The 1980s, musically, was a fun decade, although I don't think most folks on the inside, real music aficionadoes give the decade a ton of credit.

I'm not going to tell you it was better than the 1960s, 1970s or 1990s (in parts), but I'm not personally tied to any era of music. I love it all; however, I am certain that we who grew up in the decade never really appreciated to its fullest just how talented Michael Jackson is musically.

You say I'm crazy? Then what do you think of when you think of Michael?

Children, of course. (Insert your own joke here.) The red jacket. The glove. Pepsi and burning hair. Chimps. Great videos. Great choreography.

But driving home tonight, I heard Fall Out Boy's remake of "Beat It," an effort they did in concert with John Mayer. I'm not here to rip it by any means; I think it's a tremendous, turn-it-up rock-and-roll remake from probably the best American band going alongside one of the most underrated guitar players in music.

However, listening to it in the car -- which totally made my night considering there was nothing but crap on the radio -- made me realize just how great the original was. Musically. Forget the gimmicks.

First, it features the best guitar solo EVER in a mainstream pop song, done of course by Eddie Van Halen.

Second, the song is three chords, and its melody is still all over the place.

It's still undeniably cool in my book, and I've found three versions of the tune, including the original on YouTube. I'm stating the obvious, but what The Beatles were to the 1960s, Michael Jackson was to the 1980s, and "Beat It" wasn't even Michael's best song of the decade.

But it's right up there, and much like there isn't really any such thing as bad Fab Four, there really ain't any such thing as bad 1980s Michael Jackson, and the song stands up just about no matter who sings it.

First, Amy Winehouse and Charlotte Church. My first reaction is, "What in the hell is Amy on?" But then, that's a silly question. It's everything!

Yes, I like that version, with the horns. Amy's quintessentially cool, and Charlotte is kind of hot. Besides, I like the way Brits arrange music. There's always a touch of blue-eyed soul in there.

Second, the Fall Our Boy version with John Mayer.

Good stuff, and I hope it's a hit. Fall Out Boy still has not done anything I don't like. Their record is pretty much perfect with me. Batting 1.000.

Finally, the master himself. I know that heaping musical praise on MJ is like doing the same on The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, etc. But his foibles and general weirdness have completely clouded just what a genius talent he was back in the day.