is further proof of their influence at the time.

Oozay ('Yazoo' backwards) was an Italian outfit. The single 'Scratching situation' was a medley of 'State Farm', 'Situation' and 'Don't go', as performed by an Italian female singer (who has a problem pronouncing some of the lyrics), backed with cheaper synthesizers. 'The Lenny Twins' produced the single. It was not a hit in most territories, although I imagine it was still very popular in Italy and a proud possession of many Italo disco fanatics.

My collection: 7" single no. 4764
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Scratching situation' / 'A non scratching situation'

It should have been me - I've got the bullets

'It should have been me' is the sad tale of a woman who witnesses the wedding of the man of her dreams with someone else. The song was written by Stevenson and Whitfield and originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1968.

The Dutch band I've got the bullets recorded a cover version of the song in 1986 on their self-titled debut album. The track was also released as a single, but this one failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4759
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'It should have been me' / 'Special one'

Take my time - Sheena Easton

'Take my time' was the title of Sheena Easton's debut album, released in 1981. Produced by Christopher Neil, the album was a combination of pure pop songs and sentimental ballads. Besides the two hit singles Easton had already had in 1980, 'Morning train' and 'Modern girl', three more singles were taken from the album in 1981.

The title track was the penultimate single taken from the album. It reached number 44 in the UK singles chart but failed to chart in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 4753
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Take my time' / 'Calm before the storm'

Macho - Doe Maar

The lyric of 'Macho' by Doe Maar seemed to be a declaration of love to their main audience: girls. The singer declares that he never had many male friends, but played with girls instead. Basically, the members of Doe Maar declared that they were anything but macho.

In reality, the relationship with their audience was becoming strained. Although they didn't talk much about it at the time, it was becoming obvious that the audiences of screaming girls were becoming a trap for the men who just wanted to develop themselves musically. 'Macho' reached number 12 in the Dutch Top 40 and was in fact their last single before the band broke up - breaking many young girls' hearts.

My collection: 7" single no. 4744
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Macho' / 'Grote broer'

Matrimony - Gilbert O'Sullivan

After a few hit singles with 'Nothing rhymed' and 'Alone again (Naturally)', Gilbert O'Sullivan released 'Matrimony' in May 1972. The single was not released in the UK, but it was a big hit in the Netherlands, peaking at number 4.

O'Sullivan's self-created eye-catching visual image comprised a pudding basin haircut, cloth cap and short trousers. His manager reportedly hated the image, but O'Sullivan insisted on using it initially, until he assumed a more modern 'college-like' look in which he often wore a sweater bearing a large letter 'G' - as pictured here on the sleeve.

My collection: 7" single no. 4743
Found: Record fair, Rijswijk, April 5, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Matrimony' / 'January git'