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Single Minded: Michael Jackson Memorial Edition

6/26/09, 11:30 am EST

Remember Michael Jackson by listening to our annotated Essential Playlist, then check out these remixes and covers:

Aerogramme, “Thriller” [Michael Jackson Cover]
The only thing creepier than Vincent Price’s voiceover in the original is the slow, unsettling take on Jackson’s classic by this band of Scots. Aerogramme get it exactly right, turning “Thriller” into a veritable Hitchcock soundtrack, a masterpiece of creeping-death strings, full of shadows and fog.

Michael Jackson, “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” [Streetlife DJs Remix]
Frontloading Michael’s sly snipping of “Soul Makossa,” the streetlife DJs give MJs dance masterpiece even more thump and grind, shooting it up with bright-light synthesizers and giving the synthbass a furious whip and snap, proving Jackson’s timeless melody can withstand decades of tweaking.

Belle & Sebastian, “Billie Jean” [Michael Jackson Cover]
Even indie rockers bow down — the sound quality is less than perfect, but once it gets moving, the Scottish troupe’s spot-on cover is loaded with the kind of cheeky reverence that proves Jackson’s legacy transcends musical subcultures.

Michael Jackson, “Smooth Criminal” [LAZRTag Remix]
An astonishing, breathless deconstruction of one of Jackson’s more intimidating numbers. LAZRTag strip the song back to just a wisp of vocal and a fat, thumping synth, making it sound like the fight theme from Moonwalker.

Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean” [Home Demo from 1981]
A fascinating look at a classic-in-progress, this home demo from 1981 starts with Jackson making specific vocal requests and then plunging headfirst into a vocal ad-lib that would set the template for one of pop’s finest moments. It’s like standing over Coppola’s shoulder in the editing room.


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Comments

Jamie | 6/26/2009, 11:41 am EST

hmm. Not sure how I feel about these covers. I was wondering what they were going to do considering they JUST put out the 25th year anniversary Thriller album under 2 years ago, so they couldn’t do that again, but would HAVE to do some sort of memorial album and in that regard I guess this makes the most sense, but to be honest.. when the originals are as great and ground breaking as Michael’s are, I think they are better left untouched.

Sandra | 6/26/2009, 1:43 pm EST

Please let me know if there is any way to buy any of Michael Jackson on the cover of Rolling Stone doesn’t matter what year. He will live forever through his music and the beautiful human being he was inside

sharisavonacct@yahoo.com | 6/26/2009, 3:27 pm EST

Maybe you’re all too young, but I remember, when Michael was 12. The disc jockeys, particularily, Wolfman Jack, were having a fit. Michaels father got a superior court order in L.A. to have Michael permanently sterilized. They removed his testicles and froze his sperm. His father argued, that Michael was the sole support and talent in his family. That the family would be broke, if Michael was to lose his voice. It seems, his voice was already changing. Dick Clark had a stroke after mentioning, this little fact at one of Michaels sessions in court. Maybe it’s just the $250,000,000 Michael made off the Thriller Album. Micael it’s a miricle you lasted this long in this money and hate contriving world. Can his childern go back and regain his millions? If so maybe I have a son of his. One of the hidden ones. Don;t know what I’m talking about? Ask Jessie Jackson,; he hides his whole family, always has. He moves them constantly to keep their whreabouts a secret. LOVE YOU, MICHAEL…till we meet again.

michaej rlz | 6/26/2009, 5:59 pm EST

he was a legand the king of pop i am shure everybody will miss him . i miss him like hell i loved his song thriller and beat it . he was a music sain

Bernice Moringlan | 6/26/2009, 10:26 pm EST

If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, then make a change!—-Michael Jackson,RIP.

janice | 6/27/2009, 10:58 am EST

Rest in Peace Michael. The world has lost our greatest entertainer. All I can say is Thank-you Michael for all the happiness you brought into my life and I hope people can keep any negative thoughts and comments to themselves where they belong. A whole magazine dedicated to Michael would be great!

Yanique Murphy | 6/27/2009, 2:22 pm EST

“Michael, you were a wonderful and beautiful person. Who took on the task of saving the world from its selfishness and hatred, through the use of music, a large and daunting task. You were loved by some and misunderstood by others but still loved everyone for who they were regardless of race, creed and nationality. You sent your message of love and equality to the masses. Traveled far and wide to spread your message of peace. The world has lost a beautiful person, you will be missed but never forgotten, for the love and kindness you have spread will last forever in the hearts of the people who were blessed to hear it. I love you michael. You and your family will always be in my prayers. Love, Peace and Blessings to you. Love, Yanique”

haiqal asadud azri the septemb | 6/29/2009, 9:56 pm EST

keep it cool

Robyn | 6/30/2009, 5:54 am EST

You are so missed Michael…
Your music is ageless
Your spirit immortal
Your person beautiful.

R.I.P. always

dj shelter | 7/2/2009, 1:23 am EST

The first album I really got into as a kid was Thriller. I was about 6 years old when that one came out. My older sister had it on cassette tape. I remember Madonna, Wham!, Duran Duran. But Michael Jackson was the one I really liked. I remember listening to that tape over and over again all summer long. My parents didn’t listen to a lot of music. I remember wanting to be like Michael. Wanting to sing like him, and dance like him.

J Brown | 7/5/2009, 3:57 pm EST

Michael, thank you. R.I.P
Sorry the world was not more warm to you

CHRIS | 7/6/2009, 7:29 am EST

This man definitely changed the way the world looked at music forever. The S.O.B. liars that accused him in 93′ should have been tried for so many things, especially perjury. Michael was definitely a strange person, but definitely not the strangest out there. My family is probably stranger than he was. Michael, thanks for the music…you WILL be missed!!!!

maryann | 7/7/2009, 3:36 am EST

i love you michael,but god love you most.fare_well

Sherry | 7/7/2009, 5:08 am EST

Extraordinary, innovative and now immortal. Rest In Peace, Michael.

Jay Maine | 7/7/2009, 6:32 am EST

Stick with what you do best, and let the dead rest in peace. The man was talented, but he was no Elvis, did you ever do this for him? The 25th anniversary was great, let it be. It’s time to go on America, what did we do for Farrah Fawcett who died on the same day, and who also gave much to television with her documentary and how much attention is needed in this field of study, and what our government could do to help. I think this has went to an overrated exageration of a pop star gone bad on drugs….

Alevet Morales | 7/7/2009, 6:33 am EST

I was just 11 when I first saw your interview with oprah. I was amazed that you have started to sing at an early age. After that interview I was inspired. I have an inferiority complexwhen I was growing up. I grew up alone and sad. I can relate to your experiences growing up missing your childhood. Because of you I started to show my inner abilities like singing, dancing, writing and drawing. I became a better person and I owe it to you. Other people says that you don’t deserve a hero worship. For me, it doesn’t matter what they say. I was just 16 when you visit the philippines and at that time I can’t afford to buy your concert ticket. Sad to say I will never have an opportunity to see you in flesh. Michael, now your already saved from the malicious scrutiny, prejudice and judgment of others. All I wish is that your happy wherever you may be. You have served your purpose on this earth. Now that I’m 28, I promise that you will never be forgotten by letting my future children and grandchildren to know you through your music and videos. Farewell, to an icon who have inspired many people through the wonders of music.

Tunde Olukotun | 7/7/2009, 7:08 am EST

Michael you are a great man with a fear spirit that tell the truth to the world as it’s wide. The world has lost a beautiful person, you will be missed but never forgotten, for the message of love and kindness you have spread will last forever in the hearts of the people who were blessed to hear it. I love you Michael and surely will miss you.

R I P

hwengre | 7/7/2009, 8:46 am EST

Micheal jackson you are so handsome

Hamad | 7/7/2009, 9:16 am EST

I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS YOUNG I USED TO HEAR THE SONGS LIKE BELLIE JEAN AND THRILLER ON RADIO STATIONS AND EVEN MY FATHER OWENED SOME OF THOSE BIG CD’S CALLED LP’S RECORD PLAYERS. I USED TO LIKE THE SONGS UPTO NOW. I MEAN MICHAEL IS SO BRILLIANT THAT I CAN’T COMPARE HIM TO ANY MUSIAN OR ARTIST HE WAS TRUELLY ONE OF A KIND. NOT ONLY IN HIS MUSIC BUT ALSO IN HIS OUTFITS UNIQUE AND SMART AND HIS VOICE IS ALSO INCOMPARABLE. RIP MICHAEL YOU’LL ALWAYS BE MY HERO AND IT’S LIKE I’VE LOST A BROTHER COZ I CAN STILL SEE YOU IN MY EYES.

Telly | 7/7/2009, 9:17 am EST

MJ,though you have left us,but your music will live forever.you are the greatest of all times.Rest in peace.

Karen | 7/7/2009, 10:09 am EST

Almost all great things have been said about Michael Jackson — and they’re all TRUE. He might be imperfect, like each and every one of us, but none of his imperfections could ever replace the TALENT, the VOICE, the MOVES, and of course, the LOVE that Michael shared to the world. He practically shared his whole life to us — and now that he’s no longer here, the world will deeply miss him — I WILL MISS HIM dearly. God bless you Michael. Thank you for your gift of life and music.

coleon | 7/7/2009, 11:00 am EST

mick was a phenomenom and an enigma of some sort. blessed and talented but he missed all because he did not use his gifted talent to praise his CREATOR.
Rest in peace-Michael

Anonymous | 7/7/2009, 11:46 pm EST

you were taken to soon away from us
you have gone on to a better place while we he tried to make it a much better one fore those left brhind……we we taken way so soon

rosie

Niki | 7/13/2009, 9:40 am EST

You were and always will be the greatest entertainer in my eyes. I hope that now your soul will r.i.p.

haiqal asadud azri fandi | 8/2/2009, 12:16 am EST

rest in piece mike.
fandi has perform the moonwalk
in class btw……
the band name THE SEPTEMBERS rawks,
fandi here is willing to be famous like you mike….
love ur song HEAL THE WORLD n ofcourse BEAT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sado | 8/2/2009, 5:40 am EST

fuuuh! i like ur nose man! but why did u die?

thelordisgoodtoallofus@yahoo.c | 10/12/2009, 8:57 am EST

Mr. Michael J. Jackson he was the King of Pop and he was reach the world and lot of people’s loves his Song and he will live in our hurt’s and I know that the Jackson Family is still is huring.

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