Well, everyone's mentioning the death of Michael Jackson. Of the three entertainers we've lost this week, he was the most surprising. Ed McMahon was up there in years, Farah Fawcett had been dealing with cancer... and then, rather appropriately out of left field, MJ.

Like him or not, he made an impact on music. MTV and music videos in general would not be the same without him. How many eyes did "Thriller" open? Or his mass choreography? And the support, as I mentioned somewhere else, given to Weird Al's spoofs.

Maybe it's when I was growing up. The 80s were *my* time, most of my school years (go class of '90.) Michael Jackson was part of the soundtrack to my growing up, as were hair bands, some good country, the Brat Pack (the Breakfast Club,) and MTV when it actually played music videos. But even without that bias, he was influential, that much just can't be argued.

In a way, it's more... satisfying? when a primarily solo artist like MJ passes away. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not happy he's gone, though he finally gets some peace. But compare him to, say, the Beatles. Michael Jackson's music may be covered, but there's not (Thriller aside ) going to be a 'comeback tour' that just doesn't feel the same. No son-of-the-drummer filling in like Led Zep. No music being made that's "sort of" MJ under his name. Musically... his era has passed with him.

Regardless, even with the weirdness of the later years, he'll be missed.