I have famously bad taste in music. And an abiding love for George Michael: the music, the lyrics, the stubble. This song addresses his recent brush with death.
George Michael
Creepy Neverland-themed Christmas ride
From my tipster Ericthefez, with this note: “Sorry the photo is such poor quality. I found this ‘ride concept’ at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park kind of creepy. I let <my only daughter, name redacted> go on the swings, but you better believe I kept a close eye on her.”
In related Xmas news, I heard my first “Last Christmas” song over the weekend, so yes, holiday madness is upon Japan. Fortunately, what Japan lacks in memory-crushing medicinal meds, they make up for in memory-suppressing booze, love for drinking, and end of year “forgetting” parties (bounenkai, perfect for work or friends).
BTW, which do you find more insipid, the George Michael’s original 1980s version of “Last Christmas” or Exile’s more recent cover? What would the Japanese royal family prefer? Please feel free to comment (without defaming our majesties).
I hate Christmas
Hating Christmas in Japan is received with total incomprehension. It’s like running for president of the USA as an atheist. Incomprehensible. Yet I do– from baby Jesus to rampant consumerism to the poor Walmart victim of the holiday shopping rush. RIP, Jdimytai Damour.
Japanese love Christmas beyond all reason. It’s the ultimate obsessive empty-signifier– all love and no meaning. Holiday lights everywhere, and a Christmas soundtrack to all public and retail spaces.
But even I must admit to a certain thrill upon discovering, for the very first time, George Michael’s “Last Christmas.” They play it here as if the 80s never ended. The video is sublime. If only this was the very last Xmas!
Tokyo Moe 