George Michael News

Here’s an interesting article on how Billboard considers George Michael’s solo #1 as different than his Wham! #1.

Billboard’s response:

“We decided to include all No. 1s for Paul McCartney under Wings since he charted titles under his name as both a solo act and under the Paul McCartney & Wings banner. How this is different than George Michael, in our opinion, is that McCartney was a known entity before forming Wings, and he was credited by name on the band’s earlier singles.

“George Michael was born out of Wham! To us, that was no different than merging Phil Collins’ history with Genesis or Rob Thomas’ history with Matchbox Twenty, which are classifications we do not make.”

Here is a fascinating article on “Last Christmas” and its longevity: Could “Last Christmas” Become the New “White Christmas”?

According to Stewart, after the post-WWII boom of classic Christmas songs died down, a new standard emerged every seven or eight years. He cited “Blue Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock” as early examples. The Donny Hathaway song “This Christmas” emerged from the ’70s (Mary J. Blige cites it as a favorite), as did John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”– which Alicia Keys and Tim McGraw performed today on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Stewart said “Last Christmas” is the latest example of the trend — and, despite being 25 years old, perhaps the most recent, as the rock historian had trouble naming a song recorded after 1984 that’s developed the same traction on radio and with other recording artists.

Wayne sends us the live performance of George Michael singing “December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)” on X Factor.

Here are the recent articles on “December Song”:

• New George Michael Xmas Music EP: December Song
• MICHAEL’S CHRISTMAS SINGLE SELLS OUT

I love the weeks before Christmas because I usually have the daily chance of hearing “Last Christmas” on the radio.  This is the only time of the year that I hear a George Michael song on the radio. 

Here is an article on George Michael overwhelmed by enduring success of Last Christmas

“I wrote it in the February of 1984 when I was 20. Apparently it’s the most played Christmas song of the last five years and that is just amazing,” he told a British radio programme.

“It’s crazy that something I wrote when I was 20 could still be being played. Especially now, at 46 – you think of yourself as a kid at 20. The idea it’s the song which reminds people of their Christmas as a child is great. Such a wonderful thing to achieve and you can experience it every Christmas.”

“December Song” will be released on December 14.

According to the official site:

“December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas),” will be available in two great-value digital bundles and a unique Christmas Card edition CD.

As well as “December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas),”, there are some very special additional tracks to own. “Jingle” is a brand new recording from George created during the recording sessions for his upcoming new album – this is a must-have for all George Michael fans!

“Edith & The King Pi” and “Praying For Time” were recorded live at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios and have been remixed and remastered for this very special release.

Digital 2-track bundle

1. December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)
2. Jingle (A Musical Interlewd)

Digital 4-track maxi bundle

1. December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)
2. Jingle (A Musical Interlewd)
3. Edith & The King Pin (live at Abbey Road)
4. Praying For Time (live at Abbey Road)

The featurette for “Christmas Song” follows the heartwarming tale of a down-on-his-luck little boy as he imagines his ultimate fantasy Christmas. Look here for a sneak peak:

(Update: The video is now available here.)