Bananarama is easily one of the most popular girl groups of the 80's. Songs like "Cruel Summer", "Venus" and "I Heard A Rumor" kept them near the top of Billboard's Hot 100 charts for a few years in the mid-80's. Their True Confessions album from 1986 is probably one of my all-time favorite pop efforts from that era, with "ATrick of the Night" arguably being one of Bananarama's best songs ever. The album version is basically a ballad but when it was released in December of 1986 as a single extra synthesizers and vocals were added in to give it a dance feel.
"A Trick of the Night" was also included on the Jumpin' Jack Flash movie soundtrack. While the song kind of stalled out on the charts it is still considered by many to be one of the ladies best songs, especially in retrospect. Do you guys remember this one?
DailyBOOM is flashing back to some of our favorites from previous years, plus some interviews that are oldies but goodies! Enjoy this flashback! ICYMI...
Chances are when I say Bananarama, a particular bit of music instantly runs through your mind before a visual forms.. It might be from "Cruel Summer" or the heavy synth of "Venus", but you've got something already stuck in your head, don't you? It's the mark of a legendary artist really when their work is so easily recalled. The ladies of Bananarama are exactly that- legendary. Iconic. If you could jump back in time to the early 80's you would find Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey kicking down preconceived ideas of what a girl group "should" look like. They were trailblazers that helped to lead the way for other female artists, not because they were trying to, but because they were simply being true to themselves and their own unique creativity.
Their approach was probably one of the main keys to success. Sara, Keren, and Siobhan have always at root, just been three friends doing something that they believed in. That belief has translated into 4 U.S. top tens, 32 top forty UK hits, ten albums and over thirty million records sold. Did you catch that? Thirty MILLION records sold. It's no wonder that when Bananarama announced last spring that they would be reuniting for a real tour, the response was insanely positive.
Siobhan left the group in 1988 and had never actually experienced the live audience love of Bananarama's fan base, until recently. The Original Line Up Tour crisscrossed the UK late last year leaving the ladies vacillating between moments of healing tears and pure joy. The experience was so phenomenal that they are now bringing their tour stateside to the U.S. and Canada beginning in late February. Those quirky young girls have aged gracefully but don't let their obvious class completely fool you, there's still a bit of mischief and a whole lot of fun going on behind the scenes.
I was lucky enough to steal a few minutes of Keren's time earlier today and she was quite happy to reflect on Bananarama's past while being incredibly grateful for their current success.
Cate Meighan: Where are you now?
Keren Woodward: I'm at my home in Cornwall. I got back from London yesterday actually. I don't live there anymore, I prefer a quiet life in the country. I've got a little time off before the tour and we'll be starting rehearsals when we get to the states. It shouldn't be too difficult since we've just done 23 shows in the UK. We should hopefully still remember most of it (laughing).
CM: I've watched a lot of video clips from those shows and the emotion on stage between the three of seemed to range from teary-eyed to pure joy. Was it everything that you had hoped this reunion would be?
KW: It really was quite an experience and it really was quite emotional. We wanted to do something different and special. We phoned Siobhan up, thinking she just wouldn't want to do it because it was a huge amount of work for her, and then she surprised us. She hadn't been doing the songs in the same way that Sara and I have, so for her to take it on required a huge amount of rehearsals, and sort of just relearning stuff. It was very emotional from the first time that we were sitting together listening to the songs that we wanted to do on tour, we all got quite teary eyed. It has been an absolutely amazing experience, with such an overwhelming response. The emotion in the crowd and all of that emotion on stage was actually quite unexpected and incredible. It's the whole reason why we decided to bring the show to the states and to do a couple of other things as well. It's just been so fabulous. A really wonderful experience.
CM: Bananarama fans are really one of a kind. Not only do they love you ladies, but they also seem to have an instantaneous, genuine love for each other.
KW: Aren't they? It seems like a bit of a family. We've met so many of the fans and they have so many different stories of why Bananarama has meant so much to them. It's really, really heartwarming. When we were in our heyday back in the 80's we were going around doing TV and interviews, but maybe not getting to meet the fans as much. The loyalty and the stories that they tell us now are just really so wonderful. I did feel slightly bad that we had so many fans come from the U.S. to see us and then we announced that we were going there anyway. So now they get to see us twice and they don't seem to be too bothered by that, to be honest (laughing).
CM: It's beautiful to see the love and positive energy that they share with you.
KW: It really is and it's quite surprising in some ways. We never could have expected it. Sara and I have done a lot of shows but it's really quite different when you're playing a festival as opposed to your own show. I know we've got enough songs that people know to keep us going but it's a different atmosphere when you're playing in a theater. Especially when everyone knows every word, of every song, start to finish, including album tracks and B sides. It's quite extraordinary.
CM: Let's be honest, you're not twenty-five anymore. How daunting is it to tour now?
KW; I've toured with Sara before and we have maybe done ten shows in a row. This one did seem pretty daunting when we first took off but I think the excitement kept us afloat. I mean we perform full out. I know my friends that came to see us said they were exhausted just watching. The reaction from the audience helped and I don't really remember feeling as though I couldn't keep going. Not at all. I was a bit tired in between shows I'm sure, but performing was never a problem. It's good to know I suppose (laughing). It's not like I'm really a gym bunny and I tend not to do much more than walking the dogs, so I must be fitter than I thought. It's a good thing (laughing).
CM: Have there been some kitchen discos along the way?
KW: (Laughing) To be honest, we had enough disco at our shows in the evening. No time for kitchen discos when we were on tour. They worked us so hard that when we had a day off all we wanted to do was relax (laughing). I did have plenty of discos over Christmas though, in my own kitchen with family, friends, and Sara. She and her daughter came and spent Christmas with me. We did have a sing-a-long in our dressing room before each show though. We would put music on and sing songs while getting ready just to help us get in the mood.
CM: So we know the UK tour was a smash. What should we expect from your U.S. dates?
KW: It's quite energetic and we're adding in our own memories. Plus there are visual memories on the screen behind us, which someone commented is really brave, to perform in front of a younger version of yourself (laughing). I suppose they're right. I know there were people (at our UK shows) that weren't massive fans but sort of came for the hell of it, just to have a laugh because they knew a few of the old songs. Well, they got there and realized that they actually knew most of the songs and had a ball. I'm hoping it'll be the same in the states. There are hits, surprises, and more. Some of the older tracks we've given a real party treatment to and it all sounds really great with the band. Our band is incredible and it just changes the dynamic. Keep in mind that much of the stuff that we did in the 80's didn't have live musicians. It was all done on computers at that time. Sara and I have performed with a band for so long that we can't bear to do it without one. I know people still go out without one and do a track show but I just can't, it wouldn't be right for me.
CM: Does Bananarama have any other solid plans in the near future once this tour wraps up?
This current tour is all about our celebrating our time as a trio. We have some big festivals that we'll be doing and after that, I don't really know. The whole point of doing it was to welcome back Siobhan and to do these songs with her. Every time that Sara and I saw her, either in London or at her home in LA, we would be dancing around and singing. It was hard to imagine that we had never done these shows with her and she absolutely embraced it, which is amazing. The beauty of Bananarama is that we've never really made monster plans. In the 80's everything was always so laid out and your calendar was full before you even started the year. Now we're doing what we want to do and going with what makes sense in the moment. Right now this show makes sense and we're having a ball.
CM: What would you like to say to those fans that have supported you through the decades?
KW: I've met so many of them! So many women along the way have told me that they considered me a role model growing up. I feel it's important to set an example at this age, to remind people that if they put their minds to something they can still do it and hey, you might surprise yourself! I think it can actually be quite difficult for women of our age to be seen or heard. You might feel written off because of other people's attitudes but ultimately that comes back to you. You're not too old to do things or change things that are making you unhappy. Hopefully, people can look at us and think- if they can do it then I can do it too. We girls need to stick together and buoy each other. That's how it should always be!
Check out a review of Bananarama's reunion in NYC in February of 2018 right here!
Since the warmer weather is starting to stick around it only seems right to take a look at one of the most popular summer songs of the 1980's. I'm talking about Bananarama's "Cruel Summer". Not only is this a popular summer track but it's also probably one of the most easily identified songs to come out of the 80's. I say "Cruel Summer" and you instantly hear the music don't you? It instantly brings me back to the Jersey shore in the early 80's. I remember scorching sun, the smell of Coppertone and this song playing from someone's boom box on the beach.
That's the sign of a great song- when it transports you back in time. Where does "Cruel Summer" take you back to?
"We took the late flight Close to heaven in the cold half light All the pleasures of that very first night Crystal clear in my mind No complications Just another reservation In a beach hotel We found a room with a view Lock the door and change the sign Do not disturb"
If you were to ask the ladies which song they least liked, Bananarama would probably tell you "Do Not Disturb". It was released in 1985 ahead of their True Confessions album that came early the following year. They've said in the past that it's a song that has never felt right to them but I have to say, I'm really glad that they recorded it.
It feels like the standard blueprint for a great mid-80's song. It's super catchy, the synth is on point and the video is really cute. But the remix? That's really what gives this thing legs. I recently ordered the 12" and was thrilled to discover that I love the extended version. I also remember dancing to it back in the day.
The True Confessions era of Bananarama is probably my favorite. They grew up and had traded in some of the boyish clothes for a bit of a sexier vibe. You may not remember "Do Not Disturb" but if you like what you hear then you need to check out the rest of the album. "Venus" was their next single after this. Need I say more?
Bananarama is easily one of the most popular girl groups of the 80's. Songs like "Cruel Summer", "Venus" and "I Heard A Rumor" kept them near the top of Billboard's Hot 100 charts for a few years in the mid-80's. Their True Confessions album from 1986 is probably one of my all-time favorite pop efforts from that era, with "ATrick of the Night" arguably being one of Bananarama's best songs ever. The album version is basically a ballad but when it was released in December of 1986 as a single extra synthesizer and vocals were added in to give it a dance feel.
"A Trick of the Night" was also included on the Jumpin' Jack Flash movie soundtrack. While the song kind of stalled out on the charts it is still considered by many to be one of the ladies' best songs, especially in retrospect. Do you guys remember this one?
"Goddess on the mountain top Burning like a silver flame The summit of beauty and love And Venus was her name She's got it Yeah, baby, she's got it I'm your Venus, I'm your fire At your desire."
Back in the spring of 1986, Bananarama found their way to the top of the U.S. Billboard charts with their remake of The Shocking Blue's "Venus". It was a song that they believed would lend itself to dance floors but it took a bit of convincing to find a production team that agreed. Thankfully they did and their instincts were dead on because "Venus" still to this day has a way of setting any dance floor on fire.
The video for this is just so much fun. Sure, Bananarama has always loved to play dress up but my favorite moments of "Venus" is when they are all just dancing and having a blast. Check it out below!
"We took the late flight Close to heaven in the cold half light All the pleasures of that very first night Crystal clear in my mind No complications Just another reservation In a beach hotel We found a room with a view Lock the door and change the sign Do not disturb"
If you were to ask the ladies which song they least liked, Bananarama would probably tell you "Do Not Disturb". It was released in 1985 ahead of their True Confessions album that came early the following year. They've said in the past that it's a song that has never felt right to them but I have to say, I'm really glad that they recorded it.
It feels like the standard blueprint for a great mid-80's song. It's super catchy, the synth is on point and the video is really cute. But the remix? That's really what gives this thing legs. I recently ordered the 12" and was thrilled to discover that I love the extended version. I also remember dancing to it back in the day.
The True Confessions era of Bananarama is probably my favorite. They grew up and had traded in some of the boyish clothes for a bit of a sexier vibe. You may not remember "Do Not Disturb" but if you like what you hear then you need to check out the rest of the album. "Venus" was their next single after this. Need I say more?
Ingredients
2 muddled grapefruit slices
1 oz. blanco tequila
1 oz. mezcal joven
1 oz. grapefruit juice
1 oz. amber agave infused with jalapeno
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously, strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass and garnish with chili/pepper salt on rim and a fresh grapefruit slice.
*Agave Infusion: Bowl amber agave syrup with 2 full jalapeños or more (sliced) to achieve desired spice level *Chili Salt: Mix sea salt, black pepper, dash of cayenne, dash of cumin, dash of celery salt
How can you not love Bananarama? If you go back and watch their earliest videos you'll quickly realize that this trio never really took themselves very seriously. Sure, they were invested in their version of pop but they were silly. They had real fun, the kind that you just don't see in videos these days. Fifth Harmony is too busy sexing it up to even consider sharing a silly moment on camera. That's kind of sad because women that are friends and that have a real connection, are goofballs at times. That's real life.
So, Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward not only were friends thirty years ago, but they remain connected to this day. aLst year the ladies announced a return to touring and performing together as Bananarama. They have a string of U.S. dates on their Original Line Up Tour that starts next week.
"I Heard a Rumour" was released in June of 1987 and hit number 4 on Billboard's Hot 100. It was part of the Disorderlies soundtrack and one of my very favorite songs by Bananarama. Check out the video below!
Since the warmer weather is starting to wind down it only seems right to take a look at one of the most popular summer songs of the 1980's. I'm talking about Bananarama's "Cruel Summer". Not only is this a popular summer track but it's also probably one of the most easily identified songs to come out of the 80's. I say "Cruel Summer" and you instantly hear the music don't you? It instantly brings me back to the Jersey shore in the early 80's. I remember the scorching sun, the smell of Coppertone and this song playing from someone's boom box on the beach.
That's the sign of a great song- when it transports you back in time. Where does "Cruel Summer" take you back to?
How can you not love Bananarama? If you go back and watch their earliest videos you'll quickly realize that this trio never really took themselves very seriously. Sure, they were invested in their version of pop but they were silly. They had real fun, the kind that you just don't see in videos these days. Fifth Harmony is too busy sexing it up to even consider sharing a silly moment on camera. That's kind of sad because women that are friends and that have a real connection are goofballs at times. That's real life.
So, Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward not only were friends thirty years ago, but they remain connected to this day. "I Heard a Rumour" was released in June of 1987 and hit number 4 on Billboard's Hot 100. It was part of the Disorderlies soundtrack and one of my very favorite songs by Bananarama. Check out the video below!
"Goddess on the mountain top Burning like a silver flame The summit of beauty and love And Venus was her name She's got it Yeah, baby, she's got it I'm your Venus, I'm your fire At your desire."
At this point in time, I'm on a real Bananarama kick. After officially reuniting earlier this year, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward and Siobhan Fahey hit the road to tour the UK for six weeks. They just played their final London show a few days ago bringing to a close a show that got rave reviews at every stop. They currently have only four dates scheduled for North America, but my fingers are crossed that 2018 will bring even more.
Back in the spring of 1986, Bananarama found their way to the top of the U.S. Billboard charts with their remake of The Shocking Blue's "Venus". It was a song that they believed would lend itself to dance floors but it took a bit of convincing to find a production team that agreed. Thankfully they did and their instincts were dead on because "Venus" still to this day has a way of setting any dance floor on fire.
The video for this is just so much fun. Sure, Bananarama has always loved to play dress up but my favorite moments of "Venus" is when they are all just dancing and having a blast. Check it out below!
Bananarama is easily one of the most popular girl groups of the 80's. Songs like "Cruel Summer", "Venus" and "I Heard A Rumor" kept them near the top of Billboard's Hot 100 charts for a few years in the mid-80's. Their True Confessions album from 1986 is probably one of my all-time favorite pop efforts from that era, with "ATrick of the Night" arguably being one of Bananarama's best songs ever. The album version is basically a ballad but when it was released in December of 1986 as a single extra synthesizers and vocals were added in to give it a dance feel.
"A Trick of the Night" was also included on the Jumpin' Jack Flash movie soundtrack. While the song kind of stalled out on the charts it is still considered by many to be one of the ladies best songs, especially in retrospect. Do you guys remember this one?
"We took the late flight Close to heaven in the cold half light All the pleasures of that very first night Crystal clear in my mind No complications Just another reservation In a beach hotel We found a room with a view Lock the door and change the sign Do not disturb"
If you were to ask the ladies which song they least liked, Bananarama would probably tell you "Do Not Disturb". It was released in 1985 ahead of their True Confessions album that came early the following year. They've said in the past that it's a song that has never felt right to them but I have to say, I'm really glad that they recorded it.
It feels like the standard blueprint for a great mid-80's song. It's super catchy, the synth is on point and the video is really cute. But the remix? That's really what gives this thing legs. I recently ordered the 12" and was thrilled to discover that I love the extended version. I also remember dancing to it back in the day.
The True Confessions era of Bananarama is probably my favorite. They grew up and had traded in some of the boyish clothes for a bit of a sexier vibe. You may not remember "Do Not Disturb" but if you like what you hear then you need to check out the rest of the album. "Venus" was their next single after this. Need I say more?
