In the early 80's the man was like a force of nature. Suddenly everyone did what he was doing. "Thriller" (the album) is an absolute masterpiece. His later work... not so much.
Just a few months ago, the radio station on our clock radio had an item where they'd ask their (musical) guests to cover Billie Jean. Almost every single one of them knew the song, and just played it without so much as a minute of preparation. That is how much impact he had on the musical scene of today.
For a while, he was in tune with the spirit of the world. It's too bad he lost his way, but his tremendous musical genius was indeed a force to be reckoned with.
Smooth Criminal, Who Is It, Blood On The Dancefloor, Say, Say, Say (with Paul McCartney) and Scream (if that is indeed its correct title) w/ Janet Jackson are some that immediately spring to mind as well.
Found out about it the same way I learn of everything else important in the news: Fark.com :)
I think I'm the only person alive who doesn't like MJ's music. I mean, Thriller is kinda amusing (especially with dancing SoBe lizards). If I got a ride from someone and they insisted we would either listen to Busta Rhymes, The Dixie Chicks, Children of Sodom, or Michael Jackson then MJ is the lesser evil. But I have zero CDs and zero mp3s by him and have never in my life felt the desire to listen to him.
I think we were a bit too young to have a deep connection for him. But for everyone who listened to his music as teens, and now in their forties and fifties (i.e. in charge of stuff), it's the biggest news ever. Just wait until Britney Spears bites the big one...
To be honest, Heath Ledger wasn't that big of a hit yet when he died (remember, before the Dark Knight came out). It's just that people recognized the latent talent he had. MJ's prime was so spectacular that people always wondered if he could have done more.
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no subject
Date: 2009-06-26 09:48 am (UTC)Just a few months ago, the radio station on our clock radio had an item where they'd ask their (musical) guests to cover Billie Jean. Almost every single one of them knew the song, and just played it without so much as a minute of preparation. That is how much impact he had on the musical scene of today.
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Date: 2009-06-26 03:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-26 10:50 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-26 03:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-26 04:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-26 07:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-27 03:26 am (UTC)I think I'm the only person alive who doesn't like MJ's music. I mean, Thriller is kinda amusing (especially with dancing SoBe lizards). If I got a ride from someone and they insisted we would either listen to Busta Rhymes, The Dixie Chicks, Children of Sodom, or Michael Jackson then MJ is the lesser evil. But I have zero CDs and zero mp3s by him and have never in my life felt the desire to listen to him.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-27 03:40 am (UTC)Just wait until Britney Spears bites the big one.
Date: 2009-06-27 03:48 am (UTC)When Britney Spears dies, I will have to resist the urge to celebrate.
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Date: 2009-06-30 03:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-30 03:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-30 03:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-30 04:03 pm (UTC)