Bananarama 'Robert De Niro's Waiting'

Chart Peak: 3

YouTube

I can understand that they wouldn't have been able to afford the actual Robert De Niro for the video, but maybe they could have tried to get somebody who looked vaguely like him if they were going to do that idea. But then again, maybe they should have used some pizzas that look like they'd actually been delivered, and weren't little individual ones that they'd bought from Bejam. There again, the second Bananarama-related track in a row (and the second in three to involve Swain and Jolley) is somewhat about unreality. Their early songs mostly seem to be about the desire to glam up and escape the gloominess of early-80s Britain. Perhaps this is why they seemed to lose it a bit musically the more successful they became. At this point they were still fun though, and this is possibly their best single. They even try to do some harmonies.

Also appearing on: Now 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 (with Lananeeneenoonoo), 15
Available on: Bananarama (Platinum Re-Issue)

Shakespear's Sister 'You're History'

Chart Peak: 7

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Former Bananarama singer Siobhan Fahey, AKA Mrs Dave Stewart, found success in August 1989 when 'You're History' became the first British hit for Shakespear's Sister - It reached No. 7

For a while it was their only hit in fact, although you might notice that the notes refer to the act's origins as a Fahey solo project. Her first single in this guise flopped greatly though, so collaborator Marcella Detroit (aka Marcy Levy) was promoted to band membership, at least promotionally. And this seemed like the right place to launch the duo too: even though Fahey is technically the lead vocalist here, it's Detroit's very high-pitched delivery of the title line that is the real hook. You wouldn't want to hear her screech the whole song like that, but as the chorus it makes the ideal contrast with Fahey's low mumbled responses.

It also adds a layer of silliness that makes it easier to forgive some of the dubious rhymes. Yes, it's another one of those "go away useless ex" songs (maybe a stage forward from the situation in the Jimmy Somerville track, if you're listening on vinyl or cassette and haven't got Brother Beyond in between) but it's an unusually effective one, actually sounding generally glad to be rid of him. A record that's more than the sum of its parts.

Also appearing on: Now 21, 22
Available on: Sacred Heart