Michael Jackson R.I.P.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by Dylan W

Even though MJ had a deeply, tragically disturbed personal life, his musicianship and songwriting are something to be celebrated and remembered. RIP.

Well said!

[Dylan W]

Originally Posted by deuc647

I saw the youtube vid of how he did his harmonies.... I was floored to say the least.

P.S. I'd like to see this.

[Jeffguitar]

I didn't say there weren't some older guys who also fall for the platic wrapped, top 40 dance garbage (uh, though I didn't mean you..specifically, that is).

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

What ARE you talking about? There are people of ALL ages that recognize talent and good music when they hear them. And who are you to be talking for all of us "older guys"?

This thread is amazing.

[ironinthepath]

I can see the controversy surrounding the personal life of Michael Jackson...also, he was quite odd...but all that aside, I feel a real sense of loss. There was something about MJ as a performer in his prime that was just mesmerizing.

For Halloween when I was about 5 years old my parents gave me some cassette with "scary" songs on it...my first tape! My favorite was a song called "Thriller" I played over and over...and when I saw the video, I was blown away.

Without knowing the truth about the accusations, I will leave judgment for others...but I for one am thankful for the music he made in this life. I think he may have been the first to push me into this field that I love!

Goodbye Michael. RIP

[Jeffguitar]

Originally Posted by audiogeek

whoa dude, like, wasn't their someone around before the Beatles, Stones, Zep, etc etc... for sure! what do you think your elders thought of The Who, with Pete T throwing his guitar into his amp? It's too bad Hendrix didn't play clarinet like Benny Goodman, what a waste.

show some real perspective.

I did. You see, Coltrane was before that, and I can easily see that his music too was melodically complex, meant to take you on a mental journey and it's high art, some people might prefer that high art to the Allman brothers, but they are both high art. Thriller was plastic wrapped, top 40 dance garbage aimed at 12 year olds (and certain older men who fell for it and don't know what real, artistic music is).

[Thysta]

I'm really sad. The world won't be the same without him. Rest in peace Jacko.

[anguswoodhead]

A deeply disturbed individual... but a talent none the less.
RIP Michael.

(I still sing 'Blame it on the Boogie' occasionally when I do my crappy solo gigs).

YouTube - Jackson five-Blame it on the boogie

[bcgood]

I really hope that Bruce doesn't see this thread.

If he does he'll probably never post on Gearslutz again.

[C Heat]

Originally Posted by chrislago

To be honest with you, I don't really believe that anyone is more special than someone else, whereas artistic or not. I think our society has given a lot of attention to entertainment people.

I'm just thinking about the person who has died today and will not be remembered, now that is sad.

Originally Posted by chrislago

Exactly, hence why I like to promote equality over specialness/uniqueness... No one is special, we were all equally gifted with a life and that's what really counts, and we need to stick with each other through thick and thin.

I've read a LOT of your posts in your short time here—they're all pretty good, but these are your best. I got a glimpse of chrislago inside, and I like it

[cosmos]

all great artists are a little crazy, some more then others..

RIP MJ, you were one of a kind musician.

[akai96]

Originally Posted by DeBasement

I don't know the FACTS about MJ's personal life. Pretty sure none of the loudmouths around here do either.

But what I do know is that, while I was never what I'd call a "fan", from the first time I saw and heard that little kid with the Jackson 5 on TV, there was no denying he was hugely talented. There's also little point trying to deny that he continued to be a powerful influence on an entire generation of pop singers and wannabes. Say what you want about his image, the guy had the chops.

If you don't think it's worth even a little bit of mourning for an artist whose work will be remembered for decades, and whose talent set the standard for millions, then I have to wonder what you're doing in the world of music at all...

RIP M.J.

It's good to know that long after the personal controversies have faded, the sounds and images that made Jackson a superstar will continue to entertain, and inspire.



Mind you, on a sadder note, I think Weird Al just lost his number 1 muse...

Wow! you took the words out of my mouth.

[wubbzy]

Originally Posted by chrislago

Exactly, hence why I like to promote equality over specialness/uniqueness... No one is special, we were all equally gifted with a life and that's what really counts, and we need to stick with each other through thick and thin.

Well said.

[days]

Although I really couldn't stand his music, I always felt a great sadness about the way he had been abused and exploited by his father as a child, and how he had never had an opportunity to experience the simple, wonderful pleasures of childhood. His attempts to recreate the experience of being a child as an adult were painful to watch, and may have had a more sinister side, as well. I don't think that he ever really made it fully into adulthood, or ever had the ability to fully understand who he was outside the public persona he had carefully crafted for himself. And I don't think he was ever comfortable with his race, sexuality, or fame. It's all very sad.

[akai96]

Originally Posted by steelyfan

damn... RIP Michael Jackson.



Amanda always said, "there is no such thing as weird people, some people just require more understanding".

Assholes don't like to understand, and hypocrites can't spell class.

I'm Recognizing this even more now.

[Tabnetic]

the best entertainer of my generation, his albums were majorly responsible for me getting into music at a young age. he will be missed.

[Chris Lago]

Originally Posted by C Heat

I've read a LOT of your posts in your short time here—they're all pretty good, but these are your best. I got a glimpse of chrislago inside, and I like it

Hey thanks, I try to be as honest as I can. I am a big MJ fan, but when it comes down to it, he was a human being just like us. He lived and died, and hopefully found peace in this world.

[mikesilence]

R.I.P. Michael, thank you so much...

[baslotto]

This is what ideally you want in a recording studio... but you will never have!
YouTube - Michael Jackson - Making of we are the world
USA for Africa. He wrote the song and he's preparing it for the other acts so they can sing it.
Mind the gear, mind the act, mind the producer.

[DSpec1]

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and, yes, being into different styles of music, I was way 'too cool' to publicly listen to, or enjoy his music.

Do I sing along with all of his classic songs? Yep. Do have enormous respect for an individual who could write, perform and command an audience the way MJ could? Without question.

Someone who lived his entire life in the world of entertainment, at the upper echelon was bound to have issues. But please, let's not forget the impact that MJ's music had on millions of people. We don't need to argue about commercialization, or his personal life.

It about the music and the way it made people feel and move.

My nine-year-old son, who I've exposed to every type of music imaginable, has only recently got 'into' Michael Jackson. We bought the "Best of..." CD and a live concert DVD (which my son has watched over and over and figured out precisely the rythym patterns on his drum kit.

Thankfully, my son didn't hear about it until I told him after work today.

He cried.

It's about the music and nothing else.

[drBill]

RIP Michael.

That is so very very sad. I hope he´s free know.

[fakiekid]

R.I.P Micheal. You have given us all so much.

[OurDarkness]

I wasn't exactly a fan - I stopped soon after "Bad" was released but he was a great performer and dancer and I am sure he will be missed.

RIP.

[TonyBelmont]

Incredible music and tragic personal life.

[arkmabat]

I was just getting into "thriller" darn it...I'd never seen that music video till a month a ago! And now he's dead...

[drBill]

LOL Slow learners, eh....

Wow, just watched some of the tributes on TV. Once again, super impressed at the man's accomplishments. At this time, I'd say it's highly unlikely that any record will ever top Thriller in sales. 100mil - and no doubt climbing now that he's gone. Geez, , that's probably more than all CD's combined over the last 3 years from ALL artists....

[orangeoctane]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Incredible music and tragic personal life.

Great pic! That was a sweet era. Quincy, Bruce Swedien and even Ed Cherney! Good stuff!

[larry b]

Originally Posted by drBill

...At this time, I'd say it's highly unlikely that any record will ever top Thriller in sales. 100mil - and no doubt climbing now that he's gone. Geez, , that's probably more than all CD's combined over the last 3 years from ALL artists....

thumbsupthumbsup

I'm watching the Beat It video right now. So good!

[TonyBelmont]

The man working in the studio....

[malgfunk]

Originally Posted by ektia

I'm in music precisely because I want to contribute (in my own meager and nearly-invisible way) to creating music of substance and depth, and not contribute to a bleak culture that welcomes the type of slick and pointless product that Michael Jackson and other mass-marketed entertainers fill our shelves with every year.

Anyone who thinks Michael Jackson set a "standard" needs to leave the music business. Hendrix set a standard. The Beatles set a standard. John Coltrane set a standard. Mozart set a standard. Not in a million years did Michael Jackson approach any type of standard except the crassest one, that of commerce.

It's obvious you don't have any "soul" or don't know what it is. Mike was in a "pocket" that most performers could only dream of being in when performing and laying vocal tracks. Barry Gordy knew this along with Quincy Jones and others. Substance is when people can feel your music and performance. You will probably never see another Michael Jackson in your lifetime.