Seeker, I think you nailed it when you said Michael Jackson's 'downfall' was caused by greed and envy of others. When all the court cases were the talk of the world, I couldn't help but think that I didn't think he had it in him to do what the prosecutors said he did. I still think of Michael Jackson as a hugely successful and technically brilliant artist, who made great music the whole world loved.
Being a child whose formative music years were the mid 70's onward, I can remember every single song he made was music gold. With the Jackson 5, through to his solo career. Throughout it all, I got the impression he was too different to survive in the modern world full of hate, envy, greed and a fierce desire to bring down those who are successful - we even have a name for it don't we? Tall Poppy Syndrome. The ones that shine the most and rise above the others become a target for singling out and baiting.
Personally, I don't think Michael Jackson is anything like a pervert. He must be bewildered by all the media venom. I would definitely say he has a childlike outlook, and think this might be the only 'safe' space he has in his life, which is why he prefers to live. I also believe he has some issues with his upbringing which have made huge impacts on his life and lifestyle.
But all that aside, his music rocks, his filmclips and videos are still breathtaking, and he sings messages that are mostly positive and non-self destructive, so in my books I'll always respect him and his music.
Now, onto other things, here's some more tunes I like a lot: not MJ, but still great artists in their own right:
Howard Jones (another super talented person) - No-one is to blame:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gm5siz_28o0
George Michael - Too funky (some eye candy for the fellas too! )
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KXj2TudPCYU
Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hqyc37aOqT0
And the master of the comedy remake:
Weird Al Yankovich - White and Nerdy
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-xEzGIuY7kw
I'm also a big fan of animated videos, so here's a selection...
Quannum/Lyrics Born: I changed my mind
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oL4fG3TIMdc
Pearl Jam - Do the Evolution, (a bit heavy)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=j5LJ7HRdo8U
Pantera: Planet Caravan (most mellow Pantera track you're likely to ever hear!). Hypnotic, and lush.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nVvoEYBFJpc
Some fun! Junior Senior - Move your feet
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BmMln54lt9A
And something odd with a mix of the young and old!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sY5zaDZq0sc
Finally, a song that gives me chills when I hear it: Take the time to listen to the lyrics and there's a supernatural twist at the end:
Stan Ridgeway - Camouflage
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFYxCIr-Byo
Enjoy!
Shazzoir