My annual race to the Oscars is on

Each year prior to the Oscars I try to watch most of the movies that had even the tiniest bit of buzz (positive or negative). Since Kenny is basically out of town for the next four weeks, my film festival has commenced. How, you may ask, does a work widow, in Germany, with three small children get copies of movies that are still in theaters to watch at home after kiddie bedtime? Can't say, but I hope my "connections" hold up in China.

Anyway, last night's showing on the big screen:

I can hear my Dad grumbling from over 5000 miles away and he will henceforth be referred to as "grumble, grumble" in this post at points where I know my Mom is actually hearing his complaints about "kid's music" while reading this over her shoulder. Ultimately this will lead to his rhapsodizing about the "good ole days with singers like Johnny Cash".

I hadn't been a fan since the early 80's and the only thing I knew about this movie was that it was a documentary of the rehearsals for his upcoming tour. WOW! I had goosebumps for the two hours during the movie and for two hours after (grumble, grumble). He was truly a crazy, musical genius (grumble, grumble).

After he died, I watched an interview he had done with Oprah where he said something about how he feels every part of the music and this translates into his dance moves (grumble, grumble). I could see and feel this when watching the movie. It was like he was a part of the music and the music was a part of him. It just oozed from him and this was apparent to even someone who doesn't have a musical bone in her body. I don't know how a man who was supposedly so drug addicted functioned at that level. Most of us have seen the pictures/videos of musicians falling down, slurring, faces covered in blow, a la Amy Winehouse and Boy George. Maybe it was a part of his magic in some sad way, or maybe it dulled his full potential.

Anyway, I really wish I would have gone to one of his concerts (grumble, grumble) and this prompted me to make a list of musicians/bands I wish I had seen or want to make a point of seeing (you know even if they are "retired" they'll need a payday sooner or later) before it's too late. I came up with this list quickly, feel free to give me input for consideration. Music genre isn't a factor. I didn't include U2 because we saw them in the 90's, or DMB because anyone who knows us knows pre-kids we saw them any chance we had.

Too late:

MJ

The Rat Pack

Elvis

Added to the life list:

Madonna

The Boss

Rolling Stones

Elton John

Love ya Dad! (grumble, grumble).