The Book (And Record) Cellar

Shit!  I almost forgot to post this!  Tomorrow night (July 16) a group of authors are doing an event at The Book Cellar at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave at 7:00.  They include my buddy Jess Riley, Margot Justes, Libby Fischer Hellmann, and Francine Friedman.  Stacey and I plan to be there in the audience, so why not come out and support local authors at this amazing indie book seller?

Did I mention the bookstore has its own bar?  Books!  Drinks!  How could you not come?

What else?  Oh, yeah, I wrote more than 3,500 words yesterday.  (That's about fifteen book-typeset pages.)  Not sure what kind of roll I was on, but I hope to keep it up. 

Part of what's getting me/keeping me going is music.  I'm writing stories from childhood on up, so I've been listening to stuff that reminds me of those time periods.  It's amazing how one little hook or chorus can bring back so much imagery, like how Celebrate puts me right on the floor of the West Park Roller Rink, awkwardly navigating over spangled skate-laces or how Man in the Moon places me and my flannel/Birk/longjohn-clad self (shameful) at the end of the bar at Harry's, singing along with all the other patrons because we secretly believe REM should have put US in that video instead.

This is all a roundabout way of explaining why Fletch found me watching George Michael's Freedom '90 over and over again yesterday on YouTube.  "I'm working!" I told him. 

While I was thinking about the video later, it occured to me that some of my readers are practically babies (or I'm a dinosaur) and weren't even born until the '80s.  That means some of you were in grade school when this song/video came out.  Thus, some of you may have never even seen what is surely the greatest music video ever made. 

Seriously?  Naomi?  Linda?  Christy?  Cindy?  ELAINE IRWIN, MY VERY FAVORITE?

Your assignment for today is to watch it here on YouTube.  (Sony's disabled the ability to embed or I'd have posted it.)

Appreciate not only the video, but also George's enormous lyrical fuck-you to MTV and the record company.  Discuss.  Enjoy!

 

Comments

[Val]

Another Eli Stone fan here--I LOVED all the George Michael songs, and his cameo appearances. Going to see him at the Verizon Center in DC on the 29th. Can't wait!

(I was born in 1970...HUGE GM fan here.)

[Julie]

Freedom is one of the best, all time songs and videos EVER!

[Lisa]

I got HOOKOED on Eli Stone last season when they started playing George Michael songs in every episode. "Faith" was always my favorite. Now, I wasn't a CHILD of the 80's. I was born in 1961 and worked in the music video industry in NYC through most of the 80's and 90's. Got to see a lot of "stuff" through those years. Good and bad. I was always very into my music and truth to tell, I do really think that "Video Killed the Radio Star"

[Christie]

Good Lord, I am old! I just added "I Want Your Sex" to my ipod not too long ago. I'm not even sure I remember how to have sex.

[dodim]

1965 speaking here! I heart Christy!!! She's fabulous.

I totally miss big hair, colorful pumps with lacy ankle socks, being skinny - enhanced by my large shoulder pads... ahh. The 80's were wonderful.

Write, girl, write!!

[diana]

Ok, I can't even read all the comments until I get it out of my head that YES - that is NOT Elaine Irwin - it' Tatjana.
You made me crazy thinking all this time I didn't notice Elaine in it, so I went back and watched the whole video, Waiting. Tatjana came on and I'm like, Nooo... how COULD SHE? Surely she isn't mistaking Tatjana for Elaine!

See, I'm a stickler for details like this. I have tons and tons of (to some people) "useless" knowledge lodged in my brain, and I have a personal interest in this particular topic.
I too went to IU in Bloomington, and actually saw Elaine and John THREEEEE times!
1) at Kroger, in the magazine aisle, when she was pregnant with #1.
2) at a local restaurant - her back to me (hair wet), John facing me. His eyes were surprisingly, Amazingly BLUE! And, OMG, he looked Right At Me! of course, I then quickly looked down at my table embarrassed to hell to be caught.
3) the two of them jogging down the main road into/out of town - their house is just on the outskirts of it.
Her fucking hair is fucking AMAZING. And I just saw her on some show with John - she looks exactly the same as she did 15 yrs ago!!! That bitch! ;)

Anyhoo... warning - more comments from moi to come. I'm just finishing your book #2 - i read them out of order - #3 first, then #1 now finishing the middle of the trilogy.
I feel like you're my long lost sister!
(also from Indiana [Anderson], class of '84, in a sorority @ Ball State, etc etc etc.)

Thanks for finally updating btw! ;)

OH OH OHHHHH AND I'm going to the Boston George Michael concert in a couple weeks!!!
OMG I simply cannot frigging wait.
I *heart* George, and so glad I'll get to witness his brilliance in person before he signs off.

[Boo]

Fab song - best played at high volume while soon-to-be-ex-husband is moving his crap out of the house. Books and drinks is probably the ultimate pairing; the only thing better would be to add an outdoor patio with chaise lounges and servers who call you "Miss" and never "Ma'am." You could have specials and pair drinks with books or mags, like a pomegranate martini and the latest In Style...oh yeah...

[Julie]

Hello! I just found your blog after I finished your book (Bitter Is The New Black). I picked it up last week when I was having an impulse shopping moment at Barnes & Nobles. It was a great book and I was excited to find out that you had started with blogging. Next time I get to the mall I am going to pick up your other books.

[Angela]

George Michael rocks! I think "Faith" was my favorite video and song. My second was "I want your sex"...anyone remember how controversial that was at that time? My how things have changed!

Speaking of change...is there anyone else old enough here to remember when MTV just played music videos? Do they even play them at all anymore? (haven't watched MTV since the dawn of Fox News,ha ha) WOW, I really feel old now!

[Pammer]

Jesus I wore that CD (they were NEW back then!) straight the fuck out in the sorority house. We would sing it at the top of our lungs.

So not ashamed.

And those supermodels? Still look awesome.

[Christina]

Oh - and my husband likes to play "name that movie" with the (very young) interns at work. It's really sad that they don't even recognize lines from Top Gun! Or 16 Candles. Or Karate Kid?! I mean come on! Who hasn't seen the Karate Kid?!?

[Kelly]

I spotted Elaine Irwin in the College Mall too once while I was at IU. This was in 94. I readily recognize her makeup now as inspiring a full 2 years of "look" of my own makeup, espicially the lipstick.
Where have all the supermodels gone?

[Christina]

Just to make you a *little* bit jealous... I'm going to see George Michael in concert on Monday. And the other day Christy Turlington was walking into the exercise class room that I was leaving.

Can you imagine the women in *that* class?? Nothing like exercising with Christy Turlington to make you feel like a short fat clown.

[Erica]

Having siblings that range in age from 23 to 44 (I'm 25), I knew the lyrics/videos to Staying Alive, Lucky Star, Welcome to the Jungle and this song well before my age entered double digits. And because of this knowledge, occasionally I am told "you look so young". It's odd.

Great meeting you last night Jen, tons of fun!

[Jen]

What a great post- thanks for the link! Love George Michael, and Wham! I remember my summer vacation after graduating from 8th grade, the week that MTV "premiered" (remember when that was SUCH a big deal!?!?) the "I want your sex" video. I had brought a friend on vacay with me, and we watched the video in our bedroom while my parents where in the kitchen. I came out and asked "what does monogamy mean?" Mom (very Catholic!) asked "um, why??" and I responded something along the lines of "well, George Michael just wrote the word in red lipstick across a girls back in this video" My mother was so afraid that when we got home my friend's parents would be upset that she had "let" us watch that video. Come on, we were catholic school girls- of COURSE we were gonna watch that video!!!

Anyway, I just spent an hour watching all the other GM videos that youtube linked me too...ah, the good ole days!! Thanks for the memories!

[Kellee]

I'll go you one better Jen - I purchased the video from iTunes!! One of my favorite songs/videos! But seeing the jukebox, jacket, etc always makes me think of Weird Al (I know I'm such a nerd! My daughter & I are going to see him in concert next Monday!! Weird Al not GM!) and the AlTV segment he did where he showed the beginning of the "Faith" video where the camera pans up GM's backside and Weird Al says "Now let's enjoy the new George Michael video 'Worship at the Altar of My Butt'"!!!!!! I guess he wasn't really too far off from the truth.

BTW who else LOVES "Eli Stone"?

Jen - you seriously need to come to the Cincinnati area!!! I could totally escort you around (just not in a sleazy pay by the hour/act way!)

Toodles!

[Beth in SF]

Love that song....takes me back to college.

Sure is a tribute to you, Jen, how your books and blog can reach all these women of different ages!

[Kaye]

George Michaels is on Eli Stone!!!! Has anyone watched that show? I am so hooked!!! George's music was playing at the bars during my bar hopping days!!! You had to love George!!!
Jen - I may have missed this but have you named your new book????

[Amanda]

Ah, the end of the bar at Harry's!! Miss them so much. For me it's any Dave Matthew's song that brings me back there. I'm only a decade behind you at 30 :) One of these days I'll make it out to meet you! Tonight is dinner on Division. Take care!

[Amanda]

Ah, the end of the bar at Harry's!! Miss them so much. For me it's any Dave Matthew's song that brings me back there. I'm only a decade behind you at 30 :) One of these days I'll make it out to meet you! Tonight is dinner on Division. Take care!

[Christine]

Just as another reader pointed out it is Tatjana Patitz not Elaine Erwin in the video. I too recently found Freedom 90 on youtube and boy did it take me back! Check out all the other George Michael videos on youtube. There's a behind the scenes video on the making of Too Funky ... too fun!

[stephani]

Child of the 80's and remember with great fondness when MTV ruled, music videos, house of style, club MTV, headbangers ball...sigh...those were the days. Loved GM back in the day...totally miss the days when models looked like they had 3 square ones a day instead of just cigarettes and starbucks.

[Jennifer]

Yes, the above poster is right about Elaine Irwin not being the model in the video. But I have to tell you, living in Bloomington, Indiana (where she lives with her husband John Mellencamp and their boys), when you see her at the supermarket she looks just as gorgeous as in the Almay commercials. Bitch.

[Charyll]

As we are the same age, I also remember these things, and yes, the roller rink, as well. While I was watching the video, my new doggie, Ringo (a rescued dog), really perked up when the tea kettle was going off at the end. Well, now he wants to lay on the keyboard, so I must be off.

[Reany]

Holy laugh out loud, Batman! I was just in the library telling my good friend how hard I laughed when I read "Bright Lights, Big Ass". Can't wait to read "Such a Pretty Fat".

[Ohio Rocks]

I was born in '84 and when I was little (about 5), I did nothing but wear a George Michael's t-shirt and call him my boyfriend. The t-shirt had a huge portrait of George and I always remember him having his one ear pierced and the earring. Little did I know then that he was gay. My mom to this day still brings up the "infamous t-shirt" and she has pictures to prove it. I used to love George Michael and I definitely know all his classics. This is one of my faves.

[Beth]

Have always loved this video. Linda Evangelista at her most beautiful. Everyone in it looks positively edible.

[Florence]

As someone has already pointed out, that was Tatjana Patitz, not Elaine. One of my favorite videos of all time!

[mikki]

Ahh... Harry's. I miss it! Feel a road trip coming on soon.

Great song. Great video. Can't. Even. Fathom. People NOT being born yet in the 80's? No way! We're not old yet. Not possible!

I don't remember seeing you at the end of the bar at Harrys... & I think we were at Purdue around the same time. I think I'd remember those clothes! Ha ha...

[Sara]

I was born in 1984 but I am totally familiar with that video. First, my mother was a big MTV fan and second, I went through a George Michael phase in the early '90s. Love it!

[Deirdre]

Dear Jen,
Am I excited about a bookstore in my city that sells beer and wine?

Yes. Very much so.

Do I hope to attend tomorrow night's readings?
I really hope I can make it.

Did I just go out to dinner and order a what I thought might be a healthy, satisfying salad?
Yes.

Did I also bust out the emergency stash of Nestle cookie dough?

Maybe...

Love,
Deirdre

[H-town]

Jen, I loved all three of your books! I heard about them from my little sister who recognized the "checked cropped pants" owner mentioned in Bitter...
I am pretty sure I was in your pledge class at the Big Ten school referenced in your books.
I've told sooo many people that I was born in the perfect year, 1967. Not because it makes me over 40, but because 80s music covers many of the highlights in my life...Jr. High dances, first crushes, getting my license, cruising, prom, graduation, going off to college, and sorority dances. I started Jr. High in 1980 and graduated from college in 1989.
To anyone with the opportunity to see the amazing Mr. Michael in concert, it is definitely worth the ticket price. I attended last night in Houston. His voice is still amazing and as mentioned, Freedom 90 was the encore.
Can't wait to read the next book!

[Soren]

Did anyone else fall into a black hole of watching 80's music videos on youtube? OMG, I went from Freedom 90 to some more George Michael, to Wham, to Human League (feeling fascination, anyone?)... I'm love/hating this... the makeup, OMG, did we really strive to look like that?
I was born in 1972, so the mid-80's were pretty much my high school years... the hair... for the love of g-d, the hair... wow.
Off to look for Laura Brannigan now!
:) Soren

[The Modern Gal]

George Michael/Freedom/the Freedom video have all held a special place in my heart.

[Megan]

Ok Ms. Lancaster I must say I owe my finding of your WONDERFUL blog (plus all your books that I just recently ordered from Borders so there is your $6!!) to Womens Health Magazine! You are amazing and entertaining and wonderful and I must say that your books are the first NEW books I have bought in forever, I am a HUGE advocate for my local used book store (could you explain to my husband please this expense on my Amex?? Thanks)!

[RaeLeigh]

Jen, you're a musical genius and i don't care what Fletch would say. I already have the vast majority of the songs you mentioned in the book as "good workout songs" and i'm only 24!

love me some george michael.

i haven't ever commented here -- but i love the books and you crack me up! :)

[Joanne]

Just saw George Michael at United Center last week. The crowd went wild as he sang that song for the encore. You would have loved it!

[KellsBells]

I LOVE THAT SONG! My sister was the biggest George Michael fan ever. I told her for years that I thought he was gay. He was just too well groomed to be straight. Especially back in those days before the metrosexuals. I miss the music of my youth like that. I miss sitting in front of the stereo with the pause button down waiting for that one song to come on so I can record it. Thanks for the memories!

[Kristen]

I was born in 1985, but can still appreciate the George Michael.
Actually, my very first ever memory is watching the Faith video in my living room.

[Jen]

I want a bar in my book store! I am jealous all we have here in VA is coffee.

[the other Moira (who knew)]

Watched the video and literally had chills…brought me straight back to college senior year…also a bar scene.

The ‘tross in Mankato Minnesota. Those were the days! However, no birks and flannel - we were still in preppy pumps and long sweaters I think. Grunge took a while to find Mankato. In fact, I think it still lives there.

Thanks for the flashdance…wait, that was sophomore year in HS…er,I mean…flashback.

[M in SF]

The gay guys always get to hang out with all the pretty girls.

[Snelly]

OMG! I LOVED that video, although my fav was Linda Evangelista. She was just too damn cool and on every magazine forever. Ah, to have those glamazon looks.

[JLKelly]

Born in '73 baby, I know what you're talking about!

[vicki]

margalit--i too was dancing to George Michael and others at SPIT---greatest club--Channel too? Jen, I thought it was Elaine Irwin too!

[JennC]

Favorite. George. Song. EVER.

[MizFit]

see? austin has a lot of bookstores with bars.
or is that me with a flask in a book store.

either way.

and celebration? ahhh my first jazz class where I realized I had 2 left feet and somehow had NO CLUE about the sexuality of my male instructor.

I was awkward and clueless.

good times.

[jennster]

girl, this jennifer ann was born in 1977 and i was rocking out to george when it came out!!

[MRE]

OMG, I was just listening to that song on my iPod when I was driving up to go camping and I was picturing the video in my head! You are so right, it is the best video! I actually love that whole album! I used to listen to it ALL the time!
Cheers

[snarkalicious]

I suppose I'm one of those grade schoolers you speak of. Thank god for all of the cheezy-ass countdowns on VH-1 because I don't recall being allowed to watch MTV at that age.

And I totally know what you mean when you say that music brings on the flashbacks. However, where you hear Celebrate, I hear the theme song from Beverly Hills Cop II. And replace REM with Pearl Jam and bar with uh, study hall and well, you get the point...