PANDORA

Pandora who?

Popplastic - Go to your room - and shame on you! How could we have over looked Pandora for so long, she is Swedish after all, she should be on the Popplastic ipod!

Pandora it turns out is another mega Swedish pop star. With over 5 million cd´s sold worldwide and 19 different gold and platinum album awards. Pandora is one of the best selling artist in Sweden. She´s Universal's "best selling abroad artist" in Japan! Her song Tell the world was number 1 for six months on ZIP FM in Nagoya! In Australia in 1999 her song "A little bit" sold over 70.000 copies and resulted in a 17 gig tour. Kylie Minogue's "On a Night Like This" was not only a massive hit for Pandora but it was also written by Pandora. In 2003 Pandora competed in Swedens Melodifestival with the song "You" written by none other than Miss Shirley Clamp! If that isn't enough she's also covered ABBA's "One of Us" and has a Barbie Doll named after her!

That's who Pandora is!

Pandora - One of Us


This one's a bit more glow stick and a whistle . . .

Pandora - Don´t You Know



Check Pandora out on her myspace or at her website.

Pandora's music might be a bit "glow sticks and a whistle" but Popplastic just can't get enough of Pandora . . .

PANDORA - WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS!

Plagiarism, what plagiarism!

International Pop crisis!!! - Claims that Scooch (Flying the Flag) plagiarised Pandora's song "No Regrets" have been reported in Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

Pandora's website carries the quote: "Have you heard Britain's song entry for Eurovision? The hook,chorus and even the key is a total copy of Pandora's song "No Regrets" but with different lyrics! "

What a fuss about nothing! (Popplastic)

The only interesting thing about this story is Pandora's song (No Regrets) - We love it!

Click here to listen to the Pandora song and see what you think.

SCOOCH - A TRIBUTE!

Scooch - A plastic fantastic pop group! One of the finest groups in pop history. Fabulous songs, dance routines, key changes and they've even been known to sample Juliet Bravo!

Popplastic love Scooch!




Scooch burst on to the UK pop scene at the height of the late 90's bubblegum pop era - Fantastic pop songs complete with easy to learn dance routines!

The foursome (Natalie Powers, Caroline Barnes, David Ducasse, and Russ Spencer) formed in 1999 after attending auditions for an "all-singing, all-dancing pop group". The group was put together by legendary pop songwriters/producers Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, and Steve Crosby (future manager and the man behind Steps) and were signed to Accolade.






Their resulting debut single "When My Baby" charted at number 29. Following this the group went on tour, supporting B*Witched. Their second pop-tastic single "More Than I Needed To Know" charted at number 5, and was released globally reaching number 1 in Japan! Scooch then went on tour again this time supporting Boyband Five before releasing their third single "The Best Is Yet To Come" (another poptacular hit) which charted at number 12. Scooch's fourth and final single (or was it?) "For Sure" reached number 15 and was followed by their album - "Four Sure" which peaked just outside the UK Top 40. Surely making it one of the most under appreciated albums in the history of Pop.

THE END . . .

Or so we all thought - but to the delight of Scooch fans around the world the group announced they were reforming and would be entering their new song, Flying the Flag in Making Your Mind Up 2007. The song cruised to victory (at around 25,000 feet) and subsequently Scooch will be representing the UK at this years Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki on May the 12th.

Scooch are back - Now that is music to my heart!

and so is this . . .

Scooch - More Than I Needed to Know



Scooch - The Best is Yet to Come



Pop just doesn't get any better!

The group's name 'Scooch' comes from a term used to ask someone to move up or along a bench or sofa - Well I never . . .

OBSESSION - ARMY OF LOVERS

Another Popplastic hit from 1991 - Compliments of Radio Skonto!

Army Of Lovers were a Swedish pop group from the late 80's and 90's. The group were famed for their controversial music videos (some of which were banned by MTV). Alexander Bard (of BWO fame) was the brains behind the band and Jean-Pierre Barda was the lead vocalist on many of the groups hits.

The group had over 20 hits (across Europe), the biggest being Crucified",
"Obsession" and "Sexual Revolution". They released five albums and made over 20 high-camp music videos. After breaking up in 1996 the group briefly reformed in 2000.

Army Of Lovers later earned widespread iconic status in gay culture - How very dare you!

Obsession was Popplastic's all time favourite Army of Lovers track. One of those songs that you heard at the time, thought it was amazing but never knew who it was by - well now you do!

The video's a bit of a weird one . . .

Army of Lovers - Obsession


but banning it seems a little excessive . . .

BONAPARTI.LV - QUESTA NOTTE

Could it be Latvia 2008?

Forget Madrid, Geneva, Copenhagen, and Ljubljana apparently the smart money's going to be on Riga 2008! The Latvian Eurovision entry is "Questa Notte" and is sung by a 6 piece tenor group. It's a kind of El Divo meets . . . erm, a very big group. They just keep on coming. I thought there was going to be two, then three, four, five but no there's six of them.

It's a great song - very rousing! Though I can't help but think they're singing about "5-a-day" - Maybe they're trying to get us to eat more fruit and Veg!



Eurovision 2007 Latvia (Winner) -Bonaparti.lv - Questa notte


Don't forget your Five a day!

DAZ SAMPSON - THE INTERVIEW!!!

Exclusive!

Daz Sampson takes time out to talk exclusively to Popplastic about Making Your Mind Up, Eurovision, his plans for the future and Greek sailors!!!


Hi Daz! And welcome to Popplastic Towers!

PP: First of all I have to ask you - What did you learn at school today?

DS: Not a lot... I got my education at the school of life..oh and off a sailor in the port of Athens!

PP: Aye-Aye Sailor! and what did you learn from him?

DS: He has a different friend in every town!

PP: Don't we all - Any port in a storm!

PP: What have you been up to since Eurovision last year? Have you got any projects in the pipeline?

DS: Since Eurovison last year I have set up my own label via The Ministry of sound, I have written the 2nd Uniting Nations album.... I also spent a few months contemplating going back into MYMU... but after a few meetings with the BBC it was thought to be better to leave it for a year.

PP: Your enthusiasm shone through at last years contest. Have you always been a Eurovision fan? What was it that kick started your interest? What’s it like being the token straight!

DS: Token straight I don't agree with that.... I embraced everybody in Athens... I mixed with all the euro fans, I didn't pretend I was some big star.... I was one of the chaps out there, and no one felt it more than me when the voting started to go tits up.

PP: What would you say was your favourite Eurovision song of all time? (You’re not aloud to choose Teenage Life!)

DS: Well because I was there the memory of the Anna Vissi record and Carola's Invincible will stay with me forever... I don't know why but those two record have just touched me in some way... and I cant explain why... I suppose every time I hear them it reminds me of what I actually did... I was an unknown who became the darling of the British Nation (for 5 mins) and it meant something to me more than words can say... I tell you on the stage that night as that black board revolved I thought of everyone back home cheering me on, and how I had sat though 20 previous Eurovisions at home cheering on the UK entry and here I was ... there doing it... amazing.

PP: We loved Anna V and Carola, you don't need to explain - classics!

PP: What do you think of this years UK entry - Is it a winner? Hit, miss or maybe?

DS: OK I think the song is poo beyond belief... However I admire Scooch as they reformed for the purpose of getting to Eurovison and they won against some bigger names... so fair play to them... I really don't know what will happen... For me it could be a Jemini moment, I hope not... but it will be nice to see how someone else does, as everyone thinks they can do better than the previous year... so lets see if they can ... as a UK fan I wish them well.

PP: Was it your favourite song from MYMU this year or did you have another?

DS: I liked the Hawkins Brown song... as it reminded me of something Moldova would send, and personally I feel that would have got us the most votes.

PP: What do you make of all the infighting , back stabbing and bitching that followed this years MYMU?

DS: Well I have to say I thought the show wasn't as good as 2006, it seemed a bit flat for me, and I didn't agree with this X Factor style re-opening the phone lines rubbish... you should sing your song and open voting then announce a winner.

PP: Very diplomatic Daz!

PP: What was the rivalry like last year? There must have been some bitching! Spill the beans!!!

DS: No last year it was all fine.

PP: Oh go on make something up!

PP: How was the whole Athens experience for you? Any highlights!

DS: Athens from start to finish was the best week of my life... I would not change a single thing about what I did... apart from the result... I'm sure anyone would agree, me and the girls put in a performance of a lifetime, and anyone in the hall could hear that we went down well.

For me I still get a lump in my throat thinking about it... I can't watch it back as it's just to emotional for me, now that may sound silly from a straight talking loudmouth like me, but its the truth, I'm so proud of the girls and the way we nailed it on the night.

PP: So were we!

PP: We loved Teenage Life last year - It was a fabulous performance! Rumour has it you’re doing a Carola and going for the double - MYMU 2008! Have you put pen to paper yet? What can we expect? Any key changes? A wind machine?

DS: Yes I definitely want to return, I have 3 songs, 2 are key change ballads or urban typers and one is the craziest novelty track in the world... and I will see how this year goes before I decide which one to enter, as for me I think this years Scooch entry might see the UK say NO to novelty next year, and opt for something more serious.

PP: Finally before you go - What’s your favourite music site - your top pop shop?

DS: I know one thing without POPPLASTIC'S support I wont make it to next year, I thank it for its very existence!


Thanks Daz - Hope to see you back a gain next year!

Our 12 points go to Daz Sampson and Teenage Life . . .

Daz Sampson - Teenage Life


Check out

FOOL'S GARDEN - LEMON TREE

Oh no I'm starting to like German Pop - What next, The Hoff!





A case for Changing Rooms if ever there was!

Fool's Garden were another early 90's German pop group (were! maybe they still are!). Fool's Garden members seem to come and go as if they were in the Sugar Babes, but along the way the group had consisted of Peter Freudenthaler, Volker Hinkel, Thomas Mangold, Roland Röhl, Ralf Wochele, Dirk Blümlein, Claus Müller, and Gabriel Holz. Their debut album came out in 1993 - Once In A Blue Moon, since then they have released a further five albums the most recent being "Ready For The Real Life" in 2005 - all of which have passed by without note here at PP Towers.

Popplastic's official radio station (vive le Radio Skonto) again takes the credit for bringing Fool's Garden to the air-waves of Popplastic Towers. "Lemon Tree" was a hit for the group in 1995. Not so much a pop anthem but something you just find yourself singing along to! (but never quite know why).

Check them out on myspace.

and all that I can see is just another lemon tree . . .

ALENKA GOTAR - OFFICIAL VIDEO!

Mmmmm I like this trophy!

Alenka Gotar with her fabulous song "Cvet z Juga" is a Popplastic tip for the top (see earlier post). Popplastic think she stands a great chance of winning in Helsinki with this rhythmic operatic ballad. We've said it before and we'll say it again this song's got it all - a hint of the Godfather, wind machines and some white chairs nicked from the local café. What more do you need to win Eurovision?

The official video's been released!!! Check it out . . .

Alenka Gotar - Cvet z juga (official video)


We do love a good studio version here at PP Towers!

What an opera-tunity for Alenka . . .

DRAMA QUEEN - DQ

What a Drama Queen!

Another Popplastic top tip for Eurovision 2007!

We've said, Geneva 2008, Ljubljana 2008, and Madrid 2008 but could it be Copenhagen 2008. Will we all be heading to "Copenhagen Airport" for Eurovision in 2008?

Drag queen - Drama Queen (DQ) is the first drag act to win the Danish Melodi Grand Prix and will be taking his song to Helsinki to represent Denmark at the years Eurovision. Peter Andersen alias DQ performed in a glitter dress containing 7000 stones. He wore big red plume on his head, and the stage had a large silver crown with a cross on top.

Understated always works . . .

Drama Queen (DQ) - The winning performance


Less is more as they say . . .

SWEDISH OAP POP!

Sweden - the land of pop brings you . . . Pop with a bus pass!

Is there nothing those Swedes can't turn there hands to! First we brought you football songs with a key change, then came rap with a chorus, now we are delighted to bring to you OAP Pop!!!

With no hope of ever getting that illusive full-house at the bingo these three old dears decided to trade in their jumbo bingo marker pens for the microphone and set their sights on pop stardom.

C'est la vie by Ann-Louise Hanson, Towa Carson and Siw Malmkvist is another Swedish boom bang-a-bang of a track. It comes complete with the usual array of Swedish ingredients including, key changes, glitter and OAP high kicks!


C'est la vie - Ann-Louise Hanson, Towa Carson & Siw Malmkvist



I'm off to the bingo, where did I put that bus pass (where was I going?) . .

SIGN UP FOR SCOOCH!

Flying The Flag - What a song!

It's got it all!



It ticks all the boxes!

• Great title [tick]
• Camp dance routine [tick]
• Hand claps [tick]
• Catchy lyrics [tick]
• Key Change . . . . . . .
  
  

Oh My God! - NO KEY CHANGE


Outrage spreads across the nation - "What no key change!"

People take to the streets in mass protests.

We the People demand a KEY CHANGE!



Popplastic are proud to be associated with the campaign for a key change. Sign the petition here!

Eurovision needs YOU!

Värsta Schlagern

Du talar Svenska? Nej! - who cares! As long as you're fluent in the international language of pop you'll love this track.

Essentially a piss-take of all that's great about Swedish Schlager Pop. The lyrics of Värsta Schlagern take a swipe at the predictability and formulaic nature of Svenska Pop, well Melodifestivalen Schlager pop any how! - But that's what's so great about Swedish pop. You know you're guaranteed at least a key change, a Kikki "Ding-Ding" and an opportunity for a couple of hand claps and a few head turns! - Bring it on I say!

Linda Bengtzing is a Swedish Pop Princess who has entered at least two Melodifestivals. She is one of those performers who seems to be able to keep releasing the same song! She subtly changes the song name and the words but when you're singing along you often find you're sing along to another of her tracks. That said they're all totally Popplastic and we all love a bit of the Bengtzing. As for Markoolio I haven't a clue who he is!

This particular version is from a live performance on the Swedish Lotto show (Warning Linda isn't known for her live performance skills!) Watch and see how many Melodifestival Schlager hits you pick out!

Linda Bengtzing & Markoolio - Värsta Schlagern (Bingolotto)


Värsta Schlagern - The lyrics:

It starts good, almost interesting
Yeah, yeah, but perhaps a bit familiar
We’re building up for the bridge, my friend
But it’s not coming quite yet
Because we have half a verse left to do
A repetition one is used to do
We’re building up for the bridge again
And here it is, finally!
The excitement is rising for the point of the song
A really catchy chorus!
And there is love and there are winds
There are eyes and they’re sparkling
And lots of other tired old clichés
Which says everything and nothing
And there are stars and they’re on fire
There’s the world and it’s fading
And the title shall sit as a punch in the stomach
Oh what a schlager!
Now it’s getting hard to come up with
Something new to say, but whatever
This is just transport anyway
Which people will forget
Because what’s rewarded with 12 points
Is a really catchy chorus
Rpt chorus
And if you don’t want to mess up your chances of winning
You’ll steal something from ABBA and see the risk vanishing
So now everyone – hold onto your hats
Here’s the key change at last!

This version is quite amusing. Someone's obviously a bit handy at cut and pasting on Youtube. We like the way they pasted all the old Melodifestival clips in to the relevant bits - Kikki's in there with her Ding-Dings! Oh to be Swedish!



and here's the comedy version . . .

Note the subtle use of the wind machine (very Carola!)

Linda Bengtzing & Markoolio - Värsta Schlagern


and that was only on half the power Carola normally uses . . .

THE TWINS - NOT THE LOVING KIND!

Now for something that's not MYMU!

Who remembers "The Twins" - I don't! but Oh My God! I heard them on Popplastic's official radio station (yes - Radio Skonto) and now I just can't get enough of those Twins (well that song at least). They're great!

The Twins (Ronny Schreinzer and Sven Dohrow) were an 80's German Synthpop group from Berlin (with their own particular flair for fashion). Among their other hits were "Ballet Dancer" and . . . erm, answers on a postcard please!

Love the video! The two boys obviously just can't get enough of her Hop-Scotch (whilst eating an ice-cream) technique! She's such a tease. They even manage to get the word "chicken-feed" into the lyrics.

Popplastic's top Twins hit has to be "Not The Loving Kind" . . .

The Twins - Not The Loving Kind


Something tells me the girl in the video really didn't have anything to be worried about . . .

CYNDI ALMOUZNI

She might not have won on the night but Cyndi delivered an awesome performance at the final of Making Your Mind Up with her haunting ballad "I'll Leave My Heart".

Cyndi was quite possibly the best chance the UK has had in many a year. With her outstanding voice and stirring ballad she would have stood out in Helsinki and may well have gone all the way - reclaiming the title for the UK! She would at the very least have come top three restoring the UK's pop-utation!

Cyndi Almouzni (22) originally from Marseille in the south of France came to "Making Your Mind Up" looking to restore some British pride with her power ballad - "I'll Leave My Heart". Cyndi - You did us proud!!!

Cyndi - I'll Leave My Heart | Making Your Mind Up 2007

Vive la Cyndi . . .

MAMA

It's Mothers Day - So here's some of Popplastics favourite "Mama" inspired tracks!

There's nothing quite like a bit of the Spice Girls with Mama or Lemonescent (who?) with Help Me Mama on such a day.

This is going out to Popplastics very own Vina-Mum - "because she does make exceedingly good cakes!"

Spice Girls - Mama


Lemonescent - Help Me Mama


Mama, ooohooohooohooo . . .

IT'S SCOOCH - FOR SURE!

Scooch to fly the flag for the UK in Helsinki!

Scooch reigned victorious in the final of "Making Your Mind Up" 2007. Scooch will represent the UK at this years Eurovision Song Contest on May 12th in Helsinki with their popplastic new song - "Flying the Flag" (loving those lyrics - very naughty!). Get the lyrics from the melodimen.

The high-light of this years show had to be celebrity panel member Mel Giedroyc (from Mel & Sue). Mel stole the show and impressed us with her euro-vis knowledge at one point taking us back to Yugoslavia and 1984. A further high-light was the invention of the BBC's all new international opinion panel consisting of representatives from various EBU nations. Popplastics favourite international panel member had to be the Ukrainian - How posh was she? (yes, I'm from the UK!, what! the Ukraine, NO! - heaven forbid!).

Six acts (if you can count Brian and Liz - yawn!) became two acts as favourites Hawkins and Brown were voted out in the first round of voting along with Liz McClarnon, Big Brovaz and Brain Harvey.

Scooch and Cyndi (Cyndi Almouzni) went head to head in the all new BBC super final! (after a spot of Casualty). Tension was in the air as the two acts performed once again. Both gave it everything but only one could win, but who was it to be!

Gone were the BBC regional juries and with them went the predictability of who was winning and who would ultimately win. Their replacement came in the form of the sing-off and sudden-death . . .

The nation stopped, breaths were held as Terry proclaimed:

The winner is . . . . . . Cyndi, he got it wrong, how could he OFF WITH HIS HEAD! Poor Cyndi looked on is amazement as it was proclaimed that, No - Scooch were the winners!

Wogan's shambolic Eurovision announcement!


Anyway here's the song . . .

Scooch - Flying The Flag (For You) UK Eurovision Entry


We're flying the flag all over the world, flying the flag for you . . .

SUPER FINAL!

Scooch and Cyndi through to the super final . . .






Who's it to be . . .

VOTE CYNDI OR SCOOCH!

OH MY GOD! EUROVISION SHOCKER!

OH MY GOD! BBC (in studio) cross section of Europe panel vote for Big Brovaz with Cyndi as runner-up!!!

VOTE FOR CYNDI OR SCOOCH!!!!!!

VOTE FOR SCOOCH!!!

09011 110 845

Pop's thicker than water!

Popplastic pull back from the brink. In a dramatic u-turn Popplastic announce that we will after all be supporting Scooch at "Making Your Mind Up" (MYMU) 2007.

We said the song wasn't good enough!

We said after 6 years they could have done better!

We said we'd be supporting Hawkins and Brown or Cyndi! (such decisiveness is to be admired)

but in the end talk is cheap . . .

and when the chips are down in the last chance saloon you have to back your own, and in the words of Peggy Mitchell (We're Mitchells and Mitchells stick together...) So keep it in the Pop family and vote Scooch for MYMU 2007!!!

Check out Scooch on myspace or the website.

Scooch - Flying The Flag



Popplastic! - Proud to be flying the flag for Scooch (or maybe Cyndi, or H&B) . . .

MAKING YOUR MIND UP! MYMU 2007

Don't let your indecision take you from behind . . .




It's make your mind up time tonight! (BBC1 - 7:30) Who's it to be, The Big Brovaz, Brian Harvey, Hawkins & Brown, Cyndi, Liz McClarnon or Scooch! What a choice - "ooh monsieur, with these songs, you are really spoiling us"! Not!

Ecstatic though we undoubtedly were to hear of the return of Scooch the song itself left us feeling that the best is yet to come! Much as though we love the Scooch song and all its double-entendres it might be that there's a better song in the pack (shame on Popplastic, 50 years hard labour for crimes against Scooch!) Ashamed, though we are to say it, we think Hawkins & Brown or Cyndi stand a better chance of reclaiming the title! Popplastic's money is on Hawkins & Brown.

Listen to the clips at the BBC online.

At such times of Making Your Mind Up quality pop drought it's always comforting to know that you can wind the clock back to 1980 (Song for Europe)and dip into a bit of Duke and the Aces and "Love is Alive" to re-charge your pop batteries and re-affirm your faith in Pop.

Duke & The Aces - "Love Is Alive"


Ah 1980 - What a year!

Or there's always Deuce from 1995 (Song for Europe) with "I Need You".

Deuce - I Need You


But unfortunately you can't vote for either of those . . .





So it's make your mind up time . . .

NASH - I LOVE YOU MI VIDA (SPAIN 2007)

Spain chose Nash for Eurovision 2007!







First we said prepare for Geneva 2008, then we said Ljubljana (where?) 2008, but put those tickets on hold - Could it be Madrid 2008?

Misión Eurovisión (the Spanish Eurovision Song Contest preselection programme) more like Mission Impossible! - After what seemed like 1000's of songs, and even more variations, with each and every contestant having a go at singing each and every song plus countless siestas the Spaniards final chose their song! A selection process so complicated we had to fly in (at great expense) the girls from B*Witched to provide some clarity on the Spanish conundrum. When that failed we decided instead to cut and paste the ESCtoday explanation of the process: "Misión Eurovisión, the Spanish Eurovision Song Contest preselection. Five candidates each sang five entries yielding 25 combinations of song and singer. The top five performances selected from the 25 combinations competed in a super final". There's nothing like a good Super Final!!! (How simple could it be?)

Finally the boy band Nash was selected to bring the song "I love you mi vida" (by Thomas G:son) to Helsinki.

Spain 2007 Nash - I Love You Mi Vida


The highlight of the whole process had to be the presenter Paula Vázquez (as seen in the above clip). It seemed as if she never stopped speaking. It was like a form of verbal assault!

Here's the excitable Paula in action once again, she doesn't even stop to come up for air! I haven't a clue what she is saying but I could watch her for hours . . .

Paula Vázquez


Obviously we are now all huge fans of Nash (CD on repeat) here at Popplastic Towers and we think they deliver a fantastic performance of "I love you mi vida" but we can't help but think that Spain could have done better (sorry boys). It's true! - of the five possible permutations (is this maths or Eurovision) of the same song "I love you mi vida" Spain could have chosen Rebeca's version. Rebeca Pous Del Toro (never one to stand still) would have blown away the competition with her hip gyrations and guaranteed victory for Spain.

Rebeca - I love you mi vida (Eurovision España Spain 2007)


We love you Rebeca ahy ahy ahy ahy ahy yea . . .

TRIO FANTASTICUS

Not all Pop is good Pop!

If you want to appreciate good pop you've got to experience bad pop - Pop from the Dark-Side! (As featured on The World Of Chig.)

In this case it's pop from Croatia's Dora (Croatia's answer to Making Your Mind Up). This "truly remarkable" offering really is a . . . a . . .(I'm lost for words). Nema šanse, šećeru, or "No Chance Sugar" is brought to us by none other than everyones favourite Croatian super group "Trio Fantasticus"! Fantasticus! - have they got delusions or what!

That said, it can't be denied that Trio Fantasticus deliver 3 minutes 13 seconds of pure pop joy - and she does have a bit of the Anne "eheheh eh" (Little Britain)about her! She certainly looks like she's enjoying herself (I'm starting to find it disturbingly catchy, should I be worried?). Not so much "Care in the Community" but "Pop in the Community". Needless to say Trio Fantasticus didn't make it through to represent Croatia in Helsinki.

Trio Fantasticus - Nema šanse, šećeru



No chance sugar, well I didn't want to say but . . .

FANTASY ISLAND (TIGHT-FIT)

Welcome to Fantasy Island!

"Tight Fit" (Steve Grant, Julie Harris, and Denise Gyngell) were a British pop group who had a string of hits in the early 1980s. They are probably best known for their cover version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" which made it to Number 1! Their other hits included, "Back To The Sixties" and "Secret Heart", but their most totally popplastic hit ever has to be Fantasy Island! A fantastic but underplayed hit which even comes with a unique dance routine compliments of Popplastics Andypop!




Tight Fit: Fantasy Island


Fantasy Island was originally an entry by the "The Millionaires" in the Dutch National Song Final in 1982 (for Eurovision). However the Dutch somehow failed to select this as their winning song - Another clear case of crimes against Pop - Send them down!

The Millionaires - Fantasy Island (Dutch NSF 1982)


Fantasy Island - not to be confused with the TV show of the same name!

Fantasy Island TV intro (1978)


Is that not so Tattoo . . .

GARETH GATES - CHANGES

Gareth Gates is back!

Yes after 3 years in the wilderness of pop, Gareth has announced that he is ready to make his come-back. Pop Idol runner up Gareth Gates was dropped by his record company after poor sales of his second album. Gareth’s return to Pop will be secured with the April 9 release of his new track ‘Changes’, (not "19 Minutes" as a lot of people had assumed) taken from his new album ‘Pictures of the Other Side’.

Speaking about the forthcoming release and his new sound Gareth said:
"I feel so privileged to be doing what I'm doing and to be given another chance after being dropped"
“I know some people might just hear my name and throw the CD out of the nearest window, but I hope they give it a chance and judge it on hearing it, not on pre-conceptions,”
He went on to say "it's a song that is very personal to me, summing up the last few years, about losing relationships and gaining others, it's emotional, but therapeutic."

It has been reported that Gareth has tried to shake of his trashy pop, cheesy cover versions image and has developed a more mature style along with a new sound - NO!!! - That's what was so great about Gareth, if it's not broken . . .

Here's the new Gareth, changes and all!

Gareth Gates - Changes


Bring back the Gareth of old! Who said change is a good thing? Popplastic's top two Gareth hits have to be "Anyone of us" and "Say it isn't so" - Classic Gates!

Gareth Gates - Anyone of us


Gareth Gates - Say it isn't so


Gareth welcome back!

A new Gareth - Say it isn't so . . .

LUCKY - LUCKY TWICE (AGAIN!)

Lucky by Lucky Twice (Popplastic's official anthem, as previously featured) is now available to buy! - Jazz hands!

In case you forgot just how catchy it is, here it is again . . .

Lucky - Lucky Twice


The lyrics are sublime!

You can fool yourself
I promise it will help
Now every single day
I just wanna hear you saying

I'm
So lucky lucky
I'm
So lucky lucky
I'm
So lovely lovely
I'm
So lovely lovely

Listen and download from zshare or check out Lucky Twice on myspace! Then do your bit for Lucky Twice and buy the CD!

Lucky Twice are so good we posted them twice - We love them almost as much as we love Martha Stewart . . .

SCOOCH-TASTIC!

Have you made your mind up!

With the "Making Your Mind Up" final now less than a week away Popplastic can exclusively (well what's an exclusive!) reveal the new Scooch song in full. Full of double-entendre - very naughty! Lots of references to "salty nuts", "something to suck on" and "inserting the device" and the likes. A good song but after 6 years in pop exile I'm sure they could have done better!

Obviously not the official video but amusing none the less . . .

Scooch - Flying The Flag - Eurovision 2007



Is the best yet to come . . . (maybe tomorrow)

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

The votes are in - counted and verified!


The results have been declared!

We've opened the gold envelope and can reveal that representing Sweden in Helsinki at this years Eurovision Song Contest will be (drum role) . . .

THE ARK with "The Worrying Kind" - Just as we predicted!





and here it is . . .



Obviously we're disappointed Marie Lindberg didn't win but she looked quite pleased with herself as she left the show . . .






She's obviously not the worrying kind . . .

MELODIFESTIVALEN 2007 - THE FINAL!

How CAN they possibly choose!

It's like having to choose your favourite IKEA product - it just can't be done!

Yes tonight's the night! It's make your mind up time in Sweden. After 4 semi-finals, an andra chansen and 32 schlagertastic songs the time has finally come to choose who will go to Helsinki to represent Sweden - the Mothership of Pop. The 10 finalist will assemble in Stockholm's Globen arena in front of a live audience of thousands and give it their all for their once in a lifetime chance (unless your name's Carola) to represent their country in the Eurovision Song Contest.



The running order reads like the who's who of Svenska pop!

1. Andreas Johnson - A Little Bit of Love
2. Sonja Alden - För att du finns
3. Anna Book - Samba Sambero
4. Sebastian - When the Night Comes Falling
5. Marie Lindberg - Trying to Recall
6. Måns Zelmerlöw - Cara mia
7. Tommy Nilsson - Jag tror på människan
8. Sanna Nielsen - Vågar du, vågar jag
9. Sarah Dawn Finer - I Remember Love
10. The Ark - The Worrying Kind

To get you in the mood sit back and listen to Popplastic's Top 3 of the night!
All 10 are worth a listen (almost) and should be available on youtube!

Måns Zelmerlöw - Cara mia


Marie Lindberg - Trying to Recall - The Ballad.


Sanna Nielsen - Vågar du, vågar jag


However just as we wheel out the Speed-Boat and Luxury Caravan, and in the words of Jim Bowen (Bullseye) here's what they could have had! Just a few that didn't get through to the final . . . (Shame on Sweden)

Regina Lund - Rainbow Star


Magnus Carlson - Live Forever


After Dark - (åh) När ni tar saken i egna händer


How in the name of Pop did they not make it through! They were sensational. Regina was . . . resplendent, Magnus was . . . magnificent and After Dark . . . erm - even had a bit of "Go West" and "Tragedy" about it.

Sweden - Go to your room!


To watch it live online go to SVT at 7pm (UK time).





Popplastics tip for the top is The Ark with "The Worrying Kind" - a Glam-Rock inspired number slightly reminiscent of the Wombles! (with a betting score of under 2/1 on it's sure to win)

SWEDEN - EUROVISION NEEDS YOU - SO VOTE FOR ONE OF OUR TOP THREE!

But who would you choose . . .

POP SHOCK!

STOP PRESS!!!

Simon Cowell dumps presenter Kate Thornton and fellow judge Louis Walsh in X-Factor shake-up.

New format to have four judges instead of the usual three. Louis to remain and manage the acts off-air but will no longer be a judge. Louis said: "After three incredible years, I have decided to leave The X-Factor to completely focus my energy on my day job as a manager."

Kate said: "Presenting The X-Factor these last three years has been fantastic and I truly believe I have taken the show as far as I can. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into some new programmes with ITV."

However reports suggest that Thornton and Walsh were informed about their demise by the shows producers and that they were "furious".

Who'll be the new judges - they could audition!

STINX

Is it my breath, my hair and stinky clothes?






Even adverts can be poptastic! Initially part of a television advertising campaign by the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS 2001) to persuade teenage girls to kick the habit, this catchy song caught on in a big way. Directed by Katie Bell, who has worked with chart-toppers Atomic Kitten and Boyzone,Why Do You Keep On Running, Boy? (by STINX - get it!) sold 15,000 copies to become a Top 10 hit in Scotland. It's a real toe tapping, thigh slapping hit that just makes you want to dance.


Stinx - Why Do You Keep On Running, Boy?



Does anyone have a light . . .

A*TEENS

The A*teens - Marie, Amit, Sara, and Dhani first hit the charts in 1999. Their first single "Mama Mia" (sounds familiar) entered the Swedish charts at number 1 and stayed there for 3 weeks, it sold 120.000 copies and was the best selling single that year (I bought it too!!). Their debut album (The ABBA Generation) was also a smash and topped the album charts going triple-platinum in Sweden and sold over 3 million copies worldwide. In 2000 they toured the U.S.A. with 'N Sync and Britney Spears. They followed up on the success of their first album with the release of two more, "Teen Spirit" in 2001 and then the fabulously named "POP TIL YOU DROP" which featured the soundtrack to Disney's "Lilo & Stich."

Then came their Greatest Hits album (already! - yes I released my greatest hits when I was 4 and half). The Greatest Hits featured their most poptastic hit EVER - "I Promised Myself". I love this song! It has everything you'd expect from a Svenska hit, and comes complete with a fabulous video (with a great flash of light moment) and an (oh my God I've got to learn the moves to this) dance routine. Check out the clip with all the kids learning the moves from the TV - did anybody else do that as a kid! (am I too old to still be doing that now?)

A*teens - I Promised Myself



Check out the A*teens website!

and pop til you drop . . .

SLOVENIA - ALENKA GOTAR - CVET Z JUGA

Slovenia's opera-tunity to win Eurovision 2007!

Now I know we said prepare yourselves for Geneva 2008 (Eurovision Song Contest) and that DJ Bobo had it in the bag for Switzerland with "Vampires are Alive" , but oh my God! He's got competition! Yes every ones favourite Slovene (not the ones on Doctor Who), yes her - Alenka Gotar (who?). Alenka Gotar is representing Slovenia in Helsinki for this years Eurovision Song Contest, and there's nothing quite like a shrieking operatic diva when it comes to those votes.

And what a song it is! It's got it all, a hint of the Godfather, wind machines and some white chairs nicked from the local café. So put those Geneva tickets on hold you might be of to . . . erm, let me google it, yea Ljubljana (I knew that!).


Stick with it, it's a grower!

Slovenia - Alenka Gotar - Cvet z juga



She could break glass . . .

RADIO SKONTO

By Appointment to Her Majesty -
Queen Popplastic!
Broadcasters of fine pop!

Probably the best radio station in the world!

I discovered this radio station in Latvia during the Eurovision Song Contest in Riga (2003) - and what a station it is!

The play-list reads like the who's who of plastic pop. Nothing it would seem is too cheesy or trashy to be played. Whats more it's played everywhere over there, it doesn't matter where you are they'll be playing it, hotels, shops, taxis, bars - everywhere!

Here's just a sample of a day at Radio Skonto . . .

TTAWAN - Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)
Bucks Fizz - Land of Make Believe
Tight Fit - Fantasy Island
Black Lace - Agadoo
New Found Glory - The Never Ending Story
Modern Talking - Brother Louie
Friends - Listen to your Heartbeat
Fancy (who?) - Flames of Love

it's like Camp Attack on a Friday night and you're the DJ!

You just can't mention Modern Talking and Brother Louie without dipping in...

Brother Louie - Modern Talking




So if you fancy a bit of Radio Skonto Pop-therapy or you're bored at work click here select the link and listen, it's like you've died and gone to Pop-Heaven!

SWEDISH RAP!

Is it OK to like rap? - Do I need re-hab!

To the P, to the O, to the P, hey it's catching - it's raptastic!

First we brought you Swedish football songs and now we bring you Svenska Rap! Life on the edge!!!

Just as I was about to sign on the dotted line and book myself in for some re-hab pop-hab at the Priory I realised it's ok to like rap just so long as it's Swedish! This is another classic Melodifestivalen track this time from 2005 (ok the cd, studio version sounds better) but it's a great song it even has a catchy chorus - unheard of in rap. I don't know anything about B-Boys International feat. Paul M (or him) and I don't suppose I'd like any of their other music but this is a popplastic raptastic track - I even have it on my i-pod. Rap on my i-pod - Shame on Me!





Does that make me the real Slim Shady . . .

SWEDISH FOOTBALL SONGS

Sweden aka "The Mothership" isn't known as the home of pop for nothing. The land where even football songs are amazing (no Three F***ing Red Lions or Football's Coming Home for the Swedes). Shirley Clamp (of Melodifestivalen fame), the Schlager Queen of Pop sang Sweden's official song for the 2004 Football something or other cup! It would be like Kylie or Steps singing the England song, key changes and all. If our football songs were as good as this I'd give up shopping and I'd be down on the terraces singing every Saturday!






Champions, we are the champions, yellow and blue, just like the sun in heaven, the magic eleven. Oh no I'm becoming a football fan - COME ON YOU YELLOW AND BLUES . . .

VAMPIRES ARE ALIVE - DJ BOBO

Vampires are Alive (apparently)!

Destination Switzerland for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008!

Swiss TV have selected DJ Bobo (René Baumann) to represent Switzerland in Helsinki at this years Eurovision Song Contest. DJ Bobo known for his Eurodance music is also (peculiarly) a United Nations World Food Programme National Ambassador Against Hunger (the two roles are so related).

How could they fail to win with this - What a song!

It's got everything, vampires, a vampire dance routine and just a hint of The Empire Strikes Back.





Get your garlic, silver bullets and cross ready - it's Geneva 2008 . . .

PERFECT POP!

Just add one key change and mix well (in the studio) . . .

What makes the perfect pop song? Here at Popplastic Towers our researchers have been working day and night to bring you the definitive and essential requirements!

After trawling through hours and hours of pop we can confirm the following essential requirements:

Key change (at least one for good measure!)
Head turns
Hand claps
Just a hint of the Juliet Bravo theme tune
Chime bars
A dance routine to practise at home
Fabulous costumes
Costume changes
Wind machine
Glitter - it doesn't matter what you're doing you always need glitter!
A good ending
and a good dose of Nicki French (you just can't get enough of Nicki!)

and here's one we prepared earlier . . . .



That was MAGNUS CARLSSON and LIVE FOREVER another totally popplastic surefire hit from Melodifestivalen 2007 that failed to get through the semi final stages. What is going on in Sweden - the home of pop???

Oh go on then . . . how can you talk about perfect pop without playing a bit of Nicki!!



well she met most of the requirements!!!

LOLLY! - A TRIBUTE!

Bring Back LOLLY!

Who could forget the late 90's pop princess Lolly aka Anna Kumble (who). If Popplastice had the capability and human genome technology to create our own pop star it would surely come out just like Lolly!

Lolly the mature face of pop! Who could forget her classic hits, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Per Sempre Amore..., Rockin Robin, Puppy Love, Mickey, Viva La Radio the list just goes on .... and on.

Lolly's first album, My First Album (inspired title, not to mention optimistic - was she expecting a second!) was followed up by her second - Pick 'n' Mix. However dedicated Lolly fans will tell you that in her attempts not to compromise her musical integrity, presentation and style she forgot to change the songs on the second album resulting in it being the same as the first in all but name!!!

But we still love LOLLY and almost forgot to mention her little Hipbag - what did she keep in there!

Here are some of Lolly's finest moments...

Mickey



Viva La Radio



Per Sempre Amore ...



And my all time favourite - the Lolly ballad

Big Boys Don't Cry

get the autumnal shades on standby! - it REALLY is a lovely song.



Lolly you truly are a Popplastic star and are always welcome at Popplastic Towers!!!