Can you take another MJ thread??

[Dan Murphy]

Like so many folks, I always did enjoy his music, his videos. They were always so cutting edge, ground breaking in so many ways. Some seemed strange the first few times I would hear them, see them, but then, grow on me, growing to appreciate them for what they were, brief masterpieces.

Over the past number of years, certainly with all his personal problems, and his not really doing much recording nor performing, I pretty much did not pay attention to his music in recent years. But with his passing and so much air play of his music and videos, I find myself looking for his songs/videos on YouTube, which really, as a medium (YouTube), did not really even exist when he was in his prime.

One I looked for today, after listening to the wonderful performance by Jennifer Hudson at Michael's memorial, Will You Be There. I was taken by the lyrics, as well as the actual music. The lyrics so seem to tell a story of his inner feelings that must have pained him for so many years. He was a troubled soul. I think he wanted to be perfect as as entertainer, bring people enjoyment, and be accepted. He seemed to have such difficulty with the last piece, and much of his later music seemed to play and act that out.

If you have some time, listen to the first video here.......

(As always, the HQ will give better sound, a bit better picture)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvYygjcMDdQ

Then listen to this one, edited by an apparent fan, Jennifer, with the lyrics, so telling they seem to be, when you can read along, concentrating more on the lyrical content, rather than the video and dancing, etc. It really seems like a sad song, sort of a cry to be accepted. He had so much, but seemed to be missing the part of life we all need so much, interaction, acceptance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRqYVFr7sL4


One last one, if you are still with this and not bored enough to close it out, here is what most of us saw for this song back almst 20 years ago, as it was mixed for the Free Willy movie.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yei36GaQWoQ&feature=fvst

Please don't hold it against me for doing another MJ thread, I find his works captivating.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I agree, Dan, I've been surprised about how personal and poetic his lyrics were. I guess I never made that connection before (maybe with Black or White).


I hope his music becomes his lasting legacy, not the tabloid fodder. There are truely some beautiful songs there.

My personal favorite part of the memorial today was when John Mayer did an acoustic version of Human Nature. John Mayer told Larry King that leaving out Michael's lead voices served as a symbol to what was lost.

I thought that was especially moving.

Take a look-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvrtuAmHHnI

 

[denisenh]

thanks dan. i feel pretty much the way you describe. i can't watch the videos now, i feel sad about his death, (no need for negative comments. we are all entitled to our feelings) but i will watch them eventually.

 

[Planogirl]

I agree that he was a troubled soul and I feel nothing but sympathy for everyone right now. His lyrics are quite poignant.

 

[mariezp]

I can honestly say that I have also been drawn to listen to MJ's music since his death as well. I, of course, like so many others also grew up with his music but had not paid much attention to most of his later stuff. I was so amazed by some of the beautiful songs I found on youtube. I absolutely love Speechless and You Are My Life. I have to say I never realized what a beautiful voice he really had. Thank you for posting the first link to Will You Be There. I had watched the Free Willy version but the concert version is so much better.

As a person, I imagine that very few of us can even begin to fathom what MJ's life must have been like. And along with that I imagine that few of us knew what was true or untrue about him. I prefer to remember that he was an extraordinarily talented individual and glad that he shared his talent with the world. I hope his children are able to grow up with a happy and normal life and remember Michael for the side of him that probably only they knew.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.

 

[AustinTink]

It seems like he poured his heart out in some of his later works and nobody bothered to help him. He was a tortured soul. So sad.

 

[4nana]

I agree Dan. May Michael's troubled soul finally be resting in peace. My heart and prayers go out to his beautiful children and family. ^i^

 

[2BigKIdz]

Thanks Dan. I really enjoyed the videos, except they made me I grew up with his music. He was an extremely talented artist and wonderful performer and will be missed.

 

[MushyMushy]

I'm glad you posted this because I've been a little embarrassed to admit this. Like a lot of people here, I grew up with the Jackson 5, and then was such a huge fan of Michael when he became a solo artist, but somewhere in the late 80s or so, I just stopped liking pop music in general, so I've always ignored Michael, and all the hoopla surrounding him. I never put much stock in the accusations about him either.

But since his death, I've felt like a part of my childhood has died. Like you, I've been watching his videos and am touched all over again by the talent that man had.

 

[CathrynRose]

I agree with everything you said, Dan.

Ive found myself looking up YouTube video's since his passing, and just watching in awe of his talent.

If you get a chance, search "Michael Jackson Home Videos" - there appears to have been a special on FOX with his video's with him narrating. I think I watched them all - but they should rerun that. It was interesting to see him not "on", but just Michael.

 

[ckay87]

I'm glad you posted this because I've been a little embarrassed to admit this. Like a lot of people here, I grew up with the Jackson 5, and then was such a huge fan of Michael when he became a solo artist, but somewhere in the late 80s or so, I just stopped liking pop music in general, so I've always ignored Michael, and all the hoopla surrounding him. I never put much stock in the accusations about him either.

But since his death, I've felt like a part of my childhood has died. Like you, I've been watching his videos and am touched all over again by the talent that man had.

Oh my gosh, I've been feeling the same way. This is the first celebrity death that has deeply saddened me for exactly the reason you describe. I certainly wasn't his biggest fan, but he and his music has always just been there in the background. I just can't believe he's gone. I was playing Man in the Mirror the other day and I actually shed tears.

 

[TinkPinkPoem]

I watched Jennifer Hudson perform the song yesterday at the memorial and in the end when they had MJ's voice eading some lyrics I got chills. His voice was all cracked and emotional while uttering the words. I can't imagine what the kids must be going through. It's always tough to lose a parent, but with all this media circus I can't even imagine how difficult it must be.


I will always appreciate the dance, and the dancer's input in shaping pop culture as we know it, despite what's told about his personality. He was an artist, so I try to focus on his art.

Those are truly great songs. Thanks for posting the videos.

 

[crz4mm2]

I have ALWAYS liked Michael Jackson.
I think he is one of the greatest entertainers that has every graced us.
I also don't believe that he abused children.

Thanks Dan, for the links. I was working ALL day yest and had not had a chance to see any of the memorial until this am.

I am just a smidge younger than Michael. I can't believe he is gone

 

[Micca]

There has been so much crud around Michael Jackson how can anyone really know what to believe about him?

I think we know for sure that he was extremely talented and loved by people all over the world, and that his family loved him dearly. It's a sad day when somebody like that dies.

 

[snapppyd]

Thank you for this. I am so saddened that I never saw him perform live, and now I never will get the opportunity.

 

[Stitchfans]

I agree Dan. In spite of some people's personal feelings towards him you can not deny that he was talented. He was generous which was proven through all the charities he gave to. He loved and protected his children. Deep down inside me I can not believe the allegations made against him due to how he cared for his children. He himself, was a tortured sole and a child himself. Having a "father" like Joe and all. I personally can not but help but feel sorry for him and his siblings.

No names mentioned, but I have no doubt the MJ bashers will find this thread and bash away. REAL SHAME!

But thank you Dan for the UTube threads.

 

[DVCJones]

Wanted to add to the list of MJ songs....

"You Are Not Alone"

I recently listened to this and have a new appreciation for his lyrics and music.

 

[Goopy]

I've found myself watching way too much of it and I will be glad when its not on TV as much then I wont find myself watching it all the time.

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

Now that he is gone many of his songs have so much more meaning. They have become all the more powerful.

Man in the Mirror~ This song is so so beautiful on so many levels. Michael was a tortured soul, but he was willing to "make that change" and end the torture for others.

Leave Me Alone~ While the video might have mocked the media coveraged of Michael, the song itself sounds so pained and almost desperate. He has been crying out for help for a long time.

You Are Not Alone~Gosh I listened to this song right after he died and it literally made me sob. I wanted him back so bad, and I didn't want to be alone. "Why did you have to go and leave the world so cold." Just like his passing

It just seems like he has been crying out for help and nobody would help him. He was so lonely and while he had his children that was all he had.

 

[redrosesix]

I watched Jennifer Hudson perform the song yesterday at the memorial and in the end when they had MJ's voice eading some lyrics I got chills. His voice was all cracked and emotional while uttering the words. I can't imagine what the kids must be going through. It's always tough to lose a parent, but with all this media circus I can't even imagine how difficult it must be.


I will always appreciate the dance, and the dancer's input in shaping pop culture as we know it, despite what's told about his personality. He was an artist, so I try to focus on his art.

Those are truly great songs. Thanks for posting the videos.

I was a dancer when MJ came out with Billie Jean, so you can imagine I saw his work not just from a musical standpoint. But after the trial, his music was really never played here except for Thriller at Halloween.

I disagreed with a lot of things he did, but I've disagreed with a lot of things that friends who became drug addicts did. And, as with them, I walked away from thinking about him. A lot of people want to blame his actions, choices, behaviours on his upbringing or abuse from his father, but even without those, drug addiction would have been enough to cause all of that IMO. I've never been a tabloid reader and unfortunately the types of stories written about him were not going to change until the new tour began.

I think it's very interesting that many people want to mythologize him now. But some of the greatest artists also had very painful issues to deal with -- somehow, that allowed them to express the feelings that we see in their work. The world is not always beautiful, life is not always happy -- maybe we appreciate the art that reflects the feelings that we as humans also have. Beethoven, Mozart, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, just to name a few from the genre of music -- Michael Jackson fits right in with them, on so many levels.

Although I think that the choreography that Kenny Ortega did for him was the most self-expressive and moving dancing he did, and I love how Kenny Ortega was able to translate the emotions of the moment into the song for the memorial, it seems like all of that work was done after his demise began. Michael Peters (aka "the guy in the cool white jacket in Beat It")was lucky enough to have him as a young man, ready to take on the world, starting when MJ was in the J 5 but sadly that ended when Peters himself died at the age of 46.

I like to think that he and Michael Peters are dancing up in heaven.