Even though 1991’s De La Soul Is Dead was supposed to be a break away from Pos, Trugoy and Maseo’s hippie image, it was still chock full of jokes. Hell, the album was wrapped around a skit that prominently featured the term “cock snot”. Other than the stunningly tragic “Millie Pulled A Pistol On Santa”,… Read More “Breakadawn” by De La Soul (1993)
I can’t talk about “Billie Jean” without bringing up Motown 25. The special, which celebrated the anniversary of the label that brought Michael Jackson (and many, many others) to fame’s doorstep aired on NBC in mid-May 1983, about two weeks before I turned 7. The show was taped in March, two months before its air… Read More “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1982)
Really, Mike? “Ben”? Sure, I love “Ben”. That song meant a lot to me as I was growing up. And that’s great. You loved a lot of crap growing up. But would you really consider it a perfect song? Actually, yes. Dude, it’s so cheesy! It’s a love song to a fucking rat! What is wrong with… Read More “Ben” by Michael Jackson (1972)
“Beat It”’s legend is greater than the song itself, which says a lot considering how great the actual song is. How do I accurately summarize this song’s impact on me and the world? I’m not going to even try. Here are a few interesting facts/theories, though. The story about Quincy Jones calling Eddie Van Halen… Read More “Beat It” by Michael Jackson (1982)
There was a quote attributed to Chris Rock, in which the conversation revolved around Prince being a better musician than Michael Jackson (he is.) When comparing the albums that represented the commercial peaks for each (Mike’s Thriller and Prince’s Purple Rain), Rock’s reasoning for picking Purple Rain as the better of the two albums (it… Read More “Baby Be Mine” by Michael Jackson (1982)
“All I Do” was a smooth uptempo joint from Hotter Than July, a 1980 album that was Stevie’s commercial comeback after the music-buying world collectively scratched its head regarding Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. July is a very good album that would be more highly regarded (by me and others) if not for… Read More “All I Do” by Stevie Wonder (1980)
In Bill Withers’ hands, “Ain’t No Sunshine” is a sober lament. Bill knows his “young thing” is gone, and he knows damn well she ain’t coming back. The song’s acoustic guitar intro calls to mind a guy in his backyard, making up stream of consciousness lyrics, a shot (or bottle) of whiskey at his side. When Bill goes… Read More “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers (1971); Michael Jackson (1971)
Five Star Jamz 