smoothcriminal12 said:

dag said:

Really? I didn't know that.

Yeah, I think he was directing their actions or something like that.

That's definitely what it was. He was heavily involved in the making of the California Raisins characters when he was part of it, or at least parodied good naturedly.

Timmy84 said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

Yeah, I think he was directing their actions or something like that.

That's definitely what it was. He was heavily involved in the making of the California Raisins characters when he was part of it, or at least parodied good naturedly.

Ahh, cool.

Timmy84 said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

Yeah, I think he was directing their actions or something like that.

That's definitely what it was. He was heavily involved in the making of the California Raisins characters when he was part of it, or at least parodied good naturedly.

Thanks for the info. He's too cute. I hope we get more behind the scenes stuff in the future.

Fred Astaire and Michael Jackson..

A hundred times yes.....

ThruTheEyesOfWonder said:

Fred Astaire and Michael Jackson..

A hundred times yes.....

Great pic! The mentor and the mentee

And so the parodies begin...

NaughtyKitty said:

And so the parodies begin...

Go Mike!

This will make all that ^^ make sense

I hadn't seen this before

According to the post MJ allowed the use of music for this episode and the vocals were done by Kipp Lennon who also did the MJ vocals on The Simpsons episode Stark Raving Dad.

Swa said:

I hadn't seen this before

According to the post MJ allowed the use of music for this episode and the vocals were done by Kipp Lennon who also did the MJ vocals on The Simpsons episode Stark Raving Dad.

Swa said:

I hadn't seen this before

According to the post MJ allowed the use of music for this episode and the vocals were done by Kipp Lennon who also did the MJ vocals on The Simpsons episode Stark Raving Dad.

Now I know why Michael would sometimes in the live versions of Beat It sing SAY NO. It's from this.

[Edited 8/12/11 16:36pm]

New VMA promo with Britney featuring reference to MJ including my pet peeve of "Billy" Jean.

mjscarousal said:

Swa said:

I hadn't seen this before

According to the post MJ allowed the use of music for this episode and the vocals were done by Kipp Lennon who also did the MJ vocals on The Simpsons episode Stark Raving Dad.

I hadnt seen that before.. cool

Swa said:

New VMA promo with Britney featuring reference to MJ including my pet peeve of "Billy" Jean.

Oh no no, HAAAAAAYLE NO!

Why the hell would JANET tribute this woman?? And gatdamn...Off the Wall and Billie Jean and Dangerous....

kill me now please....

Britney borrow from all these people. And i ain't hatin' on the woman, but ain't this a bit early for a tribute?

ThruTheEyesOfWonder said:

Swa said:

New VMA promo with Britney featuring reference to MJ including my pet peeve of "Billy" Jean.

Oh no no, HAAAAAAYLE NO!

Why the hell would JANET tribute this woman?? And gatdamn...Off the Wall and Billie Jean and Dangerous....

kill me now please....

Britney borrow from all these people. And i ain't hatin' on the woman, but ain't this a bit early for a tribute?

Well since Billboard gave Beyonce the Artist of the Millenium award I guess MTV thinks that Britney can get some kind of tribute too But this is probably more of a business move on MTV's producer's part to get ratings by getting people to tune in to their award show. That's what I think.

Surely I can't be alone in my love for this tack.

Although it's demo form, the track had so much promise. I love the deliberate little technical mishaps that tack place musically - showing how MJ was inspired by NIN and their manipulation of music and technology.

I wish he had gone back to it.

Swa said:

Surely I can't be alone in my love for this tack.

Although it's demo form, the track had so much promise. I love the deliberate little technical mishaps that tack place musically - showing how MJ was inspired by NIN and their manipulation of music and technology.

I wish he had gone back to it.

Me too...

Swa said:

Surely I can't be alone in my love for this tack.

Although it's demo form, the track had so much promise. I love the deliberate little technical mishaps that tack place musically - showing how MJ was inspired by NIN and their manipulation of music and technology.

I wish he had gone back to it.

Swa..you ain't alone. I love "In The Back"...

It had potential, man....

Anyone remember this episode?

[Edited 8/12/11 22:29pm]

Ellie said:

Anyone remember this episode?

[Edited 8/12/11 22:29pm]

Don't I ever? Alvin and the Chipmunks used to be MY show (other than TMNT).

Swa said:

Surely I can't be alone in my love for this tack.

Although it's demo form, the track had so much promise. I love the deliberate little technical mishaps that tack place musically - showing how MJ was inspired by NIN and their manipulation of music and technology.

I wish he had gone back to it.

Swa, I adore this cut. Even though it's a demo, it shows that MJ could go into different musical territory and still make heat. I love this cut.

Timmy84 said:

Ellie said:

Anyone remember this episode?

Don't I ever? Alvin and the Chipmunks used to be MY show (other than TMNT).

Speaking Micheal in animation:

Swa said:

Surely I can't be alone in my love for this tack.

Although it's demo form, the track had so much promise. I love the deliberate little technical mishaps that tack place musically - showing how MJ was inspired by NIN and their manipulation of music and technology.

I wish he had gone back to it.

SWA ... Michael had gone back to it , There is a more completed version of this song exist according to brad buxer himself , obviously Mj released the very early demo of the song , brad said that other versions of the song had been recorded , and this song is one of his favorites !

Swa said:

I hadn't seen this before

According to the post MJ allowed the use of music for this episode and the vocals were done by Kipp Lennon who also did the MJ vocals on The Simpsons episode Stark Raving Dad.

That dude sounded nothing like Michael when he sang.

Anybody know where I can get a larger version of the Olodum logo? I'm tryna make a tee that looks similar to the one from TDCAU (yes, I'm aware you can buy it, but I can't afford to at the moment)

I'd like this to be as big as the logo on Michael's shirt here:

If any of you can help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

seeingvoices12 said:

Swa said:

Surely I can't be alone in my love for this tack.

Although it's demo form, the track had so much promise. I love the deliberate little technical mishaps that tack place musically - showing how MJ was inspired by NIN and their manipulation of music and technology.

I wish he had gone back to it.

SWA ... Michael had gone back to it , There is a more completed version of this song exist according to brad buxer himself , obviously Mj released the very early demo of the song , brad said that other versions of the song had been recorded , and this song is one of his favorites !

One can only hope we get to hear a more complete version one day.

Just found some old essays I wrote on an old PC. Thought I would share some.

This one - A discussion on the symbolism of the Dangerous album was written in 1992.

Take what you will from it. Some obvious interpretation on my behalf - during that time I was into anything that I thought had hidden meaning - so take with a grain of salt.

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

Dangerous - a symbolic interpretation

Swa (c) 1992

The following article explores the symbolism contained within the Dangerous

album cover artwork. It looks at the complex mix of visual stimuli as a

reflection of MJ and his music. The artwork was painted by Mark Ryden

with art direction from Nancy Donald and Mark Ryden.

For the purpose of this article the artwork will be discussed in sections. The

top centre (TC) consisting of crown and menagerie; left (L) consisting of the

regal column; right (R) consisting of the female regal column; bottom section

(B).

Top Centre.

When one's eyes first glance the cover they are immediately drawn to the top

centre consisting of MJ's eyes, name, and crown. Paying attention to the crown

we see it being held either side by two winged angels. This angels hold the

crown over the head of a monkey, who is in turn being held by a fairy princess.

This symbolizes the evolution of humankind and represents the close ties and

interconnectedness we as humans have to the animal kingdom. A theme that is

represented several times in the artwork. The inclusion of angels and the fairy

and the pictorial hierarchy represents the link between the divine (God -->

angels) and the magical (fairy). This also shows MJ's belief in a higher power

and the ability to create magic.

To the left and right of this rests two more angels, and two female goddess ,

all holding trumpets in a 'fanfare' like pose. This harks back to a regal era

where an important event was heralded by a fanfare of trumpets and music. Below

this is a lit marquee bearing MJ's name. Of interest is the inclusion of the

star at the end of the name positioned under the "n". This is a link to MJ's

ownership of his work as it represents his autograph, which has an explosive

star at the end of the n. To the left and right of the marque are two clown

faces, one smiling and one frowning. This represents the two extremes of life,

namely happiness and sorrow (a theme represented in several songs within the

album). This is also an Mj-ised interpretation of the classic theatrical drama

masks.

Peering from behind the marque are the eyes of MJ. He stares intently at the

viewer and almost gives the impression of Michael hiding behind an old

fashioned fancy dress mask. Michael's eyes watching over the piece shows his

concern for the world and also his awareness of his own image.

Directly below the eyes is a peacock with its feathers displayed. The peacock

represents MJ's acknowledgement of his past with the Jackson 5 and the

Jacksons. When MJ was first given complete control over his work with

his brothers with the release of the Destiny album, he included the

Peacock as the symbol for the Jacksons and also created Peacock Productions.

Included in the liner notes of the Triumph and Destiny album is the following

quote:

Peacock History

"Through the ages, the peacock has been honoured and praised for its

attractive, illustrious beauty. In all the bird family, the peacock is the

only species that integrates all colours into one, and displays this

radiance of fire only when in love.

We like the peacock, try to integrate all races into one, through the love

and power of music."

Again, Michael strives to unite the world through his music (as is evident in

Heal the World). The peacock is surrounded by a menagerie of animals that trail

off to the sides. Among the animals are elephants, deer, whales, frogs, lions,

rabbits, and buffalo. The elephant to the right of the peacock has the number

nine embedded on its skull. The significance of the nine represents the number of Jackson siblings, and Michael's bond with his family.. At the centre of the menagerie is a n encased jewel with a red star on it. This is a representation of Michael as a star, the use of the regal colour red represents the royalty associated with MJ's King of Pop title.

Moving to the Left we have the King's column. The column begins with a clown

riding an elephant that is balancing on a ball. A symbol used frequently by

circus operators. The clown holds a star over the column. Resting above the

throne are various angels filling the air with music. In fact throughout the

piece, the images of angels playing music instruments is represented.

This shows how MJ is surrounded by music, and its supreme importance in his

life.

Upon the throne sits the King. This creature has a dogs head placed on a human

body. The dog has long flowing hair and assumes a regal pose. Upon the dog's

head rests a crown with the initials MJ engraved on it. Likewise the left foot

of the King (our right) has a sandal on it with the initials MJ on it. This

represents Michael as the King, a notion supported further by the right hand of

the King being clad in a glowing white glove. This glowing white glove was also

represented on the Album cover of the Jackson's Victory album. The glowing

white glove represents magic and the wearer's ability to create magic. The king

is clothed in a red (regal) gown and his left hand holds a staff with a hand on

the end of it. The hand is making the peace gesture, another concern of the

King (MJ). The king’s right hand holds a staff with a bird’s head on it (the

queen) and represents his love for his queen. Sitting either side of the throne

are a fox and duck, portraying the hunter (fox) and the hunted (duck) MJ has

often felt that he has been hounded and hunted by the press. However in this

representation the fox has no hind legs and thus cannot catch its prey. Michael

shows that whilst the press is hunted he is not going to be stopped or harmed

by their attacks. Surrounding the throne are a flying monkey, an Angel, and a

statue. The monkey is a nod to "The Wizard of Oz" a journey in search of magic

and discovery and also to Michael's performance in the Wiz. The angel is from a

painting from Raphael, and the statue represents the goddess of love.

Also shown are angels riding in a circle around the throne inside fish. Whilst a

surreal image, it represents the joy of amusement rides similar to those found at Disneyland,

and the joy they bring.

Looking at the throne as a whole the overriding imagery is one of love. The things Michael

loves and the strength and power that love brings.

Looking at the Queen's throne (R) we are presented with a birdlike queen.

Again her right hand is wearing a white glove, showing her connection to her

king. This is also supported by the dog staff she is holding, also representing

the mutual love she has for her king. This queen is dressed in a Victorian era,

a favourite of Michael's, and holds in her left hand a very precious and delicate ball

shaped jewellery box. From her crown fly a group of fairies in a

circular arc. Rather than having a human lower torso, the queen is shown as

being run by machinery. The dress is being pulled back by two swallows. From

the machinery comes a flowers stem that is attached to a bubble containing a

scene from Bosch's "Garden of Lust". The use of the flower and machinery is a

description of nature as a life force. The Queens throne is surrounded by

images of nature. This mix of machinery and nature represents how man

has damaged Mother Nature and has tried to control her with his machines

and factories, thus the half human half machine blend. To the left of the

throne is a bust of child. He is half white and half black representing the

harmony that could exist in a world that allowed the differences in races to

co-exist.

In the bottom section of the picture, the centre portion depicts an industrial

backdrop filled with pollution. As part of this factory the world appears

turned upside down. Flowing through the world’s factory is a volatile mix of

poison, nuclear waste, pollution, war, violence, disease, and a focus on

space. This represents a critique on the way we as humans treat the world. Over

running it with factories spewing out pollution, and ruining it with the

by-products of our existence we are throwing the world into disarray

and chaos.

Either side of the world's factory, is an entrance and exit. This journey of

life passes through this factory on the left and exits on the right. The

entrance is taken from MJ's favourite ride at Disneyland "The Pirates of the

Caribbean". On this ride animals enter alive, however by passing through the

man spoilt world, they do not survive and exit extinct. The only one to survive

this journey is man, the person responsible for the destruction. Two figures

exit the world safe, they are Macauly Culkin, and MJ. MJ is depicted as a young

Jackson 5 member, but is dressed in a Thriller-era jacket. This represents MJ's

musical journey from J5 to the present. Above the exit is an eye, showing that

someone is watching. Whilst I do not think this is MJ's eye, it does depict the

vision of man looking over the world, but will he recognize what he is doing.

In front of the centre section is Mj's hand. The hand has the number 7 engraved

in it. The number 7 has been quoted as the number of goodness, is believed to

be magical and bring good fortune. On the hand is an image of the world, this

shows Mj's concern for the world and his ability to help. Standing on the hand

is a native child (the first child?) holding the skull of an extinct animal

(possibly a dinosaur). This symbolizes the plight of humanity, who if they do

not take care of the world will also become extinct. To the right of the centre

is P.T. Barnum the entrepreneur responsible for running "the greatest show on

earth". An axiom that MJ has adopted as his on, and strives to work towards

achieving. On Barnum's lapel is a pin with the "1998" symbol. This symbol has

been the signature for MJ for the past few years, and signifies the year MJ

will turn 40. Upon his head rests a dwarf magician. The magician wears a white

glove on his right hand and holds a wand. He is the magician, the creator of

magic with his wand pointed at the king's throne, imparting magic to Mj. Upon

his head he wears a hat with the number 7 on it, again a symbolic

representation of magic.

The four pillars running across the bottom feature four women. Three of them

hold branches, the last does not. The first (L) has a skull positioned over her

left breast. Does this represent a woman with an ill heart? The final woman (R)

wears a sullen face. This could (and I'm stretching) represent the mother of

the three daughters. She is at peace with two of them (Reebie and Janet) but is

saddened by one of them with an ill heart (La Toya). The columns that these

women stand on also represent facets of MJ's career. From left to right they

represent his music (white glove), his Captain Eo film (sun and EO) and the

peace symbol (his wish for harmony) .

In the pop-up collectors edition there are two additions. A dog with only hind

legs and head, and a little girl carrying a beetle. Of interest is the fact

that the girl is wearing one sock. A white one on her right foot.

Other points of interest are the representation of gargoyles on either side of

the thrones. Gargoyles were traditionally used to ward of evil spirits. Thus

MJ and his Queen are looking for peace, and goodness and the eradication off

evil. Either side of the entrance and exit rest MJ statutes dressed in his

"Thriller" Grammy Awards outfit.

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

[Edited 8/14/11 5:32am]

I haven't really been posting here on the Org much so decided to now

I'm re-reading parts from "The Michael Jackson Tapes" and while reading that Michael/Madonna thread, it made me think of all the rumors that were thrown at Michael during his life. and there were a lot. From rumors about his skin, his sexuality, his lifestyle, I wonder if it ever REALLY got to him and why he rarely fought back

bboy87 said:

I haven't really been posting here on the Org much so decided to now

I'm re-reading parts from "The Michael Jackson Tapes" and while reading that Michael/Madonna thread, it made me think of all the rumors that were thrown at Michael during his life. and there were a lot. From rumors about his skin, his sexuality, his lifestyle, I wonder if it ever REALLY got to him and why he rarely fought back

Of course it did. He knew it wasn't true...but c'mon...there are those moments, when you're alone with your thoughts, and you think about all the crap being hurled at you...and you cry about it. I bet he would sit and think to himself, "Why are they doing this to me? I sing for them, I dance for them, I give all I have...and they treat me this way." Poor Michael...

Why did he rarely fought back? Cuz any publicity is good publicity. Michael played around with the whole mysterious and unknown image he had, and he markets it. Even though the shit said about him was completely bananas, it creates it's own mystery. And he did fight back...in his music. And occassionally in interviews. But Michael didn't fight back too hard because let's face it...too many idiots believe tabloid fodder over his own words. What ya gonna do?

People are shit and you can't fix stupid.

ThruTheEyesOfWonder said:

bboy87 said:

I haven't really been posting here on the Org much so decided to now

I'm re-reading parts from "The Michael Jackson Tapes" and while reading that Michael/Madonna thread, it made me think of all the rumors that were thrown at Michael during his life. and there were a lot. From rumors about his skin, his sexuality, his lifestyle, I wonder if it ever REALLY got to him and why he rarely fought back

Of course it did. He knew it wasn't true...but c'mon...there are those moments, when you're alone with your thoughts, and you think about all the crap being hurled at you...and you cry about it. I bet he would sit and think to himself, "Why are they doing this to me? I sing for them, I dance for them, I give all I have...and they treat me this way." Poor Michael...

Why did he rarely fought back? Cuz any publicity is good publicity. Michael played around with the whole mysterious and unknown image he had, and he markets it. Even though the shit said about him was completely bananas, it creates it's own mystery. And he did fight back...in his music. And occassionally in interviews. But Michael didn't fight back too hard because let's face it...too many idiots believe tabloid fodder over his own words. What ya gonna do?

People are shit and you can't fix stupid.

GREAT POST! You are right, Michael DID fight back; however, he knew that the more attention that he gave to these shit rumors, the more the media would play up the rumors. It was basically a no-win situation. People ARE shit and you certainly can't fix a stupid AND ignorant people with no semblance of common-sense and reasoning skills. You shake your head at the sheer magnitude of this dumbed-down mentality.