Bananarama: Run To You (Video)

Bananarama's take on the 1984 Bryan Adams classic "Run To You", recorded during sessions for the 2009 Bananarama album "Viva".

This track is no longer available, it was the exclusive iTunes pre-order only bonus track that came with the iTunes edition of the "Viva" album, availability of "Run To You" expired on the day of the "Viva" albums release.


THE VIVA ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW !

Objectively speaking (in my humble opinion) . .

"Extraordinary"

. . Should be the next single !

Let's start by backtracking slightly, whilst "Love Comes" was a strong original melodic composition, it ultimately failed to convert a jaded UK audience. By a similar token "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" is an original melodic composition, but not one that is as strong as "Love Comes".

For "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" that would translate into a chart position of no. 76 (or thereabouts) in the UK market.


ALTERNATIVE METHODOLOGY

Issues of the "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" melody aside:

I suggest it's time to rethink this strategy more thoroughly, than the thought trajectory that is currently taking place & gaining ground . .

With the populace strategy considered & rejected, I believe two other clear choices emerge from the remainder of album material:

1) "Extraordinary"

2) "The Runner"


THE RUNNER

If Bananarama release "The Runner" it's maximum reach will be No.26 (or thereabouts) on the UK singles chart & "Viva" (by association) may enter the top 50 Albums for one week (tops).

Whilst using the concept of a cover version is a tried & tested formula, Bananarama have (arguably) coveted this strategy too often in the past and as a result nobody (be it fan or the unconverted) will ride on the back of enough "novelty or a "hype" type feeling (don't jump on my case everyone depends on this as a marketing tool) to sustain enough purchase interest in this song for a high position.


EXTRAORDINARY

There is something slightly raw, undefinable, quirky & downright cutting edge about this songs production. It also has a commercial edge, which (in pop terms), the marriage of these two elements combined is the holy grail of commercial/ artist endeavour!

I believe the video (like the song) should showcase an alternative deconstructed visual aesthetic of Bananarama (in reflection of the songs qualities), this will make them more relevant to the current clubbing generation and of all songs available, is the one most likely to lend itself to "kudos" in those circles.

This song is the antithesis of the whole 80's nostalgia element (that surrounds bananarama's legacy), yes we are in the midst of an 80's revival and it is obvious why bananarama's marketers would want to associate the brand with this revival for commercial reasons.

But the fact is, the "cool" people have already rejected what has already been established as mainstream (this 80's revival), they in fact are already looking under rocks for something that is not, so defining their tribe AS cool (and not mainstream).

With a video directed by Jona's Ackerlund (famed for his edgy deconstructed yet "hooky" visual flair) and the right balance in remix package form between avant guard re-mixers & a bimbo Jones style remix), I have a strong gut feeling that stands out head & shoulders above ANY other song on the album, that this track (if marketed correctly) through available promotional channels is THE track to finally start building the bananarama brand back up in roots form and provide the jumping off point for the slightly deconstructed, clubby (yet unmistakably pure essence of bananarama sound), that NEEDS to flavour a future album campaign beyond the "Viva" era.

I am saying this objectively, because I know that the song that actually IS my personal favourite from "Viva" is not mentioned anywhere in this post, because I know that my personal taste or favourite has NOTHING to do with commercial objectivity and this IS after all a post about that all issues pertaining to this album, including how best to expand the shelf-life of an album that can only be commercially & objectivity achieved by the manifestation of a second single from it, this point in time being December 2009.

Category:

Music

Tags:

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[chrisnoaro1]

terrible song, though bryan adams is my hero for being a vegan for 11 years. i always adored keren but she looks terrible now. it's not her age but the way she presents herself, she looks just any other boring pop tart

[calicomoonchild]

I don't agree with this, what do other viewers think ?

[97biggdogg]

they r so hot OMG they look better now than when they first came out.............some women age so well.........damn they r sexxy

[calicomoonchild]

I take your point, but should state the videos featured are now 5 years old.

[Schwartzwolf]

This is quite impressive. I wonder why it was only available as a bonus? It's spectacular!

[calicomoonchild]

The original project brief was to create an album of cover versions, however inspiration to write new material took hold once the band entered the the studio & after the label heard what was being produced they were impressed & gave the group room to write more original material.

Thus the status of many of the initial cover songs that had already been recorded changed, & have now been used as bonus material in support of the finished "Viva" album.

[darkmike333]

Good Lord , after all these years the girls look amazing!! That IS them in the vid , right? Nice commentary about the tracks , btw. Makes me want to give the cd a listen!

[jackal2071]

Makes me want to marry Keren (even more than before)!

[bluemoondiadochi]

@calicomoonchild well, just counting likes/dislikes speaks for itself....

i like them, found this song today and if i havent listened it 10 times today, than havent a single time.

leave dogs barking, its what they do. and quite frankly, there's a lot better sound right here!

[pocodfe]

@calicomoonchild Never knew they remade this...lol. Then again, when you live in the USA, you miss all the truly good music...dance music here SUCKS. Anyway, honestly, this just doesn't sound like Bananarama material. At best, it's mediocre...something I'd listen on once and never again. BUT, overall, I LOVE Bananarama. Can't always generate a great song.

[UberSilenus]

@calicomoonchild

I agree with you.

[QUASARA]

i like this song, in it's original form, but i like how bananarama did it. -djQ

[lemonnis]

BANANARAMA WITHOUT SIOBHAN ARE CLOSE TO NOTHING



[lalala020]

@calicomoonchild actually I love that boring pop tart look. they do not HAVE to be popstars. made enough money...so "that" look is just funny...cause I am sure they are loving it all!!

[missgattalk21dotcom]

my girls never seem to age. have they got their pictures in the attic or what? love the original, and love this cover too.

[uranella]

i love them!!!they're the top!!!

[uranella]

they're both FANTASTIC!!!!