blickstein@orphan.DEC (Dave Blickstein DTN: 381-2096) (04/23/84)
The value of these lists are that they exactly suit what I believe to be the
main purpose of this digest, which is to share musical experience. I think
the best thing this digest can accomplish is to turn people on to new kinds
of music and new artists. It often disturbs me that there are probably
hundreds of albums out there that I would like but I'll probably never hear.
These lists give people directions to explore.
Now my idea of a waste of time is listening to what you and everyone else hate
about Michael Jackson. What purpose does THAT serve?
For the record, I think Michael Jackson is a rare talent. He is not some
talentless clod thrown into the spotlight. What most people don't know is that
he and Quincy Jones COLLABORATED on the arrangements, and that MJ WROTE most of
the hits of the album, and that MJ choreographs much of his dance things
(including "Thriller").
Sure he's been heavily promoted. That doesn't automatically mean there's
no substance behind it. I think "Thriller" is a superlative album, and
I'm not even a regular listener to pop music.
If you still don't believe any of this, I suggest you hear a segment on
"The Making of Thriller" video tape that shows a very young MJ singing a
Motown arrangement of blues song with engaging style and emotion. At that
age, no amount of money can teach you to sing like that. You either have
the talent or you don't.
Dave Blickstein
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