i was at a staff retreat when someone slipped the news; we all sat around a grassy patch in the berkeley hills and had a moment of silence. i think it's really true that MJ had such a prolific and influential aspect across a multi-generational span. despite his shortcomings, freakish battles and otherwise tabloid life, the man's music is one for the books. rest in peace.

• "man in the mirror" - my cousin lisa did a dance recital performance to this song, and i think it even involved actual mirrors.
• "remember the time" - my class in high school danced to this song one year for FANTASTICS, and the choreographers used a lot of the original moves for the routine.
• "human nature" - this was a contender for one of our popscene prom songs i think in 2007, which lost out to another. this is i think one of my all-time favorites of his.
• "i want to love you (pretty young thing)" - also one of my all-times, it has a great summer pop feel and awesome hook.
• theme song to "free willy" - how could you not like this song?!
• "heal the world" - i sang this for a third grade parents' tea, and we all had to wear matching blue tops.
• "rock with you" - also a piece of pop perfection that always makes me want to go roller-skating.
• "scream" - i remember seeing this video and thinking it was so awesome with the sleekness, and secretly wishing that my brother and i could be as cool as michael and janet.