Welcome to Poptastic Confessions! This blog is dedicated to glorious, unashamed alternative pop music! We hope to share new music with you that you might not have heard before because it is usually overlooked by the masses. Of course, we'll always encourage you to buy the music legally to support the artists. Enjoy! —Davearama, editor of Poptastic Confessions
Dear Poptastic Readers, Happy Halloween! Just in time for the spooky holiday, Magdalena Bay have just released a new pop gem called "Killshot."
"Killshot" is a mid-tempo pop tune with a great chorus. It goes a bit wonky at the end. The music video is classic Magdalena Bay style. Have a look and listen ...
"Killshot" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! We've it to our 2019 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. You'll also hear some of their previous songs there. Woo!
Love, Truth & Honesty, —Sausi O'Sullivan P.S. Please follow Magdalena Bay and Poptastic Confessions on social media. Magdalena Bay Facebook Instagram Twitter
It’s hard to believe that 27 years have passed since Shakespears Sister last released music as a duo. Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit rocked the pop world in May this year with the announcement of their musical reunion. They released their greatest hits retrospective Singles Partyback in July, featuring two brand new tracks – the comeback anthem “All The Queens Horses” and the fabulously retro “C U Next Tuesday.”
Now the dynamic duo are back with the release of their new EP Ride Again ahead of their upcoming UK tour. Written and recorded during a creative pilgrimage to Joshua Tree toward the end of last year, Ride Again brings together the two new tracks from Singles Party, plus the latest single “When She Finds You” with Richard Hawley and two new tracks: “Time to Say Goodbye” and “Dangerous Game.”
The Americana influence of the previously released singles continues to be found in the two new songs, with both offering a different take on the theme. “Time To Say Goodbye” sets the mood with its melancholic lyrics and catchy guitar riff, while “Dangerous Game” is an upbeat throwback to the glam-rock days, which will go down a storm live.
“C U Next Tuesday” is listed as the Perfect Mix, although not noticeably any different from the version we know and love—which is reassuring since it is already perfect as it is! Including the Video Mix of “All The Queens Horses” is a nice touch, as the whistling intro adds to the desert atmosphere (the digital release also adds the instrumental as a special bonus).
Ride Again is a triumphant return for Siobhan and Marcella. This body of work exuberates a confidence in their combined musical ability that is stronger than ever before and it would be exciting to envisage what a full-length album would sound like. We can only hope for this to follow in the not-too-distant future, but for the moment let’s embrace the fact that one of the finest musical duos of the last 30 years are back making music once again. Have a listen ...
Dear Poptastic Readers, The Dutch trio The 004 have just released their new single "Thank You." It is a new mix and the second single from their sophomore EP called Personal, which was released in April. You might remember that we featured their first single "Standing" back in May of this year.
The 004 is Janet, Kelly, and Mike
The 004 is a group of 3 friends (originally 4, thus the group name) who have been singing together since their early teens and now are in their late 20s. They were inspired by the Spice Girls and are still big fans. For the music video of "Thank You", The 004 asked their fans from around the world to lip sync themselves singing and spreading the magic of gratitude. A couple of fans dressed up as the Spice Girls in the music video. Have a look ...
Wasn't that nice? It was also nice to see all of the nationalities of the fans. The new mix of "Thank You" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Be sure to check out the dance remix by Dutch producer/DJ Rinaldo Montezz. We've added the song to our 2019 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. You'll also hear their first single "Standing" from their Personal EP there, too. Enjoy!~
Something Kinda Funny, —Albert Green P.S. Please follow The 004 and Poptastic Confessions on social media!
Dear Poptastic Readers, Swedish duo Galantis has a new song out with the legendary Dolly Parton and a Dutch singer Mr. Probz called "Faith" and we are loving it. You might remember that we featured Galantis last year with their song "Emoji" which featured an uncredited vocal from 90s pop star Cathy Dennis. Well, we love the new song.
"Faith" is not a George Michael cover, but a new song that is a duet with Mr. Probz and Dolly. Mr. Probz takes the first verse and gives a very soulful performance as the music is soft and a bit quiet before picking up for the first chorus. Dolly takes over the second verse and delivers it like no other. The music video features a bus that stops next to a barn and all of the passengers turn into dancers. The guys from Galantis end up dancing on top of the bus and Dolly is the bus driver. It sure is a feel-good track. Have a look ...
God bless Dolly Parton! We just love her. "Faith" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added the original version to our 2019 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!~
Cheers then, —Davearama P.S. Please follow Galantis, Dolly Parton, Mr. Probz, and Poptastic Confessions on social media!
Dear Poptastic Readers, FABULOUS NEWS! The original members of the Sugababes have reformed (again) and this time with the band name Sugababes! WOO! They have a new song out called "Flowers" with DJ Spoony. Before we get to the new song, let's look back on their history.
Sugababes 2019: Siobhan, Keisha, and Mutya
The story of the English girl group the Sugababes is a long and complicated one. They had an amazing string of hits over 10 years (1998 to 2010) in the UK and Europe. However, they were notorious for having a revolving door of members before dissolving.
Sugababes 1998-2001: Siobhan, Keisha & Mutya
The Sugababes were formed 1998 by childhood friends Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena, and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut single "Overload" was released in 2000 and it went to #6 in the UK. Their debut album was called One Touch (UK #26) and it had three more singles: "New Year" (UK #12), "Run For Cover" (UK #13), and "Soul Sound" (UK #30). However, near the end of the promotion in 2001, Siobhan quit the group, and the Sugababes were dropped by their record label.
The Sugababes continued their success with another UK #1 single, this time with a song they all wrote together called "Round Round." Their sophomore album Angels With Dirty Faces went to #2 in the UK, and produced three more hits for the Sugababes: the double-A-side "Stronger"/"Angels With Dirty Faces" (UK #7) and "Shape" (UK #11). During this time, the Sugababes won a BRIT Award for Best British Dance Act.
They didn't rest long before starting the group's third album simply titled Three (UK #3). The first single in 2003 "Hole In The Head" was their third UK #1. The album spawned three more top-ten hits: "Too Lost In You" (UK #10), "In The Middle" (UK #8), and "Caught In A Moment" (UK #8) in 2004. By the end of 2004, the group would take part in the charity single for 20th anniversary of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid 20. The charity single went #1 in the UK.
In 2003, former Sugababes member Siobhan released her debut solo material. Her album Revolution In Me (UK #117) featured two singles: "Overrated" (UK #19) and "Twist Of Fate" (UK #52).
During the making of the next Sugababes album, Mutya had a baby. Without getting much time off, the group worked on their next album and released the single "Push The Button" in the fall of 2005. It spent three weeks at #1 in the UK — their fourth #1 and their biggest hit to date. It also helped boost their fourth album Taller In More Ways to #1 in the UK — their first album to hit the top spot. A second single was rushed out at Christmas time called "Ugly" (UK #3). It was during that time, that Mutya announced she was leaving the group, leaving Keisha and Heidi to do some performances of "Ugly" by themselves.
It wasn't long before Keisha and Heidi announced the new Sugababe: Amelle Berrabah. Amelle had been in a short-lived duo with her sister called Boo2 and was seen by the Sugababes manager in a singing showcase. Boo2 never released any music.
Sugababes 2006-2009: Amelle, Heidi & Keisha
Amelle joined the group, and in early 2006 they quickly rerecorded some of the tracks for the album Taller In More Ways and re-released the album. Mutya even came to the studio and sang backup on a new song marking the first time that four Sugababes had sang on a song. Two more singles came from the album: "Red Dress" (UK #4) and "Follow Me Home" (UK #32).
In the fall of 2006, the Sugababes released a greatest-hits compilation called Overloaded: The Singles Collection (UK #3). They recorded two new songs for the album and the single "Easy" went to #8 in the UK. In early 2007, the Sugababes joined UK girl group Girls Aloud for the Comic Relief charity single remake of "Walk This Way" (UK #1). It would be their 5th #1 song.
At the end of 2006, former Sugababe Mutya sang a duet with George Michael called "This Is Not Real Love" (UK #15). In May of 2007, Mutya released her debut solo single called "Real Girl" (UK #3) followed by the album Real Girl (UK #10). The album saw three more singles: "Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control)" with Groove Armada (UK #8), "Just A Little Bit" (UK #65) and "B Boy Baby" with Amy Winehouse (UK #73).
In the summer of 2007, former Sugababe Siobhan released her second solo album Ghosts (UK #92) that featured the singles "Don't Give It Up" (UK #45) and "So You Say" (UK #76).
In the fall of 2007, the Sugababes released their first full album with Amelle. The first single "About You Now" ended up spending four weeks at #1 in the UK — their 6th and final #1 song. That also helped propel the album called Change to the #1 spot as well — their second album to hit #1.
A promotional digital single "My Love Is Pink" didn't make much of a splash, but the album got two more commercial singles: "Change" (UK #13) in December of 2007 and "Denial" (UK #15) in March of 2008. The summer of 2008 would have a successful UK tour for the group.
Another year, another album. In September of 2008, Sugababes released their first single "Girls" (UK #3) from their upcoming sixth album Catfights & Spotlights (UK #8). The album's title was in reference to the group's reputation they had for infighting within the group. The album also featured the Sugababes singing on Taio Cruz's song "She's Like A Star."Sadly, only one other single from the album followed: "No Can Do" (UK #23). There was a rumor that "Every Heart Broken" (formerly titled "Murder One") was to be the next single as they performed it on T4, but it never materialized. It was reported that the record label was worried as the group wasn't having the big hits like they used to have.
In November of 2008, Keisha performed "Broken Strings" with James Morrison on for the Children In Need performance. It was originally a duet between James and Nelly Furtado.
In January of 2009, Mutya sang on a duet with Ashley Waters called "With You."Mutya followed that with another collaboration with Agent X & Ultra called "Fallin'". In September of 2009, Mutya had a song with Tah Mac called "Give Back."
Also in 2009, the Sugababes signed a contract with Jay Z's Roc Nation that allowed the group to work with various high-profile producers and song writers. Tensions in the group continued. Before the promotion started, Amelle recorded a single with rapper Tinchy Stryder called "Never Leave You" (UK #1). The song was the first (and only) time that a Sugababe had a solo #1 (so far).
Shortly thereafter in August of 2009, the Sugababes released their new single "Get Sexy" (UK #2) for their upcoming seventh album Sweet 7, which had already been recorded. Tensions within the group seemed at an all-time high. Amelle was rumored to be leaving the group as she didn't show up to a concerts showcasing new songs to promote album, leaving Keisha and Heidi to perform by themselves. All signs pointed to Amelle leaving the group.
In a surprise announcement in September, the last original member Keisha had been let go from the group. Her replacement was quickly named as Jade Ewen, who had represented England in the Eurovision Song Contest earlier in 2009 with the song "It's My Time" (UK #27). Before Keisha left, it was rumored that Jade would take Amelle's place.
Sugababes 2009-2011: Jade, Heidi & Amelle
Fans were completely shocked and stunned — many of them crying foul as all of the original members had been replaced. (To be fair, two of them quit.) Major backlash against Heidi and Amelle happened. No one was prepared for Keisha to get fired. It all went down the week the group was to film the video for their second single "About A Girl." During the making of the video, Jade had to mime Keisha's vocals since she hadn't actually been in the studio yet. All of this happening at the same time that Jade was releasing her solo single "My Man" (UK #35).
Shortly after the filming of the video, Amelle checked into a clinic for nervous exhaustion. Heidi and Jade did a couple of appearances without Amelle, but they didn't perform without her. Amelle rejoined the group for some last-minute promotion and "About A Girl" managed to go to #8 in the UK in November of 2009. Also in November of 2009, Keisha was featured on a Jay Sean song called "Far Away" from his album All Or Nothing. "Far Away" wasn't released as a single though.
While time was spent in the studio with Jade replacing Keisha's vocals on the seventh album called Sweet 7 as well as recording some new tracks, the Sugababes released a Christmas cover of "Santa Baby." In 2010, they kicked off the Sweet 7 album campaign with the single "Wear My Kiss" (UK #7). It was the first time since 2006 that three singles from one of their albums would go top ten. Sweet 7 was released right afterwards and it went to #14 in the charts. Unfortunately, it was their first album to miss the top ten since their debut album. There was a rumor that a ballad called "Crash & Burn" would be the next single since they promoted it some. Perhaps it was the album not doing well, but there were no more singles from the album.
At the end of 2010, Taio Cruz had a hit with Kylie Minogue called "Higher." In early 2011, Taio performed it in the T4 studio but Kylie couldn't make it, so he asked Jade to join him. For copyright issues, Kylie's vocals were also on the track.
In the spring of 2011, Mutya had a couple of songs out. There was a dance track with Paul Morrell called "Give Me Love." The other one was a piano-led R&B track called "Be OK." In June of 2011, Keisha performed her first solo gig and sang songs from upcoming solo album she had been working on, but the songs and the album were never released.
In early summer of 2011, the Sugababes changed record labels and released the single "Freedom." However, the whole campaign was flawed from start to finish (read our review of it here) and "Freedom" ended up being given away for free and was not chart eligible. Another single called "Hard" was planned, but it never saw the light of day. After that, the Sugababes "took a break" and went on hiatus, sadly never to return—at least with that lineup. It was around this time that rumours started to swell that the original lineup was getting back together.
In early 2012, Amelle had a song with D-B-X called "God Won't Save You Now" that leaked on the internet. Because of that, it never got an official release. Also in 2012, the original lineup of the Sugababes announced they were getting back together. Speculation swirled about what they would call themselves.
During the summer of 2013, Amelle released a dance-track single with Adam J and Nightcrashers called "Love (Is All We Need)".
In the summer of 2013, the original line up of the Sugababes announced they would be releasing music under the name Mutya Keisha Siobhan (or MKS for short). They released their song "Flatline" (UK #50) in September of 2013. Unfortunately, it didn't set the charts on fire. As a result, MKS and their record label had a falling out, that left their almost-finished album in limbo.
In early 2014, Jade was featured on a dance trance track by Lost Witness called "Fly."
In August of 2014, Amelle released a single called "Summertime." It was the last of her solo releases. She has continued writing music for other people under pseudo names. She has even starred in musicals. In fact, Heidi and Jade also starred in musicals, with Jade having the longest run as Jasmine in Aladdin in London's West End. Both Heidi and Amelle are married with kids now.
In December 2016, the unthinkable happened for MKS. Someone leaked their entire unreleased album online. Fans were thrilled to hear the songs that MKS had been working on, but it wasn't fair to MKS to have all their hard work given away for free. In 2018, Mutya had an R&B song out with L€GACY, RockwellXL, JSTN, and Rico Flames called "Game Over."
Earlier in 2019, legendary girl group Bananarama recorded one of those leaked MKS songs called "Love In Stereo" for their album In Stereo. Since 2013, MKS have been in a legal battle with their previous management company over the band name. MKS got the name back so now the original line up is the Sugababes again!
So that leads us to the new song "Flowers." It is actually a cover of the 2000 song by UK garage duo Sweet Female Attitude. The Sugababes new version is with DJ Spoony who has just released a new album called Garage Classical, which took classic garage songs covered by new artists and mixed in a classical orchestra! DJ Spoony and the Sugababes performed the song Friday on the Graham Norton Show. Check out the performance here ...
Wasn't that fab? Good to have them back! "Flowers" and Garage Classical are available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! We've added "Flowers" to our2019 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!~
Cheers then, —Davearama & Sausi O'Sullivan P.S. Please follow DJ Spoony, Sugababes, and Poptastic Confessions on social media! DJ Spoony Facebook Instagram Twitter Sugababes Facebook Instagram Twitter
Dear Poptastic Readers, The past 2 years we have featured songs by Swedish producer Chris Tall called "Lucy (Sun Goes Up" (our #7 song of 2017) and "Weekend" (our #24 song of 2018). Chris and singer/DJ/producer Fanacy have formed a new duo called Rikky Disco. They had a song out in July (D'oh!) called "Getting High." While we are a bit late to the party ... as we always say: better late than never!
So what is the new song "Getting High" like? It certainly has an old-school luxurious disco vibe. Fanacy provides some spoken lyrics in French and English. The music gives some serious piano house mixed with glorious strings. The EP features the original version plus four fun remixes. Have a listen ...
Wasn't that fun? Yes, it was! Makes you want to get your dancing shoes on, right?
