NOW! That's What I Call A Tune! 78

It's been a while - and the character of this blog has changed - but I'm determined to finish my series featuring one track from each NOW! That's What I Call Music! album. 

The premise is that this will normally be the track that, on browsing the contents, I'd be inclined to play first: for novelty value, because it brings back particular memories or because it's a favourite. 

This week I've gone for the comic video genius that sees Peter Kay as Geraldine McQueen as Elaine Paige and Susan Boyle as Barbara Dickson. Filmed for Comic Relief in 2011, this is their take on the original video. Keep watching for the little comic details - and the big "reveal" as to whom the song is about:

And here, as a bonus, is that original video with the real Barbara Dickson and Elaine Paige:




Andrew

NOW! That's What I Call I Tune! 71

There were some fantastic options for this week's NOW! That's What I Call A Tune! but there was one really standout track. Not necessarily for it's musical brilliance, but more for it's sheer comedy value. Written by Gary Barlow and borrowing heavily from winner's songs on various reality shows past and present, it was the winning artiste from Britain's got the Pop Factor... and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's Ireland's answer to Enya, Geraldine McQueen:

And as a bonus, here's the saintly Cat Deeley "losing it" on "live" TV:

Andrew

Comedy Gold!

I was reminded of this a few days ago. It's a clip from Peter Kay's Britain's got the Pop Factor... and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice, which is a genius parody of all the reality shows we know and love... or hate.

Part of its success was down to the attention to detail, with lots of nuanced observational comedy. Another factor is the participation of real-life reality TV stars - it's "presented" by Cat Deeley who plys her trade on So You Think You Can Dance in the States (and also the UK version) and judges included Dr Fox and Pete Waterman, former stars of Pop Idol. A host of guest stars also appeared including - somewhat incredibly - Sir Paul McCartney.

But the main element is Kay's creation, Geraldine. Partly based on Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, Geraldine has a cracking back story - she used to be a man - and a surprisingly good singing voice. The winner's song - called "The Winner's Song" - is a pastiche of the type of song typical of such shows. Co-written by Gary Barlow, it was Kay's singing voice while recording it which inspired him to play a woman.

If you've never seen it, the DVD is available and I thoroughly recommend it. Here's a clip of Kay as his alter-ego, singing an unlikely medley of songs:

Andrew