Ok, here's another new metal cover of my beloved "Last Christmas," this time by the Melodicka Bros. This version of the WHAM! classic is definitely dark and moody and therefore unique. I like it.
Melodicka Bros sell their music as "weird music for weird people." I think I fit the demographic. Check it out. I'm sure you'll hate it.
My favorite Christmas song of all time is "Last Christmas" by WHAM! Actually, it's about the only Christmas song I like period. Now, Samurai Pizza Cats have recorded a wild metalcore version of the track. It's hilarious and yes, the video features cats too. This band was meant for me.
Watch the video for "Last Christmas" below. I'm sure you'll hate it.
Friday night saw the induction of the 2023 class for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among the inductees was my beloved George Michael. The induction was overdue and it is such a shame it didn't happen while he was alive, but I am so glad George was finally included in the Hall.
The ceremony was carried live on Disney+ but I do not have that service, so I will have to wait to watch I guess. The Rock Hall did share a few bits via social media, including some of the remarks Andrew Ridgeley made while inducting his friend and WHAM! bandmate George. See below:
It also seems like Carrie Underwood is a true fan - the snippet shared of her rendition of "One More Try" seems downright amazing. Props.
The Singles: Echoes From the Edge of Heaven (Sony) is a new retrospective of the amazingly fast and successful career of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley as the duo WHAM! The retrospective was released worldwide on July 7, 2023.
The release is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the WHAM! debut album Fantastic and also the recent Netflix documentary.
I have the gatefold, 2-LP edition of the The Singles on 180g black vinyl, and yes, I purchased when the package was announced. The package is a chronological look at WHAM! and their biggest hits, starting with "Wham Rap!" and ending with "Where Did Your Heart Go."
For some odd reason, "Careless Whisper" is not part of the package. A shame since it is the biggest hit that George and Andrew wrote together. Plus, the song has a huge part in both the Netflix documentary and Andrew Ridgeley's 2019 book about his time in WHAM!
Beyond radio singles, the greatest hits release also includes some popular remixes as well. After all, WHAM! created music for dance floors!
There are many versions of The Singles, including a special box that has each single as a 7" record in a little carrying case. It's super cute and crazy expensive (it also includes a book and cassette tape, too). I chose to purchase the vinyl 2LP because I did not have all the WHAM! songs for my record player yet. I already have "Careless Whisper" on one of my George Michael records, so I'm good. I won't need to purchase any more WHAM! vinyl in the future. I suspect with the rebirth of the popularity of vinyl, that was the thought process behind this new package. For folks who are lucky enough to own original pressings of Fantastic and Make It Big, there is no need for this special anniversary release, except maybe to see the great inside cover art and read the lovely liner notes.
I have been enjoying my new vinyl quite a lot. The sound is bloody fantastic and "Club Tropicana" is just perfect for summer. I pop it on and Eric just shakes his head and smiles. It's hard not to smile when an infectious and goofy track like "Club Tropicana" is pumping in the background.
Please believe that weeks ago - when I was trolling the used record racks - I audibly gasped when I found the 12" double-single of WHAM! hits "Everything She Wants (Remix)" / "Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)." These are the best-known versions of each track and I snatched the record so fast out of the bin. I was nervous the record would be beat up, but it is not. My copy is pristine and plays beautifully. It cost me $20 bucks and was well worth it for two songs so important to me.
There are a few different versions of this double-single available on vinyl with varying covers. The cover to my version is shown at left.
Folks know of my love for George Michael and of course his pre-solo duo WHAM! Michael and Andrew Ridgeley had a very successful recording career together before Michael went solo. Two of their most famous songs are "Everything She Wants" and "Last Christmas." Both are tracks that Michael wrote and recorded on his own, which was not typical of the WHAM! days.
The double-A side vinyl is extra special because the Pudding Mix of "Last Christmas" is a longer version of the track with extended intro and outros. Both are cut for radio play and the vinyl version gives the song a little different feel. The true intro is a bit dark and sad - not what you would expect for a pop Christmas tune.
Finding the 12" WHAM! single of two songs I adore was really special and I spin both sides pretty frequently when I need a little endorphin boost.
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 12:52PM 
The Singles: Echoes From the Edge of Heaven (Sony) is a new retrospective of the amazingly fast and successful career of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley as the duo WHAM! The retrospective was released worldwide on July 7, 2023.