BBC EUROVISION SCANDAL!

Who do YOU think of when someone mentions UK Eurovision Song Contest winners? Well, according to a poll of BBC Radio Two listeners in 2013 the answer is unquestionably Bucks Fizz, who were voted the UK's best Eurovision entry of all time with the iconic Making Your Mind Up, written by Andy Hill and John Danter. 

But Bucks Fizz were more than just Eurovision and a trio of number one hits - very underrated in their heyday, many of their singles, B-sides and album tracks were a lot more sophisticated than their contemporaries. With their ever-evolving style Bucks Fizz were ahead of their time in some respects and bang on trend in others.

Epic production, bombastic New Romantic-esque vocal stylings, incredible harmonies and "in your face" percussion - some fab 12" remixes too! And they are still going strong with solo careers and as a band (they released a brand new album a couple of years ago) - they're now known as "(Cheryl, Mike and Jay) Formerly of Bucks Fizz" are still recording and just about to embark on a massive world tour with guest vocalist Bobby McVey (the original group member Bobby G unfortunately left to start a cabaret band and won the rights to use the name Bucks Fizz in a bitter court battle). 

With all this in mind it seems more than a little strange that the most successful group (aside from ABBA) to ever come out of the Eurovision Song Contest has been excluded from the BBC's upcoming event to celebrate 60 years of Eurovision. A twitter campaign using the hashtag #iwantmyfizz has been started by loyal fans and began trending worldwide supported by the band and many other celebrities; it even has its own FaceBook page! Despite the huge outcry, the BBC have so far remained tight lipped on the scandal and have refused to make any comment. Original band member Jay Aston said: 

“They will not be able to call us Bucks Fizz, we’d have to be ‘formerly of Bucks Fizz’. That’s the only reason I can think of.”

Whatever the outcome, fans can rest assured that Bucks Fizz are here to stay and can be seen performing live in the Paradise Regained Tour 2015 all over the UK, Europe and even as far as Australia! With all the publicity gained from this BBC scandal you'd better book your tickets now before they sell out!

Useful links:

Formerly of Bucks Fizz website

Formerly of Bucks Fizz twitter

Cheryl Baker @twitter

Jay Aston @twitter

Mike Nolan @twitter

#iwantmyfizz Facebook page

Paradise Regained Tour 2015 - book tickets

http://www.formerlyofbucksfizz.co.uk/where-to-see-us.html

CHEEKY NEW POP VIDEO FROM "BUCKS FIZZ" BABE JAY ASTON PROVES SHE STILL SPARKLES!

With the Eurovision Song Contest done and dusted for another year and with the UK once again failing to finish in the top 10, at least we can all be happy in the knowledge that Bucks Fizz star Jay Aston is flying the flag for British pop with her fabulous new single "True Love". 

Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision for Britain back in 1981 with the frothy "Making Your Mind Up" and had much success worldwide with their unique brand of glossy, contemporary pop, bombastic "pop opera" vocals and catchy tunes. Although still going strong under the name Cheryl, Mike and Jay: Formerly of Bucks Fizz, all three band members also have various projects of their own and Jay Aston's forthcoming new album, "I Spy", is actually her third solo long-player.

Proving that she still has what it takes in terms of both musical talent and sex appeal Aston has released a naughty but fun video to promote her latest release. So sit back, watch the video, download the single and buy the album - I can promise you won't regret it! 

JAY ASTON - "TRUE LOVE" (POP VIDEO)

 

"BUCKS FIZZ" DIVA ROCKS A SEXY NEW LOOK AND SOUND!

Bucks Fizz were one of Britain's biggest pop exports back in the eighties and despite various dramas and in-fighting over the years have successfully reformed, now comprising of original three members Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston. Not only have they released a brand new album (Fame & Fortune), various compilations of rare tracks and remixes (the Lost Masters project) and toured extensively, all three members of the group have their own thriving solo careers. Cheryl is currently touring in the brilliant Happy Days The Musical, Mike released a warmly received solo album (In My Life) and now Jay is following suit with a new single (True Love) and album (I Spy).

Jay Aston was known for her sexy outfits and dramatic powerhouse vocals, particularly on Bucks Fizz's huge hit When We Were Young and has always been popular with the group's fans. Aston left Bucks Fizz in 1985 after they were involved in a devastating coach crash and her career was left in limbo when she was sued for breach of contract by the band's management. She eventually released some critically acclaimed solo albums and finally settled her differences with Cheryl and Mike, leading to the successfully reformed group we see today who tour under the name Cheryl, Mike and Jay - Formerly of Bucks Fizz!

On 5th May, Jay officially releases her new single True Love and it is already available to pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. It's a jaunty little number although not the big Kylie-esque pop/dance anthem I was expecting; the lyrics are fun and down-to-earth and Jay surprises once again with a quirky vocal style very different to what fans are used to. Catchy and old-school but with a nod to contemporary production techniques, all Bucks Fizz and Jay Aston fans should buy this track on the first week of release and get this talented singer-songwriter back in the charts where she belongs. 

BUCKS FIZZ : FAME & FORTUNE? New Album Review

Eurovision Song Contest winners and multi-million album sellers Bucks Fizz released their long-awaited brand new studio album last year under the name OBF (Original Bucks Fizz) after losing a legal battle against former band member Bobby G to retain the use of the name Bucks Fizz. However, original members Mike Nolan, Jay Aston and Cheryl Baker have proved that they haven't lost their fizz with this collection of new tracks and dramatically reworked versions of their old hits. Here is a review of the new Bucks Fizz album which you can buy through their fan club; just email theobfshop@gmail.com for details.

• My Camera Never Lies - The first indication that the new Bucks Fizz are a mellower beast with this dreamy chill-out acoustic version of number one power pop hit My Camera Never Lies with Mike on lead vocals. 
• Leave Them Alone - Another Mike-centric track with a light summer reggae vibe. Some lovely sax and perfect harmonies combine to make the perfect track to cruise through London in your convertible with the roof down soaking up the rays. 
• Heart of Stone - Bucks Fizz goes roots/country with a skiffle-influenced version of a track they originally released in 1988 which then had more of a rock ballad feel. Cher went on to cover the song bringing it to the charts in 1990.
• The Day Is Mine - In many ways the most "modern" and contemporary sounding of the new tracks, this Jay Aston-led electro pop could easily be released as a single with some subtle remixing and by boosting up the rest of the band's vocals on the chorus.  
• I Hear Talk - A brilliant jazz/skiffle version of the group's 80's hit, this was the first (and only?) single used to promote the new album and gives Bucks Fizz a true grown-up, retro, yet strangely fresh sound with a lead vocal from Cheryl. 
• Joy! - More reggae sounds with a Mike Nolan lead vocal and a real happy vibe. Could be boosted up a little and given a more powerful gospel choir sound but still a lovely energetic song; the exclamation mark in the title says it all.
• Can't Stand The Heat - Jay Aston's personal favourite, this was always a great dance track in its original incarnation but now given a lively latin flamenco feel. Makes me think of vacations overseas in the blazing hot sunshine - a real holiday vibe. 
• My Angel - A beautiful and poignant old school styled jazz ballad sung by Cheryl Baker; sublime.
• Talking In Your Sleep - Laid-back and surprisingly atmospheric version of yet another 80's hit, this has a subtle power and depth with a slightly gallic flavour. 
• Love To Love - Sounding instantly dated despite being a new track, this isn't one of my favourites although one could be charitable and call it "sweet". Bland and unmemorable.
• Making Your Mind Up - I've always hated this track (sorry Mike!) from the day it won Eurovision back in 1981 but this version is a revelation! I never thought in a million years that I could ever like this song but it's one of the highlights of the album, given a whole new lease of life with a perky yet laid-back jazz style. I could just put this track on repeat and chill out all day. 
• Ain't It A Shame (Ballad of Bucks Fizz) - This is a very clever track lyrically but would probably irritate the hell out of non-hardcore Bucks Fizz fans with its repetitive country refrain. The song includes many references to old Fizz tracks and is a quite melancholy look back at the mixed fortunes of the group over the years. 

Overall, this is a pretty strong album from a classic pop band which left me occasionally missing Bobby's harder-edged rockier vocals and the energetic percussion that was an essential part of the group's sound. However, Fame & Fortune shows a real maturity and an ear for a great tune combined with strong lead vocals and the ever-present perfect harmonies. With the right backing (are you listening out there record companies and promoters?) Bucks Fizz could definitely give the younger pop bands a run for their money and still be a musical force to be reckoned with. 

More good news for Fizz fans is that Mike Nolan is releasing his very first solo album called In My Life, a personal and poignant collection of songs; a contemporary twist on some 70's influenced classics. The album is now available to pre-order from Mike's website and look out for some TV, radio and live appearances too. I shall be reviewing Mike's new album in the very near future so watch this space!