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Soundcheck / December 05, 2007 / Crowning the King of Pop

Crowning the King of Pop

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" changed the music industry forever. It broke sales records and stayed at No. 1 on the charts for 37 weeks. And, it changed the way pop music related to African-American performers, music videos, and even dancers. Daily News music critic Jim Farber tells us how Jackson's masterpiece remixed pop culture. And, recording engineer Bruce Swedien shares his firsthand experience in the "Thriller" sessions.

Weigh in: What are your memories of Thriller? Are they affected by the Michael Jackson of today?

Jim Farber's article in the NY Daily News
Video: Prison inmates dancing "Thriller"
Video: Original "Thriller" video


Comments

  • [1] chris from brooklyn December 05, 2007 - 01:40PM

    Thriller nearly defines the essence of 1980's music. Michael, of course. Toto as the rhythm section. Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo on Beat It, Paul McCartney guesting. The tempos range from breakdance to slowdance. All it's missing is a cameo from Alf.

    This album is a lover, not a fighter.


  • [2] Isaac Sanchez from Brooklyn December 05, 2007 - 02:12PM

    I celebrate the death of pop. Coming of age during Michael-mania was extremely oppressive, almost reminiscent of the Saturday Night Fever era, because in urban areas all we heard was Michael or about Michael. I envy the kids of today because there is so much diversity available. The mission that you have been involved with over the last few decades on New Sounds as succeeded. I work at a College and am witness to the fact that young adults consume and consider other forms other than what is fed to them through the corporate juggernaut.
  • [3] Sammi Malek from NYC December 05, 2007 - 02:23PM

    I grew up thinking Thriller was the standard for pop music and I thought MJ was a genius. It was heartbreaking for me to see such a talented individual fall into pieces over the years. To me, the handsome and extremely talented artist, Michael, who appeared in the Thriller or Beat It videos is a completely different person than the sad-looking, racially ambiguous man who showed up to court in pajamas. I cannot even reconcile those two images. For me, Michael Jackson, the Artist, still has chocolate smooth skin, amazing moves and shows his whole face! I don't even know who this other person is!
  • [4] Jennifer from Brooklyn, NY December 05, 2007 - 02:26PM

    I grew up as a kid in the 80's and no matter how many times I hear Michael's music from this era I feel instantly happy and want to dance. Although, I do find the image of Michael from today a bit tragic, that would never effect my love of his earlier work. He is incredibly talented and appreciation of his talent should never be marred by his personal troubles.

This thread is closed.


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