So, MJ's death is like Hollywood's 9/11... aka some thoughts on Michael Jackson

I do not mean to mock MJ or 9/11, but the amount of idolatry has been crazy.  I guess it probably was the same when John Lennon or Elvis died.  That being said, I have been listening to some early Michael Jackson lately, as well as some Jackson 5, and I am stunned.  There is really no way to describe the quality of his vocals on something like "I Want You Back" or "Billie Jean."  Those two singles stick out to me because they contain some of the greatest pop productions and arrangements, and yet, still, MJ's vocals are the stars.  The vocals even outclass the tremendous chord progression in "I Want You Back" and what might be the greatest shaker in pop history--tied only with the shaker in used in the Rolling Stone's "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Jumping Jack Flah"--in "Billie Jean."  Stuff like "Man in the Mirror" can be annoying, but "Rock With You," "Don't Stop to You Get Enough," "P.Y.T," and "Of the Wall" are stunning.  Hence, I am throwing in my lot with the R.I.P. MJ crew.  He truly made some of the best pop singles of all time.