It’s worth checking out Sandra’s german-language version of Alphaville’s “Big In Japan” – it only sold 125 copies or so, and it’s a cheesy classic. I love it.
I wasn’t aware of that one before I started researching—definitely a bit cheesy! 😁 What I don’t quite get is why they chose to cover a German band. Maybe it had something to do with her “Japan connection” with Arabesque? 😁 Either way, it was probably a good trial run for the hits that came later. Thanks for reading and reacting, Lucien!
My husband was obsessed with Sandra 🤣 he always adds Maria Magdalena to my playlists and I’m like WTF?! I was born in Latin America in the 90s. For many years I thought the whole Sandra thing was a shameless exaggeration on his part 🤣🤣🤣 Now I know it was real
Sandra was an "affliction" most of us had to endure back then—fortunately, a harmless one with no lasting effects (usually) 😁. That said, kudos to your husband for his great taste! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Andy! Enjoy your Sunday!
We completely missed her in Latin America (I was admittedly not born yet, but now I understand it was a purely continental European phenomenon, which makes it all even more intriguing). Yes, he loves his disco and dance 🪩😊
Been especially looking forward to this edition of the newsletter as you know and it didn't disappoint. Particularly Interesting on the tension between Pete Waterman and Michael Cretu, about which I was unaware (you didn't mess with Pete in those days!). I love that '80s Euro "ethereal dance sound" but you're right that it wasn't considered "ballsy" enough for Brit dancefloors. The singles that did break through here, due to being heard on Euro dancefloors during package holidays, were treated as novelty records with artists such as Baltimora destined to be forever known as one hit wonders in the UK. Language differences were of course another reason why there was never a UK fanbase for acts such a Stephanie, Desireless (Voyage Voyage was the subject of another PWL remix) or the queen Mylene Farmer who it took me ages to discover back in the pre-internet days. My favourite Sandra song, the title track to the 1988 album Into A Secret Land, is from a record I believe Virgin didn't even bother to release in Britain! Congrats on your first anniversary btw - the first of many I hope!
Pete Waterman and Michael Cretu were truly cut from the same cloth! My favorite Sandra album is Paintings In Yellow from 1990. Back when I had my first record shop retail job, I played it on repeat—but unfortunately, it didn’t do much for sales! 😃
I’m in it for the long haul, Paul. With a list of around 1,500 tracks to go through, this will definitely take some time! 😁
Thanks for the birthday wishes and, as always, for reading and reacting. Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
I discovered Sandra in the year 2000 when I began my first year of college. I live in the US. I discovered her music online. I ordered a CD from Europe it cost like $60 but I didn’t care. She was unavailable in the US. This is when I also discovered CC Catch and BBB, etc…
In Spain a movement has emerged against Sandra into her fans. He was due to perform in Spain on a three-date tour with Thomas Anders of Modern Talking but the tour was canceled two days before starting in Madrid. The money was never returned to those who bought the ticket. Thomas Anders appeared in a video but ignoring the issue. We are still waiting for Sandra to give a statement of support to her fans. This occurred in November 2023. In my case I spent 200 euros as a gift for my sister and brother-in-law.
That sounds terrible, David—completely baffling. Surely they had insurance to cover tour cancellations. I really hope you get your money back. And thanks for the kind words—I appreciate you reading and responding!
It’s worth checking out Sandra’s german-language version of Alphaville’s “Big In Japan” – it only sold 125 copies or so, and it’s a cheesy classic. I love it.
I wasn’t aware of that one before I started researching—definitely a bit cheesy! 😁 What I don’t quite get is why they chose to cover a German band. Maybe it had something to do with her “Japan connection” with Arabesque? 😁 Either way, it was probably a good trial run for the hits that came later. Thanks for reading and reacting, Lucien!
My husband was obsessed with Sandra 🤣 he always adds Maria Magdalena to my playlists and I’m like WTF?! I was born in Latin America in the 90s. For many years I thought the whole Sandra thing was a shameless exaggeration on his part 🤣🤣🤣 Now I know it was real
Sandra was an "affliction" most of us had to endure back then—fortunately, a harmless one with no lasting effects (usually) 😁. That said, kudos to your husband for his great taste! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Andy! Enjoy your Sunday!
We completely missed her in Latin America (I was admittedly not born yet, but now I understand it was a purely continental European phenomenon, which makes it all even more intriguing). Yes, he loves his disco and dance 🪩😊
Thank you, Pe! Have a great Sunday too!
Been especially looking forward to this edition of the newsletter as you know and it didn't disappoint. Particularly Interesting on the tension between Pete Waterman and Michael Cretu, about which I was unaware (you didn't mess with Pete in those days!). I love that '80s Euro "ethereal dance sound" but you're right that it wasn't considered "ballsy" enough for Brit dancefloors. The singles that did break through here, due to being heard on Euro dancefloors during package holidays, were treated as novelty records with artists such as Baltimora destined to be forever known as one hit wonders in the UK. Language differences were of course another reason why there was never a UK fanbase for acts such a Stephanie, Desireless (Voyage Voyage was the subject of another PWL remix) or the queen Mylene Farmer who it took me ages to discover back in the pre-internet days. My favourite Sandra song, the title track to the 1988 album Into A Secret Land, is from a record I believe Virgin didn't even bother to release in Britain! Congrats on your first anniversary btw - the first of many I hope!
Pete Waterman and Michael Cretu were truly cut from the same cloth! My favorite Sandra album is Paintings In Yellow from 1990. Back when I had my first record shop retail job, I played it on repeat—but unfortunately, it didn’t do much for sales! 😃
I’m in it for the long haul, Paul. With a list of around 1,500 tracks to go through, this will definitely take some time! 😁
Thanks for the birthday wishes and, as always, for reading and reacting. Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
I discovered Sandra in the year 2000 when I began my first year of college. I live in the US. I discovered her music online. I ordered a CD from Europe it cost like $60 but I didn’t care. She was unavailable in the US. This is when I also discovered CC Catch and BBB, etc…
I'll be returning to the Europop/Eurodisco soon Vince. Maybe you'll discover some new ones as well 😁. Thanks for reading & reacting
When I belt out Maria Magdalena my husband just shakes his head… he’s like “no more Sandra!” 😂
In Spain a movement has emerged against Sandra into her fans. He was due to perform in Spain on a three-date tour with Thomas Anders of Modern Talking but the tour was canceled two days before starting in Madrid. The money was never returned to those who bought the ticket. Thomas Anders appeared in a video but ignoring the issue. We are still waiting for Sandra to give a statement of support to her fans. This occurred in November 2023. In my case I spent 200 euros as a gift for my sister and brother-in-law.
Nice post anyway.
That sounds terrible, David—completely baffling. Surely they had insurance to cover tour cancellations. I really hope you get your money back. And thanks for the kind words—I appreciate you reading and responding!