I voted for "Gloria", but let me explain why: in Córdoba, Argentina, there's a fútbol (soccer) team named "Instituto", that is commonly known as "la gloria" ("the glorious one"). Fans of the team would sing a rendition of Branigan's "Gloria" during matches, with adapted lyrics in spanish and poor singing skills, but with plenty of fervor! Laura Branigan's legacy at its purest!
It was his attempt at making a rock & roll record as opposed to pop. Despite having at least one member of The Damned playing on it, it neither rocked nor rolled.
Fuck, I missed this poll deadline. Anyway, my vote goes to Gloria because Wake Me Up... is as musically '80s as something like Stray Cat Strut - meaning, it's really not. It's a boomer-appeal sound with '80s cosmetics. Laura Branigan was at least setting the stage and playing with an emerging soundscape. Wham was just meh.
Just two things from me: first, that Branigan/Hoff song should be the new theme song for this podcast; and second, for anyone who's a fan of Wham and likes ridiculous rom-coms, if you haven't seen the movie Music & Lyrics, you must find it and watch it. You must.
There will be multiple seasons of the 80s-est...maybe we can make a change for Season 2 (aka Side B)?
Also, yes, the movie "Music & Lyrics" does kind of perfectly capture a Wham!-type band past their primes. Much better than watching a lot of ACTUAL 80s movies, I think. Worth watching just for the "Pop Goes My Heart" video alone!
You know you are making me choose between a song that a certain dictator-wannabe illegally plays at all his rallies, and a trashy, ridiculously upbeat, nonsensical pop song? I actually never thought about how little sense those lyrics make until you two pointed it out to me :).
While I agree that George Michael had phenomenal talent, this song just seems like it is too much. Maybe if it were "Careless Whisper", I would be more inclined to vote for it. So I hold my nose and vote for "Gloria", even though I know it will go down in flames...
Believe me when I say the debate to decide between "Wake Me Up" and "Careless Whisper" was not a trivial one! Also--I didn't know Gloria was being used at rallies...what an odd choice?
"Gloria" may experience a late surge of support after Alejandro's vote! Thanks for listening, John!
I'm with you, Joe! I regret nothing.
WHAM forever!
I did a group routine to this song at BGSU when I was taking ice-skating class
😂⛸️⛸️😂
Sadly, no. However I might be able to reenact the intro 😂
I would pay as many American dollars as it would take to rent a rink to see this! 😂
--Keith
Also, yesterday was Laura Branigan’s birthday! #rip
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Big L!
I am loving picturing this...any chance there are ACTUAL pictures of this?
I voted for "Gloria", but let me explain why: in Córdoba, Argentina, there's a fútbol (soccer) team named "Instituto", that is commonly known as "la gloria" ("the glorious one"). Fans of the team would sing a rendition of Branigan's "Gloria" during matches, with adapted lyrics in spanish and poor singing skills, but with plenty of fervor! Laura Branigan's legacy at its purest!
NOW *THIS* is exactly why we do this--for experiences and stories just like this! I love it!!
--Keith
Damn, knowing this can I change my vote?
Right? There is currently no way to change votes on here, but that story might have flipped me!
So you completely ignored Andrew Ridgeley's solo work. His album was called Son of Albert.
It was...not good.
hahahahaha I can't believe he even did a solo album! thanks for THAT knowledge, Deni! Maybe I will play some of this in the next round!
--Keith
It was his attempt at making a rock & roll record as opposed to pop. Despite having at least one member of The Damned playing on it, it neither rocked nor rolled.
Fuck, I missed this poll deadline. Anyway, my vote goes to Gloria because Wake Me Up... is as musically '80s as something like Stray Cat Strut - meaning, it's really not. It's a boomer-appeal sound with '80s cosmetics. Laura Branigan was at least setting the stage and playing with an emerging soundscape. Wham was just meh.
I didn't personally know any Boomers who were listening to Wham, but I get your point, regardless.
--Keith
Just two things from me: first, that Branigan/Hoff song should be the new theme song for this podcast; and second, for anyone who's a fan of Wham and likes ridiculous rom-coms, if you haven't seen the movie Music & Lyrics, you must find it and watch it. You must.
There will be multiple seasons of the 80s-est...maybe we can make a change for Season 2 (aka Side B)?
Also, yes, the movie "Music & Lyrics" does kind of perfectly capture a Wham!-type band past their primes. Much better than watching a lot of ACTUAL 80s movies, I think. Worth watching just for the "Pop Goes My Heart" video alone!
--Keith
You know you are making me choose between a song that a certain dictator-wannabe illegally plays at all his rallies, and a trashy, ridiculously upbeat, nonsensical pop song? I actually never thought about how little sense those lyrics make until you two pointed it out to me :).
While I agree that George Michael had phenomenal talent, this song just seems like it is too much. Maybe if it were "Careless Whisper", I would be more inclined to vote for it. So I hold my nose and vote for "Gloria", even though I know it will go down in flames...
Believe me when I say the debate to decide between "Wake Me Up" and "Careless Whisper" was not a trivial one! Also--I didn't know Gloria was being used at rallies...what an odd choice?
"Gloria" may experience a late surge of support after Alejandro's vote! Thanks for listening, John!
You made so many Italians mad with your last podcast. Childhood memories. The American version sucks balls. So Wham!
No argument here! Viva Italia 🇮🇹!!!
--Keith
Despite G.M.'s transcedent songwriting abilties - better song, more 80s. This one is a sweep for the Go-Go, for me.
I completely agree... and I just can't LISTEN to "Gloria" many more times in this life, so I hope it loses badly. --Keith
😂 fair enough
That's RIGHT! Great 'toid, Dr. Janet! Having recently watched Flashdance all the way through for the first time, I should have remembered that!
--Keith