The way you make me feel…
I did it. I saw Michael Jackson’s This Is It this evening and you know what? I’m not even ashamed about it. It was great. I’m not terribly familiar with concert films, but this one allowed the audience to see the performer in his element, without all of the distractions of the finished product. Sometimes you want to see a concert and have it be about the music, not the spectacle of the show proper. This was that.
I grew up as a fan of MJ, even through the Troublesome Years. (Okay, all evidence points to the fact he was a pedophile. There. I said it.) Still, I remain of fan of his music. It’s as much about the music itself as it is about the memories the music holds. Even without looking at them through the lens of crazy-strong nostalgia, the man could and did craft many a fine pop song.
The Way You Make Me Feel (killer bass line…will always remind me of Tunes.)
Man in the Mirror (it’s the key change that always gets me!)
Beat It (at the time, it was said this song was a challenge to Prince, who was also at the peak of his popularity. men.)
Bad (I’m bad, bad, really really bad. {If you have to tell me how bad you are, you might be overstating the matter. Just saying.})
Thriller (do you remember the sweet choreography?! still just as amazing. same for that of “Beat It.”)
Remember The Time (so many famous faces in the video, but a fantastic song in its own right. have you heard Kris Allen’s version? I like it even better, I think.)
Jam (the opening track of Dangerous…never got the love it deserved)
Will You Be There? (most widely known as the song from Free Willy, a movie I’ve never seen. I discovered it on the album.)
Keep The Faith (follows “Will You Be There?” and together they clock in at almost 15 minutes. that’s commitment.)
Human Nature (mid tempo, great melody)
Billie Jean (now that a child named Billie Jean has surfaced, it would appear that the kid is indeed his son.)
PYT (skating rink. fourth grade. dedicated to me by a boy and I was so shy it horrified me. still a great song, traumatic memory notwithstanding.)
Wanna Be Starting Something (opening track of Thriller…a sign of the genius of the eight tracks that follow)
Black or White (if you’re thinking of being my baby, it don’t matter if you’re black or white!)
With his brothers:
I’ll Be There (quintessential teen angst song…perfect in every way)
I Want You Back (the opening nine seconds of this song are pure musical joy)
Rockin’ Robin (how can you not sing and dance to this song?!)
And there are so many more to enjoy! These are just the first ones I thought of. I have a suspicion there will be a Favorite MJ playlist created in my not-too-distant future. Mock me if you must. I know my musical taste isn’t particularly edgy or outside of the mainstream and I’m okay with that. I listen to what I like and I like what I listen to. New things get added (and old ones, removed) as my tastes shift.
This day has been one of memories and experiences from my past coming back to say “hi” and they seem want to hang out for a bit. I’m not in the mood for company and it’s been kind of strange coupled with lots of sad.
On a totally separate note: If someone could create for me a block of Banana Laffy Taffy that’s approximately 18″ high, deep, and wide, that would be awesome. I’d cut off little pieces with my sharp multi-tool and be satiated all day long. That would be rad.
