Culture Greyhound

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the death of the King of Pop.  Whatever your opinions of the man, his fascinating (and unusual) life, and his music, I haven’t met a single soul who doesn’t recollect where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news.  It’s one of those moments in history, like the murder of John Lennon, the suicide of Kurt Cobain, the 9/11 tragedy, or the JFK assassination, that resonates with a collective majority.  It’s a moment that stands the test of time and forever remains in the memories of many.

While others would deride Michael Jackson’s achievements and focus on his eccentricities, I am a huge fan of the man’s music and the impact it still has on popular culture.  And so, in honor of this anniversary, after the jump are my ten favorite MJ tracks.  Don’t stop til you get enough.

*this list only includes solo Jackson material – Jackson 5 deserve their own list – maybe next year.

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2. From Wikipedia:

In March 1983, Jackson reunited with his brothers for a legendary live performance which was taped for a Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special. The show aired on May 16, 1983, to an audience of 47 million viewers, and featured the Jacksons and a number of other Motown stars. It is best remembered for Jackson’s solo performance of “Billie Jean”. Wearing a distinctive black sequin jacket and golf glove decorated with rhinestones, he debuted his signature dance move, the moonwalk, which former Soul Train dancer and Shalamar member, Jeffrey Daniel had taught him three years before. The Jacksons’ performance drew comparisons to Elvis Presley’s and The Beatles’ appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Anna Kisselgoff of The New York Times later wrote, “The moonwalk that he made famous is an apt metaphor for his dance style. How does he do it? As a technician, he is a great illusionist, a genuine mime. His ability to keep one leg straight as he glides while the other bends and seems to walk requires perfect timing.”

Still an amazing performance, even today:

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