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Jacko at 50: Off The Wall

Happy Birthday to the King of Pop!

Billie Jean and I Want You Back rate among the greatest and most important musical moments in our pop cultural history. Time to celebrate the man who gifted us.

Hard to believe that Michael Jackson, who's music is eternally youthful, is turning 50 today. It's another half-century for another one of my favorite artists. Prince hit 50 back in June.

So today, I will be spinning Michael's greatest album on my iPod. That's right: Off The Wall. Over the years, people have come to realize that Thriller is Michael's Sgt. Pepper and OTW is his Revolver. I've spoken to many peers who agree that it is OTW that remains his creative high water mark. Not that Thriller is coasting, but OTW is simply more fun to listen and dance to. Plus, OTW was the first "soundtrack" for a road-trip for me, when my Dad, Nathan and I trekked to Pasadena for the Superbowl in a camper. And that was the 8-Track of Off The Wall, by the way.

My brother called me and said he'd heard Don't Stop Til You Get Enough on a club sound system recently and gushed about the quality of the track. I agree. So if you have a chance to Burn This Disco Out, do it!

You may remember my stories of dancing around the living room to Jackson 5 singles cut from the backs of Alpha-Bits boxes (thanks, Mom). Or shaking Michael's hand at the first concert I ever attended (thanks, Dad)! Regardless of tabloid fodder, I still love Michael Jackson.

Happy Birthday!

Comments

Unknown said…
You got me workin' workin' day and night (I'm so tired tired now)

All I need now is a Larry Bird 3, and I'll be a young 'un again instead of just behavin' like one!

-Numero Dos

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