Shepherd

Hardly had his body had time to turn cold, than the question was put forth. Who will be the next King of Pop? although the verdict isn't in, countless opinions have been aired.
For some reason, Justin Timberlake is a name that crops up quite often but, as The Root points out, Timberlake is more of an amalgamation of various greats, the most easily visible influence ofcourse being Michael Jackson. . The title of King, it has been decided, carries with it a pre-requisite of originality and cultural influence, be it in the form of changing the way the world views African-Americans (Frank Sinatra's treatment of Sammy to Michael Jackson) to a greater perspective of the world we live in (think Elvis and the draft). Also, Kings seem to need to be able to touch people (pardon the pun) in a deeply emotional way - Timberlake's music is nice and fun enough to listen to, but you can hardly picture people being 'moved' by Sexyback, sitting in their rooms.

But then I suppose music has become more of a background occurrence now with mp3 players and computers. There is no real need to listen intently to the radio to catch a new song or wait for hours for a favourite to come up and then clumsily record it. Or have to save up for the album and then hope the lyrics were included. If I hear about a new song, YouTube is only a click away. If I feel like listening to a favourite song offline as well, download. Album art etc is also downloadable, as is the entire sleeve for that matter. There is something to be said for holding a CD in your hands, and I was tempted by Amazon and a free afternoon a while back to buy the entire Aerosmith discography (from cassettes to LPs to whatever) from assorted sellers (there's a sort of thrill buying used anything I feel). I would have done it too, had the boy not asked me in a voice reserved for mentally challenged dogs, " Honey, all you have is a CD player on your laptop over here... how are you going to play the other formats?" I could have bought an old school boombox but before my imagination and credit card could run free, I was brought harshly back to earth by a lecture on how much 'rubbish' i have in my room (I'm a bit of a pack rat. I'm also spending a small fortune on storage this summer). My point is, for a musician to be successful in a popular culture setting today it's more about a beat you can live your life against as opposed to soulful and heartfelt riffs. I'm talking about pop do note, Michael Jackson's realm. There was more need for originality in your voice and musical stylings than in your choice of leotard. When thinking about what has popsters bopping along to today (and boy, should I know), Katy Perry and Lady GaGa whom I love doing crazy wine induced dances to in clubs, bars and unsuspecting supermarkets, can hardly be compared to music of yesteryear (in the metaphoric rather than literal sense). I don't know why. I think the lyrics are decent enough, and I adore Katy Perry (Lady GaGa is just not very likable, is she? although her attitude on Jonathan Ross was hilarious). I suppose the thing with 'yesteryear' is that it has that lovely romantic veil of 'the good ol days' to hide behind. Maybe my kids will listen to them on whatever new fangled format they have them (assuming the world lasts til then ofcourse. My generation doesn't seem to give a damn about the resources we're using up), look up at me in awe and envy at the fact that I lived in the times of such greats. Maybe.

Now, as I've contradicted myself enough, I shall move on to what I was hoping would be the sole focus of the post. Kings of Pop. The Root also gives in its two cents and 'cheekily' suggests that the new King might be a Queen... dum dum DUMM. Which would have been a revelation had Madonna not reigned supreme over the pop world in her Gaultier bra and rhinestone cross earrings. Forgetting Queen Madge for a moment, they suggest Beyonce. I suppose so, but then anyone's as good as anybody else I suppose. Maybe Amy Winehouse will get back 'on track' (whatever that's supposed to mean) and topple 'curvy' Beyonce. I'm feeling Beth Ditto for some reason, if she shakes of the presumption among the cattier of us that a larger (ok, fat) person is the latest must-have accessory for the world's thin elite (I'm not making this up. I honestly read an article propounding this, based on a series of photographs of the lovely Miss Moss out on the town with the quirkily lovable Ditto. Because Fat and Thin Cannot be friends apparently. Although how many thin people do you know with fat friends? I'm hoping it's Katy Perry for some reason (I think it's the Lolita thing). I Kissed a Girl and Waking Up in Vegas are the angsty chick offerings of today I feel, sort of along the lines of having it all but not quite. I'm fairly certain that Mariah Carey's name will be thrown into the fray soon enough. The story of GaGa is the same as Perry's : if they can sustain the music, they're in with a fighting chance. And as long as we don't tire of GaGa's endless supply of 'different' clothes and Perry's 60s inspired coyness.

Getting back to the men for a moment, I'm REALLY hoping Adam Lambert comes up with something sensational to become the new King. Although unlike the Rockstar series, the contestant's songwriting skills on American Idol are never tested. So I'm sort of hoping he doesn't end up like my fave Dilana, who could put on one hell of a show and belt out a tune, but who could barely string two lyrical lines together for a song. Pity.

Hm, I'm completely premature, but I'm gunning for Katy Perry and Adam Lambert. Because in my world (fell free to visit. Call first) that would be perfect.

ps- Based on the assumption that us, the shallow hordes of popular culture addicts need a King and/or Queen.

pps- Please also note how I refrained from making the joke that if Adam Lambert is completely awesome, we have both. A King and Queen