Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Archival Gent: (early era) Michael Jackson






I didn't see this coming but I've become a bit of a come-lately fan of Michael Jackson (the early years). It started out with a larky screening of the video retrospective, History Volume I. Now, a week later, I find myself checking out the VHS copy of "The Making of Thriller" and including "Wanna be Starting Something" on a mix tape for my L.A. friend, Mimsy. To keep everything structurally sound and straightforward, I want to say that I'm primarily obsessed with Michael's proto-MTV sartorial style: black loafers, exposed socks, slim-legged trousers, and sometimes, rolled up suit jacket sleeves. If you're curious about this fine archival edition of MJ, check out the video to Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. Though I rejected MJ as a teen, I can now appreciate the homages to Judy Garland, Bob Fosse and Fred Astaire buried in MJ's videos and dance choreography. On the Making of... video, MJ recounts how Fred Astaire phoned him up after his moonwalking performance on the Grammy awards show and told him that he liked how he [Michael] moved. Endorsement enough from the original archival gent!

1 comment:

reverend dick said...

For me, it's all "PYT".

OK, maybe also "Don't stop till you get enough".