I had no idea such a thing existed! I was scouring through some music blogs and came across this Wikipedia entry (and if you don't know who Jerry Wexler is...):

The song went through at least two rounds of production. The first was during a trip Michael made to Muscle Shoals, Alabama where he went to work with the legendary producer Jerry Wexler at the venerable Muscle Shoals Studio. Michael was unhappy with the version that was originally produced and decided to re-record and produce the song himself, this time coming up with the version that was finally released. The version Wexler produced did, however, see the light of day, but only later on, as a (4:41) B-side "Special Version" on 12", released in England. A mid-tempo ballad with a soulful production standard and a remarkable saxophone solo (played by Steve Gregory), the single was issued in August 1984, entering the UK singles chart at number twelve. Within two weeks, it was at number one, ending a nine-week run at the top for "Two Tribes" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It stayed at number one for three weeks, later going to the top of the charts in seventeen other countries, including the USA's Billboard Hot 100 in February 1985, although in the United States, it was credited as "Wham! featuring George Michael".

I can't say that I like it more than the version that was later recorded and ultimately became a hit, but it's a nice, nice take on the song.

I know it since 2004, and the original video version was shown in the late 90s I guess. He was right for recording it again. Beside the superior production his vocals are better on the version we all know and love.

graecophilos said:

Yeah, I'm just slow.

Although George's vocals are weaker on this, it the version I always prefered because it sounds more organic. My biggest issue with the album version was it sound too polished.

SquirrelMeat said:

I agree with that statement.

I'm just late on everything! Next you'll be telling me they actually slice bread these days.

RipHer2Shreds said:

Well I never knew about this and I liked "Careless Whisper" enough to use it in a rap beat.

I've known about this one for a long time, but I've always preferred the re-recorded version. Nevertheless, it's a great song that shines no matter what.

RipHer2Shreds said:

you're much too sensitive...

There's also another remix called the Space Shower mix or something.... I haven't heard it yet