I feel you - Depeche Mode

Was this Depeche Mode, or a heavy metal band? This was the question that bothered many listeners when the first single from their Depeche Mode's album 'Songs of faith and devotion' was released in early 1993. 'I feel you' sounded rough and tough, with a tormented Dave Gahan screaming his lungs out. He still had some drug-fuelled nightmares to go, but on this single, it sounded like he was already going through them.

On the cover of this single, there are four symbols, each representing a member. To tell which member it is, there's a number on the right-corner of each symbol, which is that band member's birthdate, or you can match the symbols up with the symbols on the cover of the album, which overlap a picture of that band member.

My collection: 7" single no. 1936
Found: Musik Box, Vienna, July 12, 1993
Cost: 30 Schilling
Tracks: 'I feel you' / 'One carress'

Heart of glass - Blondie

Almost immediately after its release, 'Heart of glass' became the subject of controversy because of its disco sound. At the time, Blondie was one of the bands at the forefront of New York's growing New Wave musical scene and were accused of 'selling out' for releasing a disco song. There was also the issue of the use of the expression 'pain in the ass' within the lyrics which, at the time, did not sit easily with the BBC. The radio version changed it to 'Heart of glass'.

This Dutch pressing of the single uses an edited version of the 'disco version' that was released on the 12" single. It reached number 5 in the Dutch Top 40. In several other European countries and the UK, 'Heart of glass' reached number 1.

My collection: 7" single no. 4795
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Heart of glass' / 'Heart of glass (instrumental)'

Heart of glass - Blondie

'Heart of glass' was originally recorded by Blondie in 1975 under the name 'Once I had a love', and was much slower with a blues/reggae vibe to it. The song was frequently performed on tours, then was re-recorded with the same title in 1978, when the song was made a bit more rock-oriented. When Blondie recorded the album 'Parallel lines', disco was big on the music scene, and producer Mike Chapman decided to give the song the disco twist. It became one of the best-known Blondie recordings.

For the single release the track was remixed by Chapman with the double-tracked bass drum even more accentuated. The versions appearing on the 7" single issued in early 1979 varied from country to country. On this American copy, an edited album version appears, backed by the track '11:59', also from the album 'Parallel lines'.

My collection: 7" single no. 118
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1980
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Heart of glass' / '11:59'

Centipede - Rebbie Jackson

The single 'Centipede' by Rebbie Jackson was always quite an elusive disc for me. I saw the music video in 1984 and have been searching for this 7" single ever since. Two months ago, I managed to find the 12" single, which was also quite stunning.

And yesterday, my fortunes took an amazing turn when I found this copy of the 7" single. Granted, the sleeve has been written on, but what to expect for a disc that only cost me 50 cents. I'm satisfied: it only took me a quarter of a century, and I saved some money in the process...

My collection: 7" single no. 4775
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Centipede' / 'Centipede (instrumental)'

I'll be there - Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey had only released two album when she was invited to perform an acoustic concert in the MTV programme 'Unplugged'. She hadn't even played live before, making this in a way her live debut. She added the song 'I'll be there' to her set list at the last minute, after she had been informed that most acts on the show commonly perform at least one cover. She sang the song together with backing singer Trey Lorenz.

The MTV Unplugged special aired on May 20, 1992, and was a notable success. Carey's label received many requests to release 'I'll be there' as a single, which had not been planned. A radio edit of the song was created which removed dialogue portions of the performance. The single reached number 1 in Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the USA. During Michael Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009, Carey and Lorenz sang their rendition of the song in tribute to him.

My collection: 7" single no. 1675
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 27, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'I'll be there' / 'So blessed'

White fool - Clannad

'White fool' was released as the third single from Clannad's 1987 album 'Sirius'. I've never actually seen this single, but during the record fair I bought this copy, I suddenly saw several copies in different stands. Sometimes it's as if a record company decides to give out copies from decades ago.

The single was not a commercial success, which may be attributed to the rather sketchy nature of this particular track.

My collection: 7" single no. 4780
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'White fool' / 'Many roads'

Vulnerable - Roxette

The last single from Roxette's album 'Crash! Boom! Bang' was also the last of their singles to be released on the 7" vinyl format. Unfortunately, it wasn't their best single. 'Vulnerable' is a syrupy ballad with lyrics that are not very imaginative. The inspired lead vocals by Marie Fredriksson are also missing, as she is relegated to backing vocals, making way for Per Gessle's less interesting lead vocals.

As a result, 'Vulnerable' was the first Roxette single to miss the UK top 40 since 1989's 'Listen to your heart', peaking at number 44 in April 1995.

My collection: 7" single no. 2259
Found: April 8, 1995
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Vulnerable (edit)' / 'The sweet hello, the sad goodbye'