Friday, 29 June 2012
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Monday, 25 June 2012
Monday, 18 June 2012
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Love, Truth(s) & Honestly!
Twitter never fails to amuse me. Honestly, I've communciated with some truly fantastic people on Twitter, since I began tweeting away about Bananarama and spreading huge amounts of glamour to the twitter world. However, I am slightly concerned about the number of untruths that people tweet. Therefore, I decided to try to banish some of these blatant lies, whilst reminding us of some of the reasons why so many people @LoveBananarama .
Bananarama are not a manufactured group
I can understand why some people think that the Nana's were manufactured. We are so used to reading about the manufactured girl groups of the past. The stories of record producers hunting for their next big act. We've now seen too many reality shows and it's almost hard to believe that every band isn't secretly put together by Simon Cowell. Well, Bananarama did not have to audition for a part in the band. Their beginnings were the same as many other bands. They decided they wanted to form a group, and so it happened. There is also a very sexist opinion that women, or female groups couldn't possibily have created their own band from scratch. Is it really too hard to believe that women can't choose their own path, choose what they wear and what music they can sing?
Bananarama are not a PWL act
Whilst many acts like the (amazing) Kylie began their career with SAW and were signed to Pete Waterman's record label, Bananarama were not. It's often forgotten that Bananarama were not like the other SAW produced acts. They already had a successful career, a number of chart hits and a record deal elsewhere. With the exception of a couple songs, they co-wrote with SAW for a period. This behaviour was quite unusual for lots of SAW produced acts.
Bananarama write most of their songs
Many artists don't write their owns songs. However, Bananarama have always played a crucial role in creating their sound. They've co-written most of their material. Unfortunately some people only remember the few covers that they recorded and jump to conclusions. Lazy, lazy people that don't know the facts. Cruel Summer, Robert De Niro's Waiting, I Heard A Rumour etc.... all songs that they co-wrote....
I could go on and on... but I won't.
The fact is that Bananarama are not your average girl group by far. They've influenced so many pop stars, from the Spice Girls to Lily Allen .... They did things their way, and they paved the way for many female acts for years to come.
So, if anyone else questions Bananarama's credentials, kindly remind them by telling them a few truths. If they refuse to listen, then empty your coffee into their hangbag and run.... (Joke - please don't ruin any nice handbags!)
Bananarama are not a manufactured group
I can understand why some people think that the Nana's were manufactured. We are so used to reading about the manufactured girl groups of the past. The stories of record producers hunting for their next big act. We've now seen too many reality shows and it's almost hard to believe that every band isn't secretly put together by Simon Cowell. Well, Bananarama did not have to audition for a part in the band. Their beginnings were the same as many other bands. They decided they wanted to form a group, and so it happened. There is also a very sexist opinion that women, or female groups couldn't possibily have created their own band from scratch. Is it really too hard to believe that women can't choose their own path, choose what they wear and what music they can sing?
Bananarama are not a PWL act
Whilst many acts like the (amazing) Kylie began their career with SAW and were signed to Pete Waterman's record label, Bananarama were not. It's often forgotten that Bananarama were not like the other SAW produced acts. They already had a successful career, a number of chart hits and a record deal elsewhere. With the exception of a couple songs, they co-wrote with SAW for a period. This behaviour was quite unusual for lots of SAW produced acts.
Bananarama write most of their songs
Many artists don't write their owns songs. However, Bananarama have always played a crucial role in creating their sound. They've co-written most of their material. Unfortunately some people only remember the few covers that they recorded and jump to conclusions. Lazy, lazy people that don't know the facts. Cruel Summer, Robert De Niro's Waiting, I Heard A Rumour etc.... all songs that they co-wrote....
I could go on and on... but I won't.
The fact is that Bananarama are not your average girl group by far. They've influenced so many pop stars, from the Spice Girls to Lily Allen .... They did things their way, and they paved the way for many female acts for years to come.
So, if anyone else questions Bananarama's credentials, kindly remind them by telling them a few truths. If they refuse to listen, then empty your coffee into their hangbag and run.... (Joke - please don't ruin any nice handbags!)
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Press Release: 30 Years of Bananarama
Bananarama celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their first hit ‘Really Saying Something’ by releasing a ‘Best Of’ CD/DVD set on July 9th on Rhino UK.
The ‘Best Of’ CD contains twenty-two tracks which feature nine Top 10 hits (including ‘Love In The First Degree’, ‘Robert De Niro’s Waiting’, ‘I Want You Back’, ‘Venus’ and more) as well as a further five Top 20 singles. It features songs from every era of their career, stretching from their 1981 debut ‘Aie a Mwana’ (which inspired Terry Hall to ask them to collaborate with Fun Boy Three) to ‘Love Don’t Live Here’ which was taken from their tenth and most recent studio album ‘Viva’.
The package is boosted with the addition of an extensive video compilation which represents the first time that Bananarama’s promos have been compiled on DVD. In addition to thirty-three accompanying clips for their singles, it also includes two bonus videos for the 12” mixes of ‘Venus’ and ‘I Can’t Help It’.
The ‘Best Of’ CD contains twenty-two tracks which feature nine Top 10 hits (including ‘Love In The First Degree’, ‘Robert De Niro’s Waiting’, ‘I Want You Back’, ‘Venus’ and more) as well as a further five Top 20 singles. It features songs from every era of their career, stretching from their 1981 debut ‘Aie a Mwana’ (which inspired Terry Hall to ask them to collaborate with Fun Boy Three) to ‘Love Don’t Live Here’ which was taken from their tenth and most recent studio album ‘Viva’.
The package is boosted with the addition of an extensive video compilation which represents the first time that Bananarama’s promos have been compiled on DVD. In addition to thirty-three accompanying clips for their singles, it also includes two bonus videos for the 12” mixes of ‘Venus’ and ‘I Can’t Help It’.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
30 Years of Bananarama - Part 2
In 1986, Bananarama decided to change their musical direction and began working with producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman. They heard Dead or Alive's 'You Spin Me Round' and they were impressed by the production and energy of their sound. 'Venus' was born and it became a huge global hit, reaching number one in multiple countries such as the USA! The video was a big draw to the MTV generation. Under the guidance of Bruno Tonioli they created a massively camp dance routine which has now been emulated by every woman and gay man across the globe. I'd imagine that it was their close friend George Michael that probably suggested that they should also hire some nice boy dancers to help out. What a nice chap George is? So helpful!
The 'WOW' album was a stomping pop-fest that included amazing songs like 'I Heard A Rumour'.
Bananarama had built a reputation for being a great world-class pop act that also made amazing videos. These video's can be seen on the new CD / DVD collection. ' 30 Years of Bananarama' includes 35 videos and can be pre-ordered here: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/32252767/0/30-Years-Of-Bananarama/ListingDetails.html
Part 3 coming soon...
The 'WOW' album was a stomping pop-fest that included amazing songs like 'I Heard A Rumour'.
Bananarama had built a reputation for being a great world-class pop act that also made amazing videos. These video's can be seen on the new CD / DVD collection. ' 30 Years of Bananarama' includes 35 videos and can be pre-ordered here: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/32252767/0/30-Years-Of-Bananarama/ListingDetails.html
Part 3 coming soon...
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
30 Years of Bananarama - Part 1
Bananarama have come a long way since their modest beginnings.
They were sometimes portrayed by the sexist press as being smiley, girly pop stars that sang cover versions. Of course that wasn't the truth at all. Not only did Bananarama write a huge number of songs over their fabulous career, in the early days they were not girly or feminine whatsoever. In fact it would be very hard to pick them out in a line-up of builders or mechanics as all three members looked like blokes. They had a fondness for ill-fitting jeans, braces and monkey boots. They were nothing like the picture of glamour that they are today.
If we rewind even further, the Banana's used to be terrifying punks. They were mohican clad rebels, stomping through the streets of London, terrifying the locals (probably). A trio of bad hair, ripped jeans and piercings (probably). When they weren't borrowing eye-liner from Siouxsie Sioux, they were probably crowd-surfing at punk gigs and throwing up in car parks (probably). They really weren't smiley at all!
Someone saw through their bad hair and terrible blouses and gave them a chance at fame. A song was recorded in Swahili (whose bloody idea was that?) Sadly 'Aie-A-Mwana', their debut single flopped, but thankfully they were noticed by popster Terry Hall who took a shine to them. Bananarama were in shock. They recorded more songs and then their career really took off! The success of their subsequent singles and debut album 'Deep Sea Skiving' completely took them by surprise. It wasn't look before they were throwing away the checked shirts and jumpers and trying out exciting new looks. A change of image was on the cards. They went goth! They made a pact to wear black and for a while they developed the ultimate pop star trait - always wearing shades, day or night, rain or shine.
Very few people know that Bananarama were responsible for the 'great hairspray' shortage in the early/mid eighties. Shelves in supermarkets and salons were left empty as the Bananarama ladies used all of the the nations supplies in an attempt to create the perfect 'do'. Sara's hair became so large that it could be seen from space.
Of course, one of their finest moments was when they performed on the Band Aid single. The video to 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' features a clearly hung-over Bananarama getting out of a car. If my memory serves me, Keren can be seem mouthing the word 'Sh....it'. I don't think they were expecting the huge crowd of photographers.
There have been so many great moments in the last 30 years. When they weren't gossiping with Boy George and smoking with Midge-Ure, they were writing songs about movie stars. 'Robert De-Niro's Waiting' has gone down in history as pop's greatest song about Robert De-Niro. The other brilliant song being 'Robert De-Niro's Grating', a song which I just made up about Robert grating cheese.
More to come in Part 2....
Warner UK & Ireland are releasing '30 Years Of Bananarama' in July. This CD / DVD collection features 22 amazing songs on the CD...and 35, yes 35! videos on the DVD!!!!
Pre-order here: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/3-/32252767/0/30-Years-Of-Bananarama/ListingDetails.html
Cover artwork TBC.
CD Tracklist
DVD Tracklist
1. Really Saying Something
2. Shy Boy
3. Cheers Then
4. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
5. Cruel Summer
6. Robert De Niro's Waiting
7. Rough Justice
8. Hotline To Heaven
9. The Wild Life
10. Do Not Disturb
11. Venus
12. More Than Physical
13. A Trick Of The Night
14. I Heard A Rumour
15. Love In The First Degree
16. I Can't Help It
17. I Want You Back
18. Love Truth & Honesty
19. Nathan Jones
20. Help
21. Only Your Love
22. Preacher Man
23. Long Train Running
24. Tripping On Your Love
25. Movin' On
26. Last Thing On My Mind
27. More More More
28. Every Shade Of Blue
29. Take Me To Your Heart
30. Move In My Direction
31. Look On The Floor
32. Love Comes
33. Love Don't Live Here
34. Venus 12"
35. I Can't Help It 12"
They were sometimes portrayed by the sexist press as being smiley, girly pop stars that sang cover versions. Of course that wasn't the truth at all. Not only did Bananarama write a huge number of songs over their fabulous career, in the early days they were not girly or feminine whatsoever. In fact it would be very hard to pick them out in a line-up of builders or mechanics as all three members looked like blokes. They had a fondness for ill-fitting jeans, braces and monkey boots. They were nothing like the picture of glamour that they are today.
If we rewind even further, the Banana's used to be terrifying punks. They were mohican clad rebels, stomping through the streets of London, terrifying the locals (probably). A trio of bad hair, ripped jeans and piercings (probably). When they weren't borrowing eye-liner from Siouxsie Sioux, they were probably crowd-surfing at punk gigs and throwing up in car parks (probably). They really weren't smiley at all!
Someone saw through their bad hair and terrible blouses and gave them a chance at fame. A song was recorded in Swahili (whose bloody idea was that?) Sadly 'Aie-A-Mwana', their debut single flopped, but thankfully they were noticed by popster Terry Hall who took a shine to them. Bananarama were in shock. They recorded more songs and then their career really took off! The success of their subsequent singles and debut album 'Deep Sea Skiving' completely took them by surprise. It wasn't look before they were throwing away the checked shirts and jumpers and trying out exciting new looks. A change of image was on the cards. They went goth! They made a pact to wear black and for a while they developed the ultimate pop star trait - always wearing shades, day or night, rain or shine.
Very few people know that Bananarama were responsible for the 'great hairspray' shortage in the early/mid eighties. Shelves in supermarkets and salons were left empty as the Bananarama ladies used all of the the nations supplies in an attempt to create the perfect 'do'. Sara's hair became so large that it could be seen from space.
Of course, one of their finest moments was when they performed on the Band Aid single. The video to 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' features a clearly hung-over Bananarama getting out of a car. If my memory serves me, Keren can be seem mouthing the word 'Sh....it'. I don't think they were expecting the huge crowd of photographers.
There have been so many great moments in the last 30 years. When they weren't gossiping with Boy George and smoking with Midge-Ure, they were writing songs about movie stars. 'Robert De-Niro's Waiting' has gone down in history as pop's greatest song about Robert De-Niro. The other brilliant song being 'Robert De-Niro's Grating', a song which I just made up about Robert grating cheese.
More to come in Part 2....
Warner UK & Ireland are releasing '30 Years Of Bananarama' in July. This CD / DVD collection features 22 amazing songs on the CD...and 35, yes 35! videos on the DVD!!!!
Pre-order here: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/3-/32252767/0/30-Years-Of-Bananarama/ListingDetails.html
Cover artwork TBC.
CD Tracklist
- Aie A Mwana
- Really Saying Something
- Shy Boy
- Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
- Cruel Summer
- Robert De Niro's Waiting
- Venus
- I Heard A Rumour
- Love In The First Degree
- I Can't Help It
- I Want You Back
- Love Truth & Honesty
- Nathan Jones
- Help
- Only Your Love
- Preacher Man
- Movin' On
- Every Shade Of Blue
- Move In My Direction
- Look On The Floor
- Love Comes
- Love Don't Live Here
DVD Tracklist
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