Never Can Say Goodbye

Sometimes I wonder if music is really important. Why does it punctuate so much of our lives? Why do so many of our memories have a soundtrack? Does it really mean anything? I know I sure enjoy it, but is it really relevant?

Millions are mourning the death of Michael Jackson because his music and videos meant something to them. The news took me back to the “Thriller” days and how that album was the backdrop for the early eighties. I admit I was pleasantly surprised by the appreciation part of the response to his death.

Michael, like so many others before him, morphed from artist to celebrity to caricature – that silly road we construct in our culture. If they occurred, I could not forgive his transgressions against children, but I can certainly forgive his eccentricities. It was obvious that he was never as comfortable off stage as he was on. It seemed that he never grew up and never wanted to. He was a child and was childlike, and yet his childhood was stolen from him. It’s a shame that so many that make us happy with their artistry never seem to themselves find happiness.

Here’s to his incredible creativity, spectacular music, innovative dancing, landmark videos, and revolutionary concerts.

Purely personal as always, here are my favorite 15 Michael Jackson songs, including some with the Jackson 5.

Billie Jean
Smooth Criminal
Beat It
Rock with You
Blame It On the Boogie
Thriller
Man in the Mirror
Don’t Stop til you Get Enough
Off the Wall
Working Day and Night
Got to Be There
I’ll Be There
I Want You Back
Never Can Say Goodbye
PYT (Pretty Young Thing)