Writer's Block: RIP Michael Jackson
I can't choose just one. How could I?
Where to start? Here we go...
For the Video/Dances:
1. Thriller. There's not a soul over the age of 5 that doesn't know at least one or two steps from the Thriller Zombie routine!
2. Smooth Criminal. People debated for years on whether the 'Anti-Gravity Lean' was real or wire-assisted. And everyone I know tried it and instantly fell over, myself included! Good times...
3. Remember the Time: The Egyptian themed video was very opulent and regal, and the group dance remains one of my favourites to this day.
4. Bad. The ultimate cheesefest. The concept of the video was so 'Bad' (heh!) it was good! Michael Jackson, pale as a sheet, as your everyday, badass LA gang member...yeah, right! *snickers* That one's always good for a chuckle. And last but not least...
5. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. It wasn't much of a video as videos go...it was typical, late 70's stuff, with Michael dancing in his own, inimitable style against a background of swirly, phototrick images. But by Zod, this was when Michael Jackson was at his finest. He was pre-surgery, had all his own hair, and he was drop-dead gorgeous. He was tall, dark and handsome, and I fell head over heels in love with him from the moment I saw it.
I was five at the time.
For the Music:
1. Give In To Me, and
2. Dirty Diana - both of which feature the ever-awesome Slash on guitar.
3. Billie Jean - for it's awesome, easily recognisable 8-beat baseline (which you all started surreptitiously humming!)
4. You Wanna Be Startin' Something - another one with a beat that just sticks in your craw and doesn't let up!
For The Lyrics:
1. Man in the Mirror - Beautifully introspective. I think this must be almost everyone's favourite.
2. I'll Be There - the honesty in his young voice was so touching, as were the words he was singing.
3. Have You Seen My Childhood - Some lines from that song made my heart ache for the sad, lonely child he must have been:
Before you judge me
Try hard to love me
The painful youth I've had...
*sigh*
Farewell, Michael. You're gone, but not forgotten.