What a coincidence that Michael Jackson should pass away on the 25th Anniversary of the release of Prince’s masterpiece Purple Rain. As Chris Rock mentioned in a joke, we spent the 80s arguing about who was better, Prince or Michael Jackson. In retrospect, we were lucky to have our own Beatles and Stones to compare at that time!
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Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo show off their Jazz Blasters

Tomorrow, Fender Musical Instruments will release two Sonic Youth models, designed to the exacting requirements of the band’s ultra-influential guitarists Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo. Known for taking dozens of vintage guitars on tour, in order to play songs in a variety of alternate tunings, there will now be a few brand new ones in the mix! Congratulations to Fender, Lee and Thurston for this great partnership. “Concert tuning” now has a whole new meaning.
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Mark Stewart himself posted this video on Facebook. It’s one of the first records I promoted as a professional… I started off on the easy stuff. Maybe some folks remember the listening party I hosted at the 1986 NFCB conference in Bellingham, WA?

Only a few days in, some folks are tiring of the Michael Jackson coverage. The only reason to tire is he only gave us about five albums of material. I am hearing Michael Jackson in cars, walking past stores, outside apartment buildings and all over Manhattan. It’s nice to know the music will never, ever, die, because it is so important to such a massive number of folks, that it’s hard to comprehend, even when you see the numerous international headlines, shrines and tributes.

While I am sad about Michael Jackson’s early death, in remembering him, I also remembered some of the negatives. The fact that he was so popular made him the frequent butt of comedians. After the jump, Katt Williams, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker and Dave Chappelle cut Michael down to size. This is one cottage industry that has just grown exponentially. I wonder when it will be ok for Conan and Letterman to make their remarks? That’s a middle ground, PG-rated experience.

I’m attempting to be balanced in my view of Michael Jackson but also try to improve the mood.
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KUOI Playlist for 6/23/2009
Top Albums (Artist / Title / Label)

1. Sonic Youth / The Eternal / Matador
2. The Dirty Projectors / Bitte Orca / Domino
3. Black Moth Super Rainbow / Eating Us / Graveface
4. Grizzly Bear / Veckatimest / Warp
5. Deerhunter / Rainwater Cassete Exchange / Kranky
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The Jackson Five made me a music fan

Michael Jackson peaking on Motown’s 25th Anniversary TV Special, 1983

I had intended to write a significant post today about Purple Rain in honor of the 25th anniversary of its release, and the fact that this is now a post about the death of Michael Jackson is a mind-blow.

The rise of Prince due to the breakthrough of the film and soundtrack was a serious challenge to Michael Jackson, at least in America. Until then, he enjoyed a level of success that was unprecedented and is still unmatched in the history of show business, if not politics or culture in general.
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The Sun was out just enough to make Ian Hunter break out some of his famous shades.

Rock legend Ian Hunter played on a riverfront lawn in the Battery Park area of Manhattan last night. His set was a mix of legendary songs from Mott the Hoople and his solo catalog, starting with “Once Bitten Twice Shy.” as the weather got better and better. As befitting an artist more “influential” than “monumental.” the crowd was comprised of some of the oldest, most intense rock fans I have ever seen. In fact, several of them also have blogs, a further testimony to the loyalty and interest level of Ian Hunter’s fans.

More photos and video after the jump
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