L.A. Review of Geo

Another rave review for our Geo. This one's my favorite as Geo called out Dr. Phil for being a lifeless turd. Sorry folks for shirking my YDG role. I'll be back once I'm esconced in the loveliness that is Shreveport!
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Live Review
George Michael - The Forum, Los Angeles
Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:52:20

It's been 20 years since George Michael last played Los Angeles. If it's another 20 years before he returns, at least the City of Angels can rest assured they got their fill of memories when he headlined The Forum Wednesday night.

"The last time I played here was 1988, I was 25," said the former Wham! frontman turned solo superstar early in the night's highlight-filled, 140-minute performance. "I hope by the end of tonight, you'll have forgiven me for my absence… In fact, I'm going to make sure you forgive me, we'll have a fucking wicked time!"

With a pristine voice and good humored demeanor, and a 15-piece band and one of the most visually compelling video stages in recent memory, the 45-year-old pop idol-turned-club icon-cum-sophisticated crooner lived up to every word of his promise, from the moment the stage opened and the gallant hero of the gay community walked to the center of the screaming arena during opener "Waiting (Reprise)," through the fading chorus of closer "Freedom 90" nearly three hours later. He even celebrated his birthday onstage, the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" on no fewer than two occasions, and his band taking a well rehearsed run through the song as actress Bo Derek presented him with a cake during the evening's encore.

Broken into two hour-plus sets split by a 25-minute intermission, the 23-song setlist was anchored by the Technicolor glitz and rainbow-waving pageantry of Michael's club-driven dance anthems, from the smooth and salacious second song of the night, "Fastlove," to the more flamboyant "An Easier Affair" ("this is for the gays," he offered), "Too Funky" and "Star People '97," which closed the first hour and lit the stage in a vortex of flashing colors that thrust the synth-driven revelry to light speed.

"This song is from 1984. Just turn to the person next to you and imagine them with four times as much hair, and you're almost there. But you'll have to help me, I'm an old man, and I can't hit the high notes anymore…" Michael laughed as he introduced the Wham! hit "Everything She Wants." Despite the fact that the he hardy missed a note all night (if at all), the enthusiastic crowd rose to his vocal challenge, accompanying the six backup singers as neon disco balls and dollar signs flashed in the background.

Other first-set favorites included the night's only other Wham! single, "I'm Your Man," early solo hit "Father Figure," the soft and supple "Jesus To A Child" and the beautiful standout "A Different Corner," which was driven by an evocative vocal performance that proved as vulnerable as it was powerful.

If the first set leaned heavily on Michael's early career, the second set focused on the variety that has marked his more recent work. Though he returned to the stage to the gentle swing of "Faith," it was the more colorful plumage of the "La Cage aux Folles"-flavored "Feeling Good" and a middle-of-the-arena foray through the jazzed-down Police cover "Roxanne" and the old-time, standard-sounding “Kissing A Fool” that proved most resounding amidst the more danceable run of set closers "Amazing," "Flawless (Go To The City)" and "Outside."

There were a bevy of celebrities in the crowd, but it was television therapist Dr. Phil who got the most memorable George Michael shout out, to the crowd's booing dismay. "In the sea of smiling faces, he's looked miserable for the last hour," Michael ribbed as the video screens showed the Oprah favorite and his wife. "You should see someone about that!"

"Praying For Time," the song Michael performed on the season finale of American Idol, opened the encore, and was followed by the highly anticipated sing-along sway of "Careless Whisper" and the night's celebratory closing favorite "Freedom '90."

"Thank you, I've had a wonderful night," said Michael before kicking into "Freedom." "Do you forgive me?" While the answer was a resounding roar from the crowd, more interesting was his closing remarks as he left the stage: "I'll see you soon…"

George Michael kicked off the six week North American leg of his current 25 Live Tour in San Diego, CA, June 17. The 21-city run is highlighted by three stops in Southern California (San Diego, Los Angeles and Friday night’s show in Anaheim) and two nights at New York City's Madison Square Garden, and closes August 3, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The world tour, which started in September 2006 in Barcelona, Spain, will conclude with two shows, "The Final Two," August 24-25 at Earls Court, in London, England.

One More Try -- This one goes out for 'Lano

Ladies (Why bother even saying gentlemen anymore?),

Today I bring you "One More Try" arguably one of the best songs Geo has ever written and recorded and featured on the "For the Heart" disc of the Ladies and Ladies greatest hits collection.

I am sending this one out as a special YDG tribute to John who is dealing with some crazy health issues right now. Bizarre infection and elevated EKGs -- he is resting well at home after a crazy weekend. (We are convinced his elevated EKG was a result of reading YDG too much. The paramedics had to pry the laptop from his hands.) He's trying to get into see a cardiologist "For the Heart," but has had some trouble. He needs to keep trying -- "One More Try," if you will. John, take a cue from Geo who has never given up. He continues to be such an inspiration to us all.

What can I say about this song that all of you haven't already said or thought? George has said he is most proud of this recording; I can understand that. It is the singular moment vaulted George to being one of the great white soul singers of all time. He just belts this one out with such passion and conviction -- after more than 20 years of listening to it, it continues to mesmerize me. Just George and a Casio. It's all you need. How I didn't realize George was gay when this came out, I will never understand.

Let's send all the good vibes out to John today. I have prescribed the healing power of George Michael recordings as part of his protocol.

The imbed is disabled, but the link is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Iiz1g1WLk

One more thing: I am SICK of these people who mention our George in the same sentence as Boy George. As if there is any comparison? Such an insult. People just know they're both gay and were popular in the 80s and think of them as the same. Insane. When will this homophobic madness end?

Geo Go-Go!!!

After concert announcements and 25 Live north american tour hype, I think its time to go back to a staple. I've decided to go with the video that I'll assume introduced all of us on this board to the magic of George Michael, Wham's "Wake me up before you go-go!"

Watching this video, cheesy and dated as it is, its impossible to not get wrapped up in the fun of it all and not be thrown head first into a good mood, the bouncy music is simply infectious!

But for this video kids, the focus MUST be on the look! Here goes:

First, the clothes: RIDICULOUS!?! How dated and cheesy! where's the "Frankie Says" one??? On the contrary, how can you NOT love the George's striped short shorts?? Thats the stuff of legend (how did anyone ever think they can push him as a straight guy??)!!!

Second, the moves: In this video we see the origins of the Geo "swinging hand clap." Granted its a little over the top, and not as refined as the cool moves he employs today, but nevertheless, its GOOD. In particular, I love when he sings "you make the sun shine brighter than doris day" and then shields his eyes, what a queen!!! Um, and can we talk about the yellow gloves???

FINALLY and most importantly, pay close attention to my favorite part, at 2:29, when georgie says "it cold out there but its warm in bed" simulateously rolling his eyes. Maybe his gayest gesture EVER! Downright hysterical.

Anyway, hope this staple put you all in a good mood, its sure did it for me! I couldnt embed so here;s the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHEVK-DMKAw&feature=related

Can You Feel It?!

Geo is making his way to the nation's capital. In short, he'll be "Round Here" soon enough. So in honor of George criss crossing his way to us adoring YDGers, I am posting Round Here, one of the best cuts off the Patience album.

The song is brilliant and the video is pure George. It's just him and his band in the studio edited with footage of his hometown. He sings like an absolute fucking angel on this one and he is looking decidedly NOT like Robert Evans. And as we all like to WATCH him sing, this is a real treat.

The songwriting on this one is up in the Father Figure pantheon for me. Mid-tempo, soulful, personal, and really shows of his vocal range and abilities. It's in the top 25 in my ipod I would have to guess. It's much like A Moment with You where he's hitting the notes brilliantly, but is holding it back and not belting it out, it's a little softer. As we all know, George can do anything with his voice and on Round Here, me likey! The low key production on this is wonderful, too.

Enjoy this one, YDGers. Soon, our beloved George will be here. I can hardly stand it!

Also, Geo on people.com today looking very much like Robert Evans:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20207825,00.html

YDG Special Report-- review of night one!!!!

Check out this review from Rolling Stone, sounds incredible!!!


http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/18/george-michael-feels-the-freedom-at-first-us-tour-in-17-years/

Prime Time George

While true, longtime YDG members never lost track of his greatness and amazing recent work, many in the states forgot about our George, rendering him a relic of the 80's with that other george -- Boy George.

However, I must commend the producers of Eli Stone for putting this world-class star in American prime-time TV, and once again, in the consciousness of the country. I'm not a fan of the show by any stretch, but this scene is funny, ending with a confident George doing his thing.

Per usual, I'm gonna reference "the look," but go further: I honestly dont think hes EVER looked better. So natural, so stylish, so GOOD.

Enjoy this great little clip, and amazing marketing tool for the 25 Live tour...

YDG Special Report -- Tour Starts Tomorrow!!!!

Guess what YDG sisters??? The 25 LIVE US TOUR starts tomorrow in SanDiego -- Can you feel the excitement?!?!?! It's only a month and a half away till he arrives in the Nation's Capital! In celebration (and preparation), here's an exclusive interview with our man about the US leg of the tour -- enjoy!

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20206920,00.html

John and Elvis are Dead

YDGers, I've selected John and Elvis are Dead to close out this week. This is one the best cuts off the Patience album and a great example of a slow soulful George classic.

The song tells a story of a friend who's been in a coma since 1975 and wakes up to the reality of today. And then asks to be put back into a coma. He asks "If Jesus Christ is alive and well, how come John and Elvis are dead." Pretty deep. I love the Beatles -- one of my all time favorite bands -- I am, however, not a big fan of John worship. This song still works for me because the question is balanced out with Elvis, clearly not the same brand of narcissistic weirdo. The question really balances out.

The video is extraordinary. I think Geo was going through a fat phase here because he shows none of his signature moves. This video flows seamlessly from George's face to footage of different significant cultural moments over the last 40 years. Lots of John Lennon (and Yoko) footage. I suspect the Presley estate wouldn't let him use Elvis footage because there is but one image of him right at the end. The whole thing is really kind of mesmerizing.

I’ve been listening to this one all week. Love this song. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Blame It On The Sun

Hey folks! We seriously have to reconsider the lockdown of YDG. Why the shame? Embrace the love of Geo!

Anyway, sorry for the delay, I was really lacking inspiration. But I realized, all I needed to do was to spend some quality Youtube time and cocoon myself in Geo.

For your listening and viewing pleasure today is a not only a cover of perhaps my favorite Stevie Wonder song, but a duet between Geo and Ray Charles!

First, I think this duet would be much better served with less Ray and more Geo and I'm not sure that they are a great match together for a duet either, but it is still pretty lovely.

Of course, there's no actual video of this vocal genius stew, but of course we can always count on the ever crafty legions of Geo fans to put together their own video for the song. Surprise, it's a photo montage of Ray and George! Yup that's it, that's the video. Enjoy!

Shoot the Dog

For today's post, I've selected Shoot the Dog, a questionable song with a good beat and an unbeatable video. For us worshipers of "the look," this is a must see.

We are treated to a self-deprecating cartoon of George (Michael) himself in many hilarious situations. My personal favorite moment is when the three looks of George: Wham, Faith, and 90s Caesar all dance together. Cannot be beat. I also love when different versions of George dress up like the village people.

Say what you will about his political message, this video is incredible. And as astute observers of the George look, it's a laugh-out-loud must see.

Enjoy!

BAD BOYS!!!

Ok YDGers, after a couple of staples, its time for another gem. I bring you my second favorite Wham! song of all time, "Bad Boys!" I could get into the George-as-a-boy storyline, but this song is all about the MUSIC! I challenge you to listen to this and try not to get up and shake your caboose. its truly a great 80's pop dance tune.

Speaking of 80's, I have to disclose that at many a dance at St. Patrick's School in SI, my buddy Chris Pantano and I used to dance with Elena Cataldo and Janine Boscarino while singing this song together! Yes, I was able to move very well for a 6th grader...

Very quickly, the LOOK: We havent coined a phrase for this one, im going to call it "young buck George." It's truly amazing how young and studly he is in this earliest (1983) of video documentation. He definitely was the embodiment of an 80's boy toy!

Finally -- on YDG we've recently referenced karaoke. Let me just formally propose that if we ever all go out to a karaoke bar, my brother Solano and I need to sing this song together -- ill wear my tank top -- and finish it with the patented Michael/Ridgely arm-cross. CAN YOU IMAGINE!!??! It will happen someday!