When Smokey sings - ABC

'When Smokey sings' was a comeback single of sorts for the band ABC. It was released as the first single from their fourth album 'Alphabet city' and their first big hit since 'All of my heart' almost five years previous.

The song's title refers to Smokey Robinson and is a tribute to this Sixties soul crooner. In the album version of the song, references are made to 'Luther', 'Sly', 'James' and 'Marvin' (most likely referring to Luther Vandross, Sly & the Family Stone, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye respectively). In the single version, this is replaced by alternate lyrics, followed by a short saxophone solo.

My collection: 7" single no. 4965
Found: Sister Ray, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'When Smokey sings' / 'Chicago (part 1)'

April love - Pat Boone

Pat Boone was born on June 1, 1934 and was a successful pop singer in the Fifties and early Sixties. As a devout Christian, Boone refused songs and movie roles that he felt might compromise his standards—including a role with sex symbol Marilyn Monroe. In his first film, 'April love', he refused to give co-star and love interest Shirley Jones an onscreen kiss, because the actress was married in real life.

The song from the movie was released as a single in 1958 and reached the top of the charts in the USA, while peaking at number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in the Netherlands. In 1974, the track was covered by Ricky Wilde. Indeed: Kim's younger brother.

My collection: 7" single no. 4953
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'April love' / 'Love letters in the sand'

Feels like winter again - Fiat Lux

I've known the English band Fiat Lux since 1984 when their single 'Secret' made quite an impression on me. For a long time I thought it was their debut single, but I was wrong: they actually started two years previous with the independently released single 'Feels like winter again'.

The track is very catchy and with proper production and promotion could well have been one of THE synthpop hits of the era. The way it is now, I only discovered the single recently, almost three decades since its release, and I am definitely hooked.

My collection: 7" single no. 4963
Found: Sister Ray, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Feels like winter again' / 'What is this illness'

John I'm only dancing (again) - David Bowie

'John, I’m only dancing (again)' was released in 1979 as a reworking of David Bowie's 1972 track 'John, I'm only dancing', made during the sessions for the album Young Americans. The re-recording featured a much more funk-influenced take on the track. Originally running at 6:57, the track was cut for a 7" single release, but the full version was issued on 12" vinyl – the first Bowie single to have a regular 12" release in the UK. For the B-side, the original version of 'John, I'm only dancing' was remixed.

The single reached number 12 in the UK singles chart, while peaking at number 29 in Ireland.

My collection: 7" single no. 4958
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'John I'm only dancing (again)' / 'John I'm only dancing (1972)'

Need you tonight - INXS

'Need you tonight' is one of those singles I never bought because by the time it was into the charts I was already sick of it. It must have been one of the most played tracks of 1987 and even now when INXS is remembered, it's usually for this song - although they have recorded much more interesting tracks before and after this.

This 'special magic pack' is an attractive collectors item, however. It consists of a set of square 7" postcards, wrapped inside a sleeve you can open up in various different ways.

My collection: 7" single no. 4962
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Need you tonight' / 'Move on'

Smalltown boy - Bronski Beat

The single 'Smalltown boy' was an instant hit upon its release in 1984. Part of this was due to the track, with a driving beat and haunting vocals, but the music video had a lot to do with it as well. It told the story of a boy moving to the big city after having issues with his parents - his father especially. It wouldn't be all too obvious if it weren't for the fact that the lead singer Jimmy Somerville was very vocal in gay rights groups.

'Smalltown boy' reached number 1 in the Dutch Top 40 and in Italy, and managed to reach number 3 in the UK top 40. Subsequently, the song has been covered by acts like Rosetta Stone, Indochine, Sharon Corr and the gothic metal band Paradise Lost.

My collection: 7" single no. 4957
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 31, 2010
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Smalltown boy' / 'Memories'

Just be good to me - S.O.S. Band

The S.O.S Band first found fame in 1980 when they released 'Take your time (Do it right)'. Three years later they joined forces with the new production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who went on to have lots of success with Janet Jackson in the second half of the Eighties.

'Just be good to me' was one of their first production for the band. The single reached number 55 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4974
Found: Empire Records, Den Haag, December 3, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Just be good to me' / 'Just be good to me (instrumental)'