Mixtape Friday! Michael Jackson RIP

The greatest entertainer ever. August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

As half of the universe knows, Michael Jackson passed away earlier today. Every single radio station, music TV channel and record store is playing tributes to Michael and I’ll be doing the same.

Michael Jackson was one of the most earliest memories that I had when it came to music. My first vinyl album was Thriller and I have been collecting his music for as long as I can remember. I have every single album and single that was released, as well as the majority of works done by the Jackson 5 and Janet Jackson. I had my first kiss when his music was playing in the background, had my first slow-dance at a school disco to his music, met my first “Internet girlfriend” in a Michael Jackson forum and got to “third base” for the first time with Michael Jackson’s music helping to drown out the sounds (as her parents were in the room next door). I think I have Michael Jackson to thank for my sex life.

I don’t think I’d be loving music as much as I do today if it wasn’t for my next door neighbour ranting and raving to me about a music clip that was going to debut on TV. This clip was for “Thriller” and I found myself that night glued to the black and white TV in my bedroom, awestruck with the sheer awesomeness of what was unfolding in front of me. I got to see the man in concert on the 30th of November 1996, which is also the first time I’ve been in front of television cameras when Channels 7, 9 and 10 all interviewed me after being one of the first people in Western Australia to buy tickets to the HIStory concert at the Burswood Dome. I remember listening to his music as a kid and pretending to be a radio announcer in my bedroom, mixing in MJ hits with Duran Duran and Culture Club. Even to this day, Michael Jackson remains the most played artist in my last.fm profile in the last 6 years.

Yes, it was quite evident I am a huge fan.

Yes, he led an extremely controversial life, however I know he played a part in shaping my life as it is today.

As most of you have probably heard your fair share of MJ music today, I thought I might share with you a bunch of MJ mash-ups. Plus its simply impossible for me to choose my top 10 favourite Michael Jackson tracks. There are way too many tracks I love.

June 26th, 2009 // Music