It does seem overly sentimental to take time out to recognize the first anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, but I guess that's where we are as a culture. I'm not carrying grief per se, but I am somewhat reminiscent of the few months after MJ's death, when he was once again the biggest pop star in the world. It was a trip back through time for more than one reason -- those months reminded us of how things were before the long tail, before tastes compartmentalized to the point of solitude, before iPods were all the companion you'd ever need in the city. I like the long tail and compartmentalization and I love my iPod, but I forgot how much I missed communal listening on a grand scale.
The video above was uploaded the day after Michael's death. In virtually any other context, I would get pissed and leave a subway car that hosted a scene like this. In virtually any other context, this wouldn't have happened. Maybe a common emotional focus is what's needed to turn something from cheesy to charming. Maybe June 25 should become the official day of MJ Remembrance and Resulting Corniness. I wouldn't really mind that. It would be refreshing for a moment.
I love that Tom Hanks-looking motherfucker jamming on the pole. He is so into it.
Posted by: RMJ | June 25, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Watching that made me all emotional again :(
Posted by: Michael | June 25, 2010 at 11:11 AM
I always miss NYC, but this video REALLY made me miss it. Crazy shit going down when you least expect it. Love it.
Posted by: HouseofJules | June 25, 2010 at 11:47 AM
I'm glad it was PYT, one of my very favorites of the oeuvre.
Posted by: torrinpaige | June 25, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Fucking Williamsburg hipsters on the L train. Of course it was the L train...
Still pretty cool though. Shit like that never happened on the way to Bay Ridge. Fucking R train BLOWS!
Posted by: typelittlea | June 25, 2010 at 01:57 PM
The "Tom Hanks-looking motherfucker" makes the same face I do when I dance, which my boyfriend refers to as "can you BELIEVE this fucking jam???" face. How. Embarrassing. Love it!
Posted by: Bex | June 25, 2010 at 05:53 PM
Best post title ever.
Posted by: Eric H. | June 25, 2010 at 06:33 PM
this kind of outburst of joy smothered in saddness happen all over the world....the news showed scenes like this the day of and after his death.what other star envolked this kind of reaction from their death?no one!MJ ,u were like a fairy tale ,did u really exist?can there be such a beautiful person that lived in this world of maddness.love u 4ever MJ....."break on through to the other side"
Posted by: heidi | June 26, 2010 at 12:26 AM
I remember when this was posted last year and I immediately fell in love with the "Tom Hanks" guy. So cute and corny and free.
Tederoni, come and fly with me!
Posted by: RW | June 26, 2010 at 01:16 AM
At the risk of sounding terribly cheesy, it's amazing how MJ's music is recognizable and evokes such positive reactions in people, at least in the case of his earlier dance hits. ("Earth Song" probably wouldn't have the same effect.) During the Philadelphia Marathon last year there were some bystanders in the 'hood who were blasting MJ on a boom box around mile 8. It was on "Beat It" when I ran by them. All of the runners, including myself, smiled and sped up a bit. It was awesome.
Posted by: L | June 26, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Wow, a party was about to break out there! All they needed was someone to pass a bottle!
Posted by: Wendy Young Clark Mixon | June 26, 2010 at 12:23 PM
""Earth Song" probably wouldn't have the same effect."
The interesting thing about that song is that it seems it was a huge hit almost everywhere in the world except the US and Cananda. It was more popular throughout much of Europe than just about any other Michael Jackson song, with the exception of 'Black or White' and maybe 'Billie Jean'.
I've just been itching to say that somewhere.
Posted by: jessica | June 26, 2010 at 11:41 PM
aaaww Rich, you put a smile on my face when I really needed it. Excellent post title. Excellent video. And P.Y.T. was the cherry on top.
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I'm sure he wouldn't be happy with that...........
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I'm glad it was PYT, one of my very favorites of the oeuvre.
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