Like the rest of the world, I was shocked yesterday to learn of Michael Jackson's passing. As I watched the hype late into the night (every news channel was running nonstop MJ coverage, and MTV was even playing MJ videos - I can't remember the last time I saw a video on MTV), I was reminded of when I wrote about appreciating art as a reflection of its time, even if that time was focused on ideas we find anathema now. In a similar sense, the death of Michael Jackson resurfaces a question I've thought about extensively, namely this: Can you separate the art from the artist? In a sort of inverse of the old love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin axiom, can you love the art and hate (or perhaps simply dislike, or get squicked out by) the artist?

I think the answer has to be yes, you can respond to art without liking the artist. I think Phil Spector is an abusive, murdering arsehole, but I love the Wall of Sound style he created back in the 60s. I have no doubt that Roman Polanski raped a girl back in 1977, but I've quite enjoyed some of his films (Rosemary's Baby, Bitter Moon and The Ninth Gate come to mind). In the same vein, while I think it's never been clear what actually happened between Michael Jackson and the children with whom he surrounded himself, I do think that something did happen. Call it intuition, call it legal knowledge (the fact that the victims came forward at all is pretty strong evidence - being a victim of sexual abuse of any kind in our legal system is no picnic), something was up. But I still listened to and enjoyed his music, even after all of the abuse allegations came out. I can separate the art from the artist.

One of the earliest MJ memories I have is of being in grade school, and just about to start a new school year at a new school. Mum jane3tis knew that I was nervous, and so she told me on the morning of the first day of school that I could pick out a record (yes, vinyl) to listen to to put me in a good mood. I picked Off The Wall, which is still arguably my favorite MJ solo album. I also remember scrawling my school folders and such with "Michael Jackson" and "Thriller" when that came out in 1982, and trying (and failing miserably) to moonwalk. I remember being amazed at the man's reinvention capability with "Smooth Criminal" came out, and again when "Scream" was released. And of course, I have always loved just about everything the Jackson 5 did.

And so, in tribute, I offer you my favorite MJ songs:














Note that "Dirty Diana" did NOT make the list. People started singing that song to me the instant it came out (when I was in junior high), and they still haven't stopped. I do not thank you for that, MJ. ;)