Bananarama Live in San Francisco

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last week, we saw Bananarama live in concert in San Francisco, California at The Warfield — and it was an amazing show. Sadly, we weren't able to get Meet & Greet tickets as they sold out too fast. Still, we had a great time.

Bananarama on stage at The Warfield

As you know we saw them back November in London. We bought the tickets to go see them in London before we knew they'd come to North America. No matter, we wouldn't change our experience in London for anything.

The Marquee

The set list was the same, but it still fabulous nonetheless. Sara, Keren, and Siobhan not only looked beautiful, but they sounded wonderful, too.

An exciting release of balloons before the show started

After the first song, Sara said "I see some old faces in the crowd ... Davearama!" That made our whole group go wild. Later in the show, we had fun with Keren during the song "Preacher Man" when we did the original dance routine and made her think twice during the second chorus. After that, we did our best to do the new routine. She still kept looking over our way with a funny glare. See the performance here.

Bananarama friends at the show!

After the show, many of us when to a bar in the Castro called The Lookout. We had made this an event on Facebook and had tagged the bar. We were pleasantly surprised to see lots of concert goers at the bar. Even better, the bar was playing Bananarama music all night long. They seemed to have 3 CDs on shuffle, and we think they were Drama, The Essentials, and The Twelve Inches of Bananarama.

Bananarama friends at The Lookout after party!

We closed down the bar with the dance routine to "Nathan Jones." When fans do the Bananarama dance routines together, we always feel like it is like knowing a secret language. There really is something so special about being a Bananarama fan.

Speaking of Bananarama fans. We'd like to do a big callout to all the fans we saw and met that night: Nico, Denny, Philip, Ron, Sakis, Craig, Yas, Arturo, Richard, Ed, Mark, Marty, Dave, Stevan, Joey, Brian, Kevin & Kevin, Jim, Chris, Nathan, Kenni, and my new friend Karin!

For most the show, everyone was up on their feet dancing!

San Francisco really loved Bananarama. It was so amazing to see all the love for the group. We hope they come back soon! The guys standing next to us asked if they were going to play "Look On The Floor" and "Move In My Direction" as both were big radio hits in San Francisco in 2006. Sadly, they didn't play those songs, but we hope they will next time.

Cheers then,
—Davearama and the Poptastic Confessions

P.S. For the latest news on Bananarama, check out their fabulous website. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions on Facebook.

AND ... If you would like The Original Lineup Tour on CD, DVD, or digital download, then head over to Live Here Now!

Holly Would by Daddy Deluxx featuring Deven Green

Dear Poptastic Readers,

There is a fabulous new song called "Holly Would" by Daddy Deluxx featuring Deven Green. We actually know absolutely nothing about Daddy Deluxe (other than he is very handsome). However, we've been watching Deven Green's career for some time.

You probably know Deven as Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian. We first became aware of Deven several years ago when she did a series of video parodies. In these videos, she would do voiceovers of a 1987 vanity video called "Welcome To My Home." The original video was done by The Young and the Restless TV soap opera actress Brenda Dickson.

Brenda Dickson from "Welcome To My Home"

Deven's parodies are laugh-out-loud hilarious. We think that the best one she did was called "Welcome To My Face Off." In this video, Deven's character, Brendad Ickson, does a voiceover of a Knots Landing actress Donna Mills 1987 makeup tutorial video called "The Eyes Have It." Deven's parody of this particular video has caused many people to laugh so hard that we have ended up crying tears of ... well, tears of laughter!

Donna Mills in "The Eyes Have It"

This leads us to the new song "Holly Would." Basically, the song is most of the voiceover lines from "Welcome To My Face Off" set to a club beat. Just to make it even more fabulous, there is a lyric video. Enjoy!~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rlj4pPK4V4

Admit it. You want to listen to it again. Head on over to iTunes to purchase this POPtastic track. We've added the song to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify.

Cluck-Cluck,
—Davearama

P.S. Be sure to like Deven Green's official Facebook page. You can also like her Betty Bowers Facebook page. By all means, follow Deven on Twitter and follow Betty Bowers on Twitter, too! And let's all keep our eyes on Daddy Deluxx by liking his Facebook page and following him on Twitter!

P.S.S. Don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page. You can follow Davearama on Twitter, too!

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Left For Dead by RABBII

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Editor's note: Yesterday, there was a terrible mass shooting the USA. Unfortunately, this was the 18th one this year. We had this post ready to go, and because of the title of the song, we wondered if we should wait for a more appropriate time. However, music has a way of healing. We feel like this song from RABBII could help in some sort of way. So we decided to go ahead and post it. 

Swedish trio RABBII are back with a beautiful ballad called "Left For Dead" and it is epic. We can't stop listening to it!

"Left For Dead" starts off rather slow with just some beats and Jo's vocals. After the 1-minute mark, everything kicks in for the fantastic chorus. The song remains mid tempo with a beautiful, haunting melody. The lyrics are about a bad breakup and that feeling that one will never love again. Have a listen to the song here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyVP0fij5N8

We love it! "Left For Dead" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Support the artist by buying your copy today! We've added the song to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. You can like RABBII's Facebook page here, and follow them on Twitter. While you are at it, you can like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page here, and follow Davearama on Twitter.

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Waiting In Vain by Jody Watley

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Happy Valentine's Day! The Queen of Cool Jody Watley is back with a new single that is giving us jazzy bossa nova vibes. The song is called "Waiting In Vain" and it was written and originally recorded by Bob Marley. 

Jody originally covered this song for her 2006 album The Makeover. While that version was deep house mixed with lots of beats, this new version is sweet and easy. Jody's vocals are so smooth. Just have a listen ...

March 13 UPDATE: Jody has released the visual stunning video to "Waiting In Vain" and it is so beautiful. It really captures the mood. The description on YouTube says ...

The Damien Sandoval Film captures the elegance, mystique, style and romance of the song filmed in classic black and white as conceptualized by Jody Watley. "I've wanted to showcase a bit of tango dancing in one of my video's and this song and film provides the perfect setting."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3cjwNLk2Rc

Wasn't that lovely? Yes, it was. "Waiting In Vain" is available on digital outlets like iTunes and Amazon. We've added the song to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. You can also hear it below.

In a related topic, Jody Watley featuring SRL have a new remix of their 2016 song "The Mood." The new remix was done by Alex Di Ció and it has climbed to the top of the Solar Radio chart in the UK. Woo! Now, you might remember that "The Mood" was Poptastic Confessions #1 song of 2016. However, if you haven't downloaded the original mix, or the new remix, do it now! You can hear the new mix here.

Still a thrill,
—Davearama

P.S. Please like Jody's official Facebook page. You can also like SRL's official Facebook page. You can follow her on Twitter. And follow Jody and SRL on Twitter. Don't forget to bookmark her official website. And if all that wasn't enough, please like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page.

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Queen by Tracey Thorn

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Tracey Thorn from Everything But The Girl (EBTG) has a new solo song out and it is called "Queen." We asked our friend John Dean-Morton to review the track for Poptastic Confessions. Here is what he had to say ...

January 17 was the best day so far of my 2018. I woke up and saw on Facebook that I had a late Christmas/very early birthday present. A new song named "Queen" by one of my very favourite singers, Tracey Thorn.

"Who?" asked by husband Michael. "Tracy Thorn from Everything But The Girl! You know ... (I start to sing) 'And I miss you ... like the deserts miss the rain' THAT Tracey Thorn!" I explained as I ran to my computer to download the track. 

I purchased the track and waited impatiently for the 35-endless seconds it took to download. As I listened to the song, I knew immediately knew this song would be on repeat for my drive to work. 

Adult Disco Tracey is back. The first sounds reminded me of Prince's song "Dirty Mind." I started smiling and then her silky voice started. Her soulful yearning of something about "Here I go again ... down that road again." I was grooving in my desk chair. The chorus hit and suddenly the living room was transformed into my very own private disco. I was dancing around in my socks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVw7fdB8gXM

Tracy has given us 4 minutes and 17 seconds to forget about the NOW and wonder what if "am I Queen ... or something else? I might have been a star."

I'm still hoping for another EBTG album, but this song made stop hoping for awhile. Now please excuse me while I ask Alexa to play it again.

"Queen" is available on digital outlets everywhere. We've added "Queen" to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!~

Cheers then,
—John Dean-Morton and Davearama

P.S. For the latest information on Tracey Thorn, please like her Facebook page. You can also follow her on Twitter. Don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page.

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Pop Don't Stop by Kim Wilde

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Kim Wilde is back with a new song called "Pop Don't Stop" and she even has a new album coming out next month called Here Come The Aliens.

If you just asked yourself "Who is Kim Wilde?" Well, she is a UK singer who hit it big in 1981 with the worldwide hit "Kids In America" (UK#2, US#25). She went on to have a megahit 1986 with a remake of The Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (UK#2, US #1). 

Other hits included "Chequered Love" ('81 UK#4), "Another Step (Closer To You)" ('87 UK#6), "You Came" ('88 UK#3, US#41), "Never Trust A Stranger" ('88 UK#7), and "Four Letter Word" ('88 UK#6). 

Some of our favourites were the minor hit "Say You Really Want Me" ('87 UK#29, US #44) and her house pop remake of the Bee-Gee's classic "If I Can't Have You" ('93 UK#12, US Dance #14).

As for the new song, it's a fun bop. It is short and sweet. And the guy singing with Kim in the video is brother Ricky, who wrote a lot of Kim's hits. We love the second bit in the chorus the most. Check out the video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlwW9Vr6Rm8

"Pop Don't Stop" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added it to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!~

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Be sure to like Kim's Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. You can also like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page and follow Davearama on Twitter.

Please like and share our posts so that more people hear the music!

Neon Nights Bananarama Special Podcast

Dear Poptastic Readers,

On Friday, I (Davearama) took part in a radio show called Neon Nights in Melbourne, Australia! The show is hosted by John von Ahlen of Parralox (Click there to read the interview i did with him)! This episode of the show was a Bananarama Special, which is why I was on the show.

As soon as John told me about the show, I jokingly said "Can I call in? Or do you need a co-host? Haha!" John asked for my phone number and he said he would call me. Well, I did the time conversion and it would be Friday night at midnight for me. I definitely would stay up for Bananarama. I would most definitely stay up for a call from John of Parralox!

As midnight approached, I was the only one in my house still awake. I was so excited when John called. I wasn't sure what was going to happen. Or even what I would say. As soon as I was put on hold, I got a message "Can you stay on for the full hour?" Um, yes I can! I was thrilled.

The show was co-hosted with Costa Lakoumentas. I didn't know him but we immediately connected, and I was able to get most of his Bananarama trivia. Now we are best buds! Still waiting to hear about our own FB3 v2.0! haha

As the show was happening live, I was getting messages from Bananarama fans all over the world that they were listening: Craig in Portland, Oregon; Gary in the Gold Coast, Australia; Loco in Adelaide, Australia; Pascal in Paris, France; Norm in London, England; and Travis in Bloomington, Illinois. Thank you!

The playlist was ...

I Heard A Rumour (Horoscope Mix)

Some Girls

Cruel Summer '89

Move In My Direction

Look On The Floor (Hypnotic Tango) [Angel City Remix]

Preacher Man

Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye) [1993 DMC Remix]

Shy Boy (Don't It Make You Feel Good) [US Mix]

Robert De Niro's Waiting

More Than Physical (7" Mix)

Love, Truth & Honesty

Long Train Running

I Can't Help It (Hammond Version Excursion Mix)

Ain't No Cure

Venus

Now you can get the podcast for FREE! You can download it from JOY's website here. Or download it from iTunes here.

I had such a fun time doing the show. I just listened to the podcast and I was surprised how many times I said "um." Whoops! Oh well, it was midnight for me. I was exhausted after a busy week and I was going on adrenaline for being on the show.

A BIG thank you to John for having me on the show. It was real honor. And thank you Costa for making me feel so welcome.

JOY 94.9 is an independent voice for the diverse lesbian gay bi-sexual transgender & intersex communities. Please support them anyway you can.

You can like Neon Nights Facebook page! Don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

In The Name Of Love by Alcazar

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Alcazar have released a new single this week called "In The Name Of Love" in celebration of 20 years of Alcazar. They've even announced a farewell tour in Sweden. But is it the end?

If you aren't familiar with Alcazar, then read our history of Alcazar here. It may be the 20th anniversary since Alcazar started, but there have been some lineup changes, so 20 years later looks slightly different.

Alcazar 1998-2002: Andreas, Annikafiore, and Tess

Alcazar 2002-2005: Tess, Andreas, Magnus, and Annikafiore

Alcazar 2007-present: Tess, Andreas, and Lina

The new song "In The Name Of Love" sounds like a disco military regiment exercise as it is heavy on the drums. Overall, we like the song. Andreas, Tess, and Lina all have solo bits.

FEBRUARY 12 UPDATE: Alcazar performed the song at the QX Gaygala over the weekend and channeled their inner Rhythm Nation. Have a look ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=276SUAhQO-U

The best news is that "In The Name Of Love" is available on digital outlets worldwide! Alcazar usually don't make their music available for worldwide outlets. Maybe it helps that the song is The Official Song of EuroPride 2018.

You can also stream "In The Name Of Love" and we've added it to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!~

Is this really the end of Alcazar? We hope not. They did have a farewell show in 2011. So, don't count them out just yet. We also hope we hear some new music from Annikafiore and Magnus this year (we don't know anything, we are just hoping!). If Alcazar really wanted to go out with a bang, we would suggest a show with 5 members! Wouldn't that be wild?
Cheers then,
—Davearama and the Poptastic Confessions collective

P.S. For more information on Alcazar, please like their official Facebook page. Don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page.

Please like and share our posts so that more people hear the music! 

New Video: I Don't Owe You by Alice D

Dear Poptastic Confessions,

Sorry we haven't been that active for the past two weeks. Life gets crazy sometime. Happy February! To start things off, Alice D has finally premiered her new video for her song "I Don't Owe You."

Back in May of last year, we helped Alice D raise money for the video, which we pointed out that it can be very expensive for independent artists. Alice released the song in October and we featured it in Poptastic Confessions. By year's end, it came in at #42 in our Top 100 songs of 2017. Check out the visually stunning video here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLNblSw5d2U

Wasn't that lovely? Yes, it was! We've gone ahead and added the song to our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify if you missed it last year. However, if you really want to support Alice D, then please purchase the download.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. You can like Alice D's Official Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. Don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page and follow Davearama on Twitter.

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