Xscape-A Critical Analysis Part 2

 This is the second installment of my two-part analysis of Michael Jackson's posthumous album Xscape. If you missed it, I've already reviewed the first four tacks Over Here. We shall continue with track five.

Slave To The Rhythm

Early 90's Version

 Now this is quite unique and calls for a whole new explanation! Michael clashes theatrics with the club. A tapestric introduction followed by the dancefloor! "Slave To The Rhythm" will harken you back to the turn of the 90's. When inline skating was a way to pick up a date. Had Jackson released this, the dance industry would have been saved from mundanity. If only he remixed his own tracks(like Janet did on one album). Instead he relied on third-party candidates to do the job(mainly after Bad). There's even a story to go along with the beat(unlike most club-bangers today).

 The songs portrays a passive-dependant mother who is practically enslave to her abusive husband. How she yearns to be released from his heavy chains. But for the good of her beloved children she dances to his whims and keeps instep to the rhythm of her hubby's demands. Thus, she's a slave in every sense of the word. Although she might not be literally shackled, this woman is mentally and emotionally bonded with her husbands iron cords of coercion and manipulation. Check it out Right Here(note: these youtube clips alone don't do justice to these tracks. You should have a good pair of headphones in hand)!

1989-91 Edition: 5/5 Stars!

Modern Version

 Timbaland gives the rhythm more of a revolving dance floor vibe with a little extra emphasis on those chains!I was impressed by the amount of thought that went into this remix. But nothing beats the original. Yes the new version is more modern and today-oriented. But I'm sorry, Mikey's version rises above it head and shoulders! You Just can't out-do the raw energy of Michael's vision. The guy knew what he was doing. Go see Timbaland's Take and you'll know what I mean.

New Take: 4.0 Stars!

Do You Know Where Your Children Are

90's Version

 Now this version goes before the 2010 Leak. As with most of his early demos, it is noticeably digitalized. Whereas the latter mix incorporates more live instrumentation. I prefer the finalized edition. Don't get me wrong. The former is also quite enjoyable. But the guitar lick from the other mix just blows me away!

 Two drop-dead gorgeous 12-year-old girls face a broken family with an abusive uncle and an abusive father. So in distraught, they ran away and attempted to go it alone. Only to become allured by a huckster who promises them fame and fortune. Turns out he was a liar and now these girls are caught within the clutches of the porn industry. Don't you think papa should be a wee bit concerned about their missing children? Even giving his lives for these poor girls fettered in sexual slavery. It would seem they did at first. But apathy soon followed suit. Mother and father's storkism has all been but extinguished. The demo can be found Here!

Old Demo: 4.5/5 Stars!

2010 Leak: 5/5 Stars!

New Version

 I thought they did a fair job crafting this remix. Though it loses a lot of it's 90's punch. Why do the beams remind me of Sega Genesis all of a sudden? For the past fifteen years soundboards have been overrated and abused. We need a renaissance of real music! Complete with authentic beats and organic melody. But anyhow, I appreciate that Tim and Roc did not rush this unlike the previous Desaster. Listen to the remix Here.

New Version: 4/5 Stars!

Blue Gangsta

Invincible Mix

 I see 007 written all over this with a hint of the Mafia and Godfather meddled in there. And yes, Jackson did experiment a little with Hip-Hop without being obnoxious. I relish the Italian accordion fuming in the background. But what I like most is Michael's very powerful strung-out emotions portraying a mobster who's conscience is about to go numb.

 This fellow feels immense regret and deep despair. A beautiful girl beckons him turn from the dark side. Yet he has just sworn himself into a high profile gang and has already proved himself by executing an atrocious federal crime. Although the guilt churns sourly within his stomach. He must suppress the pain because there's no turning back now. But try as he might, a feeling of doom continuously envelopes the man. Her glance pierces the very soul of his being. He has no choice but to carry on as "The Blue Gangsta". Check out Michael's version Over Here!

Original Version: 5/5 Stars!

New Version

 They did an outstanding job on the theatrical introduction. Something Michael was very much into. Though once the track kicks in, the beat is too synthetic. But they did add some Latin strings to give it a Mexican tinge. Click Now to try it out!

Xscape

Michael's Take

 Now this is what I'm talking about! "Xscape" has a powerful backbeat that has become one of Jackson's many signature street rhythms-those sharp timing thuds that defined The History Era. The best part is the bridge in it's highly melodic cue. I bet MJ and Darkchild had a field day with this in the studio.

 The black media has Michael Jackson bound within the confines of yellow journalism. like watchdogs, the Paparazzi make sure they keep him locked up in his cage. Then one day his cell was found empty. Consequentially, the tabloid industry in conjunction with mainstream outlets make an unholy alliance to capture and bring him back behind the bars of sensationalism. Where everyone can break off a piece of the Jackson pie. His death wish is almost prophetic. Go Here and do your ears a favor!

Michael's Version: 6/5 Stars!!!

Timbo Style

 Nothing can outdo the original. And Darkchild's new remix is no exception. Yet they do a good job contemporizing this tune into a Detroit experience-giving it a metropolitan feel. Love it or hate it, Click Here and find out how this compares to the original.

New Version: 4/5 Stars!

In Conclusion

 I am quite satisfied with this record! There might be a few issues that need tweaking here or there. But overall, this project is a vast improvement compared to the Casio bomb. Which turned fan against fan, and fan against estate. I give this album a 4.5 out of 5 stars! Good job guys!

Xscape Album 4.5/5 Stars!

Xscape-A Critical Analysis

Overview

 Gathering big time producers who at least have tenuous connections with Michael Jackson, Sony has treated us with another compilation of outtakes from the King of Pop. And let me tell you. I am thoroughly astonished! Yes, the contemporized mixed are a bit overproduced. But when compared against Michael, The Estake has come along way in amending their shabby reputation.

 You will not find any hint of autotune, melodyne, nor any fake vocals on this record. You won't even find bells and whistles artificially stabled together into a jumbled mess! What you Will receive is an album full of Jackson's mind-crafted art. Ingeniously lared into 8 mind-blowing tracks that never made the cut(not because their bland). Plus 9 contemporary interpretations from the likes of Justin Timberlake(from NSYNC), Timbaland(Beyonce), Stargate(who worked with Lionel Richie), John McClain, J Roc, and Rodney Jerkins. At first you might feel it a bit bland or overproduced. But guys, just give it a few listens with your earphones and you'll see why I'm impressed. However, the originals will never be beat!

The Making of Escape

 I wasn't all that impressed with the documentary. I was hoping for a step-by-stem analysis on Mr. Jackson's material by Matt Forger, Robbie, and many others who actually helped in making these 8 demos(Now to be fair, Corey Rooney was there and he did discuss his involvement in the making of "Chicago"). Instead the video was more on how they modernized his classics with state-of-the-art soundboards and synthesized beats. The DVD was too short and needed more promotion material added. Like Maybe a grassroots music video of clamation to celebrate Michael's artistry.

Love Never Felt So Good

Original Version

 This is pretty much identical to the 8 year old leak(who's lyrics you can read Here). Only in better minted quality. Back in the early 80's Paul Anka and Kathy Wakefield each co-wrote this song and gave it to Mike-originally intending Anka to collaborate on piano. But since it did not conform to Michael's vision for his upcoming album "Bad". Jackson graciously handed the gem over to Mr. Mathis for his own album "A Special Part of Me"(Johnny's version can be heard Here).

 If you want to hear Michael's crisp vocals untouched over a Classical piano then the original just might suit you more. This is Jackson in the prime of his life! Click Here to have a listen!

Demo: 5/5 Stars!

Updated Solo Version and Justin Timberlake's Video

 John McClain(not McCain :)) has teamed up with Giorgio Tuinfort to produce a masterpiece-an actual improvement upon the demo. Adding some funky strings, a hard backbeat, and a Classical layout to the track! I firmly believe The Estate should keep these two guys in tabs as future references!

 Now as for Justin Timberlake's spin, Timbaland inducts a Xylophone throughout with allusions to Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough. Without overdoing it Justin attempts to duet with the pop star "Suit and Tie" style. Even respectfully cueing Mick to chime in on his lines.

 Although not another homemade fan collaboration, the music video does contain numerous stars paying tribute to MJ's legacy. Even Tia and Tamera Mowry are seen paying their respects[correction: on second thought, these twins are not from Sister Sister]! The video was alright but nothing "off the hook". For future projects, My opinion would be to veer more towards cartoons and storylines. Maybe even do something with The Muppets(hint hint). Something other than mere tributes. Well, here is the John McClain Mix. I'm not much of an Electro-Pop or Techno freak. But here's the Freddie Legrand Mix! It didn't impress me much.

New Solo Version: 5/5 Stars!

Timberlake's Edition: 4.5/5 Stars!

Freddie Legrand Remix 2/5 Stars!

Chicage

Original Demo

 Now this one was never completely finished until after Jackson passed away. Taj Jackson(Michael's Nephew) and Cory Rooney finished it as a candidate for his first posthumous album. To be honest, I haven't listened to the unleaked version before that. Taj Jackson's take is great but for some reason it feels ever so slightly off on the electric keys and cymbal snare. As they don't fully jive with his vocals. But as you get used to it, you will appreciate how Michael writes stories with his tongue.

 The tale is about a seductress(what else is new :)) who plays the part of an innocent widow looking for the man of her dreams. Turns out she was married and those children were her husband's. Jackson caught on thin ice, passionately explained the whole ordeal to her jealous husband.

Originally, the song was called by Jackson "She Was Loving Me". The track can be found Here.

Original Take: 4.5/5 Stars!

New Take Plus Paperchaser

 At first I felt the Harmon take was a bit jumbled and quirky but as I listened it eventually grew on me. They even add a few ab libs from him not found on the original. The quacking ducks weren't all that necessary(more like rubberduck :)). But they don't take anything away from the groove. Over all I feel they did a fine job tweaking his sound for a different generation! Go Here to have a listen.

New Version: 4/5 Stars!

 Now as you're well aware, I'm not much into remixes and this one is no exception. I thought it was slightly too fast for my taste. But unlike other Michael Jackson remixes, Techno beats are not prominent throughout(thank goodness). I like how Papercha$er emphasises his vocals at certain times. Otherwise it's just another bland mix. But here you be the judge: Paperchaser!

Paperchaser Remix: 2.5/5 Stars!

Loving You

The Demo

 The scene is from the mid 80's. Michael seems to have caught himself a little cold. On a dreary muggy night, Mr. Jackson relished the thought of giving his wife a fine-dining experience. But rather opts to spend the night under the covers as they've both come down with the flu. It's at this point they experience each other like never before.

 You will adore his fresh and crisp vocals. Yes the tape is not in perfect condition. Yet that will not take away from the magic of this gem. And if one had to guess, this did not mix well with the Bad Sessions. So the song was in limbo until now. Test it out Right Here!

Original Recording: 4.5/5 Stars!

New Edition

 Tim and Harmon give it a more uptempo beat with an R&B vibe written all over it! This sounds soo early 90's. Especially with the acappella outro for the finale. I can just hear the radio host chiming in right after that line. I could see Michael might've worked on it again during the Dangerous Era(of course with new vocals). But no such evidence exists as of yet.

 The only quirk from me is it needs live instrumentation as mere synthesizers gives it a plastic cover. Everything else about the new take is just superb! Hear it for yourselves!

Timba Version: 4/5 Stars!

A Place With No Name

Original Mix

 Derived from the tune "A Horse With No Name(listen Here) by America, Michael gives it a whole new spin with his signature ab libs and distinct drumline. The song tells a tale of an enchanted oasis. When Michael's jeep breaks down in the middle of nowhere(with a thousand suns blazing upon your back), a mysterious electrical fog beckens on the horizon. Dieing of thirst, these three men inch closer to find a highly attractive innocent woman calling on them to follow her through the mist. With little thought, Michael took her hand and was instantly transported unto a utopian landscape. Full of laughter and happiness. A place without a care in the world. Not named by any king, prince, nor prefect. Just beyond that fog.

 His loved-one's had recently passed away. So you can tell how much this spring uplifts Michael's spirits. But pardon me for spoiling you with the whole storyline. I'll let you be the judge over Here!

Michael's Version: 5/5 Stars!

Stargate Edition

 When I first heard the opening electric keys, my fears of another slop-fest production started surfacing. But after I purchased the CD I gave it a listen under the earphones. What can I tell you. I am ecstatic!! The electric keys and drum snare give it a melody dance beat like no other! No this is not Techno, Hip Hop, nor some bland club hit. This is Stargate in which The Estate will do good not to overlook on their next project!

 I believe this should've been the lead single with an official video. I think dance floors would be demand it from coast to coast! Just imagine a claymation motion picture over a desert with MJ as a clayman acting out the scenes. Now that would be awesome! Or even something colorful like what Madonna's record label did when she was busy touring. Anyways, here's the New Take.

Stargate's Version: 5/5 Stars!

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

Stay tuned for part 2 of my review of Michael Jackson's Xscape![Part 2 is now up.]

Michael Jackson Free

 "Free" is a soothing Romantic Ballad mixed by Bill Bottrell under the diction of Mr. Jackson. It is obviously a work in progress with Michael laughing towards the end with Rodney on keys(not Rodney Jerkins since he was still in high school then).

 I don't think this would have made the cut. Yet a B-side was certainly not out of the realm of possibility. I feel that somehow the lyrics got recycled for "I Just Can't Stop Loving You".

Anyways, here's what Matt Forge has to say about this track...

 "There were times when going back and listening to this stuff was really an emotional experience for me. That was especially the case when I started working on the song, 'Free.' When you listen to this song you hear Michael's spirit and joy. It's raw, it's loose, it's him in his element, doing what he loved to do. The first time I listened to it I broke down. This is what it was like every day."

Lyrics to Free

You're the one that I adore
Everyone they don't know me
Tell me things they all believe, I do
All the things I wanna say
Tell the things you are to me?
All the lies you have to say "I do"
Uh,uh,uh, baby

Yesterday is when I felt down
And you save my faith from the ground
And you say they looked at me
But all they want is to hear you say, "I do"
That's right, I want to be

Free, free like the wind blows
To fly away just like a sparrow
To feel letting my hair blow
To take my time wherever I go
I'm in my prime

You're the one that I adore
Just kiss me once, I wanna know you
Feel the love cause I can feel in mine
If you're the one for me
Just tell me twice and I will see
The heart and soul of all the things I feel
Uh, uh, uh, no

Yesterday when I felt down
I start to Try to remember you I'm relieved
Life is just a thing you don’t waste
??? Cause "I do"
Because I want to be

Free, free like the wind blows
To fly away just like a sparrow
To feel letting my hair blow
To take my time wherever I go
I want to be...

Free, free like the wind blows
To fly away just like a sparrow
To feel letting my hair blow
To take my time wherever I go
I'm in my (day, alright)

Oh, ah
Alright
Ah ah
Oh yeah

Yesterday when I felt down
I start to see you in my mind
And they tried to look at me,
But all they wanted to hear me say, "I do"
Yes, 'cause I want to be

Free, free like the wind blows
To fly away just like a sparrow
To feel letting my hair blow
To take my time wherever I go
I want to be...

Free, free like the wind blows
(Free like the wind blows)
To fly away just like a sparrow
(Wherever I go)
To feel letting my hair blow
(I take my time, baby)
To take my time wherever I go
(Take my time wherever I go)
I want to be...

Free, free like the wind blows
(Free like the wind)
To fly away just like a sparrow (Oh-my-my)
To feel letting my hair blow
(Woah, woah, woah, woah, baby)
To take my time wherever I go
(Wherever I go)

Free, free like the wind blows
(You'll be free, now)
(I want to be free)
To fly away just like a sparrow
(I wanna be free)
To feel letting my hair blow
(I want some loving) (Ah, ah, uh, oh baby)
To take my time wherever I go
(Wherever I go)
(Hoo!)

I've got to be free, baby!

*Laughing*

"Rodney, you're so silly."

Michael Jackson's Abortion Papers

 As we all know, Mr Jackson has been the center of controversy more times then not. For even in death a fire has been ignited regarding his vocals and post-humorous production of Michael. It comes as no surprise that Michael's latest project Bad25 has opened-up a whole new can of worms-And it all has to do with abortion papers!

 Although the track might seem a little harsh and judgmental to some, just remember it's only a rough draft. As Michael quipped...

“I have to do it in a way so I don’t offend girls who have gotten abortions or bring back guilt trips so it has to be done carefully… I have to really think about it.“

 In other words, Jackson would have worded it differently had he given it another shot. Personally, I believe the tune would morph into a less direct and more contemplative masterpiece as I don't think a song is a place to get preachy!

 Although Michael was a very religious man, I believe his platonic love for children was another valid reason for his stance against elective abortion. I think a fair assessment of such songs as Heal the World and The Lost Children give some commentary on his views regarding children who never get to see the light of day.

Matt Forger has this to say on the tracks storyline...

"As noted earlier, this is a song that Michael knew could be controversial and, as a result, he spent a lot of time thinking about the story for the song and the voice through which the song should be told. The song is about a girl whose father is a priest. She was raised in the Church and on the Bible. She gets married in the Church but decides against the Bible, to have an abortion and she wants 'Abortion Papers.'"

 I respectfully urge anyone reading this not to abort the miracle of life unless it is for therapeutic reasons(i.e. life or death situations). Please watch this video below and decide for yourselves if elective abortion is morally permissible...

Lyrics

Sister don't read, she'll never know
What about love?
Living a Christian soul
What do we get, she runs away
What about love?
What about all I pray

Don't know the worst, she knows a atheist
What about God?
Living is all I see
What do you get, things she would say
What about love?
That's all I pray

Those abortion papers
Signed in your name against the words of God
Those abortion papers
Think about life, I'd like to have my child

Sister confused, she went alone
What about love?
What about all I saw?
Biding a life, reading the words
Singing a song, citing a Bible verse

Father's confused, mother despair
Brother's in curse
What about all I've seen?
You know the lie, you keep it low
What about heart?
That's all I've known

Those abortion papers
Signed in your name against the words of God
Those abortion papers
Think about life, I'd like to have my child

Those abortion papers (Hoo!)
Signed in your name against the words of God
Those abortion papers
Think about life, I'd like to have my child

Look at my words, what do they say?
Look at my heart, burning is all heartbreak
What do you get?
What do you say?
What about love?
Feel my sin

Those abortion papers
Signed in your name against the words of God
Those abortion papers
Think about life, I'd like to have my child

Those abortion papers (Hoo!)
Think about life, I'd like to have my child

Who have the grateful?
Where will she go?
What will she do to see the world?

Sister don't know, where would she go
What about life?
What about all I saw?
What would you do?
Don't get so confuse
Love all the things
It's just the things I do

Those abortion papers
Signed in your name against the words of God
Those abortion papers
Think about life, I'd like to have my child

Those abortion papers
(Abortion paper)
(This paper) (Hee-Hee)
Those abortion papers (Hee Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)
I'd like to have my child (Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)

Those abortion papers
(Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)
(Hee Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)
Those abortion papers (Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)
I'd like to have my child (Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)
Those abortion papers (Hee-Hee Hee Hee-Hee)
(Hee-Hee Hee-Hee).

Song

Don't Be Messin' Round

 As part of the effort to advertise Bad 25(in stores on September 18th), Sony has just released a reissue of I Just Can't Stop Loving You with a special treat for a b-side! Which is just a taste of what will be commencing this Autumn. A three-album box set with a live concert DVD(more on that tomorrow). For now, let me give you a glimps into the making of "Don't Be Messin' Round".

 Originally slated to appear on "Thriller", this gem could not find a suitable home to dwell in. Despite getting worked on within each corresponding session. The demo is a mix from none other then 1987.

 With a funky tang and a mid-tempo flare reminiscent of Motown's "Dancing In The Street", Michael sure has an active imagination! Just by him dictating, you can sense him layering medley after medley and even popping a few guitar licks into the mix!

 This tract was intentionally left unfinished for you get inside Michael Jackson's head and feel the rhythm and shear genius of the King of Pop!

Lyrics

Are you ready for a feeling time
Are you ready for a good treat
Now there's so much entertainment
Are you yeah... in to me

Chorus:
So don't be messin' around, don't be messin around
Don't be messin' around hey hey hey
Don't be messin' around, don't be messin' around
Don't be messin' around hey

If I started now in the deep
Thinking said this feeling is your life
I'll be so proud if you let the only one
That we love before a little while
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsty.com/michael-jackson-dont-be-messin-around-lyrics.html ]
Chorus:
Don't be messin' around, don't be messin around
Don't be messin' around hey hey hey
So don't be messin' around, don't be messin' around
Don't be messin' around hey
Oho yeah yeah,
Oho yeah, oho yeah, oho yeah

Now just started think of pumpin
To the beat I said let's movin up late
She said to keep your mind
There's won't be no romance
No no mess around with me I...

Chorus:
Don't be messin' around, don't be messin around
Don't be messin' around hey hey hey
So don't be messin' around, don't be messin' around
Don't be messin' around hey hey

[2 x Chorus:]

Michael Jackson Breaking News

 And here is some more controversy-"Breaking News". Allegedly recorded with James Porte over at the Casio families compound in the Summer of 2007. Many amongst his family and fans strongly believe his vocals to be fake(and might I add the whole track as well). Even Teddy Riley once commented the track to be spurious(though he later retracted on that claim). Though Sony claims we're hearing the real deal, that's pretty hard to stomach. Knowing MJ to be a prolific perfectionist-always aspiring to do better!

 Now the question remains. Why did Michael Jackson leave the Casio's? Could it have anything to do with that Prince over at the Arab United Empirates?

[From his post-humorous album "Michael"]

Michael Jackson-Monster

 I am not at all impressed by this half-baked clump of lard! I mean what was Sony and the Estate thinking in releasing unfinished material! For an artist of this magnitude, this is utterly disappointing. I don't think there's ever been a situation quite like this(speaking of post-humerus releases). I mean, I have nothing but praise for the other tracks. But like most fans, the Casio's are an eye-sore(nothing personal, just don't like what they've done).

 Dare I mention his name. This sounds very much like Jason Malachi's vocals have been cleverly mashed together with MJ's single rough scratch. Coupled with a few old ad-libs thrown in here or there.

 Being the perfectionist Michael Jackson really is, I sincerely believe Mr. Jackson would be in tears if he'd saw what was released in his name. I never knew it would go this far...

[From his post-humorous album "Michael"]

Lyrics

You can look at them coming out the walls
You can look at them climbing out the bushes
You can find them when the letter’s bout to fall
He be waiting with his camera on focus

Everywhere you seem to turn
There’s a monster
When you look up in the air there’s a monster
Paparazzi got you scared like a monster, monster, monster
(Too bad)

Oh oh Hollywood it’s got you jumping like you should
(Too bad)
It’s got you bouncing off the wall
It’s got you drunk enough to fall
(Too bad)
Oh oh Hollywood just look in the mirror
And tell me you like
Don’t you, don’t you like it

Monster
He’s a monster
He’s an animal

Monster (yea-eah)
He’s a monster
He’s an animal

He’s coming at ya
Coming at ya rather too fast
Mama say mama got you in a zig zag
And you’re running
And you’re running just to escape it
But they are gunning for the money
So they fake it

Everywhere you seem to turn
There’s a monster
When you look up in the air there’s a monster
When you see them in the street
That’s a monster, monster, monster
(Too bad)

Oh oh Hollywood it’s got you jumping like you should
It’s got you bouncing off the wall
It’s got you drunk enough to fall
(Too bad)
Oh oh Hollywood just look in the mirror
And tell me you like what you see

Monster
(he’s like an animal)
He’s a monster
(just like an animal)
He’s an animal
(and he’s moving in the air)
Monster
He’s a monster
He’s an animal
(everybody wanna be a star)

Why are they never satisfied with and all you give, yeh, yeh, yeh, yeah
You gave them your all

They’re watching you fall

And they eat your soul like a vegetable

[50 Cent]
Catch me in a bad mood, flippin’ you’ll take a whippin’
Find More lyrics at http://www.sweetslyrics.com
Animal, hannibal, cannibal addition
Tears appear, yeah, blurring your vision
Fear in the air, screaming, your blood drippin’
Shiver a second, now, now, now, now what is it
Funeral’s, cemetaries, don’t worry it’s time to visit
Broke bones, tombstones, how do you think I’m kidding
Its home, sweet home, the land of the forbidden
All hell, run tell, the King has risen
2010 Thriller, there’s nothing iller, it’s killer
There vision, the missin’ the pack, this is that,
This the bomb, ring the alarm
MJ number 1, it’s goes on and on
Its goes on and on
We get to crippin’, its running in the early morn’
Keep on dreaming there’s nowhere to run
You can drive but you done
I can feel it in the air, here the monster come.

[Michael Jackson]
Too bad, oh oh Hollywood it’s got you jumping like you should
It’s got you bouncing off the wall
It’s got you drunk enough to fall
(Too bad)
Oh oh Hollywood just making it clearer
And tell me you like
Don’t you don’t you like it

Monster
(she wanna be a star)
He’s a monster
(say you wanna go far)
He’s an animal
(Why do you keep stalking me)
Monster
(what you do to me)
He’s a monster
(why did you take, why did you fake it)
He’s an animal
(yee-aah, why are stalking me)

Monster
(why are you haunting me)
He’s a monster
(why are you stalking me)
He’s an animal
(why did you do it, why did you, why are you stalking me)

Monster
(why are you haunting me)
He’s a monster
(why are you haunting me)
He’s an animal
(Why did you, why did you)

He’s dragging you down like a monster
He’s keeping you down like a monster

He’s dragging you down like a monster
He’s keeping you down like a monster

Beat It Album Mix #6

 I'm not too sure if this is an altogether different Jam session of Beat It or just an extension to the original Demo. My instinct informs me it's the latter.

 But regardless, here is Album Mix #6 of the original Beat It Master Tapes also used for the game Guitar Hero World Tour...

Beat It Demo

 Not to be confused with the demo on The "This Is It" Soundtrack, this demo tape of "Beat It" is what Wil.I.Am took and mixed with Fergie for The 25th Anniversary of Thriller.

 Notice the guitar rift is a lot more distinct and the drum snare is mechanical and not organic(like the official version). Also Eddie Van Helen had not been called in yet(I believe whoever uploaded this demo on Youtube inserted the knocking towards the middle). And so the climax had not been filled in.

 When it comes to the conclusion, the track stripes down until the last rift lays down the final note(which gives the tune a unique spin).

 This is just one of many Midi tapes Michael Jackson owns of the song Beat It in his vault. Listen below...

Give Me Some Starlight

 In 1981, Rod Temperton came in the studio with a song candidate he wrote for Michael Jackson's then upcoming album-What would eventually become Thriller.
The song was inspired by The Jackson's hit "This Place Hotel.

 As with most artists who write for others, all Temperton had was a loop for them to play with. So Greg Philinganes, Quincy Jones, Rob, and Mick all bunched-up in his Enrico Mansion and worked for hours tweaking and arranging the sound on the mixer. In preparation for the live gigs.

 However, Michael wanted a darker, more scarier groove. Something unprecedented-That has never been done before. So Michael went back in(with Quincy) and rewrote the lyrics. He also modified a few things especially the bridge and resolution(to which Vincent Price was invited to perform a rap segment).
The song from then on became known as Thriller(click to learn more on the evolution of this Halloween Blockbuster)!

 Originally, the song was meant to be titled as either "Starlight", "Starlight Sun", or "Give Me Some Starlight". Lucky for you, I've found a demo in almost superb quality! Hopefully The Estate will release some unplugged versions to "Thriller" and many other songs we come to love(now that would be dynamite)!

Lyrics

There's indication that someone else is standing on the ground
Across the nation there's always people trying to pull you down
Now is the time for us to spend the scene here close together
Deep in the night we're holding on to someone else's dream
Girl can't you see

We need some starlight starlight sun
There ain't no second chance we got to make it while we can
You need the starlight some starlight sun
I need you by my side you give me starlight starlight starlight

They're out to get you there ain't no ... you're acting like a fool
Love can possess you and make you see that ...
High in the night this magic's gonna keep us close together
We'll start to fly cause this is the beginning of your life
This is the night

Give me some starlight starlight sun
This is the only chance we've got to make it while we can
You need the starlight starlight sun
I need you by my side so give me starlight starlight starlight

Light up the world let the love start take charge of this masquerade
Take your delivery and show me that this is your light
Give me your starlight tonight

There's indication that someone else is standing on the ground
Across the nation there's always people trying to pull you down
Now is the time for us to spend the scene here close together
Deep in the night we're holding on to someone else's dream
Girl can't you see

We need some starlight starlight sun
There ain't no second chance we got to make it while we can
You need some starlight starlight sun
I need you by my side you give me starlight starlight
Give me starlight starlight sun
There ain't no second chance we got to make it while we can
You give me starlight starlight sun
I need you by my side so give me starlight starlight
Give me starlight starlight sun
There ain't no second chance we got to make it while we can
We need the Starlight starlight sun
I need you by my side so give me starlight starlight starlight

Gimme gimme that sun

Next, we'll look at the instrumental to "Thriller"!

Two Off The Wall Home Demos

 :Today, let me focus your attention on two candid home demos done by Michael Jackson in his original Enrico Mansion. Two rough scratches intended for The "Off The Wall" Sessions.

Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough Demo

 Michael records the child-pangs of what would become "Off The Wall's" very first track-"Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough".

 Yes, the demo is no where's near complete as the recording is a scratch tape(studio jargon for dumb take or rough draft). The candid delivery does offer a unique spin on Mr. Jackson's musical and vocal techniques.

 Although his mother frowned upon the lyrics(thinking they were about sex), Michael reassured her the interpretation was vague and had nothing to do with promiscuity(In my opinion, I'd say it was puppy love).

Working Day and Night Demo

 Janet, Randy, and Michael Jackson fart around in The Enrico Studios. Then get serious as MJ sings a rough scratch of "Working Day and Night".



How do you take these scratch tapes? Do they give more depth to his arrangements? Or do you prefer completely mastered outtakes from his vault("This Is It" is any indication, I'll bet the majority of you will vote for the latter)?

Stay tuned for some Thriller Remixes(the eponymous titled track)!

The Girl Is Mine Demo

 Our focus will shift to the exhilarating demo tapes of The Girl Is Mine. A song originally written and thought-out by Michael Jackson one night. Tweaked and manicured unto perfection in the following weeks!

Demo Take 1

 Our first draft takes us into the recording studio with Paul McCartney and Mr. Jackson(I've touched a little on their wonderful collaborations over Here).

 As you can tell, Michael is teaching Mecca a thing or two about the symphony playing inside his head. Notice how The Gloved One shares with the former Beatle how inspiration nudges his mind.

 It appears Michael is singing a somewhat different arrangement-Especially towards the end of the tape. I have a feeling we'll hear it in the years to come(assuming they laid it down).

The Girl Is Mine Take 2

 About a year prier, Michael records a solo complete with more ab-libs and extra verses. This edition opens up with a distinct subway screech. On a scratched recording.

The Girl Is Mine Demo Take 3

 The third tape was probably laid down a few months later. Notice the recording is a lot more clearer and in much better quality. With only subtle differences from that of the second demo(e.g. a less distinct opening).



Well, that about wraps it up. Stay tuned for a few Home Demos!

Baby Be Mine Demo

 In 1981, Michael Jackson recorded a demo to what became the second track to Thriller. Namely Baby Be Mine.
Just remember, it's only a demo(a.k.a. rough draft).

 It appears he was experimenting with his falsetto voice. Something he does quite often.
Anyways, here's the demo to "Baby Be Mine".



Next: The Girl Is Mine Demo!

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'-Two Demo Takes

 Right before the heyday of Michael Jackson's career, he was workin' day and night mining precious stones and shaping gold nuggets out of scratched recordings from the Thriller Sessions. One such song(Wanna Be Startin' Somethin') we are privileged to bite into 2 rough demos(no other alternate takes have been leaked as of yet). Let's listen together.

1979 Demo-Startin' Somethin"

 This take(I believe) was rough drafted around 79'. Which would make this an Off The Wall candidate.

 I love the classic key arrangement. It gives the track a more antique look and feel(which it truly is). I could've sworn there's a higher-quality sound out there(if anyone can find it, give me a shout-out ASAP). But I guess this'll have to do for now. Enjoy!!!

Wanna Be Startin Somethin - Michael Jackson DEMO

Demo Take 2(From This Is It Soundtrack)

 Although the intro is kind of jumbled-up(it's a rough draft. what'd-a expect), Michael's voice sounds crisper then ever! Couple that with a surround-sound orchestra key board and authentic beat-boxing-Makes you appreciate the perfectionism of Michael Jackson!

 I believe this demo was scratched-up around November 1981. Just over a year before it was added and released on "Thriller"-Nov. 30th, 1982. When history would be made!



Stay tuned for the Baby Be Mine Demo