Hail the King of Pop

Disbelief, shock, and sadness has befallen us all as news of tortured genius {only in my opinion, mind you} Michael Jackson's passing has come forward. An innovator and ICON, Michael Jackson's influence in music history is undeniable.

My colleague, JoCo, told me--it was around 4p. I didn't believe it; he's a joker. I had heard earlier in the afternoon that he was rushed to the hospital, but dead?! Not MJ--not Michael. I hit the web immediately--screw renewals--and was stunned at the news. The tears welled... it wasn't until the drive home that the emotions took over. As I turned Alfred towards home, the familiar refrain of Billie Jean greeted me... I couldn't help it.

I join fellow Jackson fans--those who stood tall while Jackson's personal life disintegrated around him--in mourning the loss of a genius that shaped music as we know it.

Emotions are running deep. Words don't come. The sorrow--it's surreal. As detached as I am, this seems personal. Thanks Snoova.

One thing is certain... that choir is sounding awesome right about now.

Postscript 06.26.09 This exchange took place at the Firm:

Me: Wondering… if you feel/felt the same way I do… “as if a thousand voices cried out all at once” But if joy could come out of this… the radio is suddenly awesome. There’s a beat in my step as MJ’s voice rolls through my head. I’m sad, but joyous. Weird.

OM: I feel sad, but more for the fact that my generation can’t appreciate the artist that was Michael Jackson. I am of a generation that was only exposed to his music during mediocre talent shows and covers (Smooth Criminal anyone?). I grew up with a Michael Jackson that was a “child molesting monster”, the man who wore a mask everywhere and dangled babies over balconies. One of my earliest memories is him marrying Lisa Marie Presley. How sad is that? I should have been born in a different time…

Die happy

As of precisely 10:12 this morning, I am the proud owner of seats 3 and 4 in row 13 of section six for Coldplay's Nashville stop on their 2009 Viva la Vida tour. *faints* So maybe I will be on bread and water for the next two months, I have COLDPLAY TICKETS!! *faints, again*

On 6.7.9, I can die happy.

Say it ain't so...

Heard this news?! Live Nation and Ticketmaster are in talks for a merger. Both companies have an element that does work. Live Nation may manage multiple facets of the music industry, i.e. album sales, concerts, merch, and licensing, their ticket platform sucks. In contrast, Ticketmaster can't seem to make a profit on anything but tickets. So this should be a match made in heaven, right?! If you're a shareholder maybe.

Should the merger come to fruition, you are looking at a uber-billion dollar music monopoly. Imagine the return with as many different income producing areas per artist. It's insane. All this is well and good, again for the shareholder.

No matter the anti-trust laws, this merger is bound to happen and when it does Joe Concertgoer-Downloader is screwed. The music industry was a one-trick pony--albums. Now, in the digital era, the industry is scrambling to stay relevant and with the buying power truly in the music lover's hand, the industry is grasping at the feathers of the golden goose.

With Live Nation Ticketmaster, price increases across the board would be inevitable. Whether in the form of additional 'convenience' fees {airlines, people} or straight up increase, tickets for shows would increase two. And while merchandising and licensing fees would possibly be in-house, we, the consumer, would not be on the receiving end of lower prices. Additionally, imagine the dreck {artists or merch} that could be packaged and sold as 'music'. Informed consumers already have to wade through the constant barrage of mediocrity to find true gems.

Skepticism is key with this transaction. Neither company is in real fiscal trouble, both are simply trying to increase market share. The consumer will be the one to truly lose out.

Bonus Feature: CD

But February made me shiver, with every paper I'd deliver. Bad news on the doorstep; I couldn't take one more step. I can't remember if I cried, when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside, the day the music died.

50 years ago today, Buddy Holly, the young promising Texan and leader of the melody makers known as the 'Chirping Crickets' died needlessly. A founding member of rock and roll and an inspiration to nearly everyone, Buddy Holly's legacy continues to influence and inspire.

The Chirping Crickets, the group's debut album was released in November 1957. Housed in twelve unassuming tracks, was a rare intensity and energy. Holly along with fellow Texans, Larry Welborn and Jerry Allison {SHOUT-OUT!} and Cal native Niki Sullivan brought a new and unbridled sound to vinyl.

That'll Be the Day skyrocketed the group to stardom It's here in all it's glorious simplicity with Holly's Fender Strat laying it down. {This would also be the first song The Beatles would record.} With a simple back beat and sweet harmony, That'll Be the Day is stunning.

Each of the songs consists of simple formula. It's Holly's vocals, those harmonies, that Strat... it's just incredible.

Now, decades later, it's amazing to me what an impact Holly and his raucous, simplistic styling had and continues to have. Listen to the original. You won't be sorry.

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

By now, Paul Newman has been memorialized countless ways on as many different mediums--as he should be. Allow me. Paul Newman was many things. A racer, a philanthropist, a civil rights activist, a businessman, and a movie star.

For me, Paul Newman is a cinematic ICON. Though his piercing blue eyes {that seems to be the main theme of many reports} and strong jaw were maybe the first things you noticed, it was his craft that made you come back for more. Also the down-on-his-luck, the anti-hero, Newman owned each, perfectly nuanced role.

Top five lists are always up for debate. Feel free to share your thoughts, but here are my Top Five Paul Newman films:

1. Cool Hand Luke (1967): You can find on review here. Newman leads a powerhouse cast, but his Luke just oozes this nonchalance that's riveting.
2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1961): One of the best buddy films you'll ever see. Redford and Newman has a chemistry that's just cool.
3. The Hustler (1961): Have you seen it?! Alright then.
4. Road to Perdition (2002) Sure, Tom Hanks is the lead, but when you share the screen with Newman, you can become the footnote. His supporting turn as a mob boss is eloquent. This movie actually rekindled by exploration of Newman's filmography.
5. Hud (1963): Newman slow burns in this B&W. Self destruction never looked this good.

Paul Newman was 83.

"In a world where..."

Don LaFontaine passed away with little fanfare yesterday. Singlehandedly, this man's voice has silenced others with just a few syllables. LaFontaine IS the voice of voice overs. He has sent chills up my spine like no one else. His gruff and growling baritone enuciated words beautifully. He made me want to see movies--urgently. He moved me and countless others to nudge their friend and whisper 'we're seeing that'. There will be none other.

LaFontaine died from complications of from a lung-related illness according to the hollywood reporter. He was 68.

Shout-out!!

I need to welcome two friends {with solid films tastes} to the world of Blogger. TOW {or TV} is new to the scene, typically using MySpace as his creative outlet. MAC is equally artistic, but more opininated {like me}. Both are branching out into new mediums. Together, they make TOWMAC.

News of Interest

NBJ is reporting this story. Let's hope is is a good move for all parties involved. To lose a prime music venue in City Hall kinda bites, but it IS Urban Outfitters. Nice.