Michael Jackson, 1958-2009.

For the past year or so I have been listening to Michael Jackson’s music more and more. I was devastated to find out that he had a heart attack. But what inspired me about Michael Jackson more than anything else was his incredibly loving attitude and his amazing songs. A personal favourite song of mine is ‘human nature’ which I think is such a great song for so many different reasons. It captures the inner innocence and beauty of Michael Jackson as well as his care and love for other people.

Throughout the past year or so Michael Jackson has really helped me in terms of overcoming my personal difficulties in my life. For this I cannot thank him enough. I have become a major fan of Michael Jackson because of his music and personality. He has taught me that nothing in the world is more powerful than love and art. He has changed me as a person forever.

I feel as though I can relate to Michael Jackson in several ways. He is the only person I know who understands what it is like to be truly mistreated and suppressed. His father and the media were a lot to blame for this. Michael makes me feel that I am not alone and that there is someone that cares. If I feel like I am in a crisis I know I can turn to Michael, who will be there for me whether he’s alive or dead. Jackson has not received much love in his life but this is why he wants to give love. I am surprised by how positive he was despite all the suffering and pain the world has given him.

Additionally I think the reason why Michael Jackson has such powerful and distinct dancing is not only because he is talented but because he was forced to dance by his father. My theory is that he partly dances to attack those people who have mistreated him. Michael Jackson talks a lot with his dancing. He reflects his anger and disgust by dancing in a forceful way which he has been recognised for; he dances in an eccentric and furious manner. Blood on the dance Floor is an example of a song which shows disgust for those that have offended him.

When I found out that Michael Jackson was playing in London I was so excited. I bought two tickets for me and my mother. I had a lot of trouble getting the tickets because of high demand for them. To see him live would have been something really special for me and for all of his other fans. I am extremely happy that I was wise enough to appreciate him whilst he was still alive. Perhaps if more people concentrated on his music rather than his private life then he would still be alive now.

Michael Jackson deserves to go down in history for the greatest ever pop artist, The King of Pop. Especially considering how diabolically he has been treated in his life. He is a true performer and is the greatest human being you could ever wish to see.

Michael Jackson was just simply a vulnerable talented man who had too many obstacles in his life. He tried his best to prove the media wrong about him and his poor health but in the end it was far too much for him. People like Martin Bashir completely destroyed his life and I cannot forgive Martin for this. Michael Jackson will always have a place in my heart and soul and nothing will ever change that. R.I.P. Michael.

Looking out
Across the night-time
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs

2nd verse

Get me out
Into the night-time
Four walls wont hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite

Chorus

If they say -
Why, why, tell em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -Why, why, tell em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way

3rd verse

Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are evrywhere
See that girl
She knows Im watching
She likes the way I stare

Chorus

If they say -
Why, why, tell em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -Why, why, tell em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
I like livin this way
I like lovin this way(instrumental section)

4th verse

Looking out
Across the morning
The citys heart begins to beat
Reaching outI touch her shoulder
Im dreaming of the street

Chorus

If they say -
Why, why, tell em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -
Why, why, tell em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that wayI like livin this way



The Rikowski web site, The Flow of Ideas is at:
http://www.flowideas.co.uk



Gregory's myspace profile and his blog is at:
www.myspace.com/92945414

Myspace Music

I first came onto MySpace not knowing much about how it works. I joined mainly to write film reviews. I was pleased and surprised to discover lots of good bands on there as well. As I used it more I soon became familiar with it and the bands.

The first band that I went to see was ‘On Off Switch’ in March 2009. I saw them at a pub that was near King’s Cross station in London called ‘The Rats’. There are four members in the band. A drummer named Daniel Goudie, Kat Cheadle who is the vocalist, Robbie Sattin on Guitars and Chris Mathison who was on the Bass and synchroniser. They are a band that has a mixture of music genres. Elements of pop, rock, electronic and funk are all in the band which make them interesting. The singer Kat in my opinion is a great singer. The other members are also technically talented.

‘On Off Switch’ is only a small band but I think they have the potential to make it big. The crowd on the night was small but I think everyone could see the potential they had. The band is young and enthusiastic with lots more to offer as they are always producing new songs. I particularly liked ‘Chemicals’ and ‘OK Robot’- these were my favourite songs. The band is very energetic and they have similarities to groups such as K.T. Tunstall, Squarepusher, Madonna and Evanescence.

I came out feeling very satisfied and cheerful after the gig and talked a lot to my friend about them. I would definitely recommend them. Their MySpace address is: http://www.myspace.com/onoffswitch

The second band I went to see was ‘Mr Twist’. They played at 93 Feet East on 15th April 2009 in Brick Lane, London. The band was superb and played with other great bands that I had never heard of before. ‘Mr Twist’s’ influences are from bands such as Muse, Led Zeppelin, Biffy Clyro and Iron Maiden. They are quite an experimental band with a real passion for rock music. Their songs on Myspace are Break Before I Bend, The World Is Watching, Drink and Dial, Settle The Score and Lying On Demand.

The Venue was quite big and was fairly packed. The band is definitely unique and worth seeing. They were on stage for around 45 minutes and played first. The band has four members including a drummer, vocalist, guitar and Bass. I briefly spoke to the vocalist after the gig and he thanked me for coming. ‘Mr Twist’ are full of energy and passion and you could see that they are playing to makes themselves feel good and to make other people feel good. I hope they make it big as I think they deserve it. It is a shame that bands like Mr Twist are not bigger than they are because the guitarist, drummer and singer are all very good and committed. They made my day a little bit more special and made me cheerful. Their MySpace address is:
http://www.myspace.com/mrtwistband

The latest band I have seen is ‘Kyoshi’. I went to see them at Greenwich, London on April 23rd 2009. The band members are Leanne on Vocals, Dan on the guitars, Chris on the Bass and Ben on the drums. Some of the bands influences come from Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley.

Kyoshi have a mixture of pop, ska and indie which make them fun and exciting. The bands best beats are ‘Bang’ and ‘Your Own Beat’. The support band ‘Esteban’ I thought were also great, but I thought Kyoshi were more interesting and different. The vocalist Leanne has a Lily Allen Posture and a similar singing style.

The band played around 30-45 minutes and showed their potential. They are a young band who could do well. The gig was free which made it extra special. The venue was fairly full and I think everyone enjoyed the music. I would recommend this band to anyone and I will see them again if they play in London. This band is very energetic and has potential. Hopefully they will be successful and will keep playing great music. Their MySpace address is:
http://www.myspace.com/kyoshimusic

I will continue to see more MySpace bands in the future. Considering how low the ticket prices are you get a great deal. Bands like ‘Kyoshi’ were free and I am sure there are more. If you are in a band and want to widen your audiences then MySpace is a great place to start. Or if you are interested in getting involved with other bands that can give you advice about music then MySpace is also useful for this.




The Rikowski web site, The Flow of Ideas is at:
http://www.flowideas.co.uk




Gregory's myspace profile and his blog is at:
www.myspace.com/92945414