Idol @ MindSay 
american
| Like many others around the world, I was alerted to the the fact that Michael Jackson had died by a text message from a friend. So I turned my computer back on and watched online as the first reports broke across the world news. Yet it all seemed surreal, unexpected and sudden - making it hard to really take in. This icon, this musical legend, was gone. Of course, to many he had been lost for years. Michael Jackson's career had waned from it's 1980s heyday as child abuse allegations and his changing appearance helped to undermine his stardom. Added to this was the ongoing media barrage and the simple fact that the world had seemingly moved on from the time when he unleashed his signature 'moon walk' while performing 'Billie Jean' at the Motown 25th anniversary show. After releasing three of pop music's greatest albums back-to-back in 'Off The Wall', 'Thriller' and 'Bad' - not to mention securing the best selling album of all time in 'Thriller' - Michael Jackson seemed to struggle for the same levels of relevance. Not to say that he didn't still see success, as continued number ones testified, but rather that his all-conquering superstardom became sullied. Despite being found not guilty and having taken the generally accepted and advised option of an out-of-court settlement it was perhaps the child abuse charges that hurt his career the most. He never quite seemed to be able to escape the spectre of the allegations and Michael Jackson the man became somewhat seperated from his musical legacy as his almost child-like purity and innocence was lost to the world. Michael also struggled with his personal appearance as his skin-tone lightened considerably leading some to speculate that he was looking to distance himself from his African American roots. Perhaps the truth will finally be revealed, although it is just as likely that Michael Jackson's secrets will go with him to the grave. There is, however, something about Jackson that could never be kept under wraps, his talent. it is his talent as a singer, performer, dancer and entertainer that we shoudl really try to remember him for. Michael Jackson became arguably the most famous man in the world - his music crossing social, ethnic and geographical boundaries. He had his own distinct style of movement, one that was not classically trained, but rather one that seemed to come from within. Jackson seemed to move instinctively, his performances apparently lacking organized choreography, except where his dancers had to keep up with him. Fittingly for a chilld born just four years after the end of segregation and signed to Motown the same year as Martin Luther King was killed, Michael Jackson's songs helped break down racial barriers as he heralded African American inroads to MTV. Yet he seldom seemed to play upon his heritage, becoming an everyman even as his appearance changed. Through all of the controversy, Michael Jackson's work will live on as his impact continues to be felt through the work of others. His music will continue to be played at parties and in clubs and it seems that with his death Michael Jackson's legacy may grow stronger than it was even during his lifetime. There will be many feeling a strange sense of loss for a man they never knew. Perhaps it is a feeling of personal loss too as a constant part of the lives of many is gone. Another piece of childhood lost with the man that was himself like a boy. A true legend, Michael Jackson's impact cannot be over-stressed and perhaps now, with his untimely death, we can all once again appreciate the talent above the failings of the man. Many more words will be written before Michael Jackson can truly rest, there will no doubt follow legal battles and more controversy. But finally Michael Jackson can rest and for him only three words are now needed; rest in peace. |
Slim – www.grindmodeconnect.com
Edwin
Something like Heaven for Sidwell
By Courtesy photo
Aaron Sidwell
Mon Apr 21, 2008, 10:12 AM CDT 
He may very well be the greatest musician you’ve never heard of.
His name is Aaron Sidwell and he’s been writing songs since he was 12 years old and he wants to be the next American Idol.
But he missed that boat.
Twice.
After auditioning in New York City and Omaha, Neb., for FOX’s hit reality series – which has made bona fide celebrities out of former nobodies like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken – Sidwell is now trying his hand at a different side of the “American Idol” rocket to superstardom.
Sidwell, a former Butler Community College vocal music student, recently found out he’s triumphed over thousands of other tunesmiths and made it to the Top 20 in “Idol’s” song-writing competition. The prize will be to hear the song belted on live television by whomever America chooses to win this season of the show. Not to mention the chance to earnestly kickstart his own career.
“I would hope that it would get my foot in the door as a songwriter,” he said. “Maybe I could write for a few more artists on [‘Idol’ judge and producer] Simon Cowell’s label.“
But it’s not just the other song-writers or even the Idols themselves who have been obstacles for Sidwell. It’s been a long journey to this point for the 26-year-old native of Enterprise, Kan.
At 3 years old, Sidwell’s parents were told that 85 percent of his blood cells were cancerous.
“My chances of survival were slim,” Sidwell said. “By the grace of God and a blood transfusion, I went into remission at 7 years old.”
That experience has shaped Sidwell’s perspective on life.
“I feel that because I grew up around sick people — living inside a hospital for a lot of my younger years — I’ve developed a compassion for people. Especially sick children,” Sidwell said. “There is nothing worse than watching a child have to suffer through something so ugly as cancer.”
That in mind, Sidwell has previously headlined a pair of concerts in Wichita to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.
“I feel my music has a message of hope inside of it,” he said. “Even the ‘angry’ songs have some sort of resolution in them, whether it comes lyrically or musically.”
Since graduating from Enterprise High School in 2000, Sidwell has been cranking out songs and trying to make a name for himself. He took the title of Wichita Idol a few years ago and slept on New York City sidewalks “with 11,000 other strangers” for three days just to get an audition for “Idol” during the show’s third season.
While waiting for his music career to take off, Sidwell left Butler to study teaching at Wichita State University; now he works with first graders at Allen Elementary.
During his time at Butler, Sidwell said he developed as an artist.
“The quality of education at BCC really helped me to foster confidence in myself, as an individual and a professional as well,” he said. “The instructors really helped refine my vision for my future.
“I was a Butler Headliner which meant we practiced, practiced, performed, and practiced some more. I learned a great deal about stage presence.”
Butler instructor Valerie Mack, who worked with Sidwell in the Headliners, said she was “not surprised” when she learned he was in the “Idol” Top 20.
She sent e-mails to everyone she could think of — co-workers, colleagues, even her contacts at the British Broadcasting Company — to help give Sidwell a push to the top.
“I hope this is his big break,” Mack said. “There is not a more deserving young man. He is such a nice guy and he’s so talented.
“I felt like if he would hang with it and continue with his music, he would get his chance, if people would just listen to it.”
Laura Burkholder-Doeden went to school at Butler with Sidwell, where they became close friends. She said this is a “phenomenal” opportunity to showcase his talent.
“He’s always amazed me,” she said. “I’m so happy he’s got this opportunity to [succeed]. It’s well-deserved.”
His fate in the “Idol” contest — just like the performers on the show — lies in the hand of the TV-watching public. The contestants are being rated on www.americanidol.com, where voting continues until April 23. His song, “Something Like Heaven,” has been getting positive buzz on the Web site’s message boards.
“I felt the song was perfect to sing to an audience,” Sidwell said. “I also think the melody is commercial enough to be an ‘Idol’ single.”
Despite his past “Idol” disappointments, he won’t be turned off by the show if he doesn’t win the competition.
“I just feel so lucky to be in the top 20 out of tens of thousands of applicants,” he said. “Of course, I want to win, who doesn’t? But I am realistic in knowing it is a long shot and there are other ways to sell a song.”
El Dorado resident, Jan Watts, a former radio announcer with American Family Radio, met Sidwell in 2000 when a pastor dropped off Sidwell’s first CD entitled “Power of Your Love.”
“I played his CD over and over,” Watts said. “I hope Aaron wins this song-writing competition so that America can enjoy his music like I have.”
With plans to move to Nashville and truly pursue his music career in July, a boost from “American Idol” certainly couldn’t hurt.
“It’s a fast way to develop a fan base without having to leave the same stage,” Sidwell said. “It is ultimately creating a superstar before your very eyes. [It’s] the best reality show on TV!”
Here is the direct link to where you can register and vote for your favorite song.
Click here for Top 20 American Idol songwriting contestwinners
My song is called, “Something Like Heaven.”
The names of the songwriters are not posted so if you are wondering which song is mine it is, “Something Like Heaven.”
Hope you enjoy it!!
Much Love,
Aaron Sidwell
My friend, Aaron Sidwell, has made it to the TOP TWENTY in the American Idol Songwriting contest. Please, go to AmericanIdol.com and register to vote for his song "Something Like Heaven".
www.myspace.com/aaronsidwellmusic
http://cdbaby.com/cd/aaronsidwell
Quotes of the week:
"This might sound like a stupid question but . . . I thought Europe was a country."
" I don't know if France is a country but I'd say France."
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I am in love . . .
and here's why : http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/overview/w880i?cc=au&lc=en
I am a man of simple tastes, it's my philosphy for life really:
"live simply, use less and leave as little mess as possible"
So it's rare for me to buy new technology or to buy something that has more features than I will likely use. Well, yesterday I went past a 'phone shop and decided to stop and have a look at a new 'phone. My old one has lasted for 4years and doesn't work now (the microphone is dead, I've had to use the earpiece).
I just went in to browse really, window shopping is one of my fav' pastimes.
That's when I saw it ... the Ericsson W880i. My heart missed a beat and my throat went dry.
My mind said:
"you'll never use all those bits and bobs, don't waste your money"
My heart said:
"It's sooooo shiiiiiiiiney. We has to have it, we must have the precioussss"
Mind:
"Look at the expense, look at the waste of features, it's just a 'phone!"
Heart:
"SHUT UP JEALOUS! It's ouuuuurs, the precious is ouuuuurs, we needs it, we looooooves it."
Needless to say, I now have one and actually, it is very good at what it does and it does soooo much. I have justified my purchase by telling myself that I can now put away my i-pod and just use the walkman feature on the phone. Soooo technically, I'm using less . . . right?
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