Sweet dreams (are made of this) '91 - Eurythmics

In 1991, the Eurythmics decided to take a break from working together to concentrate on solo efforts. Annie Lennox recorded the awardwinning album 'Diva', David A. Stewart formed the Spiritual Cowboys, releasing two albums with the group.

The record company took the opportunity to release a greatest hits album. In order to promote the album, a remix of 'Sweet dream (are made of this)' was made and released as a single. The remix didn't really change much from the original song, but simply added some sounds and beats to what was already a pretty perfect popsong. It reached number 48 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2201
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, October 8, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Sweet dreams (are made of this) '91' / 'The king & queen of America'

Some things are better left unsaid - Daryl Hall and John Oates

'Some things are better left unsaid' was the third single from Daryl Hall & John Oates' 1984 album 'Big bam boom'. Although the first two singles from the album were top 5 hits in the USA, this single couldn't match that level of success, peaking at number 18 instead. In Europe, the single did not chart at all.

My copy of the single was made in Germany. It features a standard label with the text 'Ungeprüftes Muster' on it, meaning that this single was made for promotional purposes only.

My collection: 7" single no. 4778
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Some things are better left unsaid' / 'All American girl'

Wil niet dat je weggaat - Clouseau

The Belgian band Clouseau was still riding the wave of popularity when they released the last single from their debut album in the summer of 1990. 'Wil niet dat je weggaat' ('Don't want you to leave') was re-recorded for this single version, adding much melodrama to the original, more relaxed version.

The single reached number 12 in Belgium and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40. The band, meanwhile, was starting work on their second album, while also touring in the two countries.

My collection: 7" single no. 1283
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 23, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Wil niet dat je weggaat' / 'Brandweer'

Rock me Amadeus - Falco

The history of the track 'Rock me Amadeus' has been badly documented on the web. A remix version of the track was a big hit around the world, but this single is the original version, released in early 1985. On this single, the track has the lengthy title 'Rock me Amadeus (Ihn liebten alle Frauen)', the subtitle of which means 'All the women loved him'.

The track was produced by the Dutch brothers Bolland and was going to be included on the forthcoming album 'Falco 3' later on in 1985. Of course, the remix version of this single was a number 1 hit all over the world, but this single didn't cause much of a stir.

My collection: 7" single no. 4799
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Rock me Amadeus (Ihn liebten alle Frauen)' / 'Urban tropical'

Cold in my heart - Frank Boeijen

Although none of the singles from Frank Boeijen's debut solo album charted in the Netherlands, the record company still thought it might be good to try and launch his career abroad. Two songs, 'Koud in mijn hart' and 'Vaarwel' were translated in English by J. Balin and released on this single. It was released in some European countries, but not in the Netherlands.

This, of course, instantly turned it into a sort of collector's item for Boeijen fans. I have to say I never even saw this single until I bought it last week. The single, of course, had no commercial success. It is next to impossible to locate a copy, unless you meet a German dealer who doesn't know what he's selling...

My collection: 7" single no. 4783
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Cold in my heart' / 'Farewell'

Sugar walls - Sheena Easton

Alexander Nevermind was credited for composing and producing Sheena Easton's 1984 single 'Sugar walls'. It was a pseudonym of Prince, marking the first time the purple midget from Minneapolis worked with the innocent Scottish girl.

'Sugar walls' was a suggestive song, for its repeating innuendo about a woman's private parts where the listener should 'come inside', adding 'Take advantage, it's all right' just to be sure. The single was not a hit in Europe, but reached number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4807
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Sugar walls' / 'Straight talking'

Love in the natural way - Kim Wilde

Such was the success of Kim Wilde's sixth album 'Close', that the record company decided to release a fifth single in early 1989. 'Love in the natural way' was released in Germany, Ireland and the UK only, but failed to chart in Germany. In the UK singles chart, the single reached number 32, whereas in Ireland it reached number 26.

This was Kim's final single release of the Eighties, the decade in which she had become the biggest selling British female solo singer.

My collection: 7" single no. 764
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 9, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Love in the natural way' / 'You'll be the one who'll lose'