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.

More thoughts on HMV

hmv is built on the passion of our colleagues. We are sorry to have to say goodbye to some amazing people today. Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the years. We will miss you pic.twitter.com/8KbhIQ1Gyb

— hmv (@hmvtweets) February 5, 2019

With yesterdays news about HMV still ringing in my ears, I've had some further thoughts about the situation.

Whereas in the past, youths were probably the largest demographic buying music from shops, I think it's people of my age (40+) that hold all the cards for HMV.

I don't imagine that new owner, Sunrise Records plans to splash the cash on every store interior immediately but it's clear that the business model needs to change, otherwise they'll be in danger of the same fate again.

Let's breakdown the age demographics, as how I see them.

25 and below.  They mainly stream music - either directly from subscription services such as Spotify and iTunes (or illegal sources).  It's doubtful that many would be as interested in purchasing CD's or vinyl, or DVD's and Blurays for that matter.  Everyone has a Netflix account or knows of a website that streams films.  Don't neglect this age-group - but also don't imagine that they'll be a huge money-spinner in-store either.  Keep an eye on youth trends and perhaps find a completely different product to get them through the door.

25-35.  Musical tastes have changed.  Not afraid of physical formats, even vinyl.

35-50.  The 80s was such a memorable decade and quite often, nostalgia has a huge role in musical tastes and purchases.  Some remember vinyl very fondly and began collecting all over again. There are lot of passionate music geeks like myself.  We remember what we liked about the record shops of our youth, we were probably just recently looking through that racks in charity shops for a vintage find  - much of what made record shops so good was the simple things, but getting your stock right is so very important.

50+.  Mature, often brilliant musical knowledge.  Not necessarily fussed about flash displays and interiors.  Plenty of music geeks.

I realise that's a simplistic and possibly a little bit insulting run through the age demographics, but there is some truth there.  Of course, I'm not speaking on behalf of everyone.

My followers on social media are largely my age and we LOVE physical formats, we love our collections and we love the experience of shopping.  We remember the days of browsing through racks of records very fondly.

We often post pictures of our collections on Instagram because we're excited and proud of them.  This interaction starts some really great conversations with others and that's when you very clearly witness the enthusiasm that people still have.

HMV - it's not over.

Use this opportunity to truly understand what customers want.  Don't be lazy and carry on as usual.  No more tacky neon sale signs as that cheapens the experience. We love a bargain but don't want to feel like HMV has become a discount warehouse - so find a middle ground, where prices are fair ...and that no doubt involves lots of discussions with industry stakeholders, so make some calls and get the appointments sorted now.

Make clearly thought-out, sensible changes and for gods sake, speak to your often wonderful staff, as I bet they have some great ideas as most of them are geeks like me.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Bananarama Live album on vinyl on sale!

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