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Michael Jackson’s Legacy 28 June 2009

Posted by Lao Tzu in arts, entertainment, media, music, sociology.
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If you are my age, or older, you are familiar with the many phases of Michael Jackson’s career. And although he was a bit eccentric at times, he was an icon that had great influence on music and pop culture. Although I am not a fan of pop music, I cannot deny his impact. To watch any of his early performances (e.g., the Ed Sullivan show), one can easily see how amazing this person was.

As for the child molestation accusations, it’s common sense. If someone molests your child, you don’t ask for money – and you definitely don’t forgive for money. If the police were smarter, either case would not have gotten as far as it did. The press made MJ a star, and made him a pedophile. His talent not withstanding, the media built him up, and tore him down. And it was not until his death that any media spoke of these accusations as weak. Truly a shame. I hope he is remembered for his positive accomplishments.

The Grammys (Rock is Dead) 11 February 2009

Posted by Lao Tzu in entertainment, media, music, sociology.
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I wrote a previous post about video slaying the radio star, but it has not been more evident than at the recent 2009 Grammy Awards – an institution that has been degrading its own reputation little by little every year. Why is this discussion important to Salon1? Because it is evidence of one aspect of our collective intelligence.
At the previous American Music Awards show, the country watched as artist after artist lip-synched their performance to a celebrative audience. I am not sure when lip-synching became acceptable, but it wasn’t that long ago when the far-from-talented Simpson girl (see, I can’t even remember her first name) received seriously flack for lip-synching on SNL.
So the Grammy’s had this issue, and more. Not only did it salute several artists with absolutely no musical talent, but, it clearly has still not grasped the concept of rock music. To find out that Kid Rock was nominated for 2 Grammys is evident that we have reached the devolution bottom in rock music. Not only does he have no talent, his biggest “hit” (whatever that means) is a musical and lyrical sampling of 2 other songs. An artistic crime that became acceptable in the 1980s. But for Coldplay to win for best rock album clearly demonstrates that this group of idiots that vote for these awards are devoid of any musical aptitude. Not only are they not rock (a fact that they themselves admitted in the acceptance speech), but that popular song is a incredibly simple and repititious drone that somehow appeals to the musical sheep. But what’s worse is that they beat out Metallica for Best Rock Album. Now, I agree that Metallica has been going down hill lately – seemingly burnt out. But on their worst day, they at least satisfy the definition of rock music. To make things even worse yet, Metallica was beat out for best heavy metal band in a past music award by Jethro Tull – an event that still rings in the ears of many since Jethro Tull could not be classified as heavy metal by anyone’s definition.
So who are these people that vote on the Grammy awards and why don’t they have a clue?