Anyone else getting this?

Swa said:

SherryJackson said:

I disagree. I think Michael had the ability to be a great actor. The Wiz was more than just OK to me..but you're missing the performances he's given in his music videos. The short films...Thriller, Bad, Ghosts....I thought he did a great job in those.

I see your point Sherry on the short films.

I would have liked to see where Michael could have gone as an actor playing a real meaty role, but from what I have read of Michael he probably would have stayed safe in musical style roles.

I think there was probably greater scope for him as a movie producer. Sadly we'll never know.

yeah... he spoke a lot over the years about wanting to be behind the scenes, directing and producing, and retiring from performing on stage the way he's done for so many years.

'the wiz' happens to be one of my favourite films; and i thought michael was phenomenal with it. we saw what great things he could do (in terms of the drama/comedy combination) in that film, as well as in moonwalker, ghosts and bad. if his roles were more fleshed out, he would have been great. but due to who he was (and ironically how he looked) he would never be able to diversify his roles, unless he put on a lot of makeup (as with 'ghosts'). i'm not sure if people would come looking for him to be cast as anyone besides a characteristic of 'michael jackson'. even the roles in the 1980s: he was considered for roles like 'peter pan'. he gladly welcomed fantasy, so i don't know if people would have ever seen him as a dramatic actor.

i can't remember if someone posted this here, but i thought this was great, in relation to michael and dramatic film.

Swa said:

Anyone else getting this?

Pre-Order the Limited Edition,
“THE KING OF POP: THE LIFE OF MICHAEL JACKSON”
CANVAS PRINT & BOOK SET today!

“The King of Pop: The Life of Michael Jackson” gicleé print was created by renowned Artist, Kadir Nelson based on the original painting commissioned by the Estate of Michael Jackson. Each limited Edition print is numbered and autographed by Kadir and is sold together with the accompanying book which explains every detail of the mural which commemorates the life and career of Michael Jackson. The limited Edition murals are printed on museum quality paper, using the gicleé technique and individually numbered.

Quantities are extremely limited - only 1000 of the Gold Edition and 350 of the Platinum Edition are being made. Pre-order today to make sure that you will own this beautiful piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia.

um... nope.

Swa said:

Anyone else getting this?

Pre-Order the Limited Edition,
“THE KING OF POP: THE LIFE OF MICHAEL JACKSON”
CANVAS PRINT & BOOK SET today!

“The King of Pop: The Life of Michael Jackson” gicleé print was created by renowned Artist, Kadir Nelson based on the original painting commissioned by the Estate of Michael Jackson. Each limited Edition print is numbered and autographed by Kadir and is sold together with the accompanying book which explains every detail of the mural which commemorates the life and career of Michael Jackson. The limited Edition murals are printed on museum quality paper, using the gicleé technique and individually numbered.

Quantities are extremely limited - only 1000 of the Gold Edition and 350 of the Platinum Edition are being made. Pre-order today to make sure that you will own this beautiful piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia.

I'd love to save up for the REALLY huge one, but I honestly don't know where I'd put it.

That thing would have to be like the main attraction in a home as far as wall space goes.

It is freakin HUGE!

I could understand IF I WAS Michael Jackson having that massive thing on my wall, or having

one of MYSELF done, but that huge ass thing on my wall seems silly for me in my bedroom or even in an apartment, and the price seems KEYRAZY.

Now if I lived at Neverland or had wallspace out the ass free to display it,

I'd snag it for show. I love that cover.

Plus, the other reason I'm not jumping up and down about that is

you can always snag this poster on eBay for $10 or less. Same thing more or less.

[Edited 3/12/11 7:26am]

[Edited 3/12/11 7:28am]

[Edited 3/12/11 7:29am]

COMING SEPTEMBER 2011

M A N I N T H E M U S I C

THE CREATIVE LIFE AND WORK OF MICHAEL JACKSON
One of the most popular and influential entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson revolutionized the way we experience music. His songs, videos, and live performances not only broke records and barriers, they inspired generations of fans and fellow artists from every corner of the world. In this lavishly illustrated book, Joseph Vogel moves past the sensationalism and mythology to reveal the first in-depth picture of the “man in the music.”

Featuring a foreword by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, Man in the Music explores Jackson’s remarkable solo catalog, from 1979’s groundbreaking Off the Wall and 1982’s best-selling Thriller to his underrated later work, including a glimpse into the music he was creating in his final years. Vogel thoroughly delves into all the albums, giving a sense of the times and places in which they were created; vivid “making-of” details as if you were in the studio with him; a summary of how the works were critically and commercially received; and the author’s assessment of their meanings, impact, and legacy today.

Here, for the first time, are detailed explorations of each unforgettable song, like the mysterious masterpiece “Billie Jean”; the ecstatic floor burner, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”; the haunting ballad, “Stranger in Moscow”; and the transcendent anthem, “Man in the Mirror.”

Meticulously researched and documented, Vogel draws on hundreds of sources, such as news archives, Jackson’s own words, and personal interviews with numerous people who worked intimately with him (some of whom are speaking publicly about their experiences for the first time).

For a greater appreciation and understanding of one of the most creative artists of the past century, look no further than Man in the Music.

Sterling

New York / London

Sterling Publishing

"The most thorough and accurate portrayal of Michael's musical life I've ever seen."

-Brad Buxer, Songwriter/Musician, Music Director for Dangerous and HIStory World Tours

“Illuminates the creative life of the greatest performer of our time…Joe shows us a time in history, the happenings of the world, and the creative energy of Michael Jackson and the team of people around him who helped create the iconic songs that propelled him to superstardom. Joe’s thorough examination includes interviews and excerpts from those most familiar with his work, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of how the magic was created…Michael’s perseverance and motivation were matched only by his desire for perfection. Joe shows that as the consummate professional, Michael’s pursuit of songwriting, dancing, producing, and directing, were all means for him to spread his ideas and visions of what the world could be… [Man in the Music] offers the most complete (and, I might add, the most accurate) look into Michael’s creative nature.”

-Matt Forger, Technical Engineer for Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory

"This is the kind of book about Michael Jackson's music, artistry and creativity that really needed to be written - and Joseph Vogel has done it and done it very well. I am absolutely floored by Joe's in-depth research and perceptive insight into what made Michael the one-of-a-kind, record-breaking King of Pop. And - amazingly enough - even I learned a lot!"

-J. Randy Taraborrelli, Author of Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness

"A tribute Michael Jackson's spellbinding work more than lives up to, and more than deserves."

—Anthony DeCurtis, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone

A MUST HAVE BOOK, FINALLY A BOOK PORTRAYING TRULY THE MAN'S MUSIC!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Man...mp;sr=1-26

Marsha originally written this for Michael to record but they never got to finish it so she did the song in his honor.

YOU CAN Read the Excerpt of the Book here:

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 1 :

http://www.huffingtonpost...21278.html

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 2 (Morphine) :
A thorough song analysis of morphine
http://www.huffingtonpost...21797.html

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 3 (Three Hidden Gems) :
I cant help it; Human nature; Liberian Girl, all underrated!

http://www.huffingtonpost...22860.html

Michael Jackson, Man in the Music, Part 4 (Tabloid Junkie) :
Detailed analysis of the song T.J.
http://www.huffingtonpost...24603.html

[img:$uid]http://img852.i.../img:$uid]

HAPPYPERSON said:

YOU CAN Read the Excerpt of the Book here:

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 1 :

http://www.huffingtonpost...21278.html

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 2 (Morphine) :
A thorough song analysis of morphine
http://www.huffingtonpost...21797.html

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 3 (Three Hidden Gems) :
I cant help it; Human nature; Liberian Girl, all underrated!

http://www.huffingtonpost...22860.html

Michael Jackson, Man in the Music, Part 4 (Tabloid Junkie) :
Detailed analysis of the song T.J.
http://www.huffingtonpost...24603.html

Thanks.

Ok, I'm hoping that I can get some answers from you guys regarding 'We Are The World':

Unholyalliance said:

Ok, I'm hoping that I can get some answers from you guys regarding 'We Are The World':

1. Did Quincy Jones approach Michael about writing the song? I thought I had read up on it, but I can not remember where. I do remember Michael saying something to the fact that he didn't want to work on it and then Quincy told that it was to help the children and he agreed to do it. Or was that from Quincy instead? I can't remember.

2. Ok, so Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson both wrote the song, but does anyone who did exactly what? On the wiki it says that Lionel wrote like one line and Michael did the rest of it. Is this true? Did Lionel ever refute or address this claim (would he even have cared to)?

3. I heard that Prince kept calling Quincy during the recording until, finally, the final time Prince called Quincy told him that the recording was over and he had missed it. Any validity to this or was it that Prince just didn't work with other popular artists? I never thought that the latter was true since Prince works with other artists quite often.

4. I heard one of the artists at the WATW recording called Prince an asshole for not attending since he was under the impression that Prince thought he was too good to attend.

I have been asking around, but I can't remember where I even remember everything I have read.

Interesting questions especially the VERY FIRST one.

Unholyalliance said:

Ok, I'm hoping that I can get some answers from you guys regarding 'We Are The World':

1. Did Quincy Jones approach Michael about writing the song? I thought I had read up on it, but I can not remember where. I do remember Michael saying something to the fact that he didn't want to work on it and then Quincy told that it was to help the children and he agreed to do it. Or was that from Quincy instead? I can't remember.

2. Ok, so Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson both wrote the song, but does anyone who did exactly what? On the wiki it says that Lionel wrote like one line and Michael did the rest of it. Is this true? Did Lionel ever refute or address this claim (would he even have cared to)?

3. I heard that Prince kept calling Quincy during the recording until, finally, the final time Prince called Quincy told him that the recording was over and he had missed it. Any validity to this or was it that Prince just didn't work with other popular artists? I never thought that the latter was true since Prince works with other artists quite often.

4. I heard one of the artists at the WATW recording called Prince an asshole for not attending since he was under the impression that Prince thought he was too good to attend.

I have been asking around, but I can't remember where I even remember everything I have read.

apparently jones did approach michael. it's interesting, because there's a lot of projects michael did not really want to work on, until he was told it was 'for the children'. if there's one thing about michael, it's that he's consistent in that case. a great quality to have.

i have heard the thing about ritchie writing one line in several sources as well. whatever people think of her, la toya also stated this in her book, where lionel was there and contributed a bit (including music on the piano), and michael essentially formulated the song. i have an image of the handwritten lyrics to 'we are the world' on my lap right now... and i think, in a funny way, that ritchie helped michael kind of round out the rough edges. michael initially repeats 'love is all you/we need' before the choruses in its original incarnation. there are also some words missing in the written lyrics. it's possible (i can't say it's TOTALLY true) that ritchie may have helped with, say, 'we must all lend a helping hand' or something like that... the song as we know it of course is different than the demo versions which were released some years later.

it's very clear that michael did a bulk of the work on the song though. i love how, in the writings, certain words are emphasized, like 'MUST STAND/STAND', 'DAY', GOD'... it's really hard to read his writing sometimes.

i can't answer too much to the prince stuff, but prince was indeed in line to do the track (word was, he wanted to do a guitar solo?)... there were rumors to him not wanting to be in the room with all the people, but i tend to be on the side of the argument that the record label contributed to the conflicts. as with michael and the 'E.T.' issue, etc. many artists aren't suposed to do work outside of what they are contracted to do, on certain levels.

when it came time to do the song, prince was not there... but did contribute '4 the tears in your eyes' to the album. again, i cannot answer to the prince question, but i am sure there are others who know about the situation more than i do here on this forum.

angel345 said:

Do you know how many people in his lifetime popped a lot of crap about MJ, or even had subjective views because of what the media fed them, but later on changed their views after they got to know him, and yes I do agree that Farrakhan is no angel.

Michael has been dead for 2+ years thus far, and there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Peter King) thinking that Michael is guilty for raping/molesting little boys, never mind the fact that there were NEVER any solid evidences to prove it. Also, there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Bill O'Reilly) thinking that Michael was trying to be a white man OR white woman, despite the fact that there are plenty of evidences to prove that Michael definitely had vitiligo.

I hate to stereotype, but those kinds of people simply did NOT want to believe OR understand Michael, no matter how much he OR his fanbase tried so hard to prove his innocences on anything.

Unholyalliance said:

Ok, I'm hoping that I can get some answers from you guys regarding 'We Are The World':

1. Did Quincy Jones approach Michael about writing the song? I thought I had read up on it, but I can not remember where. I do remember Michael saying something to the fact that he didn't want to work on it and then Quincy told that it was to help the children and he agreed to do it. Or was that from Quincy instead? I can't remember.

2. Ok, so Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson both wrote the song, but does anyone who did exactly what? On the wiki it says that Lionel wrote like one line and Michael did the rest of it. Is this true? Did Lionel ever refute or address this claim (would he even have cared to)?

3. I heard that Prince kept calling Quincy during the recording until, finally, the final time Prince called Quincy told him that the recording was over and he had missed it. Any validity to this or was it that Prince just didn't work with other popular artists? I never thought that the latter was true since Prince works with other artists quite often.

4. I heard one of the artists at the WATW recording called Prince an asshole for not attending since he was under the impression that Prince thought he was too good to attend.

I have been asking around, but I can't remember where I even remember everything I have read.

1. According to Michael, Quincy did approach him about recording the record but Michael said he was tired because he [MJ] just finished Thriller and didn't want to record. Quincy did say it was for the children, which made MJ accept the offer.

2. Again, according to MJ, Lionel wrote 1 or 2 lines and said that's all he came up with. MJ finished the rest. In the 1985 studio demo, you can hear MJ pretty much coming up with the lyrics with very little help from Lionel.

3. To my knowledge, Prince didn't attend the recording but he DID send over a guitar solo for the record, but the piece was rejected.

4. Don't know about that one

TonyVanDam said:

angel345 said:

Do you know how many people in his lifetime popped a lot of crap about MJ, or even had subjective views because of what the media fed them, but later on changed their views after they got to know him, and yes I do agree that Farrakhan is no angel.

Michael has been dead for 2+ years thus far, and there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Peter King) thinking that Michael is guilty for raping/molesting little boys, never mind the fact that there were NEVER any solid evidences to prove it. Also, there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Bill O'Reilly) thinking that Michael was trying to be a white man OR white woman, despite the fact that there are plenty of evidences to prove that Michael definitely had vitiligo.

I hate to stereotype, but those kinds of people simply did NOT want to believe OR understand Michael, no matter how much he OR his fanbase tried so hard to prove his innocences on anything.

Ya can't fix stupid, Tony. Besides...of course they'll say stuff like that. Rantings of the jealous and envious...

HAPPYPERSON said:

YOU CAN Read the Excerpt of the Book here:

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 1 :

http://www.huffingtonpost...21278.html

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 2 (Morphine) :
A thorough song analysis of morphine
http://www.huffingtonpost...21797.html

Michael Jackson: Man in the Music, Part 3 (Three Hidden Gems) :
I cant help it; Human nature; Liberian Girl, all underrated!

http://www.huffingtonpost...22860.html

Michael Jackson, Man in the Music, Part 4 (Tabloid Junkie) :
Detailed analysis of the song T.J.
http://www.huffingtonpost...24603.html

i actually remember reading some of this stuff when it was published... either someone sent me a link, or told me about vogel's writings on michael; i can't remember. i don't necessarily like vogels' writings all the time, but there were specific things which stood out here- because he's one of the few who actually recognize michael as a socio-political commentator (AND TEACHER), through his art. these few pieces describe the artistic brilliance of michael as a poet, arranger, and interpreter. and why i consider him to be the GREATEST ARTIST OF ALL TIME, next to STEVIE WONDER. to me, STEVIE is the greatest ever, and then there is michael.

=============

these are the pieces which stood out for me:

"People often struggle with allowing artists to grow and evolve... For Michael Jackson, the conventional wisdom meant every album post-Thriller that didn't sound or sell like Thriller was considered a failure; this, in spite of the fact that some of his most significant and challenging work came later. Call it the curse of expectational stasis."

"These verses are perhaps some of the most poignant (and tragic) Jackson has ever sung. Beyond the literalness of the drug itself is Jackson's persistent yearning to escape from pain, loneliness, confusion, and relentless pressure. In this brief interlude he beautifully conveys the soothing, seductive, but temporary release from reality. There is a sense of pleading, of desperation, before the high abruptly ends, and the listener is slammed back into the harsh world of accusations and anguish."

"The understated, but sensual lyrics float on the melody, rendering the weightless feel of being in love. Finally, towards the end of the song the lyrical descriptions dissolve into wordless exultations, perhaps signifying the joy of intimacy that simply can't be expressed in language."

"For Jackson, this imagined Africa seems to represent a purer, simpler, richer world. It is as if he is returning to the birthplace of music's origins to explore what it can teach us, to recover some essence that has been lost. In this way, "Liberian Girl" seems to be as much a love song to Africa and what it signifies as it is to any one woman."

"If Dangerous is Michael Jackson's most creative album, HIStory is his most personal. From the impassioned rage of "Scream" to the painful sincerity of "Childhood," HIStory is, in Jackson's words, "a musical book." It encompasses all that he had felt and held in over the difficult past few years: it was his diary, his canvas, his rebuttal. Rolling Stone described it as an "exhilarating... often heartbreaking package." In retrospect, it is also one of Jackson's most underrated albums..."

"Critics have typically reviewed such songs as examples of Jackson's persecution complex and self-absorption, but such a dismissal misses a more important fact: unlike most pop music content to dwell in shallow sentimentality and recycled clichés, Jackson, in this rather ambitious track, is singing truth to power on an issue with relevance far beyond his personal life."

"Many people don't realize that Jackson, in this track and others, specifically uses the vehicle of hip-hop to deliver a political message... Jackson, in essence is providing counter-programming to the "news"; between verses the newscaster continues to recite stories that Jackson pleads with his audience not to believe. "It's slander," he proclaims later in the song. "You say it's not a sword/But with your pen you torture men/You'd crucify the Lord." These are some powerful lyrics from an artist one reviewer claimed had "a woefully narrow awareness of life.""

Unholyalliance said:

Ok, I'm hoping that I can get some answers from you guys regarding 'We Are The World':

1. Did Quincy Jones approach Michael about writing the song? I thought I had read up on it, but I can not remember where. I do remember Michael saying something to the fact that he didn't want to work on it and then Quincy told that it was to help the children and he agreed to do it. Or was that from Quincy instead? I can't remember.

2. Ok, so Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson both wrote the song, but does anyone who did exactly what? On the wiki it says that Lionel wrote like one line and Michael did the rest of it. Is this true? Did Lionel ever refute or address this claim (would he even have cared to)?

3. I heard that Prince kept calling Quincy during the recording until, finally, the final time Prince called Quincy told him that the recording was over and he had missed it. Any validity to this or was it that Prince just didn't work with other popular artists? I never thought that the latter was true since Prince works with other artists quite often.

4. I heard one of the artists at the WATW recording called Prince an asshole for not attending since he was under the impression that Prince thought he was too good to attend.

I have been asking around, but I can't remember where I even remember everything I have read.

The story goes that Harry Belefonte was the first to push to do something (following the UK Band Aid recording of Do They Know It's Christmas). Through channels Quincy was asked to pull people together.

Quincy spoke to MJ and Lionel about writing something, and they talked over some ideas. By the next day Michael had the demo recorded with rough first draft lyrics (the demo on Ultimate Collection). Lionel then helped with crafting some of the lyrics, and Michael made some revisions.

The night of the recording was following the American Music Awards. Prince was meant to record a part after Michael in the line up (Quincy thought it would be a buzz to have the two of them trading off lines).

The recording took place and Prince was a no-show. At the last minute they gave the line Prince would have sung "if you just believe there's no way we can fall" to Huey Lewis.

Prince's absence was duly noted by other stars and got some bad press (he later retaliated with "hello").

Prince ended up recording For The Tears In Your Eyes as a track for the eventual USA for Africa album.

Prince's absence has been put down to him not liking the song, feeling intimidated by recording with all the stars and with someone else at the helm, feeling threatened by Michael's strong involvement, and wanting to go out partying instead. Who knows the truth about any of that aside from P himself.

Prince reckoned he would 'probably clam up with so many great people in the room', and reckoned he was 'stronger when surrounded by friends'....fair enough, but the event wasn't about him, his particular strengths or weakness or his ego...it was about something outside himself.

Besides, if he needed strength, Sheila E was at the event...she could have held his hand.

If he's sucking a lollipop & refusing to sing the song again on that award show with Quincy J (1993 or something) when all the other artists onstage have no problem singing it...well, what conclusions are we supposed to draw?...again Sheila E was onstage at that event too!

HAPPYPERSON said:

COMING SEPTEMBER 2011

M A N I N T H E M U S I C

THE CREATIVE LIFE AND WORK OF MICHAEL JACKSON
One of the most popular and influential entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson revolutionized the way we experience music. His songs, videos, and live performances not only broke records and barriers, they inspired generations of fans and fellow artists from every corner of the world. In this lavishly illustrated book, Joseph Vogel moves past the sensationalism and mythology to reveal the first in-depth picture of the “man in the music.”

Featuring a foreword by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, Man in the Music explores Jackson’s remarkable solo catalog, from 1979’s groundbreaking Off the Wall and 1982’s best-selling Thriller to his underrated later work, including a glimpse into the music he was creating in his final years. Vogel thoroughly delves into all the albums, giving a sense of the times and places in which they were created; vivid “making-of” details as if you were in the studio with him; a summary of how the works were critically and commercially received; and the author’s assessment of their meanings, impact, and legacy today.

Here, for the first time, are detailed explorations of each unforgettable song, like the mysterious masterpiece “Billie Jean”; the ecstatic floor burner, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”; the haunting ballad, “Stranger in Moscow”; and the transcendent anthem, “Man in the Mirror.”

Meticulously researched and documented, Vogel draws on hundreds of sources, such as news archives, Jackson’s own words, and personal interviews with numerous people who worked intimately with him (some of whom are speaking publicly about their experiences for the first time).

For a greater appreciation and understanding of one of the most creative artists of the past century, look no further than Man in the Music.

Sterling

New York / London

Sterling Publishing

"The most thorough and accurate portrayal of Michael's musical life I've ever seen."

-Brad Buxer, Songwriter/Musician, Music Director for Dangerous and HIStory World Tours

“Illuminates the creative life of the greatest performer of our time…Joe shows us a time in history, the happenings of the world, and the creative energy of Michael Jackson and the team of people around him who helped create the iconic songs that propelled him to superstardom. Joe’s thorough examination includes interviews and excerpts from those most familiar with his work, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of how the magic was created…Michael’s perseverance and motivation were matched only by his desire for perfection. Joe shows that as the consummate professional, Michael’s pursuit of songwriting, dancing, producing, and directing, were all means for him to spread his ideas and visions of what the world could be… [Man in the Music] offers the most complete (and, I might add, the most accurate) look into Michael’s creative nature.”

-Matt Forger, Technical Engineer for Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory

"This is the kind of book about Michael Jackson's music, artistry and creativity that really needed to be written - and Joseph Vogel has done it and done it very well. I am absolutely floored by Joe's in-depth research and perceptive insight into what made Michael the one-of-a-kind, record-breaking King of Pop. And - amazingly enough - even I learned a lot!"

-J. Randy Taraborrelli, Author of Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness

"A tribute Michael Jackson's spellbinding work more than lives up to, and more than deserves."

—Anthony DeCurtis, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone

A MUST HAVE BOOK, FINALLY A BOOK PORTRAYING TRULY THE MAN'S MUSIC!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Man...mp;sr=1-26

Thank you for posting this, I've been looking forward to this book for months now.

I've long thought that the majority of music critics have woefully overlooked and underrated Jackson's later work.

In fact, many supposed album reviews were little more than smears and attacks on the man with minimal focus on the music itself.

Hopefully this book will go some distance to correcting such mean and miserable behaviour.

scatwoman said:

HAPPYPERSON said:

COMING SEPTEMBER 2011

M A N I N T H E M U S I C

THE CREATIVE LIFE AND WORK OF MICHAEL JACKSON
One of the most popular and influential entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson revolutionized the way we experience music. His songs, videos, and live performances not only broke records and barriers, they inspired generations of fans and fellow artists from every corner of the world. In this lavishly illustrated book, Joseph Vogel moves past the sensationalism and mythology to reveal the first in-depth picture of the “man in the music.”

Featuring a foreword by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, Man in the Music explores Jackson’s remarkable solo catalog, from 1979’s groundbreaking Off the Wall and 1982’s best-selling Thriller to his underrated later work, including a glimpse into the music he was creating in his final years. Vogel thoroughly delves into all the albums, giving a sense of the times and places in which they were created; vivid “making-of” details as if you were in the studio with him; a summary of how the works were critically and commercially received; and the author’s assessment of their meanings, impact, and legacy today.

Here, for the first time, are detailed explorations of each unforgettable song, like the mysterious masterpiece “Billie Jean”; the ecstatic floor burner, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”; the haunting ballad, “Stranger in Moscow”; and the transcendent anthem, “Man in the Mirror.”

Meticulously researched and documented, Vogel draws on hundreds of sources, such as news archives, Jackson’s own words, and personal interviews with numerous people who worked intimately with him (some of whom are speaking publicly about their experiences for the first time).

For a greater appreciation and understanding of one of the most creative artists of the past century, look no further than Man in the Music.

Sterling

New York / London

Sterling Publishing

"The most thorough and accurate portrayal of Michael's musical life I've ever seen."

-Brad Buxer, Songwriter/Musician, Music Director for Dangerous and HIStory World Tours

“Illuminates the creative life of the greatest performer of our time…Joe shows us a time in history, the happenings of the world, and the creative energy of Michael Jackson and the team of people around him who helped create the iconic songs that propelled him to superstardom. Joe’s thorough examination includes interviews and excerpts from those most familiar with his work, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of how the magic was created…Michael’s perseverance and motivation were matched only by his desire for perfection. Joe shows that as the consummate professional, Michael’s pursuit of songwriting, dancing, producing, and directing, were all means for him to spread his ideas and visions of what the world could be… [Man in the Music] offers the most complete (and, I might add, the most accurate) look into Michael’s creative nature.”

-Matt Forger, Technical Engineer for Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory

"This is the kind of book about Michael Jackson's music, artistry and creativity that really needed to be written - and Joseph Vogel has done it and done it very well. I am absolutely floored by Joe's in-depth research and perceptive insight into what made Michael the one-of-a-kind, record-breaking King of Pop. And - amazingly enough - even I learned a lot!"

-J. Randy Taraborrelli, Author of Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness

"A tribute Michael Jackson's spellbinding work more than lives up to, and more than deserves."

—Anthony DeCurtis, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone

A MUST HAVE BOOK, FINALLY A BOOK PORTRAYING TRULY THE MAN'S MUSIC!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Man...mp;sr=1-26

Thank you for posting this, I've been looking forward to this book for months now.

I've long thought that the majority of music critics have woefully overlooked and underrated Jackson's later work.

In fact, many supposed album reviews were little more than smears and attacks on the man with minimal focus on the music itself.

Hopefully this book will go some distance to correcting such mean and miserable behaviour.

...scatwoman...lol.

Since you're aware that the word 'scat' has a double meaning, are you quite happy calling yourself that, given the connotation?...kinda perverse.

For those who don't know, scat singing is vocalizing either wordlessly or with nonsense words and syllables as employed mainly by jazz singers...until the word was unfortunately hi-jacked in a perverse way (perverse to me, anyway) by those who seemingly enjoy engaging in primal 'animal-like' behaviours...

This forthcoming book on MJ will hopefully be a 'godsend' as opposed to Randy Tarraborelli's crap.

funkyandy said:

scatwoman said:

Thank you for posting this, I've been looking forward to this book for months now.

I've long thought that the majority of music critics have woefully overlooked and underrated Jackson's later work.

In fact, many supposed album reviews were little more than smears and attacks on the man with minimal focus on the music itself.

Hopefully this book will go some distance to correcting such mean and miserable behaviour.

...scatwoman...lol.

Since you're aware that the word 'scat' has a double meaning, are you quite happy calling yourself that, given the connotation?...kinda perverse.

For those who don't know, scat singing is vocalizing either wordlessly or with nonsense words and syllables as employed mainly by jazz singers...until the word was unfortunately hi-jacked in a perverse way (perverse to me, anyway) by those who seemingly enjoy engaging in primal 'animal-like' behaviours...

This forthcoming book on MJ will hopefully be a 'godsend' as opposed to Randy Tarraborelli's crap.

You can make what you will of my username but I simply added an S to Catwoman.

But see my sig also!

Thanks so much to everyone who answered my question. I really, really appreciate it. ^^ It's so frustrating having read so much and not saving my sources like an idiot. I am working on something and I would have hated to have been so factually incorrect. Now I just need to find out which artist was documented in calling P an 'asshole' and I'm good to go. Also, about P not participating, I don't really know why and I doubt we ever will, but that's all right. He didn't have to and I don't think not participating makes him any less of a good person. Everyone expresses themselves differently. Which is why I highly respect both him and MJ for always being themselves no matter what.

MJJstudent said:

"Critics have typically reviewed such songs as examples of Jackson's persecution complex and self-absorption, but such a dismissal misses a more important fact: unlike most pop music content to dwell in shallow sentimentality and recycled clichés, Jackson, in this rather ambitious track, is singing truth to power on an issue with relevance far beyond his personal life."

"Many people don't realize that Jackson, in this track and others, specifically uses the vehicle of hip-hop to deliver a political message... Jackson, in essence is providing counter-programming to the "news"; between verses the newscaster continues to recite stories that Jackson pleads with his audience not to believe. "It's slander," he proclaims later in the song. "You say it's not a sword/But with your pen you torture men/You'd crucify the Lord." These are some powerful lyrics from an artist one reviewer claimed had "a woefully narrow awareness of life.""

This I agree with. I really dislike the fact that critics and reviewers, constantly, say that when I just don't think it's true. When I listen to his work, even back at the time when it was being released, I heard someone who was expressing their sadness, anger, and pain. I think that, as I got older though, I realized that a lot of that was in his earlier works as well. (Especially since I had never, truly, heard his earlier work and his stuff with the Jacksons.) I just really hate this 'rock critic' mentality that 'pop songs' are good for being nothing, but shallow dance music and then when it doesn't fulfill that criteria it's some sort of failure. It's stupid, because it's a very limiting box that you place art in and many of times this shit isn't even from artists (the critiques). Especially since Dangerous was looked at very positively until 1993 hit and now it's labeled as 'underwhelming.' What does the allegations of 1993 have to do with Dangerous?! NOTHING.

They're from pretentious douchebags. This is why sites, such as Pitchfork make me rage so hard. Their reviews are, at least, the length of a college thesis and then they spend, literally, one fucking paragraph talking about the actual music. At least The Rolling Stone magazine has slightly improved from their super racist ways back from when they first started. There's nothing more infuriating than people who are, supposedly, reviewing music and then want to rant about the artist. Like seriously, STFU. No one cares about your stupid social commentary. Talk about the MUSIC ONLY. This is why music journalists like Greg Tate annoy the shit out of me. Like, seriously, FUCK YOU. Pretentious douchebags are the worst.

I suspect that as time goes on and people no longer have the gossip, they can, finally, just see the music for what it was. Yes he had a lot of songs about being persecuted by the media, but this is something that was important to him & he felt necessary to get out there. Just like any other artist out there who writes a lot of love songs or even R.Kelly who has some interesting song about sex or whatever. I mean...that's who he is, as an artist. They are not machines. They are human beings who are just utilizing their art to express themselves...as well as to sell.

[Edited 3/13/11 9:09am]

[Edited 3/13/11 9:11am]

bboy87 said:

walks in after a break from the org

looks around

walks out

I only started posting last week, fed up with the trash and stupid arguments on MJ boards. Guess I picked a bad week to start posting on here lol.

Timmy84 said:

Marsha originally written this for Michael to record but they never got to finish it so she did the song in his honor.

That song is blissfull. I listen mainly to older music, but this ticks every box. Are there any boards or websites dedicated to good RnB, Soul??? This would never get near a radio station in the UK which sucks.

GettOffMyLand said:

Timmy84 said:

Marsha originally written this for Michael to record but they never got to finish it so she did the song in his honor.

That song is blissfull. I listen mainly to older music, but this ticks every box. Are there any boards or websites dedicated to good RnB, Soul??? This would never get near a radio station in the UK which sucks.

I don't know lol some boards focus on shitty music/programs.

TonyVanDam said:

angel345 said:

Do you know how many people in his lifetime popped a lot of crap about MJ, or even had subjective views because of what the media fed them, but later on changed their views after they got to know him, and yes I do agree that Farrakhan is no angel.

Michael has been dead for 2+ years thus far, and there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Peter King) thinking that Michael is guilty for raping/molesting little boys, never mind the fact that there were NEVER any solid evidences to prove it. Also, there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Bill O'Reilly) thinking that Michael was trying to be a white man OR white woman, despite the fact that there are plenty of evidences to prove that Michael definitely had vitiligo.

I hate to stereotype, but those kinds of people simply did NOT want to believe OR understand Michael, no matter how much he OR his fanbase tried so hard to prove his innocences on anything.

Oh absolutely. The bad outweighs the good, unfortunately.

angel345 said:

TonyVanDam said:

Michael has been dead for 2+ years thus far, and there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Peter King) thinking that Michael is guilty for raping/molesting little boys, never mind the fact that there were NEVER any solid evidences to prove it. Also, there are still some people (EXAMPLE: Bill O'Reilly) thinking that Michael was trying to be a white man OR white woman, despite the fact that there are plenty of evidences to prove that Michael definitely had vitiligo.

I hate to stereotype, but those kinds of people simply did NOT want to believe OR understand Michael, no matter how much he OR his fanbase tried so hard to prove his innocences on anything.

Oh absolutely. The bad outweighs the good, unfortunately.

The bad get's the headline and the soundbyte - the facts get sacrificed in the process.

Swa said:

angel345 said:

Oh absolutely. The bad outweighs the good, unfortunately.

The bad get's the headline and the soundbyte - the facts get sacrificed in the process.

That's why I hardly turn on the news nowadays. Nothing but bad headlines day after day. Fuck that.

HAPPYPERSON said:

COMING SEPTEMBER 2011

M A N I N T H E M U S I C

THE CREATIVE LIFE AND WORK OF MICHAEL JACKSON
One of the most popular and influential entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson revolutionized the way we experience music. His songs, videos, and live performances not only broke records and barriers, they inspired generations of fans and fellow artists from every corner of the world. In this lavishly illustrated book, Joseph Vogel moves past the sensationalism and mythology to reveal the first in-depth picture of the “man in the music.”

Featuring a foreword by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, Man in the Music explores Jackson’s remarkable solo catalog, from 1979’s groundbreaking Off the Wall and 1982’s best-selling Thriller to his underrated later work, including a glimpse into the music he was creating in his final years. Vogel thoroughly delves into all the albums, giving a sense of the times and places in which they were created; vivid “making-of” details as if you were in the studio with him; a summary of how the works were critically and commercially received; and the author’s assessment of their meanings, impact, and legacy today.

Here, for the first time, are detailed explorations of each unforgettable song, like the mysterious masterpiece “Billie Jean”; the ecstatic floor burner, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”; the haunting ballad, “Stranger in Moscow”; and the transcendent anthem, “Man in the Mirror.”

Meticulously researched and documented, Vogel draws on hundreds of sources, such as news archives, Jackson’s own words, and personal interviews with numerous people who worked intimately with him (some of whom are speaking publicly about their experiences for the first time).

For a greater appreciation and understanding of one of the most creative artists of the past century, look no further than Man in the Music.

Sterling

New York / London

Sterling Publishing

"The most thorough and accurate portrayal of Michael's musical life I've ever seen."

-Brad Buxer, Songwriter/Musician, Music Director for Dangerous and HIStory World Tours

“Illuminates the creative life of the greatest performer of our time…Joe shows us a time in history, the happenings of the world, and the creative energy of Michael Jackson and the team of people around him who helped create the iconic songs that propelled him to superstardom. Joe’s thorough examination includes interviews and excerpts from those most familiar with his work, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of how the magic was created…Michael’s perseverance and motivation were matched only by his desire for perfection. Joe shows that as the consummate professional, Michael’s pursuit of songwriting, dancing, producing, and directing, were all means for him to spread his ideas and visions of what the world could be… [Man in the Music] offers the most complete (and, I might add, the most accurate) look into Michael’s creative nature.”

-Matt Forger, Technical Engineer for Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory

"This is the kind of book about Michael Jackson's music, artistry and creativity that really needed to be written - and Joseph Vogel has done it and done it very well. I am absolutely floored by Joe's in-depth research and perceptive insight into what made Michael the one-of-a-kind, record-breaking King of Pop. And - amazingly enough - even I learned a lot!"

-J. Randy Taraborrelli, Author of Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness

"A tribute Michael Jackson's spellbinding work more than lives up to, and more than deserves."

—Anthony DeCurtis, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone

A MUST HAVE BOOK, FINALLY A BOOK PORTRAYING TRULY THE MAN'S MUSIC!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Man...mp;sr=1-26

My friend was considering using the same picture for his book