Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!

Michael Jackson

(29.09.1958 - 25.06.2009)

The King of Pop is dead! At the age of 50 just a few months before turning 51 Michael Joseph Jackson, known by fans and friends as Jacko, left this world once and for all. Born in Gary, Indiana, as the seventh child of nine Michael was destined for success, starting his singing career at the age of 5. He was part of the highly successful family bands The Jackson 5 and The Jackson, which were his trampoline to solo career and stardom. In 1982 Jacko released the album "Thriller", which will remain in history as the highest selling album by a solo male performer. The string of number one albums went with "Bad", "Dangrous" and "HIStory" and tens of number one chart breakers. The 80s and the early 90s were Jackson's peak when he was virtually the biggest name in pop music and a cultural phenomenon. He paved the way for hundreds of singers, inspired countless bands and was the King to millions of fans all over the globe.

Michael Jackson broke boundaries, set new standards, reached new horizons and decided trends. Despite being the idol of generations Jacko always remained that sweet little child in his heart that sang "ABC" and was afraid to be alone. Nothing scared him more than loneliness, which haunted him for his life. Deprived of his childhood Michael never really became a full-time grown-up, often called the Peter Pan of music. His immense love to children was the hatch which splintered his career. The allegations of child molestation, the trials and his non-stop presence in the media brought him down. Although he never really showed it Jacko was disappointed with the world, which so kindly put him on a pedestal only to throw him in the dirt.

Michale Jackson's life was a constant struggle and his part was eventually torn apart by the problems he faced, by the unkind roughness of the media and the wrong decision he made. Torn apart by trials, being a regular on tabloids and discussed by everyone Jackson never had a private life of his own. He never had the chance to be himself as attention was always breathing at his neck. Through his music he craved to be left alone, but he never managed to escape the spotlight. Jacko's life is the fine lesson for all parents who are way too ambitious about their kids, as he never had the chance to taste childhood and was a full-time pop star for his entire life.

Jacko didn't really die, he just went on his anticipated moonwalk, far from all the daze of fame, from ugly rumors and the physical pain. He went to a better place where he can always remain a child, who draw inspiration from Motown singers and just wanted to dance in front of the TV. A star alive now he is a whole constellation placed next to names like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. Music will never sound the same as she lost one of her most beloved children and the deep grief that tears her heart apart will leave an emptiness, which shall never be filled again. For all of us remains Michael Jackson's legacy to be passed by generations for our children and grandchildren to know that we have lived in the era of The King of Pop!

REST IN PEACE, MICHAEL!

Gimme the money...I'll pretend to be singing!

What do you call a singer who has managed to sell more than 700 million copies of his albums and have over 30 number one hits on Billboard? How successful is someone who has sold out all of his concerts? Who has started from the very bottom and again reached it at the peak of his career? The answer to all of the questions is Michael Jackson. The King of Pop, who has set records in any possible aspects of the music business, is the finest example of how dangerous fame can be. The once innocent child singer is now nothing more than a broke Hall of Fame inductee, who is about to perform ten concerts in a row just to fill some of financial holes (which happen to be as big as Mars). Jacko, as known among fans, was crushed as an insignificant bug by the American dream itself which actually made a superstar out of him. He became a victim of himself, of his lacking childhood and unfulfilled dreams and now he is given as an example of an emotional wreck and a plastic surgery misfortune.

Eight years after Jackson's last studio release many expected him to make a memorable return to the big scene and again outnumber all the competition. To his fans dismay Jackson not only refused to comeback, but he also officially announced the end of his singing career (not like he was having any for the last 7 years). Before he quits Jackson is going to perform ten shows at 02 Arena in London, which are going to be his farewell with the music scene and his last effort to stabilize his disastrous financial state. With no remorse MJ announced that all of his concerts will be just for the profit, which means that is he didn't need the money that urgently he would have never sang again. Should this mean that none of his gigs is going to be a special tribute to his loyal fan base? All the people who supported him during the trials, which brought him to bankruptcy, and who believed in his innocence and had explanations for all of his weird acts, deserve something more than a load full of crap...yes, people should demand a proper farewell, not just a bunch of organized in the very last moment concert, which are supposed to save Jackson from poverty.

Michael Jackson knows to his best that he has an enormous fan base and it is so loyal that if he cries out in public for their support they would buy out all of the tickets only to have him satisfied. As far as I am concerned I'd buy a ticket only because this may be his last live performance and afterwards become just a legend in The Hall of Fame, but if this was not the case I would never give a single penny for such an abomination to the sacred idea of music. I may say that I am even offended by this act driven by greediness, but oh well Mikey needs the money and probably this is his last resort. I guess I should try to understand his situation, but to be honest it is a tough task...having in my mind that for the last six years his label has been issuing one best album per year only to cover his immense loses.

It is up to you to decide whether you'd go to any of his concerts, but don't forget that this is not the concert you've been waiting for so many years, but the paramount of a career which has committed suicide and now is back just for the cash. If you don't like Jackson at all this is just a warning to all of your favourite singers, who have forgotten that fame is monster with a beautiful face.

Michael Jackson's unforgettable farewell or last failure?

Today is a memorable day for all Michael Jackson's fans, who have been eagerly expecting his return to the scene. For the last few days rumors had it that Jackson was to embark on a world tour, others mentioned only concerts at O2 Arena in London and some thought of this as another prank. All can take a deep breath and lean back as this has been made official: Michael Jackson is going to perform 10 concerts in a row at O2 Arena in London and his official web site states that these performances will be his farewell with the music business. The gigs are expected to be sold out in no time, although I have certain doubts that he is going to have as successful shows as expected. I am quite surprised by the ticket prices, which happen to be pretty cheap for a star of his rang, but I guess when you've hit the bottom you cannot afford being extremely greedy. I have less than a week to decide if I want to go to any of his concerts and it is gonna be a tough decision, because I do like his work quite a lot, but I am pretty sure that these will be his weakest "tour" in his career.

Here is the statement:

"This Is It" History In The Making As The King Of Pop Michael Jackson Performs In London For The Last Time
10 shows at the O2 Arena in London
Starting July 8th

(London, March 5, 2009) - The King of Pop returns to reign over London this summer.

Michael Jackson has announced today that he is returning to the stage for a historic 10 shows at the O2 Arena performing in London for the last time. The King of Pop performs his greatest hits for the event of the summer, the concerts of 2009 and the decade's hottest gigs. This really is 'It'!

One of the most eagerly awaited returns to the stage of all time, Michael Jackson has not played a series of concerts since he last toured 12 years ago. These dramatic shows promise an explosive return with a band of the highest calibre, state-of-the-art stage show and incredible surprise support acts.

"I am coming to London to play the songs my fans want to hear." - Michael Jackson

Opening with 10 nights at the O2 Arena on July 8th. Ticket price £75 / £65 / £50, with booking fees.

"We are delighted to facilitate the return of The King of Pop, long may he reign! Michael at The 02 this summer will surely be the highlight of the musical year. When Michael Jackson performs, the eyes of the World will be watching. Look out for an International flavour to the audience, as this will be his only concerts in the WORLD this year!" - Rob Hallett, President International Touring, AEG Live.

Starting today visit www.MichaelJacksonLive.com or text 'MJ' to 81707 for your chance to join the presale. Text costs 10p to 12p dependent on network. UK only.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 7am Friday, March 13th and will be available through www.MichaelJacksonLive.com

An exclusive new Michael Jackson video showcasing his electric performances over the years will make a record breaking debut on Sunday, March 8th at 9:30pm on ITV. Michael Jackson will be the only artist ever to take over an entire ad break.

One of the world's most popular entertainers Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million units worldwide and is one of very few artists to be inducted twice into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised Michael Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and Thriller as The Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Теn unappealing album covers

Yesterday I posted ten of my favourite album covers and now it's time for ten more, but this time of my non-favourite. This certainly doesn't mean that they may not appeal to you...it is just that they do not fit my aesthetics for an album artwork. As you may notice most of the covers are from albums issued in the last decade, which I believe is more than an indication that art is becoming of a lesser importance than ever before. Definitely one can find some uglier examples of album covers, only proving that the appearance is not be undermined.


José Gonzales - Veneer


Missy Elliott - Da Real World


M.I.A. - Kala


Cansei de Ser Sexy - Cansei de Ser Sexy


Madonna - Hard Candy


Client - Client


Depeche Mode - Ultra


Michael Jackson - Invincible


Björk - Volta


Peaches - Fatherfucker

Michael Jackson talks to Oprah Winfrey

Today at the university I had the opportunity to watch the full version of the famous interview called "Michael Jackson talks to Oprah Winfrey". Until today I just knew about this interview, but I wasn't aware of its impact and of the record it actually set.

Background history shows that this is the first official media appearance of Michael Jackson for the period 1979-1993, during which he became the King of Pop. Mostly probably you'd ask: What so much about an interview that was broadcasted almost 16 years ago, but for all these years I have liked Jackson's music, but only after this interview I got to see him as a person. If you put aside all the allegations of pedophilia, extravagant way of living and numerous rumours about all the people in his life, you can see that he became a victim of himself. Victim of that fame that many crave for, but should be aware of its consequences. Michael never really god to have a real childhood, he was always on the road, everyday recording and always tried to live up to everyone's expectations. No surprise, having in mind that he was a "golden child", who made money just with its smile. His father knew that perfectly and used it to create a whole industry carried on the shoulders of a 10-year old boy who just wanted to play with his peers.

My professor in Television analysis called this interview the best among the TRASH genre. I wouldn't agree with him, because an interview that holds the records for the most watched interview of all times and is the fourth most watched TV event in American history is everything else but not a piece of trash. Watching it 16 years after its original broadcast I can still feel the charge that it was meant to carry. Surely Michael Jackson has lost a bit of his royal presence in the music business, but no one has outnumbered him in album sales or in number one hits. No matter how much money he has made and how much he has lost none of it can compensate his wasted childhood and all the difficulties he had to face up despite being the most successful child, teenager or a grown up music celebrity.

You don't need to like Michael Jackson to listen to this interview. I am sure those of you who don't like it would be surprised to see him in a different light. Oh, and try watching the interview without prejudice and disdain. Imagine this is a regular interview with someone you know nothing about. And for those who like the talented Jackson you can either remind yourselves of this memorable moment or if you are like me just enjoyed it for the first time.

This is part one of the 90-minute interview. If you want to see more just open the uploader's profile: http://www.youtube.com/user/danielmichaeljackson