Knolraap en lof, schorseneren en prei - Drs. P

Today is the 90th birthday of Heinz Polzer, better known as drs. P. in the Netherlands. (Foreign readers are probably looking away now.) He became best known for his songs 'Veerpont' and 'Dodenrit'. Released more recently, in 1987, 'Knolraap en lof, schorseneren en prei' ('Turnips and chicory, salsify and leeks') narrowly missed the Dutch Top 40, but it also rather wellknown these days.

Drs. P. has always sought his challenge in writing poetic lyrics about unpoetic subjects. The 'Tuindersliedboek' ('Songbook for gardeners') contains loads more poems about fruit and vegetables. See the dossier about drs. P. from the National library of the Netherlands for more information about drs. P.

My collection: 7" single no. 1153
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, January 19, 1990
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Knolraap en lof, schorseneren en prei' / 'Olijf', 'Het land is moe'

Martika's kitchen - Martika

Although this song sounds innocent and playful, rumour has it that Prince wrote this song for Martika with something else than cooking on his mind. When you see 'kitchen' and 'oven' as a metaphor for something, this track takes on an entirely different meaning.

In America this suggestive song failed to become a hit. In the UK, it reached number 17 whereas in the Netherlands it only managed a number 38 placing in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2503
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Martika's kitchen' / 'Broken heart'

Three little pigs - Green Jelly

Green Jelly band members Marc Levinthal and Bill Manspeaker wrote 'Three little pigs' after a 'late-night drinkfest' at Zatar's in Hollywood. It is a re-telling of the classic fairy tale Three Little Pigs, with modern twists such as pot-smoking pigs, an appearance by Rambo and a Harley-Davidson-riding wolf.

The song's claymation music video received regular rotation on MTV. As a result, it became a hit in various countries, reaching number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 15 in the Dutch Top 40. This single, released in the UK, was pressed on pink vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 2891
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, October 29, 1997
Cost: 2,5 pounds
Tracks: 'Three little pigs' / 'Obey the cowgod'

Hungry like the wolf - Duran Duran

Duran Duran worte and recorded 'Hungry like the wolf' on a Saturday in the spring of 1982 at the basement studios of EMI's London headquarters. Rhodes started the song's demo in the morning with a sequencer; the song was built throughout the day as each band member arrived, and by the evening it was essentially complete. The laugh at the beginning of the song and the screams during the song's fade-out were performed by Nick Rhodes’ girlfriend at the time.

The single was another top 10 hit for the band, peaking at number 5 in the UK singles chart. It also reached number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 3246
Found: London, October 20, 2000
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Hungry like the wolf' / 'Careless memories (live)'

Mat's Prozac - Mice

After All about Eve disbanded, Julianne Regan went on to work with Tim McTighe (ex-Powder) to work on new songs. Levitation guitarist Christian Hayes and ex-All about Eve drummer Mark Price were also involved in the band, which was to be called The Innocent. Just before the release of their first single, the name changed to Mice.

'Mat's Prozac' was the first single taken from their album. Since I was such a big fan of All about Eve's music, I bought it right away - but I did have some doubts whether this was the kind of music I really liked. The single did not chart in the UK, let alone anywhere else. This single was pressed on yellow vinyl.

My collection: 7" single no. 2850
Found: Record fair, 1995
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Mat's Prozac' / 'Bang bang'

Cities in dust - Siouxie and the Banshees

'Cities in dust' was released as the first single from the seventh studio album by Siouxie and the Banshees: 'Tinderbox' (1985). The lyric of the song obliquely describes the city of Pompeii, destroyed in a volcanic eruption in the year 79. Imagery describing the volcano and its magma chamber, the condition of the victims of the eruption, and the subsequent discovery and excavation of the city comprises the bulk of the lyrics.

Although the subject matter was still dark, the band seemed to be headed in a more poppy area of music, leaving their goth roots. The single made number 21 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2017
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 19, 1993
Cost: 60p
Tracks: 'Cities in dust' / 'An execution'

You - Ten Sharp

After being away from the music business for five years, Ten Sharp returned in the form of a duo. Michiel Hoogenboezem and Niels Hermes picked up where their three band members had thrown in the towel - and their reward was big. Where chart success eluded Ten Sharp in the Eighties, they had a European hit on their hands with 'You', released in 1991.

Not only did the band reach number 3 in the Netherlands (a position they'd never achieved in the Eighties), it also went number 1 in France, Norway and Sweden. In the UK, the single peaked at number 10. All of a sudden, Ten Sharp had become popular.

My collection: 7" single no. 1430
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 13, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'You' / 'You (instrumental)'

Thank you world - World Party

The 1991 single 'Thank you world' by World Party was released in between albums. 1990's 'Goodbye Jumbo' had been relatively successful, but the next album would only appear in 1993.

The chart performance of this single was disappointing, reaching number 68 in the UK singles chart during a one week chart run. Even the cover of the Beatles' 'Happiness is a warm gun' on the cd-single didn't help matters. This 7" single features two versions of 'Thank you world'. To be honest: I don't play it much myself.

My collection: 7" single no. 1488
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, July 4, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Thank you world' / 'Thank you world (Peter Lorimer remix)'

Get up! (Before the night is over) - Technotronic

Time for some intellectual music again. Back in 1990, I simply couldn't resist a track that had the great lyric 'Get up, get up, get busy do it / I wanna see you party'. It was the second single by Technotronic from their debut album 'Pump up the jam'. Somehow this single managed to hit the top 10 all over the world. It has to be because of the fact that people simply cannot resist a song with such beauty and depth.

The sheer vacuousness of it all is what drove me to buy this - and to use it as an example of what I simply cannot understand about other people's taste in music of course.

My collection: 7" single no. 1172
Found: Melody Maker, February 17, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Get up! (Before the night is over)' / 'Get up (Before the night is over) (instrumental)'

Hang on to your love - Sade

The most interesting singles are those you can't find in the shops. And then there's the singles released in other countries. Combine the two, and there you have it: the foreign promo. This particular one is a promo 7" single for Sade's 'Hang on to your love', released in Spain.

Not only did it have a different sleeve, it's also a one-sided single, which means that the B-side is missing here. A lovely item, which I picked up a long time ago!

My collection: 7" single no. 1955
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 25, 1993
Cost: 10 guilders
Track: 'Hang on to your love'

She's strange - Cameo

After I found the 12" single of 'She's strange', the 7" single followed rather quickly. You know how it is: you search for something for years, then you decide to buy another version and suddenly what you're looking for appears.

Taken from the album of the same name, the single version is edited from the 7'12 album version. It reached number 37 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2475
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 16, 1995
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'She's strange' / 'Cameo megamix'

Memories - Beverley Craven

'Memories' was the last single to be released from Beverley Craven's self-titled debut album. The song already foreshadowed the sappy ballads that would appear on her later work. It also showed that the audiences weren't impressed: the single stalled at number 68 in the UK singles chart.

The single was mainly released to promote the live video that was released. Beverley Craven in concert: not the most exciting show, but (mostly) good songs nonetheless. This 7" single featured one live track on the B-side, the two cd-singles would feature three more.

My collection: 7" single no. 2745
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 21, 1996
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Memories' / 'Holding on (live)'

Dark is the night - A-ha

A-ha was going through troubled times when they released their 1993 album 'Memorial beach'. There were internal conflicts and conflicts with their record company. And on top of it all, the chart performance of the album was disappointing. The album was entirely recorded at Prince's Paisley Park studios and lacked a lot of what made previous A-ha albums so special.

'Dark is the night' was the first single taken from the album, and the only single from the album to reach the top 20 outside of Norway: it reached number 19 in the UK. It was also the last A-ha single to be released in the United States.

My collection: 7" single no. 1948
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 25, 1993
Cost: 8 guilders
Tracks: 'Dark is the night' / 'Angel in the snow (instrumental)'

Looking for clues - Robert Palmer

Robert Palmer's sixth solo album 'Clues' was released in 1980 and 'Looking for clues' was released as the second single from that album.

The single peaked at number 33 in the UK, number 7 in Canada and number 15 in the Netherlands. It was more successful than the previous single, 'Johnny and Mary', which peaked at number 44, 32 and 21 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 1045
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'Looking for clues' / 'Good care of you'

Crack the shutters - Snow Patrol

'Crack the shutters' was the second single from Snow Patrol's most recent album 'A hundred million suns'. Band leader Gary Lightbody has described the song as 'the purest love song I've ever written. Even more so than 'Chasing cars'. It's luxuriating in the beauty and wonder of someone you love with all your heart.'

The single reached number 43 in the UK singles chart and number 14 in the Dutch Top 40. This 7" single is a numbered limited edition; I've got number 259. I've also got number 1513 so that one's for sale if you want it.

My collection: 7" single no. 3544
Found: Recordstore.co.uk, received January 10, 2009
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'Crack the shutters' / 'One day like this'

The woman in me - Donna Summer

'The woman in me' was the third and final single from Donna Summer's self-titled 1982 album. It was a ballad produced by Quincy Jones, following after the worldwide hit 'State of independence'. While on that song Michael Jackson sang backing vocals, here the background vocals are performed by James Ingram. The single stalled at number 62 in the UK singles chart but reached number 7 in the Dutch Top 40.

I've got two copies of the single: one Belgian pressing (pictured above) and one German pressing. When I bought the German one, I didn't recognise the sleeve so I thought I didn't have the song. I've no idea when I bought the German single, because when I already have a single it doesn't get into my administration...

My collection: 7" single no. 2594
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, December 30, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'The woman in me' / 'Livin' in America'

Loverboy - Billy Ocean

'Loverboy' was the second single taken from Billy Ocean's 1984 album 'Suddenly'. It was produced by Robert John 'Mutt' Lange. The single peaked at number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the UK singles chart.

This 12" single features an extended version of the track, adding a lot of instrumental passages and synth riffs that makes the song so delicious in the first place. After buying this 12" single I found out that a limited edition was pressed on coloured vinyl. Oh well, you can't win them all...

My collection: 12" single no. 335
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1995
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Loverboy (extended)' / 'Loverboy (dub mix)'

No tengo dinero - Righeira

While Righeira became famous with two summer hits with Spanish titles, 'Vamos a la playa' and 'No tengo dinero', Stefano Rota and Stefano Righi were actually from Italy. Indeed, the sound of their singles is very 'Italo disco'.

'No tengo dinero' was released in 1984 and reached number 10 in the Dutch Top 40. It was also a hit in the rest of Europe, although it didn't chart in the UK (where 'Vamos a la playa' had reached number 53).

My collection: 7" single no. 2951
Found: Record fair, Leiden, February 7, 1998
Cost: 1 guilder
Track: 'No tengo dinero' / 'Dinero scratch'

It's a sin - Pet Shop Boys

In the summer of 1987, MTV Europe started broadcasting. I was there when it happened and I think I saw about 70% of everything they broadcasted during the first few weeks. I quickly concluded that MTV wasn't going to make me happy: they had a very limited stock of music videos and they kept playing the same titles over and over again. I think I saw the video for 'It's a sin' eight times every single day.

Which is why to this day I'm a bit bored by this song. It is a good track, I simply heard it too damn much. The single was a massive hit, topping the charts in Austria, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. In the UK, the single peaked at number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 551
Found: Tower Records, London, 1987
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'It's a sin' / 'You know where you went wrong'

Shocked - Kylie Minogue

'Shocked' was written and produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman for Kylie Minogue’s third album 'Rhythm of love' (1990). The song was never intended for single release but when remixed by DNA and featured a rap penned and performed by Pauline Bennett a.k.a Jazzi P the commercial potential was big enough to warrant a release. (Obviously I prefer the B-side version which isn't tainted by the inane rantings of a madwoman.)

The single peaked at number 6 in the UK singles chart and at number 2 in Ireland.

My collection: 7" single no. 3323
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, March 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Shocked (DNA mix)' / 'Shocked (Harding/Curnow mix)'

In Liverpool - Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega had a few hits under her belt when she released '99.9F°' in 1992. Personally, I think it's her best work, because it mixes the sometimes rather dull folk influences she was working with up to that point with industrial music and dance beats.

'In Liverpool', the first single taken from the album, was a beautiful ballad with a strong melody. The single only charted in the UK, but stalled at number 52.

My collection: 7" single no. 2693
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, July 3, 1996
Cost: 1,5 pounds
Tracks: 'In Liverpool' / 'Some journey (live)'

Hold me now - Thompson Twins

'Hold me now' can be considered the Thompson Twins biggest hit. It reached number 4 in the UK singles chart and was a top 10 hit in Europe and America. Alannah Currie from the band later commented: 'The biggest trouble that we've had basically is that the song was a huge hit, it was really bigall over the world. Which is great, but it was just an accidental thing. It was just a song that we wrote. But after that then, we got everybody—managers, the record company—on our back to write 'Hold me now, part 2' and harrassing you to try and find a formula. But we can't really. We'll never find a formula for what we did. And that upsets some of them.'

I was quite shocked to find that I had to pay 5 guilders for this picture disc six years after its release, while the song was never a hit in the Netherlands. But oh well, it was still worth it.

My collection: 7" single no. 1105
Found: All that music, Leiden, November 11, 1989
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks: 'Hold me now' / 'Let loving start'

Bulletproof - La Roux

La Roux is a synthpop duo consisting of Eleanor Jackson and Ben Langmaid. 'Bulletproof' is their third single, released in June 2009. Jackson commented about the lyric of the song: 'Bulletproof is just about looking at a situation that's usually a reoccurring one. It could be to do with anything in your life - whatever you want it to be about.'

The 7" single release is a square picture disc with two playable sides, although the B-side basically consists of an empty groove. The single topped the UK singles chart, but so far it hasn't charted in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4009
Found: eBay.co.uk, received August 22, 2009
Cost: 2 pounds
Track: 'Bulletproof'

Theme from 'Tubular bells' - Mike Oldfield

Recently a luxury box set of Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular bells' was released. The so-called 'Ultimate edition' features a new stereo mix of the original album, demos, a surround sound mix, a book and a vinyl LP. When I was listening to all this, I also heard 'Mike Oldfield's single', a single released in 1974 to promote the album. It was a beautiful outtake from part 2 of 'Tubular bells'. (Part 1 is universally acclaimed for its 'Exorcist' theme, but part 2 is actually lesser known by most people).

I decided to try and get my hands on a copy - which is a lot harder than it sounds. I found a copy but unfortunately it does not have a picture sleeve. Well, anyway, it contains the music and that's the most important thing. The single reached number 31 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4008
Found: 45rpm.co.uk, received August 22, 2009
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Theme from 'Tubular bells'' / 'Froggy went a-courting'

Terminal 3 - Linda Martin

Before Linda Martin won the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest, representing Ireland with 'Why me', she participated once before in 1984. Her song, 'Terminal 3' was written by Johnny Logan, who won the 1980 edition of the Contest for Ireland. She almost won the 1984 Eurovision Song Contest, but received 8 points less than the winning song ('Diggi loo diggy ley'), and thus came second.

While I was not impressed with the winning song, I was glad that Ireland didn't win. The song sounded quite boring at the time. It's not so bad now, when you hear it.

My collection: 7" single no. 4007
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Terminal 3' / 'Feels like I'm walking in my sleep'

Honey honey - Sweet dreams

'Honey honey' was originally written by Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Stig Anderson and released as a single by Abba in April 1974. The single was not released in the UK.

British disco singer Polly Brown, formerly fronting the band Pickettywitch, recorded a cover of the song together with singer Tony Jackson. They called themselves Sweet Dreams. This cover version reached number 10 on the UK singles chart. In the USA, Abba's original song had to compete with Sweet Dreams' cover version. Although the Sweet Dreams single only reached number 68 in the US Billboard Hot 100, while Abba's version reached number 27, it may have somewhat hindered its success.

My collection: 7" single no. 4006
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Honey honey' / 'I surrender'

Waterloo - Dr. and the Medics

The song 'Waterloo' really needs no introduction. It was a massive hit for Abba after they won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with it. Since then, numerous cover versions have been recorded and released. Some of them were very imaginative and original, other were carbon copies of the original. This one is more like the latter, but in a rock arrangement.

Dr. and the Medics previously had a big hit in the UK with their cover version of 'Spirit in the sky'. This song was less successful: released in November 1986, it reached number 45 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4005
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Waterloo' / 'Damaged brains'

Starlight - Risqué

I've only recently started to collect singles by Risqué. It's not necessarily because I'm so impressed by their music, because it's all very lightweight pop. But lightweight pop can be entertaining as well - and that's why I collect it.

'Starlight' was the second hit single for the four Dutch ladies. It wasn't a big hit though: it only reached number 35 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4004
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Starlight' / 'Starlight (instrumental)'

I'm not afraid of the future - Future World Orchestra

If my collection would be all about chart hits, I would be very satisfied with the fact that I completed the list of chart hits by Future World Orchestra today. They were in the Dutch Top 40 four times, and since I already had two hit singles by them, the two hit singles I bought today complete the set.

'I'm not afraid of the future' was released in April 1982 and reached number 26 in the Dutch Top 40. As good as the A-side is, the B-side sounds very much like a Dutchman trying to sing in English.

My collection: 7" single no. 4003
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I'm not afraid of the future' / 'Just for you'

Desire - Future World Orchestra

Time has been kind to the debut single of the Future World Orchestra. The duo called themselves this in 1981 because of their use of synthesizers, which were a relatively new phenomenon back then.

'Desire' was relased in November 1981 and reached number 20 in the Dutch Top 40. It was a promising start for the Dutch duo, although they would never reach a higher position in the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4002
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Desire' / 'Casablanca nights'

Thank you for the music - Abba

When Abba broke up in 1982, the world still expected to hear more from the band. They never officially announced that they would never record together again, so the hope was still there when this single was released.

'Thank you for the music' was originally released in 1977, but in 1984 it was re-released to promote a new compilation album entitled 'From Abba with love', which contained a curious collection of tracks: eight hit singles, one solo track by Frida, one solo track by Agnetha, two B-sides and two album tracks. Both the album and the single were only released in the Netherlands. The single was not a big success: while the album topped the Dutch albums chart, this single only reached number 38 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4001
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Thank you for the music' / 'Medley: Pick a bale of cotton-On top of old Smokey-Midnight special'

I love it loud - Kiss

Today is a big day in the history of my record collection: I've bought my 4000th single! Having almost reached the age of 39, this means that on average I've bought 102 singles per year. Although I ordered a few singles abroad a week ago, none of them appeared in my mailbox, so I still bought my 4000th single during a small record fair today. And it's not just any single!

'I love it loud' was a track from Kiss's 1982 album 'Creatures of the night'. This single first came to my attention back in 1982, when my sister bought a copy in our local record shop. The movable tongue is a very distinctive feature in the sleeve for this single (see the video below). And the track itself is remarkable as well, with a 'false fade' at the end. Ever since that day, I've been searching for this single. I only saw it a couple of times during record fairs for (much) more than 20 euros. The strange thing is, it never appears on eBay as well (although right now a copy with a different sleeve is listed).

My copy of the single carries a sticker on the back, with the text: 'Sample record - not for sale'. I have to assume that this version of the single was a promotional item, and not too many of them exist. It's not bad to have a collectors item like this as my number 4000.



My collection: 7" single no. 4000
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, August 22, 2009
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'I love it loud' / 'Killer'

One step ahead - Split Enz

I recently found out that Puck's brother is also a follower of this blog. All you other readers will not know him, so here's a short introduction: he likes early eighties music as long as it's not 'commercial'. That notion is in itself a curious one, since every artist is in the music business to sell records after all. When they don't succeed, it's usually not by design and a cause for a lot of frustration.

Anyway, since I appreciate all of my readers, I like to oblige. So here's an obscure Split Enz single. Released in 1981, it was a top 10 hit in Australia and New Zealand, but it didn't chart in other territories. This copy was pressed in America and is one of those 'laser etched' singles. I only have two of those, the other one being Split Enz's 'History never repeats'!

My collection: 7" single no. 2616
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, February 10, 1996
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'One step ahead' / 'In the wars'

After the love has gone - Earth Wind and Fire

'After the love has gone' was a 1979 hit single for Earth Wind & Fire, taken from their 1979 album 'I am'. In America, the song was nominated for a Grammy for Record of the Year and won for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

The single sold over a million copies in the USA alone, peaking at number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100, number 4 in the UK singles chart and a relatively low number 20 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3288
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'After the love has gone' / 'Rock that!'

Rio - Duran Duran

The song 'Rio' was inspired when Duran Duran toured Brazil and decided to write a song about their experiences there; however, the song references the Rio Grande which forms the border between Texas and Mexico. Nick Rhodes created the unusual sound at the beginning of the song by throwing several small metal rods onto the strings of a grand piano in the studio. The recorded sound was then reversed to create the intro. The laughter on the track was that of Rhodes' girlfriend at the time.

'Rio' was Duran Duran's fourth top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number 9. The single performed even better in Canada, reaching number 3.

My collection: 7" single no. 1002
Found: HMV, London, October 16, 1989
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Rio' / 'The chauffeur (Blue silver)'

Coming up - Paul McCartney

For some reason, I always associated Paul McCartney's 'Coming up' with mice. It must be because of all the high notes in the track. Although the single was released as a solo release by McCartney, the B-side was credited to Paul McCartney & Wings. The live version was recorded in Glasgow, Scotland on December 17, 1979 and 'Lunchbox/Odd sox' was recorded during the sessions for the 1975 Wings album 'Venus & Mars'.

My copy of the single has the A-side label on both sides, which could make this a collectors item. The single peaked at number 22 in the Dutch Top 40, number 2 in the UK singles chart and it topped the US Billboard Hot 100.

My collection: 7" single no. 2468
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 16, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Coming up' / 'Coming up (live version)', 'Lunchbox/Odd sox'

Ain't no sunshine (Eclipse mix) - Bill Withers

'Ain't no sunshine' was originally released in 1971 by Bill Withers on his album 'Just as I am'. He was still working at a factory that made toilet seats for Boeing 747s when he recorded the song. It was originally released as the B-side of the single 'Harlem', but when DJ's played the B-side instead, it became a huge hit.

Ben Liebrand made the 'Eclipse mix' of 'Ain't no sunshine' in 1989, after his remix of 'Lovely day' (another Bill Withers track) was a hit in 1988. This single was less successful, reaching number 26 in the Dutch Top 40 only.

My collection: 7" single no. 715
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, January 6, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Ain't no sunshnie (Eclipse mix)' / 'Ain't no sunshine'

The bell / Sentinel-Restructure - Mike Oldfield

Mike Oldfield's magnum opus 'Tubular bells' was first released in 1973. In 1992, he recorded 'Tubular bells II', a reworking of the original 'Tubular bells' produced by Trevor Horn. From this release, several singles were taken. 'The bell' was the third single, released in early 1993.

This 12" single was released in the USA and featured four remixes of 'Sentinel', the first single from 'Tubular bells II'. One of these, the 'Tubular beats' remix, was never released commercially in the UK.

My collection: 12" single no. 512
Found: Esprit Mail Order, 1999
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'Sentinel (Trance mix)', 'Sentinel (Tubular beats)', 'The bell (edit)' / 'Sentinel (Satoshi Tomii interpretation)', 'Sentinel (Global Lust mix)'

Will you remember - Eighth Wonder

Released in 1987, Eighth Wonder's single 'Will you remember' did not chart in the UK. It is a somewhat unremarkable dance track with the seductive voice of Patsy Kensit as the main attraction.

I didn't know the track when I bought this single, however I did know the B-side. 'Having it all' was featured in the movie 'Absolute beginners' and was performed in the movie by Patsy. This B-side is the original version of the track, with its jazzy music.

My collection: 7" single no. 2171
Found: Record Exchange, London, September 27, 1994
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Will you remember' / 'Having it all'

Tourist - Athlete

'Tourist' was released as the third single from Athlete's album of the same name. Released in August 2005, it managed to reach number 43 in the UK singles chart.

This picture disc 7" single featured an exclusive track: 'Half light', the previous single, as performed during a radio programme on BBC6.

My collection: 7" single no. 3414
Found: HMV, London, 2005
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'Tourist' / 'Half light (BBC6 music session)'

Father figure - George Michael

'Father figure' was the third single from George Michael's debut album 'Faith'. Originally recorded as an uptempo dance track, whilst checking his mix of the song, Michael inadvertently turned off the snare track and realized he liked the song better without it.

The single reached number 2 on the Dutch Top 40, number 11 on the UK singles chart number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This limited edition double single was made in Australia and released as a tour souvenir.

My collection: 7" single no. 1069
Found: London, October 19, 1989
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'Father figure' / 'Love's in need of love today (live)' // 'Father figure (instrumental)' / 'A last request (I want your sex part 3)'

Stop! - Sam Brown

Sam Brown wrote 'Stop!' together with Gregg Sutton and Bruce Brody during a trip to Los Angeles. Sam commented: 'I was driving on the Pacific Coast Highway heading south and the idea for 'Stop!' came into my head. I kept it there until I got back to my hotel room where I probably jotted down some thoughts. I didn't really realise that it was a blues song - I'd had no blues experience then.' She met Sutton and Brody in Brody's hotel room as he was preparing for a live concert with his group Lone Justice. They put the song together in half an hour.

In 1988 when 'Stop!' was becoming a hit country by country across Europe, Gregg went to Amsterdam with Sam and her crew to celebrate it going to the top of the chart in Holland. 'It was considered to be like Cleveland, a test market for Europe.' explains Gregg. 'The music biz insiders said if a record did well there it would do well everywhere in Europe.' They were right: the single became a top 10 hit all over Europe and reached number 4 in the UK singles chart. My copy of the single is a limited edition poster sleeve from the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 2290
Found: Record fair, May 6, 1995
Cost: 10 guilders
Tracks: 'Stop!' / 'Blue soldier'

Silent running - Mike and the Mechnics

Mike Rutherford was a member of Genesis when he started a side project, Mike & the Mechanics, in 1985. Their self-titled debut album came out in that year and featured this single, 'Silent running'. The track was featured in the movie 'On dangerous ground' (titled 'Choke Canyon' in the USA).

The single reached number 21 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 389
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Silent running' / 'I get the feeling'

Teardrops - Womack and Womack

Cecil and Linda Womack released 'Teardrops' in 1988, a very radiofriendly track featuring one of the most impressive synthesizer solos in the history of pop music (not). The single was a big success in the Netherlands, where it reached number 1, but it also reached number 2 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and number 3 in the UK.

Although a picture sleeve exists for this single, I bought this sleeveless version because it was discounted at the time. I felt no need to pay more for a song I wasn't going to play for a decade, because it had been played to death on the radio.

My collection: 7" single no. 716
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, January 6, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Teardrops (remix)' / 'Conscious of my conscience'

I know there's something going on - Frida

The Swedish group Abba never officially announced their breakup, but in 1982 both Agnetha and Frida were releasing solo albums. At the time, I thought I could never really forgive the band for throwing away their career, but I had to admit pretty fast that Frida's solo single 'I know there's something going on' was a damn fine song. Like the accompanying album 'Something's going on', the single was produced by Phil Collins, who also provided the great drum track on the song.

The B-side 'Threnody' was co-written by Per Gessle, the Swedish popstar from Gyllene Tider who would make a name for himself internationally when he started Roxette with Marie Fredriksson. Meanwhile, this single reached number 43 in the UK singles chart and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 152
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'I know there's something going on' / 'Threnody'

Sail on - Commodores

The Commodores reached the peak of their career in 1978 when 'Three times a lady' was a worldwide hit. Their next big hit was 'Sail on', a ballad with a funky brass band in the background. The single peaked at number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

After this, the Commodores released 'Still', their last hit single with Lionel Richie in the band.

My collection: 7" single no. 2605
Found: Record fair, January 27, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Sail on' / 'Thumpin' music'