Saturday 9: Careless Whisper (1985)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In this week's song, George Michael sings that, when it comes to relationships, "there's no comfort in the truth." Have you ever learned something about a friend, lover or relative that you wish you didn't know? Yes, many years ago when I was in college. I learned some things about different boyfriends that actually turned out to be deal breakers for me. I ended things as soon as I found out. I do not wish I didn't find out though.
2) Though this was the top song of 1985, George wrote it years before, when he was still working as a dj at a restaurant outside London. He recalled the moment the sax solo popped into his head. It was while he was on the bus on his way to work. If you go to work, how do you get there (car, bus, train, etc.)? If you don't work outside the home, tell us about a trip you make regularly. I have a 20 minute drive (one way) in my car everyday. I pray in the morning on my way to work and I listen to music and think about the day on my way home.
3) The video for this song was very expensive. It was filmed on location all around Miami, including the luxury Grove Towers Condominiums, but then much of it had to be reshot because George didn't like his hair. Are you having a good hair day today? yes, pretty good.
4) 1985 was a big year for George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. As Wham! they had three songs on the charts and became the first Western pop music act to tour China. Have you ever visited China? Would you like to go? I have never visited China. I would love to visit, but I do not think I would feel safe. I feel that way about a lot of places though.
5) When he wasn't working, George was a creature of habit. For example, he never tired of Cocoa Puffs for breakfast and roast chicken for Sunday dinner. Is there a menu item you find yourself eating again and again? I eat cheeseburgers a lot, burritos, fettuccine.
6) George enjoyed living quietly in Highgate, North London. It wasn't until after his death that his neighbors learned he was the "anonymous resident" who had been funding Highgate's Fair in the Square for years. Held in June each year, The Fair is known for its dog show, arts and crafts booths, music and food. Tell us about one of your community's annual events. I live in a really little town. The population is 911. We do not have many events here, but we do have our annual Christmas parade and it goes right in front of my house, so one of my friends comes every year with her family and watches in our driveway and we visit and watch the parade.
7) According to Car and Driver, when "Careless Whisper" was popular, so was the Chevy Cavalier, a compact car. Nearly 40 years later, the vehicle landscape is very different. There are fewer compacts sold and last year, the most popular Chevy was the Silverado, a light duty truck. Do you drive a car, a truck, or an SUV? I drove a Chevy Cavalier, in fact I had two when I was younger. I drive a Toyota Camry now (car). Most of the gals I work with drive SUV's.
8) Also in 1985, Bill Shoemaker's earnings reached $100 million, making him the world's most successful jockey. Do you follow horse racing? I watch the big races, but that is all.
9) Random question -- In which race would you do better: the Iditarod, with sled dogs in Nome, or speeding in a race car at the Indy 500? neither, but maybe I could love on the dogs in the Iditarod.
P.S. I LOVE George Michael and when I hear his music come on the radio, I still stop and listen. He was so talented....handsome too.
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