He's the greatest dancer - Sister Sledge

Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, who produced the album 'We are family' for Sister Sledge originally formulated all its songs with the group in mind envisioning the title cut as the lead single. When the record company wanted a more overtly disco song Edwards and Rodgers gave Sister Sledge 'He's the greatest dancer', originally intended for their own band Chic.

Nile Rodgers recalled Sister Sledge being 'furious' at being asked to sing the lyric 'My crème de la crème please take me home': 'to them that made them seem like loose women' - and suggested a lyric adjustment to 'My crème de la crème, please don't go home.' Rodgers says he and Edwards refused to change the lyric 'because we knew the world that we were writing about obviously more than they did because they had never even been in a disco...He ain't going to go home because [he is] the greatest dancer...he's gonna stay there longer than you'.

When released as the first single from the album, it reached number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1979. The single also reached number 18 in the Dutch Top 40 and number 6 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4881
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'He's the greatest dancer' / 'Somebody loves me'

Use it up and wear it out - Odyssey

Since I started listening to Kim Wilde's radio show 'Secret Songs' on Magic FM, I've rediscovered many tracks from the past. One of them is Odyssey's 'Use it up and wear it out', a song I thought was quite ridiculous when it was in the chart in 1980, because of the whistle.

Listening to it now, I have to conclude that the ridiculous whistle is part of the catchy appeal of this track. No wonder that it reached number 1 in the UK charts in the summer of 1980. In the Dutch Top 40, it reached number 4.

My collection: 7" single no. 4880
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Use it up and wear it out' / 'Don't tell me, tell her'

Back and forth - Cameo

Cameo were very popular in the mid-Eighties after they had a worldwide hit with 'Word up!', the title track of their 1986 album. Subsequent singles 'Candy' and 'Back and forth' were not as successful, but were still hits in some territories.

'Back and forth' was released in April 1987 as the last single from the album and reached number 11 in the UK singles chart. In the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single peaked at number 50.

My collection: 7" single no. 4879
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Back and forth' / 'You can have the world'

Knock on wood (remix) / Light my fire (remix) - Amii Stewart

Amii Stewart's career was slowly grinding to a halt when this remix double A side was released in 1985. Her biggest hits 'Knock on wood' and 'Light my fire' were remixed by Barry Leng and Alan Coulthard.

The single was a big success in the UK, where it reached number 7. And thus, the 'Top Hit UK' label on the sleeve of this German pressing is no lie. I don't know what position the single reached in Germany - but in the Netherlands it failed to chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4878
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Knock on wood (remix)' / 'Light my fire (remix)'

Disco Bouzouki - Bouzouki Disco Band

The French producers Jean Kluger and Daniel Vangarde created the track 'Disco Bouzouki', roughly inspired by Greek music, in 1977. The Bouzouki Disco Band they called themselves, and the single became quite a hit in France. When released in other countries, it wasn't quite as successful - despite the rather attractive sleeve.

A few years later, Kluger and Vangarde were more successful when they produced the duo Ottawan, who hit the charts in 1980 and 1981 with hits like 'D.I.S.C.O.' and 'Hands up'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4877
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Disco Bouzouki' / 'Do re mi fa soul'

Light my fire - Amii Stewart

American disco singer Amii Stewart recorded a remarkable disco-flavoured cover version of the Doors' famous rock track 'Light my fire' in 1979. Her version was a commercial success, hitting number 5 in the UK singles chart.

The Doors track has been covered by many other tracks through the years. Acts like Jose Feliciano, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Bassey, Baccara, Massive Attack, Trini Lopez and UB40 have all had a shot at it - although nothing beats the original.

My collection: 7" single no. 4876
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Light my fire' / 'Bring it on back to me'

Trees and flowers - Strawberry Switchblade

A song about agoraphobia, 'Trees and flowers' was originally the debut single of Strawberry Switchblade, the Scottish duo consisting of Jill Bryson and Rose McDowall. Released on the indie label '92 happy customers', it didn't reach the chart, but it got them noticed by bigger record companies.

They eventually signed with WEA records, who released their debut album in 1985. A limited reissue pressing of the 7" was made and given away with initial copies of the album. This copy was actually sold separately - and so I snapped it up.

My collection: 7" single no. 4875
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Trees and flowers' / 'Go away'

Be my lover now - Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder

Human League frontman Philip Oakey and legendary producer Giorgio Moroder had worked together previously. Two singles had already been released - the hit single 'Together in electric dreams' and the flop 'Good-bye bad times' - when 'Be my lover now' was released in 1985.

Like 'Good-bye bad times', this single did not reach the UK singles chart. Meanwhile, their self-titled album reached number 52 in the UK albums chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4874
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Be my lover now' / 'Be my lover now (instrumental version)'

Memory of your name - Private Lives

In 1982, when this single was released, the British band Private Lives consisted of John Adams, Rick Lane and John Reid. Two years later, Adams would record the first Private Lives album together with Morris Michael.

'The memory of your name' was one of the singles released by the early line-up that wasn't successful. Interesting fact: Simon Climie plays guitar on the track. He would later form Climie Fisher together with Rob Fisher.

My collection: 7" single no. 4873
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Memory of your name' / 'Swim away'

Painting my love song - Henry Gross

On his third album 'Show me to the stage', Henry Gross mixed Rock & Roll songs with Phil Spector and Brian Wilson influences. A good example of the Brian Wilson sound on his album is the single 'Painting my love songs', released in the summer of 1977.

This single did not chart in any territory, but it very nearly made the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4872
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Painting my love song' / 'String of hearts'

Springtime mama - Henry Gross

After Henry Gross had a worldwide hit with the single 'Shannon', he released his second album 'Release'. The second single taken from that album was the uptempo 'Springtime mama'.

This single almost reached the gold status in the USA, while peaking at number 37 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In Europe, this single failed to impress the record buying public.

My collection: 7" single no. 4871
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Springtime mama' / 'Overtone Square'

Not that funny - Fleetwood Mac

Though selling millions of copies worldwide, Fleetwood Mac's 1979 album 'Tusk' was deemed a failure in comparison to their previous album, 'Rumours'. Two hit singles were taken from the album ('Sara' and the title track), but three further singles failed to chart in most territories.

'Not that funny' was released as the third single from the album and underwent the same fate as its follow-ups 'Think about me' (released in the USA only) and 'Sisters of the moon'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4870
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Not that funny' / 'Think about me'

How can this be love - Andrew Gold

After Andrew Gold enjoyed his first UK hit in 1977 with 'Lonely boy', he followed it up in 1978 with 'How can this be love'. The single reached number 19 in the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, the single narrowly missed the Dutch Top 40.

The B-side, 'Thank you for being a friend', also written and performed by Andrew Gold, was recorded by Cynthia Fee as the theme tune to the US comedy series 'The Golden Girls'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4869
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 21, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'How can this be love' / 'Thank you for being a friend'

Infatuation - Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart released 'Infatuation' in 1984. The music video is never played on television anymore, but at the time it was a memorable clip. Stewart acted a lot like a voyeur and a male chauvinist pig - a role that fit him like a glove I think.

This 12" single features a full length version of the track plus two B-sides. A good deal for Rod Stewart fans.

My collection: 12" single no. 546
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Infatuation (full length version)' / 'Tonight's the night (live)', 'Three time loser'

Destination - DT8 featuring Roxanne Wilde

Producer and DJ Darren Tate was born in London on October 22, 1972. In the early Noughties he started working under the pseudonym DT8. The DT8 project involved dance tracks with various guest vocalists.

One of them was Roxanne Wilde, the younger sister of Kim Wilde. The track 'Destination' was released on several different 12" singles - and this is one of them. It was a hit for the two, peaking at number 23 in the UK singles chart in May 2003.

My collection: 12" single no. 439
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Destination (Darren 'DT8' Tate's original mix)' / 'Destination (instrumental)'

How can I fall - Breathe

In the Eighties not only dance tracks got the 'extended remix' treatment, but also ballads. Sometimes this resulted in very beautiful tracks, such as this version of 'How can I fall' by Breathe. With some instrumental additions, the track is extended to great effect.

What's more, this 12" single was released in a limited edition poster package. The 24"x36" photograph is the same as the one on the front sleeve, but it's still a nice gesture.

My collection: 12" single no. 139
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 1991
Cost: 2 pounds
Tracks: 'How can I fall? (extended remix)' / 'How can I fall? (single version)', 'All this I should have known'

Endless road - Time Bandits

The Dutch band Time Bandits were always able to release their hit singles with attractive 12" single alternatives. Their 1985 hit 'Endless road' was released with a 'special remixed dance version' included on this disc.

My collection: 12" single no. 390
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Endless road (special remixed dance version)' / 'Fiction'

Love and anger - Kate Bush

I still remember the day in March 1990 when my sister walked into my room with the newest single by Kate Bush, 'Love and anger'. She pronounced the title wrong and then showed me that the single was released in a gatefold booklet sleeve. I was green with envy, almost literally. When she added that the shop only had one copy, no love was left inside me, just anger.

The two weeks it took for the shop to get the single back in stock were among the longest weeks of my life. My fandom of Kate Bush had taken on gigantic proportions - and having an item like this pass me by was simply too much to bear. But fortunately in this case, all's well that ends well.

My collection: 7" single no. 1192
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, March 1990
Cost: 7 guilders
Tracks: 'Love and anger' / 'Ken'

Stay out of my life - Five Star

The single 'Stay out of my life' was successful in the UK only at a time when Five Star were at the peak of their popularity in their home country. It reached number 9 in the UK singles chart.

This 12" single features a remix of 'Stay out of my life' as well as a remix of previous hit single 'If I say yes'. Where many Five Star 12" singles just seem to fall flat, this package is quite a lively one.

My collection: 12" single no. 457
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Stay out of my life' / 'If I say yes (Lew Hahn US dub mix)', '(How dare you) Stay out of my life'

Jackie's strength - Tori Amos

I never managed to turn my friend Puck into a Tori Amos fan, however hard I tried. While I bought all of her albums and singles, he remained insensitive to the beauty of her Nineties work. Admittedly, Amos creatively burned out after the turn of the century, but before she did, she created some magical music.

In 1999, I was pleasantly surprised when Puck actually liked the 'Wedding cake club mix' of 'Jackie's strength'. Originally a moving ballad on Tori Amos' 1998 album 'From the choirgirl hotel', Warren Rigg turned it into a 'hands in the air' dance anthem. Quite an achievement and I actually liked this remix myself too. I bought this American double 12" single mainly for the sleeve, because all the tracks were released on the American cd-single as well.

My collection: 12" single no. 400
Found: Record fair, 1999
Cost: 20 guilders
Tracks: 'Jackie's strength (Wedding cake club mix)' / 'Jackie's strength (Wedding cake edit)' // 'Jackie's strength (One Rascal dub #1)' / 'Father Lucifer (Sylkscreen remix)' // 'Jackie's strength (One Rascal dub #2)' / 'Father Lucifer (Sylkscreen instrumental)' // 'Jackie's strength (Wedding cake meltdown mix)' / 'Jackie's strength (Bonus beats)'

It's over - Level 42

The ballad 'It's over' was released as the fourth single from Level 42's album 'Running in the family' in 1987. I bought the 7" single in 1991, but it took me some years to find and buy the 12" single after that.

When I did, I only bought it because it was very cheap. The extended version isn't that extended and I already had the B-side, a live track. The instrumental version of 'It's over' is a nice bonus, though. Instrumental versions are ideal to make you own extended versions with.

My collection: 12" single no. 262
Found: Record Exchange, London, 1998
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'It's over (extended version)' / 'Physical presence (live version)', 'It's over (instrumental)'

The captain of her heart - Double

I've always liked the track 'The captain of her heart' by the band Double. I bought the single as soon as it was released, but I never really thought there was a 12" single. When I found it a decade later, I was interested to find that there was a 'full version' of the track.

This full version adds an impressive 35 seconds to the track, which I have to agree ain't much. But I took it home anyway.

My collection: 12" single no. 434
Found: House of Rhythm, London, 1997
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'The captain of her heart (full version)' / 'Your prayer takes me off part 2 (dub)'

Paris Latino - Bandolero

I bought the 7" single of 'Paris latino' in 1997, a few years before I found this 12" single. The 12" version is slightly longer than the single version, and as such isn't a remix but just an extended version.

The B-side contains two very latin sounding tracks, good for any party.

My collection: 12" single no. 546
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Paris latino' / 'Tango tango', 'El bandido caballero'

Cruel summer '89 - Bananarama

'Cruel summer' was a hit for Bananarama, reaching number 9 in the UK singles chart in August 1983. In 1989, the record company decided on releasing a remix of the track as a single, which wasn't a brilliant idea to begin with.

This 12" single adds some more misery to the whole idea. I didn't know this when I bought it, of course, otherwise I would never have done it. The remixes of three Bananarama hits are all abyssmal. A crash course in ruining great pop songs.

My collection: 12" single no. 420
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Cruel summer '89 (Swing beat dub)', 'I heard a rumour (Corporation of Bananarama mix)' / 'Venus (The Greatest remix)'

Let it be - Ferry Aid

I don't really know why - well it probably was a lack of funds - but I never bought the 12" single of Ferry Aid's 'Let it be' despite being a fan of several artists on this record. 23 years later, I finally managed it and what a pleasant surprise this disc holds...

The remixed version of 'Let it be' starts with the part of Kate Bush, so basically it starts on a high. It's very interesting to hear a different sequence of artists in the 12" mix.

My collection: 12" single no. 545
Found: discogs.com, received May 18, 2010
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Let it be [12" remix]' / 'Let it be (Mega message mix)'

Catch me - Marsha Raven

Before the 'Anglia remix' was created, which spawned the hit single version of 'Catch me' by Marsha Raven, she released the track without the sound effect of Big Ben in it.

This 12" single is the extended version of the original single version, and it features no clocks whatsoever. Without that, it loses a lot of its appeal although it's still a very danceable track.

My collection: 12" single no. 542
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2001
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Catch me' / 'Catch me (instrumental mix)'

Ooh to be ah - Kajagoogoo

Kajagoogoo were scorned in the Eighties (and after) became they were considered to be naff. But when you listen to their music now, it holds up very well. The song with the nonsensical title 'Ooh to be aah' is a great piece of breezy pop that has stood the test of time better than you'd think.

This 12" single features an extended remix of 'Ooh to be ah' plus a B-side track that was not featured on the 7" single.

My collection: 12" single no. 544
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2000
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Ooh to be ah (The Construction mix)' / 'Ooh to be ah', 'Interview rooms'

Secrets - Fiat Lux

Back in November 2008, I featured the 7" single of Fiat Lux's 'Secrets' on this blog. The song cannot be downloaded from there anymore as I never reupload tracks (so don't ask, please).

However, since I have this 12" single as well, both tracks are available once more. And it's just as well, since 'Secrets' is one of the best songs of the Eighties, I dare say. It's a shame that this 12" single does not include an extended version of the track, but there is an extra B-side - which I have to say is a bit of a throwaway track...

My collection: 12" single no. 248
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Secrets' / 'Comfortable life', 'Aqua vitae'

Don't break my heart - UB40

This is not the best 12" remix in the history of mankind - in fact, it's rather lame. It features the single version of UB40's 'Don't break my heart', which fades out at the end while a different track fades in: it's an instrumental roughly based on the tempo and key of the song but doesn't really belong here. I think many people must have felt a bit cheated when they played this record after buying it.

My collection: 12" single no. 376
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2000
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't break my heart (12" version)' / 'Mek ya rok (12" version)'

Owner of a lonely heart - Yes

What a shame. Trevor Horn produced Yes's 'Owner of a lonely heart' in 1983, creating a great and innovative rock track - but then decided to make a remix as well. The result is on this 12" single, and I repeat: what a shame. The remix is not much more than a random collection of noises that becomes increasingly grating as time progresses and no verse or chorus appears.

The B-side, fortunately, offers the A- and B-side of the 7" single, so owners of this 12" single can always take their refuge to that side.

My collection: 12" single no. 543
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Owner of a lonely heart (Special remix dance version)' / 'Owner of a lonely heart', 'Our song'

This woman's work - Kate Bush

Kate Bush recorded 'This woman's work' for the movie 'She's having a baby', directed by John Hughes. The song is played during the dramatic climax, when Jake (Kevin Bacon) learns that the lives of his wife (Elizabeth McGovern) and their unborn child are in danger. As the song plays, we see a montage sequence of flashbacks showing the couple in happier times, intercut with shots of him waiting for news of Elizabeth and their baby's condition. Bush wrote the song specifically for the sequence, writing from a man's viewpoint and matching the words to the visuals which had already been filmed.

Kate included the song in her 1989 album 'The sensual world'. The song was re-edited from the original version featured on the film soundtrack. When the song was chosen as the second single from the album, the song was mixed differently for another time.

The single was released in two different formats: a 'regular' 7" single and a picture disc. While failing to chart in most territories, it reached number 25 in the UK singles chart and number 20 in Ireland. The song should be considered one of Kate Bush's signature songs.

My collection: 7" single no. 1123
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, December 19, 1989
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'This woman's work' / 'Be kind to my mistakes'

You keep me hangin' on - Kim Wilde, You win again - Bee Gees

This promotional jukebox single from Italy is evidence that the Italians were a bit slow in picking up one of Kim Wilde's biggest hits, 'You keep me hangin' on'. While the Bee Gees' 'You win again' was released in September 1987, Kim's single was originally released a year earlier.

I have no documentation on the chart history of 'You keep me hangin' on' in Italy, but I suspect it only charted when this promo was circulated. By that time, it had already reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart - no mean feat for a female singer from the UK.

My collection: 7" single no. 4866
Found: eBay.co.uk, received May 15, 2010
Cost: 6 pounds
Tracks: 'You keep me hangin' on' (Kim Wilde) / 'You win again' (Bee Gees)

Giorgio - Lys Assia

I wonder if I'll ever find out if there's a 7" single of Lys Assia's winning Eurovision song 'Refrain' from 1956. I'm still looking for it and it's the only Eurovision winner that's missing from my collection!

Lys Assia returned to the Contest in 1957 and 1958, and this is her entry from 1958: 'Giorgio'. Representing Switzerland, she very nearly won the Contest again, earning 24 points, but finished second behind Andre Claveau with 'Dors mon amour', who earned 27 points. It's surprising that a 52 year old single can still be in such pristine condition.

My collection: 7" single no. 4865
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 3 euro
Tracks: 'Giorgio' / 'Louella'

Merry-go-round - Susan Fassbender

Susan Fassbender's 1981 single 'Twilight cafe' was a hit in the UK, but subsequent recordings failed to match that success.

This single, 'Merry-go-round' was released the same year, but failed to chart despite some appearances in TV programmes like 'Cheggers plays pop' and 'Swap shop'.

My collection: 7" single no. 4863
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Merry-go-round' / 'Reasons'

The Chinese way - Level 42

'The Chinese way' was released as the second single from Level 42's 1982 album 'The pursuit of accidents'.

It became Level 42's first top 30 single in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 24.

My collection: 7" single no. 4862
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The Chinese way' / '88 (live)'

Hi-Energy Anglia Remix - The Flirtations, Marsha Raven

In 1984, Dutch DJ Rutger Kroese created the Anglia Remix, a medley of two songs with sounds of Big Ben. The two songs that were used were 'Earthquake' by the Flirtations and 'Catch me' by Marsha Raven. The latter had been released unsuccessfully earlier that year, but this remix gave it a new lease of life.

An edited version of this remix would be released as a single and give Marsha Raven a top 10 hit in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, this full length remix became quite sought after.

My collection: 12" single no. 541
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2001
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Hi-Energy Anglia Remix' / 'Primitive desire' (Eastbound Expressway)

Chains of love - Erasure

'Chains of love' was released in May 1988 as the second single from Erasure's third studio album 'The innocents'. The album version was produced by Stephen Hague and was slightly remixed for its single release. Most notably the album version starts 'cold', while the single version contains a short synthesizer pattern as an intro.

The single peaked at number 11 in the UK singles chart and number 12 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 4859
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Chains of love' / 'Don't suppose'

Jackie Wilson said - Dexy's Midnight Runners

'Jackie Wilson said (I'm in heaven when you smile)' was written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1972 on his album 'Saint Dominic's preview'. It was inspired by a line in Jackie Wilson's song 'Reet petite'.

In 1982, British pop band Dexys Midnight Runners recorded and released a cover version of 'Jackie Wilson said' on their album 'Too-rye-ay'. It was released as the follow-up single to their UK number 1 hit 'Come on Eileen' and reached number 5 in the UK singles chart. It also got to number 21 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4858
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Jackie Wilson said' / 'Let's make this precious'

Only a fool - Time Bandits

The single 'Only a fool' was taken from the Time Bandits' 1985 album 'Fiction'. While the previous single 'Dancing on the string', also taken from the album, reached number 28 in the Dutch Top 40, this single failed to chart.

The song, written by frontman Alides Hidding, sounds a bit like a cheap Bee Gees imitation. I guess too many people didn't appreciate this unintended tribute.

My collection: 7" single no. 4857
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, June 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Only a fool' / '1 2 3'

The wild places '91 - Duncan Browne

This remix of the classic song 'The wild places' by Duncan Browne is a mystery. I can't find any information as to why this remix was released. What's more, the remix doesn't seem to add or change much from the original - except the great instrumental bit at the end of the song seems to have been chopped off. What a shame.

Amazingly, this single managed to chart again in the Dutch Top 40. Whereas the original version reached number 7 in the Dutch Top 40 in the Spring of 1979, this version managed to get to number 28.

My collection: 7" single no. 4864
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'The wild places '91' / 'Fauvette'

Looking for you - Kit Hain

After working with Julian Marshall for a few years as Marshall Hain, Kit Hain pursued a solo career. This resulted in two solo albums, the first one of which was 'Spirits walking out' (1981). This album featured the single 'Danny' plus this one, 'Looking for you'.

The best way to sum up this single is probably: great sleeve, unremarkable music. At least, the general public didn't buy this.

My collection: 7" single no. 4861
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Looking for you' / 'Hundreds and thousands'

Net als toen - Corry Brokken

How times have changed. When the Eurovision Song Contest was just a new invention, the Netherlands were actually very successful. Between 1956 and 1975, the country won four times - and they never managed this after 1975. The first time the Netherlands won was in the second year of Eurovision, 1957.

Corry Brokken sang 'Net als toen' ('Just like the old days'), a song that featured a violin solo by Sem Nijveen and was almost three and a half minutes long. In this year's contest the Italian entry lasted for five minutes, whilst the UK's entry lasted for almost two minutes. It was because of songs like the former that a rule was eventually introduced restricting each song to a maximum of three minutes; this rule still applies today.

This single, meanwhile, is a true rarity. It simply cannot be found - although I did buy this copy in a shop without any trouble. I was very surprised with it, even if the vinyl wasn't pressed perfectly.

My collection: 7" single no. 4860
Found: Da Capo, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Net als toen' / 'Wees maar niet boos'

Wildfire - Time Bandits

Although the Time Bandits basically still exist (at least, frontman Alides Hidding still uses the name when he performs solo or with a band), they split up in 1989. 'Wildfire' was the last single to be released by the band, but it failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

The single was taken from the band's 1987 album 'Can't wait for another world', which contained a few songs written by Alides Hidding with American singer/producer Dan Hartman. This single contains two of them.

My collection: 7" single no. 4856
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Wildfire' / 'You're not at home'

The big kiss - Thereza Bazar

After the breakup of the duo Dollar, Thereza Bazar released one solo album in 1985 called 'The big kiss', which she co-wrote. The album reportedly cost half a million pounds to produce and generated media attention, but according to Bazar, the album's circulation was poor due to a mix-up at the record company, with the album unavailable at the time of its advertised release. Today Bazar mentions the incident as the most upsetting of her career.

The first single from the album was the title track was released in the summer of 1985. It didn't chart in any territory.

My collection: 7" single no. 4855
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'The big kiss' / 'Give yourself up'

Tracie - Level 42

Level 42 members Gary Husband and Mark King wrote 'Tracie' and recorded it on their 1988 studio album 'Staring at the sun'.

The song was released as a single near the end of 1988. It peaked at number 24 in the UK singles chart and number 14 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4854
Found: Grammfoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Tracie' / 'Three words'

Als ik 'n meisje was - Toontje Lager

For a little while in the Eighties, the Dutch group 'Toontje Lager' were very hot. After the very successful albums 'Erop of eronder' (1982) and 'Stiekem dansen' (1983) the band suddenly failed to attract lots of attention. Their singles flopped and they didn't even record an album anymore.

In 1985, the band decided to call it quits. 'Als ik 'n meisje was' ('If I were a girl') was their last single release - and this one too failed to reach the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4853
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Als ik 'n meisje was' / 'Hart van goud'

Popmuzik (Ben Liebrand single edit) - M

Attentive readers of this blog will recall I posted a 1989 remix of M's 'Popmuzik' on this blog back in August 2009. I bought that one in the UK. It appears that the Netherlands also released a remix of 'Popmuzik' that same year, except this one was made by Ben Liebrand, the Dutch DJ who had become a household name during the Eighties.

Indeed, his remix is very different from the one on the other single - but less unsuccessful. While the UK version reached number 15 in the UK singles chart, this single did not chart in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 4852
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 1,5 euro
Tracks: 'Popmuzik (Ben Liebrand single edit)'

Someone somewhere (in summertime) - Simple Minds

I think 'Someone somewhere (in summertime)' is my favourite Simple Minds song of all times. Still, it took me this long to find a copy of the single. Fortunately, it is a UK pressing so that's made it worthwhile waiting.

The track was released as the third and final single from the bands' 1984 album 'New gold dream'. It reached number 36 in the UK singles chart and number 19 in Ireland. In Europe, the single was ignored. How very strange.

My collection: 7" single no. 4851
Found: Grammofoonwinkel, Utrecht, May 14, 2010
Cost: 2 euro
Tracks: 'Someone somewhere (in summertime)' / 'King is white and in the crowd'