Vivre - Guy Bonnet

Guy Bonnet was born in Avignon, in the Vaucluse department in southeastern France in 1945. During his career, he has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest a couple of times. He started in 1968, writing and composing 'La source' for Isabelle Aubret. In 1970 he participated himself with 'Marie-Blanche', which finished fourth out of 12 contestants.

In 1983, he attempted to better that score with the song 'Vivre', which he wrote and performed himself. The song deals with the parting of two lovers, with one apparently slated to be executed by firing squad while the other continues to live. The song was historically the first ever French Eurovision entry to also be recorded in the minority Provençal language, then under the title 'Vièure'. The song finished eighth out of 20 contestants.

My collection: 7" single no. 4823
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Vivre' / 'Un signe d'amour'

Who wants to live forever / Friends will be friends - Queen

After the death of Freddie Mercury, 'Who wants to live forever' was re-released by EMI in March 1992. Originally, the track was released as a single from Queen's 1986 album 'A kind of magic'. The song was written by Brian May for the soundtrack of the movie 'Highlander'. The double A-side 'Friends will be friends' was from the same album, and originally released as the single that preceded 'Who wants to live forever' in 1986.

As far as I know, this double A-side single was only released in the Netherlands. It reached number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1617
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 4, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Who wants to live forever' / 'Friends will be friends'

Altijd heb ik je lief - Clouseau

After their performance at the Eurovision Song Contest was a relative disappointment, Clouseau still released an album of English language songs in 1991. When this release plus related singles didn't give them the international success they wanted, they decided to record a new album with Dutch songs.

'Altijd heb ik je lief' ('I love you always') was the first single from the new album, released in January 1992. The single reached number 6 in the Belgian singles chart and number 18 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1580
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, January 25, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Altijd heb ik je lief' / 'Lied voor jou'

When you walk in the room - Paul Carrack

'When you walk in the room' was written and recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1963. The lyrics of the song attempt to detail the singer's emotions when in the presence of the person he or she loves. There is also an expression of frustration by the singer that he or she cannot manage to tell that person of his or her love.

The song has since been covered by many artists including the Searchers and Agnetha Fältskog. In 1987, Paul Carrack released his version as the first single from his album 'Carrackature'. It reached number 48 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4811
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'When you walk in the room' / 'Collrane'

Revival - Eurythmics

'Revival' was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart together with guest keyboardist Pat Seymour. The lyric is a call for renewal and encouragement. Lennox sings the song to a subject who is facing hardships and feeling low, or perhaps is feeling bitter after much struggle in life.

The single was not released in the USA, and was only a minor hit in the UK, peaking at number 26. In the Dutch Top 40, it fared marginally better, peaking at number 25.

My collection: 7" single no. 4812
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Revival' / 'Precious'

No tiene edad - Gigliola Cinquetti

Gigliola Cinquetti won the 1964 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Non ho l'eta per amarti'. The song was released as a single and became a hit all over Europe. As a result, Cinquetti recorded the song in several other languages besides Italina. The English got 'This is my prayer', the French were promised 'Je suis à toi' and there waseven a Japanese version, 'Yumemiro omoi'.

This Spanish EP features four Spanish recordings from Cinquetti, including the Spanish version of her Eurovision hit, 'No tiene edad'. It is a charming version of a timeless classic.

My collection: 7" single no. 4822
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'No tiene edad', 'Eres un buen muchacho' / 'Cuando veo que todos se quieren', 'Pienso en las cosas perdidas'

Vision of you - Belinda Carlisle

'Vision of you' was the fifth single taken from Belinda Carlisle's album 'Runaway horses' (1990). Like most of her work during that time, the song was written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley and produced by Rick Nowels. The single featured a remixed version of the album version, giving it a more uptempo sound.

The song was the lowest charting single from the album. In the UK, it only managed to reach number 41. The single was re-released a year later after the success of '(We want) the same thing' and 'Summer rain', but it charted lower at number 71.

My collection: 7" single no. 4810
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 10, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Vision of you' / 'Leave a light on (Kamikazee mix)'