I didn’t watch or read too much of the coverage of Michael Jackson’s death. It was pretty unavoidable though and among all the eulogies I found it curious that I didn’t see anybody compare him to Elvis, except when talking about record sales.
Make no mistake, Isaac Hayes was Black Moses and Michael Jackson was Black Elvis. He was an immense talent who gained huge success at a young age. He then succumbed to the temptations of fame, becoming a drug-addled freakshow and dying prematurely of a massive heart attack. The main difference between Michael Jackson and Elvis is that when MJ died he took the internet down with him.
Señor Coconut & His Orchestra “Beat It” (Michael Jackson)
This meringue arrangement makes you want to dance, even if you can’t moonwalk.
Joe Dolce “Thriller” (Michael Jackson)
I had never thought of “Thriller” as a blues tune, but it works. I also love the demented medley it devolves into. More great stuff from Andrew Denton’s Musical Challenge.
Me First & The Gimme Gimmes “Ben” (Michael Jackson)
Just ignore everything that’s been written about Michael Jackson’s plastic surgery obsession, his strange relationships with chimpanzees and young boys, and his decision to let people use Beatles songs in commercials. The only thing you need to remember is that his first hit as a solo artist was a heartfelt love song to a rat. That tells you all you need to know about the man.
The Bates “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson)
These guys were a German punk band who had a Top 10 hit with this song in Switzerland. One more example of the universal appeal of a well-crafted pop song.
Paul Anka “The Way You Make Me Feel” (Michael Jackson)
This song is such pure pop that it doesn’t sound that much different as a glossy Vegas schlockfest. Richard Cheese is famous for doing covers like this with his tongue firmly in his cheek. Mr. Anka was deadly serious when he released this song on his Rock Swings album in an attempt at a Johnny Cash-style career revival. The strategy was not successful.
There seemed to be a lot more mourning when Elvis died.
When John Lennon was murdered ,, the world stopped. Kings and Queens and various heads of states came forth with their condolences.
The Joe Dolce cover broke the almost monotony of all the recent MJ covers. Totally insane. Thanks.
Now to find the Andrew Denton full albums.
Check this Emm Gryner superb version of Beat it also
http://famousblueraincoats.blogspot.com/2009/06/now-beat-this-billie-jean.html
Brilliant! The bit about the Internet is so funny and true. Do we all know what we were doing when Elvis and MJ died? Now all the horrible money grubbers will be cashing in.
RIP, indeed.
Michael Jackson = Black Elvis ?
Don’t think so.
Aside from not having little boys and/or chimps wandering around Graceland, Elvis was an innovator.
Elvis, a gospel singer, stole the soul of black music and took rockabilly to a new level.
What did MJ innovate, grabbing his crotch while dancing ? Using a transvestite voice ?
Everything Michael Jackson did, James Brown did first. To the point the Jackson 5 got their break after Barry Gordy saw a vid of MK impersonating James Brown !
Elvis = Innovator
James Brown = Innovator
Michael Jackson = transvestite voice who grabbed his crotch
Ergo, MJ was not the Black Elvis.
Joe Dolce’s Thriller cover is brilliant. Is this the Shadduppa Your Face Joe Dolce?
Count de Monet….don’t take it all so seriously!!!
Count De Monet, I was talking about the arcs of their respective careers (early fame –> drug addled freakshow –>massive heart attack). Unless you’re arguing that Elvis wasn’t on drugs or didn’t drop dead of a heart attack while taking a dump, I don’t get the point of your argument.
Yes Sue, that is Joe Dolce of “Shadduppa You Face” fame.
MJ was black, once upon a time, and he did marry little Lisa Presley, so that definitely makes him the Black Elvis; no contest!!!
Hey Everybody —
What “superstar” performer wasn’t or isn’t on crazy amounts of drugs or alcohol ?
Self destruction’s the cliché.
So is MJ also Heath Ledger ?
Just don’t think MJ compares to Elvis in the talent arena.