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The CHIRP Blog
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesTake Two: “Faith” (George Michael Vs. Limp Bizkit)
There is a chance that you have come across a song (or two, or so many more) that you enjoy and did not realize that it's either been covered by someone else or is a cover itself. We hope that this series allows you to appreciate both the original and the covers they have inspired, and to seek out and enjoy new music in the process.
The Original: From the album Faith (1987)
Around the mid-’80s George Michael split from his Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley and successfully proved he could make it as a solo act. The title track to his debut album is a fun, flirty pop number that channels ‘50s Elvis-style rockabilly through a solid Bo Diddley-esque rhythm.
The song was cemented in ‘80s lore by the iconic video of Michael working his guitar and his hips in sunglasses and a leather jacket, a stark contrast to the day-glo bubble gum image he was known for in his old band. And at a time when the music industry was still reluctant to have a star openly declare that they’re gay, the song used just enough vague, gender-neutral lyrics to keep the tabloids and morality police guessing.
This track became one of a string of hits for Michael, including “Father Figure,” “I Want Your Sex,” “One More Try,” and “Kissing a Fool” (one of the greatest pop vocal performances of all time, BTW). “Faith” went to #1 on the Billboard charts, where it stayed for four weeks.
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Aug 2 - Aug 8)
Upcoming Events:
- Saturday August 14 - Sunday August 15: CHIRP is proud to be a media sponsor for Chicago's only classical music street fest, Thirsty Ears, on Wilson Avenue between Ravenswood and Hermitage
- Thursday August 26: CHIRP Radio welcomes Ohmme to Thalia Hall
- All August: CHIRP Radio is giving away 3-day passes to the 2021 Pitchfork Music Festival
On the Podcast:
- DJ Mick interviews Emily and Brendan of Chicago band Late Nite Laundry
Top of the CHIRP Charts for the week of 7/26/21:
Yves Tumor – The Asymptotical World (Warp)
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesIn the Shadow of Woodstock: “Summer of Soul” and “Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage”
by What’s the point of a music festival? The answer depends on who you ask: To make money; To perform your art in front of crowds while also getting paid; To see bands, hang out with friends, enjoy the weather, and maybe have a transformative experience..
The festival that still stands out in history is the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. It’s not just a touchstone in American music, but American culture. The electrifying performances and peaceful gathering of hundreds of thousands of fans remain an ideal image of what festivals can be.
Two new documentaries highlight two other major milestones in music festival lore, one of them lost to history until now, the other one something a lot of people would rather forget.
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (July 19 - July 25)
Upcoming Events:
- Saturday August 14 - Sunday August 15: CHIRP is proud to be a media sponsor for Chicago's only classical music street fest, Thirsty Ears, on Wilson Avenue between Ravenswood and Hermitage
On the Podcast:
- DJ Mike Nicholich interviews Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer
Top of the CHIRP Charts for the week of 7/26/21:
Yves Tumor – The Asymptotical World (Warp)
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (July 12 - July 18)
On the Podcast:
- DJ Ninja talks with Mike Lust of Tight Phantomz
On the Blog:
- Eddie Sayago compares two versions of "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor"
Top of the CHIRP Charts for the week of 7/12/21:
Serengeti – Have a Summer (Self-Released)
