Pictures of matchstick men - Status Quo

The Spectres, the Scorpions and Traffic: these three band names all preceded the name Status Quo between 1962 and 1967. The core of the band was eventually formed by Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, who continued to work together after meeting in 1964. When they decided to call themselves Status Quo and signed a record deal with PYE records, their debut album 'Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo' was released in 1968.

'Pictures of matchstick men' became the band's first hit, peaking at number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch top 40. The B-side on this re-release 7" single is their next hit, 'Ice in the sun', which was written by Marty Wilde (Kim's father). That one reached number 8 in the UK and number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2932
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 17, 1998
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Pictures of matchstick men' / 'Ice in the sun'

Davy's on the road again - Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Manfred Mann founded his Earth Band in 1971. Members of the band were Mick Rogers, Noel McCalla, Geoff Dunn and Steve Kinch. Mann wanted to move away from the strict three minute pop song format that was the rule in his previous band, simply called Manfred Mann.

Their 1978 album 'Watch' featured the hit single 'Davy's on the road again'. It was the band's last top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number 6, whereas in the Netherlands it was the band's second and last hit overall, peaking at number 15.

My collection: 7" single no. 1843
Found: January 23, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Davy's on the road again' / 'Bouillabaisse'

Misfit - Curiosity killed the cat

Curiosity killed the cat first came to public attention when they had Andy Warhol in the video for their 1986 single 'Misfit'. Warhol referenced Bob Dylan's 'Subterranean homesick blues' music video by dropping piece of white card in time to the music.

While not a hit at first, it was re-released in 1987 and reached number 7 in the UK singles chart on that occasion. This limited edition release with a 44 inch foldout sleeve may have helped in reaching that position; it's quite a great item.

My collection: 7" single no. 2615
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, February 10, 1996
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Misfit' / 'Man'

Marc Anthony's tune - Tyka Nelson

Tyka Nelson is the sister of Prince Roger Nelson, the artist formerly known as Prince (Or is it currently? I don't know anymore...). She recorded an album called 'A brand new me' in 1988 and this single was taken from that album.

It was often played on Dutch radio back then, but the single did not chart. Her career never really took off either, despite her famous family member.

My collection: 7" single no. 973
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, August 29, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Marc Anthony's tune' / 'Be good to me'

Peter Gunn (live) - Emerson Lake and Palmer

Peter Gunn is an American private eye television series which aired on American television networks between 1958 and 1961. The innovative jazz theme was composed by Henry Mancini and his orchestra. A hip, bluesy, brassy number with an insistent piano-and-bass line, the song became an instant hit for Mancini, earning him an Emmy Award and two Grammys

The Peter Gunn theme has been covered by numerous jazz, blues, and rock artists since, including Emerson Lake & Palmer. Their live performance of the theme was included on their 1979 album 'In concert' and released as a single. While not a hit, it became one of my favourite tracks of 1980.

My collection: 7" single no. 2052
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, November 20, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Peter Gunn (live)' / 'Knife-edge (live)'

Dusk till dawn - Ladyhawke

'Dusk till dawn' is another single by New Zealand pop artist Ladyhawke. Pressed on heavy white vinyl, it is a beautiful collectors item. The track itself is not as catchy as 'My delirium', but it's still a slice of modern synthpop.

Released in the autumn of 2008, the single peaked at number 78 in the UK singles chart, but did not chart in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 3904
Found: 7inchsingles.nl, received July 24 ,2009
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'Dusk till dawn' / 'Danny and Jenny'

Lifesaver - Emiliana Torrini

Emiliana Torrini's 2005 album 'Fisherman's woman' was woven through with the memory of her boyfriend, who was killed in a car accident in the early Noughties. It is evident in the two tracks on this single, the first one to be lifted from the album: 'Lifesaver' and 'Serenade': two slightly melancholy tracks which are, like most of the album, acoustically-based.

This single release is a special item as well: not only does it come in a numbered limited edition (this is number 96 of 1250 copies), but it has a signed inner sleeve and the resealable plastic sleeve contains a small leaf that is part of the artwork. Here's hoping the leaf won't disintegrate before I die.

My collection: 7" single no. 3900
Found: 7inchsingles.nl, received July 24, 2009
Cost: 9 euro
Tracks: 'Lifesaver' / 'Serenade'

What! - Soft Cell

While Soft Cell only had one hit in the USA with 'Tainted love', several other singles were also released across the Atlantic. This single is living proof: it's the American pressing of 'What!', featuring a different B-side than its UK counterpart.

'What!' peaked at number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 6 in Ireland, but did not chart in other territories.

My collection: 7" single no. 1752
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 19, 1992
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'What!' / 'Memorabilia'

Room in your heart - Living in a box

Living in a box released their second album 'Gatecrashing' in 1989. From this album, they released 'Room in your heart'. It was the first time the group released a ballad as a single.

The single was a big success: it was the first time they equalled the success of their debut single, 'Living in a box', which also reached number 5 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the same happened, as both singles peaked at number 10.

My collection: 7" single no. 1111
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, November 17, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Room in your heart' / 'When push comes to shove'

Eagle / Thank you for the music - Abba

Released as a double A-side, 'Eagle' and 'Thank you for the music' got equal attention at its release, but in later years, it's 'Thank you for the music' that has become an Abba classic, and not 'Eagle'. I don't really understand. While 'Thank you for the music' certainly has a universal appeal, 'Eagle' comes with a much better production and sound overall.

The single became a number 1 hit in Belgium, but peaked lower in all other countries. In the Netherlands it made number 4, while in the UK it was not released. I got my copy from my sister as a result of a swap. I do not recall which single I swapped but I do know it was an improvement.

My collection: 7" single no. 18
Found: Den Haag
Cost: -
Tracks: 'Eagle' / 'Thank you for the music'

House of Salome - Kim Wilde

I knew nothing about this single when I bought it. I had the album 'Catch as catch can', which it was taken from, but I didn't know it was released, and for some time I wondered why. As it turns out, 'House of Salome' was released as a single by RAK Records shortly before Kim's contract with them expired. Hence, she did not do any promotion for it, there was no music video, and the single sunk without a trace.

I found my copy in early 1985, a year after its release. It's one of the standout tracks from Kim's 1983 album, and the sleeve is a gem too; a stunning photograph that has never been used before or since.

My collection: 7" single no. 284
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'House of Salome' / 'Sing it out for love'

Strange way - All about Eve

The release of 'Strange way', the second single from All about Eve's 1991 album 'Touched by Jesus' was promoted by the record company with a special promotional 7" single, featuring the full lengh track and a radio edit of the track.

It wasn't a very high profile promotional disc, in a custom black sleeve and a small info sticker at the front. But since these promotional items are collectable anyway and the radio edit never surfaced on any other disc, I'm glad I got hold of this item.

My collection: 7" single no. 1882
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, April 24, 1993
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Strange way (radio edit)' / 'Strange way (full version)'

How can I fall - Breathe

Released as the second single from Breathe's debut album 'All that jazz', 'How can I fall' was a beautiful ballad, which peaked at number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 48 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single reached number 23.

It was released in a limited edition containing a 1989 calendar. The gatefold sleeve could be made to stand up in a triangle, to be used as a desk calendar all year.

My collection: 7" single no. 3189
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 16, 2000
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'How can I fall' / 'All this I should have known'

Pas pour moi - Daniela Simons

Daniela Simons represented Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 in Bergen with the song 'Pas pour moi'. The song finished second behind Belgium's entry. Simons had made previous attempts to represent Switzerland. In 1983 she came last in the national selection with 'Dis moi tout'. She took second place in 1985 with 'Repars a zero'.

On this single, the B-side is an English version of 'Pas pour moi'. I liked the song, but only bought it because I found it in a discount bin years later.

My collection: 7" single no. 1909
Found: Plaatboef, Leiden, May 19, 1993
Cost: 0,5 guilder
Tracks: 'pas pour moi' / 'Candlelight'

Controversy - Prince

'Controversy' was originally released in 1981 as a single from Prince's album of the same name. The song addresses certain rumours about him, particularly rumours about his sexual preference, and how he couldn't understand why people were even interested in such facts. On its original release, the single charted in the US and Australia only.

When the record company released a compilation album in 1993, 'Controversy' was re-released in the UK. Besides a double cd-single release, this picture disc was also available. This time around, the single peaked at number 5 in the UK, Prince's first top 10 hit in that country since 'My name is Prince' a year before.

My collection: 7" single no. 2653
Found: June 29, 1996
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Controversy' / 'The future (remix)'

Heaven can wait - Sandra

After Sandra and Michael Cretu married on January 7, 1988, they went right back into it and released Sandra's third album 'Into a secret land'. Four singles were taken from the album, of which 'Heaven can wait' was the first.

Sales for the single were very good in Israel, where it reached number 2, and Austria, where the single reached number 4. In her native Germany, the single peaked at number 12.

My collection: 7" single no. 1923
Found: Record fair, June 5, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Heaven can wait' / 'Heaven's theme'

A whiter shade of pale - Procol Harum

'A whiter shade of pale' is one of those songs that have been universally accepted as a true classic. The Hammond organ line was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Sleepers awake' and 'Air on a G String', but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach, although it makes clear references to both pieces.

The song reached number 1 in several countries, including the UK and the Netherlands, when released in 1967. Written by Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher and Keith Reid, the latter commented that he got the idea for the title when it came to him at a party, which gave him a starting point for the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 330
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'A whiter shade of pale' / 'Conquistador'

Early morning - A-ha

I wasn't very impressed with the third single off A-ha's 1990 album 'East of the sun west of the moon'. It was 'Early morning', a track that didn't stand out in any way. What's more, it didn't come with any interesting remixes, B-sides or somesuch. However, there was one interesting thing after all: in the UK, the record company released a limited edition 7" box set, which included three postcards and a tourpass. I am a sucker for extras and limited editions, so obviously I went for it.

The single was not a big success, stalling at number 78 in the UK singles chart. It was the last single to be released from the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 2929
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 17, 1998
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Early morning' / 'East of the sun'

Heartstopper - Emiliana Torrini

Emiliana Torrini was born on May 16, 1977 in Kópavogur, Iceland, where she went to opera school. Between 1994 and 1996 she released three albums in her native country. International recognition followed when Roland Orzabal from Tears for fears produced her first international album 'Love in the time of science'.

She followed up the album with the more acoustically based 'Fisherman's woman' in 2005. 'Heartstopper' was the second single from that album, which, like the first single 'Sunnyroad', did not chart. Too beautiful, I guess.

My collection: 7" single no. 3901
Found: 7inchsingles.nl, received July 24, 2009
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Heartstopper (Radiofied version)' / 'Thinking out loud (Extended Horn section version)'

Everything must change - Paul Young

Another single taken from his 1984 album 'The secret of association', 'Everything must change' is for all intents and purposes a 'black' soul song. It's one of the few hits by Paul Young which he himself co-wrote (Most of his hits are cover versions).

The single peaked at number 9 in the UK singles chart and number 25 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3868
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Everything must change' / 'Give me my freedom'

Hometown glory - Adele

I heard this song on a television series (I'm not saying which) and found out what it was because I remembered some of the lyrics. These days with Google, it ain't hard. Adele's 'Hometown glory' is a great piano-based track, with the voice of Adele not distracting too much from the beautiful music.

Adele wrote 'Hometown glory' when she was just 16 years old. She was born on May 5, 1988 in Enfield, North London and released her debut album '19' in 2008. The single reached number 19 in the UK singles chart, after flopping on its initial release in 2007.

My collection: 7" single no. 3617
Found: La La Land, April 2009
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Hometown glory' / 'Fool that I am (live)'

Girl you're so together - Michael Jackson

Not content with one hit single, 'Farewell my summer love', from their archive-plundering album of the same name, Motown released a second single, 'Girl you're so together'. While the previous single charted in several countries, this one only made the charts in the UK and Ireland, peaking at number 33 and 29 respectively.

I'm still curious what Motown will come up with, now that Michael Jackson is no longer with us. There still must be a lot of material in those vaults...

My collection: 7" single no. 3850
Found: eBay.co.uk, received July 15, 2009
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Girl you're so together' / 'Touch the one you love'

Mirror, mirror - Diana Ross

'Mirror mirror' was released as a single from Diana Ross's 1982 album 'Why do fools fall in love'. Having hit number 1 in the Netherlands with the title track, 'Mirror mirror' was a relative disappointed, peaking at number 27.

The song is notable as one of the few songs Ross sung both lead and background vocals.

My collection: 7" single no. 3887
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Mirror, mirror' / 'Sweet nothings'

The racing rats - Editors

'The racing rats' was the third single taken from the Editors' album 'An end has a start'. In the UK, the single was released, unusually, on one cd-single and two different 7" singles. This is the second one, featuring a demo version of the track and a new B-side track.

'The racing rats' reached number 26 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3899
Found: 7inchsingles.nl, received July 24, 2009
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'The racing rats (original demo)' / 'A thousand pieces'

My delirium - Ladyhawke

Ladyhawke was born as Philippa "Pip" Brown in Wellington, New Zealand. During her childhood various illnesses and allergies kept her in and out of the hospital. In 2008 she debuted with her self-titled album, from which several singles have been taken.

Her biggest hit so far is 'My delirium', a catchy synthpop anthem which led to comparisons with Kim Wilde in various media. The single peaked at number 33 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in Australia. This picture disc edition comes on extremely heavy vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 3903
Found: 7inchsingles.nl, received July 24, 2009
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'My delirium' / 'My delirium (Toddla T& Ross Orton Remix)'

Instinctual - Imagination

'Instinctual' was the last (minor) hit for Imagination. It was released in 1987 as a single from their album 'Closer'. The song was written by Arthur Baker and Paul Gurvitz. The single reached number 62 on the UK singles chart.

While on the album the band was pictured with three members, only two of them featured on this sleeve: Leee John and Ashley Ingram. I've no idea where Errol Kennedy went back then...

My collection: 7" single no. 3886
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Instinctual' / 'Touch (part 2)'

Shame for you - Lily Allen

'Shame for you', a double A-side with 'Alfie', was the fourth single taken from Lily Allen's debut album 'Alright, still', released in 2007. The vocal melody is loosely based on a horn line of a Jackie Mittoo song titled "Loving You" off the album "Evening Time". The single did not come with a music video, but it was released on 7" vinyl.

I was aware of this release, but it was always exceedingly expensive to get a hold of. Now I ordered it online together with some other recent singles (soon on this blog), the price was more reasonable.

My collection: 7" single no. 3902
Found: 7inchsingles.nl, received July 24, 2009
Cost: 4 euro
Tracks: 'Shame for you' / 'Alfie'

Fall in love with me - Earth Wind and Fire

'Fall in love with me' was written by Wayne Vaughn and Wanda Vaughn. It was released in 1982 as a single from Earth Wind & Fire's 1983 album 'Powerlight'. The single peaked at number 47 in the UK singles chart and number 11 in the Dutch Top 40.

'Fall in love with me' was also nominated for a Grammy in the category Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

My collection: 7" single no. 3889
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Fall in love with me' / 'Lady sun'

I need you - B.V.S.M.P.

Sometimes my memory plays dirty tricks on me. I remembered 'I need you' by B.V.S.M.P. as a nice popsong with some regrettable hip hop elements, but listening to it now I have to conclude that it was a dull hip hop song after all. Nothing can be worse than a song starting with the words 'Yo, hey, check this out'. The only thing missing here is the 'bitch' and 'motherfucker'.

The band consisted of Percy Nathan Rodgers, Calvin Williams and Frederick Eugene Byrd. 'I need you' reached number 3 in the UK singles chart and number 8 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3895
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'I need you' / 'I need you (Radio instrumental)'

Come back and stay - Paul Young

Paul Young's 1983 hit single 'Come back and stay' was written by American musician Jack Lee. The song may have been written about one of his two teen sweethearts (with whom he fathered respectively a son and a daughter) or to his wife and mother of his two youngest daughters. This theme of loss of love, heartbreak and abandonment was derived from his life experiences that kept repeating.

Paul Young reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the Dutch Top 40 with this track. The album version, which lasted for seven minutes, was edited to a 4'23 minute single remix version.

My collection: 7" single no. 3878
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Come back and stay (single remix version)' / 'Yours'

Listen to the man with the golden voice - Time Bandits

Alides Hidding started the band Time Bandits in the early Eighties. Their debut single 'Live it up' was a big hit in the Netherlands and the start of a career that would span the entire decade.

'Listen to the man with the golden voice' is released in April 1983 and reaches number 7 in the Dutch Top 40 - but also becomes a hit in other European countries. The track is sung with Hidding's distinctive falsetto voice.

My collection: 7" single no. 3877
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Listen to the man with the golden voice' / 'Words'

Labour of love - Hue and Cry

Hue and Cry are a pop duo formed in 1983 in Coatbridge, Scotland by the brothers Pat and Greg Kane. Their biggest hit was the 1987 single 'Labour of love', which peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart. It was released as their second single after their first single 'I refuse' had failed to make the UK top 75.

The song is written from the perspective of a disillusioned working-class Conservative voter of the mid-Eighties who has worked hard to believe in Margaret Thatcher's story of a new proud, individualist Britain and who is now realising that there is less "gain" than "pain" in doing so.

My collection: 7" single no. 3888
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Labour of love' / 'Wide screen'

Singin' in the rain - Sheila B. Devotion

'Singin' in the rain' was originally written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown in 1929. It was prominently featured in the movie of the same name from 1952, starring Gene Kelly.

Sheila B. Devotion recorded this disco version of the track in 1977. It was a big hit, peaking at number 3 in the Netherlands and number 11 in the UK singles chart. The most interesting bit in the song is Sheila's pronunciation of the word 'Rain'.

My collection: 7" single no. 3884
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Singin' in the rain part 1' / 'Singin' in the rain part 2'

The same old scene - Roxy Music

'Same old scene' was released as the second single from Roxy Music's 1980 album 'Flesh & Blood'. It peaked at number 12 on the UK charts and number 34 in the Netherlands.

The song plays during the opening credits of the 1980 film 'Times Square' and is included on the soundtrack album. The song was also used for the ending credits of the first episode of the 2008 series 'Ashes to Ashes', causing it to jump to the No.1 most downloaded Roxy Music song on iTunes for a short period.

My collection: 7" single no. 3890
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'The same old scene' / 'My only love'

No more tears (Enough is enough) - Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer

In 1979, Barbra Streisand, famous for her easy listening songs, and disco queen Donna Summer got together to record a duet. Entitled 'Enough is enough', it almost never made it onto Streisand's album 'Wet', because the lyric did not contain any reference to water (the theme of the album). Streisand really wanted the song on the album and thus changed the title of the song to 'No more tears (Enough is enough)', upon which the ballad introduction was written, to give more of an explanation of water to the song. 'It's raining, it's pouring, my love life is boring me to tears after all these years'.

During the recording of the song, Summer is said to have passed out and fallen off her chair having been out partying the night before. Streisand supposedly carried on singing her long note and waited until she had finished it before stopping and asking Summer if she was okay. Another rumour regarding the song is that Streisand's son, Jason Gould, is the one who talked his mother into recording the duet as he was a fan of Summer's work. The single became a number one hit in the USA and Canada, peaking at number 3 in the UK and number 20 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3896
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'No more tears (Enough is enough)' / 'Wet' (Barbra Streisand)

Raw - Spandau Ballet

After a break from recording, during which the Kemp brothers Gary and Martin established themselves as credible actors in the gangster film 'The Krays', Spandau Ballet released the album 'Heart Like a Sky' in 1989.

'Raw' was released as the first single in September 1988. It reached number 47 in the UK singles chart and number 27 in the Dutch Top 40, but in other territories the single flopped. Meanwhile, internal conflicts caused the band to split up in early 1990.

My collection: 7" single no. 3881
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 1989
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Raw' / 'Raw (Flip)'

Total eclipse of the heart - Bonnie Tyler

'Total eclipse of the heart' is one of those singles I thought I had for years, and then one day I discovered I didn't have it. It still didn't get to the top of my want list, because it's also one of those songs that have been played to death on radio and television in the mid-Eighties, the time when I was actually hooked on those media.

The song remains Bonnie Tyler's most successful song, peaking at number 1 in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the Netherlands, surprisingly, it didn't do so well, peaking at number 24 in the Dutch Top 40. It's still a radio favourite these days.

My collection: 7" single no. 3893
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Total eclipse of the heart' / 'Take me back'

It hurts - The Lotus Eaters

The single 'It hurts' is an excellent track, and one of my (many) favourites of the Eighties. Finding this 12" single was a happy catch. It features not so much a remix of the song as it is a re-recording, featuring a few added lines. Hence the subtitle: 'There must be a taste of murder in it'.

With 12" singles like this, you have to wonder why remixes are so boring these days.

My collection: 12" single no. 502
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'It hurts (There must be a taste of murder in it)' / 'The evidence', 'It hurts (7" version)'

Rio - Maywood

According to the Dutch duo Maywood, Rio is a 'land of sun, samba and wine'. But of course, Rio de Janeiro is a city in Brazil. It does make you wonder what Alice May (one half of the duo) was thinking while she was composing the song.

Despite this ignorance, the single became Maywood's second biggest hit, peaking at number 3 in the Dutch Top 40. Most people don't listen to lyrics anyway...

My collection: 7" single no. 3869
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Rio' / 'It's a different world'

Arizona sky - China Crisis

'Arizona sky' was taken from China Crisis' fourth album 'What price paradise', released in 1986. The single was a minor success in the UK, reaching number 47 in the singles chart.

A few months ago I was frantically searching for China Crisis 12" singles, because there are quite a few extended versions around that have never been released on cd. What better way to get them on one disc than by buying all the original 12" singles myself and then compile them? But finding them is quite hard. You can imagine I was very pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this one.

My collection: 12" single no. 501
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'Arizona sky (full length version)' / 'Trading in gold'

(Baby tell me) Can you dance - Shanice Wilson

Shanice Wilson was born in Pittsburgh, USA on May 14, 1973. She was pushed by her mother and aunt who were interested in pursuing careers in the music industry. At the age of eight, she starred in a KFC commercial with Ella Fitzgerald. In 1984, she participated in the TV programme 'Star search' and was signed to A&M Records.

She recorded an album with Teena Marie producing, but the record company shelved the album. 1987 saw the release of 'Discovery', produced by Bryan Loren. The first single, '(Baby tell me) Can you dance' was an immediate hit, peaking at number 50 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 35 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3871
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: '(Baby tell me) Can you dance' / 'Summer love'

Cruel summer 89 - Bananarama

Record company executives have brilliant ideas sometimes. Take for instance this single. Bananarama released a compilation album in 1989. Entitled 'The greatest hits collection', it comprised all of the trio's big hits and became their biggest success, peaking at number 3 in the UK albums chart.

The executives wanted to promote the album with a single release. What to do? The recipe was as follows: take a catchy song such as 'Cruel summer', take out all the life and soul, replace it with generic beats and a dull throbbing rhythm, and you've got a potential new hit! Except it wasn't. The single still made number 19 in the UK singles chart, but flopped everywhere else. In short: this is a rather disappointing release by the Bananaramas.

My collection: 7" single no. 3885
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Cruel summer (Swing beat version)' / 'Venus (The greatest remix)'

Together we are beautiful - Fern Kinney

Fern Kinney began singing in the late Sixties. She joined the vocal group The Poppies, replacing the previous singer Patsy McClune. In the early Seventies she also started working as a session musician. Having settled as a housewife, Kinney finally tried to attempt a comeback with 'Groove me'.

The next single 'Together we are beautiful' became a surprise worldwide hit. Originally recorded by British vocalist Steve Allan eighteen months earlier, Kinney made it a sultry disco hit. It didn't reach the chart in her native America, but in the UK it became a number one hit. It also reached number 24 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 3870
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Together we are beautiful' / 'Baby, let me kiss you'

Ain't no pleasing you - Chas and Dave

At the age of eleven, just before I was leaving junior education, the school organised a dance for its pupils. The memory of dancing with the girl Francisca had left my mind for a long time, but it came back when I heard this song, because this was the song we danced to. I left school full of hope for the future, but it would take no less than 11 years before I ever danced with a woman again.

It was Chas & Dave's only hit in the Netherlands, reaching number 20 in May 1982. In the UK, where the duo was more successful, this was their biggest hit, peaking at number 2 in the singles chart the month before.

My collection: 7" single no. 3891
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Ain't no pleasing you' / 'Give it some stick Mick!'

Blood on the dancefloor - Michael Jackson

I already wrote about 'Blood on the dancefloor' on an earlier entry. I'd found a rare UK pressing of the single and I assumed it was just about the only 7" vinyl that existed of this title. But how wrong I was! The single was also made in the USA, and what's more: it's got a different B-side! I ordered this copy right away, because those latter day Michael Jackson singles are very appealing to me.

The remix of 'Dangerous' by Roger on the B-side also appeared on the cd-single for 'Blood on the dancefloor', and so it isn't that rare. But circa 1997 all 7" singles were becoming rarities, and so it is still a worthwhile addition to my collection.

My collection: 7" single no. 3898
Found: eBay.com, received July 22, 2009
Cost: 10 dollars
Tracks: 'Blood on the dancefloor' / 'Dangerous (Roger's Dangerous Edit)'

Follow me - Amanda Lear

Amanda Lear has made a point of being unclear about her childhood. She was alledgedly born as Amanda Tapp in Hong Kong on November 18, 1939, but the stories she told the press have been deliberately conflicting, with her date of birth ranging between 1939 and 1948 and her place of birth reported as Switzerland, Saigon, Hanoi as well as Hong Kong.

After a career in modelling she moved into music in the mid-Seventies. 'Follow me' has become her signature song. It was taken from her second album 'Sweet revenge' and released in the summer of 1978. It reached number 3 in the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. Amanda later recorded several remakes of 'Follow me' trying to revive her career: in 1987, 1989, 1993, 1998 and one version in the early 2000s.

My collection: 7" single no. 3883
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Follow me' / 'Mother look what they've done to me'

(You really) Rock me - Nick Gilder

Nick Gilder was born on December 21, 1951 in London, England. He began his career in music as the frontman of the glam rock band Sweeney Todd. In 1977, Gilder went solo. His first album, 'You know who you are' (1977) flopped, but the second album 'City nights' (1978) spawned the Canadian number one hit 'Hot child in the city'.

'(You really) Rock me' was taken from Gilder's third album 'Frequency' and reached number 35 in the Canadian singles chart, and number 57 in the US Billboard Hot 100. In the Netherlands, the single did not chart, but I still vaguely remembered it. Glad I found it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3882
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: '(You really) Rock me' / 'Got to get out'

Tomb of memories - Paul Young

I've resisted it for more than two decades, but this week I finally caved and bought a few Paul Young singles. Well, at this price, who can blame me. Paul Young was my sister's idol, and as she was always criticizing my taste in music I felt I had to be ruthless in my dislike of Paul Young. That was easy at the time: I didn't like his voice and I thought his songs were crap.

Time has been kind to him, even if his voice has deteriorated so much that he really shouldn't perform live anymore. His songs have aged well, and this, the fourth single from his UK number one album 'The secret of association', is proof of that. 'Tomb of memories' is a lively song, backed with a beautiful, ghostly B-side.

My collection: 7" single no. 3879
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, July 20, 2009
Cost: 0,25 euro
Tracks: 'Tomb of memories' / 'Man in the iron mask'