Fridae

Stream New George Michael Single

After a slurry of stupidity and lots of bad press, '80s pop icon George Michael attempts to return to the musical spotlight with his new single "An Easier Affair." It sounds unexpectedly good. It is a little dated sure, but it has a nice smooth vibe to that reminds me of his work on "Patience." The track is dedicated to his female fans who didn't suspect he was gay until he came out in 1998.

With his autobiographical lyrics he tries to redeem himself from the bad press in recent months. Lyrically, the song deals with his coming out as a gay man "I told myself I was straight, but I shouldn't have worried because my maker had a better plan (...) But I'm dancing with the freaks now, and I'm having too much fun."

He also confronts the recent controversies head on by singing, "It's an easier affair not living my life with other people on my mind. No, got nothing to hide from anyone. Yes, I'm walking on new air. Just living my life. I don't have time for the haters."

Whether you're over George Michael or not, I think he deserves kudos for not compromising the way he talks about his sexuality. Many others should follow his lead.

Stream George Michael "An Easier Affair" [real]

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SuperJupiter: The Gayest Song of the Summer
After Annie and Lorraine, Norway is spitting out another hot thing into the muscial stratosphere. And this one shoots straight for the gay universe. Meet SuperJupiter, a super fun disco foursome that was recently signed to Planet Clique and is ready to orbit the summer charts with their glammed up, slightly raunchy and bigger than life single "You Know." This is no joke. This is Scissor Sisters mixed up with Kylie, The Ark and Pet Shop Boys. I'm sure you can hear some other influences in this tune as well. But SuperJupiter is not just mishing and mashing some of their inspirations. Instead they create a genuine new brand of sound that is hyper-delicious and fits the pink vinly so well. Does it sound like I'm raving? I am. Listen to SuperJupiter now (I mean, right now). More about Superjupiter soon.

Stream "You Know" by SuperJupiter:

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Free Download: Formatic "State Of Replay" (Recall MHC Mix)
Formatic are like a modern-day version of Emma Peel and John Steed, the witty '60s spy duo in the popular The Avengers television series. The emerging British electro pop duo serves up a sound and image that is equally sleek, stylish, a little mysterious and has classic quality to it. All that's missing is Steed's trademark
bowler hat.

London-based siblings Kate and Nik Hodges make up Formatic. I alerted
you earlier about the group in May and wrote about Kate's frolicky, Blondie-esque vocals and Nik's straight up production work. Planet Clique will be releasing a limited EP of new Formatic tracks in August, including their new single "State Of Play." Remixes of the song will be shared among a select group of London DJs to drum up support for the group among the club crowd.

Formatic gives Arjan Writes readers an early peak at what's to come by offering a guilt-free download of "State of Replay" that was remixed by the guys from Manhanttan Clique. Yes, the the same clique that also produced Andy Bell's solo album "Electric Blue" and created mixes for Goldfrapp, Mody, Fischerspooner and the B-52's. I really like how Manhattan Clique put their dance floor sensibilities to work to overhaul this tune and turn Kate into a bonafide dance diva. (Much thanks to Nik and Kate for sharing the good stuff.)

Download Formatic "State Of Replay" (Recall MHC Mix) [MP3]