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Bananarama / “Megarama”: The Mixes / three-disc remix set

By Paul Sinclair

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Edsel are following up their Bananrama reissues of 2013 with Megarama a three-CD casebound book set, featuring 36 remixes.

None of these remixes feature on the individual reissues and in fact fourteen of them are previously unreleased. This package is compiled and annotated by Tom Parker who did a great job on the albums proper (interview with him here).

Megarama is released on 2 March 2015. Full track listings coming at the beginning of next week.

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54 Comments

54 thoughts on “Bananarama / “Megarama”: The Mixes / three-disc remix set”

  1. Pingback: Bananarama / In A Bunch: The Singles 1981-1993/ 33CD box set! | superdeluxeedition

  3. Responses to previous posts:

    1. “Hideous Casebound Book covers”
    Here’s an idea… Digitize all of the booklet material, and put the CD’s in regular jewel cases.

    2. LISA STANSFIELD “CHANGE–Metamorphosis Mix” audio glitch.
    What is the time mark on that? I’ll check it out.

    3. BANANARAMA Megarama 3 CD Set.
    Yes, I am pretty sure they will have the 1989 Love, Truth & Honesty era songs and mixes. However, of the 14 “unreleased” remixes, I am guessing to venture there is a house remix of “I Can’t Help It” sitting out there somewhere in dust–I hope it sees light of day. They did “house” mixes of Rumour and Love In The First… stands to reason there could be/should be a more club-oriented version of I Can’t Help It that goes a step beyond the Hammond Version and generic “Club Mix” that is really an extended version. Their greatest song of the album, and only two remixes released back in the day. Why?

    4. Possibly some unreleased Demos? I guess the chances are …one in a million we might see some of those. :)
    Then again, you could always get a hold of some fan who has a digital transfer of the originals. Maybe there’s some idiot out there who spent years getting sealed/unplayed copies of all the promos and everything available and remastered them using DVD audio parameters… Where could we find a nutcase like that?

    :)

    1. Thanks for the tip matthew but i always find the CDs are scratched and covered in glue before you’ve even played them so i won’t be wasting my money on CDs that look like they’re 10 years old. Unless they go back to Jewel cases i won’t be buying any in the future. Sad but true.

  5. Would buy this in a heartbeat if it was in a regular Jewel case but i’m not even gonna waste my time ordering as it’s in those hideous Casebound Book covers. No doubt the discs will have scrapes and glue marks. Yuk!!

  6. Pingback: Megarama track listing | superdeluxeedition

  7. i have no interest in mixes,dubs or instrumentals but i love getting remastered album tracks and non lp b sides. not every 7″ and 12″ makes it to cd single.

  9. I love all the crying that accompanies these releases. Why not just be happy we’re getting them? I’m looking forward to the unreleased stuff myself.

  10. Agree with whoever you want,unless you know the facts then do not comment. Like i said,this guy is not the only person who does very good reissues and searches for masters. Vinny Vero is one to name but a few who does an excellent job with reissues.So think what you like.Not like we all have to bow down to him.

    1. Jeff, I think Neil was just expressing an opinion, not saying it’s a rock-solid FACT that Tom Parker is the best reissuer producer etc. Don’t think he was suggesting anyone has to ‘bow down’ to anyone!

      I certainly thought Tom did a great job with Bananarama… no idea why he wasn’t involved in Donna, could be for any number of reasons, I doubt it has anything to do with if he is ‘good enough’ to do it. I agree there are lots of people doing fine work out there. You mentioned Vinny – I love his work and hey, I thought I did an okay job with Paul Young, Thompson Twins etc. :)

      It would be boring if everyone agreed, but hopefully we can disagree in a respectful but still entertaining way. P

      1. Overall, the Tom Parker reissues I’ve purchased over the past few years have ranged from very good to incredible, with one exception — the recent Lisa Stansfield box set, which I’d put in the decent/mediocre category.

        The Lisa box and CD sets look nice, the tracklists are great, and the CD booklets are good (albeit there are a few errors – proofing and otherwise), but the overall remastering is mediocre at best.

        There was no attempt to give the tracks across the 13 CDs (or even on any given CD) a standard, and appropriate, volume. When analyzed in Wavepad, there are wild fluctuations in volume. For example, many of the Lisa Stansfield tracks are too loud, while much of the So Natural album is very, very soft. I looked at everything across the 13 CDs, and the impression I got was that each master was simply digitized and then thrown directly into the “use for master CD” pile with no further processing/remastering, which is a shame (like there was a time crunch because there was so much to do to get 13 CDs ready).

        Also, I was shocked to discover an audio glitch in the Metamorphosis Mix of Change which sounds like a vinyl needle skip. I know time is money, but spending 80 minutes to listen to the final master of each remastered CD before sending them to the factory for pressing should be a given (for audio glitches and for volume consistency).

        Plenty of other Tom Parker reissues in my collection have wonderful remastered audio, so I don’t know what happened with the Lisa Stansfield set (for example, the 2012 Japan Kylie PWL CDs sound incredible).

        I’ll definitely buy this Bananarama set, but I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the proper remastering is done (Tom has a very good track record, so hopefully the Lisa Stansfield set was just a one-time occurrence).

      2. This was Me’s comment and not mine for the record i cut and pasted it above by mistake. As i said i agree with me and not Jeff. Here is the comment which has now disappeared leaving this thread very messy… Yes it is the ‘Colonel’ Tom Parker, one and the same, and what is wrong with that? If it wasn’t for Tom Parker, you PWL and fans would be without SO many amazing releases. From the PWL iTunes releases of things which would never have seen the light of day with him to the dozens of reissues which were extensively researched, unearthing masters that others would given up searching for, to the exquisite artwork with painstakingly accurate fonts and extensive notes. Better than anyone else doing reissues. So please advise what is wrong with him? Without him you’d have nothing in comparison.

  13. “Better than anyone else doing reissues” You talk like they are the only one in the world that does reissues ! As for the iTunes releases,still a lot more that never got released. Princess to name but a few. Also if someone has an opinion then let them have it,instead of going on.

    If he is so amazing then why was he not involved with Donna Summer at all ? Not even a mention in the booklet.And they were compiled and researched very well.Fonts and everything else. Painstakingly

    1. Yeah let’s keep everything released on vinyl off of CD’s FFS who wants or even needs them? I have a record player in my car and always take every issued vinyl of Bananarama in the car along with my four kids. Hell i even have those 14 previous unreleased gems in the car too (whatever they may be).

      1. Yes it is the ‘Colonel’ Tom Parker, one and the same, and what is wrong with that? If it wasn’t for Tom Parker, you PWL and fans would be without SO many amazing releases. From the PWL iTunes releases of things which would never have seen the light of day with him to the dozens of reissues which were extensively researched, unearthing masters that others would given up searching for, to the exquisite artwork with painstakingly accurate fonts and extensive notes. Better than anyone else doing reissues. So please advise what is wrong with him? Without him you’d have nothing in comparison.

        1. What a mess sorry for this. Can i not delete from here i didn’t see my post in the right place at first and copied and pasted someone else’s. Sorry

          1. If you want me to delete a post I can do… not sure I understand what the issue is though :)

          2. This post from me… ‘Yes it is the ‘Colonel’ Tom Parker, one and the same…’ I didn’t write that i copied and pasted by mistake (it was someone else’s completely. It seems that you have deleted the proper post by mistake and now this is an even bigger mess as i can’t now see that post. And these 2 follow up posts. This one and ‘What a mess sorry…’ thanks

  17. Well it’s nice to see Tom Parker involved in something again,i wonder why he wasn’t involved in the Donna Summer re issues ?

    And i wonder if it will include ALL that was not included on the Edsel reissues ?

  18. Holy cow! I did not see this one coming! I am so happy, and I love the design! Can’t wait to find out what’s inside and to have it in my hands. I assume it’s the usual case-bound packaging, although I dream of a cool box set with plastic petals inside :)

    PS: I saw them live 10 years ago and indeed they were super sweet, sang live very well and were totally down to earth. Don’t smear the Nanas.

  19. GREAT!!! GREAT!!! GREAT!!!
    Thank you very much Edsel & Tom Parker.
    I hope to find, included in this new collection, some mixes that aren’t still availables on cd, and anyway no less than these:
    Do Not Disturb – Bananamix
    A Trick Of The Night – Tricky Mix
    Love In The First Degree – Jailers Mix (No Intro)
    The Bananarama Mega-Mix – (’88 issued in Spain,Japan, Germany)
    Love, Truth & Honesty – Balearacidic Mix
    Megarama ’89 – Dimitri/Full Length Version
    Megarama ’89 – Coulthard/Full Length Version
    Venus – The Greatest Remis (’89)
    Only Your Love – A Tribute To Barry Mooncult Mix
    Preacher Man – Shep’s Dub Mix
    Long Train Running – The Pacha Mix
    Long Train Running – The Romany Dance Mix

    1. some of the mixes in your list have already been issued on cd….both megarama 89 mixes(Coulthars and Dimitri)… Venus (greatest remix) and Cruel summer 89(swing beat dub) is on the deluxe set of their second album

      Here’s a list of what has never ”ever”been released in any country,on any cd single,cd album,cd compilations or cd reissues..anybody know of any I’ve missed?

      Do not disturb(instrumental)
      (bananamix)
      Venus(hellfire dub)
      (desire dub)
      More than physical(instrumental 7′ mix) though found on dvd menu
      A trick of the night(Instrumental mix)
      (tricky mix)
      (Tricky mix -edit) very lame mix
      (number 1 mix-edit)
      I hear a rumour(corporation dub)
      Love in the first degree(escapee instrumental) though found on dvd menu
      Mr.Sleaze(instrumental)
      (rare groove edit) lame mix
      88′ megamix(edit)
      Love,truth & honesty(balearacidic mix)
      (balearacidic dub)
      (hot power mix)US longer mix with cold end
      (hot power dub)
      Nathan Jones(instrumental dub mix)
      (analog mix)
      Megarama 89′(Coulthard 7” mix)
      89′ The greatest hits megamix(7” mix)
      (full lenght mix)
      Only your love(Tribute to Barry Mooncult mix)
      (Paris Texas instrumental)
      Preacher man(Shep’s dub mix) though found on dvd menu
      (instrumental)
      (bonus beats dub)
      Long train running(romany dance mix)
      (pacha mix)
      Tripping on your love(Indika dub mix)
      (silky dub)
      (We’re all doved up dub)
      (sweet exorcist dub)
      (dancefloor justice instrumental)
      (Maurice’s wicked mix)
      (Maurice’s wicked dub)
      (sturm mix)
      (e-smooth chant mix)

      any of these mixes appear on the 3cd set and I’m happy…on top of 14 unreleased mixes to boot….can’t wait to see the track list and to get my copy of course!Who know? maybe if it sells as well as the 6 reissues,we’ll get another mixes compilation

      Patrick

      1. Yes, I know that 3 of the mixes I listed are already issued on cd before, but only on over 25 years old cds, and they aren’t remastered or in acceptable audio quality. Two of them are the two versions of Megarama ’89 that I think surely will find space on the new compilation as it’s called MEGARAMA!!! I haven’t listed “Cruel Summer 89”. (?)
        I know all the mixes you listed in your post but the majority of them are Dubs or Instrumentals that were been issued only on 12″Promos so I have big doubts about their inclusion, considering also the fact that fourteen of them are previously unreleased, so remains the space for just 12 already published tracks.
        My big disappointment will be to find included in the new collection mixes that are so easy to get in recent issues, as:
        LOVE TRUTH & HONESTY – Dance Hall Version
        LOVE TRUTH & HONESTY – Hot Power Mix
        I HEARD A RUMOUR – Miami Mix
        VENUS – The Hellfire Mix
        Etc…

        1. don’t know why i thought i read Cruel summer 89 in your list…i agree that instrumentals and dubs are not as important as getting full mixes…but some dubs are really great…but like i said…..anything from the list gets on the 3cd set and it’s all good…and if we get mixes we already have on cd ,at least we’ll get them in remastered versions.Just for the fun of it…here’s what I’d really be glad to get on cd for the first time

          1:Venus(desire dub)
          2:Trick of the night(tricky mix)
          3:I heard a rumour(corporation dub)
          4:Love truth & honesty( ”full” hot power mix)
          5: (Balearacidic mix)
          6 and 7: both balearacidic dub and hot power dub..cause I’ve never been able to get my hands on the 12” promo.The ONLY 2 mixes I’m missing from my collection!
          8:Only your love(Tribute to barry Mooncult mix)
          9:Preacher man(Shep’s dub mix)
          10:Long train running(Pacha mix)
          11:Tripping on your love(Maurice’s wicked mix)
          12:(sturm mix)
          13:(e-smooth chant mix)
          14:(we’re all doped up dub)

          Instrumentals and megamixes i can do without….for now lol! So I hope people go for this set so we can maybe get a second one…wich could mean everything from 81 to 93 could be out on cd.I’ve also pre ordered my copy …from amazon.co.uk

          Can’t wait to see when the track listing …so curious about the 14 unreleased mixes….LOVED the 6 reissues..i still listen to them very often…we were very lucky to get what we did and to now get a new compilation…

          Who knows? Maybe we’ll get deluxe editions of Ultraviolet and Exotica one day!?

          Patrick

  20. I hope that there’s some US only promo DJ mixes here (if any) that haven’t yet appeared on cd. Have a strange feeling that this collection will focus mainly on the SAW years and beyond.

  22. I hope the collection includes the extended 12inch versions of “Love, Truth and Honesty” (Dance Hall Version), “Help” featuring Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders (aka Lananeeneenoonoo), “Cruel Summer ‘ 89” (Swing Beat Dub) and “Megarama ’89”.

    1. Utah (idiot) get off your backside, set up your own label then. or just sit behind a keyboard being the frightful bore you are which is almost certainly a reflection of your existence in general.

      thank you for all the updates you provide Paul. everything received as a heads-up is greatfully appreciated, regardless of artist/label, cost or whether anyone invididually rates a release. best resource going for this. i also admire your positivity in the face of the odd muppet who clearly did not have their pants put on the radiator in the mornings.

    1. I sure hope you are not referring to Sara and Karen. They are both super sweet and very fan friendly. I can understand being upset if they were not consulted on the reissues, and considering they wrote of the songs they deserved to give imput if appropriate.

  26. Interesting that the product description on amazon indicates that this collection was put together with the cooperation of Sarah and Keren, as IIRC the band were not involved with the deluxe reissues from a few years ago and weren’t happy with them.

    1. They weren’t involved with the deluxe reissues (don’t know why), and possibly peeved, but I can’t imagine them truthfully not being happy with them – they were excellent.

    1. Notice that this set is being called “The Mixes,” not “The Remixes” — hopefully that means that it will include lots of remixes plus the missing 7″ Mixes/Single Mixes that weren’t on the album reissues.

      Luckily, we won’t have long to wait for the tracklist.

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