Friday, July 29, 2016

Come With Us Video by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Dear Poptastic Readers,

On Tuesday, we announced Sophie Ellis-Bextor's upcoming album Familia. Well, today she premiered the video for her fabulous new song "Come With Us."



I adore the new song. The video is OK. It basically features Sophie in three outfits with amazing makeup. There is one scene that has a fun backdrop. There is fourth outfit that gets a vintage reel. Well, have a look ...

It's a very colorful video, isn't it? LOVE the song!

"Come With Us" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! Familia is due out in early September.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Testify by K-Syran featuring Amelle Berrabah

Dear Poptastic Readers,

It's been a while since we had a Sugababes update, but Amelle recently had a duet with singer K-Syran called "Testify."




The song is about a woman falling in love with her best female friend. If you'd like to see an interview with K-Syran talking about "Testify" then click here. But in the meantime, here is the music video (which doesn't feature K-Syran or Amelle).





I quite like the song, but I must admit, it is a bit hard to hear Amelle in the song. It's not available on the US iTunes or Spotify. I thought it might just be a UK-release only. However, I've heard that it was available, but now it isn't. So I have no idea how to get the track, unfortunately.


Amelle and K-Syran

What are the other Sugababes up to?


Heidi Range

Heidi was a in a musical this spring in the UK called War of the Worlds. She is now planning her wedding.


Jade Ewen

Jade is getting rave reviews for the musical she is in called Aladdin. She plays the Princess Jasmine.


Amelle Berrabah

Amelle has actually been writing songs for other people using alias names. Hopefully, she will release some more solo music soon.


Original (and most likely current) Sugababes: Siobhan, Mutya & Keisha

And as for Mutya Keisha Siobhan, it appears that they may have the Sugababes name back as Siobhan recently said there will be a Sugababes album next year.

Stay tuned ...

Something Kinda Funny,
—Albert Green




Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Familia Trailer by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Sophie is back! You might remember that Sophie's career changed course from dancefloor diva to pop-rock queen with the last album Wanderlust. Her new album is called Familia.



While still keeping with the band-feeling, she has come back around to some of her disco roots. The first single will be "Come With Us." It should be released soon. Until then, here is part of the video ...



Can't wait for the full video! 
Stay tuned!
Cheers then,
—Davearama

Monday, July 25, 2016

Nothing's Real by Shura

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Our contributor Jason has written a review of Shura's album. As you might remember we featured the single "What's It Gonna Be" two weeks ago. 

Here is Jason's review ...

***



A combination of 80s influences, instant melodies, sensitive lyrics and detailed production, Shura’s Nothing’s Real is a shining example of indie-pop sensibility at its best (ironically, on a major label) and makes for a nearly flawless debut album.

Since 2014, Shura (aka Alexandra Lila Denton) has released a handful of singles — each subsequent release more impressive than the one before it. This has made her something of a darling in the pop music blogosphere and created high expectations for her eventual album. Meeting high expectations can be a killer for a burgeoning artist. Thankfully, Shura does not disappoint.



The aforementioned 80s influences are everywhere. The opening title track sounds like early-Madonna with its rubbery disco groove. Interestingly, this is juxtaposed with lyrics about a real-life ER visit that was due to an anxiety attack. “I see my heartbeat inside a television screen/my body’s not connecting”. Elsewhere, the ballad “2Shy”, recalls classic Janet Jackson in breathy “Let’s Wait Awhile” mode. Latest single, “What’s It Gonna Be” (co-written and produced by A-list producer, Greg Kurstin), sounds like it could have come from a John Hughes soundtrack. Indeed, the accompanying video plays like a charming rewrite of Some Kind of Wonderful but with an LGBT twist.




Although Shura wears her 80s inspiration on her denim jacket sleeve, it is not slavishly retro. In fact, many tracks actually end up sounding utterly up to the minute. “What Happened To Us”, with its propulsive guitars and layered harmonies sounds akin to Tegan & Sara and The Pierces’ recent similarly pop-minded outings. Likewise, one could easily imagine Haim doing “Give It Up” if only they had thought of writing it first.

Nothing’s Real manages to be one of those rare albums that avoids becoming too repetitious or “same-y” yet completely hangs together as a cohesive whole. The tempos, rhythms and moods vary from track to track but the headphone-ready, ear candy production is consistent throughout. The album is further unified both by a commitment to melody and by lyrics that continually register as sincere and earnest without ever sounding trite.



“I was never ready for your love/I’m no child but I don’t feel grown up”, Shura sings. It’s an economical yet elegant way of expressing a rather complex emotion. It’s these sort of honest, introspective observations that are Shura’s strong suit and make each of her songs universally relatable.

***

Nothing's Real by Shura is available on digital outlets everywhere!

Cheers then,
—Jason and Davearama


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

All That by Glass Slipper

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Glass Slipper have a fantastic new song called "All That" and it is ALL THAT! And lucky for you, it was released yesterday! HOORAY!



"All That" is a deep-house number mixed with some soulful vocals and melodies. You can even imagine a gospel choir on the chorus. But no need to imagine that, as Lisa does an amazing job of handling all of the backing vocals while Brad handles the beats.

The best part? Glass Slipper have filmed their first-ever video. Check it out ...



Wasn't that awesome? Yes, it was!


"All That" is available as an EP. It comes with the original version as well as an Underground Remix. If that wasn't enough, the EP comes with three new songs: "Ain't Nothin' To It But Do It", "You Got It Boy", and "Change."

So click on these links iTunes, Spotify or Traxsource today and purchase your copy!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

One Way Glass by Innerspace Orchestra

Dear Poptastic Readers,

I was thinking of The Pipettes recently (as I often do) and I wondered what former Pipettes singer Rose was up to. So I found her official Facebook page and saw that she is part of a new music trio called Innerspace Orchestra and they have a fantastic new song called "One Way Glass."


Innerspace Orchestra: Cathy Lucas, Tom Furse and Rose Elinor Dougall.

"One Way Glass" is a lovely song with a beautiful melody with Rose providing some effortlessly cool vocals over the amazing synth-heavy music with (sounds like) live drums. Just have a listen and look at the video ...




I'm so happy that I looked her up. I've always seemed to have missed Rose's solo music in the past. Hopefully now that I have liked her official Facebook page, I will keep up to date on her recordings.

"One Way Glass" by Innerspace Orchestra is available on digital outlets. Don't delay, buy your copy today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. You can also like Innerspace Orchestra's official Facebook page.

P.S.S. The Pipettes debut album with Rose is now 10 years old! If you don't know The Pipettes, then read Poptastic Confessions history and interview with singer Ani here.


The Pipettes (2005-2008) were Rose, Gwenno and Becki

Monday, July 18, 2016

Oh Sally! by Ulrika

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last week, I found out about the song "Oh Sally" by Swedish singer Ulrika. Apparently the song was released in January of this year. However, the video dropped this month.



The single is a poptastic slice of great, fun pop music. Just listening to the song will make you feel happy. And check out the fascinating video ...





Wasn't that fun? How about that chorus? Amazing!


"Oh Sally!" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

What's It Gonna Be by Shura

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Yesterday, I got a notification from iTunes that my friend Jason had gifted me an album! How very sweet! The artist is called Shura and the album is Nothing's Real. I haven't had time to listen to the whole album just yet. But what I have heard, I quite like it. Especially the current single "What's It Gonna Be."


"What's It Gonna Be" is a feel-good pop song with synth pop elements and lovely chorus. The super-cute video is adorable. Have a look ...


Wasn't that fun?


I've asked my friend Jason to review the album for Poptastic Confessions. So that will be coming soon. 


In the meantime, if you like "What's It Gonna Be" then head over to your favourite digital outlet and purchase the track so that you can support the artist.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Friday, July 8, 2016

Spice Girls 20th Anniversary of Wannabe

Dear Poptastic Reader,

It was 20 years ago today that the Spice Girls released their debut single "Wannabe" in the UK! But that may not be the biggest, most exciting news today. It's official: Spice Girls are now a trio: Geri, Emma & Mel (GEM)!


Spice Girls 2016: Mel, Geri & Emma

I am beyond thrilled that three of the five want to continue and give back to the fans that have been so loyal over the years. Victoria said she was out early on as she wants to continue her fashion line. Melanie C was part of the initial comeback, but she quit (for reasons we don't know). It's a shame really, but we wish them both well. And maybe they might change their minds. But for now, the remaining three are carrying on! Hooray!




So, 20 years ago today, "Wannabe" was released. Initially, their record company wanted to lead with "Love Thing" or "Say You'll Be There." But the Spice Girls demanded that they debut with "Wannabe." And nothing sounded quite like it. The song debuted at #3 in the UK, but the next week it went to #1 and spent the next seven weeks there.

"Wannabe" also went to #1 in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA. That my friends is GIRL POWER!

Check out the Spice Girls announcement today:



Let's hope for ....

1. Remastered albums with lots of bonus tracks
2. New music from the reformed trio
3. World Tour
4. GIRL POWER!

For more information, keep an eye out here: SpiceGirlsGEM.com

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Three years ago, I wrote a history of the Spice Girls for Poptastic Confessions! Check it out! #wannabe

P.S. And if you haven't seen this wonderful video, you must!








Friday, July 1, 2016

New Friends Video by RABBII

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last week, Poptastic Confessions featured the latest single from RABBII called "New Friends." And this week, they've gone and released the music video! HOORAY!



I must admit, since downloading the track, the song has really grown on me. I can't seem to get that chorus out of my head! It's incredible. Check out the video ...





Mesmerizing, wasn't it? Go ahead ... watch it again.

"New Friends" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Support the artist and purchase your copy today.

Cheers then,
—Davearama