Do you remember when Stock Aitken Waterman (aka SAW) ruled the charts?

For a period in the late 80's there was a production team who had the midas touch, everything they did turned to gold or platinum (in record sales that is) and they seemed unstoppable. I am of course talking about Stock Aitken Waterman lead by Pete Waterman. 

I was 12 years old when they scored their first Number 1 with Dead or Alive's YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND (LIKE A RECORD) early in 1985. They were still going strong by the end of the decade. I loved alot of the songs and artists they produced. Back then, I was their prime market - a teenager with a penchant for pop music and 1984 was the year I discovered POP. They managed to score 13 Number 1's in the UK charts. WOWEE!

The other day while looking for footage of their Christmas Cracker Concert on utubes, I came across this fab documentary about SAW (aka Hit Factory). If you have a spare 40 minutes its well worth watching, if only to see Pete Burns face. 

MY TOP 7 SAW TRACKS/ARTISTS LIST

(click on song title to be taken to youtube official video - i hope!)

1. Kylie Minogue - Better the Devil You Know

If I were to list my favourite SAW tracks then all of them are likely to be Kylie tracks so I've tried to keep this HOT LIST interesting. This is my fave Kylie song and as she was the Queen of the Hit Factory then this has to be top of the list. So instead of posting another video here is a Coke commercial Kylie made in Australia around the time of Better the Devil You Know and if my eyes are correct its the exact same dress in the commercial that appears in the video. 

2. Bananarama - Venus

This was SAW's first track with the Nana's and it was and still is a stroke of pop cover genius. The song was Number 1 for 6 weeks in Australia. Lets not also forget I HEARD A RUMOUR, LOVE IN THE FIRST DEGREE and HELP (which they sang with French and Saunders for Comic Relief) while we are here. I love these good time girls.

 

3. Dead or Alive - Turn Around and Count 2 Ten

OK so i know this is isn't the biggest hit but this is like HIGH NRG on speed or something. Its a great pop track and probably the last AMAZING single made by Pete Burns. I love the scene in the video as he slowly enters the bath. Its priceless. Here's a rather nice photo of Pete from the SAW concert. Its amazing how good you can look with a Veil on. The Power of the Veil indeed.

4. Princess - Say I'm Your Number One

Everytime I listen to this song it reminds me of 1985 so clearly and how can you not like Princess? For some strange reason it also reminds me of Eastenders which I guess was pretty big at the time.

 

5. Donna Summer - This Time I Know Its For Real 

This has to be up there with the all time best collaborations with SAW. I was so surprised when Donna Summer queen of disco teamed up with SAW. You just think, why does she need them? I am glad she did though as this is a gem of song. Donna passed away last year and I have been going through a phase of buying her old LP's. She was such a talent and had such a strong voice. This was like her 4th incarnation as a popstar! Donna Darling may you R.I.P. I quite like this collector's collection of Donna 7inches! Here's one of my favourite pics of Donna. 

6. Divine - You Think You're a Man 

The first BIG HIT for SAW and what an artist! It was the year of the gender benders but Divine was something else. A documentary about the life of Divine titled I AM DIVINE is currently in production.  

7. Mel and Kim - Thats The Way It Is  

I've saved the best for last. I loved these girls. It's so sad how Mel passed away from Cancer and that their career was cut short. I love this short clip from TV AM (how awful is Anne Diamond) - they were just lovely east end girls wanting to have a good time. Thats the Way It Is was the 4th single from Fun Love Money (FLM) (their only album) and the girls don't even appear in the video. I have fond memories from when this was released and thinking what a lovely track it was. 

Further reading:

List of songs produced by Stock Aitken Waterman

What Guardian readers think of SAW - Readers Panel

I survived a Stock Aitken Waterman Marathon....Just

NOTE: Apologies for the delay of this post. It was originally supposed to be done before end of 2012 but it has been delayed due to holidays and LIFE.

I LOVE YOU!

Thankyou Sydney Mardi Gras and Thankyou Kylie Minogue!

It's a Timebomb by Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue has unleashed her new video TIMEBOMB (aka WHOOP!!!). The song will appear on her "Best of " to be released next month as part of her K25 celebrations. The video was filmed in London and looks amazing as she walks down Old Compton Street and the back alleys of Soho and Chinatown. Enjoy!!!!!!

Kylie's Anti Tour in Sydney

So there we were last night, me and my bestie at the Big Top in Luna Park, Sydney seeing Kylie Minogue celebrate K25. It was a glorious sunny day in Sydney yesterday with bright blue skies and even Kylie mentioned this at the beginning of her set which really did set the tone for an even more fabulous evening. The Anti Tour didn't fail to deliver as Kylie sang songs throughout her career which had rarely been performed including mostly b-sides and album tracks. It was an amazing opportunity to see Kylie with just a band singing her heart out. There was no SHOW, no PRODUCTION just Kylie (OK there were a few lights and projections - a girl does need a laser show for some songs!). The best songs for me were the album tracks like ALWAYS FIND THE TIME, I DON'T NEED ANYONE, DRUNK and TOO MUCH as it is very rare that artists perform album tracks live. Kylie also did snippets of other songs including the first B-Side GLAD TO BE ALIVE, WORD IS OUT, RAINBOW CONNECTION and LOVING YOU. It was interesting to hear early Kylie and those bubblegum flavours like MADE IN HEAVEN (my fave B-Side), I'M DREAMING OVER YOU and  GOT TO BE CERTAIN intermixed with more modern Kylie CHERRY BOMB and B.P.M. but it worked. Kylie was a HIT. Kylie wore a cut off denim shorts with a tshirt and changed for the encore. There was little merchandise, a few tshirts, a tote bag and some badges but this tour isn't about the Merch. This year is about K25 (see my K25 post) and Ms Minogue really delivered for her fans tonight. Thankyou Ms Minogue for the most AMAZING concert and to hear songs which we never ordinarily hear. What a doll! 

 

Sydney Anti Tour 8pm show Setlist 

Magnetic Electric 

Made in Heaven 

Cherry Bomb 

BPM 

Mighty Rivers 

I'm Over Dreaming (Over You) 

Always Find the Time 

You're the One 

Tightrope 

Paper Dolls 

Stars 

Drunk 

Say Hey 

Too Much 

Bittersweet Goodbye 

Disco Down 

I Don't Need Anyone 

Got to Be Certain 

Things Can Only Get Better 

Encore:

That's Why They Write Love Songs 

Tears on My Pillow 

Enjoy Yourself 

 

Sunday Song by Kylie and its a B Side

So its been a little crazy this past week. I have been at home with the flu not doing a whole lot. Duran Duran are now in the country, the Kylie Anti Tour show is this Tuesday and I am literally beside myself! So today's Sunday Song is by Ms Minogue herself - MADE IN HEAVEN.  This was the b-side to JE NE SAIS PAS POURQUOI in 1988. I don't know why this video was made but I remember watching and taping the video when it was shown on the ABC show The Factory ( I still have the video)! As far as I am aware Kylie has never performed this song on a tour so I am hoping it is included in the Anti Tour. C'mon Kylie have a heart!

 

Kylie and the AntiTour - what do you want to hear?

I am seeing Kylie next Tuesday in Sydney on her AntiTour of b-sides, rarities, covers and other rarely performed songs. Kylie is now asking her fans which songs they want included in the setlist on her FACEBOOK page. Go there now and have your say peoples!

Here are the songs I want to hear:

Made in Heaven  (b side)

Turn it into Love (album track)

In Denial (song with Pet Shop Boys)

Victims (Culture Club cover)

Burning Up (album track)

Automatic Love (album track)

Did it Again (rarely performed)

I Believe in You (rarely performed)

 

Kylie Anti Tour Shows Announced

On the heels of her WOW Mardi Gras performance, Kylie Minogue will do 2 shows in Melbourne and Sydney as part of her ANTI TOUR this March. The dates are:
Sunday 18 March 2012, The Palace, Melbourne
Tuesday 20 March 2012, The Big Top, Luna Park, Sydney

B-sides, unreleased songs, covers and songs that Kylie would never play in a million LIGHT YEARS will be performed stripped back - Kylie and the music. Unbelievable! I cannot wait to be part of this intimate experience. This K25 year is turning out to be an amazing year for Kylie and her fans!

Lets celebrate Sydney Mardi Gras

Tonight is the Parade for the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. I am volunteering this year and will be helping to register all the floats in the 5km parade. There are 9160 people participating this year. Thats ALOT of people to organise so I am really looking forward to doing my bit towards such a major event in Sydney, but particularly for the gay and lesbian community. Kylie Minogue is the star performer this year as she will headline the dance party which is a SELLOUT (the first time in a longtime) - way to go Kyles! There are a number of other gay superstars in town for Mardi Gras including RuPaul, Sam Sparro, George Michael (not on any official Mardi Gras business - just hanging out in his new favourite city) and Belinda Carlisle (who just happens to be touring here - I wonder if she'll be a surprise act at the party?). Here is Kylie's last performance at the Mardi Gras dance party from 1998. Check out those drag queens! Amazing!

Kylie has done a great interview with local magazine the Sydney Star Observer about why she wanted to perform at this year's Sydney Mardi Gras Festival as part of her K25 celebrations (see my K25 post) and what we can expect from the Princess of Pop.

The Parade and other highlights from the festival can be watched on MardiGrasTV a NEW initiative this year.

In 2010 as part of the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, artist Spencer Tunick created one his art installations of people which I participated in called THE BASE. It was exhillarating to be naked in such a wide open space with a whole bunch of people I didn't know. We had to be there by 5am and the photos were taken as soon as the sun rose ( I think it was around 6.30am when the first photos were taken) . Unfortunately it was a very overcast day but everyone was still happy and excited to be such of a unique art project. I attach for you one of the photos I took from the side.You can see further images from his Sydney trip here.

The Base by Spencer Tunick

I hope everyone has a great Mardi Gras and may your glitter shine bright tonight and forever!

Madonna congratulates Kylie on her ARIA win and K25

Kylie's K25

Kylie Minogue has been a popstar/singer for 25 years. Think about that for a moment. She has lasted when so many haven't. Her first single, THE LOCOMOTION  was Number 1 for 7 weeks in Australia. It was the biggest selling single in Australia in the 1980's. Kylie is Australia's biggest popstar EVER! She made one of the best songs of the noughties - CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD, which was Number 1 in over 40 countries. I have been there for all 25 years. So this post is a celebration of Kylie Minogue and the last 25 years. Kylie has survived breast cancer. Kylie is the Princess of Pop. Kylie is from Melbourne, Australia. Kylie I salute you and let the K25 celebrations begin!

• Kylie has record/cd sales of 68 million
• Kylie has had 10 Australian Number 1 Singles
• Kylie has had a Number 1 album in each of the 4 decades she has released albums
• NME called her the "Goddess of POP"
• Clive James appointed her "Woman of the Decade" for the 1980's
• Kylie has very good taste in men. That is all!

My Favourite Kylie Song of All Time - BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
This was the 1st single from Kylie's 3rd album, 'Rhythm of Love'. This was the beginning of SexKylie. Kylie was dating Michael Hutchence and decided  it was time to take control of her career. Kylie released this pop classic and the video caused controversy at the time as we weren't used to seeing Kylie with sexually suggestive scenes in her videos. The song reached Number 4 in Australia and Number 2 in the UK. I LOVE THIS SONG.

Memorable Kylie Magazine Covers

Kylie in Concert

I have seen Kylie in concert 6 times. I travelled to Melbourne from Adelaide (with my sister) as an 18 year old Kylie Superfan for her only Melbourne date on  9 February 1990 for the Enjoy Yourself Tour. I just had to be in the audience for her first concert tour of Australia. I have since seen her 5 times.

My 1st Kylie concert  ticket stubb

15 February 1991 - Rhythm of Love Tour - Adelaide Memorial Drive
14 June1998 - Intimate and Live Tour - Adelaide Thebarton Theatre
19 March 2001 - On a Night Like This Tour - London Hammersmith Apollo
5 January 2007 - Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour - London Wembley Arena
11 June 2011 - Aphrodite les Folies Tour - Sydney Entertainment Centre (lovely Ellis got this for my birthday last year)
PS I also saw Kylie at the G-A-Y club in 2000 when she did a PA to promote SPINNING AROUND. She did a 6 song set and also did a cover of Culture Club's VICTIMS.

My Favourite Kylie Albums 

My Kylie Top Thirteen
These are my favourite Kylie tracks in no particular order except for Number 1. Not all are singles or her number 1's but tracks that i have loved throughout her career. You will notice 3 songs from the 'Rhythm of Love' album which I think was a defining moment for her. There are a few album tracks, maybe a b-side here and there. What are your favourite Kylie songs?
BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW (1990) - there is nothing left to say about this song.
DID IT AGAIN (1997) - 2nd single from much neglected 'Impossible Princess' album. The video is totes amazing.

GET OUTTA MY WAY (2011) - amazing 2nd single from 'Aphrodite'.
AUTOMATIC LOVE (1994) - great album track from 'Kylie Minogue' (ie her 5th album)
CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD (2001) - MAJOR POP MOMENT OF 2001.
HAND ON YOUR HEART (1989) - this is so bubblegum but i love it none-the-less from 'Enjoy Yourself'.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO (1990) - Amazing. The video has so many defining images.

SPINNING AROUND (2000) - the pop comeback of 2000. Hello Number 1 position.
SHOCKED (1990) - another great song from 'Rhythm of Love'.

WOW (2007) - great track from 'X'. It was great to have Kylie back!

MADE IN HEAVEN (1988) - bubblegum Kylie but its brilliant. B-side from the 1st album.
BURNING UP (2001) - last track on Fever. Amazing. Also a song title for Madonna I do believe.
I BELIEVE IN YOU (2004) - Scissor Sisters Collaboration which was a marriage made in heaven

Kylie sings - IF YOU DON'T LOVE ME 
Kylie sang this song on the 'Aphrodite les Folies' tour and it was so moving. I then discovered she sang this song for MTV in 1995. This is a Prefab Sprout song but I love Kylie's version.

My 12inch Kylie Picture Disc Collection

I Believe in You, WOW, Slow and Chocolate all in Kylie 12inch picture disc glory

Let the K25 celebrations begin
Kylie is planning a year full of celebrations as part of K25. She has revamped her website (including a K25 timeline, has announced her participation in the 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras in March 2012 and released an acoustic version of FINER FEELINGS recorded at the Abbey Road Studios. WOW! Cannot wait to see what else Kylie has up her sleeve for 2012 as part of K25.

Kylie's website

Kylie on Twitter

Kylie on Facebook

Kylie on Wikipedia

Kylie is coming

Aussie Pop Princess Kylie Minogue will be coming to Sydney in March 2012 for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival as part of her 25th anniversary celebrations #K25. WOW! Watch the announcement made today on Australia Day as well as one her gayest tunes EVER! My #K25 post is coming soon!

Fan clubs I have been a member of

I have been a member of a number of FAN CLUBS over the years. I'll save the fanzine list for another post as that list is LONG!

The 4 fan clubs i have been a member of are:

1. BOY GEORGE (1988-1990). George closed it down in 1990 saying it wasn't financially viable to keep the fan club running. The best thing about the club were the flexi discs that came with the newsletter, with George telling jokes and communicating with his fans directly (take that Twitter)! The letter advising the closure of the club said "Remember look at the negative and that is all you will see".

2. KYLIE MINOGUE -Australian Fanclub (1989-1991 and KylieKonnect 2011). I remember I got home from school when the introductory fan club pack had arrived and my sister had already opened it. Nice! I was seething when i read in a future newsletter that a fellow fan club member from Adelaide got to meet Kylie after he had travelled to see her first tour in Melbourne. Hello, what am I chopped liver? I did the same thing but no meet and greet from Kyles for moi! It may have something to do with the fact that i didn't inform her i was going. I am member of Kylie Konnect (Kylies online thing and its quite good).

3. KATE CEBRANO - Australian Fanclub (1990-1991). I was deffo going through a fan club phase. I still have the autographed photo that came with the initial fan club pack.

4. PET SHOP BOYS (2002 and 2008 to current). Well what is there to say about the finest band in pop.They are a band who truly care about their fans. I joined in 2002 as New Years Resolution. Then i re-joined in 2008 when I was London sick and had just moved to Sydney. It is all class. They publish 2/3 newsletters every year with interviews, behind the scenes stuff, detailed news and they send a Christmas card every year (see PSB Christmas Card post). Thats devotion for you!

Its a shame not many bands run traditional fan clubs anymore. Darren Hayes is the only other current popstar who still does. If anyone else knows of any other artists who still run a fan club I'd love to know. Hot suggestions on a post card to Vinylluver headquarters!