“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” – Michael Jackson

Here is a little something different from my norm, but I think it is well deserved.  The entire world has bowed their heads in mourning and respect for one of the world’s greatest musical artists, Michael Jackson.  I personally grew up listening to his music, even though most of his hits were already made by the time I was born.  As time passed, I stopped listening after he stopped making new music for a while, and everyone else was busy with keeping their sexual orientation in check, until we all realized he was a 12 on all the girl’s 1-10 babe-o-meter.  Then we grew up and left the insecurities for the next generation.

“I was a veteran, before I was a teenager.” – Michael Jackson

Although his music isn’t exactly the kind thing I listen to these days, he still holds a place in my heart because he was the first artist that I ever liked; when I had started listening to music period. His last recent albums weren’t exactly hits however.  I can’t blame him though.  How on earth could he even concentrate at his career when he’s constantly being ridiculed and being a tabloid junkie.  I’d be lying if I didn’t laugh hundreds of times at all the parodies and poke-fun that various TV shows and movies made of him, but then I left it at that.  There are others that take it too seriously and relish in it.  We live in a world where people are more interested in a person’s flaws and wrongdoings rather than their accomplishments.  Michael was a singer, dancer, a loving father, and a charitable saint.  Anything else should of been none of anyone’s business.  But the media pursued him, chasing him like a bloodhound chasing an escapee.  Songs like “Scream” and “Leave Me Alone” had no effect, despite their true meaning.  All in a day’s work for the tabloids; I guess pain and misery sells.

“Smooth, but not a criminal.” – Michael Jackson

As I wrote this, I was listening to his “HIStory – Past, Present, Future” album, (no, that’s not a capitalzation error) and I found myself enjoying it again.  My favorite song of his was and still is “Smooth Criminal,” and not just because Alien Ant Farm reenacted it.  Not only did I like the rhythm (it’s a bit more fast paced and chaotic than his other songs)  but the whole Guys and Dolls getup is what really sucked me in.

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” – Michael Jackson

Ranging in many different styles in his music, from “Beat It” to “Heal The World,” Michael has given music a new meaning.  Powerful meaning, in his lyrics, his ground breaking dance moves, hell, even his crouch grab was killer back in the day.  The music industry will continue on as it always has, yet I’m still in shock and awe that quite possibly the greatest musical icon has passed away.  He will always be remembered as “The King of Pop.”  Always remembered, never forgotten.  Often imitated, but never duplicated.

Rest in peace Pan.