The One And Only Stranger
So, I’m back with another Michael Jackson fan inspired post. I have so many MJ tees that I have lost count. Truth be told, one of the 2 massive drawers under my bed is full of MJ t-shirts! The sweaters and jackets have their place within my wardrobe lol! I have been collecting these for years and some of them are even sought after collectables from fans. The thing is, it was after Michael passed away that the options became so vast. Seriously, there was only 1 cut available previously, usually for a man’s shape and they were only available in L or XL. This led to many fans either looking drowned in fabric or squeezed into theirs. Not a pretty picture when it came to everyone, I can assure you lol.
Stranger In Moscow is one of my favourite songs from the King Of Pop. The song speaks of Michael going through quite a difficult and traumatic time in the Russian city. The music video (short film to MJ fans) sees Michael and many people all experiencing their own sense of loneliness on a cold and rainy day. Such a beautiful melodic song matched with gorgeous black and white cinematography makes for a really powerful piece. It’s not a song that is raved about quite like some of Michael’s other hits but it deserves to be! The final scene sees Michael surrendering to the elements and allowing the rain to saturate him. He finishes strong in a pose that is reminiscent of the Shaw shank Redemption movie poster. This very frame is captured in the face on my t-shirt.
Music is such a powerful and beautiful medium, one which musicians tend to look at and appreciate in a different way to the listener. Stranger In Moscow has always connected with me. The seamless layers of melody, percussive sounds and vocals encompass a complex and thought provoking piece. As a musician I like to listen to songs in layers pulling out the random sounds and elements, this song just has so many ingredients! As an MJ fan t-shirts connected to the HIStory album are few and far between. Even this one is a newer piece of merchandise from the Vegas show MJ One, I just had to have it!
Last Summer I went to Las Vegas and was lucky enough to get one of the best seats in the house at the by Cirque Du Soleil. The very scene that features Stranger In Moscow was beautifully put together. I won’t say what happens as I know many fans will be reading this who plan to see it soon. I will say this, you might want some tissues at the ready! This t-shirt was actually made available after I returned home from sin city. Luckily due to some fab connections I got my hands on one! I did however pick up this amazing varsity jacket featuring the MJ One illustration on the back. Guess what, the jacket even has built in headphones!
This t-shirt is one of many amazing items from the Cirque show available at King Of Shop. If you wanna get your hands on it or something else from the show I would head on over to the website! The only other way to get your hands on MJ One goodies is to take yourself to Vegas itself! That’s not a bad idea though, the stage show is amazing and the city is so much fun! If you wanna hear a bit about my trip and see another MJ inspired look of mine. Check out this post here.