J'ai volé la vie - Nathalie Paque

Nathalie Paque was born on May 11, 1977 in Liège, Belgium. She was selected to represent France during the 1989 Eurovision Song Contest. Although Sandra Kim's victory for Belgium at the age of 14 was already three years before, some countries were still playing the paedophile card, hoping to score with a cute looking youngster. (Thankfully, or regrettably, these days there's a Junior Song Contest for this kind of thing.)

Since the EBU was prompted by the very young age of Paque to set an age limit in 1990, barring any children from under 16 from the contest, she will always be the youngest participant in the Contest ever: at just 11 years old. She sang 'J'ai volé la vie' ('I've stolen life'), an unremarkable song that finished eighth out of 22 participants.

My collection: 7" single no. 4398
Found: Second Life Music, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'J'ai volé la vie' / 'J'ai volé la vie (instrumental)'

Bedshaped - Keane

'Bedshaped' was released as the third single from Keane's debut album 'Hopes and fears' in August 2004. According to Tim Rice-Oxley, the song is 'about feeling that you've been 'left behind' by an old friend or lover, and about hoping that you'll be reunited one day so that you can live out the end of your lives together the way you started them (...) a hope that they'll eventually want to get away from the bright lights and come back home. it's a sad and angry song, but also full of hope. I think I'm right in saying that in hospital when someone is ill and has to spend a lot of time in bed they can become 'bedshaped'. It sounds a bit depressing (...) but in the context of the song I wanted to suggest old age and frailty.'

A 7" vinyl single was released as a numbered limited edition in the UK. My copy is number 249.
'Bedshaped' reached number 10 in the UK singles chart and number 26 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4569
Found: Discogs.com, received February 19, 2010
Cost: 5 pounds
Tracks: 'Bedshaped' / 'Something in me was dying'

American life - Madonna

There's always something quite hypocritical about famous stars who complain about their life as a celebrity. Basically what they're saying is: all this fame and fortune, it doesn't come with fulfillment and happiness, and all the downsides really get you down. Madonna went as far as writing a song about it. 'American life' is Madonna's account of her life up to that point, with all these familiar complaints to go with it. Strangely, she didn't pull out of the music business, which would end all her 'troubles'.

This single version edits out all the 'fuck it's that were included in the unedited version. American people still seem to have trouble listening to certain words. The single, meanwhile, reached number 1 in Canada, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland, while peaking at number 37 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 13 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 2 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4568
Found: Discogs.com, received February 19, 2010
Cost: 3 pounds
Tracks: 'American life (radio edit)' / 'Die another day (Richard Humpty Vission radio edit)'

Gwendolyne - Julio Iglesias

Julio Iglesias was born on September 23, 1943. After studying law in Madrid he was a goalkeeper for the football team of Real Madrid. A car crash in 1963 ended his career in football. It took him three years to recuperate, after which he started a career in music. He won the Benidorm International Song Festival in 1968, which was an important stepping stone to get himself a record deal.

In 1970, he represented Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Gwendolyne', a beautiful ballad written by Iglesias himself about his first girlfriend, a French girl whom he met at the age of 20. It was his first major international TV appearance. The song finished fourth in a field of 12 competitors. It went on to become his first number 1 single in Spain. Since then, Iglesias has become one of the best selling artists in history.

My collection: 7" single no. 4567
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 18, 2010
Cost: 2,5 euro
Tracks: 'Gwendolyne' / 'Bla bla bla'

Falling - D. Twins

When the television series 'Twin Peaks' hit the screens in the early Nineties, it was a sensation. Not only was I in awe of the series, but the music, composed by Angelo Badalamenti, and the songs, performed by Julee Cruise, were wonderful as well. Of course, I bought the soundtrack and the single 'Falling' as soon as I could.

Then, during a holiday in Austria, I found a cd-single by the D. twins, also entitled 'Falling'. After I bought the cd-single, it turned out to be a weird dance version of the track, performed by an anonymous group of dj's and/or producers. My friend Puck turned up a second cd-single a few months later. And then, a few months after that, I found this 12" single. Made in Italy, the label promised four remixes which incidentally all proved to be on the cd-singles anyway. But upon playing the disc, I found out that the actual playlist was a bit shorter: it contained two remixes that were not mentioned on the label at all! And these two were on the cd-singles as well. How confusing. I guess this is a collector's item of sorts.

My collection: 12" single no. 233
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, January 1994
Cost: 5 guilders
Tracks (on label): 'Falling (Twin club mix)', 'Falling (10 dance mix)' / 'Falling (Peaks version)', 'Falling (Meditation mix)'
Tracks (actual): 'Falling (Club mix)' / 'Falling (New version remix)'

Empty rooms - Gary Moore

'Empty rooms' was re-released in 1985 after an earlier release in 1984 failed to chart. The track was slightly remixed and called the 'Summer 1985 version'.

It seemed to be a successful strategy: this time around, the single actually charted and reached number 23 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 341
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Empty rooms (Summer 1985 version)' / 'Out of my system'

Four letter word - Kim Wilde

Released in November 1988, 'Four letter word' was the first ballad released by Kim Wilde as a single. All through her career, which at the time spanned eight years, she'd released up-tempo songs, but the fourth single from her very successful sixth album 'Close' was in a sense a novelty. It was also the last single by Kim Wilde to be written by her brother Ricky and her father Marty. Kim had become increasingly involved in songwriting and Marty was stepping down.

The single was another successful release, peaking at number 8 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 6 in the UK singles chart. The B-side of this single was a new version of a track from her previous album, 'Another step' (1986).

My collection: 7" single no. 690
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, November 24, 1988
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Four letter word' / 'She hasn't got time for you '88'

Tower of strength - The Mission

After the release of their second album 'Children', the Mission released the single 'Tower of strength' from that album. The single version was edited down from the 8 minute album version to 4 minutes 30 seconds. It still retained much of the strength and character of the track, and so the band were rewarded with their biggest hit yet.

'Tower of strength' was the first single by the Mission to achieve some success abroad: it reached number 30 in the Dutch Top 40 in April 1988. Two months prior to that, the single reached number 12 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 795
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 15, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Tower of strength' / 'Fabienne', 'Breathe (vocal)'

Don't lose my number - Phil Collins

Phil Collins has said that 'Don't lose my number' was actually written during the recording sessions for his debut solo album 'Face value'. It turned up four years later on his third album 'No jacket required'. The lyric of the song was partly improvised, and Collins admitted that he does not fully understand what they mean.

The single was not released in the UK, but was in most of Europe and in the USA. It reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1564
Found: All that music, Leiden, January 2, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't lose my number' / 'We said hello goodbye'

A better love - London Beat

This limited edition 7" single of 'A better love' was not only housed in a gatefold sleeve, it also gave the buyer two acoustic versions of London beat tracks: 'A better love' and 'I've been thinking about you'. A good deal, especially if, like me, one was able to find this single at discount price in a second hand shop.

The single was released in the UK to boost sales of 'A better love'. It didn't help much: at the time of release it only made number 52. A re-release six months later would be more successful, as it got to number 23.

My collection: 7" single no. 2372
Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 1, 1995
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'A better love (acoustic)', 'I've been thinking about you (acoustic)' / 'A better love'

Mountains - Prince

Like many Prince songs, 'Mountains' focuses on Christian motifs. The lyric most obviously references Jesus' speech on the general theological theme of God's omnipotence: 'In answer Jesus said to them: 'Truly I say to you, if only you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and cast into the sea,' it will happen.' (Matthew 21:21)

Written by Prince with his band members Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, it was one of Prince's relatively unsuccessful singles of the Eighties, reaching number 23 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 20 in the Dutch Top 40, but only number 48 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 443
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 2, 1986
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Mountains' / 'Alexa de Paris'

MacArthur park - Donna Summer

Written by Jimmy Webb, 'MacArthur park' was originally recorded by Richard Harris in 1968. Donna Summer recorded her version as part of the 'MacArthur Park Suite' on her 1978 album 'Live and more', clocking in at 8 minutes and 40 seconds.

A shorter single edit was made for a release on 7" vinyl. It became Donna Summer's first number 1 hit in the USA, also peaking at number 9 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 5 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1661
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, June 6, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'MacArthur park' / 'Once upon a time'

How do you do! - Roxette

With a hit album ('Joyride') under their belt, Roxette toured extensively in 1991 and 1992. During that tour, they decided to record songs on the road, in hotel rooms, studios and throwing in some live recordings as well. The album 'Tourism' (1992) was born, and the first single from that album was 'How do you do!', a typically upbeat Roxette track.

The single reached number 58 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 2 in Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands and number 13 in the UK singles chart. The B-side is a live version of 'Fading like a flower' which was not included on the album.

My collection: 7" single no. 1686
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, July 11, 1992
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'How do you do!' / 'Fading like a flower (live)'

Lithium - Nirvana

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain described 'Lithium' as 'one of those songs I actually did finish while trying to write it instead of taking pieces of my poetry and other things'. He added that the sog is about a man who, after the death of his girlfriend, turns to religion 'as a last resort to keep himself alive. To keep him from suicide. I did infuse some of my personal experiences, like breaking up with girlfriends and having bad relationships'.

The song was originally recorded in April 1990 with Butch Vig producing. It appeared as a track on their debut album 'Nevermind' and released as a single from the album. It reached number 11 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1695
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, August 15, 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Lithium' / 'Been a son (live)'

Be free with your love - Spandau Ballet

After a hiatus from recording during which Spandau Ballet band members Gary and Martin Kemp established themselves as credible actors in the gangster film 'The Krays', the band released 'Heart like a sky' in September 1989. Although the album was not the commercial success they'd hoped for, several singles were released, with varying degrees of success.

'Be free with your love' was one of the standout tracks from the album, and released as the second single from it. It reached number 42 in the UK singles chart and number 33 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1183
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, March 3, 1990
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Be free with your love' / 'Be free with your love (Dance mix edit)'

Don't get me wrong - The Pretenders

'Don't get me wrong' was the first single taken from the Pretenders' 1986 album, 'Get close'. This song was more commercial than the band's usual sound, with a jangly guitar sound and a pop melody. However, the lyrics were still as edgy as their earlier material.

The single reached number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart, while peaking at number 19 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 2556
Found: Record fair, November 19, 1995
Cost: 1 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't get me wrong' / 'Dance!'

Seven tears - Goombay Dance Band

Although decidedly uncool, the Goombay Dance Band were able to have a major hit across Europe in the spring of 1982 with 'Seven tears'. The song was written by Wolff-Ekkehardt Stein and Wolfgang Jass and produced by Jochen Peterson.

The single reached number 4 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 15 in Austria. It also spent three weeks at number 1 in the UK Singles Chart, being only the second time a German act had topped that chart, only six weeks after Kraftwerk had achieved that feat with 'The model'. Incidentally, my copy of the single was made in the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 137
Found: 1982
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Seven tears' / 'Mama Coco'

Better be good to me - Tina Turner

'Better be good to me' was written by Nicky Chinn, Mike Chapman and Holly Knight and originally recorded by Spider, a band from New York City of which Holly Knight was a member.

Tina Turner recorded her version on her comeback album 'Private dancer' in 1984. When it was released as a single, it reached number 5 in the US Billboard Hot 100, chart, number 36 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 45 in the UK singles chart. It is still one of Tina Turner's most popular and recognizable songs.

My collection: 7" single no. 270
Found: LP Top 100, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Better be good to me' / 'When I was young'

Texas - Chris Rea

'Texas' was released as the third single from Chris Rea's 1990 album 'The road to hell'. The lyric tells of two people who are tired of the situation around them and are discussing moving to the American state of Texas. As often with Chris Rea, it's hard to tell whether this is a serious lyric or one to be interpreted as tongue-in-cheek.

The single only reached the UK singles chart for one week, at number 69. It has been played on radio stations in Texas, and is sometimes played as background music before Texas Rangers baseball games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

My collection: 7" single no. 1250
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, June 21, 1990
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Texas' / 'Let's dance (live)'

Adult education - Daryl Hall and John Oates

Daryl Hall and John Oates recorded two new tracks for their 1984 compilation album 'Rock 'n' Soul Part 1'. One of the two tracks was 'Adult education'.

When 'Adult education' was released as a single, it had moderate success in most territories: it peaked at number 8 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 63 in the UK singles chart. However, in the Netherlands it was their biggest hit overall, peaking at number 4.

My collection: 7" single no. 1841
Found: Record fair, January 23, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Adult education' / 'I can't go for that (No can do)'

Sat in your lap - Kate Bush

'Sat in your lap' was a track on Kate Bush's 1982 album 'The dreaming', but released as a single 15 months before the release of that album. The track was later remixed and slightly altered to fit it better with the overall feel of the album. About the lyric, Kate commented: ''Sat inyour lap' is very much a search for knowledge. And about the kind of people who really want to have knowledge but can't be bothered to do the things that they should in order to get it. So they're sitting there saying how nice it would be to have this or to do that without really desiring to do the things it takes you to get it. And also the more you learn the more ignorant you realize you are and that you get over one wall to find an even bigger one.'

The single reached number 11 in the UK singles chart and number 18 in Ireland. In other territories, 'Sat in your lap' failed to become a hit.

My collection: 7" single no. 427
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 29, 1986
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Sat in your lap' / 'The lord of the reedy river'

Suicide blonde - INXS

'Suicide blonde' was written by Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss of the group INXS, after the band had gotten back together after a year-long sabbatical during 1989. The track was named after a woman who had bleached her own hair because she had 'dyed' by her own hand and who was 'love devastation'.

The music showed some new influences: Jon Farriss' drums sounded similar to the dance music rhythms at the time, especially the acid house sounds popular in the UK. Similarly, the blues harp intro on the track, performed by Charlie Musselwhite, was sampled rather than recorded live.

My collection: 7" single no. 1846
Found: January 23, 1993
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Suicide blonde' / 'Everybody wants u tonight'

I'm so excited - Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters originally released 'I'm so excited' on their 1982 album 'So excited!'. The track was remixed for a single release in 1984. It reached number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 18 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 11 in the UK singles chart.

In the music video, the sisters acted as if they were getting ready for a night out. Anita is shown dressing up and putting on makeup, Ruth in a nightgown seductively and playfully getting dressed on her bed, and June taking a bubble bath. The video created a minor controversy in America because of a shot where June gets out of the tub. Although the towel she has is covering her stomach, it doesn't prevent June from showing a little 'too much' of her lower body. The shot was edited in slow-motion for later broadcasts.

My collection: 7" single no. 623
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 26, 1988
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'I'm so excited' / 'Dance electric'

When the rain begins to fall - Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora

The Israeli millionaire Meshulam Riklis is widely credited for launching (or buying) Pia Zadora's career as a celebrity. He married her in 1977, and shortly after that she made her debut as the Dubonnet Girl, appearing in print and television commercials for the apéritif distributed by a company he owned.

He then financed the movies 'Butterfly' and 'Voyage of the rock aliens', in which Zadora had a starring role. 'When the rain begins to fall' was a duet of Zadora with Jermaine Jackson, recorded for the latter movie. The song was a big success in Europe, most of all the Netherlands where it reached number 1 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 611
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 7, 1988
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'When the rain begins to fall' / 'Substitute'

Sad man - Renée

'Sad man' was released as the third single from Renée's 1980 album 'Reaching for the sky'. The single was promoted for a couple of weeks, but then the record company's attention went towards the Stars on 45 project, which eventually became an international hit.

'Sad man', meanwhile, suffered. Although 10.000 copies of the single were apparently sold, it did not land in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3285
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, February 24, 2001
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Sad man' / 'Reaching for the sky'

Take the long way home (live) - Supertramp

Roger Hodgson commented in 1990: ''Take The Long Way Home' has a quality about it that just makes me feel warm inside. I don't know if it's the harmonies or the melodies, or whatever, but I never get sick of it. I always saw the song a little ambiguous. It's on two levels. I see 'home' as being internal and external. It's kind of a play on words. Definitely part of the song is about the shallowness of success and getting caught up in a world and success and chasing, being popular, or whatever, is taking 'the long way home'. Because I think 'home' in its deepest sense is inside, is being at peace with oneself.'

Originally released on the album 'Breakfast in America' in 1979, a live version was recorded on the album 'Paris' a year later and released as a single. This single was not a commercial success, but it's a good version nonetheless.

My collection: 7" single no. 2794
Found: Record fair, Rotterdam, December 14, 1996
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Take the long way home (live)' / 'From now on (live)'

You know I love you... don't you? - Howard Jones

This limited edition double single is a bit of a weird one, as the second disc only has one side. And so this whole double single edition is made for just one track extra. To make things even stranger: another orchestral track, a version of 'Hungry for the flesh' was recorded at the same time as 'Hide and seek', but both tracks would only be released on the 12" single of the next single, 'A little bit of snow'.

'You know I love you... don't you?' was released as the second single from Howard Jones's third album 'One to one' in November 1986. It was his first single not to reach the UK top 40, stalling at number 43. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, however, the single reached number 17.

My collection: 7" single no. 490
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 15 guilders
Tracks: 'You know I love you... don't you?' / 'Dig this well deep' // 'Hide and seek (Orchestral version)'

London town - Bucks Fizz

Written by Andy Hill, the lyric of 'London town' tells of someone who is finding it difficult to adjust to life in a big city but is determined to stay. Lead vocals on the track were performed by member Bobby G, although he was unhappy with the way his vocals were mixed, giving them a distorted quality, claiming that he 'sounded like a munchkin'.

Released in September 1983, this was the Bucks Fizz's tenth single. It was the first of their singles not to reach the top 20 in the UK. It peaked at number 34 during a six week chart run.

My collection: 7" single no. 1667
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, June 20, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'London town' / 'Identity'

Stripped - Depeche Mode

'Stripped' was the first single from Depeche Mode's 1986 album 'Black celebration'. It was the first time that the band presented their gloomier side, a side they would explore more on later albums. The track was laden with samples: the underlying beat is a distorted and slowed-down sound of a motorcycle engine running, while the main melody begins with a car's ignition starting, and the end uses sounds of fireworks. The single peaked at number 15 in the UK singles chart.

In the USA, the B-side 'But not tonight' was preferred. The single was flipped, which did not please the band, because they saw the track as a useless poppy track they recorded in less than a day. To make matters worse, 'But not tonight' did not chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1328
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Stripped' / 'But not tonight'

Time to say goodbye - Arabesque

Although Arabesque broke up in 1984 when Sandra wanted to pursue a solo career, Jasmin and Michaela continued as Rouge, soldiering on for the remainder of the Eighties.

Meanwhile, the song 'Time to say goodbye' was released as a single and a 12" single by Arabeque in 1985. It was not a commercial success, but fans of the group may have been very happy to get this 'posthumous' release.

My collection: 12" single no. 331
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 1999
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Time to say goodbye (extended)' / 'Time to say goodbye', 'Stop crying for the moon'

Cradle of love - Billy Idol

'Cradle of love' is a good example of how a rather unremarkable song is brought to attention by an imaginative music video. The video was played often on MTV at the time, and since the video makes you want to watch things go wrong again and again, the song sticks in your mind. Not a surprise, then, that I ended up buying the single.

Billy Idol released 'Cradle of love' in April 1990. The single reached number 34 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1340
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1990
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Cradle of love' / '311 man'

Bailar pegados - Sergio Dalma

Sergio Dalma was born as Josep Sergi Capdevila Querol on September 28, 1964 in Sabadell, Spain. He started his career singing in bands and as backing vocalist, until he won the talent show 'Gent d'aqui'. His debut album 'Esa chica es mia' in 1989. Although the album was not very successful, Dalma was chosen to represent Spain during the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest.

'Bailar pegados' was a dramatic ballad that was tipped to win before the Contest took place. In the end, his song finished fourth out of 22 competitors. Dalma continues to be a successful artist in Spain, having had a number 1 album in 2008.

My collection: 7" single no. 4566
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Bailar pegados' / 'Amor descafeinado'

Y solo tu - Bacchelli

Bacchelli was born as José María Bacchelli Ortega in 1952 in Barcelona, Spain. He had a brief career in music in the late Seventies and early Eighties. In 1980 he released the album 'Prohibido'. A year later, he was selected to represent Spain during the Eurovision Song Contest.

He performed the song 'Y solo tu' ('And only you') in Dublin, which reached 14th place at the end of the Contest, out of 20 competitors. The single was released in most of Europe, but commercial success did not follow. A second album, also called 'Y solo tu', failed to sell as well. Shortly thereafter he retired from the music industry.

My collection: 7" single no. 4565
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Y solo tu' / 'Cuando te tengo en mis brazos'

Un grand, grand amour - José Cid

José Cid was born as José Albano Cid de Ferreira Tavares on February 4, 1942 in Chamusca, Portugal. He started a career in music in 1956 when he founded the Babies, a musical group which performed mostly covers. Besides being in various bands in the Sixties and Seventies, he also started a solo career.

In 1980 he was selected to represent Portugal during the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Um grande, grande amor'. He finished seventh in a field of 19 competitors, which was Portugal's best result up until then. 'Un grand, grand amour' is the French version of the song, which was released internationally. The single was not a commercial success.

My collection: 7" single no. 4564
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Un grand, grand amour' / 'Barbara'

Les jardins de Monaco - Caline et Olivier Toussaint

While Monaco was absent from the Eurovision Song Contest between 1980 and 2004, they did participate every year between 1959 and 1979. And so, 'Les jardins de Monaco', performed by Caline and Olivier Toussaint has the unique distinction of being the penultimate entry for Monaco before they gave up in the 20th century.

'Les jardins de Monaco' is a mid-tempo disco duet, which makes it sound a bit dated now. At the close of voting during the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest, it finished fourth in a field of 20 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4563
Found: Marktplaats.nl, received February 16, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Les jardins de Monaco' / 'Tous les amoureux'

Waiting for a girl like you - Foreigner

Foreigner used the then-unknown Thomas Dolby to perform synthesizer on their track 'Waiting for a girl like you'. It was one of the factors in making this a big hit. Written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, it was the second single from Foreigner's album '4' (1981).

The single reached number 8 in the UK singles chart and number 16 in the Dutch Top 40. It also achieved an odd chart distinction by spending a record-setting 10 weeks at number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, without ever reaching the top. It was held off the top spot by Olivia Newton-John's single 'Physical' for the first nine of those weeks, and by Hall & Oates' 'I can't go for that (No can do)' for the remaining week.

My collection: 7" single no. 1468
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 30, 1991
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Waiting for a girl like you' / 'I'm gonna win'

Doe iets - Frank Boeijen Groep

The Frank Boeijen Groep released the second single from their third album '1001 hotel' in October 1983. It was 'Doe iets' ('Do something'). The lyric of the song, written as usual by band leader Frank Boeijen, was a cry for action between lovers.

After their first hit single 'Linda', this single again reached the Dutch Top 40, this time peaking at number 25.

My collection: 7" single no. 670
Found: Record fair, October 17, 1993
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Doe iets' / 'Macho'

Another one bites the dust - Queen

The bass line of 'Another one bites the dust' was inspired by the song 'Good times' by Chic. Recording sesions in Munich involved John Deacon playing almost all the instruments: bass, piano, rhythm and lead guitars and handclap percussion. Roger Taylor added a drum loop and Brian May contributed some noises with his guitar and an Eventide Harmonizer. There are no synthesizers used in the song: all effects are created with pianos, guitars, and drums, with subsequent tape playback performed in reverse at various speeds. Brian May later recalled: 'Freddie sung until his throat bled on 'Another one bites the dust'. He was so into it. He wanted to make that song something special.'

The single reached number 14 in the Dutch Top 40, number 7 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in Argentina, Canada, Guatemala, Spain and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2107
Found: Record fair, June 4, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Another one bites the dust' / 'Dragon attack'

101 - Sheena Easton

Prince used his pseudonym Joey Coco to write '101' for Sheena Easton. The track was recorded on her 1989 album 'The lover in me', with Prince producing. When it was released as the second single from the album, the sleeve included a beautiful photograph by Sheila Rock.

It was not a big success for Easton, as '101' only reached number 54 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 875
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, June 3, 1989
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: '101' / 'Cool love'

Private eyes - Daryl Hall and John Oates

According to Daryl Hall, 'Private eyes' is 'a real Janna Allen(co-writer and sister of Sara Allen) song. Janna, and I, and Warren Pash wrote that. Warren and Janna wrote most of the song, and I took it and changed it around-changed the chords. Sandy [Sara Allen] and I wrote the lyrics. It’s a real family song, the Allen sisters and me.'

The single carries a similar rhythm to the duo's number one hit from earlier that year, 'Kiss on my list', with the difference being a handclap chorus that has made the song an audience-participation favorite at live Hall and Oates shows. The single reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 32 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 2499
Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 30, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Private eyes' / 'Tell me what you want'

Twilight zone - Golden Earring

My earlier post about 'Long blond animal' by the Golden Earring caused some readers to write a comment. I wrote that if the group had quit like they planned, it would have saved us a lot of unnecessary music. 'What about 'Twilight zone'?', was the general complaint.

Well, indeed. I did like the song when it came out in 1982, and I even bought the single. At the same time, the song has been played so often on radio and television that I'm still very bored by it. So would the world have been a darker place without this single? I don't really think so. But it was a number 1 hit for the band, which should have been, again, reason enough for them to call it quits. Unfortunately, they didn't...

My collection: 7" single no. 149
Found: Studio Echo, Den Haag, 1982
Cost: 5,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Twilight zone' / 'King dark'

Church of your heart - Roxette

'Church of your heart' was the last single release from Roxette's 1991 album 'Joyride' in February 1992. It was the last top 40 hit for Roxette in the USA, peaking at number 36. In the UK, the single reached number 21.

More important to me than the 7" single at the time was the double cd-single release from the UK. I spent ages trying to find it, until I finally did during a record fair in the summer of 1992. This single was much easier to get: I bought it as soon as it came out.

My collection: 7" single no. 1648
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, April 1992
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Church of your heart' / 'I call your name'

Wanted dead or alive - Bon Jovi

'Wanted dead or alive' is the phrase Jon Bon Jovi used for this song to show how he identifies with wild west heroes as being hated (wanted dead or alive). The band Bon Jovi had originally planned to do a wild west-themed album in the Eighties, but scrapped the idea.

Released as the third single from Bon Jovi's 1986 album 'Slippery when wet'. It peaked at number 7 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 13 in the UK singles chart and number 24 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 532
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, 1987
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Wanted dead or alive' / 'Shot through the heart'

Trödler und Co - Peter, Sue and Marc

One of four appearances at the Eurovision Song Contest by Peter, Sue & Marc, 'Trödler & Co' is certainly the most memorable one. Together with the unknown trio Pfuri, Gorps & Kniri, they performed a track that sounded a lot like slightly deranged gypsy music. 'Trödler' translates like 'dawdler', so presumably this is music by people who procrastinate a lot. (No, I don't know what that means either).

Representing Switzerland for the third time in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 with this song, they finished tenth in a field of 19 competitors.

My collection: 7" single no. 4457
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received January 28, 2010
Cost: 3,5 euro
Tracks: 'Trödler & Co' / 'Groovy Musik'

Mai Tai - Body and soul

'Body and soul' was Mai Tai's second hit single in the UK, but there was a difference with the European version of 'Body and soul': it was released on the Virgin label, had a different sleeve and a different B-side. The B-side was 'What goes on', a hit single in the Netherlands in the previous summer.

Released in July 1985, Mai Tai scored their second top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number 9.

My collection: 7" single no. 2385
Found: House of Rhythm, London, July 1, 1995
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Body & soul' / 'What goes on'

Isn't it midnight - Fleetwood Mac

'Isn't it midnight' was released as the sixth and final single from Fleetwood Mac's 1987 album 'Tango in the night'. The song was co-written and sung by Christine McVie.

In the UK singles chart, 'Isn't it midnight' reached number 60 in June 1988. In Ireland, the single reached number 23.

My collection: 7" single no. 3197
Found: Record fair, Amterdam, September 16, 2000
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Isn't it midnight' / 'Mystified'