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Thursday, July 21, 2022

Album Review: Masquerade by Bananarama

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Three years after their last album In Stereo, and just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bananarama, Sara and Keren are back once again with the release of their 12th studio album: Masquerade.

We couldn’t be more excited for brand new music from the ladies! In 2019, Davearama and Normski together reviewed In Stereo for Poptastic Confessions. Now they have taken a deep dive into the new album Masquerade with another track-by-track review. Enjoy some of our faux covers along the way ...

"Favourite"

Normski: Ever since the very first teaser clip went on social media back in April, including only a few seconds from the intro, I have been so excited by this song. It feels completely different to anything Bananarama have done before – so fresh, feisty and sassy!

Davearama: I love the attitude and confidence here. Of course, you can hear that in the original by Alice D, but the Bananarama version brings it to a dark, electro place. I love the spiralling sounds. Also, I really like how Sara and Keren just comfortably split the verses into solo bits.
Normski: It has been amazing to hear this performed live at a couple of their festivals recently. Considering it’s been played on the radio and had an official remix released, I only wish it had a proper music video!

Davearama: Agreed! In this day and age, let’s be honest; it is the first single. At least we can think of it that way. “Favourite” is a great way to open the album. Watch the lyric video here ...

"Stay Wild"

Davearama: So dreamy and lush. In the gorgeous chorus, they mention evergreen. This reminded me of an interview from the 90s where Keren said that when her and Sara were kids, they used to sing “Evergreen” by Barbara Streisand into their tape recorders. Thankfully, this sounds nothing like that. But when I heard them sing it, that is where my mind went.

Normski: Haha. This song has such a chilled, feelgood vibe to it – I just adore the harmonies in the chorus. The soft, breathy vocals in the verses also remind me of Ultra Violet and some of the unreleased demos from the late 90s too. Definitely one I’d love to hear live!

Davearama: Ooh, you are absolutely right about Ultra Violet! I love that album as there are some really great melodies there. Masquerade is delivering the melodies, too! "Stay Wild" is a definite highlight of the album.

"Velvet Lies"

Davearama: I think this is my favourite of the bunch. Even though the lyrical content is about heartbreak, it is also about empowerment. This also has a chorus that fans will be belting out in no time, and the middle 8 is light and airy, but self-assured. They aren’t crying over the breakup!

Normski: The second “taster” track unveiled before the album’s release, and this is a quite a quirky number! The verses have a slightly darker vibe backed by a funky electric beat, building to a strong and rousing chorus. You can definitely see the more experimental side of the girls emerging already in this album, especially in “Favourite” and “Velvet Lies.”

Davearama: I’m actually shocked that this only made “taster/teaser track” status. This should be a full-on proper single with mixes. Speaking of that, I would happily enjoy an extended mix as the song is too short. Fabulous, but short.

"Masquerade"

Normski: It’s easy to see why this was made the lead single from the album – it is so epic and wonderfully produced. It gave me “Love Don’t Live Here” vibes the first time I heard it.

Davearama: Keren may call it Gothic disco, but I call it epic electronica dream pop. Sara says she wrote the lyrics during the pandemic, and they are quite lovely.

Normski: What an amazing music video too – I’d say it’s their best since “Move In My Direction.” It’s great to see the support this has had from Radio 2 in the UK, who have always championed Bananarama.

Davearama: The music video is all kinds of wonderful. It’s like a mini movie that I want to watch over and over again. View it here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho097oBrfuw

"Running With The Night"

Davearama: This has an edge to it like some of their songs have had in the past. The chorus is an easy sing along, but for me, the verses are extraordinary. The way they sing them is just so clever. Well done!

Normski: This has such a glorious synth backing – so energetic and takes me back to “Love In Stereo.” I agree with Dave about the delivery of the verses – it is very contemporary and really takes the song to another level. I actually think this would make a really strong single!

Davearama: Yes, I think this could be a contender for a single.

"Bad Love"

Normski: This is definitely one for the dancefloor divas out there! Quite a 90s vibe with a super-catchy chorus and a feisty delivery. Definitely one of my favourites! Working on a dance routine already…

Davearama: A dance routine? Glory be. Can’t wait to see that. This is a piano stomper, and a bit of a belter of a chorus. A sequel to “Bad For Me” from the WOW! album? Lyrically, not a million miles away. I really like this.

"Let's Go Outside"

Davearama: When I first read the title of this song, I immediately thought of George Michael’s “Outside.” How about you, Normski?

Normski: Yes, I absolutely made the connection with the George Michael song – although in a recent interview Sara and Keren said they hadn’t even thought about that, haha!

Davearama: Now this reminds me of something from Viva, but what is it? I’m not talking about rehashed lyrics or music, but it does remind me of another Bananarama song, and I don’t know why.

Normski: The production reminds me a bit of “Seventeen” from Viva (which isn’t a bad thing at all – one of my favourite songs from that album!), so that might be what you’re thinking about too.

Davearama: Yes! That is it! The songs aren’t carbon copies of each other, but rather similar in style. Having said that, the beginning and ending of this song is like no other Bananarama song that I can think of.

"Brand New"

Davearama: Now back in 2020, Alice D released her original version of this song on her amazing Lioness EP. It came in at #24 in Poptastic Confessions Top 100 Songs of 2020. However, we felt that if had it been a proper single, it definitely would have been Top 10. At least we had some fabulous mixes by Bill Pardue of Mission Groove.

Normski: It is another instant favourite of mine from this album! I loved Alice’s version of the song anyway and it’s amazing to hear what the girls have done with it – they’ve injected just enough of that Bananarama attitude to make it their own. This sounds so radio friendly, it could easily be a single – let’s hope this song finally gets the recognition it deserves!

Davearama: Maybe the reason Alice didn’t release it as a single is because Sara and Keren wanted it! They've split the vocals on the verses with Sara leading. The end is a bit different to Alice's version with the music dropping out and some added vocal arrangements.

"Need A Little More Time"

Normski: This one is so sultry – I love it when the girls have their more down-tempo moments, as they’re so good at this too!

Davearama: Time for a change of pace. This is the ballad of the album. There have been Pet Shop Boys comparisons with the title track “Masquerade.” I also think this is in line with some of the best Pet Shop Boy’s ballads.

Normski: The soothing harmonies and guitar chords in the chorus remind me a little bit of “Got A Thing For You” from Exotica…

"Forever Young"

Normski: This is clearly a tribute to the unbreakable friendship between Sara and Keren, with sweet and sentimental lyrics like “Memories of youth are so precious and few / Fleeting moments, then they’re gone / Baby we’re forever young.”

Davearama: Absolutely. When I read that Sara wrote the lyrics about Keren, it just made this all the more special. Sara even said she might cry when performing it. Bless.

Normski: It’s a special moment on the album and a fitting song to acknowledge the girls’ 40th anniversary, which will no doubt be a highlight at the forthcoming Lafayette shows.

Davearama: I can’t wait for those shows. This song is a synth pop delight with a big sing along chorus. This definitely has an 80s vibe about it. I would like this to be a single, too.

"Waiting For The Sun To Shine"

Davearama: OMG! What a way to close the album. So divine. Sara and Keren sound absolutely amazing here. They are delivering that first-class chorus with gusto! The lyrics are uplifting, and I could listen to this over and over. Earlier I said that “Velvet Lies” might be my favourite of the bunch, but this might be tied. Love, love, love this.

Normski: I agree, the chorus is a real call-to-arms – Bananarama always save the “big moments” for the end of the album and “Waiting For The Sun To Shine” is such a satisfying end to this journey! This song absolutely has to make it onto their live set in future – just imagine crowds of people singing along to the “La la la, la la la…” hook. To quote another song we heard earlier… C’est magnifique!

Davearama: C’est magnifique, indeed! If not obvious, I would put this out as a single, too!

A mutual friend of ours recently pondered which Bananarama album Masquerade would sound like, and we aren't sure it sounds like any of them. Sure, it has the same producer (Ian Masterson) as Viva, In Stereo, Now or Never EP, and parts of Drama. We think Ian has done a good job of making this album stand on its own and not a Part 2 of other albums.

Having said that, there are darker lyrical topics that could remind you of True Confessions, there are gorgeous melodies that could remind you of Drama, there are lush vocals that could remind you of Pop Life, and there is the can-do spirit that could remind you of Ultra Violet. If anything, this album proves time and time again that Sara and Keren continue to write amazing pop songs well into their career, and we are lucky that they have an amazing time working with Ian. Something that really makes Masquerade stand out is the counter melodies happening near the end of the songs. Even the ad libs. It is quite refreshing and exciting.

It’s clear that Masquerade was written and recorded in a shorter space of time than In Stereo, since it is very cohesive and contemporary, while still retaining that Bananarama magic. Congratulations to Sara and Keren on producing yet another accomplished body of work after 40 years in the music business – what a way to celebrate such an incredible achievement!

C’est Fantastique!

★★★★★

You can also read our review in WOW! The Unofficial Newsletter by clicking there.

Masquerade is available on digital outlets everywhere. Not only is it released digitally, but on vinyl, CD, and cassette. Each format has different colored artwork. The CD has green, the red and and blue vinyls have red and blue covers, and the cassette is purple. Order your physical copies and merchandise here. Listen here ...

Cheers then,

—Davearama & Normski

P.S. Please follow Bananarama and Poptastic Confessions on social media …

Bananarama

Davearama's 2005 interview with Keren

Davearama's 2006 interview with Sara

Poptastic Confessions

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Monday, July 18, 2022

Velvet Lies by Bananarama

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Today pop-legends Bananarama have released their third song this year from their upcoming new album Masquerade, which is released this Friday! Details on the album below. The new song is called "Velvet Lies' and it is simply amazing.

(Editor's note: Not the single cover. We made

this from the photoshoot with Fabulous)

You are in for a treat here. Bananarama carry on the torch of empowerment like they have for many years with songs like "I Heard A Rumour", "Love, Truth & Honesty", and "Movin' On" to name a few. "Velvet Lies' is about having enough of a relationship that isn't working. It is not a sad song. Instead, it a glorious anthem about believing in yourself. The euphoric chorus will lift your spirits and you'll be singing along in no time. Our only complaint is that it is too short! Clocking in under 3 minutes, it just leaves you wanting more. Have a listen here ...

"Velvet Lies" was written by Sara Dallin, Alice Dallin-Walker, and Ian Masterson, who also produced the track. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added it to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. You'll also hear their previous tracks "Favourite" and "Masquerade" there. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. The best way to support the artists are to buy their music. Please do so!

The album Masquerade will be released this Friday, July 22. Not only will it be released digitally, but on vinyl, CD, and cassette. Each format will be getting a different colored artwork. The CD will have green, the red and and blue vinyls will have red and blue covers, and the cassette will be purple. Order your physical copies and merchandise here. Here is the tracklisting for the new album ...

Masquerade

1. Favourite

2. Stay Wild

3. Velvet Lies

4. Masquerade

5. Running With The Night

6. Bad Love

7. Let's Go Outside

8. Brand New

9. Need A Little More Time

10. Forever Young

11. Waiting For The Sun To Shine

Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. Please follow Bananarama and Poptastic Confessions on social media …

Bananarama

Davearama's 2005 interview with Keren

Davearama's 2006 interview with Sara

Poptastic Confessions

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Friday, July 15, 2022

Coming Down by Isle Of You

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Happy Friday! Swedish duo Isle Of You released a new song today called "Coming Down." We are still loving their previous single "Cool Without You" released in April of this year.

"Coming Down" is a peppy song that leaves you feeling all happy. The verses start off with Ida and Elina singing in a lower register, and we weren't expecting it, but we quite like it. Let's face it, we pretty much love everything they do. This is a fun song. Just have listen ...

"Coming Down" was written by Elina Danielsson, Ida Johansson, (Isle Of You) and Joakim Buddee, who also produced the track. Isle Of You is an independent artist so the best way to support her is to buy their music. "Coming Down" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added it to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. You'll also hear therir previous single "Cool Without You" there. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. Buying the music will really help the artist. Please do so!

Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. Please follow Isle Of You and Poptastic Confessions on social media …

Isle Of You
Facebook
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Poptastic Confessions 2019 Interview with Isle Of You

Poptastic Confessions

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Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Right By Your Side by Betty Boo featuring David Gray

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last week, Betty Boo released her fourth single this year, and it is called "Right By Your Side" featuring David Gray. Well, we had no idea who he was, so we looked him up. His biggest UK hit was in 1999 with a song called "Babylon." We just had a listen, and it does sound vaguely familiar. His style is folk indie rock.

"Right By Your Side" is a bit a slower pace than the rest of Betty's recent singles. Betty raps the verses and David and Betty both sing the chorus. The song has a bit of an old feel to it, like you might think this is from the early 90s alt rock era. Check out the lyric video ...

"Right By Your Side" was written by Alison Clarkson (aka Betty Boo) and Andy Wright, who both produced it with Gavin Goldberg. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added it to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. The best way to support the artists are to buy their music. Please do so!

We've even added it to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions YouTube playlist. Check it out ...

Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. Please follow Betty Boo, David Gray, and Poptastic Confessions on social media ...

Betty Boo
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The Return of Betty Boo

David Gray

Poptastic Confessions

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Betty has a whole TM Store website that you can order physical copies of her new music as well as merchandise! There is a CD, pink-colored vinyl, cassettes, t-shirts, and Limited Edition Numbered 5-track Sampler CD that is free with bundles, but there are only 500 copies of that! So order your Betty Boo Boomerang Bundle now! Here is the tracklist for the CD ...

Boomerang is released October 14, 2022

1. Get Me To The Weekend
2. Shining Star
3. Miracle feat. Chuck D
4. Right By Your Side feat. David Gray
5. Boomerang
6. Nobody Can Bring Me Down
7. Stop Your Nonsense (Bubblegum Pop!)
8. Never Too Late
9. All I Wanna Do Is Dance
10. 808
11. Superstar
12. Hell, Yeah

BONUS TRACKS

13. Shining Star feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor
14. S.O.S.
15. Bright Lights
16. Get Me To The Weekend (Extended mix)
17. Right By Your Side feat. David Gray (Extended mix)
18. Miracle feat. Chuck D (Extended mix)

The 5-track Sampler CD available with bundles (Limited to 500 copies) will be shipped out July 18, 2022

1. Get Me To The Weekend
2. Shining Star
3. Boomerang
4. Stop Your Nonsense (Bubblegum Pop)
5. Nobody Can Bring Me Down

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Hard 2 Forget by Steps

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Happy Thursday! Super-pop group Steps released their brand new song "Hard 2 Forget" today. They also have a new greatest hits album called the Platinum Collection, which is released in mid-August. Last month, they released the "Platinum Megamix."

No, it is not a remake of the 2019 Isle Of You song, but a brand new song. We did hear a bit of it in the "Platinum Megamix." So what's it like? It has various tempo changes as the beat falls out before the big chorus to make for a more of an impact, we suppose. Ultimately, it has a classic Steps sound that we all know and love. It's also nice that all 5 Steps get solo lines. The music video takes place in a deli. Have a look ...

"Hard 2 Forget" was written by James Abrahart and Vincent Cannady. It was produced by The Alias. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added it to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. The best way to support the artists are to buy their music. Please do so!

We've even added the music video to the top of our 2022 Poptastic Confessions YouTube playlist. Check it out ...

Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. Please follow Steps and Poptastic Confessions on social media …

Steps

Also check our their fandom ...

Ultimate Steps

Poptastic Confessions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uf1ldXzZUU

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Hypnotized by Sophie Ellis-Bextor × Wuh Oh

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Sophie Ellis-Bextor released a new song today called "Hypnotized" and it is a collaboration with Wuh Oh. Now we've never heard of Wuh Oh before, but apparently a music artist from Glasgow, Scotland and rather avant-garde.

The song is about leaving a relationship that obviously isn't working. Sophie gives an outstanding performance that sounds effortless. The music starts off a bit slow but then turns into an electro banger with swirling synths.

JULY 27 UPDATE: There is a music video! Glory be and we absolutely love the dance routine. Check it out ...

"Hypnotized" was written by Sophie and Peter Ferguson (Wuh Oh). It was produced by Wuh Oh and Sega Bodega. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added the songs to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. The best way to support the artists are to buy their music. Please do so!

Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. Please follow Sophie, Wuh Oh, and Poptastic Confessions on social media …

Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Facebook
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Wuh Oh

Poptastic Confessions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=semZtibmoa0

Poptastic Confessions 11th Anniversary

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Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Tresor by Gwenno

Dear Poptastic Readers,

It's been awhile since we featured Welsh artist Gwenno, but this year alone she had released 5 singles and has a new album called Tesor. So this post is catching up with Gwenno's music this year. Like her previous albums Y Dydd Olaf and Le Kov this album is also sung in Welsh and Cornish languages, which makes for a very unique experience. It's almost been 10 years since we interviewed Gwenno around the release of her amazing EP Ymbelydredd — an EP that we still adore to this day.

Let's start with the first single released back in February! D'oh! Better late than never ...

"An Stevel Nowydh" was the first single. It translates to the "The New Room." The song has a steady rhythm and Gwenno's airy vocals make it dreamy. And later in the song, there is a slight tempo change. The music video is quite the artful affair. Have a look ...

The second single from the album was "Men An Toll" and it was released in April. It is more of an interlude as the song is only a minute and half. While there are vocals, we aren't sure they are actual lyrics. As for the meaning of the song, we think the title translates to "hole in the stone." We could be wrong, but we see a hole in the stone in the music video, which is also the album cover ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOWgBnd4_iA

The third single was released in May and it is the title track of the album: "Tresor." That translation is a bit easier. That means treasure. This track is just lush and beautiful. Very easy listening. While it may be a track that you want to close your eyes and enjoy all the sounds, do check out the music video here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b18UT4iuwiQ

The fourth single released in June was "Anima." The tempo is a bit faster than any of the songs so far, but not by much. It has a lovely melody. The music is very interesting here as it feels very retro. Check out the music video here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2xayQ8azKI

The fifth single released just yesterday is "N.Y.C.A.W." The song has lots of attitude with Gwenno talking her way through the verses, rather commanding that we listen. And rightfully so. This is a political song and Gwenno sings with passion. "N.Y.C.A.W" stands for Nid yw Cymru ar werth, and that translates to "Wales is not for sale." The beat is uptempo and it is full of passionate energy. Watch the music video here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdmrO5_qEhU

There you have it. If you have enjoyed these 5 songs so far, check out Gwenno's new album Tresor. Chances are, you don't speak Cornish or Welsh, but music is a universal language and you don't have to understand them to enjoy it. However, maybe it will intrigue you to learn one or both of the languages.

"An Stevel Nowydh" and "N.Y.C.A.W." were written by Gwenno with Rhys Edwards, who also produced the track.

"Men An Toll" was written and produced by Gwenno.

"Tresor" and "Anima" were written by Gwenno and produced by Rhys Edwards.

We've added all 5 songs to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. We spread them out a bit. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. The best way to support the artists are to buy their music. Please do so!

We also added all 5 music videos to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist. We also spread them out. Have a look ...

Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. Please follow Gwenno and Poptastic Confessions on social media ...

Gwenno
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Poptastic Confessions' Interview with Gwenno in 2012

Poptastic Confessions