Poptastic Confessions

Poptastic Confessions

Friday, September 30, 2016

The Mood by Shalamar Reloaded

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Shalamar Reloaded are back with a smooth, sensuous R&B mid-tempo fabulous new track called "The Mood." And you're going to love it!



Last year, Shalamar Reloaded debuted with their song "SlowDance" — which was Poptastic Confessions #18 song of 2015. We also featured their funky "O.R.I.G.In.A.L." earlier this year in May. 


Shalamar Reloaded are Nate Allen Smith, Jody Watley, and Rosero McCoy. 

"The Mood" is a sexy track with an amazing chorus. The video is visually stunning. They filmed it this summer while they did a stay in Hawaii. My favorite bit in the video in Rosero's surprise at near the end. Hello, Rosero! Have a look ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkE5_CHs0wE

Wasn't that awesome? They all sound wonderful and they look fantastic. 

"The Mood" isn't currently available on digital outlets. But it will be soon. Until then, just watch the video again! Hello, Rosero! ~;-)

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Like the Facebook pages of Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded to keep up to date with the latest on them. And while you are there, you can like our Poptastic Confessions Facebook page


Love Or Money by Marilyn

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Do you remember Marilyn from the 80s? Well, Marilyn is back with a new single called "Love Or Money" and it is quite good.  



Who is Marilyn? Marilyn's real name is Peter Robinson. He was famous in the early 80s for being androynous! And he was one of Boy George's best friends. If you live in the UK or Australia, you might remember Marilyn's 1983 top-ten hit "Calling Your Name." In the US, Marilyn is probably best known for being part of the 1984 charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band-Aid. Marilyn was wearing a sporty yellow and blue top, and standing next to Bananarama.


Band-Aid in 1984

So onto the new song. It has a mid-tempo reggae beat and Marilyn's vocals are quite soulful. Boy George even sings backing vocals as he helped write the track with Marilyn. And Marilyn looks amazing in the video! Just have a look ...




Wasn't that lovely? Yes, it was!

I found out about this song because my friend Richard posted on Facebook a link to a new interview with Marilyn in The Guardian. I found the article fascinating and I was pleasantly surprised to like the song.

"Love Or Money" is available on digital outlets everywhere. It even comes with a nice remix package. Don't delay! Buy your copy today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. For the latest news about Marilyn, like Marilyn's official Facebook page. And while you're there, like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page!







Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Say It To Me by Pet Shop Boys

Dear Poptastic Readers,

The Pet Shop Boys have released their third single from their Super album and the new single is "Say It To Me." You'll be happy to know that there New Radio Mix version.





"Say It To Me" is one of the better tracks on Super. You might remember their fantastic first single from the album called "The Pop Kids" and the second single "Twenty Something." 
Have a listen to the New Radio Mix of "Say It To Me" ...



"Say It To Me" is on iTunes as a regular EP with two bonus tracks and a remix. And there is also a remix EP available. Don't delay! Go buy your copy today!


Cheers then,

—Davearama

P.S. To keep up to date with the Pet Shop Boys, like their Facebook page. And don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page!

Monday, September 26, 2016

Labyrinth by Tuff City Kids with Annie

Dear Poptastic Readers,

For two weeks, we have been waiting to highlight the song "Labyrinth" by Tuff City Kids with Annie. Finally, on Friday the track appeared on iTunes. Hooray!



Now if you are new to Poptastic Confessions, you might remember Annie from her 2005 global smash hit "Chewing Gum." However, Annie had our #1 song of 2015 with the dreamy  "Cara Mia." And in 2013, her song "Back Together" came in at #16 on our yearly countdown.

Annie

We hadn't heard of Tuff City Kids before, but they are a duo made up of Gerd Jason and Phillip Lauer. We quite like this song so we will be checking out more music from them. "Labyrinth" is the first single from their new album Adoldesscent, which will be released October 14. In the meantime, check out the new song.



Wasn't that great? "Labyrinth" is now available on iTunes. It comes with a nice remix package, or you can get the original version on the album. Go buy your copy today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Like the Facebook pages of Annie and Tuff City Kids by clicking on their names. And while you are there, don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page.

Friday, September 23, 2016

How About No by Real Experts

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Sorry for the slow week. We have really just been enjoying the new album from Roosevelt. I hope you read Jason's review



Anyhoo ... I was listening to my 2016 playlist on the way to work today and "How About No" by Real Experts came on. I remembered that Poptastic Confessions only featured the Parralox remix last month. But the original is quite good, too. And now there is a video ...



Wasn't that fun?

"How About No" by Real Experts is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. To find out more about Real Experts, like their Facebook page. And don't forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page!

Monday, September 19, 2016

Roosevelt Album Review

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Our contributor Jason has written a review of the debut album from Roosevelt. I must admit, the album is really good. Here is Jason's review ...

Cheers then,
—Davearama

***

Roosevelt – Self Titled

Late summer is a particularly unique and somewhat bittersweet feeling. It’s still sunny but the days are suddenly shorter and you begin to notice a chill in the air. You begin to realize that the summer that once felt endlessly sunny is inevitably coming to a close and dreary days lie just around the corner. 


The recently released self-titled album from Roosevelt (aka Marius Lauber) manages to capture the end of summer perfectly. Falling in the electronic music spectrum neatly between nu-disco and chillwave, the beats and rhythms are sunny and the hooks are catchy. Much of the warmth comes from the use of real drums and guitars as opposed to programmed beats and samples that typically accompany synth-driven music. Meanwhile, the lyrics, combined with vocals and synths that are frequently awash in reverb, imbue each song with a brisk breeze of longing and nostalgia.


Thematically, virtually every track seems to be reflecting on a love affair that has ended or is about to end. “She was ready in the morning/If only I could turn back time/Take me back to the dawning/We’re slipping away,” Roosevelt sings on “Wait Up.” On “Belong” he reflects on “All those passing days/chasing me in the night.” The standout-single “Fever” is one of the poppiest tracks on the album. It is also about a yearning — in this case to “bring back the fever again.”


Even the straight-up dance tunes are not so much hands-in-the-air floor fillers but rather escapist, dancing-by-yourself numbers. "Night Moves" — the most overt dance track on the album, will definitely make you want to move but there is a moody undercurrent running throughout. “Colours” is another energetic number that cuts against the uptempo beats with bittersweet lyrics: “When you left you took your colours with you to make them last.”


“Close” — a not-quite-ballad ends the album on a poignant note. “Hold me ‘til the sunrise/Days are turning black/You’ll be sorry when you realize there’s no turning back.” It’s a farewell with just a bit of sting in its tail, wistfully delivered as if waiting for summer to return again.

Roosevelt’s debut album is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today!

—Jason


P.S. To get the latest updates on Roosevelt (especially tour dates that are going on now) like his official Facebook page. And don’t forget to like Poptastic Confessions Facebook page!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Believe by Crystal Waters featuring Sted-E & Hybrid Heights

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Crystal Waters is back and better than ever with new song called "Believe" with Sted-E & Hybrid Heights. You may remember they all collaborated on a track last year called "Synergy." 



And you might remember the amazing track "Be Kind" with Stonebridge, which came in at #6 in our Top Songs of 2015. And of course, you should remember Crystal from such wonderful hits as "Gypsy Woman", "100% Pure Love", "Come On Down" and "Destination Calabria."

Now, if you were dancing in clubs in the 90s, there is a good chance that you remember the classic stomper "I'm Gonna Get You" by Bizarre Inc. Well, in Crystal's new song "Believe", she incorporates elements of the song — an interpolation, if you will. Have a listen ...



If you don't see the SoundCloud player, click here to hear the song.


Amazing, right? Yes, it was.

Even better news is that Crystal has filmed a video for it. So watch this space as we will share it with you when it debuts.

In the meantime, "Believe" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama



Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Jody Watley Speaks Out. An Open Letter To Whom It May Concern

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Over the weekend, I read a fascinating blog post by Jody Watley. 


Yes, that's right: Miss Jody Watley, the Queen of Cool




She took to her blog to write about people who attack her on social media on a daily basis. And I can testify to seeing it. Social media can be a great tool for artists to connect with their fanbase. Unfortunately, there is a negative side to it as sometimes people say the meanest things from the safety of being behind their keyboard. And Jody has had to deal with more than her fair share of "Internet trolls." It isn't nice. Nor is it kind.



I am a gay white man, who happens to be a feminist, and I completely support the Black Lives Matter movement. So when I read the following quote from Jody, I had to share it.



It’s no secret that Black women are generally the most marginalized, disrespected, diminished, and dissected across social media and in society. It makes no difference if you’re the First Lady of the United States, an Olympic gymnast, the greatest women in tennis, pop stars, actresses like Leslie Jones attacked for taking a role some thought she shouldn’t be in, executives, journalists – who came to defend mega -star, my colleague and more than baby sister of King Of Pop Janet Jackson, after the Superbowl..or you could be working mothers or students who take heat for wearing cornrows or natural styles, welfare recipients, “baby mamas”, too loud, too spirited, too quiet, too reserved – and so on when so many of us are working our asses off to make things happen and hold things together.
We get demeaned constantly – it’s our hair, our weight, our looks, never good enough for some – doesn’t matter the socioeconomic background or level of intelligence either. Often some of the negativity and hate sadly comes directly from other black women and men. In the midst of being an artist it was my duty to raise another intelligent, strong daughter knowing the challenges not just of being a human being, a woman – add to the mix a girl and woman of color.
—Jody Watley, via www.jodywatley.net
The whole piece is a very interesting read. But it was those two paragraphs that really made me think: What can Poptastic Confessions do to help?

Poptastic Confessions can help by being kinder, and we will encourage our readers to also be kind. It is true that we might not always like everything about our favorite artists. But we should remember that it is their careers, not ours.




I encourage you to read Jody's blog post called Jody Watley Speaks Out. An Open Letter To Whom It May Concern. It is rather long, but it is really good. And there is also a followup interview she did with Michael P. Coleman for Lee Bailey's EURweb (Electronic Urban Report) that is worth reading, too!

I don't remember the original Shalamar. Even if I did, I've seen some of my favourite groups split (Bananarama, Duran Duran, Spice Girls, Ace Of Base,  Sugababes, etc.). Sometimes a reunion works, but most times it does not. And as for Jody's situation, she has moved on. She has a new group called Shalamar Reloaded, and she legally has the right to use the name. You might not agree with her, but you ought to respect her as an artist, as a woman, as as the beautiful person that she is. Enough with the negativity already. Just be kind.


Here at Poptastic Confessions, we will continue to support Jody and Shalamar Reloaded. And anyone making unkind comments here will be deleted and blocked.




On a brighter note, Shalamar Reloaded has a new song coming our way called "In The Mood" and it will be on their forthcoming album Bridges. You might remember that they've already released two songs: "SlowDance" and "O.R.I.G.In.A.L."



And we just found out that Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded are heading back to Yoshi's in Oakland on November 11. HOORAY! Sadly, the meet-and-greet tickets are sold out. But we will be there!

Just be kind. To quote Miss Jody Watley, the Queen of Cool: "BE fabulous!"




Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Like the Facebook pages of Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded to keep up to date with the latest on them. And while you are there, you can like our Poptastic Confessions Facebook page



Monday, September 12, 2016

Last Night In The City by Duran Duran featuring Kiesza

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Duran Duran debuted a new video over the weekend for their track featuring Kiesza called "Last Night In The City." What it very strange about this release is that it comes on the one year anniversary of their album Paper Gods


You might remember that last year, Duran Duran released the single "Pressure Off" in June. Their album Paper Gods was released in September. And the video for "Pressure Off" debuted in late October. And since then, there has been no other promotion (except for touring), and no other singles. It looked like Paper Gods was only to have one single. 

The album cover for Paper Gods

Thankfully, there is a new single. And "Last Night In The City" is one of the best tracks from Paper Gods. Check out our album review last year. Well, here is the new video ...


This isn't the first time that Duran Duran has left a big gap between releases. Their last album All You Need Is Now in 2010 had the second video, "Girl Panic" come out a year later. Oh well ... better late than never. 

"Last Night In The City" and Paper Gods are available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. You might remember that "Pressure Off" came in at #8 in our year-end countdown last year. You can like our Poptastic Confessions Facebook page for all the latest updates. And see where "Last Night In The City" will place on our 2016 countdown in December.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Anymore by Melanie C

Dear Poptastic Readers,

As you may remember, Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice) decided to not to rejoin the Spice Girls for a return, instead she has a solo album coming out next month called Version Of Me and the first single is called "Anymore."



Melanie C looks fabulous in the video. Check it out ...




As for the song, we like it. It's a solid mid-tempo dance pop song. Something tells us it won't be long until we can't stop listening to it. 


"Anymore" is available on digital outlets everywhere. And Version Of Me is available for preorder. Support Melanie by legally downloading the track or streaming it.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Sometimes On The Dance Floor by Louise Love

Dear Poptastic Readers,

After our last entry about the new track "Last Year At Marienbad" by Parralox, which features the lovely vocals of Louise Love, we thought we'd see what she was up to solo-wise. Low and behold, she had a single out in July and we missed it! D'oh!


The new song is called "Sometimes On The Dance Floor" and it is hypnotic slice of synthpop! Have a listen ...



Now you might remember that Louise Love had a single called "Get Back" that was out earlier this year. Click on the title to see what Poptastic Confessions had to say about it then.

"Sometimes On The Dance Floor" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! If not, stream it!

Cheers then!
—Davearama