The Music Career of Dannii Minogue

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Lately, I've taken to listening to Dannii Minogue's back catalogue. And what a fun catalogue it is! I miss Dannii's music career and I really wish she would return to making music.

Dannii Minogue

Dannii is indeed the younger sister of Kylie Minogue. But what most people don't know is that Dannii actually started in show business before Kylie in the 80s in popular Australian show called "Young Talent Time." Dannii followed that show with soap opera called "Home and Away."

A very young Dannii

While older sister Kylie's music career took off in 1988. Dannii's first single "Love and Kisses" debuted in 1990. It was top ten hit in Australia and the UK. Her debut album featured four more singles: "Success", "I Don't Want To Take This Pain", "Jump To The Beat" and "Baby Love." The US got one single ... "Jump To The Beat" in 1991 and it didn't make much a splash.

Dannii released two singles in 1992: "Show You The Way To Go" and "Love's On Every Corner." 1993 brought three more singles: "This Is It", "This Is The Way" and "Get Into You." The latter being the name of her sophomore album.

In 1995, Dannii went back in the studio to record her third album. The album was recorded and the first single "Free Your Love" was about to be released when the label shelved the whole project. Also in 1995, Dannii contributed vocals to two songs with Eurogroove: "Rescue Me" and "Boogie Woogie."

A blonde Dannii came back big time in 1997 with the comeback single "All I Wanna Do" that went to #4 in the UK. Her amazing "Girl" album had two more singles "Everything I Wanted" and "Disrememberance." All three singles went to #1 on the UK dance charts. There was another single in Australia ... a remake of "Coconut." It was recorded in 1995 and a remix was used as a hidden track on the Girl album. After that, her first "greatest hits" compilation was released called "The Singles."

In 1999, Dannii released a song called "Everlasting Night" in Australia for Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras compilation.

A DJ by the name of Riva invited Dannii to sing on a song in 2001 called "Who Do You Love Now?" It was a massive club hit in 2002 as well as going to #3 in the UK. It got Dannii's music career back on track. Another single in 2002 followed called "Put The Needle On It" and it went to #7 in the UK.

2003 saw Dannii's biggest hit ever. The super smash "I Begin To Wonder" just missed the #1 spot in the UK as it went to #2. Her awesome album "Neon Nights" went Gold. Another single came in the form of a remixed version of "Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling" and it went to #5 in the UK. Strangely enough, no more singles from the album were issued. Except in Germany, a promo single of the album's hidden track "Come And Get It" was released.

In the Fall of 2004, Dannii got everyone dancing again with the amazing single with Flower Power called "You Won't Forget About Me." And then a year later, the next single with Soul Seekerz called "Perfection" that sampled "Turn The Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson was released. Still, no new album.

Finally, in 2006 ... a greatest hits album called "The Hits and Beyond" with 5 new songs on it was released. The single to promote the album was "So Under Pressure." One of the new songs was "I Can't Sleep At Night" for which a video was made and the single would get a digital release in 2007.

Dannii recorded a remake of the Sister Sledge classic "He's The Greatest Dancer." It was released as a single, but no video, just a couple of TV performances.

At the end of 2007, Dannii recorded an AMAZING dance track with producer Jason Nevins called "Touch Me Like That." The song sampled the music to "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester.

Finally, Dannii's last studio album "Club Disco" was released. However, it contained the last six singles as well as some of the tracks from "The Hits and Beyond." But it did have some new tracks, too. Especially a chill version of "Xanadu."

Dannii put her singing career on hold after that. She has been very successful as a talent judge on Australian's Got Talent, The X Factor UK, and The X Factor Australia. 

She started a family and has written a style book as well as an autobiography.

While Dannii might have put her music career on hold, fans were delighted when three compilations came out: "Unleashed", "The Early Years" and "The 1995 Sessions." As well as Deluxe versions of her albums. My good friend Kurt helped work on those wonderful CDs.

Dannii hasn't completely been silent. She did record a remake of "More, More, More" and sung a duet with her sister Kylie on the remake of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All."

But pop music misses Dannii. I know I do. Here's hoping she makes a return to music. Who cares if it isn't at the top of the charts? She just needs to make music again.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Young Love by The Lovely Wars

Dear Poptastic Readers,

The Lovely Wars are back with their second single called "Young Love" and it is very lovely indeed.

You might remember that Poptastic Confessions featured their first single "Let's Blow The Whole Thing Up" back in January. Before The Lovely Wars, Ani joined her sister Gwenno in The Pipettes for their glorious second album called "Earth vs. The Pipettes" and it was produced by the amazing Martin Rushent.

The Pipettes second album: "Earth vs. The Pipettes"

And while The Pipettes are on hiatus, Ani has put together a new band called The Lovely Wars. Ani is the lead singer, Alice on guitar, Ceri on keyboards, Bill on bass, and Dan on drums.

The Lovely Wars: Bill, Alice, Ani, Ceri, and Dan.

And the new song is quite beautiful. As you can guess it is about young love. The song has a wonderful melody and Ani's voice is heavenly. It's a bit melancholy and dreamy. And it has a fun spoken word middle part.

The video has a homemade feel to it, which I find refreshing. I think is artistic and you get to know some personalities of the band members. Also in the video is a quick sign for "Despenser Gardens." Ani's sister Gwenno has a wonderful song called "Despenser St" about the street the family grew up on. Enjoy!~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRPKy42ojXo

"Young Love" is available digitally on July 1. Until then, I have found myself listening to "Stop The Music" by The Pipettes because it has a similar feel to it. Don't worry, I'll remind you on July 1 to purchase the track and support the artists!

Please like their official Facebook page.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. I had the good fortune to meet Ani in 2011 when The Pipettes performed in San Francisco. And I've interviewed Ani for Poptastic Confessions. Not only is she very talented in singing and her artwork, she is also very sweet! 

Ani and Davearama (I am bent over laughing, btw)

Broken Record by Little Boots

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Earlier this year, I featured the fantastic song "Headphones" by Little Boots. It was released last year, but I didn't know about it until this year. It is ... AMAZING!

Well, Little Boots has a new album out and "Headphones" isn't on it! Boooo!!!!  I don't really know why. However, her new single is called "Broken Record."

I like song well enough. Not as instantly catchy as "Headphones" but I still like it. The music sounds like the Pet Shop Boys. And the vocals are lovely. It has a nice melody. And the video reminds me a little of "Freedom" by the Sugababes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad-SeZBt3dk

"Broken Record" is available on iTunes, as well as her album "Nocturnes."

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Vocal by Pet Shop Boys

Dear Poptastic Readers,

The Pet Shop Boys have released another track off their upcoming "Electric" album and the song is called "Vocal."

The artwork for "Vocal."

This might be the first official single as "Axis" was more of a teaser single. Did that make sense? I'm still having my morning coffee as I write this.

The new sound is definitely electro dance. "Axis" didn't have a lot of vocals. Obviously, "Vocal" has more vocals. But the melody isn't as strong as some of their previous tracks. Having said that, I like the track. Might be a grower.

The artwork for "Electric."

I do hope there is a radio edit as "Vocal" clocks in at over 6 minutes. I like my pop songs to be under or around 4 minutes. You can hear the audio on YouTube here ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKxWCJOdjK8

The new album "Electric" isn't out until July 16, but you can head over to iTunes and get "Axis" and "Vocal" until then.

Enjoy!~

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Signed On My Tattoo by Army Of Lovers

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Army Of Lovers is back with the second single off their recent best-of compilation called "Big Battle of Egos." The new single is called "Signed On My Tattoo" and it features Alexander Bard's other group Gravitonas.

Signed On My Tattoo single cover

Now, if you don't know the history of Army Of Lovers (and a bit of Gravitonas), please read what I wrote about them back in February. But lots of things have happened since I wrote that.

Big Battle of Egos album artwork with La Camilla

La Camilla was fired from the group just after Melodifestivalen, and many fans thought it was a joke because it was very cruel as it was done in a public letter. However, looks like it was no joke. And while La Camilla was out, Dominika is in. So we can guess that the group Happy Hoes is no more.

La Camilla, Martin and Dominika were Happy Hoes last year.

It was said that Dominika would sing on the new single. The track was already available on the album "Big Battle of Egos." So I thought Dominika would have some new vocals. Sadly, that isn't the case. At least she is on the cover of the single.

This video has finally premiered. And it is nicely done. It has a neverending escalator, so you know it is good. A little murder mystery, too. The song has a cool groove to it with a lovely melody. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxAz7mLJ-1w

"Signed On My Tattoo" is available on iTunes. Please support the artists by downloading it legally.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Safe And Sound by Capital Cities

Dear Poptastic Readers,

It is funny how sometimes when you first hear a song that you like it, but you aren't crazy about it. And then you hear it again, you go bonkers. That is what recently happened to me with Rebecca & Fiona as I now have bought all their music on iTunes. Hooray!

Capital Cities

But now I turn my head to Capital Cities. A few months ago, my friend Jason sent me music video that had them walking about the woods. I liked the song, but wasn't crazy about it for some odd reason. Then this week, I saw on Facebook that Jason saw them in concert and even got to meet them. He said the show was as much fun as seeing Bananarama in concert. 

My friend Jason with his friend Carissa with Capital Cities

So I was curious again. I decided to give them another try. I went to YouTube and searched Capital Cities. I didn't see the video of them walking around the woods. However, I saw a brand new video for them for the song "Safe And Sound." I absolutely LOVED it. Here it is ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47dtFZ8CFo8

I immediately messaged Jason telling him that I loved the song and I was downloading from iTunes and getting ready to write a blog about it. He told me that the previous video was for the same song. Somehow, the new video really captured the energy and fun of the song and I loved it.

Apparently, their new album is out this summer. Hopefully, I will like more of their music. So who is Capital Cities? They are a male duo who sing in unison like Bananarama and Rebecca & Fiona. See a pattern here?

Their names are Ryan and Sebu and they are from L.A. They are also currently on tour and will be on Conan on June 6. And if all that isn't good enough, they have free downloads on their official website! Check out the remake of Madonna's "Holiday" and Sinead O'Conner's "Nothing Compares 2 U."

All this love of duos makes me kinda sad that I never formed my own dance/pop duo. Now at the ripe age of 43, I'm probably far too old now. However, maybe I will. Stay tuned ...

"Safe And Sound" is available on iTunes.

Check out Capital Cities' official website and like their Facebook page.


Cheers then,
—Davearama

Gentleman by The Saturdays

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Well, since the last post about Rebecca & Fiona ... I have been listening to them nonstop! But that's not what this post is about ...

The Saturdays are back with a new single called "Gentleman" and it is ... well ... a bit different. It has a lovely cover design!

I wasn't crazy about the song at first ... there are a lot of years thrown out over and over: 1995 and 1999. However, looked up the lyrics and it isn't 1995, it is "9 to 5." Still, a lot of numbers going on here.

Having said that, the song is growing on me. And I must admit the video kinda made me like the song a bit more. It kinda reminds me of Desperate Housewives. Perhaps it will you, too! And Mollie singing the line about the cow cracked me up. Not to mention the little rap part that mentions Obama! Cheesy? Yes. But sometimes fun pop music is just that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5luP09KWqA

The song will be released on June 30 in the UK. Not sure about the US. We'll have to wait and see. And if you missed their single earlier this year, "What About Us" ... it was their first UK #1 single! Hooray! That song is available on iTunes now. Go get it!

Also, The Sats just performed "Gentleman" live in the UK. Rochelle wasn't with with them because she just had a baby! And you might notice from the live performance that Frankie is pregnant, too!

Enjoy!~