I guess working in a Wreka Stow can have it's upside after all - the new George Michael album came in 2day 2 be prepped 4 release on monday. As soon as I saw it in the box, it was straight on the CD player upstairs - it hadnt even been booked in2 the store yet!

So, here's a review (after a fashion) bear in mind I was supposed 2 be working at the time, and was instead frantically and clandestinely scribbling notes down 4 u guys!

So here's a run-down 4 u....Nana-stylee.

1. Patience
A strange song 2 open with, featuring piano and solo vocal, but it's a nice slice of introspection, full of faith and hope for the future. The album was so named not only for 'having the most patient fans in the music business' but because: 'right now, Patience should be THE most important word in the world.' The opening song is unexpected, but sets the strong and involving lyrical tone of a large proportion of the album - if u want 2 dig that deep. On the surface it is a VERY accesible album with some great surprises along the way...

2. Amazing
A real grower, fantastic subtle hook, the perfect lead-off single. A gorgeous little gem, a definate stand-out track.
'I guess that Cupid was in disguise,
the day you walked in and changed my life,
I think it's Amazing...the way that love can set you free.
So now I walk in the midday sun, I never thought that my saviour would come...
I think it's amazing.
I think you're amazing...'
Fab!
(Bought this 4 my boyf recently, so this has now become 'our tune'!)

3. John And Elvis Are Dead
Somewhat reminiscent of 10CC's 'Im Not In Love' - quite beautiful. Written on John Lennon's piano that George won in auction a couple of years back, it's a sorrowful, haunting tune with a beautiful counter-point melody running through it. It's not the song u would imagine it 2 be - that's all I'll say!
A pleasant surprise.

4. Cars And Trains
An engaging, funk-lite song featuring an involving lyric centered around how many of todays children are growing up parentless and with a lack of self-respect or discipline: what does this bode 4 their (and our) future? What's the bigger picture?

5. Round Here
Not (as I originally presumed) a cover of the Counting Crows tune, but a whistful track - an ideal song 4 lazy sundays with the one u love at your side.

6. Shoot The Dog
THAT infamous song. U either love it, or u hate it (I love it) It's very tongue-in-cheek, but still raises some interesting points - a brave move at the time - something which seems 2 have been overlooked. L-I-S-T-E-N.

7. My Mother Had A Brother
A sad yet proud song full of introspection about the Uncle he recently discovered he never got 2 know. George reckons his uncle might have taken his own life because he was secretly gay. Haunting solo vocal and piano that will send shivers up your spine, subtle synth and drums enter in2 the last half of the song. Very moving.

8. Flawless (Go To The City)
'It's no good waiting by the window...'
A cover - or rather a 'reworking' of The One's single from last year. Studio 54 & The Ones meet George Michael. This SO shouldn't work on every level, BUT IT DOES! It's a really infectious 'going out clubbin' tune. A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y...Flawless.
'...Another fucked-up piece of ass...'

9. American Angel
Hmmm.... not sure about this one based upon first impressions. A song written 4 Kenny, it's sweet and the sentiment is lovely but it creates a bit of a lull in the pace of the album I found. As a declaration of love it's strong (which I guess is his intention, so...) but structurally, I think it's quite weak. One line did stick in my mind however:
'I don't think I could love and lose again...I don't think I have the strength.' a powerful and soul-bearing statement. Still - 4 me, the least engaging track on the album. Sorry Kenny!

10. Precious BoX
WOW. This one is gonna be a hard one 2 explain. It shimmers, it shines, it's dreamlike, bitter and beautiful all at once. DEFINATELY my fave track on the album - it had me hooked within the first few bars, definatley makes u pay attention and wanna hear it again. LOVE IT! Strong contender 4 a single I think. This song is all about the publics obsession with celebrity via the media - particularly TV (the 'Precious BoX' of the title?) and how there is a real lack of any sense of real community in their real lives. My only critisism is that this would have worked SO much better if it had been the final track on the album instead of his trademarked 'reprise' track - when u hear it, u'll understand what i meant. Without a doubt, one of the best produced songs I've ever heard: perfect in every way...

11. Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)
Simple, beautiful, thankful, happy and appreciative. A celebration 4 time spent, a celebration of another life. Works where American Angel doesnt - touches all the right spots by being direct and uplifting. Fantastic harmonies too.

12. Freeek! 2004
THAT video. 'Can I cum on in?' HELL YEAH. Slight overhaul on the intro, and a lube job remix brings some of the great sonics of this track out of the mix and a little more 2 the fore. An awesome tune that was totally underrated upon original release and is criminally overlooked still. One of the more daring moves he's made laying this track down. The production on it is multi-layered, (increadible the amount of stuff buried in this mix if u have the ear 2 pick it out) with a thumping, driving, pounding (ok, we get it with the seXual ANALogies 'Nana! - Ed.) bass-line - the middle-8 is smart, knowing and damned fOnkay! Press repeat, play again, rebooted - round II. Give this one One More Chance.
'C'mon kids, dont be scared, it's a tits and ass world - u gotta be prepared.' George, u can be my 'One-fuck-fantasy' any day man.

13. Through
Soaring vocal, shimmering guitar line, the song seems 2 deal with George accepting resonsibility 4 his actions and mistakes that have led him 2 where he is 2day. He's lived, he's learnt, he's grown. Like 'My Mother Had A Brother', it is intensely personal. Seems 2 be a song for the fans - a goodbye and a thanku note from a man content. Quite sad when u listen 2 it actually.
'Yes, it's tough - I guess I'm Older...I guess Im through'.

14. Patience (Reprise)
Solo piano piece
************************************************************************************************************************
Overall - a great piece of work, and a natural progression from all the previous albums. If the rumours are indeed true about this being George's Swan Song from the industry, then he should feel justifiably proud of being able 2 march out with his head held high.

This is the sound of a man finally comfortable and open with his sexuality and his life - and knowing that there's more 2 it all than the biz that is 'show'.

Bare, daring, subtle, outrageous, striking - and an AWESOME production job. Without a doubt, this is the best album George has ever given us.

Thanx George, it's been fun.

BUY IT MONDAY!!!!

LINK NOW INACTIVE...

[This message was edited Mon Apr 5 11:47:03 2004 by bananacologne]
[This message was edited Tue Apr 20 13:29:39 2004 by bananacologne]

I'll buy cuz 'Nanners said so.

Fucking stupid new interface!!!
[This message was edited Thu Mar 11 13:59:33 2004 by bananacologne]

Don't have to tell me twice...hopefully it comes out next Tuesday in the U.S.

bananacologne said:

You are SO silly.

Anxiety said:

Oh JEEZ - THANX A BUNCH!

bananacologne said:

Just bustin' yer sexy chops, you know I'm psyched about this.

Anxiety said:

bananacologne said:

you beeetch....!

i hope its not a sit back and fall asleep album...good lawd i luv ya George, and Freek is the jam, but it better not be good because it is all slow moody songs...

paisleypark4 said:

I dont think u will be disapointed - it's not a 'moody' album by any means, it's introspective in places sure, but it's uplifiting and joyous 2 - quite celebratory in fact.

I really think u are gonna love 'Precious BoX' a whole lot! (besides, remember what I told ya about the Kylie album! Trust me, u'll dig it!
[This message was edited Thu Mar 11 14:30:38 2004 by bananacologne]

thanks for the review! i don't think us peeps in the states will get it on tuesday, unfortunately. if i remember correctly, there was a may date when i last checked around. maybe that has changed though. the record sounds great and i'm sure it will be fantastic...i expect nothing less from george.

and i'm soooo jealous that you've heard it already...bitch!

SassyBritches said:

JUST FOR YOU THEN SASSY!!!
CLICK, CLICK, CLICK.....
[This message was edited Thu Mar 11 14:39:59 2004 by bananacologne]

bananacologne said:

you work my pussy!

thanks so much! i'll let you know what i think!

Okay, I'm at work so I can't check out that link...but Nana, yer post got me drippin' all over the floor. When DOES this come out stateside?

I'll just pretend you didn't mention the new (gag) Kylie. Oh, lawd.

MAY?!?!

What kinda boosheeet izzAT?

Oh well...we get Prince, y'all get George...I s'pose it works itself out somehow.

theblueangel said:

But I wannmesum Pwince too! Sorry, Im a greedy piggy like that! oink

bananacologne said:

i'm not even gonna touch that one!

SassyBritches said:

Oh u SO should!!!

So far, I've heard tracks 1-4 on this album, and its simply beautiful.. gives me hope for the rest....
[This message was edited Thu Mar 11 22:47:25 2004 by Sdldawn]

Looking forward to this. Unfortunately, us in the States have to wait until May (either that, or seek out an overpriced import!!)

JediMaster said:

Seek out your local over-priced import Wreka Stow soon then!

Oh, shit. I just listened to the clip for Freeek! Stymie needs some alone time!

JediMaster said:

Yeah, I actually got the album last night (No cd) and im gonna enjoy it and purchase it when it hits best buy in may.

It's one big turd of a boring album...too much MOR blandness...This here boy is very, very
dissapointed.

CLICK ME

CLICK ME TOO
*George Michael will be appearing on 'Parkinson' Saturday March 13th BBC1 - He will also be performing 2 songs from 'Patience'!
[This message was edited Sun Mar 14 11:57:57 2004 by bananacologne]

JediMaster said:

Did you ever think of going on Amazon.comUK & buying it direct?
Its not that hard nor as overpriced.

Just heard, he intends 2 release a 'DUETS' album 'next year'. (ahem)

thedoorkeeper said:

seriously i get all my imports there the US site says its $32 and i got for $20 shipping included Good Bye George its been fun