The other thread got too long ............ Continuing with a new one.

Previous thread http://prince.org/msg/8/363823

Please use this thread to discuss everything and anything MJ.

Any created threads will automatically get the and be directed to this sticky.

NOTE: DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS, REPORT THEM - Trolling will NOT be tolerated on the org http://prince.org/msg/3/257367

Take note folks --- requests for copies for songs in any variation of asking/hinting etc. Temp bans will be handed out generously, I shit you not.

Absolutely no illegal file sharing (via yousendit or any other site). Please be aware that the moderators here strictly enforce this.

FIRST

Second Bitches!!

Third!

[Edited 8/19/11 20:36pm]

I will gladly settle for fourth! I'm never one of the first people in here!

^^^^ All of you

VintageJunkie posted that now hilarious MTV report on the birth of the internet.

Does anyone else remember the HIStory website when the album launched. It was a site I thought at the time that was ahead of its time - very visually rich for a hypertext world and deep in content.

It was laid out like a museum and you could venture around various parts to see MJ's works.

My favourite part was they had the storyboard illustrations for the HIStory trailer - very interesting stuff.

[Edited 8/19/11 22:20pm]

Swa said:

VintageJunkie posted that now hilarious MTV report on the birth of the internet.

Does anyone else remember the HIStory website when the album launched. It was a site I thought at the time that was ahead of its time - very visually rich for a hypertext world and deep in content.

It was laid out like a museum and you could venture around various parts to see MJ's works.

My favourite part was they had the storyboard illustrations for the HIStory trailer - very interesting stuff.

[Edited 8/19/11 22:20pm]

I actually don't remember the website but I sure do wish I could see it...

Came across this 1995 MTV clip about the introduction of the Internet and MJ happens to be in the first part of it.

NOTE: IGNORE the douche in the beginning that down talks MJ

My amigo Chris Grant dancing to Michael

Pardon the repost - ignore if you read it, if not I would be interested in your views.

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

ust 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

an 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.

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

1. Scream

2. They Don't Care About Us

3. Stranger In Moscow

4. This Time Around

5. Earth Song

6. Morphine

7. Money

8. Is It Scary

9. You Are Not Alone

10. Childhood

11. Tabloid Junkie

12. 2 Bad

13. HIStory

14. Little Susie

15. Smile

I'm going to try this playlist out this weekend. It's been 15 years and I STILL think "Come Together" had no place on HIStory

Swa said:

Pardon the repost - ignore if you read it, if not I would be interested in your views.

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

ust 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

an 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.

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

I remember looking at the cover again a couple of years ago and seeing all the different parts. I wish I had it on vinyl (had the chance back in 2007 but passed on it )

bboy87 said:

1. Scream

2. They Don't Care About Us

3. Stranger In Moscow

4. This Time Around

5. Earth Song

6. Morphine

7. Money

8. Is It Scary

9. You Are Not Alone

10. Childhood

11. Tabloid Junkie

12. 2 Bad

13. HIStory

14. Little Susie

15. Smile

I'm going to try this playlist out this weekend. It's been 15 years and I STILL think "Come Together" had no place on HIStory

Mine's was:

1. Scream
2. They Don't Care About Us
3. Stranger in Moscow
4. This Time Around
5. Earth Song
6. Morphine
7. D.S.
8. Money
9. Is It Scary
10. Childhood
11. Tabloid Junkie
12. 2 Bad
13. Little Susie
14. HIStory
15. Smile

----

Perfect for me! lol

Timmy84 said:

bboy87 said:

1. Scream

2. They Don't Care About Us

3. Stranger In Moscow

4. This Time Around

5. Earth Song

6. Morphine

7. Money

8. Is It Scary

9. You Are Not Alone

10. Childhood

11. Tabloid Junkie

12. 2 Bad

13. HIStory

14. Little Susie

15. Smile

I'm going to try this playlist out this weekend. It's been 15 years and I STILL think "Come Together" had no place on HIStory

Mine's was:

1. Scream
2. They Don't Care About Us
3. Stranger in Moscow
4. This Time Around
5. Earth Song
6. Morphine
7. D.S.
8. Money
9. Is It Scary
10. Childhood
11. Tabloid Junkie
12. 2 Bad
13. Little Susie
14. HIStory
15. Smile

----

Perfect for me! lol

You already know I'm not fond of You Are Not Alone, but since the album isn't exactly filled with ballads, I left it on......for now

Since the version of Much Too Soon that we have is from the HIStory session, it counts as a HIStory outtake and it could replace YANA

1. Scream

2. They Don't Care About Us

3. Stranger In Moscow

4. This Time Around

5. Earth Song

6. Morphine

7. Money

8. Is It Scary

9. Much Too Soon

10. Childhood

11. Tabloid Junkie

12. 2 Bad

13. HIStory

14. Little Susie

15. Smile

hmm....that looks a bit better

bboy87 said:

Timmy84 said:

Mine's was:

1. Scream
2. They Don't Care About Us
3. Stranger in Moscow
4. This Time Around
5. Earth Song
6. Morphine
7. D.S.
8. Money
9. Is It Scary
10. Childhood
11. Tabloid Junkie
12. 2 Bad
13. Little Susie
14. HIStory
15. Smile

----

Perfect for me! lol

You already know I'm not fond of You Are Not Alone, but since the album isn't exactly filled with ballads, I left it on......for now

Since the version of Much Too Soon that we have is from the HIStory session, it counts as a HIStory outtake and it could replace YANA

1. Scream

2. They Don't Care About Us

3. Stranger In Moscow

4. This Time Around

5. Earth Song

6. Morphine

7. Money

8. Is It Scary

9. Much Too Soon

10. Childhood

11. Tabloid Junkie

12. 2 Bad

13. HIStory

14. Little Susie

15. Smile

hmm....that looks a bit better

lol I didn't bother looking for the original Much Too Soon. But yeah that would've been a perfect replacement.

Timmy84 said:

bboy87 said:

You already know I'm not fond of You Are Not Alone, but since the album isn't exactly filled with ballads, I left it on......for now

Since the version of Much Too Soon that we have is from the HIStory session, it counts as a HIStory outtake and it could replace YANA

1. Scream

2. They Don't Care About Us

3. Stranger In Moscow

4. This Time Around

5. Earth Song

6. Morphine

7. Money

8. Is It Scary

9. Much Too Soon

10. Childhood

11. Tabloid Junkie

12. 2 Bad

13. HIStory

14. Little Susie

15. Smile

hmm....that looks a bit better

lol I didn't bother looking for the original Much Too Soon. But yeah that would've been a perfect replacement.

I wish the original 1981 version was out there, just like I wish the 1982 version of Behind The Mask had been released as a b side

bboy87 said:

Timmy84 said:

lol I didn't bother looking for the original Much Too Soon. But yeah that would've been a perfect replacement.

I wish the original 1981 version was out there, just like I wish the 1982 version of Behind The Mask had been released as a b side

The estate's lazy ass need to get on it with putting those songs on another posthumous disc lol

Also in response to Swa's essay, the cover gives another interpretation

On the outside, the life may seem grand, bizarre, and exotic, like an amusement park, but on the inside, it's cold, lonely, and empty. The "tunnel of love or life" ride is taking it's riders/listeners through the inside of Michael's mind and heart, which albums like Dangerous and HIStory did

bboy87 said:

Also in response to Swa's essay, the cover gives another interpretation

On the outside, the life may seem grand, bizarre, and exotic, like an amusement park, but on the inside, it's cold, lonely, and empty. The "tunnel of love or life" ride is taking it's riders/listeners through the inside of Michael's mind and heart, which albums like Dangerous and HIStory did

It definitely got that "tunnel" vibe for real, like it was an empty amusement park too with no lights on. Kind of symbolic to his passing in a way.

Timmy84 said:

bboy87 said:

Also in response to Swa's essay, the cover gives another interpretation

On the outside, the life may seem grand, bizarre, and exotic, like an amusement park, but on the inside, it's cold, lonely, and empty. The "tunnel of love or life" ride is taking it's riders/listeners through the inside of Michael's mind and heart, which albums like Dangerous and HIStory did

It definitely got that "tunnel" vibe for real, like it was an empty amusement park too with no lights on. Kind of symbolic to his passing in a way.

There's so many ways you go with it.

On one hand, you can look at it in reverse, the inside is actually the world and the listener has walked into the world of Michael Jackson...grand, beautiful, immaculate, colorful

or on the other, the inside REALLY is Michael Jackson's real world

It's one of my favorite cover apart from Off The Wall and Blood On The Dancefloor, which is my favorite

bboy87 said:

Timmy84 said:

It definitely got that "tunnel" vibe for real, like it was an empty amusement park too with no lights on. Kind of symbolic to his passing in a way.

There's so many ways you go with it.

On one hand, you can look at it in reverse, the inside is actually the world and the listener has walked into the world of Michael Jackson...grand, beautiful, immaculate, colorful

or on the other, the inside REALLY is Michael Jackson's real world

It's one of my favorite cover apart from Off The Wall and Blood On The Dancefloor, which is my favorite

Yeah I definitely look at the cover from the other point of view of how his world was. I agree, I've grown to love the cover now. I was a little upset with it but after a few corrections, I found how artistic it really is. It's like the portrait of "Marvin's Life" with Marvin. Kadir Nelson did his work with both Marvin and Michael.

[Edited 8/20/11 15:45pm]

bboy87 said:

Also in response to Swa's essay, the cover gives another interpretation

On the outside, the life may seem grand, bizarre, and exotic, like an amusement park, but on the inside, it's cold, lonely, and empty. The "tunnel of love or life" ride is taking it's riders/listeners through the inside of Michael's mind and heart, which albums like Dangerous and HIStory did

Great observation.

I always took it as MJ looking out on the world - but maybe it's about how the world viewed his life and if you strip away all the hoopla you get the real MJ.

The vinyl artwork is great, as is the pop up version.

I've also got this amazing display that used to have in record store shop fronts, it's basically the artwork diecut into these massive display pieces. It's huge and has the left section, middle, top, and right section. You really get to see the detail in it.

It remains my favourite album cover.

Swa said:

bboy87 said:

Also in response to Swa's essay, the cover gives another interpretation

On the outside, the life may seem grand, bizarre, and exotic, like an amusement park, but on the inside, it's cold, lonely, and empty. The "tunnel of love or life" ride is taking it's riders/listeners through the inside of Michael's mind and heart, which albums like Dangerous and HIStory did

Great observation.

I always took it as MJ looking out on the world - but maybe it's about how the world viewed his life and if you strip away all the hoopla you get the real MJ.

The vinyl artwork is great, as is the pop up version.

I've also got this amazing display that used to have in record store shop fronts, it's basically the artwork diecut into these massive display pieces. It's huge and has the left section, middle, top, and right section. You really get to see the detail in it.

It remains my favourite album cover.

I still wish I had bought it in 2008 when I had the chance for $2.99 in GREAT condition, but passed on it.

bboy87 said:

Swa said:

Great observation.

I always took it as MJ looking out on the world - but maybe it's about how the world viewed his life and if you strip away all the hoopla you get the real MJ.

The vinyl artwork is great, as is the pop up version.

I've also got this amazing display that used to have in record store shop fronts, it's basically the artwork diecut into these massive display pieces. It's huge and has the left section, middle, top, and right section. You really get to see the detail in it.

It remains my favourite album cover.

I still wish I had bought it in 2008 when I had the chance for $2.99 in GREAT condition, but passed on it.

I still have one of the pop-up CD litmited editions sealed. Even back there I knew what good investments they would be, lol.

I just uploaded this video the other day. Check it out:

Props to Questlove for tweeting this link

Swa said:

Props to Questlove for tweeting this link

Awesome job considering they had just learned the words.

Swa said:

Props to Questlove for tweeting this link

More raw than the sanitized version they showed in the movie.

Aaaah, a new thread!

Just because I LOVE seeing these two Jacksons together..