I was in the middle of my first winter semester here at BYU.
Three days earlier, an announcement was made, that there was going to be an announcement made. Very organized, you see.
I talked it up to all my friends, I called my mom, and assured EVERYONE that I'd relay the good news, once I heard.
I brought my computer on campus with me so that I could check online to see what it was all about, because 7 o'clock London time equals noon here.
"The final curtain call"
Although I knew I couldn't afford $200 concert tickets, much less a trip to London, the news was exciting, reassuring. Even though I knew I'd be experiencing these concerts via shaky cell-phone video camera footage hastily posted on youtube, it was something to look forward to.
Sadly, the concerts never came to fruition. While I would have loved for Michael and all the dancers to have the chance to perform this comeback tour in the O2 Arena, the movie documentary is excellent - a very intimate look at just how involved MJ was in every aspect of the performance. As much of a showman as he was a singer, songwriter and dancer.
"See you in July" he promised.
Some anniversaries are sad.
Here I leave you with some clips from one of my very favorite songs from the movie.
Have any of you seen the movie? What were YOUR favorite parts?
This iconic song is one of my very favorites. I'm a sucker for anthems, and I just LOVE how this proves that the stars of the 80's were so much more talented than the mass-produced droll the music industry shoves in our face today. Yes I'm talking about YOU, Taylor Swift. And YOU, Nickelback. And YOU, every person that's ever been on American Idol. And YOU, most people that are popular right now. How can they (the music industry, of course) expect us to take it? Oh wait. It's because of my peers who buy it, and love it, and worship it. The saddest part is that I really think they... actually... enjoy it. Which makes it even more pathetic.
Back to the subject at hand, how Michael Jackson & Friends are infinitely superior. This song won multiple Grammies, People's Choice Awards, etc. It is a delight. Let's check out it's evolution, eh? (I'm trying to show support for the Winter Olympics that open tonight in CANADA)
Here we see a demo version. The words are a bit different, but I imagine this is close to what Michael and Lionel Richie came up with when they presented it to Quincy.
Next is the original. If you haven't seen it, DO. This is the one to watch! **Disclaimer, Bob Dylan is an excellent musician, a gifted songwriter, and an incredible guitarist, but he's also a terrible singer.
Don't you just love it? I start crying within the first 13 seconds when Stevie Wonder comes on! Man I love that guy. Also, the end with Ray Charles? What is it with my love for blind musicians?
Next we have a rather interesting reboot of this:
Okay, so it's Italian, but still. I'm pretty offended for Pavarotti's sake, they shouldn't have allowed Mariah on stage at the same time as him *blech*. The best part of this is Lionel Richie. Man he's great! He sounds incredible! Too bad he spawned this.
The next step in this evolutionary process is the weirdest of all. It's really hard to explain. All I can say, really, is that it's a bunch of obscure 80's stars (mostly NOT musicians) who awkwardly lipsync. Wow, that wasn't as hard as I thought!
The next (and hopefully final, really) step of evolution for this poor, abused song, airs tonight, at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver games! It's still Quincy Jones producing it, so that's nice, but here's the thing: most people in it, don't deserve to be covering a Michael Jackson song. Kindof like this travesty. Also, I hear the Jonas Brothers are a part of it? Ew! I'd rather have an appendectomy performed with only a spoon than have them defecate on his name like that. Anyway, here's the preview.
Do you know what's going to happen? Usher is going to do the same thing to this song, that he did to this song, here. Also... Justin Beiber? Really??
If you watch tonight... let me know what you think!
Edit, 8:30pm - It premiered a couple hours ago! Here's the video:
My thoughts (in order, actually, as I watch the video): Boo - Miley sounded terrible, seriously. Lil Wayne around 4:56 and T-Pain at 5:29? They honestly couldn't sing 10 words without auto-tune? AHH 5:53! Was THAT really necessary? Kanye and Will.I.Am - my, what creative raps you have. NOT! BUT - I think it's precious how they incorporated the original footage of Michael! That part was adorable
P.S. The Simon Cowell did something similar to this Help Haiti effort over in the UK. It's a cover of an REM song, and it's pretty good. Mika's in it! Yay! But, Miley Cyrus & Leona Lewis are in it. Boo. Click here to listen
Ever since this gem of a movie came out, I've been sensitive to the plight of lonely robots. And by sensitive, I mean, I cry bellowingly about them, and actually feel guilty about not being their friend. (I mean really, how could this NOT make you a little weepy?? He's so endearing!)
So yesterday I came across this cartoon and felt real, real sad for little rover. But, I love this cartoon!
