Gays vs. Death

For comparison's sake, these are the two highest rated stories right now on shelbystar.com:

Camp what? New campground offers unusual name and unique purpose (2/25): Rated 336 times

Missing couple found dead - with map, video, photos (2/27): Rated 33 times


Same town. Two days apart.

So basically people are getting all up in arms over gays and lesbians 10 TIMES more than death and possible murder.

At least our priorities are in check ...



That was sarcasm.

Missing Couple Found Dead (Photos from scene)

Photos from Casar taken this morning after the bodies of Tina Freeman and Robert Franklin were discovered.

Check out Thursday's front page for the story.

Robert Franklin's sister, Kay Bowen.

Friends and family gather as investigators collect evidence further down the road.

A sheriff's office vehicle blocks the road.

The Playlist: Fleetwood Mac

When you think rock bands of the 70s, a handful immediately come to mind.

Zepplin. The Eagles. Queen. Pink Floyd.

But perhaps none enjoyed as much success and suffered as much turmoil as Fleetwood Mac.

The namesake of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, the band formed in the late 1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1975, after a girl named Stevie and a guy named Lindsey joined that the group came into its own.

1977’s “Rumours” remains one of the most acclaimed and best-selling albums of all-time, despite being recorded as relationships within the band (Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, John and Christine McVie) were breaking up.

Let’s face it; Fleetwood Mac dated each other like it was musical chairs. And I’m sure the cocaine didn’t help. …But at least the resentment, bitterness, love, hate, and recreational drug use made for good music.

Twenty years later, after subsequent success and a split, Mick, John, Christine, Stevie, and Lindsey returned for a reunion concert televised on MTV (released on CD as “The Dance”). The following year – in 1998 – they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

With three No. 1 albums and 16 Top 20 hits to their credit, Fleetwood Mac remains one of the pioneers in being able to survive the music industry despite your band having more drama than yesterday’s episode of “All My Children.”

With that said, here are my favorite songs from the Mac Attack. Be sure to check out my blog at shelbystar.com for music videos of each.


Dreams (1977)
Songwriter: Stevie Nicks
Album: Rumours
Peak position on the charts: No. 1
Bet you didn’t know: This was the band’s only No. 1 song.

Thunder only happens when it's raining
Players only love you when they're playing
Women they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean you'll know




From "The Dance" concert, shown on MTV in August 1997


Oh Daddy
Songwriter: Christine McVie
Album: Rumours
Peak position on the charts: Not released as a single
Bet you didn’t know: McVie wrote the song about Mick Fleetwood, who tried to keep the band together as tensions grew during the recording of “Rumours.”

Oh Daddy,
If I can make you see,
If there's been a fool around,
It's got to be me


Go Your Own Way (1976)
Songwriter: Lindsey Buckingham
Album: Rumours
Peak position on the charts: No. 3
Bet you didn’t know: Buckingham wrote the song about his relationship with Nicks.

Loving you
Isn’t the right thing to do
How can I ever change things
That I feel
If I could
Maybe I’d give you my world
How can I
When you won’t take it from me


The music video from 1977


From "The Dance"


Songbird
Songwriter: Christine McVie
Album: Rumours
Peak position on the charts: Not released as a single
Bet you didn’t know: McVie has said the balled helped keep the band together during the recording of “Rumours.”

And the songbirds are singing,
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before


About the recording of the song, as well as a performance


Rhiannon (1976)
Songwriter: Stevie Nicks
Album: Fleetwood Mac
Peak position on the charts: No. 11
Bet you didn’t know: Nicks wrote the song while recording with then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham as Buckingham-Nicks, before either joined Fleetwood Mac.

Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn't you love to love her
She takes to the sky like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover


Performance from 1976


And from 1982


Sara (1979)
Songwriter: Stevie Nicks
Album: Tusk
Peak position on the charts: No. 7
Bet you didn’t know: In 1986, Nicks checked herself into the Betty Ford Clinic to break her cocaine addiction. She signed in under the name “Sara.”

Wait a minute baby...
Stay with me a while
Said you'd give me light
But you never told me about the fire


From 1979


Gold Dust Woman
Songwriter: Stevie Nicks
Album: Rumours
Peak position on the charts: Not released as a single
Bet you didn’t know: Waylon Jennings, Sheryl Crow, and Hole are among those who have covered the song, the latter of which was featured in the film, “The Crow: City of Angels.”

Did she make you cry
Make you break down
Shatter your illusions of love
Is it over now -- do you know how
Pick up the pieces and go home


1977 performance in Japan


Hole's version, with clips from "The Crow" sequel


The Chain
Songwriter: Fleetwood Mac
Album: Rumours
Peak position on the charts: Not released as a single
Bet you didn’t know: Often used to open their concerts, the song has grown to represent the bond the bandmates share despite their past personal and professional conflicts.

And if
You don’t love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain


Performance in Boston, 1998


Gypsy (1982)
Songwriter: Stevie Nicks
Album: Mirage
Peak position on the charts: 15
Bet you didn’t know: Nicks originally intended to use the song for her solo debut album, “Bella Donna,” two years earlier.

And it all comes down to you
Well, you know that it does
And lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice
Oh, and it lights up the night
And you see your gypsy
You see your gypsy


Music video


Little Lies (1987)
Songwriter: Christine McVie
Album: Tango in the Night
Peak position on the charts: No. 4
Best you didn’t know: This is the band’s highest-charting song in the past 26 years.

Although I'm not making plans
I hope that you understand there's a reason why
Close your, close your, close your eyes
No more broken hearts
We're better off apart let's give it a try
Tell me, tell me, tell me lies


Music video


That’s what I got for this week. Keep an eye out for the next Playlist and be sure to send your comments and / or suggestions to me at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.

False Advertising?

Found this ad in an ancient issue of The Star.

...I always thought I was America's most popular cracker...

Playlist Preview: Fleetwood Mac

A girl named Stevie. A guy named Lindsey. A milestone album. And a Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band.

They made headlines with their music (1977's "Rumours" is one of the most highly acclaimed and best selling albums of all time) and their personal life (they all dated each other like it was musical chairs).

2007 marked the 40th anniversary of the original line up of Fleetwood Mac and, while the band has no current plans, there is still potential for future albums and tours.

Check out Thursday's Star for a look at the Mac Attack. Then come back to the blog for plenty of music video goodness.

Two Thumbs Up for LASIK

Here's something I won't be needing anymore...

I've worn glasses for roughly half my life (equating to about 13 years). Never did the contacts thing; don't like poking myself in the eyeball on a daily basis.

The glasses certainly helped but I took them off every chance I could get. Always felt awkward wearing them.

(For example: We have a dry erase board in the newsroom. Every time I'd want to read the board, I'd put the glasses on, read it, then take them off again.)

On Friday, I had LASIK eye surgery in Charlotte. There was a little apprehension and nervousness (as there usually is when the word "surgery" is involved) but it turned out to be about as invasive as your everyday dental check up.

And ... now I can see.

The only side effect thus far is a mild headache, but they gave me pills for that. I went back Saturday morning and was told my vision was now 20/25 and would continue to get better as my eyes healed from the surgery. I go back in for a check up next month.

If you have the means, I definitely recommend the LASIK. Personally speaking - so far, so good.

More info on LASIK

Car Break-Ins: 2007 (MAP)

My spare minutes over the past few weeks have been spent plotting the locations for the more than 300 car break-in during 2007. Some interesting findings.

Car at a house broken into one month ... then a few months later, the same house is hit again. Wal-Mart and Cleveland Mall were favorites.

Expect a story on car break-ins in the next week or so.

You're going to have to zoom in and out of the map quite a bit to fully enjoy what it has to offer : )

I've included dates, addresses and - if applicable - the business name.

A Weekend Trip to Va.

I drove up to my old college town - Radford, Va. - this past weekend to get fitted for a tuxedo (I get to play 'best man' in August).

It's been less than a year since I last saw Radford University but it seems like a whole lot has been going on in my absence.

Radford - and desolate Southwest Virginia in general - isn't the most metropolitan place to live. In fact, I'd say Shelby has a lot more going for it.

(Here's a shot of downtown Radford. What you see is what you get.)

It used to be I'd have to drive 45 minutes to Roanoke just to visit a Best Buy or Olive Garden (two of my favorite places in the world).

Now both are in Christiansburg, about 15 minutes away (Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech is right in this same area).

There's also a new Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Panera, stadium seating movie theatre, Starbucks, Cold Stone...

And the Christiansburg Mall got a makeover.

I hope all those college students thank those responsible for not having to spend nearly as much gas money as I used to.

PSN Meeting next Monday

An e-mail I received today from PSN coordinator Frank Cloyd...

Good morning everyone!

Our next Project Safe Neighborhoods Meeting will be MONDAY February 25 at 6:00PM. in Porter Activity Center at Central United Methodist Church, 200 East Marion St., Shelby, NC.

Come in the back door of our church, and this is the auditorium at the first door on the left.

Our meeting with High Point Community Against Violence was inspiring to all seven of us who went last Wednesday morning. We are already doing much of what they are doing; but, I think we need their formal structure to effectively contribute such things for released prison ex-offenders as job placement, job training apprenticeships, job creation, rental assistance oversight, continuing education, mentoring. We will receive some model examples for Community Against Violence programs being used in North Carolina.

The actual Call-In Session for released prison ex-offenders was discussed at the High Point meeting. We were energized to see all of the community involvement, and the unity of purpose to make High Point a safer place to live and work.

AGENDA:

(1) Jeff Ledford will present the PSN Youth programs for 2008.

(2) Report on our trip to High Point.

(3) Ramblewood update.

(4) Need for chairperson of our West Shelby Community Garden.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our meeting.

Hope you all feel the positive way that "things are coming together" in Shelby!

Thanks,
Frank

This "live" blog is pre-recorded

Couldn’t get the Star Car wireless connection to get me online. Pulled a few hairs out trying to get that remedied. So I apologize for promising a live blog from the meeting and not delivering.

Here is a pre-taped blog from said meeting…

Food for the meeting was donated by Chen’s.

12:10 p.m.: Chairman Gary Staymate opens the meeting by asking Commissioner Jo Boggs to give a prayer

Nineteen tips came in since the January meeting. Eleven were to the Shelby Police Department. The remaining eight were to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

Three tips were recommended for pay outs. Each involved the serving of warrants on individuals police were looking for.

The main pay out of the day was regarding the arrest of Roderick Bernard Wray, in connection with a county shooting. That tipster was awarded $200.

"They have been looking for him a few weeks," said Lt. Tammy Endicott.

The two remaining pay outs involved the arrest of a man wanted for felony breaking and entering ($100) and a man on the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Top 10 wanted on probation violation regarding driving charges ($100).

"That’s pretty good," Endicott said of the number of tips that came in over the past month.

Donations and pay outs since Dec. 31, 2007

Dec. 31 – Balance: $14,528.09

Jan. 14 – Pay Out - $100 – Balance: $14,428.09

Jan. 14 – Pay Out - $100 – Balance: $14,328.09

Jan. 28 – Donation: Mountain 1st Bank - $500 – Balance: $14,828.09

Jan. 31 – Interest Earned - $31.35 – Balance: $14,859.44

Feb. 1 – Donation: Fidelity Bank - $1,000 – Balance: $15,859.44

Board member M. A. Andrews said the bumper stickers obtained for the group – to spread the word of CrimeStoppers – came out to less than four cents apiece. He said a recent customer of his called from his office after seeing the bumper sticker. Andrews said, with the added publicity of the bumper stickers, he hoped to see 250 tips come in by the end of the year.

Andrews also pushed to have two monthly meetings at the Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs police departments to establish the group as a countywide effort.

"We can’t do it by ourselves but it’s working," he said.

Staymate said the CrimeStoppers logo appearing in the print and online versions of The Star has aided the effort.

"We basically had very little money, very little participation. And in the past three years … we’re having more calls than ever before. We’ve increased … the amount of money we have available. Hopefully that will grow," Staymate said.

"For us to be partnering with local banks, that’s good," he said. "We appreciate all that."

"We’re still working on it," said board member Cecil M. Burton regarding he and Michael Chen’s fundraising efforts.

"I’m more comfortable seeing $15,000 instead of $5,000," Staymate said.

"The more activity we show, it makes their jobs ten times easier," Andrews said of keeping the group in the public eye to aid with the fundraising effort.

Staymate said he wants to elect new officers in April but hoped that secretary Karen Rhyne remain in her role and Verna McCluney remain as treasurer, as she works at Fidelity Bank, a close partner of the group.

"I feel like I have served my commitment and I feel I’m satisfied with it," he said of his term as chair.

The formation of a nomination committee was discussed and members of the committee were decided.

The group then discussed meeting outside the city limits to spread the word of the group.

"I think it’s important we go out to the other law enforcement agencies," said board member Ellis Noell.

"I see benefits to doing that," Staymate said, adding he would like to go to Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs once a year. And, with help of the sheriff’s office, meet in Lawndale or another part of the northern area of the county.

"My question is do we want to hold our business meeting at these locations three times a year?" he asked.

Staymate said he was concerned that by holding the meeting in an irregular place could confuse those who want to attend but aren’t on the board.

"The general public isn’t going to come to our meetings and I don’t think they ever have," Burton said.

"I think if we go there and show them we’re interested, it would revitalize the police department," Andrews said of holding a meeting in Kings Mountain. "Just like politicians looking for votes, we’re looking for support. I think there’s a perception this is strictly a Shelby thing and we need to broaden out."

"I think (Kings Mountain Police Chief) Melvin (Proctor) would be thrilled to host a meeting there," Noell said.

The group then agreed to visit Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs and – at a later date – hit other parts of the county.

The group then discussed recent purse snatchings, including one recently at Cleveland Mall in which a car dragged a woman until she released the purse. Staymate said there were three purse snatchings at Wal-Mart lately involving the same suspect. He said employees kept the suspect from escaping the store.

The meeting was closed at 1:19 p.m.

Asha Degree Prayer Walk

A few photos I took yesterday while attending the annual Asha Degree prayer walk.

For more on Asha, check out shelbystar.com this weekend for a special report from myself and reporter Drew Brooks.

This has become one of those rare annual events in Cleveland County where you can count on every Charlotte news station being there.

Asha Degree's Last Known Locations

We've got quite a bit of Asha coverage coming this weekend. Videos with those close to the case are already posted on shelbystar.com.

Digging through some older stories, I was able to get some information regarding the days preceeding the 9-year-old's disappearance in 2000.

January CrimeStoppers Minutes

MINUTES FOR JANUARY 14 CRIMESTOPPERS MEETING
Submitted by Karen Rhyne, Secretary Cleveland County CrimeStoppers


The monthly meeting of Crime Stoppers was held on Monday, January 14, 2007 at noon in the Alexander Conference Room.

President Gary Staymate called the meeting to order at 12:11pm.

Those present were: Gary Staymate, Charles McCloud, Karen Rhyne, Shell Byars, Kathryn Larson, Ellis Noell, Mary Accor, Marlene Peeler, Jo Boggs, Tammy Endicott, Sam Richardson, Andy Andrews, Durwin Briscoe, Cherish Wilson, Verna McCluney, Susann Durham, Mike Poage and Cecil Burton.

The minutes were approved as written.

Lt. Tammy Endicott reported that there were more tips in 2007 than was previously stated. The breakdown is as follows: Shelby Police 110, Cleveland County 25, Kings Mountain 10, Gaffney and Spartanburg SC 2, and the Highway Patrol, 1. This brings the total for 2007 to 252! Six additional tips came in before the close of the year. Two callers told where to find two individuals who had outstanding warrants. One was in the city and the other in the county. Another tip lead to the arrest of a subject who took thousands of dollars worth of copper from Duke Power. Other tips involved fraud, 3 robberies (both city and county) and one involved someone on the Top Ten.

Two tips were received this month and there were two payouts of $100 each. The tips involved Chapman and Bookerson. Bookerson was on the Ten Most Wanted.

Durwin Briscoe distributed brochures with applications for the Sheriff's Department Citizen's Academy which will begin in April. He also gave an overview of the program. Personnel from the Sheriff's Department as well as some from outside agencies will be instructing.

Mike Poage of Fox Distributing donated some more signage for Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs.

Andy Andrews expressed he was disappointed that we were not using the tools we have been provided and said he hoped all members would do their part in distributing the stickers. He also added that we needed to have the slogan "Need Cash We Pay" out there everywhere.

Members discussed whether or not we needed set amounts for payouts. Charles McCloud said he felt that we needed to do this, and Gary Staymate suggested that maybe we needed to allow a larger amount for tips involving the elderly, handicapped and those that are gang-related. Sam Richardson mentioned paying more for tips involving crimes against children. Members did not set any specific amounts. Someone suggested that we continue to heed the advice of our law enforcement officers as to how much to pay. In the past, each crime has been dealt with individually, as far as how much reward to pay a tipster. Mike Poage said that if we do decide to set amounts for specific types of crimes, we would need to decide how we would convey this to the public.

Susann Durham suggested we move our meetings around to other cities. This was discussed briefly and will be taken up at a later meeting.

Mike Poage said that we needed to be sending a clear message and discuss creative paths via marketing.

President Gary Staymate adjourned the meeting at 1:05pm.

The next scheduled meeting will be on Presidents Day, February 18, 2008 at noon in the Alexander Conference Room.

The Playlist: Michael Jackson

Guinness World Records named him the most successful entertainer of all time. He holds the record for the best-selling album of all time. And in the realm of pop culture, he may end up being the strangest personality of all time.

Those too young to have lived through his stay at the top of the music world may not see his talent or charisma. But, to the children of the 70s and 80s, it’s undeniable.

There are legends. There are icons. And then there is Michael Jackson.

Mention his name today and you probably think of pop music’s Phantom of the Opera – upturned rodent nose, albino skin, dangling his child from a hotel balcony.

He looks more like Skeletor than the little kid that once lead the Jackson 5. And yes, that was a He-Man reference. Told you I grew up in the 80s.

It seems like he had both the golden touch of a Justin Timberlake and the abysmal fall from grace of a Britney Spears. With his name attached to controversy for well over 15 years, it’s easy to forget just how good he once was and how influential he continues to be.

Eddie Van Halen’s guitar riff in "Beat It" reminded me of that when I was in my car Super Bowl Sunday. Naomi Campbell dancing with cartoon lizards to "Thriller" during the game made it even clearer.

On Tuesday, a 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time, was released. In addition to the nine original songs, the expanded version features remixes by the likes of will.i.am, Akon, Fergie and Kanye West.

What better opportunity to highlight my five favorite MJ songs.

As I mentioned to some of my co-workers a few weeks ago, I’m ignoring everything after 1988.

"So are the courts," replied Cherish Wilson, The Star’s education reporter.

Touché.

Beat It (1982)
Album: Thriller

They’re out to get you, better leave while you can
Don’t wanna’ be a boy, you wanna’ be a man
You wanna’ stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it

It earned Jackson a Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and, along with "Billie Jean," a nomination for Song of the Year. Personally, I think what put "Beat It" on the map – thus making Jackson an even bigger name – is the guest guitar work of Eddie Van Halen. From that, Jackson was able to reach a much broader audience.

And how much did Eddie want in return for his talent and time? Reportedly, he didn’t request a dime for his performance. While noble, I wonder if he ever second-guessed that decision, considering "Beat It" is one of the top songs of the 80s.

Jackson’s success with Van Halen lead to him working with Slash – of Guns N’ Roses fame – years later. At Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in 2001, Slash performed Eddie’s guitar solo during the performance of "Beat It."

The music video



A 2006 performance of the song by Amy Winehouse and Charlotte Church



Billie Jean (1983)
Album: Thriller

She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
I said don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
She said I am the one, who will dance on the floor in the round

The white glove. The Moonwalk. The infamous Pepsi commercial where Michael’s hair caught fire. It’s all because of this song.

"Billie Jean" was the first video from a black artist to receive regular airplay on MTV. And for a little local trivia, Jackson reportedly wrote the song while living in Wilson, North Carolina in the fall of 1981. He pitched it to co-producer Quincy Jones and Jones wanted to change the title to "Not My Lover" so no one would think Michael was singing about tennis star Billie Jean King.

Imagine what those kids would have looked like…

The music video



From MJ's 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in 2001



Thriller (1984)
Album: Thriller

You hear the door slam and realize there’s nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand and wonder if you’ll ever see the sun
You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination
But all the while you hear the creature creepin’ up behind
You’re out of time

Some regard the song’s 14-minute music video as the greatest of all time. Directed by John Landis ("National Lampoon’s Animal House"), the video was the most expensive of its time - $800,000 – and was named by Guinness in 2006 as being the most successful music video of all time, selling over 1 million units (I bet at least half of that is due to Vincent Price’s narration).

The trademark "Thriller" dance and Jackson’s outfit in the video have since turned up in movies ("The Wedding Singer"), TV shows ("South Park"), and even other music videos (The Gorillaz’ "Clint Eastwood").

In 2007, one of the most popular viral videos of the year showed a group of several dozen inmates in the Philippines acting out the music video. As of Feb. 7, the YouTube video had been viewed over 11 million times, received over 26,000 comments and was even featured in Time magazine.

The music video



The entire 14-minute video done with Legos



The Philippine inmates



Smooth Criminal (1988)
Album: Bad

As he came into the window
Was a sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet

Following in the footsteps of "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal" was also released as an extended music video. The song – from the climax of Jackson’s 1988 "Moonwalker" film – reached No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Alien Ant Farm released a cover of the song for their 2001 debut album, "ANThology." The cover also found its way into "American Pie 2" during a very awkward scene involving Jason Biggs and a container of super glue.

The video is probably most noted for Jackson debuting the "anti-gravity lean" in which he and his backup dancers perform a forward lean that, by all accounts, should have them falling down.
An arcade and Sega Genesis video game adaptation of "Moonwalker" featured Jackson in scenes from the "Smooth Criminal" music video.

The song from "Moonwalker" (not to be confused with "Moonraker," with James Bond)



The Alien Ant Farm cover (2001)



Man in the Mirror (1988)
Album: Bad

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna’ make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

Released in the spring of 1988, the song was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and earned Jackson a nomination for Record of the Year at the Grammys. The song was written by Jackson, Siedah Garrett (who spent time as a backup singer for Jackson) and Glen Ballard (best known for producing Alanis Morissette’s 1995 breakthrough "Jagged Little Pill"). "Man in the Mirror" is probably most well known for its inclusion of a gospel choir, something that Mariah Carey and Madonna would later help popularize.

The video features notable historic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, Ronald Reagan, John Lennon and Jimmy Carter in an attempt to convey hope and peace for the future.

The music video



Jackson's performance from the 1988 Grammy Awards



That’s what I got for this week, kids. Check out next Thursday’s Star for the next Playlist.

Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.

Playlist Preview: The King of Pop

Guinness World Records named him the most successful entertainer of all time. He holds the record for the best-selling album of all time. And in the realm of pop culture, he may end up being the strangest personality of all time.

Those too young to have lived through his stay at the top of the music world may not see his talent or charisma. But, to the children of the 70s and 80s, it’s undeniable.

There are legends. There are icons. And then there is Michael Jackson.

Mention his name today and you probably think of pop music’s Phantom of the Opera – upturned rodent nose, albino skin, dangling his child from a hotel balcony.

He looks more like Skeletor than the little kid that once lead the Jackson 5. And yes, that was a He-Man reference. Told you I grew up in the 80s.

It seems like he had both the golden touch of a Justin Timberlake and the abysmal fall from grace of a Britney Spears. With his name attached to controversy for well over 15 years, it’s easy to forget just how good he once was and how influential he continues to be.

Eddie Van Halen’s guitar riff in "Beat It" reminded me of that when I was in my car Super Bowl Sunday. Naomi Campbell dancing with cartoon lizards to "Thriller" during the game made it even clearer.

On Tuesday, a 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time, was released. In addition to the nine original songs, the expanded version features remixes by the likes of will.i.am, Akon, Fergie and Kanye West.

What better opportunity to highlight my five favorite MJ songs.

As I mentioned to some of my co-workers a few weeks ago, I’m ignoring everything after 1988.

"So are the courts," replied Cherish Wilson, The Star’s education reporter.

Touché.

Be sure to check out the list in Thursday's Star and come back to the blog for various MJ-related videos.

Who Killed Laura Palmer?

Via some Christmas money and Amazon.com, I recently got back into a show I grew up on.

If you never watched "Twin Peaks," you missed out. I always saw it as a mix between "The X-Files" (creepy as hell with a fair amount of spirit-like creatures), "Northern Exposure" (funny with a large, eclectic cast of characters), and "Lost" (mysteries a plenty).

The show, from famed director David Lynch, ran only two seasons (90-91) but continues to have a loyal and devoted cult following.

The "Definitive Gold Box Edition" (see above) includes both seasons, the pilot and a nice treasure chest of extras (including Kyle McLachlan on "SNL" during the peak - no pun intended - of TP's popularity).

Here's one of the more classic clips from the show - one of FBI Agent Cooper's (McLachlan) creepy dream sequences.

Mobile Home Fire in Boiling Springs

Here are some shots from earlier this afternoon on Gaffney Road, south of the Broad River Greenway in Boiling Springs.

Two, possibly three, mobile homes caught fire around 4:20 p.m.
Early reports were that there was no one inside the homes when the fire occured.

Video from the scene should be up shortly at ShelbyStar.com.

Additional photos are up at Jeff Melton's blog. ...His photos are better.

The Playlist: Tom Petty

As a prelude, here is a link to a review I wrote when Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (and Stevie Nicks) performed in Charlotte in 2006.

He is a Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer. A Wilbury. And a cartoon character.

Tom Petty has accomplished much in his 30-plus music career. Collaborations with Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan. Eighteen Grammy nominations. Numerous lifetime achievement awards. And appearances on both 'The Simpsons' and 'King of the Hill' (which is a little funny if you think about it - he's starting to look like Grandpa Simpson).

Petty, a native of Gainesville, Fla. who was inspired at an early age after meeting Elvis Presley, performed this past Sunday as part of the SuperBowl halftime show. With a new album on the way and a summer concert planned at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (I'll be there - sixth row), here are my five favorite songs from Tom Petty, both with and without the Heartbreakers.

American Girl (1977)
Album: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Well she was an American girl
Raised on promises
She couldn't help thinkin' that there
Was a little more to life
Somewhere else

The biggest hit from the band's self-titled debut album, 'American Girl' has become Petty's signature song. It opened Sunday's SuperBowl halftime set on Sunday and closed the show when the band performed in Charlotte in the summer of 2006. The song has been featured in such TV shows and movies as 'The Sopranos,' 'Scrubs,' and 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.' It has also been covered by the likes of Def Leppard and Everclear but the best version I've heard to date was the Goo Goo Dolls' performance at The Concert for New York City, at Madison Square Garden, in the wake of Sept. 11.

A performance from 1978



The Goo Goo Dolls' set from The Concert for New York City (you'll have to skip ahead a little bit, it's the last song)



Free Fallin (1989)
Album: Full Moon Fever

It's a long day living in Reseda
There's a freeway runnin' through the yard
And I'm a bad boy cause I don't even miss her
I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

"Free Fallin' is a very good song," Petty said in a 2006 interview with Esquire magazine. "Maybe it would be one of my favorites if it hadn't become this huge anthem. But I'm grateful that people like it."
And people do like it. Those first few chords are unmistakable. It peaked at the top of the Billboard Album Rock charts in August 1989, where it remained for 33 weeks making it Petty's longest running hit. Guns 'n' Roses' lead singer Axl Rose (and his microphone snake dance) performed the song with Petty during the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards and the song was used in 1996's 'Jerry Maguire,' as Tom Cruise searches for a song on the radio he knows the words to.

Music video



The VMA performance with Axl Rose



Jerry Maguire (1996)



I Won't Back Down (1989)
Album: Full Moon Fever

Well I know what's right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground and I won't back down

The first single from Petty's debut solo album - during a brief departure from the Heartbreakers - was a Top 20 hit and helped establish 'Full Moon Fever' as a success. The defiant song has since been used in presidential campaigns (George W. Bush briefly used it in 2000 before Petty threatened to sue) and on television ('7th Heaven'). Personally, I think interest in the song and it's meaning were boosted following Petty's performance during the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon following Sept. 11.
Of the song being used as a patriotic anthem in recent years, Petty said, "The song has also been adopted by nice people for good things, too. I just write them, I can't control where it ends up."

Music video



The performance from America: A Tribute to Heroes



Learning to Fly (1991)
Album: Into the Great Wide Open

Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I started out for God knows where
But I guess I'll know when I get there

Of all the songs in the Tom Petty discography, I probably relate to this the most. Growing up a military kid, I could never - and still can't - foresee where I'll end up or when I'll get there. I guess that's part of the fun. A metaphor for growing up, the song was used by the Chicago Bulls following their 1991 NBA Championship win and was used (along with our next selection) in 2005's 'Elizabethtown,' directed by Cameron Crowe. Crowe seems to be a Petty fan as he also directed 'Jerry Maguire' (see earlier). From what I've seen, Petty does an acoustic version of the song in concert which is amazing. Definitely track it down if you can.

Music video



An example of said acoustic version from the Sept. 15, 2006 concert in Chicago



Square One (2006)
Album: Elizabethtown Soundtrack / Highway Companion

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears
It took a long time to get back here

Written for the film 'Elizabethtown' (the music was about the only saving grace the film had, I thought), the song was nominated for a Grammy in 2006 for Best Song from a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. It was later released on Petty's most recent album and was one of the highlights from his last tour stop in Charlotte. Who knew he could do a balled? And well?

From the previously included Chicago concert



That's what I got for this week, kids. Check back next Thursday for another Playlist.

Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.