On 04 Jun 2005, Cardinal Chunder <cc@foo.no.spam.xyzabcfghllaa.com>
posted some news:d7s13m055f@news2.newsguy.com:

Well Bad was quite good and some of Dangerous was okay but beyond
that... The guy is finished whether he's found guilty or not.

Jackson isn't capable of doing anything by himself. He's always been
propped up by other notables.

The verdict on Jackson's pop career: thrilling
His acts are on trial, but he has acquitted himself well musically

By Ricardo Baca
Denver Post Pop Music Critic

OFF THE WALL, 1979 - Though it doesn t contain as many No. 1 hits as
1987 s Bad, what elevates this album is Jackson s innocence and
uninflated ego.

Michael Jackson, a.k.a. Wacko Jacko, is facing 10 felony counts in a
California courtroom that could put him behind bars for more than 18
years.

Strange, but it's the same Michael Jackson, a.k.a. the King of Pop, who
has given us some of the finest, most influential music since the debut
of recorded sound.

While the jury is still out in Santa Maria - the molestation case
should be passed on to them Friday - Jackson's place in music history
has been cemented for decades.

It is a storied career, one that began with the Jackson 5's debut
single "I Want You Back" in 1969 when Michael was just 11. His ability
to channel James Brown's dance moves and eventually redefine the sound
of pop (with a hand from Quincy Jones) made him simply the biggest pop
star in the world.

Whatever you may think of Jackson's current musical relevance, you need
only look across Jackson's discography to see the potency of his
contribution. Almost every record was a household name at one point.
Some transcended pop culture and defined an entire era of radio and
recording.

1. THRILLER, 1982 - With seven Top-10 singles and 45 million in
worldwide sales, this album also kicked off everything that was great
about 80s pop.


Like most artists, he enjoyed a prolific period. His came between 1979
and 1987, when he reigned over the world's popscape and was an adored
icon for millions. But as the spotlight swung away from Jackson in the
past 15 years, he has struggled to redefine himself musically and
personally.

Michael Jackson's three most influential records show his career arc,
from the pre-disco pop he pioneered with his brothers; his first adult
solo project, with all its fresh promise; and his pop masterpiece, the
best-selling disc of all time and a record that still defines
post-disco pop.

1. "Thriller," Michael Jackson, 1982: The obvious choice, for good
reason. Not only does the seminal record kick off with the undeniable
post-disco bass line of "Wanna Be Startin' Something'," this is also
where we got "Beat It," "Billie Jean," "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),"
"Human Nature" and the title track - an unbelievable source of
early-'80s pop goodness.

True, "Thriller" is plagued by the ill-fated Paul McCartney-

duet "The Girl Is Mine," a Top-10 ballad that hasn't withstood time as
well

2. ABC, 1970 - The Jackson 5 s sophomore release brought the
standards ABC and The Love You Save. Jackson s voice stole the
spotlight.

as its record-mates. But look past McCartney and Jackson harmonizing
"The doggone girl is mine" and you'll see the rest of the record, which
became the biggest-selling album of all time with more than 45 million
in worldwide sales and No.1 status in every Western country.

Of "Thriller's" seven Top-10 singles, the one that never got respect as
one of Jackson's most epic tracks is "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," a
song many fans couldn't hum without the record's assistance. But give
it another listen: While there are the staples of Jones' production,
don't discount Jackson's assured voice and presence, which never seemed
more comfortable or natural.

2. "ABC," Jackson 5, 1970:

The Jackson 5's sophomore release is where the group set its true
course of pre-disco pop. Michael Jackson and his brothers already had
struck pop gold in "I Want You Back," but this record brought on the
standard-setting "ABC," "The Love You Save," and the lesser-celebrated
"(Come 'Round Here) I'm the One You Need," all of which exemplified the
luscious simplicity for which the band would become known.
They weren't afraid to give multiple spelling lessons on the "ABC" LP:
"S is for 'Save me;' T is for 'Take it slow;' O is for 'Oh, no;' P is
for 'Please, please don't go.' " With Michael's undeniable voice
fronting the operation - and stealing the spotlight at every turn - the
record not only paved the way for future releases from the Jackson 5, a
group that remains one of the most successful black pop-soul bands in
history, but also for the work Michael Jackson would go on to
accomplish.

The juxtaposition of fuzzed-out guitars and clean piano in the song
"ABC" - along with the varying Jackson voices, which get more of a
workout here than anywhere else within their greatest hits - gives the
song an astonishing relevance, even today. It is packaged for mass
consumption, with simple chords and kindergarten-level lyrics, but the
song's lively, youthful vibe ensures that it's a dance-floor jam nearly
35 years after it was written.

3. "Off the Wall," Michael Jackson, 1979: This is undoubtedly the path
that led Jackson to "Thriller," and while it is a sometimes awkward
growth spurt, it also captures Jackson at a time of innocence and
uninflated ego. "Bad," the 1987 record that spawned five No.1s, was an
accomplishment - but it was also slightly smug, with Jackson flexing
and "hooo"-ing when he didn't need to. This makes "Off the Wall" an
even more enjoyable listen.

It's nearly impossible to make out what he's saying in "Don't Stop
'Till You Get Enough," but it's better that way. The lyrics are inane.
The beat is anything but. Horn-accented and guitar-fueled, this song is
all about Jackson's upper-register, the vague yet intoxicating croon
that was amazing because Jackson still possessed it at 25. "Rock With
You" was pure adult-contemporary saccharine, but it was still great
1980 radio.

Don't forget about the pseudo-beat boxing that led into "Workin' Day
and Night," a mindless disco confection that was fun and slightly ahead
of its time. But it's the title track's classic structure and harmonies
that are the album's standouts. It had everything - from Jackson's
trademark sustain to the remarkably soft R&B-light production. It
signified a change in Jackson, who seemed to be making the conscious
decision to become one of the biggest stars the world has seen.


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

The verdict on Jackson's pop career: thrilling
His acts are on trial, but he has acquitted himself well musically
By Ricardo Baca
Denver Post Pop Music Critic

OFF THE WALL, 1979 - Though it doesn t contain as many No. 1 hits as
1987 s Bad, what elevates this album is Jackson s innocence and
uninflated ego.

Michael Jackson, a.k.a. Wacko Jacko, is facing 10 felony counts in a
California courtroom that could put him behind bars for more than 18
years.

Strange, but it's the same Michael Jackson, a.k.a. the King of Pop, who
has given us some of the finest, most influential music since the debut
of recorded sound.

While the jury is still out in Santa Maria - the molestation case
should be passed on to them Friday - Jackson's place in music history
has been cemented for decades.

It is a storied career, one that began with the Jackson 5's debut
single "I Want You Back" in 1969 when Michael was just 11. His ability
to channel James Brown's dance moves and eventually redefine the sound
of pop (with a hand from Quincy Jones) made him simply the biggest pop
star in the world.

Whatever you may think of Jackson's current musical relevance, you need
only look across Jackson's discography to see the potency of his
contribution. Almost every record was a household name at one point.
Some transcended pop culture and defined an entire era of radio and
recording.

1. THRILLER, 1982 - With seven Top-10 singles and 45 million in
worldwide sales, this album also kicked off everything that was great
about 80s pop.


Like most artists, he enjoyed a prolific period. His came between 1979
and 1987, when he reigned over the world's popscape and was an adored
icon for millions. But as the spotlight swung away from Jackson in the
past 15 years, he has struggled to redefine himself musically and
personally.

Michael Jackson's three most influential records show his career arc,
from the pre-disco pop he pioneered with his brothers; his first adult
solo project, with all its fresh promise; and his pop masterpiece, the
best-selling disc of all time and a record that still defines
post-disco pop.

1. "Thriller," Michael Jackson, 1982: The obvious choice, for good
reason. Not only does the seminal record kick off with the undeniable
post-disco bass line of "Wanna Be Startin' Something'," this is also
where we got "Beat It," "Billie Jean," "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),"
"Human Nature" and the title track - an unbelievable source of
early-'80s pop goodness.

True, "Thriller" is plagued by the ill-fated Paul McCartney-

duet "The Girl Is Mine," a Top-10 ballad that hasn't withstood time as
well

2. ABC, 1970 - The Jackson 5 s sophomore release brought the
standards ABC and The Love You Save. Jackson s voice stole the
spotlight.

as its record-mates. But look past McCartney and Jackson harmonizing
"The doggone girl is mine" and you'll see the rest of the record, which
became the biggest-selling album of all time with more than 45 million
in worldwide sales and No.1 status in every Western country.

Of "Thriller's" seven Top-10 singles, the one that never got respect as
one of Jackson's most epic tracks is "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," a
song many fans couldn't hum without the record's assistance. But give
it another listen: While there are the staples of Jones' production,
don't discount Jackson's assured voice and presence, which never seemed
more comfortable or natural.

2. "ABC," Jackson 5, 1970:

The Jackson 5's sophomore release is where the group set its true
course of pre-disco pop. Michael Jackson and his brothers already had
struck pop gold in "I Want You Back," but this record brought on the
standard-setting "ABC," "The Love You Save," and the lesser-celebrated
"(Come 'Round Here) I'm the One You Need," all of which exemplified the
luscious simplicity for which the band would become known.
They weren't afraid to give multiple spelling lessons on the "ABC" LP:
"S is for 'Save me;' T is for 'Take it slow;' O is for 'Oh, no;' P is
for 'Please, please don't go.' " With Michael's undeniable voice
fronting the operation - and stealing the spotlight at every turn - the
record not only paved the way for future releases from the Jackson 5, a
group that remains one of the most successful black pop-soul bands in
history, but also for the work Michael Jackson would go on to
accomplish.

The juxtaposition of fuzzed-out guitars and clean piano in the song
"ABC" - along with the varying Jackson voices, which get more of a
workout here than anywhere else within their greatest hits - gives the
song an astonishing relevance, even today. It is packaged for mass
consumption, with simple chords and kindergarten-level lyrics, but the
song's lively, youthful vibe ensures that it's a dance-floor jam nearly
35 years after it was written.

3. "Off the Wall," Michael Jackson, 1979: This is undoubtedly the path
that led Jackson to "Thriller," and while it is a sometimes awkward
growth spurt, it also captures Jackson at a time of innocence and
uninflated ego. "Bad," the 1987 record that spawned five No.1s, was an
accomplishment - but it was also slightly smug, with Jackson flexing
and "hooo"-ing when he didn't need to. This makes "Off the Wall" an
even more enjoyable listen.

It's nearly impossible to make out what he's saying in "Don't Stop
'Till You Get Enough," but it's better that way. The lyrics are inane.
The beat is anything but. Horn-accented and guitar-fueled, this song is
all about Jackson's upper-register, the vague yet intoxicating croon
that was amazing because Jackson still possessed it at 25. "Rock With
You" was pure adult-contemporary saccharine, but it was still great
1980 radio.

Don't forget about the pseudo-beat boxing that led into "Workin' Day
and Night," a mindless disco confection that was fun and slightly ahead
of its time. But it's the title track's classic structure and harmonies
that are the album's standouts. It had everything - from Jackson's
trademark sustain to the remarkably soft R&B-light production. It
signified a change in Jackson, who seemed to be making the conscious
decision to become one of the biggest stars the world has seen.


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