LA Scene State of the Music Address - Michael Jackson

With music a part of this area of cyberspace, it is only appropriate to comment some thoughts on Michael Jackson.

If you read an LA Scene post from 2005, you will know my Dad had a connection to Michael Jackson. You will see an autograph my Dad got for me as a driver for Epic Records. As you can read, I am not, nor I was not a Michael Jackson fan. I am appreciative that Jackson signed the autograph.M

So I need to say a few things...

1) Michael Jackson's Superstar Solo career is largely based on three albums - "Off the Wall", "Thriller", and "Bad". You have read in LA Scene, I felt Thriller is an overrated album. However, these records were some of the most successful albums in history. The common thread - producer Quincy Jones. When Jackson and Jones split ways in 1987, Jackson never had any amount of success again.

2)Michael Jackson did sign an autograph for me - so I have no ill-will or hatres toward him. From my Dad's connection with Jackson, I do believe Michael Jackson was a confused man. While many did not believe his explanation from his trial, I happened to be in the minority - this is due to the stories I heard from my Dad.

Where in the LA Scene does Michael Jackson lie in history. In 1999, I gave a list of the Top 10 music acts of the 20th century. Here is what I came up with. A lot of this is based on commercial success, criticial acclaim, and longevity.

1) The Beatles
2) Frank Sinatra
3) Elvis Presley
4) Michael Jackson
5) The Bee Gees
6) The Rolling Stones
7) Elton John
8) Billy Joel
9) Bruce Springsteen
10) Madonna

If I were to add the last 10 years in, I still have Jackson in the Top 4, but U2 on their tails at number 5. I eventually see U2 surpassing Jackson in their careers from a musical standpoint. However from a "media magnet" standpoint, they will never pass Jackson. Jackson was bigger than the music industry and despite the fact I am not fan, he has cemented his place in history.

There are several days you will never forget where you were and who you were with when Michael Jackson died. I do believe this event is now added to the list. Here are the ones I have in my lifetime.

1974 Nixon Resignation
Where Was I? At My Grandparents house watching the resignation speech.

1976 Bicennential
Where Was I? Home sick. Watched festivities on television.

1977 NYC Blackout
Where Was I? Watchin Baretta when the lights went out.

1981 Reagan Shooting
Where Was I? Recovering from a serious leg injury at home that day.

1986 Challenger Explosion
Where Was I? In the College Student Center huddled in front of the TV there.

1994 OJ Chase
Where Was I? The magical June when the Knicks and Rangers were playing for championships. I was home, NNY had gone to bed and I was hanging with my toddler daughter watching the Knicks - then the Ford Bronco came on.

1995 OJ Verdict
Where Was I? Huddled in the office lobby where I was working - along with everyone else.

1999 Change of the Millennium
Where Was I? Watching the Peter Jennings coverage with my family.

2001 World Trade Center
Where Was I? Driving to my office listening to Imus when Warner Wolf came on and broke the news.

2008 Election of Barack Obama
Where Was I? On a business trip to New York and then got in a car to drive to Providence, Rhode Island. Listened on the radio.

2009 Michael Jackson Death
Where Was I? Having a cigar at a local cigar lounge when the news broke out.

An Honorable Mention.... Today's Song - "All Summer Long"

I never liked Kid Rock.

I thought he was a punk and I never appreciated his music. However, this song "All Summer Long" blew me away. This song - released last year samples two classics - Lynryd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London". I give Kid Rock full credit for constructing a great song. It fell short to Winwood's "Dirty City" but this shouldn't be a knock. This song is awesome.

Watch the video - it's pretty cool...

Penoedmo and Done...

Well I started March 1st....and was supposed to be done March 30th. Well I just decided to take my time editing my 2008 Nanowrimo Novel - "Philip and Elliot". Well I just finished tonight. Remember Penoedmo is Personal Novel Editing Month. It is a take off of Nanoedmo - National Novel Editing Month. It involves editing a novel - except I make up the rules. Well I decided to take my time.

I'm not sure if I accomplished much by dragging it out several more weeks. Next year I might go back to the 30 day or so format. I will post some more excerpts here.

Meanwhile, Kim over at Ladygypsy.net just made my week. All I got to say is like....WOW - click here. !!! Longtime LA Scene readers know I just think a woman looks great in apron. Thanks Kim!

Today's Song: Africa by Toto

Toto is a true all-star band of session musicians. Let me tell you, these guys technically were one of the greatest bands out there. And when they perform Africa - everything comes together. Most people remember some of the percussion and keyboards, but to me when David Paich and Bobby Kimball trade lead vocals - it blows me away.

Here is a video from 2003 when Toto got back together....enjoy... Note the great bass-led jam at the end.

Albums of the Year: Alanis Morissette and Steve Winwood

Why did it take until the week before Memorial Day to pick an Album of the Year? Believe it or not it was that difficult a decision to make. As a result, Alanis Morissette's "Flavors of Entanglement" and Steve Winwood's "Nine Lives" will share the 2008 honors.

Both artists took different routes to get there.

For Alanis on "Flavors of Entanglement", she embraced much of the modern techno-dance sounds that have been heard throughout the dance clubs the past few years. Combining her talents with producer Guy Sigsworth, Alanis has an edge and fire in her music not seen since "Jagged Little Pill" - but not nearly as "angry" as she was on JLP. It is important to know that Alanis completely turned over the production duties to outside producer Sigsworth. As a result, I think Sigsworth was able to cast an objective eye on Morissette. I always consider the techno-electronic dance movement to be one of the low points of 2000s music. However, when combined with Alanis' deep music talents - it fuses so beautifully. Alanis remains true to writing some of the deepest lyrics in the music industry. Finally, we see Alanis move away from the raspy, scratchy voice and more toward "diva" status.

It is important to know that I give the "Deluxe Edition" of this album the co-album of the Year. The "Deluxe Edition" includes five tracks which put it over the top.

Now Steve Winwood (who finally gets an LA Scene Album of the Year Award) goes the opposite way of Morissette. On "Nine Lives", Steve Winwood proves classic rock is alive and well. He returns to his Classic Rock roots that bring back memories of his days with Traffic. Winwood proves that Classic Rock has not died. Much of the credit goes to the outstanding guitar (with some help from Clapton) and bass work that just has the feel and elements of Classic Rock. Combined that with some trademark Winwood Hammond Organ and some of the leftover Latin/Jazz infused work from his previous album it blends to make a masterpiece. While many may not consider the Latin/Jazz infusion to be a Classic Rock, I disagree - namely because of the way Winwood incorporates the Hammond Organ and guitars into many of the songs, it will have a Classic Rock feel. The big highlight is LA Scene Record of the Year, "Dirty City".

It just doesn't get better than this stuff!

Here are the list of Albums of the Year I have selected in previous years:

1983 Can't Slow Down, Lionel Richie
1984 Purple Rain, Prince
1985 The Dream of the Blue Turtles, Sting
1986 Invisible Touch, Genesis
1987 Into the Fire, Bryan Adams
1988 Scenes From the Southside, Bruce Hornsby and the Range
1989 (tie) Living Years, Mike + The Mechanics; The Seeds of Love, Tears For Fears
1990 ...But Seriously, Phil Collins
1991 Heart in Motion, Amy Grant
1992 We Can't Dance, Genesis
1993 The River of Dreams, Billy Joel
1994 New Miserable Experience, Gin Blossoms
1995 Raoul and the Kings of Spain, Tears For Fears
1996 Soundtrack: Phenomenon
1997 The Dance, Fleetwood Mac
1998 (tie) One Night Only, The Bee Gees; Soundtrack: Saturday Night Fever (London Cast Recording)
1999 Come On Over, Shania Twain
2000 Human Clay, Creed
2001 All That You Can't Leave Behind, U2
2002 The Rising, Bruce Springsteen
2003 Home, Simply Red
2004 Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, Tears For Fears
2005 How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2
2006 Confessions on a Dance Floor, Madonna
2007 Neon Bible, Arcade Fire
2008 (tie) Flavors of Entanglement, Alanis Morissette; Nine Lives, "Steve Winwood"

Rest in Peace Danny Ozark

When the names of great Baseball managers come, the name of Danny Ozark does not come to mind.

Danny Ozark skippered the Phillies as their manager in the 1970s. He led them to three consecutive NL East Championships. He had come to the Phillies in the early 1970s and was Walter Alston's right-hand man on the Dodgers. He took over a last place club and guided them to the top - including two 100 win seasons.

In 1979, after the team got off to a slow start (following the acquisition of high-priced free agent Pete Rose), Ozark paid the price with his job. Dallas Green took over and the Phillies would win their first world championship a year later.

However Ozark doesn't seem to get the credit he deserves. Well in true LA Scene traditon, Danny Ozark will get a permanent link on this site.

It's been a tough couple of months for members like myself of Phillies Nation (hey we can say we have the NATION title because Tampa beat Boston (Red Sox Nation) and then the Phillies beat Tampa). Danny Ozark was responsible for me becoming a Phillies fan - and that should never be forgotten.

Yes, Penoedmo updates and the long awaited ALBUM OF THE YEAR announcement for 2008 are coming!!! Today's Song will return too!

Coming Back Soon.....

Sorry for the delay on the posting..... L.A. Scene will be alive again soon!

Philip and Elliot - Chapter 11 Excerpt

Here is the Chapter 11 Excerpt from my 2008 Nanowrimo winning novel, "Philip and Elliot". Currently I am in a mass editing mode (Penoedmo - Personal Novel Editing Month - which has extended to 2 months). I have 170 pages edited thus far out of 269.

This is still from the unedited text. It is loosely based on a surprise party my Mom through for my Dad on his 40th. However, in this excerpt, the birthday is actually a 38th birthday. It was the only way I can make it work with the timeline.

Remember this is unedited and uncooked.

Note: Next L.A. Scene will reveal the long awaited "Album of the Year" winner for 2008!!

Phil and Julie Cotter were walking outside of the parking lot at a Medical Complex located at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Beach Avenue. It was a quiet cool evening. Phil was dressed in a gray suit while Julie was in a white knee-length dress with black hose.

“Julie, I don’t understand you are receiving an award at your office on a Saturday night,” said Phil.

“Phil, I told you. In Medical Lab Research, we have limited funding. They decided to cater this event here,” said Julie.

“Well, you know they are installing the pool and the deck at the house. I think we need to be there,” said Phil.

“At night?” said Julie.

Phil was at a loss of words. He was still getting used to the idea of Julie working at a Medical Lab as a technologist. He liked the fact she was earning money, but he still had some envy that she had a college degree and he didn’t.

“All right,” said Phil.

The Medical Complex was three stories. Julie’s office at “Hylan Medical Research” was located in the lower floor. It required walking down a short flight of steps.

“You could be a little more happy for me,” said Julie.

“I am,” said Phil in a reluctant matter.

Julie opened the door into the reception area. Phil grabbed the door to let Julie go in first.

“It’s awful fuckin quiet,” said Phil.

Julie was biting her tongue. She knew that Phil was complaining, but she did not want to have an argument with Phil.

“Oh come on! It’s in our community room we have in the office,” said Julie.

Julie then opened the door to the community room. The moment she opened the door to the room a bit “SURPRISE!” was yelled by everyone in the room. Julie then looked at Phil who was unsure what was meant by “Surprise!”

“What the?” said Phil as he saw his brother Elliot with his girlfriend Sandy, his children Wesley and Melissa, Julie’s sister Nadine, Julie’s Aunts – Florence and Teresa, Don and Annie Dunphy, and many of their mutual friends.

“Your birthday dummy!” said Julie.

“Happy Birthday Phil!” yelled everyone.

Phil was in a complete state of shock. The room had about 50 people in it. Phil could not believe it.

“For me?” asked Phil.

“Yeah. Happy 38th birthday!” shouted Julie.

Phil immediately went and hugged and kissed Julie. Surprisingly, Julie’s Aunt Florence – whom Phil always had a fragile relationship was the first to come up to him.

“Happy Birthday Phil!” said Florence.

“Thanks Aunt Florence,” said Phil.

“We’re so proud of you! You’ve really done a great job. We’ve be talking to Don about how great a job you have done with your company!” said Florence.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Phil.

“Happy Birthday Daddy!” shouted Melissa as she went and kissed her father. Wesley was next to Elliot and then came over to Phil to hug him.

“Surprised?” asked Sandy who was wearing a blue minidress.

“Very,” said Phil.

Don and Annie then came up to Phil.

“Happy birthday Phil,” said Annie as she went and hugged Phil.

“Happy birthday my friend,” said Don as he shook Phil’s hand and hugged him.

“It means the world to me,” said Phil. Phil then noticed lots of food and a catering staff to boot. “Julie, how in the world did you pull this off?”

“Not easy,” said Julie who knew now that she was earning a paycheck, it was easy to put the money aside.

“Your wife really loves you,” said Teresa.

“She sure does,” said Nadine.

“Thank you,” said Phil as he went and hugged Teresa first, and then Nadine.

“I have no idea what to say,” said Phil.

“Phil, Don Dunphy is one of the nicest men I ever met – and so is his wife,” said Teresa.

“He sure is,” said Phil who then whispered into Don’s ear and said, “Did she throw me to the wolves?” Phil had confided to many times the problems he had getting along with Julie’s aunts.

“She was in a good mood,” joked Don back into his ear.

Phil felt truly humbled. He knew he wasn’t always the nicest person. He thought back to his affair with Cheryl several years ago and how much he hurt Julie. He thought back to the times when he was gambling away the rent money. He knew that he had come far. He felt that Julie really pulled through for him.

“I love this woman!” shouted Phil to everyone as he went and kissed Julie. He then added, “Sorry I was a pain in the ass tonight.”

“No worse than you normally are,” added Nadine.

“Gee, thanks Nadine,” said Phil.

Wesley went back over to go talk to Elliot. Since he had the fight with Elliot almost two years ago, there was tension in their relationship. While Elliot didn’t stop seeing Wesley didn’t stop talking, they did not hang out as much as they used to. He still didn’t like the fact that Wesley was hanging with Elliot – given that he knew Elliot was still doing drugs. However, he also knew this wasn’t the time to make a scene – not in front of Julie’s family, but most of all, not in front of Don and Annie Dunphy. Phil had confided many times in Don about how upset he was that Elliot was doing drugs and gambling. Don had always advised him not to turn his back on family – which is why he never banished Elliot completely from their lives. He also felt, he wanted to protect Wesley and not have him know what Elliot was up to. Phil made a decision not to air any bad laundry about Elliot tonight.

“Elliot,” said Phil.

“Happy 38th birthday brother,” said Elliot.

“Thanks El,” said Phil as he went and hugged his brother.

“You look well,” said Elliot.

“Thanks,” said Phil.

“Reeves would be mighty proud of you,” said Elliot.

“I’d like think so,” said Phil.