As much as I might wish the extra energy would be used to spotlight the brilliant, introspective songwriting of Neil Finn in Crowded House - to single out just one worthy example - I'm afraid '80s music fans find it incredibly difficult to cut ties with the decade's most massive pop superstar, Michael Jackson. The most recent evidence for this: a student at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va. organized a mass "Thriller" dance-off that took place last month at the college. At the end of last week, the Guinness Book of World Records officially announced that the 242-person simultaneous dance performance of "Thriller" had smashed the existing record set in 2008.Now I'm not saying that this event doesn't deserve some media coverage, but is it really the kind of thing that merits more than 200 separate news articles resulting from a simple Google search? Obviously, I don't think so, and it's not because I undervalue the importance of Jackson and his landmark 1982 hit album (also titled Thriller, betcha didn't know that). I just think that if there's anything the Jackson phenomenon requires less than more media coverage, I'd really like to know what it is. On one level, this grass roots display of choreography is merely a playful tribute to a major aspect of '80s pop culture. But from an opposing perspective, it's yet more evidence that quantity of media attention rarely provides a reliable indicator as to music quality and lasting significance. I wonder how many '80s music fans out there land on my side of this debate and how many will fire-hose me with venom at what they surely see as this slight against the King of Pop. We'll probably find out soon.
- View the video of the record-setting William & Mary "Thriller" dance-off here.
- View the original, groundbreaking music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller" here.
- Sample or download "Thriller" (song only) here.
Comments
Michael Jackson’s music is timeless, and sell-out crowds and high record sales continue to prove it. A true pop icon, he will be remembered longer than any other artist. People will talk of his work as the foundation for modern music and shows. All hail the King!
What Ares Vista said..
dude, r u kidding me? man, lets get real! like it or not, fan or not, no observer of ‘80 culture can deny the impact of Michael Jackson and Thriller. Much like when Elvis first emerged in the ’50s, Jackson’s impact was monumental and is still being felt today. whenever current hitmakers/pop stars, everyone from Justin Timberlake to Brittany Spears to Christina Aguilera, are asked about favorite artists/major influences, Jackson’s name (and Thriller) inevitably comes up. regardless of what u may feel about the quality of the music (which can be quite catchy), its overwhelming influence on pop culture and music cannot be denied or belittled.
Right on, Steve. If Jacko came out of hiding for one, and only one reunion concert, and “The Kings” were playing a gig at their hometown near Toronto the same night, I’d opt for Canada.
Pop icon – hes the king of pop! And the king of rock and roll is…