On Michael… (and a note from my 45 collection)

I’ve been wanting to write something on Michael Jackson ever since his untimely death last week. I’ve been putting it off and putting it off… mostly because the subject is very overwhelming for me as it is, but even more so because of the amount of negative comments and press I’ve seen. So, you see, this post will be positive. And no comments will be allowed. My opinion and experience is not up for debate. It’s not open for scrutiny. It’s just my opinion and experience. Deal with it!

I am currently 35 years old. I’ll turn 36 next month – the day after Michael Jackson’s birthday. We’re both Virgos. I feel a kinship with the man and always have. I know what it’s like to be misunderstood. Not on his level, of cousre, but nevertheless. I know what it’s like to deal with people whose minds are not open. People who only see what they want to see about you. I can open my mind and understand what it’s like to have people only react to the media they are spoon-fed about you. People suck. It’s sad, but true.

Michael was found innocent in a court of law. Does that matter to anyone? Some of the posts I have seen remind me of the stereotype of the townsfolk coming after the town “weirdo” with torches and pitchforks. This isn’t the 17th century, folks! Right after Michael’s death – and by that I mean within an HOUR, I had people on my Facebook list screaming, “FREAK! WEIRDO!” and of course, all the pedophile comments. I wonder, had he never changed his appearance, would people be so quick to judge? Possibly, epecially because there are still so many racists out there. But I’d bet you anything the judgemental group would be a lot smaller. People tend to hear the word “pedophile” thrown around and immediately assume guilt, expecially if the person accused is seen as strange by the public. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? What happened to the fact he WAS NOT proven guilty? What about the fact that he was SO not guilty he has custody of his own children?

People who lack critical thinking skills, people who lack empathy and especially people who lack both MAKE ME SICK. I don’t want to deal with your kind! And I lost a couple of Facebook friends because of this. I deleted THEM. I say, “good riddance.” If their minds are that closed who is to say they won’t turn on me someday when I am in need of understanding and empathy? Who needs friends like that?

Michael had loads of money and was around hundreds, if not thousands of kids in his lifetime. During that time only two kids have bothered to say anything at all. Doesn’t that ring the warning bells? Money is the great motivater here. I really don’t want to dwell on this. For more info on the first case and how Michael was framed, please read this:

Was Michael Jackson Framed?

He admitted sharing his bed and having sleepovers with children. SO WHAT? Sleeping does not equal sex! Where are these people living, how did they grow up to automatically assume the worst over the word “sleep”? Is Michael guilty of poor judgement? Absolutely. But only because, in this world, as we have seen, a lot of people have completely lost the ability to think that a grown man does not necessarily equal a pedophile. Michael was an overgrown child!!! My goodness, is this not obvious? I seriously doubt he was remotely capable of the things he was accused of. He completely missed his own childhood at the mercy of beatings administered by his own father. He is absolutely guilty of eccentricity and weirdness in the first degree (a similar quote I saw written somewhere else), BUT SO WHAT? Who is to define what normal is? And last time I checked, being weird, different, or strange-looking does not make you a criminal or, most importantly, a pedophile! Come on people!

There is a boatload more I could say about this, but I want to talk about my personal Michael Jackson experiences.

Because I was heavily into shows like Dance Fever and Solid Gold as a kid, I’m sure I took a liking to Michael’s Off The Wall singles, and I do remember them. I think I was too young to have formed any solid memories of them, though. I was 9 years old when Thriller came out in November of 1982. “The Girl Is Mine” was the first single and, eh… I was not of the generation to worship Paul McCartney, so to me it was … eh. I remember “Billie Jean” taking our breath away. The video, with the sidewalks that lit up as Michael moved onto them held us mesmerized. How’d they do that? “Beat It” was next and oh, man! The world was listening. Michael had somehow gotten King Of Guitars Eddie Van Halen to play on this song, and the kids my age were ever so impressed. No one could deny these singles were totally, well, EVERYTHING.

Somehow, by this time (Valentine’s Day 1983) I had still managed to not have any singles or the Thriller album in my posession. Then, the Motown 25th Anniversary Special was shown on NBC. Taped March 25, 1983 and shown on TV May 16th, 1983, I believe this is the event that put me, and probably so many others, over the top for Michael! It’s hard to imagine now, but when he did the moonwalk here for the first time it had people talking for days, weeks, hey, they STILL talk about it. It was like he was other-worldly. No one ever saw anyone dance like that. Again, as a young aspiring dancer, I was hooked! I remember watching this at my friend Linda’s house. Linda lived down the street and I must have been spending the night. After Michael’s performance we tried in vain to moonwalk all over her living room. It’s one of my favorite 80s memories! And thanks to Facebook, I know she remembers it fondly, too!

I was now primed, and since “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” was released on May 8, 1983, I ran out and bought it!

Furzdurzelette's copy of Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

I love this song sooo much! It peaked at #5 on the Hot 100 Singles Chart (and I helped!). The red mark on the sleeve is not lipstick, I swear. I marked all of my 45s with a stamp that said “Karen” (my mother’s name – I didn’t have one of my own) to mark it as mine when it was brought to a friend’s house or a party. I played this single so much it started to skip not too long after I got it, and the sleeve is coming apart. I somehow acquired a second copy of it which will remain in my collection untouched and pristine!

Back of Furzdurzelette's copy

This single was released without a video, or I’d have put it here!

It was only after this that I somehow got my hands on Thriller, the Lp, on cassette. I don’t remember buying it, and I don’t remember buying this single either. I have a feeling my parents bought both for me, but most definitely the cassette, as I was still 9 and had not much money to speak of. And for some reason I’m almost certain the cassette came from K-Mart. A good bet, as there weren’t  a lot of places to buy music in my hometown. The cassette is in storage (I’ve been listening to B’s cd copy of it lately).

“Human Nature” and “P.Y.T.” came out as singles after this. I remember not caring for “Human Nature” that much as a kid, but I do like it now. I used to listen to “P.Y.T.” a lot, though, even then though I knew at 10 (I had a birthday by that point) how silly it was! I think that might even be why I liked it so much!

“Thriller” came next and blew the roof off the world. What a song! And what a video! It was definitely one of the videos that molded me as a person and made be want to be a dancer more than anything in the world!

Naturally, they are all over any posting of this video, so I cannot embed it here. If you want to see the “Thriller” video, click here:

Thriller

I have vivid memories of walking through my neighborhood with my tape recorder (I didn’t own a boom box) blasting “Billie Jean.” “Smooth Criminal” was another dance video that had me in awe of the dancing. I love these memories. I know in my heart, and for the reasons outlined above, Michael Jackson was a good man and not capable of the horrible things he was accused of doing. I’ll never understand why he felt the need to change his beautiful face. But he did it, and that was his choice. I adore Michael, and I always will.

Rest In Peace.

Brian Jones – Gone 40 Years Ago Tonight

May he Rest In Peace.

Double Whammy Weekend

Thursday night the hubby and I headed out to see Tesla. For the second time in a row of trying, I managed to get front row seats for this band. Such luck! I was right in front of their new guitarist, Dave Rude, all night. Last time we saw them was during the acoustic tour and Tommy (who I loved as a teen) was still there, but totally wasn’t into it. Dave rocked my socks! I was into it, and I think he appreciated it. He threw me a pick, to which I stuck my arm out straight and it landed directly in my hand. People behind me were hungry for it, and believe me, I was ready for a fight. It was meant-to-be, though, and as I turned to tell my husband that I got it I saw Dave pointing at me – indicating to the others it was for me! I was beside myself. I tried to mouth “thank you” but Brian Wheat stepped between us. I still got my mojo! I feel alive again! A good concert is such good therapy!

Last night we went to a series of lectures at the Landmark Theatre headed up by Chip Coffey of Paranormal State. The first lecturer was noted Demonologist John Zaffis, who has worked on many cases, including The Haunting In Connecticut. The second speaker was a woman from our local ghost-hunting organization. Chip Coffey spoke after her. He’s just like he is on TV – only better! He has a great, funny personality that only begins to seep through on PS. We met him and got a picture with him after the show.

We didn’t stay for the Ghost Hunt. Maybe next time. I wanted to see what things were like there, first. Sounds like a good time in the future, though!

Stuff I’m Digging

(embedding disabled on the videos so click the links!)

My Life Would Suck Without You – Kelly Clarkson

Kelly just rules!

Spaceman – The Killers

This song reminds me of all my strange sleep paralysis episodes. Listen to (or read) the lyrics!

It started with a low light
Next thing I knew they ripped me from my bed
And then they took my blood type
It left a strange impression in my head
You know that I was hoping
That I could leave this starcrossed world behind
But when they cut me open
I guess I changed my mind
And you know I might
Have just flown too far from the floor this time
Cause they calling me by my name
And the zipping white light beams
Disregarding the bombs and satellites

That was the turning point
That was one lonely night

The starmaker says it ain’t so bad
The dreammaker’s gonna make you mad
The spaceman says everybody look down!
It’s all in your mind

Now I’m back at home and
I’m looking forward to this life I live
You know it’s going to haunt me
So hesitation to this life I give
You think you might cross over
You’re caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
You better look it over
Before you make that leap

And you know I’m fine, but I hear those voices at night
Sometimes, they justify my claim
And the public don’t dwell on my transmission
Cause It wasn’t televised

But it was the turning point
O what a lonely night

The starmaker says it ain’t so bad
The dreammaker’s gonna make you mad
The spaceman says everybody look down!
It’s all in your mind

The starmaker says it ain’t so bad
The dreammakers’s gonna make you mad
The spaceman says everybody look down!
It’s all in your mind

My global position systems are vocally addressed
They said the nile used to run from east to west
They said the nile used to run… from east to west

I’m fine,
but I hear those voices at night
Sometimes…

The starmaker says it ain’t so bad
The dreammaker’s gonna make you mad
The spaceman says everybody look down!
It’s all in your mind

The starmaker says it ain’t so bad
The dreammaker’s gonna make you mad
The spaceman says everybody look down!
It’s all in your mind

It’s all in my mind
It’s all in my mind
It’s all in my mind
It’s all in my mind
It’s all in my mind
It’s all in my… mind

Today in… 1986

A follow-up on yesterday’s post. From my 8th Grade English Class Journal, November 18, 1986:

I just got out of gym. I hate volleyball with a passion. After school today. We’re going to my Aunt L’s house for spaghetti with my grandparents. What fun. I’m going to miss Dance Party. Oh well. The Lip Sync wasn’t by Jason and Bob, it was by Pisces. It was stupid. F is absolutely going to kill me. I almost died. Last night Amy came over after we went downtown. I got Superteen’s October issue, and the record “Walk Like An Egyptian” By the Bangles. It was the last one. Amy got “Human” by the Human League, and something else. Gotta go, Bye.

Ah… a little bit more info! My copy of “Walk…” was the last one in stock. This goes along nicely with yesterday’s post indicating that when I purchased it, the song was climbing its way to number 1! Nice! And now we have the added info that Amy bought “Human” by Human League. Let’s see… according to Wiki ”Human” was the band’s first single off their album Crash (which was released in September of 1986) and became Human League’s second number one single in America. And Amy helped!

Hmmph… Dance Party! I had to go and mention it, didn’t I? Yes, 8th grade saw me obsessed with this Philly-based dance show on the USA Network. And this means I subjected Amy to it, and as I recall, Amy HATED Dance Party. My friend “F” and I *loved* it , though! While my friend “F” frothed over the show’s most popular regular, Bob – I spent my evenings staring at his best friend, Jason. I think Lip Syncs were about one of the worst things to come out of the 80s. I think we only cared so much about them because whomever did a lip sync had more “face time” for us to stare at them on tv. Nothing to kill me or die over. I wish I had a quarter for everytime the phrase, “I almost died” shows up in my journals and diaries. I’d be wealthy! Everything is so dramatic when you’re 13!

Incidently, I don’t remember how the spaghetti was, but it makes me wonder… I was absent the next day!

Today In… 1986 AND a note from my 45 collection

From my 8th grade English class journal:

I just got out of health. That class is getting pretty BORING. Oh well. I’m going downtown after school with Amy. I’m going to get a magazine and a record. Grandma & Grandpa got here Saturday from Florida. Yesterday we ordered a 32 slice pizza and watched slides. Karie came too. I’m going to get the record “Walk Like An Egyptian” by the Bangles. Well, gotta stop. Bye.

I guess this is as good a time as any to do another entry in the My 45 Collection category! Not often do I figure out the exact date I purchased one of my records, but there you have it: November 17, 1986 I purchased “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles! There is more information about this shopping excursion in the next day’s entry, but I’ll save that for tomorrow (hopefully I’ll remember!).

“Walk Like An Egyptian” was released, according to it’s Wiki page, as the third single from The Bangles’ hit album Different Light, in September of 1986, when it also debuted in the Billboard Hot 100. The song reached number one on the same chart in the U.S. on December 20th (so I was on board early, then.. I helped!). It stayed at number one for four weeks, carrying it through to January 1987.

What I cannot believe is that according to the Wiki entry, this song is one that was deemed inappropriate by those nerds at Clear Channel after the 9/11 attacks. I guess they didn’t want the terrorists thinking we were making fun of the way they walk?

I bought no less than three 45s from the album Different Light. It dawned on me later that I should have just bought the album. But that’s how it was back then. Not often did you find an entire album to your liking or want to take a chance on it, especially as an 8th grader with no money. You bought what you liked and could afford. Only rarely did it turn out that the album would have been the bargain!

If you’re my age (35) you’ll probably remember everyone and their grandmother walking around imitating ancient hieroglyphs of King Tut during the winter of 1986/1987. Such a clever song! The country couldn’t get enough!

Before I go, I want to give a shout out to the Pudgies 32 slice sheet pizza mentioned in the English class entry. Pudgies is still in my hometown and the pizza and wings still rule. Yes!

 

(Keep feeling) Fascination – Human League

Anyone here like the Human League?

Seriously, B and I were driving home from my Mom’s and listening to the 80s channel on XM radio in our car when “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” by Human League came on. It’s one of my favorite Human League songs (not that there are many), and yet one I frequently forget all about. As it turns out, it was a huge hit tonight, prompting an impromptu karaoke session right there on Route 81! I am still thinking about it and it’s still in my head and it was an hour and a half ago now. Damn that Human League!

If it seems a little time is needed
Decisions to be made
The good advice of friends unheeded
The best of plans mislaid

Just looking for a new direction
In an old familiar way
The forming of a new connection
To study or to play

And so the conversation turned
Until the sun went down
And many fantasies were learned
On that day

Keep feeling fascination
Passion burning
Love so strong
Keep feeling fascination
Looking learning
Moving on

Well the truth may need some
Re-arranging
Stories to be told
And plain to see the facts are changing
No meaning left to hold

And so the conversation turned
Until the sun went down
And many fantasies were learned
On that day

And so the conversation turned
Until the sun went down
And many fantasies were learned
On that day

Extreme birthday!

I spent my birthday seeng Extreme at our local State Fair. I was so excited that they reunited (ooh, a rhyme!). It was fantastic. I’ve liked Extreme since their debut album came out in 1989.

And I like that first album more than anything they ever did. I was 16 and a pop metal kinda girl back then and Extreme had such a fresh sound and loads of talent. They were hard to ignore! The funk just knocked your socks off. ) Anyway, I can’t discuss Extreme and not discuss Nuno Bettencourt, their amazing guitarist. After this album came out, Nuno was immediately a Guitar God Among Men. And I won’t lie, being a straight female I couldn’t help but notice he was good-looking, too (remember the hairstyles above were not so shocking then! LOL). This was NOT however, the main reason I was a fan of him or the band. It was just a pleasant secondary issue. In college I remember writing a letter to my friend Norah and ranting about Nuno’s talent and beauty. I mentioned he is Portuguese, to which she replied, “I hope you meet the Portuguese man of your dreams soon!” I always found this hysterical and still think of Nuno as The Portuguese Man of My Dreams. LMAO – It just makes me giggle.

So anyway, I have video and stuff from the birthday show, where we were in the second row, but I’d rather make this a “tribute to Extreme” post and put up old stuff I like…

The video for “Mutha (Dont Wanna Go To School Today)” – always a favorite, featuring a kid who skips school to go see Extreme, becomes friends with them and gets a ride home on their tour bus!

Another great song, “Little Girls”

“Get The Funk Out” from their second album, Pornograffiti

This is Gary and Nuno playing “More Than Words” at the recent show I attended. Our sing-along is spectacular, so I’m posting this even though I now loathe this song like everyone else. This is not my video, though I do have my own version of it from Nuno’s side. It was incredibly loud, hence the distortion in the video.

Extreme today (new drummer):

They have a new album – go buy it!

;o)