Pet Shop Boys - Inner Sanctum

Blu-ray/ DVD/ 2CD package of Pet Shop Boys breath-taking show 'Inner Sanctum', filmed at London's Royal Opera House during a sold-out run in 2018 summer.

The iconic duo's acclaimed production, first presented at the Royal Opera House in 2016 over four sold-out shows, was reprised at the venue for a further four nights in July 2018 as part of their 'Super' tour. Staged by long-term PSB designer Es Devlin and choreographer/director Lynne Page, the show was filmed by director David Barnard. Filmed on 27 and 28 July 2018, the full-length film on DVD and Blu-ray is accompanied by two CDs of the complete audio of the live show plus a bonus feature of PSB live at Rock in Rio, which was recorded on 17 September 2017 at the Brazilian festival.

 The 'Inner Sanctum' production won rave reviews for a musical and visual extravaganza which brought lasers, dazzling choreography and immersive visuals and stage design to the ornate surroundings of the Royal Opera House for an electrifying show. The set-list featured contemporary PSB material from their last two albums 'Super' and 'Electric' mixed with many PSB's classic hits from their peerless back catalogue including 'Love comes quickly', 'West End girls', 'It's a sin', 'Go West' and 'Always on my mind'.

Win a copy of Bananarama's 1991 12" vinyl single 'Tripping on your Love'

#Competition To enter, simply like this post. Winner picked at random. Closes 13 Feb. #Bananarama #Nineties #90s #Win #Vinyl #Record #vinyljunkie #record #vinylcollector #recordcollection #vinylcommunity #turntable #jvinyladdict #rpm #nowspinning pic.twitter.com/uNFe0iI4DN

— ❤️ LoveBananarama (@LoveBananarama) January 30, 2019

Fancy another competition?

Bananarama Singles Battle

It's all happening over on Twitter.  In the current round, Cheers Then is well ahead of Shy Boy...which is interesting as it doesn't reflect their chart placings.

Head over to Twitter by

clicking on the above image.

Heaven 17: Play To Win (The Virgin Years) *Signed, Limited Edition*

This Exclusive Edition comes with a limited edition signed print.

To order......

Original members of Sheffield's Human League, Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh left after the first two albums and formed Heaven 17 in 1980. Named after a fictional band in Anthony Burgess's "A Clockwork Orange", they recruited Glenn Gregory on vocals (who had been the original choice for lead singer of the Human League).

Signed to Virgin Records, debut single "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" attracted a lot of attention in March 1981, and a BBC Radio 1 ban. Debut album "Penthouse And Pavement" was released in September 1981 and was certified Gold the following year. Many more chart singles followed, including Top 5 hits "Temptation" and "Come Live With Me", taken from a further four albums - "The Luxury Gap" (1983), "How Men Are" (1984), "Pleasure One" (1986), and "Teddy Bear, Duke & Psycho" (1988).

This 10 CD set includes the five original albums that the band recorded for Virgin Records, along with over a hundred bonus tracks: non-album A- and B-sides, 7" edits, US edits, instrumentals, 1980 demos, and four CDs of 12" remixes (many of which only saw very limited release).

Housed in a 12" x 12" album-style book, the set will also include a 36 page 12" x 12" booklet with the lyrics, credits, photos, and ephemera from the band's collection, and brand new annotation, based on new interviews with the band.

Bananarama: Dance Music (Live at The Observatory in San Deigo)

Whooooooop! Thanks Davearama for your camera work.

Bananarama in LA / Bananarama Singles Battle

The Bananarama Singles Battle has begun.

We'll be working through all the Bananarama singles to find out which is the mightiest.

We're only on Round 2 currently.  If you want to join in the fun, the current rounds will be pinned over on Twitter.

Meanwhile, just a few hours ago Bananarama performed to an enthusiastic audience in Los Angeles at 80's Weekend #7 at the Microsoft Theater.

Along with Bananarama, artists The Bangles, OMG and Jody Watley also performed.  Fun!

I haven't seen The Bangles in concert before and I can only imagine how utterly amazing they are live.  That's one to add to my list along with Jody Watley, who is still fabulous and fierce.

I didn't appreciate that OMD had hits in the US. 

Coming Soon: Resources

I'm developing a Resource page.  It's under construction at the moment but it will contain lots of useful information including Record Fair listings, Online Record Stores and other useful links.

I know that many of you go to Record Fairs around the country on the look-out for your next big find.  Maybe I can help?

Vinyl Heaven

Each week. I'll update readers on my choice picks of vinyl on my new feature titled 'Vinyl Heaven'.

This week there is a Prince vinyl picture disc for the classic album, Purple Rain.  It's a bit pricey but maybe you're worth it!

Click on the photo for this week choices.

Gary Numan - I, Assassin

Fans of Gary Numan will be pleased that his 1982 album 'I, Assassin' is being reissued on green vinyl in March.

It looks rather lovely doesn't it.

It's currently only £15 here.

Community spirit

Have we lost a bit of old-fashioned community spirit?

I admit it.  I don't pay much attention to my neighbours.  I live in a city and people are generally less chatty to strangers.  However, community spirit does exist in some places if you really look for it.

I'd like to think that there is a bit of community spirit on my LoveBananarama social media accounts.  I'm genuinely interested in other peoples point of views, as long as they are respectful and rational.  

Like most people, I love to see people with their pets or read about the music their listening to - or if they've written something particularly insightful.  I'll even go as far as being happy to see what peoples food choices are too.  It's actually sometimes quite inspirational if I'm low on ideas.

The pages of the Pop Justice forums are quite entertaining too.  There are some names on those pages that have been around for years - and although some people can be a bit Judge Judy, there is a community of mostly like-minded music fans, who are there to dissect every element of a song in an often comedic and entertaining way.  I love a good natter about pop.

But...back to the real world...

So, on 28th April at the Glee Club in Birmingham, I'll be there with my lovely friends - do come over and say hello.  I'll no doubt be wearing a hat, as that's my thing.

Ted. x

Bananarama - Q&A

If you had the opportunity, what questions would you ask Bananarama?

If you are one of the lucky few that have tickets for the event of 2019, 'An evening with Bananarama', you just may be in luck....

So, what questions would you ask our favourite ladies?

What happened when you met Robert De Niro?  Dish the dirt.  There are rumours that he took a shine to one Banana.

Tell us something juicy about the early eighties club scene in London.  There has to be plenty of stories there.  There were so many future stars on the scene.

Who is better at netball - Sade or Keren?  It's a very important and serious question.

What was your beef with Samantha Fox?  I seem to recall snide comments in an interview. Naughty Bananas. Poor Sam.

Who makes you weak at the knees?  An insight into their current...er... romantic thoughts.

Have you seen Peter Cunnah from D-Ream, after giving him a dead leg?  Yes, he deserved it - but has he ever apologised.

What is your favourite George Michael song?  The late, great man and a friend.

Tell us a funny story about you and George.  There must be loads of tales.

At the recording of Band Aid, who did you most want to meet, if any?

Do you miss a weekly Top of the Pops?  I do.

When are you next seeing Siobhan? ...and can I come too?

What is your favourite track from the new album?  We'll have heard the full album by then.

Sitting in the back row

The thrill of seeing an artist perform on a large scale.  The pyrotechnics. The large screens. Lasers. A troop of 20 dancers. An array of extravagant costumes.  It all sounds so amazing, doesn't it?  Unless you're the one who is sitting at the back of the arena.

I ask myself, is there any point going to a gig if I'm not as close to the stage as possible?

Many years ago, I went to Madonna in concert... and of course she was amazing, I assume - because some of the stage was obscured by the overhang of a balcony.

Then recently, I went to see Kylie Minogue and the VIP area was so enormous (and not very full) that the positioning wasn't anywhere near as good as it perhaps should've been, despite the lengthy queuing.

When the Olympics came to London, I was at a party at my friends house.  They had just purchased an enormous HD television and there was a particularly exciting event on - but it was the sheer quality and enormity of those images that brought it home to me.  Why would you bother going to see an event when you can watch everything in amazing detail on your television screen, in the comfort of your home?  You'll never get to experience the view from multiple angles in a sports arena.  You won't be able to pop the kettle on for a cup of tea during the boring parts.

I think I've just aged before my time - but seriously, I can't be alone with these thoughts, surely?

The great Sainsburys Vinyl debacle

We were all so excited that Vinyl sales were increasing.  Hurrah, we cried.... to similarly aged people.

Then we, the oldies, wondered where we could purchase more vinyl - perhaps a place where we could feel and touch the sleeves before we gave up our precious money?

Then the supermarkets got on board - Sainsbury's in particular, showed an interest.  They decided to release limited special editions, sometimes in lovely bright colours - and we were so very excited that we all wee'd a bit in our pants.

Then there were problems. Sainsbury’s has a policy of not warning the public of the release dates.  Hence a large number of fans ranting and raving at missing out because Sainsbury's idea to generate purchases was an enormous success - so much so, that literally everything sold out in minutes.

The Sainsbury's releases are a mix of really old music and female pop legends like Madonna and Kylie Minogue.  Both have enormous fanbases.  Those evil bastards.

One wonders if Sainsbury's have got this all wrong.  Perhaps instead of releasing albums in 2000 runs, they should double or treble the numbers and reap even further rewards?

I may scream if I have to spend another early morning in a queue, fighting off some tetchy queen who is probably going to sell it for double value on eBay.  Frankly, it needs to stop.

Nerina Pallot: A secret

I'm quite selfish.

Is it bad that I don't want Nerina Pallot to reach the heady heights of uber stardom?  I like that she does intimate gigs and I feel superior when I can sing along to the lyrics of my favourite obscure Nerina tracks.

Nerina's released 6 albums in total, but my favourite is her most recent, 'Stay Lucky' with its beautiful title track and the stand out song 'Man Didn't Walk on the Moon'.  A song with Fleetwood Mac charm that had me immediately hooked (see video, below).

Nerina's shows are always a fun affair. You get songs, the occasional joke, tales of family life and perhaps bravely, Brexit was even discussed at the last gig I went to.

So, listen to the song, check out Nerina's catalogue covertly and appreciate her fabulous talent - but don't you dare make her a huge star!  I realise that sentiment is fucked up.... *looks for emoji of a man shrugging his shoulders*

R Kelly: Music and ethics

I've just recently watched the R Kelly documentary series and it's every bit as shocking as the promotional material suggested.

It got me thinking about music and ethics.  At the ripe age of 45, I'm much more considered about my musical choices and the artists that I support.  I'm not sure if it's related to my maturity or whether I'm led by the mass outrage on social media which is hard to avoid.

Obviously, I prefer musicians to not be utter complete bastards and I don't expect other people to be completely on my wavelength but I can't work out why anyone would support an alleged child-abuser - even if they have created an amazing album?

It seems that a portion of the buying public don't always agree when it comes to moral choices and supporting artists.  News stories, no matter how hideous, are simply promotion for artists and the record companies sometimes take advantage of that.  Sales often increase in those scenarios and readers, this is where I struggle.  A record company paying for an front page advert on iTunes during an artists ongoing court case is pretty fucked up.  Yes, they invest a lot of money and time on artists but there really is no excuse.  Suck it up and do the right thing.

D I S C O and envy

I sometimes look at photographs of Grace Jones, in the days when she was a less menacing disco diva - or Sylvester getting mighty real - or the sounds of Donna Summer getting saucy in the recording studio to a hypnotic melody.....and I feel extreme envy that I wasn't old enough to experience some of that.

Don't get me wrong, I know that the seventies weren't particularly brilliant in so many ways, but there has always been something about the disco era that seems so exciting, so sexy and so god damn desirable.

Sadly, I don't have a time machine and you're now mourning that you won't be able to see me in high-waisted purple flares or the fetching jump suit that's pictured.

At least we have the music to get us by.

Men had an awful lot of hair in the seventies and I lost a lot of mine in my 30s, so I would have possibly have been an outcast compared to many.  Though I do have a beard and a hairy chest, so I perhaps would have worn a gold necklace with a medallion to lure future potential sex conquests.

I imagine discotheques with lit-up dance floors and a DJ whose hair is so enormous that he can barely see through it to change records.

However, I draw the line at wearing white trousers.

I wonder - am I alone in my jealousy of the disco era?

Check out some amazing photos from the legendary Studio 54 here

Love to shop! Store preview.

LoveBananarama Amazon Store: Vinyl Heaven

Great vinyl picks for all budgets

I've picked out some of the best retro vinyl reissues and you can browse here: VINYL HEAVEN  There's vinyl for all budgets - and you may even find a few that you weren't aware were available!

Whilst compiling this, I realised that there are still some major icons that don't have very much new vinyl out, if not any at all. Due to the relatively recent resurgence of the format, I can only imagine that they are on the cards - or at least I hope so anyway. Enjoy!

Bananarama: Live at the London Eventim Hammersmith Apollo

Seeing the original Bananarama line-up deliver a tour was such an unexpected and incredible moment.  

Having lived and breathed Bananarama since my youth and experiencing the dramatic devastation of the split (I blame my hormones), nobody ever thought this would happen - but it did and it was one of the single most joyful moments of my life.

I bought the merch.  I stood shaking with excitement with my friends.  I danced until my legs fell off.  I looked in awe at the incredible screen graphics.  I was blown away by the new production and the makeover of those hits.  It ticked all of the boxes.

This tour didn't just live up to our expectations, it blew them away.  To look around the venues and see the faces of happy audience members was unexpectedly emotional.  It wasn't just middle aged gay men and wives.  There was a diverse collection of people of all ages and most importantly, they knew the songs ...and many of them also knew all of the camp arm movements too.  It was a genuinely endearing moment to see so many people experiencing utterly, blissful, unabashed pure joy. 

We were all so thankful that we got to experience that joy again with the Live album in various versions, including a DVD and bluray.  Many people don't realise that it's also available on iTunes, see link below.  It was Blue Monday yesterday and I can't think of a better way to wash those blues away than watch one of the worlds greatest pop groups back together again.

**COMPETITION** Win Bananarama: Viva and Drama Expanded Editions

The first ever expanded edition of Bananarama’s ninth studio album, 2005’s “Drama”, includes all the commercially released club remixes, edits and dubs of its two singles as well as the original album’s bonus tracks and a non-album CD Single ‘B’-side, ‘Live In The Sun’ to complete this comprehensive 3 disc celebration.

Lead single ‘Move In My Direction’ put Bananarama back in the UK singles charts for the first time in 12 years reaching #14 in August 2005, then their dancefloor smash, a re- versioning of classic Italo Disco track ‘Look On The Floor (Hypnotic Tango)’ gave them a #26 hit just 3 months later. “Drama” was also the first album to be released in Bananarama’s native UK for 12 years, heralding a British ‘comeback’ of sorts!

This deluxe packaged re-issue, comes with a full colour 20 page lyric and photo booklet including a specially written introduction from Keren and Sara. The album, an upbeat electro-pop blend of elements of 70s disco and contemporary electronica, employed a number of top end collaborators.

Bananarama worked with a select team of world renowned producers and songwriters, including Ian Masterson, Mute8 and Sweden’s Murlyn; a production team that created an album of eleven newly recorded electropop tracks that were originally released with two bonus tracks re-instated herewith; Marc Almond’s Hi-NRG remix of a version of their 1986 smash hit ‘Venus’ and an all new remix of a version of their 1982 hit, ‘Really Saying Something’ – which had been an underground club hit produced by Solasso.

Bananarama’s tenth studio album, 2009’s “Viva”, remains their most electro sounding collection to date. It was a collaboration with celebrated producer, composer, songwriter and remixer Ian Masterson, whose credits include work with Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue and the Pet Shop Boys.

His instinctive grasp of Bananarama’s sound, spirit and energy resulted in some monumental feel-good pop-dance music. Amongst the album’s many highlights is ‘Seventeen’, which unfolds as an undulating, low-slung electro number with the vocals recalling the all-consuming thrill of first time love. There’s also the seductive vibe of the track ‘Extraordinary’ and the unforgettable lead single ‘Love Comes’, an out and out celebratory dancefloor smash! The album is a veritable masterclass in melodic, upbeat pop. It was also the album on which Sara and Keren both started to play bass guitar again after a 17 year break!

“Viva” originated as a discofied cover versions album, but Sara and Keren changed their mind on this approach half way through recording, in response to their, then, record company actively preferring their original compositions to the array of disco styled cover versions. Just three of these originally chosen cover versions made it through to the final track listing of ‘Viva’. ‘Rapture’ had been originally recorded by trance act iiO in 2001 and had been both a dance floor and chart smash hit throughout Europe and the United States. The second cover version included was Bananarama’s inventive take on the 1978 disco classic ‘The Runner’ by The Three Degrees and an earlier pop track ‘S-S-S-Single Bed’ from 1976 was the last cover version selected. This had originally been recorded by Fox.

Four additional cover version rarities, originally made available as either bonus ‘download only’ album tracks or as B-sides on the related singles, have also been included in this deluxe expanded edition. These were ‘Voyage, Voyage’, the 1986 worldwide, anthemic, Europop hit by French singer Desireless; Bryan Adams’ pop/rock classic ‘Run To You’ from 1984; the Simon and Garfunkel folk-pop songbook standard ‘The Sound Of Silence’, first released by them in 1965 and Bryan Ferry’s 1977 single and solo album track ‘Tokyo Joe’. All of these tracks can be found on this comprehensive 30 track 2 disc expanded edition of “Viva” along with all the commercially available remixes, and edits thereof, that were released across the various formats of both of the album’s two singles; ‘Love Comes’ and ‘Love Don’t Live Here’. This release comes with a richly illustrated 20 page booklet including an introductory message from Sara and Keren.

Also included is the promotional Buzz Junkies dance remix and edit of the album cut, the girl’s deftly executed re-work of The Three Degrees track ‘The Runner’ as originally co-written by Sheila Ferguson and the legendary disco producer Giorgio Moroder.

LoveBananarama and Cherry Red Records are giving away a copy of the brand new 2019 reissues of Drama and Viva. Head over to the LoveBananarama Twitter and Instagram accounts for details.

Bananarama - Dance Music

Dance Music, the first Bananarama song in a long time is going down really well with fans, with many posting gleeful message across social media.  It's all going rather well, isn't it?

Incidentally, if you want to hear slightly different clips of 'In Stereo' click here.

Chaka Khan - Hello Happiness

The Queen of Funk Chaka Khan made a phenomenal return with her latest single ‘Like Sugar’. Initially launched as a limited edition release for Record Store Day, it earned airplay from Annie Mac, Nick Grimshaw, Pete Tong, Benji B, Danny Howard and Gilles Peterson before receiving a full release in the summer. Now the 10-time Grammy Award winner continues the reemergence with her new album Hello Happiness via Diary Records / Island Records, the new label formed by Major Lazer founder and Grammy-nominated producer Switch with artist / songwriter Sara Ruba Taylor.

Hello Happiness is an album which sets Chaka Khan’s timeless vocal to an empowering collection of songs with cutting-edge production. With an eye on the future and a respect for the past, Chaka Khan has delivered an album with the contemporary edge to entice newcomers to her world class talent and the quality to excite long-term fans. Chaka Khan first collaborated with Switch and Ruba Taylor as a potential featured artist on a different project. Inspired by the power of both her voice and personality, the duo suggested working on an original Chaka Khan album - something which she didn’t have in mind. But she was soon convinced when she heard some of Switch and Ruba Taylor’s songs, which coincidentally were influenced by Chaka Khan but written for their own project. Chaka chose her favourites and stamped her identity all over them, with her inimitable vocal gift and dynamic energy taking each track to new heights. Switch and Ruba Taylor also provided the groundwork so that Chaka Khan could concentrate on making her first set since 2007’s Funk This.

Tracy Thorn - A Teenager in Suburbia - SIGNED COPIES

In a 1970s commuter town, Tracey Thorn's teenage life was forged from what failed to happen. Her diaries were packed with entries about not buying things, not going to the disco, the school coach not arriving.

Before she became an acclaimed musician and writer, Tracey Thorn was a typical teenager: bored and cynical, despairing of her aspirational parents. Her only comfort came from house parties, Meaningful Conversations and the female pop icons who hinted at a new kind of living.

Returning more than three decades later to Brookmans Park, scene of her childhood, Thorn takes us beyond the bus shelters and pub car parks, the utopian cul-de-sacs, the train to Potters Bar and the weekly discos, to the parents who wanted so much for their children, the children who wanted none of it. With endearing wit and great insight, Thorn reconsiders the Green Belt post-war dream so many artists have mocked, and yet so many artists have come from.

You can order a limited edition signed copy of the book here.

The Specials - Encore

The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, release Encore, their first new music for 37 years. 

2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of The Specials and the legendary Two-Tone label in Coventry in 1979, and also marks 10 years since the band reformed to play some of the most vital and joyous live shows in recent memory. The 10-song Encore was produced by Specials founding members Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter alongside Danish musician / producer Torp Larsen and indeed is the first time Hall, Golding and Panter have recorded new material together since the band’s 1981 No.1 single Ghost Town.

Throwback: Whitney Houston - Love Will Save The Day (Jellybean and David Morales)

This mix is beyond brilliant!

Bananarama: In Stereo - a preview review

Thanks to some really quite lengthy previews on iTunes, we're able to get a good feel for Bananarama's forthcoming new album, In Stereo.  Here are my thoughts.

Love In Stereo
The song that was originally a demo for MKS, the group that consisted of the original members of the Sugababes.  There's speculation that this might be the first single and I hope that's true because it's very good indeed. 9/10

Dance Music
The taster track from the album that's available to purchase now, in it's entirety.  A seductive, juddering electro disco number.  "The thrill of it all tonight. Your body to mine".  Those saucepots Sara and Keren want you to "feel the music" - ladies, we're feeling it. 7/10

I'm on Fire
This song has a real eighties vibe to it. For me, this is one of the standout tracks of the album.  I can see it being a single. 8/10

Intoxicated
From the title, I assumed this would be a song about the result of a typical night out for our heroines.  However, I was wrong.  "I saw you across the room and it hit me like a bolt out of the blue".  The hook is so immediate.  I can't stop singing the bloody thing. One day, without realising, I was humming the melody down the phone to someone, during a really quite serious conversation about death. Damn you, Sara and Keren for writing such catchy tunes! 9/10

Tonight
By track 5, I've become to realise that Bananarama are very needy girls.  Apparently, they need you 'tonight'....and they are very insistent as they sing those words several times throughout the song.  Perhaps they need you to bring take-away food over - or perhaps it's for something more saucy?  I don't want to think that far ahead.  7/10

Looking for Someone
Keren are Sara are looking for someone to believe in.  Is that asking for too much?  STORY OF MY LIFE, ladies. 7/10

Stuff Like That
I wonder if the girls were perhaps low on inspiration during the writing of this camp, disco, future classic. I imagine a conversation in the recording studio.

Sara: "Keep saying to me...? ....erm....any ideas, Keren?" 
Keren: "Sara, darling, frankly I just want to finish and head over to Soho House for a vodka and tonic"  
Sara: "....sod it, I'll write 'stuff'. Let's go!"

The rest is history.  8/10

It's Gonna Be Alright
"I wanted a cowboy by my side".  Perhaps this song started out as a country song, as they have previously mentioned that they'd like to record an album in Nashville?  Unfortunately, that dream never happened - but don't fret, it's gonna be alright (heh). 7/10

Got To Get Away
Ever since I watched a grainy camera phone video of a performance of this song turned up on YouTube, I've been impatiently waiting for the studio version.  It's upbeat guitar pop and I love it. 9/10

On Your Own
"How does it feel on your own?" This is Bananarama slowing down for a mature number.  It's really great and I can't wait to hear the full song.  8/10

Final thoughts
This is already one of Bananarama's best albums.  Yes, it's that good.

Bananarama Live album on vinyl on sale!

Just shy of £16. Be quick! Link: Click here

Remembering: Kirsty MacColl

The first time I heard of Kirsty MacColl was on Radio 1 in 1984 when I was a mere young lad.  The song was 'A New England' and I was immediately drawn to the unique layered harmonies that Kirsty became so well known for.

After that, she seemed to disappear until the now festive classic was released; 'A Fairytale in New York' with The Pogues and I wondered if this was sign that we'd get to see new material from her.  It was over a year later that we got to hear 'Kite', perhaps Kirsty's most celebrated album.  Kirsty's talent was beyond creating beautiful melodies. She had a knack for writing poignant and brilliantly witty lyrics like 'Don't Come the Cowboy with me Sonny Jim' and 'Fifteen Minutes'.

Two years later, we were treated to the eclectic 'Electric Landlady' with it's lead single 'Walking Down Madison' featuring the talent of Smith's guitarist Johnny Marr. It was a minor success.  Once again, two years passed before the next collection titles 'Titanic Days'.  This was such a special album for me. I just seemed to connect with the songs. In particular, one called 'Soho Square'.

It was a whole seven years later that we got Kirsty's brilliant 'Tropical Brainstorm', the album that would end up being her final. Inspired by her love of Cuba, the album is a brilliant mix of cuban rhythms and electronics.

Some time afterwards, Kirsty was on holiday in Mexico with her children and the news came through that she'd been involved in an accident.  Kirsty was swimming with her boys and was struck by a speedboat in a restricted area. She died instantly.

I remember the shock and disbelief.  It was such a terrible way to die, infront of her children. It's hard to imagine anything worse.  Those poor children.

Though I didn't have the pleasure of seeing Kirsty perform live because she used to suffer from stage fright, I did go to her memorial concert in London at the Royal Festival Hall.  Afterwards, I sat on the bench in Soho Square, named in her honour, and the words and melody of that song lingered in my mind.

Kirsty MacColl; gone but never forgotten.

On the Bible - Deuce

Is this one of the greatest pop songs from the 90s? The answer is a firm yes.

Is this one of the campest pop music videos from the 90s? The answer is a firm yes.

Now tell me that you don't have this song in your head for days.

Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Get Recognition

Why is that many great artists that were incredibly successful in the eighties aren't quite given the respect they deserve?

Earlier today, I was listening to Cyndi Lauper.  An artist that's had a incredible career.  A Grammy Award winner in 1985 for best new artist.  A Tony award in the best original score category for Kinky Boots.  An Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series in 1995 in Mad About You.  An MTV Award in 1984 for perhaps the song that she's best known for, 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'.

The 'Girls' song is great pop but sometimes it feels like it's both a blessing and a curse for an artist to have a song that has ...novelty appeal.  The song is ...unusual - 'She's so Unusual' is actually the name of the album the song appears on and Cyndi isn't someone who could blend into a crowd.  She's never been wall paper.

'Time After Time' hit number one in the US in 1983 and is now a karaoke classic and much loved by millions across the world - but does that fact dilute the beauty of this emotional heart-felt ballad? Probably.

Then there is 'True Colors', which was also a number one in the US - and the countless other brilliant songs that showcase Cyndi's wonderfully unique and versatile voice.

I particularly adore 2003's At Last, Cyndi's album of cover versions of jazz standards. She's recorded an enviable 11 albums during her solo career. That's an amazing achievement and I've followed her journey along the way.

'A Hat Full of Stars' was an album I used to listen to on repeat. 'Who Let In The Rain?' deserved to be huge. I used to sob my heart out to that song, such is the intensity of emotion in her voice.

Despite the number of accolades, awards and chart placings, Cyndi deserves so more recognition. Just because someone has pink hair and is wearing her entire jewellery collection around her neck, it shouldn't deflect from the true musical talent that runs through her veins.

Cyndi - you are a legend, a fighter and a human rights activist. Long may you continue in your own quirky style.

Dance Music

Win Bananarama’s Drama and Viva Expanded Editions

Just pop over to the LoveBananarama Twitter and Instagram for info on how to enter!

Bananarama announce their new album

Bananarama's first material since the 'Now or Never' ep is finally seeing the light of day in 2019!

The album is titled 'In Stereo' and features 10 tracks.  Prior to the announcement, eager fans had already been listening to the Australia iTunes store previews and raving at how ruddy marvellous they are. No dud tracks here, folks.

Sara and Keren are not fans of standing up for photo shoots.

The first complete track is titled 'Dance Music' and it's available right now! It's written by Sara, Keren and Ian Masterson and produced by the legendary Richard X.

Listen to the below previews of each track.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes were speculating if  'Love in Stereo' is the same song as the demo that MKS (of Sugababes fame) recorded and was floating around the internet a couple of years ago.  They were right. It is!

It's also great to see the inclusion of 'Looking for Someone' which we were treated to a clip from, way back. We also finally get to hear the studio version of  'Got To Get Away' which was played at a date on their last Australian tour.

2019 is the year of the 2 Bananas and we've needed this to happen for so long.

What's your favourite track from the clips?  Mine, so far, is Intoxicated. Only cruel people would suggest that I'm perhaps drawn to the familiar name.

The LoveBananarama Amazon Store

https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/lovebananarama

Tomorrow is only a day away

Trust me....

New Sounds of the 80s collections

Sounds of the 80s is a brilliant show on BBC Radio 2, presented by a name that's very familiar to many of us - Gary Davies!

15 February 2019 sees the release of 3 compilations spanning the eighties, on the Spectrum label.

The releases come on double vinyl and 3 CDs.

Need a party playlist? These are just the thing.

100 Old Skool Hits

The 100 Hits collections are always fantastic value for money and the latest collection looks like it's another winning 5 CD set. This one is just short of £6!  Extraordinary value!

100 Hits Old Skool Anthems recalls the best of R&B, Hip Hip, Dance, & UK Garage. Jennifer Lopez / Britney Spears / TLC / RUN-DMC / Usher / Blu Cantrell / OutKast / Tina Moore / Mis-Teeq / DJ Pied Piper / Eric Prydz / A Tribe Called Quest + Many more..

Check out this and some other great collections in the LoveBananarama Amazon store.

Fever High: Avec You

Fever High are back with a new video for their single 'Avec You'.

Katherine Hamnett

To Brexit or not to Brexit.  (Frankly, I'm with Katherine. - Ted)

Link: Katherine Hamnett Brexit Campaign

Remember: Flexidiscs

A flexi disc is a record made of a thin, flexible vinyl sheet and is designed to be playable on a normal turntable. If you are of a certain age (ahem) you'll remember that they were often given away with pop magazines in the eighties.

One magazine, cleverly called Flexipop (see what they did) celebrated the format by having one free with every edition.  The magazine ran from 1980 to 1983 but is celebrated in a book that was published in 2016. How lovely!

It's still available and you can order one by clicking here. 

It may be 2019 but it doesn't have to feel like it. 

What are your go-to comfort films?

What are your go-to films when you need comfort and instant entertainment? The films that are so familiar to you, yet you never tire from watching again and again.

When I was compiling my recommendations for the LoveBananarama Amazon store, a few titles easily came to mind.

I was particularly thinking about those feel-good, guaranteed-laugh nostalgia films and there was one unforgettable actress that immediately sprung to mind. The Divine Miss M.

Outrageous Fortune (1987)
Prissy, refined Lauren (Shelley Long) thinks she has nothing at all in common with loud, brassy Sandy (Bette Midler)... until she discovers that they share the same boyfriend (Peter Coyote)! When their two-timing beau then goes missing, the unlikely duo are forced to reluctantly join forces and track him down. On the subsequent cross-country trek the women learn that complete opposites can sometimes get along after all.  It's a hilarious romp and both Shelley and Bette give great performances. To order, click here.

Ruthless People (1986)
Millionaire Sam Stone (Danny DeVito) hates his wife Barbara (Bette Midler). He plans on murdering her to gain control of her $15 million family fortune and run off with his mistress Carol (Anita Morris). It's so eighties that it hurts. Love it. To order, click here.

Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three hundred years after they were sentenced to die in Salem, a trio of witches return to gain their revenge. Terrorising the town's trick-or-treaters on Halloween, riding on vacuum cleaners instead of broomsticks, the only thing that can stop them is a black cat - in fact a boy who was turned into feline form on the day of the witches' original execution. This has become a classic Halloween film for all the family. To order, click here.

I might cosy up on the sofa and pop in a DVD in right now...