Poptastic Confessions!: Live at the London Eventin Hammersmith Apollo by Bananarama

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Live at the London Eventin Hammersmith Apollo by Bananarama

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.

The hi-nrg, Stock Aitken Waterman hits are saved for the back half of the show and manage to whip the crowd into a frenzy. The biggest hits “I Want You Back”, “I Heard A Rumour”, “Venus”, and final encore “Love In The First Degree” are obviously the biggest crowd-pleasers.

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.

Live at the London Eventim Hammersmith Apollo is available on digital outlets everywhere. It is also available on CD and vinyl. Plus, there is a DVD! Buy your copies today! We've also added various songs on our 2018 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify.

BONUS! Bananarama have just announced reissues of their first 6 albums on colored vinyl and cassette! Check it out!