Melancholic Musings

...It's sure been difficult getting back in the swing of everyday life since returning from my week at the beach almost 2 weeks ago. I miss the seabreeze, picking up shells with my son, and my view from my beach chair...It was so purty...

My view now is of the television showing the first Star Wars film, which is not too shabby for this movie geek. Yes, I realize the official name now includes the words "Episode 4: A New Hope", but I am being a stubborn codger. I figure if I am old enough to have seen it in the theatre in 1977, then I suppose I'll call it whatever I want to.

As I am now in a nostalgic mood of sorts, I am reminded of the recent premature passing of "The King of Pop", Michael Jackson. Now, I do realize this blog is dedicated to the world of rock, but Mr. Jackson's music has been an enormous influence on many musicians and even has some rock connections to boot. If you are old enough to have been alive when the charismatic Jackson fronted the Jackson 5 or when "Thriller" originally hit the charts, then you probably understand my sorrow to this big loss in the music world. If hearing the name "Michael Jackson" conjures up images of "Wacko Jacko" and his personal life, then you may not share my feelings which is okay.

My Top Ten MJ (solo) Songs:

10. Thriller

9. Bad

8. Beat It

7. Dirty Diana

6. Black or White

5. Smooth Criminal

4. The Way You Make Me Feel

3. Billie Jean

2. Wanna Be Startin'Something

1. Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough

Michael Jackson even impacted rock music in '80s and '90s when he collaborated with some notable axe-men such as Eddie Van Halen, Slash, and Steve Stevens, who played with Billy Idol. Eddie contributed to one of MJ's biggest hits, "Beat It" and made it cool for some rockers to stop and take a listen. Steve Stevens' smokin' guitar solo from "Dirty Diana" even made a metalhead like my husband declare that he LIKED the song. Hey, if you knew my husband, then you would understand how surprising it is that he liked the song and admits to it. Not too shabby for a guy who listens to Maiden and Sabbath ALOT. As for former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, he not only played on two singles for "Dangerous" (most notably "Black or White"), he played on stage with Jackson on a few tour dates and some televised shows.

You will be missed, Michael Jackson. So glad your music will live on in the hearts of your fans everywhere.

Until next time, keep it on "11" and do a little moonwalking, too...