First of all, a topic you've probably already overdosed on: Michael Jackson. If you will get angry or nauseous reading any more about him, go to the next paragraph. Obviously, the news and media have been going MJ crazy. Some hate it, some love it. whatever. All this coverage does not surprise me. Michael Jackson truly did change pop music as we know it. His music reached people from every walk of life and every culture, and the album Thriller is the bestselling album of all time! That's what Michael Jackson gave to us. He also gave us crazy deeds and some misled decisions, which fed the image of "Wacko Jacko." With his ever-changing face, childish misdemeanor, and exotic lifestyle he made it easy to make fun of him and to forget that he was a human being. I agree with what Rev. Al Sharpton said (a first I think)-- speaking to MJ's daughter: "Your daddy wasn't strange-- what he had to deal with was strange." I don't remember who said it, but some news anchor said something very wise. The gist of it was that now that Michael Jackson is dead and the story is closed, MJ's music can be looked at and enjoyed without being stigmatized by the man behind it, which is what Michael Jackson wanted all along. His music, his art, was what Michael wanted to give to the world, and now that he is gone, that can truly happen.
In other music news, Regina Spektor released her third major album: Far on June 23rd. I've always like Regina, but wow this album is SWEET! This CD has everything that Regina does best. Her songs are always very honest to the point of indulging sometimes embarrassing secrets or details. She says things how they are while creating beautiful, funny, sometimes creepy music. The piano in Far is beautiful. Regina's vocal riffs, runs, and strange tricks are (as always) delightful. This CD seems to contain more songs of the "poppy" style e.g. Hotel Song, Fidelity, etc. from her previous albums. The best review I can give this CD is this: I have put a heart next to all but two of these songs in my Zune player. That's 11 out of 13 songs that passed my "Heart Test". With that being said, I hope you will at the very least look up some of these songs on the net and give a listen. But trust me-- this CD is worth buying.
On one last (short hopefully) note: I have recently discovered the band Röyksopp. If you haven't heard of them, they are basically an Indie Electronic-Rock band. I know, that sounds like it could be easily mediocre, which is what I thought. But each time I listen to their stuff, I am surprised by the beautiful harmonies, chord progressions and lyrics. Please give them a listen.
So my life is going okay right now. There's been some sadness recently, but nothing that I won't learn to deal with eventually. Nothing major planned anytime soon. Comment below about what you think about the topics discussed! I really would enjoy some feedback and discussion. See ya lataz!
