Dear Poptastic Readers,
Bananarama have released their first-ever LIVE album! The
album is called Live at The Eventim Hammersmith Apollo and it is AMAZING! It was recorded last November when
the original lineup of Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey reunited
for a tour. Contributors Jason and Davearama review the album.
Siobhan’s departure and subsequent replacement by Jacquie O’
Sullivan just prior to Bananarama’s going on tour in 1989, meant that fans were
deprived of getting to see original trio of Keren, Sara, and Siobhan ever
properly touring together during their heyday.
With Keren and Sara eventually carrying on Bananarama as a
duo over the ensuing decades and Siobhan finding success as Shakespear’s Sister
and presumably never wanting to look back, it was a genuine shock when it was
announced in 2017 that all three would be reuniting for an Original Line Up
Tour. Thankfully, the joyous occasion has been preserved. Live at the Eventim Hammersmith Apollo manages to capture the celebratory
energy of the show and the spirit of friendship that has always defined the
group.
All of the songs’ arrangements have been expertly reworked
by Ian Masterson, a key collaborator in Bananarama’s most recent albums. Each
song remains recognizable and retains its original appeal but are given just
enough additional flourishes to make it sound fresh. A few of the songs are
imbued with classic disco elements. “Trick Of The Night” gets the SOS Band
treatment, “More Than Physical” gets a A Taste Of Honey bass line, and “I Can’t Help It” is
transformed into a shimmering Giorgio Moroder-esque bop. Songs like “Really Saying Something” and “It Ain’t What You Do”, which were deadpan covers
versions when they were originally recorded, now instead pay more direct homage
to the styles of the original artists and sound more invigorated as a result.
Sara, Keren, and Siobhan thoughtfully sequenced the set list
for maximum effect. The show was front-loaded with some of their oldest hits
evoking nostalgia, especially “Nathan Jones”, “Robert De Niro’s Waiting”, “Cruel Summer” and “Shy Boy Trouble” (which mixes in the b-side “Boy Trouble”). The ladies
then create a “mini-arc” of the band’s break-up and make-up by serving up
“Cheers Then”, Shakespear’s Sister cover “Stay” and finally “Preacher Man”, the
latter being a stated favorite of Siobhan’s from the years after she left.
Having been in the audience, both reviewers (Jason and
Davearama) can attest to the enthusiasm of the audience. Even the security
personnel could not resist clapping, singing along and joining in on some of
the dance routines!
At their peak, Bananarama were often underrated and
dismissed by critics. However, this live album demonstrates both the durability
of their songs and the genuine appreciation and affection with which they are
now viewed.
Long live Bananarama!
—Jason F and Davearama
P.S. Check out these links ...
Bananarama
