Michael Jackson 411 News Update!

 I am happy to report two things about Michael Jackson this evening. "Off The Wall 30"(I know...Rehash) and "a settlement over the Sheikh suit".

             A 30th Anniversary In Favor of "Off The Wall"

 Sony BMG(the U.K. division) has just confirmed a launching for "Off The Wall 30". Set to premier for February 9th next year! Other then a handful of rarities, demos, and outtakes nothing else has been confirmed on what we'll be getting.

 I just hope we don't wind up with another plethora of rubbish mixes(like "Thriller 25"). Now don't get me wrong. I think the remixes are O.K.(for today's music generation). However, I couldn't quite feel the soul Michael lavished upon the original, twenty five years ago. I sure hope he doesn't make the same mistakes for this project.

Source-Maximum Jackson(under Marni's post[#27]).

The MJ Vrs. shiek Case Appears Dismissed

 

 Well, after getting fixed to board for London this morning, his layers gave him the settlement gesture. Nothing has been leaked beyond these tid bits. But an agreement has been established between both party's, which could mean it's over! Just waiting for more confirmation.

 Had Michael gone to court, I firmly believe he would of embarrassed the crap out of this Prince(assuming Emjay's innocent). Not to mention a counter-suit where he'll be forced to cough-up the amount he demanded as an award to Michael(not sure if the high courts of England work like that).

 If this case is truly over, that means Michael Jackson can focus on the future without any distractions as there would be no more trials to divert his mega comeback(it's been a long time)!

[Update: Now the case is truly settled!-Source...and now I will close with a quote from Michael Jackson's New York Attorney(regarding his rumored conversion to Islam)...

"Jackson's New York lawyer, Londell McMillan, took the opportunity to trash a British press report that Jackson has become a Muslim. 'That's rubbish. It's completely untrue,' McMillan told reporters."

From the New York Daily News.

Stay tuned for another MJJ Report.

Michael Jackson's Last Battle

Well folks'

 I have some bittersweet news to share with you today. Yes, Michael Jackson has got another legal hurtle in his hands. But let's look on the bright side. This is his last and final one!Which will be settled in a few weeks. Weather he wins or loses, Michael will be totally free to devote his full time to a mammoth comeback!

 This claim has been going on for a few years now. After Michael was acquitted, Sheikh-the Prince of the United Emirates invited the pop star into his palace cool off and recuperate from all the damage he's received. During those two years, the prince game him some money($7 million) to put a bandage on what his so-called managers bruised. His financial empire.

 So far, nothing has been confirmed. Except Sheikh Abdulla claims Michael owes him what was given plus interest. In addition to an alleged obligation to release material for the 2 Seas label(i.e. an album, autobiography, and musical supposedly to launch Nov. 19, 2007). Mr. Jackson points out the money he received was a gift. And no such record deal had been finalized.

 In the coming week(or so), we'll have the full scoop on this story.

     Source-Jackson Sued Over Supposed Breach Contract

Where Did That Term Wacko Jacko Turn Up?

 Just where did this mockery originate? How did this pejorative phrase receive such high circulation? Is there truly a time and place we can place are finger on? Well, let me briefly try to unravel this mystery.

 Will have to go back to a time when rumors abounded of a collaboration with George Lucas-The very same producer of whom created Star Wars! Speculation arose of a similar-themed Disney attraction.

 To start the promotion hookers, Michael purposely sold a piece to the tabloids. About sleeping in a Hyperbolic Oxygen Chamber. You remember it well???

 "In the news today...From the strange and weird fact-file...Singer Michael Jackson sleeps in a hyperbolic chamber. The singer says that the hyperbolic oxygen chamber will revert the aging process..."(Here this piece for the intro of "Tabloid Junkie")

 The publicity stunt was Michael's original intent to promote a Sci-Fi image for himself. In anticipation for "Captain Eo". Inaugurating a brand new look which would eventually be called his "Bad" Era. Similarly, Michael submitted two more papers on "Bubbles" and "The Elephant Man" to further promote his then new album.

 But these tabloid mongers saw something very lucrative! People were buying covers of the shelf like hot candy! Not only did the media twist these stories out of context, but fabricated their own juicy tales to satiate the public eye. Michael finally put a halt to this marketing ploy(which all celebrities get into). But these yellow journalists made him the most tabloids celebrity of all time!

 In light of all this, some British tabloid machine came out with a cliche infamously known as "Wacko Jacko". Soon media outlets all around the world evangelized headlines containing that very phrase! In no time did it find it's way to the streets.

 Contrary to popular opinion, Michael did not self-proclaim himself to be the King of Pop, in his hopes to ward that bloody name away. Rather, he earned that tittle from dominating the radio airwaves in the 80's. And producing such excellent music! In fact, Elizabeth Taylor was the one who first coined the term during an "Artist of The Decade" award ceremony.

 "Michael Jackson is the true King of Pop, Rock, and R&B."-Elizabeth Taylor

 So, who first coined the term "Wacko Jacko? To put it bluntly, some yellow journalistic opportunists from the U.K.

Did Michael Jackson Really Sell Neverland?

Well, all that we know right now is that a $35 million deed was sold to Sycamore Valley Ranch LCC. A deed is a transaction between both parties, bound by a mutual contract.

What's more, according to theNew York Times and many other reports, Michael owns half of this company with Tom Barrack. The head of Colony Investments(which also owns a few Los Vegas hotels). The two of them are believed to have founded the real estate company just this past July. And I would not be surprised if this were the case. Here is a quote from Michael himself...

"I am pleased with recent developments involving Neverland Ranch and I am in discussions with Colony and Tom Barrack with regard to the Ranch and other matters that would allow me to focus on the future."

Since the property is said to be worth over $100 million(not to mention the state of the economy), I sincerely doubt he sold the hole nine yards over for a measly $35 million. Now if that deed was given to an interest he partly owns, then that would be justifiable. Since 50% still belongs to him. Previous debts would be paid off. While the rest of the $70 million would be split between Tom Barrack & Michael Jackson.

In a year or two from now, he could buy the land and settle their again. By all that he's been through, I think he only views it as an asset nowadays.

More will be added shortly.:)

Outtakes From "The Jackson's" Era

 And now, for "The Jackson" tracks that never saw the light of day. We will now be looking at rejects from Michael Jackson's second era.

Complete Outtakes From "The Jacksons" Era

1. "That Girl", "We Are The One's", and "Somewhere In Time"-Album misfits from Leon Huff's production team.

2. "You Can't Win", "Follow The Yellow Brick Road", and "When You Wish Upon A Star"-Well, these aren't really outtakes but tracks which never found their way upon a studio album. The latter renditions were during Disney's 25th anniversary at Anaheim, California! Watch below...



3. "Slipped Away" and "Why Can't I Be"-Two unleaked outtakes from the "Triumph" album.

4. "Bad Company", "Doing Dirty", "Far Far Away", "Tender", "Still In Love With You", Power, "Victory", and "Nona"-Little(if anything) is known about these unleaked outtakes. Except "Victory"(which is a duet with "Freddy Mercury"). For more information on the song "Victory", check out Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury.

5. "There Must Be More To Life Then This"-A solo originally meant for Michael to go on "Victory. But neither "Queen" nor "The Sequined One" had time to spare. Eventually, Freddy released it on his own solo album. Years on down the road.

 And there you have it! Underground tracks which have been stuffed inside Michael's attic. Only allowed bread and water to survive. That concludes our journey through Michael Jackson's second era. Join me as I delve right into his next chapter-Off The Wall. Don't miss it!

Little Christmas Tree

 "Little Christmas Tree" was an outtake of The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. Leaving this gold nugget off the record is beyond me. I strongly believed this would've been a #1 hit instantly! Becoming their forth album with a track to do so(then again, it's unnecessary since they've already scored a record 4 #1 hits in a row).
"Little Christmas Tree" was added as a bonus track in 2003's reissue as well as "A Motown's Christmas" in 1973.

 Michael's vocals on here are just genius and purely raw and crisp! Why does every outtake with Michael Jackson have to be better then the official tracklists(sigh).



- Michael Jackson Lyrics

J5 "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

little Jimmy Boyton is credited for the original 1952 classic. Who was blacklisted for associating Christmas with what they deemed to be inappropriate sexual connotations(go figure). You can listen to it over Here.

 The J5 spiced it up with a little Soul and Jazz. Ascribing their own signature spoken words and fresh vocals. Listen below...



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Jackson 5 "Someday At Christmas"

 This version can be found on The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. First released by Stevie Wonder around the Christmas of 1967(listen right Here). While his was more of a Romantic pondering, The Jackson 5 gave it an upgrade to Soul. Sandwiched in between "White Christmas". Perfectly stacked together to give you warm aspirations for the holidays.



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Give Love On Christmas Day

 A beautiful solo by Michael Jackson from The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. This was re-released as a U.S. single in the 80's for it's initial translation into compact disk. Formerly, the single was only available in "The Philippines".

 This is my favorite off of this album. Michael's crisp and earnest vocals reminds me a lot of I'll Be There-Their best accomplishment yet!



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year

 A Michael Jackson solo from The Jackson 5 Christmas Album-Issued in October of 1970.

 One of only three originals from the LP penned and produced by "The Corporation". I wasn't really feeling this as a Christmas sing-a-long. But that's just me. It's certainly supersedes a lot of today's so-called Christmas tunes. After all, it does have a jingle.



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

J5 "Rudolph The Red Nosed Raindeer"

 Primitively, this was a children's bedtime story conceived by Robert A. May in 1939 while employed by Montgomery Ward. A pioneer in direct marketing.

 Years later, Johnny Marks waived "Rudolph" into a song which Gene Autry recorded in 1949(Take a listen Here). Instantly becoming a Christmas favorite! Many other big names followed suit with their own tastes including "The Jackson 5".

 The introduction reminds me a bit of "Goin' Back To Indiana". Followed by the rest(which has a hint of "Carpenter" from The Four Tops).



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Jackson 5 "Little Drummer Boy"

 The Jackson 5 recorded a remake for "The Little Drummer Boy' on their Jackson 5 Christmas Album.

 Originally the carol is from an old traditional Czech song and later translated into English by Katherine and Davis. In 1957 The Jack Halloran Singers introduced this "Carol Of The Drums" to the masses. However, Simeon a year later was credited for making this Christmas tune popular(you can listen over Here).

 "The Corporation" gave these boys a snappy remake. Maybe not the best. But nonetheless, very Funky for a pre-teen band(do I sense a slight pubescent crack in MJ's vocals wink).



Lyrics | The Little Drummer Boy lyrics

Jackson Five "Frosty The Snowman"

 This remake is from the Jackson 5 Christmas Album.

 I bet you didn't know Frosty wasn't meant for Christmas(lean somethin' knew everyday). It was composed to ease off nuclear winter scares and dream of a time without wars. However, Gene Autry sculpted this carol to give it a more jolly tune for the holidays(Listen over Here).

 The Jackson 5 give it a more Soulful Funky attitude on this rendition! Listen below...



Lyrics | Frosty The Snowman lyrics

J5 "Up On The Housetop"

From their 1970 Jackson 5 Christmas Album comes "UP On The Housetop". Mingled with little clips of "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Rudolph" to the tune of ABC.

 This goes way back to 1860! When album charts never even existed. To a United Brethren Church way deep in the backwoods.

 But in 1953, this traditional sing-a-long transcended into a Country record by Gene Autry( listen Here). During the 60's, Motown used this carol for a handful of recording artists to render unique interpretations. "The Jackson Five" happen to be on the caboose.



Lyrics | Up On The Housetop lyrics

The Christmas Song

 "The Christmas Song" was covered on The Jackson 5 Christmas Album in late 1970.

 One blistering hot Summer Afternoon. Torme earnestly longed for the bitterly-cold days of Christmas. Where he could cuddle up near a cozy fireplace to keep warm. That's when these words popped out of his head. In no time did he compose a new Christmas carol in 1944.

 The lyrics were distributed to Nat King Cole who first performed this song in 1946. Of course many others followed suit as each new Christmas came and went. And who else but The Jackson Five would transform the tune into a Bubblegum carol.

The Christmas Song - Jackson 5

The Christmas Song Lyrics

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to...You
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
Hes bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mothers child is on the spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Though it has been said many times, many ways

Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas)
Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas)
Merry Christmas to...You

J5 "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town"

 From their fourth LP The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. The very fist edition was by "George Hall and the Hotel Taft Orchestra" in 1934. And has been parodied ever since by numerous recording artists. Including "The Crystals" of whom "The Jackson 5" got the inspiration for their rendition. Where they kick it up just a notch.



Lyrics | Santa Claus Is Coming To Town lyrics

Spend Christmas With The Jackson 5

 After reviewing "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5", "Abc", and "The Third Album", it's now time to critique "The Jackson 5 Christmas Album".

--------------

 We start off with 7 ultra classic Christmas carols updated on a more Soulful early seventies parody. The J5 tried a shot at mimicking Diana Ross's "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town". Even borrowing a few loops from "The Love You Save" on Up On The Housetop". The Funkilisious "Frosty The Snowman" together with "Rudolph's" ab-libs and the hybrid Standard/Soul "Merry Little Christmas" makes this album a great reinterpretation on age-old Christmas Carols.

 Now for the originality, "Give Love On Christmas Day" blossoms with raw vocals from Little Michael. But I thought "Someday At Christmas" was unnecessary(since Stevie did such a wonderful job). Add to that the filler "Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year". However "Little Christmas Tree" more then makes up for those frills. Michael's raw, passionate, sincerely rangeful vocal harmonies could've sour this puppy to number one(had they included the tune as a single)!

 In closing up, The Jackson 5 Christmas Album is worth listening to occasionally when the holidays come about!

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

3. The Christmas Song

4. Up On The Housetop

5. Frosty the Snowman

6. The Little Drummer Boy

7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

8. Christmas Won't Be the Same This Year

9. Give Love On Christmas Day

10. Someday At Christmas

11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

12. Little Christmas Tree

 I hope you enjoyed having a little Christmas with The Jackson Five. Our next post lands us in 1971 with Maybe Tomorrow!

Jackson 5 "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

 A Christmas Carol covered on The Jackson Five Christmas Album. Formerly sung by Judy Garland(The original "Wizard of Oz" lady) from the Broadway film "Meet Me In Saint Louis". The tune was based on a sadistic family split after Christmas. Hence, the words...

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
This might be your last.
Next year we may be living in the past

Here's the Original.

 Some time later, Hugh Martin garnished the carol(for Sinatra) with a more optimistic appeal. Stressing Christmas as a time of joy and harmony.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
May Your Hearts be light.
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.

Listen to Sinatra's Version

 As with most remakes, The Jackson 5 did a stupendous job interpreting the carol for a new generation.

 Towards the final stage, there's an anti-climatic breakthrough with Michael mimicking signatures from "The Love You Save" on a round of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Frank Sinatra pulled a similar feat on his take(a swingin' guitar lick of Jingle Bells).



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Jackson's Destiny

 We've thus far already covered their Philadelphia labels "The Jacksons(album)" and "Goin' Places".

 Let's now draw our minds to what brought these boys back on the map. Just prier to Michael Jackson's decision to go solo all the way.

Destiny

 Leaving Huff and Gamble for self-sufficiency was the smartest move The Jacksons have ever made! From the high-glittery "Blame It On The Boogie" to that ultra high Disco tempo "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground", there's one thing this album quintessentially lacks-Album fillers!

 "Bless His Soul" draws a hint of heavy Medal guitar riffs(something Michael Jackson often used on some of his numbers). "Destiny" has perspective and depth of insight. "Push Me Away" forebodes the arrival of Human Nature.

 To summarize my point, The Jacksons has earned their place back in the limelight with "Destiny(the album)"!

1. Blame It On The Boogie

2. Push Me Away

3. Things I Do For You

4. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)

5. Destiny

6. Bless His Soul

7. All Night Dancin'

8. That's What You Get (For Being Polite)

 Be sure to drop on by and check out my "Triumph" and "Victory album posts.