I bought the 7" single of 'Strut' for almost nothing in 1993, so it's only fair that I would find the 12" single for a tiny amount as well. I'm glad to say I did.
This 12" single features a dance mix Eighties-style: instrumental passages and echoes - and that's pretty much it. That's the way I like it best...
My collection: 12" single no. 548 Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010 Cost: 1 euro Tracks: 'Strut (Dance mix)' / 'Letters from the road'
Although this is a 12" single, it doesn't really contain a track especially made for it: both 'Questionnaire' and 'Boy' appear in their respective album versions. But because 'Questionnaire' was edited for the 7" single, this still is an attractive disc.
Chas Jankel worked with Ian Dury on a lot of tracks recorded by the latter. On this occasion, Jankel ended up recording the track he'd written with Ian Dury himself.
My collection: 12" single no. 547 Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010 Cost: 1 euro Tracks: 'Questionnaire' / 'Boy'
When I listen to this single, I can't help but notice the dodgy sound effects and the very thin voice of Thereza Bazar. Dollar were just starting out in 1979, when 'Love's gotta hold on me' was released. The duo had had two minor hits in the UK, but hit the big time - amazingly - with this one: it reached number 4 in the UK singles chart.
The song does not convince me: personally, I prefer the B-side, 'Tokyo'.
My collection: 7" single no. 4887 Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010 Cost: 0,5 euro Tracks: 'Love's gotta hold on me' / 'Tokyo'
The Flirts were a female trio from New York City who had several dance hits in the early Eighties. The group was created and masterminded by American Hi-NRG producer, Bobby Orlando aka 'Bobby O'. The trio - initially Andrea, Holly and Rebecca - are best known for their sensual tracks.
The single 'Passion' was released in 1982, and it became the group's only single to chart outside of the USA. It reached number 22 in the Dutch Top 40.
My collection: 7" single no. 4886 Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, May 22, 2010 Cost: 0,5 euro Tracks: 'Passion' / 'Jungle rock'
Marjon Keller, Mandy Huydts en de the sisters Karin and Laura Vlasblom were selected for the children's choir Kinderen Voor Kinderen in the early Eighties. After recording an album and some TV specials with the choir, they decide to continue as a group. They are coached by Mandy's father Jan Huydts.
Working as The Sweet Society at first, they change their name to Frizzle Sizzle in 1985 and record their debut single 'Why do boys'. Produced by Peter Schön and Victor Heeremans, the single sounds a bit like a demo and does not reach the Dutch Top 40. In 1986 the quartet participates in the Eurovision Song Contest and find fame under the guiding hands of producers Fluitsma and Van Tijn.
My collection: 7" single no. 4885 Found: Markplaats.nl, received May 22, 2010 Cost: 2 euro Tracks: 'Why do boys' / 'Modern times'
'Outside of this (Inside of that)' was a single taken from Jon & Vangelis' 1981 album 'The friends of mr. Cairo'. The track was edited from 5 minutes to 4 minutes and 10 seconds for the single.
It was a peculiar choice for a single, as it doesn't have a very memorable melody or hook. No wonder, then, that this single failed to chart in all territories.
My collection: 7" single no. 4884 Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010 Cost: 3 euro Tracks: 'Outside of this (Inside of that)' / 'Beside'
Belgian singer Jo Lemaire released 'C'est mon bateau' ('It's my boat') in 1990. The accompanying music video was recorded in black and white.
The song was taken from the album 'Duelle', which was a record with French chansons. The album was awarded gold in Belgium and was also successful in France.
My collection: 7" single no. 4883 Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010 Cost: 1 euro Tracks: 'C'est mon bateau' / 'Jardin des délices'