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
English duo Tears For Fears are back with a new single called "The Girl That I Come Home." It is the first single from their forthcoming live album Songs For A Nervous Planet due in October. The album contains 4 new tracks.
"The Girl That I Come Home" is an easy-going pop song with a lovely dreamy melody. The chorus is hypnotic and Roland and Curt sound great when they sing together. We've added the official music video to our 2024 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist ...
"The Girl That I Come Home" was written by John Shanks and Roland Orzabal. It was produced by Tears For Fears, Charlton Pettus, and John Shanks. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! Listen to it on our2024 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify...
Head over heels,
—Davearama
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Pop legends Duran Duran have released a new version of their 1984 single "New Moon On Monday." The new recording is called "New Moon (Dark Phase)" and it is a part of the upcoming revamped De Luxe version of their 2023 album Danse Macabre.
The new recording, which comes over 40 years after the first version, isn't that far away from the original. In fact, it sounds like some of the original synths are still here, which is a nice touch. The music here starts off slow and a bit spooky. Simon's vocal melody during the verses is slightly different, but the chorus we know and love is intact. We've added the official audio to our 2024 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist ...
"New Moon (Dark Phase)" was written by Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor. It was produced by Duran Duran and John Blair. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! Listen to it on our2024 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify...
Union of the snake, —Davearama
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English dance pop rap artist Betty Boo is back with her fourth studio album called Rip Up The Rulebook, which is out less than 2 years after her big comeback album Boomerang. In case you didn’t know, there were 30 years between her second and third album. We are beyond happy that Betty Boo is back offering up new music. If you don't know Betty, check out The Return of Betty Boo in 2022.
This year, Betty released 2 singles prior to the album’s release: “It Was Beautiful” featuring HEX and “One Day.” The singles weren't the bangers we were expecting, but they are quite good. We are very happy to report that the album is full of great dance pop rap music. Normski and Davearama have done a track-by-track review.
All songs are written and produced by Betty Boo (aka Alison Clarkson), Andy Wright, and Gavin Goldberg, except where noted.
Normski: I love this already! It has such a funky vibe and is very radio-friendly. Definitely one of the more instant songs on the album for me, which is dying to be a single!
Davearama: This midtempo groove is very cool, and it wasn’t the vibe I was expecting for the lead track, but I like it. The sci-fi lyrics tie in with Betty’s space-age theme when she first started. The verses here are faster than the music, which makes it rather hypnotic. I love the French parts in the chorus. Yes, I could see it as a single.
D: This takes a bit of a serious turn as it is a song that encourages you get up and keep going. It’s an inspirational song. I loved that she mentions “Thrilla in Manila.”
N: I really like the contrast between the strings in the verses and the stomping beats in the chorus. The lyrics are deep and contemplative, and the arrangement compliments this brilliantly.
3. “It Was Beautiful” featuring HEX. Written by Betty Boo, Andy Wright, Dominic Wright, and Gavin Goldberg.
D: I’ll admit, this was not the banger I was hoping for as the lead single. However, it has grown on me quite a bit and I like it, even though it feels like more HEX than Betty Boo. I wish there was a music video, visualizer, or lyric video for this.
N: I agree – this was a surprising choice of lead single for me, mainly because HEX seems to take more of the lead overall. But Betty’s rap is great, and the song feels very current. I enjoy the production values, too.
N: This takes us right back to classic Betty – upbeat, fun and catchy. One of my runaway favourites on the album for sure and it needs to be a single! I can just picture The Boo-ettes dancing away with Betty in the video.
D: This party song really picks up the pace with a funky pop jam. Betty shines during the verses, and the chorus is super catchy. This would make a great single.
5. “Rip Up The Rulebook” featuring Grandmaster Caz. Written by Betty Boo, Andy Wright, Curtis Brown, and Gavin Goldberg.
D: Now this is the banger! I absolutely love this. So much fun. Betty sounds fresh and like she is just having so much fun. Grandmaster Caz is a legend in the rap world, and I love what he brings to this song. This would also be a great single.
N: The bangers certainly keep coming on this album. Betty is bursting with attitude in the verses and the chorus raises the roof! Grandmaster Caz’s rap is brilliant too. I’d love to hear this performed live – surely it has to be lined up as a single?
N: An uplifting song with some wonderful harmonies and flourishes throughout. Nicely produced and Betty’s vocals particularly shine here.
D: This was the second single and happy pop song. The optimistic lyrics are about rekindling with a former love in the future and being there for them.
N: I love this! (Although it seems ironic to be listening to it on a rainy September day. ☹) It has a thumping beat and fabulous, sing-a-long chorus. Definitely one of the dancier tracks on the album… and it also has a fade-out! Such a rarity these days.
D: It’s almost summer where I am! This is another highlight on the album probably because of the faster beat and feel-good vibes. It has heavy synths and a dance beat. Betty’s verses are amazing. This a fun song to get lost in.
D: Love this song. This is a harder edge for Betty Boo, but she sounds right at home here. It also sounds like it could be a Girls Aloud song. Fun fact: Betty wrote and produced “Mars Attack” and “Boogie Down Love” on Girls Aloud’s debut album. This is a highlight on the album.
N: There is more fabulous attitude oozing from Betty throughout this song. I’m loving the rocky feel of the chorus. It definitely gives me Girls Aloud vibes – like an early ‘00s girlband classic! Ends with a BOOM! too – what’s not to love?
N: There’s a great disco vibe to this one. Betty is really keeping the energy going here! The lyrics continue the summery vibe, and I particularly love the line “Like a raspberry slush puppy.”
D: This album is gaining momentum as it goes, and this is another fun upbeat track. Betty is spoiling us. It’s a bit funky and the beat isn’t superfast. There is a part of this song that reminds me of another song: “Turn it up, now turn it up the heat, yeah”, but I can't think of what it is.
D: Betty isn’t holding back on this frantic, edgy dance track. Betty proves that she has versatility as no song sounds the same on the album.
N: The intro of this track piques interest from the very start! This is quite a change in style after the more carefree, disco vibe of previous tracks. Betty is certainly giving it her all in this energetic, production-heavy bop!
N: This is a really strong song with sweet verses and a rousing chorus. I really enjoy the atmospheric production in this too. The perfect song to wrap up yet another excellent album from Betty!
D: Agreed. It is a nice way to close the album on an upbeat song with whispering vocals that start off the track that lead to an uplifting chorus that is meant for belting out.
Overall, this is a fun album. We are wanting to hear it again when we finish it, so that is a good sign. There are some really great songs here, and we hope Betty releases some more singles to highlight these awesome tracks.
The world is better with Betty Boo back in it. We hope she continues to make music because she still has the spark.
Rip Up The Rulebook is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. You can listen to it here on Spotify ...
Boo is booming,
—Davearama & Normski
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Danish duo Infernal have released their 4th single this year and it is called "Deserve It All." You might remember that we have featured their previous 2024 singles "Saw It All Coming", "Touch Heaven", and "Loving What I Got."
"Deserve It All" is a hi-nrg dance song that has more in common with their last single "Loving What I Got." Lina's vocals are super high. We are sure this would go down well on a night of clubbing. We've added the official audio to our 2024 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist.
"Deserve It All" was written by Lina Rafn, Paw Lagermann, Rasmus Rosenkrantz, and Kirkegaard Riber. It was produced by Lina Rafn and Paw Lagermann (Infernal). It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! Listen to it on our2024 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify...
Touch heaven, —Davearama
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The B-52s singer Kate Pierson has released her second solo single this year and the new song is called "Take Me Back To The Party." We featured "Evil Love" last month.
"Take Me Back To The Party" is a disco-tinged pop song. As you would expect, Kate's big vocals command the melody. We've added the official music video to our 2024 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist ...
"Take Me Back To The Party" was written by Kate Pierson and Jimmy Harry. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! Listen to it on our2024 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify...
Orange popsicles and lemonade,
—Sausi O'Sullivan
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Swedish artist Flora Summers is back with a new song called "Dream On." You might remember that we went a bit bonkers last year for her song "Sweet Summer Feels."
"Dream On" is a mid-tempo acoustic pop song. At times, there is are country music elements to it, but we aren't sure that we'd call it a country song. It is quite dreamy. We've added the official audio to our 2024 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist ...
"Dream On" was written by Ida Johansson, Anders Grahn with producer Harry Harrysson. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! Listen to it on our2024 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify...
Little while longer,
—Davearama
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See our Top Songs of past years here ... Last year in 2023, Flora was in our Top 10! She was also on our countdowns in 2019, 2021, and 2022 as one half of the duo Isle Of You.
"Some Dreams" is a retro synthpop delight that has that signature A Flock Of Seagulls sound: long synth chords, a strong rhythm section, and an instantly recognizable guitar. All of those elements mixed with Mike's vocals make it their space-age sound. The music video is a live performance mixed with some AI images. We've added it to our 2024 Poptastic Confessions YouTube Playlist ...
"Some Dreams" was written by Mike Score, Francis Maudsley, Paul Reynolds, and Alister James Score. It was produced by Mike Score, Sara Havlicek, and John Bryan. It is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. We've added it toour2024 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify...
Modern love is automatic, —Davearama P.S. Follow A Flock Of Seagulls and Poptastic Confessions on social media … A Flock Of Seagulls Facebook Instagram
English duo Slippry Feet have finally released their album on digital and streaming services. HOORAY! The album is called Freak Time Viewing and it has been a long time coming as initial recordings started in 1992. It was released on CD in 2001. However, the album on streaming says 2023. You are curious, aren't you? Keep reading!
Slippry Feet are Jacquie O'Sullivan (formerly of Bananarama and The Shillelagh Sisters) and Paul Simper (formerly of No. 1 Magazine, and author of Pop Stars In My Pantry). They performed and recorded from 1992 to 1996. They recorded a new song in 2017 called "Thinking About...", which was #21 in our Top 101 Songs of 2017. There was even a one-song performance at a private event in 2022.
Normski and Davearama have reviewed the album for us with a track by track analysis ...
Davearama: I love this song so much. Jacquie’s smooth vocals over tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Normski: Absolutely one of my favourites – this is the quintessential Slippry Feet song for me. I just love Jacquie’s delivery of the chorus.
D: The piano. The strings. They went all out of this one. Paul’s deep vocals. It is a great way to start off the album as it is epic. At almost 7 minutes, I’d love to have a radio edit of this song.
N: Such a shame it didn’t get the single treatment, as I could imagine a fabulous music video for this song. I agree that it could do with a radio edit too.
D: It’s never too late! Let’s get a single remix now!
2. “I Get Excited” Written by Paul Simper with producer Andy Carroll.
N: A very quirky number with interesting vocal arrangements and amusing lyrics. I always appreciate tracks that play around with the standard song format like this one does. I particularly enjoy the rhythm of the verses here – it’s almost like rapping through song.
D: It sounds like Jacquie and Paul singing the verses together while Paul takes the chorus. It definitely has some funk.
3. “Staying Up” Written by Paul Simper with producer Andy Carroll.
D: This is a favourite of mine. The Spanish guitar really adds to the drama, but it is Jacquie’s big vocals that really shine. The melody is quite good, especially in the bridge. Paul’s vocals at the end are fun.
N: Another single-worthy track for me. Jacquie showcases her vocal prowess majestically – beautifully accented by Paul’s deep husky backing vocals in the chorus. I always enjoy his “speaky” moments throughout the album – it adds a unique flavour and a personality that is unique to Slippry Feet.
4. “Jack” Written by Paul Simper, Roy Budd, with producer Oli Maxwell.
D: Another funky track, and this time with an organ. Paul takes the lead here. Is there an opera singer here?
N: Not sure if it’s an opera singer or just Paul giving it some welly (maybe he can confirm for us?)! I do enjoy the funky beat in this one. Another playful song that sounds like it would be great fun performed live. (Also, the Indian drums right at the end of the song remind me slightly of “Tripping On Your Love” by Bananarama!)
5. “Ridiculous” Written by Paul Simper with producer Andy Carroll.
N: Another favourite of mine – I just love the funky vibe of this song. Paul and Jacquie play off each other so well and the production is fantastic!
D: The strings really get the track going before the bells and a horn section come in. Paul takes the first verse, and Jacquie has the second verse and much more. The groovy bass and the improvised keyboards make this the jam.
6. “Cock-A-Hoop” Written by Paul Simper, Andy Carroll, and Phil Bloomberg. It was produced by Jamie Kensit.
N: I just love the bonkers world that Slippy Feet live in. This song is hilarious! Paul and Jacquie are always at their best in playful, tongue-in-cheek moments like this.
D: The lyrics here crack me up. Fun song as I often get the chorus stuck in my head.
7. “Hellooo” Written by Paul Simper with producer Andy Carroll.
D: This song is fresh from the vault! As it wasn’t included on the 2001 CD release. Paul takes the lead here and his vocals even go falsetto here. I didn’t think Jacquie was on the track at first, but you definitely hear her in the end.
N: I hear elements of “The Humpty Dance” by The Digital Underground in the backing track (later sampled by the Spice Girls in “If U Can’t Dance”). I’ve actually spotted a few nods to hip-hop influences in the instrumentals on this album. It’s also cool to hear Paul take the lead on this song – I enjoyed it a lot!
N: Quite a hypnotic track – Jacquie vocals are fantastic on the chorus (almost operatic in delivery) and Paul’s “speaky bits” add to that vibe. The production does drown his voice out a little at times, and then it’s not easy to work out what he’s saying which is a shame.
D: This song has a very fast beat, while the haunting melody is a bit slower. It's also the more serious side of Slippry Feet.
9. “The Buzz” Written by Jacquie O’Sullivan, Paul Simper, Phil Gray with producer Oli Maxwell.
D: This is another new song that wasn’t on the 2001 CD release. This is really fun! Their accents are hilarious.
N: LOVE this one! Really catchy and made for the dancefloor – the spoken section in the middle is SO fun! There are more hip-hop influences coming through here too, as the instrumental borrows heavily from Salt N Pepa’s “Push It.”
10. “Scream” Written by Jacquie O’Sullivan, Paul Simper, Jamie Kensit, and Phil Bloomberg. It was produced by Phil Bloomberg and Steve Harris.
N: I love the production of this and Jacquie’s vocals are superb. A real sing-a-long number. The bridge kind of gives me Shillelagh Sisters rockabilly vibes, before kicking into that belter of a chorus.
D: When released in 2001, the title was stylized as “S.C.R.E.A.M.”, which makes a bit more sense. Jacquie takes the lead here. The harmonies are quite good. The sound of this song always reminds me of a train.
N: Totally get the locomotive vibe from this song!
11. “Could Be Raining” Written by Paul Simper with producer Alex Godson.
N: My favourite Slippry Feet song and without doubt one of their finest moments. It has an epic build-up and Jacquie’s vocals simmer beautifully throughout. Paul also shines here vocally, and I just love when they sing the verse together towards the end.
D: This is another personal favourite. That chorus is great. The melody of the verses are really good, too. Jacquie does an amazing job with the vocals. Paul also shines here.
12. “Thinking About...”Written by Paul Simper, Jacquie O’Sullivan, Alex Godson and Phil Bloomberg. It was produced by Alex Godson and Phil Bloomberg.
N: “Have we time for one more song?” A great closer to the album. I love Paul’s deep vocals in the verses and the chorus is super-catchy.
D: This is a special song for me, as I have the CD promo from the release of Paul’s book Popstars In My Pantry. I worked with Paul and Jacquie to make a video for YouTube using the photos they provided me with. It was a lot of fun. There is even a cameo from Normski in the video. The song was also #21 in our Top 101 Songs of 2017. Would have been higher had it been streaming back then.
N: Yes, it was quite a surprise when I watched the video for the first time and my face appeared! It was so exciting when we got to hear this track in 2017 – can’t believe that was 7 years ago already. I treasure my promo CD!
N: A cool mix that modernises the song without losing what makes the original so special.
D: I do know a little something about this mix. It was commissioned when the album was released on CD by Almafame. It wasn’t released at the time, but I’m happy it is now!
Sadly, the new release didn’t include 2 songs on from the CD release. Those songs are “Slippry Feet Theme” and “Nothing Else On Her Mind.” The sound quality on the demos were unable to be updated so they didn’t make the final cut. You can see the music video for “Slippry Feet Theme” here …
A big thanks to Kevin Gilfillan for remastering these tracks and working with Jacquie and Paul to get the digital album finally released. The release was planned for last year, which is why it says 2023 when you find it online.
Freak Time Viewing is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today! And stream it here …
Now put on your slippry feet,
—Davearama & Normski
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