*** Quick Update on the last blog: Soon after I wrote this blog, massive reports came out about the tons of violence that happened during that weekend. Superficially, one would say “See, Mayor Goodman was right.” What bothers me, though, is that past All-Star games were far more crowded and more violent, yet didn’t make quite the stir Vegas did. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, and I’m not a betting man, but … ***

For many, including me, music has been such an integral part of my life, so much so that I’m one of those walking demi-zombies you see walking around with his iPod all over the city (mine is a black iPod nano; I call it Knight Rider). With 517 or so songs on there, I often have songs I constantly put on repeat.

Then, there are those songs I wish I wrote. They’re usually the ones you don’t mind (at least) humming along to or whistling the melody. In my case, I wouldn’t even mind pantomiming the song on my way to, from, during, after, before, or any other preposition I can add for any destination I need to go.

For instance, I wish I wrote Eric B. and Rakim’s “Follow the Leader.” I have a hard time actually rhyming along with it because it uses so many in-rhymes, it makes me wonder what’s really going on in Rakim’s mind. He’s honestly the best rapper ever, and that song’s one of many reasons why I believe so. (“Don’t Sweat The Technique” was also pretty damn good.)
Another song I wish I wrote was “One” by U2. (While I thought Mary J. Blige’s version had a little more soul, it just simply wasn’t as good as the original. The song strayed from the original message Bono was sending to the rest of his band, too.) Shit, come to think of it, I wish I wrote any song that Bono wrote, but this is the one I wish I wrote. “Original of the Species,” “Elevation (Remix),” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me,” “Beautiful Day,” … This list could go on forever.

Continuing with the theme of 80’s band gone modern, one that I secretly wish I wrote was “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran. Yes, it’s Duran Duran, but as with the Beatles, I liked their older stuff more than their earlier stuff. They sounded so much more mature on this, plus they used more instruments as well.

By far, though, the song I wish I wrote is “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. Of course, everyone’s going to have mixed opinions about this, because of his sordid history, but if you were a superstar in the 70s or 80s, you had some sort of history. Plus, MJ’s history cannot be denied. Even with all the music that’s come out since that record came out, that record still cannot be touched. Not that I have some experience with having a woman who thinks I’m the father for some reason, but this song’s just well done from top to bottom.

Noteable Mentions:– “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles (drug-induced euphoria, and the lyrics for these two were written presumably by John Lennon)

– “Encore” by Jay-Z (sums up a career rather well)

– “Scream” by Janet and Michael Jackson (greatest brother-sister combination ever)

– “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses

– “Rocketman” by Elton John
Which songs do you wish you wrote? No, really, I want to hear your choices. Peace …

jose, who loves his Knight Rider