Monkey

Today, live from Cape May, New Jersey, I bring you Monkey. One of the classics off the Faith album. This is a great up tempo number that was one of the smash hits of the 80s.

The "look" for this one is totally unique. It has not been seen on Geo before or since: Kind of a bolero hat with suspenders. His dance moves are really exaggerated in this, too. Not sure why this treatment was a one shot deal for him -- it works, but it's a bit like this unicorn of George looks. You see it once and then spend the rest of your life looking for it again.

Back from the beach tomorrow. Looking forward to getting back into the YDG swing of things again. Thanks for a great posts this week. Enjoy the video!

Older-Unplugged

First, I must give a shout out to GO for keeping the YDG ship afloat this week and especially for the "Club Tropicana" find. Truly spectacular!

So, I'm taking it down a notch, going to the "Older" album and the title single "Older". Released in 1996, this album is timeless. With such hits as my personal fave "Jesus to a Child," "Fast Love," and "Spinning the Wheel," this is definitely in my top all time favorite albums.

I'm a sucker for unplugged, especially when you have a vocalist as powerful as Geo. This song and album which signaled Geo's reemergence into the pop scene and showing the world he's really been through it. Lyrics such as: "Strange. Don't you think I'm looking older? But something good has happened to me. Change is a stranger who never seems to show." All I can say is exactly.

Simply, Amazing

Ok kids, after yesterday's over the top post, filled with more gayness than a 17th street bar at last call, I thought we'd take it back to another "staple," the wonderful "Amazing." I have to tell you, this song is definitely in my top 5 Geo/Wham songs of all time. Its just so smooth, polished, and danceable!

I like it even more when I watch this video -- first, how great is the icy-blue(?) shade of the picture? It just so damn pleasant to look at. Speaking of LOOKS, here we go: I love this present era of George, so confident, so open, so, well, GOOD. I always love when he shows off his musical ability with the acoustic guitar, one of the greatest accessories in pop music history.

I also love the lyrics to this song, which can we all relate to when thinking about that special someone (but not cheesy) -- just perfect! Anyway, whether you're vegetating on Capitol Hill, toiling in a law firm, at lunchtime recess at school, writing a screenplay or just lounging on the Jersey Shore, turn this one up loud and enjoy a truly Amazing tune.

"Club Tropicana" -- How Did I Miss THIS???

SO, I was scouring Geo and Wham! videos this morning trying to find the perfect video for your post-Memorial Day weekend Tuesday blues, and I think I found it. YDGers, behold "Club Tropicana!!!"

Clearly not the best written song in the Wham cannon, but I'm going to confidently say, the BEST, GAYEST and MOST ENTERTAINING video of them all!!! I couldnt embed, so here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIzVoNq9f9s

To the video: It is presented as a movie, "starring George Michael and Andrew Ridgley," and boy do they turn in a performance! The premise (as I can best determine): Our boys George and Andrew are apparently airline pilots on a rest stop at the ultra-chic "Club Tropicana," and doing their hedonistic best to have a great time with two sexy, coy ladies out for a good time!!

Now, this is the part where I'll usually go into "the Look," but there are so many different shades of George in this amazing short film that I will list the key looks to focus on. Consider it a Table of Contents for the "early gay" chapter of the Geo bio, if you will:

-- In just under a minute, look at our hero in a suggestive, "come hither" pose, sporting a banana hammock I can only dream of wearing myself.

--Next, at 1:13, behold George getting cool under a waterfall (they show ugly andy too, but no matter..)

--1:50: George on the beach, looking like some Greek God in Mykonos, (quickly cutting back to said waterfall shot -- and why not???)...and check out the HAIR kids -- curly!?!?! A greek god indeed...

--2:00: HYSTERICAL shot of Geo and Andrew walking on the beach past two cheesy 80's girls, then looking back to check them out -- DOES IT GET ANY BETTER?? (YDG side-bar: how the director can put George in this video, in stunningly early gay glory and somehow depict him as liking women is COMPLETELY beyond me!??!)

--Hands down, the best part of this amazing short film: George, shirtless, shaving in the mirror, PERFECT hair. I really have nothing else to say here.

--3:52 - Finally, its time for the boys to leave their Club Tropicana adventure, we discover their occupations, and also find out what those alluring young ladies do for a living. THE END

Ok, I've watched this video three times today, and have to admit its growing on me, and IN FACT, would be a quite excellent song to play at CLUB SOLANO pre-Geo show! It will be in the mix.

Seriously sisters, watch all 4 minutes of this video, it will definitely leave you wanting more! Enjoy!

--

Wha???

YDG'ers, I post with heavy heart. What was that AI performance?? After sitting through 1h 45 min of that crapfest, and having to listen to the Top 12 losers butcher his songs, FINALLY Geo appears.

Oh wait, I thought it was supposed to be Geo, but instead, Robert Evans appeared.


I, for one, was stunned. The entire day I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa only to wake up on Christmas morning with a kick to the stomach.

I mean, Praying For Time is a great song, I love it. Was this what we waited for?? NO! Don't get me started on the weird B-roll sunset screened in the background. WTF?


Kitty thinks it was all poor lighting and a malfunctioning monitor.

I still can't get over those glasses! He looks like he should be on Coffee Talk.

If you can stand it, performing Faith, Father Figure, and Freedom, your Top 12 losers (except for Michael Johns, love him!)


Discuss.

OMFG!

I know, I know. News hit the YDG community like a George Michael hand clap -- swift and sure. Verizon and Sprint must have wondered what was happening the way the text messages were flying around. Even Tony was like OMFG.

I can tell you exactly where I was when I heard. I was on my couch watching Law & Order. I'll never forget it -- it's like remembering where you were when you heard John Lennon was shot, etc.

I feel vindicated that Nigel Lythgoe referred to George as "the biggest star on the planet. True, true, Nigel.

The big question is this: What will he play? I feel that it might be Freedom or maybe Patience. I don't know! I can't think straight.

Now, in your comments, YDGers, I'd like you each to let the group know your thoughts on George playing on the FINALE of Idol. And what you think he'll play.

Today, I leave you not with a video, but with a link to the breaking news on George's performance. Can't wait!\

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/marc_malkin/b138263_george_michael_bringing_freedom_idol.html

George's Drug Confession

One of the biggest reasons YDG is such a treasure as that while it is undoubtedly a resource for some of his greatest video performances, it is also becoming a source for George information, either through post or comment. Continuing that trend, behold a Sky News piece on George's affinity for "cannabis," as the commentators call it here.

This news clip is highly enjoyable for a number of reasons. First and foremost, how FANTASTIC is it when George, while being groomed, is shown smoking and singing the praises of weed! Look at him in all his hedonistic glory, confidently laughing about his love for the stuff. He doesnt skip a beat, as his hairdresser highlights his locks -- how classic!!

It also must be pointed out that despite his blantant endorsement, our Geo exercises caution, uttering a true nugget of wisdom at :55 of the video -- "youve got to be in the right position in life..." Again, this wisdom is uttered literally as he is groomed for the stage, similar to when a gladiator puts on his armor before going into the Coliseum...but i digress...

There's also some nice 25 Live concert shots, as well as some b-roll interview stuff, where he looks better than ever, high and all! Enjoy this bit of George controversy.

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me

I'm dedicating this post to the most beautiful Staten Island Italian man I have ever met... Greg Orlando.

"Ladies and Gentlemen Mr. Elton John!" It's as though we were living in the dark ages before these profound words were exclaimed by our beloved Geo. Perhaps this is personal preference, but I would have to say "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is one of Geo's greatest collaborations with another singer/song-writer. His vocals on Elton's 1970s hit are heavenly, that electric blue jacket is an attention grabber, and the aviators are the icing on the cake for a monumental live performance.

As far as Elton is concerned, what's with the MC Hammer Jammer pants? I guess it's just him coming off the "Benny and the Jets" era but trying to class it up for our hunk of a man. Speaking of, on a personal note (yes, I just referred to myself as a hunk of a man), this song has two of my all-time favorite gays performing together and embracing at the end... a beacon of light in a confusing time in this gay's life.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VtZB4jluIO4

So, my fellow YDGers, enjoy this classic Geo/Elton duo on this lovely Monday afternoon. Those of you who were present at Katherine's birthday (Congressman Orlando), you have single-handedly turned my world upside down - and I mean that in the gayest interpretation possible. Those of you who were in L.A. you missed leaps and bounds in the bonding of YDGers.

One other announcement: we will be having a pre-party before the concert at my apartment since I live exactly 1 block away from the Verizon Center. You will all be receiving a party favor that may change your life.

You Gotta Have Faith

Truer words were never spoken. You really do. And on this day as I mark my 34th trip around the sun, this simple little declarative sentence is the only gift I need. This is George's version of "All You Need Is Love." The simple Zen almost mantra has defined his career -- and is a wonderful reminder to us all.

I know all of us YDGers have been through a lot of ups and downs in our lives and that Geo's music has been there for us through it all. This song -- and in fact the whole Faith album -- was there when I was what they now refer to as a "tween." I was past the point of dance routines and old enough to know that George was appealing to me. (And naive enough to not understand the gay implications of Father Figure.)

What can I say about the video: It is the most the iconic George Michael video and "look." Tight jeans, leather jacket, aviators, cross earring, cowboy boots, and an acoustic guitar. Oh, and the 5 o'clock shadow. (How can I forget?)And while Geo came to regret this video because people put him into a box as an artist and had trouble being taken seriously, we true fans love this as just one of the many sides of this brilliant icon.

Additionally, for those fans of the George moves, this video is full of them. Unreal. The imbed seems to have been disabled on you tube, so here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viPWb3ieH6o

Now, I hinted to a few of you that this was coming, and here it is: A special birthday bonus track. Many of you know that I consider George one of the top three great white soul singers of all time -- the other two being Daryl Hall and Michael McDonald. Today, I'm giving a special shout out to the yacht rock smooth soul trail blazers that paved the way for the career of George Michael. Geo picked up where H&O, Mickey Mac, and other yacht rock icons such as Steely Dan, Toto, and the great Kenny Loggins left off. Their innovations in the recording studios, vituriostic musical and vocal skills, and songwriting prowess changed the music industry forever.

To honor them, I am posting H&Os very first music video -- She's Gone. It is the strangest most hilarious thing ever. If you have ever smoked weed in your life, you may have some insights into what could possibly have been going on when they came up with this concept and filmed it. Hall can't even be bothered to lip synch some of his lyrics and with Oates we witness what is I think the first ever overdose on THC captured on film. If you've never seen this, it's a real treat.

Love to you all, YDGers. You're the best!

In Honor of Kitty's B-day...

Geo, one of Kitty's all time favs, covering another of Kitty's all time favs Stevie Wonder. From the Concert of Hope, 1994 or 1995 which was an AIDS benefit concert set up by Princess Diana. Yup, a shot of Princess Di. In finding this video, there is actual video of Geo with Elton John at Princess Di's funeral. And Geo as much as he loved Princess Di, he never f'd up one of his songs. Whatever you say about the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards has the greatest line about Elton that his writing is limited to writing songs for dead blondes. Awesome.

Ok, the video today, in honor of Kitty's b-day is "Love's In Need Of Love Today." How do you cover a Stevie song as powerful as this? Well, you don't. Unless your voice is of the gods, as we have here with Geo. And he's singing this song LIVE! I seriously have chills right now. (That was NOT an AIDS pun, I swear!)

Geo's got that John B. look going for this, but he does look rather elegant. Oh and his bass player, Dion Estus, check out his song "Heaven Help Me" Geo sings back up and it's great.



Happy birthday Kitty! I'm so sorry I'll miss the celebration, but I know you all will speak kind of me in my absence.

Poppa Was a Rollin' Stone

I've said it once, I'll say it again: Bring back the 90s! With this Geo standard, Killer/Poppa Was a Rollin' Stone, George solidified his righful spot in the pantheon of the greatest white soul singers of all time. He's up there with singers like Hall and McDonald -- in a white soul stratosphere that people like Joe Cocker and Steve Winwood can only dream of. He showed us where he was going early in his career by doing the fantastic duet with Ms. Aretha Franklin, but to do a Commodores cover -- and make it totally his own -- was ballsy to say the least. But he pulled it off and the Great White Soul Singer Hall of Fame will never be the same.

This video is so 90s -- I love it. The sepia tone, the pierced club kids, the diversity, shirtless man playing air trumpet -- all hallmarks of that bygone era. This video also has a good mix of images -- all of the faux commercial products that correspond with the lyrics. It's clever and entertaining -- I know he's telling us something deep, but I need to watch it a few more times before I can tell you you what it all means. Perhaps some of your comments can impart some wisdom.

Happy Wednesday and enjoy this one!

The Edge of Heaven

Today's YDG is an often-overlooked Wham song that got a decent amount of airplay, the great "Edge of Heaven." This was Wham's FINAL single, and subsequently the last time Ridgely would be able to ride the coattails of Our George. This was truly the "edge of heaven" for that marginal talent/freeloader.

Songwise, I actually think this is one of the best-constructed Wham songs of all time. Horns, guitar solo, great vocals by Geo... not bad at all.

On the video -- another black and white one, looks great, George doing the swinging claps (as is custom), and best of all, at around 3:08, the famous Geo/Andrew arm-cross, an enduring symbol of 80's pop history! finally, wait until the poignant end, where George shakes Andy's hand and a simple "goodbye" appears on the screen. Symbolizing the beginning of the phenomenon known as GEORGE MICHAEL.

I have announcement!

The annoucement is that there is an annoucement within this post. Sort of a Russian nesting annoucement.

Today's song is Spinning The Wheel, a Geo classic. This has got to be one of his best "For the Feet." He really gets his blues singing on in this one. Phenomenal. Geo also gets a chance to show off this beautiful falsetto. He's comes across as just groovin along with the song, but when you really listen you can hear what technical skill he brings and the degree of diffuculty that this tune really has. He makes it look (sound) so easy, folks! When I hear this song I think, "Bring back the 90s!" It was such a golden age for our Geo.

His look and performace in the video are, per usual, fantastic. Perfectly tailored leather blazer, gay 90s ceasar. I love George singing on a stool. He gets much more expressive with his upper body movements, which is really where he shines. I'd also like to point out how diverse the world of George is -- white, black, fat, skinny, gay, straight, dancers, loungers -- there's room for all.

OK, and the annoucement is...I have exercised the last two mornings. And have totally rocked the following during my cardio:

Easier Affiar
I Want Your Sex (1&2)

And for my cool down:

AMWY
Spinning The Wheel

And there you have it. I took it from fantasy to reality. And Geo helped me make it happen!

Geo in Rio!

Well, this is the only equator Geo is going south of... wink wink nudge nudge

Ok sorry folks, rough morning. I know that we all THINK that we've seen the gayest Geo video yet, but folks, you ain't seen NOTHING until you watch this live video of Geo performing Chaka Kahn's "Aint' Nobody" at a concert in Rio in 1991. It couldn't be gayer if Geo was bent over with a penis in his butt. Leather vest? Check. Shirtless under leather vest? Check. Hoop earring? Check. Oiled up and tan? Check and check.

I don't think I've ever quite seen him feel a song live as he does here. It doesn't hurt that this song is so damn awesome.

Geo in Rio rocking out. You just try not to chair dance in your office.

IT'S SO GOOD!!

If I worked out, this would be my favorite cool down song

This is in my top one or two Geo songs of all times: A Moment with You (AMWY). It is among his best in the songwriting category, not to mention his singing. It's extremely sensual and totally captures that feeling of being with someone you love for the first time. His tone and diction just capture it -- he's not really belting it out, he's sorta holding back a bit and it just works brilliantly for this song. It also -- if you look left -- belongs on the Chateau Mix for obvious reasons. It's a total "baby makin" song.

The clip is a fantastic photo montage dedicated to Marilyn Monroe set to AMWY. What could be better? Seriously. If it were actual gay porn, it would not be gayer than this. Don't worry to much about the video, just listen to the song as it is one of our Geo's greatest artistic achievements.

Tried and True -- Kissing a Fool

Ok, my YDG post for today is one of my very favorite George songs -- top 5 overall and #1 slow song, the wonderful "Kissing a Fool." This is early solo George and his voice is simply amazing. Love the black and white video, which totally channels the classic 40's era the song evokes.

As for the "look": Cotton white shirt with "guinea" T underneath, Geo singing into an old school mike with old school fans everywhere, classically handsome! My personal favorite part of the song comes at around the 3:30 mark when George steps up and belts out :

"But remember this
Every other kiss
That you ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man
One you really can surrender with
I will wait for you
Like i always do
There's something there
That can't compare with any other"

Full disclosure: I have sung this part of the song, while dancing closely, to countless birds. And yes, look left, it resides on the fabled "Chateau Mix!"

Enjoy this wonderful throwback of a song --

Ladies and Gentlemen

Drum roll please: I received the Geo tix in the mail yesterday! Can you believe it? Up until then, this was all just a crazy dream. Now it's a dream come true. A four-pack of Geo tix. Unreal.

So, in honor of our dream, I am posting a live version of I'm Your Man. This is a song that we will definitely be hearing and will likely be an encore. When Greg was doing his research on Geo set lists from the Euro tour, I believe this came up as one of the encores.

"A few initial thoughts" -- It works on so many levels for Geo - he made it back when he was "straight," but it really works as a gay empowerment song, too. That must be why we all love it so. Somehow, it always makes me feel better. It's those maniacal pop songs (you've heard me mention them here previously on YDG) they just pick me up. Just this morning, I was feeling so irritable because we were out of turkey bacon and we had to have soy sausage patties (you know, my life is so, so hard) And then on the way to work, I put on the live version of this and my cares just melted away. I think this must do the same for George. And when I picture us all at the concert, this song is what I think of. Can't you just picture Greg, shirtless, going crazy when George plays this song?

Everytime You Go Away

In honor of EnPee leaving us(me) tomorrow to be all Hollywood, I present "Everytime You Go Away" duet with Paul Young at Live Aid 1985.



What can I say, this is as 80s as you get. Whod'a thought there would be enough room for both the mulletude of Paul Young and Geo's bouffant? You know, just doin it all for Africa.

After EnPee blowing the doors off yesterday, I'll just let the music speak for me.