That's not it. Not at all. And U do the exact same thing once an artist like Prince is mentioned, just in the opposite manner. U mention how he can't dance like Michael, or beat-box like Michael. And if U noticed, because I know both artists like the back of my hand, I've never argued with U on that. Those are areas he is not as strong in or can't do like MJ. And yet, U constantly negate every trace of genius within Prince that I mention. That's obviously because U don't know Prince. Which is cool. If anything, I'd be willing to help U learn more about him. But don't state your negative opinion as if it is factual.
Besides, it's not about raising anyone above MJ, and least not on my part. My intention is to just broaden the aspect of musical genius when I mention Prince, not to compare MJ to anyone. Plus I've always said they are equal in my eyes. I don't knock anyone down, and I've never negated MJ's musical genius in the areas most people know he's excelled in. And yet, when artists like Prince are brought in, it's automatically because I'm trying to praise him for some reason? Why would I come here to do that? Come on....
I am a Michael Jackson fan just like everyone else.
Showing love for Prince doesn't make me not show love for MJ, and I've never tried to be negative toward Michael but just state what I know. But I see beyond my own personal love and admiration I have for him and Prince when participating in discussions about "genius." Yes, U know I'm a "Prince fan," and I sport a Prince signature and post in almost every thread about him here based on my own personal interest and feelings, but that has nothing to do with the perspective I present on his genius in music.
Prince is a raw musician who has mastered musicianship, regardless of what U can say negative about him. I've heard him do at the age 18 after learning on his own and playing by ear for 4-5 years what many multi-instrumentalists can't even do at 50 after playing and having lessons for 35 years. To be able to compose/arrange and play at such a high level at such a young age within a short amount of time, and without any formal instruction is genius. Don't believe me? I've got audio to prove this if anyone wants to hear this for themselves. Just like MJ's genius with dance. Prince and instrumentation is the exact contrast to MJ and dance in my eyes. They master anything they attempt in those fields, since childhood. And because of composers like Prince, I love musician-composers. I fully appreciate their gifts, that's why I defend them so much. I only mention him often when discussing genius because he is, like Michael Jackson, an artist I know and study musically.
U also mentioned your opinion of composition in one of your posts. I would never deny that Michael Jackson is one of the best musical composers in history. But a composer that can conceive original music, arrange, and play what's he/she's created on his/her own is even more powerful in that area to me. That's Prince, among others not even mentioned. U can continue argue against that, but it's true. To be able to play a full, "quality" composition alone in a studio instead of relying on hired musicians is a high quality gift that should not be negated. I know U have your opinion, but it's not "jack-of-all-trades" when that person has "mastered" a "quantity" of instruments and has created exceptional and completely original music. Like I said, forget how I feel about Prince personally. I'm not basing my opinion here on emotions like it seems U have with MJ. Your words are insulting to all the artists like Prince who have broken boundaries with their instrumental innovations based on their own solo composition and creativity. If U are not being biased, it's truly unfair and hypocritical for U to "praise" MJ for his multi-skills in vocal styling for example, but then say negative comments about hardcore composers who do all the raw instrument work on their own just 'cause U feel "they can."
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Wow, now, I wasn't targeting you specifically with that comment, if that's what you think. I'm sorry if you took it that way. I was speaking in general terms, and I should have stated that. I'm sorry for the confusion.
I really respect Prince, and you’re right, I don't know him or his music like I do Michael's. I have no doubt that he is an exceptionally gifted musician and song writer. I'll always be the first to state that Prince is one of the most talented musical artists to come up in recent history, and I always thought of him as the only
real competition to Michael back in the day.
Let me just make myself clear, so as there will be no further misunderstanding. I have never stated that I thought Michael was a greater
musician then Prince, in fact, I know he is not.
I've heard from people that Michael has worked with that he does in fact play several instruments, by ear, as you've pointed out Prince does. Michael, however, does not dedicate his time towards the development of those skills as Prince does, for whatever reason.
He plays the drums, he plays them solely on "Morphine", and the guitar. And I've heard he can play the keyboard quite well. Beyond that, I am not sure. But I
do know that he plays all of them by ear alone, and without practice.
Michael has a perfect and an indelible sense of rhythm, and so I have no doubt in my mind that he would have little difficulty playing an instrument and singing at the same time. I've seen many singers able to do so. Caren Carpenter, for example, played the drums and sang. Eventually she gave that up because her voice was so good that they figured her best position would be up front. The lead singer of the Eagles, Phil Collins, Elton John, Christopher Cross, there are countless singers who possess the ability to sing and play instruments at the same time. I do not consider it particularly special. That's just me though.
But Michael is able to keep two different, three different beats all at once, in his head, they see him keeping those beats by bobbing his head and tapping his feet and hands. I've heard other musicians state this after having been in the studio with him. So for him to play an instrument and sing would not be difficult for him I imagine.
How that music comes to Michael is a sign of musical genius. Because it is just
there, he does not have to pick it out on a piano, or gradually progress the piece. It is all just there, in his head, all at once. Now getting that out, I agree, is a disadvantage to a
degree, because he either then
does have to pick out the chords or relay it to a musician using his voice. But to me also, that shows an advanced understanding of music. His ability to relay what he has in his mind to musicians using only his voice to me shows his brilliant level of musical comprehension.
The instruments used to create the music does not matter, but how the music is arranged
does. That is why I couldn't care less what instruments or computers Michael uses to compose his songs, as long as it comes out sounding exactly as it is in his head.
I don't think you admire Michael any less because of your admiration of Prince. Not at all, and I am sorry if you got that impression. I was speaking in general about Prince fans who put Michael down for not apparently playing musical instruments, as though that takes away form his ability as a song writer. I believe it does
not, and I would argue even that it enhances his abilities because he is not limited by the constraints of musical instruments or notes, he does not know limitations because of it.
Again, this thread is not about comparisons, and my intention was for it not to turn into that. I can't even remember who brought Prince up. But it's beside the point.
A master guitarist would be, to me, Jimmy Page, or Jimmie Hendrix, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, etc... the
best in that one field. I don't think Prince is that.
I think Michael is unique because he is the best in more then one field, few people have ever held such a high quality of talent in so many areas, in my opinion, and there never has been a performing artist who has besides Michael.
Vocally, he is as good as any pure vocalist out there. In terms of dance ability, he is as good, technically and stylistically, as anyone has ever been, and his ability to compose is likewise the same, not to mention his unparalleled charisma and command of the stage.
So, anyway, carry on.