Stuff Like That - Bananarama's New Single

It's here. Finally a new single from Bananarama!

Recently previewed with the rest of the album clips, we already knew this was a future disco classic.

For the music video, Sara and Keren have teamed up with long time collaborator Andy Morahan, who has worked with them in the past.  Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to see it.  "It was the most chilled fun video we've ever made", they apparently said!

No word of troops of male dancers yet.

Vintage Magazine Article: The Skive at Night

Check out this vintage magazine article from the 'Deep Sea Skiving' era.

As you can sea (heh), the Bananas were quite keen on having enormous hair in the early eighties.  

One can only imagine the huge amounts of hair products used during this period.  

Bananarama: Cruel Summer vs Robert de Niro's Waiting

Over on twitter, the Bananarama Singles Battle is continuing....

The #Bananarama singles battle is back! It’s round 8. Which single will survive to the next round?

Remember, the rules are...
Retweet... for Cruel Summer.
Like... Robert de Niro’s Waiting

The most votes wins the fight. 🥊 #80s #Eighties #PopMusic #Retro pic.twitter.com/mMzLTTJ1Bs

— ❤️ LoveBananarama (@LoveBananarama) February 10, 2019

Both songs are often mentioned in articles celebrating the most memorable songs from the eighties.  Which will you choose?

Cruel Summer (1983/84)

• Cruel Summer is the 8th single featuring Bananarama, if you take into account their collaboration with Fun Boy Three and the Japan only single 'He's Got Tact'.  The song was recorded in 1983 and released in the UK in June of that year.

• The now iconic video was filmed in New York and features the girls fixing a car, hijacking a truck and being chased by the NYPD.  The video ends with a dance competition on top of a building overlooking the New York skyline.

• Famously, the song was featured in the classic eighties film, 'The Karate Kid' but not on the soundtrack album. It was released in the USA in 1984.

• The song was a huge success all over the world reaching the top 10 in countries such as UK, France, Ireland, South Africa and the USA.

• The song is often regarded as one of the best singles from the eighties having been placed in both VH1 and Billboard listings, amongst others.

Robert de Niros Waiting (1984)

• Robert de Niro's Waiting is the second single from Bananarama's second album.

• The video features a Robert de Niro look-a-like who is armed with a violin case, which is later revealed to contain pizza.

• The single was produced in various versions; including separate picture discs and coloured vinyl versions.

• Robert asked to meet them after hearing about the song.  He famously telephoned Bananarama and they initially didn't believe it was him!  Robert also 'allegedly' took a shine to one of them.

• The song rose to number 3 in the UK charts, making it one of Bananarama's best performing and selling UK singles.

10 reasons to be excited about Bananarama's new album 'In Stereo'

There are many obvious reasons to be excited about the new Bananarama album, In Stereo.  However, I've picked just 10 of them.

1. It's Bananarama's first album since 2009

It's been 10 long years since Bananarama's last album.  The follow-up to Viva has been a long time coming and fans were especially eager for new material after a particularly successful run of live shows over the last couple of years, which included the reunion tour of the decade, when Siobhan temporarily came back to the fold.

2. Richard X has produced and co-written a track

Respected songwriter and producer, Richard Philips, otherwise known as Richard X has produced and co-written one of the tracks on 'In Stereo'.  I'm sure that you know that Richard is responsible for some of pops most memorable songs in recent years, having worked with luminaries such as the 'Sugababes', 'Rachel Stevens', 'Liberty X', Annie', 'Pet Shop Boys' and 'Roisin Murphy'. Richard produced and co-wrote the first track on the album, 'Love in Stereo'.  Twitter / Website

3. Hannah Robinson has co-written a track

Like Richard X, Hannah has written for some of the best pop stars on the planet. For example, names such as 'Dannii Minogue', 'Geri Halliwell', 'Jamelia', 'Emma Bunton', 'Sophie Ellis-Bextor' and 'Kylie Minogue'. Hannah co-wrote 'Love in Stereo' with Richard X.  Twitter / Website

4. The track 'Love in Stereo' was previously a demo for MKS (ex of Sugababes)

MKS is short for Mutya Keisha Siobhan, the 3 original Sugababes. Along with other unreleased tracks, the original version of 'Love in Stereo' was leaked onto the internet and became a fan favourite.  When the 'In Stereo' track-list was announced, many fans began to speculate if it was the same song.  Amazingly, they were right.

5. Ian Masterson has worked his magic on the album

Ian has a history of creating some great material with Bananarama.  He worked on Bananarama's last 2 albums, 'Drama' and 'Viva'.  Both albums were re-released this year as expanded editions. Twitter / Website

6. The album previews on iTunes are amazing

The iTunes previews are a whole 90 seconds and you really get a good sense of each of the tracks. From the disco of 'Stuff Like That' to the atmospheric balladry of the final track 'On Your Own', there's lots to be excited about. To listen to them, click here.

7. 'Bright Light, Bright Light' has co-written a song

Singer / songwriter Rod Thomas is the genius behind 'Bright Light, Bright Light'.  Rod has co-written the album track 'Tonight' with Sara and Keren.  Last year, I saw him perform live and he was absolutely amazing... and you really must check out his back catalogue. Twitter / Website

8. Sara and Keren have possibly never sounded better

Ian Masterson's production sounds really fresh.  In my opinion, this could be their best duo album.... that's how good it is!

9. There are so many worthy singles on the album

Aside from 'Love in Stereo', I'm particularly fond of 'I'm on Fire' and 'Intoxicated' but in all honesty they're all worthy of being a single.

10. April is really not very far away

'In Stereo' is released on April 19.  You can preorder it on black vinyl from the LoveBananarama store where it's currently just £12.99 at the time of writing.  Click here.

Rewind 2019 (North) lineup revealed

Rewind is the hugely successful annual festival that celebrates the finest eighties pop stars.

The line-up for the north weekend has just been announced and as you can see, there are a few familiar names.  Hosted by The Doctor (from Doctor and the Medics) and Toyah, you can expect to see:

• Gloria Gaynor
• UB40 Feat Ali Campbell and Astro
• Cutting Crew
• Level 42
• Bananarama
• Heaven 17
• Thin Lizzy
• Tiffany
• The Selecter
• Heather Small
• Cutting Crew
• Hazel O'Connor
• The Undertones
• The Primitives
• Neville Staple
• Joyce Sims
• Black Box
• Martin Kemp (DJ set)
• Bjorn Again
• The Dire Straits Experience

I bet you can see some of your favourites in that list. I'm particularly excited about Joyce Sims and The Primitives.

You can find out more here.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Bananarama Live album on vinyl on sale!

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