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.