161: Ghosts Roundtable

Adam Green, Paul Black, and Hannah Savage join host Jamon Bull for a deep-dive discussion around Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, Ghosts. They chat about all aspects of the incredible short film (which is so often neglected by a mainstream audience), including the story, music, choreography, cinematography and editing. Plus, they explore whether Ghosts has aged well, in comparison to another iconic Jackson short film, Thriller. Finally, they dig into an assortment of other topics around this project, including the ’93 version, the making of, the boxset, and assess why Ghosts didn’t achieve the widespread acclaim of some of Jackson’s other major works.

This roundtable group brings incredible insights into the history and context of the Ghosts short film through their unique perspectives as film makers and editors, and they have great stories to share, such as Paul Black’s experience of sitting just a few seating away from Jackson himself, at the 1997 Australia premiere of the film.

Happy Thriller Night!

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Participants
• Adam Green (film director and host of The Movie Crypt podcast)
• Paul Black (Sydney-based Film editor, and Friend of the Show)
• Hannah Savage (YouTube documentarian who has made a great videos about Blood on the Dance Floor, Ghosts, and other MJ topics)
• Jamon Bull, co-host of The MJCast

Additional Links
• Official, full-length short film of Michael Jackson’s Ghosts.

Like this episode?
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

055: You’re Muted for Two Weeks

Having grown sick of having to keep interviewing Michael Jackson’s friends and collaborators, Jamon and Q appear on their own this week with a good, old-fashioned news round-up.

The show kicks off with the news that Janet Jackson might be touring again soon, followed by the depressing news that Michael’s former manager Sandy Gallin recently passed away, then the even more depressing news that somebody has decided to perform a cover version Man In The Mirror.

The despair continues with the announcements that convicted killer Conrad Murray has recorded an interview with celebrity quack Dr Oz, Taryll Jackson is to undergo televised counselling on a dubious reality TV show and Britain’s Channel 5 – which previously brought us such marvels as ‘Michael Jackson’s Face’ and ‘When Pilots Eject’ – has produced a new Michael Jackson ‘biopic’. Oh, and a Michael Jackson impersonator has started charging fans to go on holiday with him.

But there are some glimmers of hope. World-renowned biographer J Randy Taraborrelli has broken his vow of silence on Michael Jackson and agreed to update his biography for 2019. Jackie Jackson has given an in-depth interview to the UK’s Times newspaper ahead of the Jacksons’ impending 50th anniversary tour. And Brad Sundberg has announced he will host one of his amazing In The Studio With MJ seminars in Los Angeles in June.

After the news, Jamon and Q argue the pros (tracks 1-5) and the cons (the rest) of the Blood on the Dance Floor album, which, frighteningly, turns 20 this year.

News
• 
Reports suggest Janet Jackson may reschedule her postponed Unbreakable World  Tour
• Sandy Gallin, Michael Jackson’s manager during the Dangerous era, has passed away
• Camila Cabello has covered Man in the Mirror
• Universal Orlando’s new thrill ride Race Through New York has a hidden Michael Jackson Easter Egg
• Taryll Jackson and his wife Breana Cabral are to feature in reality TV show Iyanla: Fix My Life
• Conrad Murray is to appear in a May episode of the Dr Oz show
• A bootleg recording of Michael Jackson’s Ghost of Another Lover has leaked
• Brett Ratner has spoken about his appearance in Michael Jackson’s Private Home Movie TV show
• Biographer J Randy Taraborrelli is ending his vow of silence on Michael Jackson and will update his book for 2019, he has announced on Facebook
• A new documentary, titled Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror, has aired
• Jackie Jackson has given an in-depth interview to UK newspaper The Times
• LaVelle Smith Jr has released a video of dancers rehearsing new routines for Michael Jackson’s aborted HBO One Night Only concert
• A Michael Jackson impersonator is charging fans to go on holiday with him
• Brad Sundberg has announced 3 Days of MJ from June 26th – June 28th in Los Angeles

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Michael Jackson’s Blood on the Dance Floor album

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon Bull – Moonwalk Talks’ Episode 022: The Catalogue is Mine
• Q – Bruno Mars impersonating Michael Jackson in 2001

Additional Links
• 
Janet Jackson’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Janet Jackson’s official photo with Baby Eissa
• Mike Smallcombe’s FacebookTwitter and Instagram
• Mike Smallcombe’s book Making Michael: Inside the Career of Michael Jackson
• Super Bowl and Michael Jackson: The Story Behind the First Big Halftime Show by Mike Smallcombe
• Photo/list of Michael Jackson’s last recordings
• 
Brice Najar’s book Let’s Make HIStory: An Insight into the HIStory Album
• Christophe Charlot and Antoine Cardinot’s book Travelling With a King
• Katherine Jackson’s restraining order declaration
• Michael Jackson – Blood on the Dance Floor album
• Michael Jackson – Blood on the Dance Floor short film
• Michael Jackson – Blood on the Dance Floor (Refugee Camp Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Blood on the Dance Floor (8mm Version) short film
• The MJCast – Episode 030: Rob Hoffman Special
• Esonic ad
• Michael Jackson – History (Tony Moran’s History Lesson)

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Blood on the Dance Floor (SWG Extended Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Stranger In Moscow (Tee’s Light AC Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Is It Scary (New Remix)
• Blood on the Dance Floor UK TV Commercial
• Blood on the Dance Floor German Commercial

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

Episode 043 – Thriller Night Special feat. CJ DeVillar

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Happy Thriller Night! To celebrate Halloween 2016, Q and Jamon are joined by host of fellow Michael Jackson podcast Moonwalk Talks, Jankins along with bassist, studio engineer and MJ collaborator CJ DeVillar. CJ collaborated with Michael on a range of songs including the unreleased and authentic version of Monster (which we discuss in detail on this episode), Blue Gangsta, A Place With No Name, Break of Dawn and multiple tracks on the HIStory album.

To kick things off, Jamon and Q spring an impromptu interview on Jankins, followed by a discussion around all the latest news in the MJ world. Topics include the recent and unfortunate passing of Thriller songwriter Rod Temperton, a new Michael Jackson project as revealed by John Landis and Nick Amideo’s Monster Movie Mash video. The team then discuss Travis DeRose’ marathon moonwalk across Europe, a competition around Smooth Criminals – The Songs of Michael Jackson and a new dance video set to Black or White. The news is capped off through an update on the Sony/ATV acquisition and a brand new book coming from The Jacksons called The Jacksons: Legacy. The main discussion topic for this episode is a chronological exploration into Michael’s horror themed work.

News

Main Discussion Topic

Finds of the Week

Additional Links

Music Breaks & Ads

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael on!

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Episode 040 – The Gold Pants Brigade

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On this episode, Jason Garcia of The MJCast en Español joins Jamon as a guest host in Q’s absence. Jamon and Jason kick Episode 040 off with some follow up discussion around Episode 039‘s show length and how Jason feels being one month into hosting The MJCast en Español. News items include Kingvention 2016 (including an audio roundup from Karin and Elizabeth of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies), the 3T weekend in Amsterdam (with an audio roundup from Christophe Charlot, author Travelling with a King) and an update on Christophe’s MJBackstage magazine. Following this, the guys discuss Rogue Magazine publishing never-before-seen photos and videos of Michael Jackson, Ghana’s President discussing Michael Jackson in his address to the United Nations, a new book on the HIStory era by Brice Najar and finally Brad Sundberg‘s late 2016 plans for In the Studio with Michael Jackson. The main discussion topic for this episode is all around the Michael Jackson songs that Jason and Jamon feel are his most underrated. Special thanks to L. Josefin (@_linajosefin on Twitter) for this great idea.

Follow Up

News

  • Kingvention 2016 honours Dangerous 25 in style.
  • 3T weekend in Amsterdam recap
  • MJBackstage is to issue its final regularly released magazine this November.
  • The latest issue of Rogue Magazine is set to feature unpublished images of Michael Jackson.
  • Ghana’s President tells the United Nations to dance to the tune of Michael Jackson.
  • Let’s Make HIStory: An Insight Into the HIStory Album by Brice Najar is to be released in French and English versions.
  • Upcoming In the Studio with Michael Jackson events. London, Dublin, Berlin…and Mexico City!

Main Discussion Topic 

  • “What less famous MJ songs deserve recognition?” – L. Josefin (@_linajosefin on Twitter)
  • Jamon
    • You Can’t Win
    • Someone In The Dark
    • Lady In My Life
    • Hot Street
    • Song Groove (AKA Abortion Papers)
    • Someone Put Your Hand Out
    • Why You Wanna Trip On Me?
    • Money
    • Ghosts
    • Is It Scary
    • Morphine
    • Break Of Dawn
    • Do You Know Where Your Children Are?
    • Xscape
    • Jamon’s most underrated MJ song – We’ve Had Enough
  • Jason
    • On The Line
    • She’s Out Of My Life [Demo]
    • The Girl Is Mine [Mexico Deposition]
    • The Girl Is Mine 2008 (feat. Will.I.Am)
    • P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) [Demo]
    • Stranger In Moscow
    • Morphine
    • Childhood
    • Blood On The Dancefloor
    • Fall Again
    • In The Back
    • Beautiful Girl
    • One More Chance
    • Get On The Floor
    • I Can’t Help It
    • Who Is It
    • This Time Around
    • 2 Bad
    • 2000 Watts
    • Threatened
    • Speechless
    • Slave To The Rhythm
    • Sunset Driver
    • Jason’s most underrated MJ song – Whatever Happens
  • Q
    • For All Time
    • Fall Again
    • Threatened
    • Speechless
    • Childhood
    • Whatever Happens
    • You Can’t Win
    • Someone In The Dark
    • Seeing Voices
    • Elizabeth I Love You
    • Dangerous
    • Lady In My Life [Extended Version]
    • Brandy – It’s Not Worth It (special mention for MJ’s background vocals)
    • Q’s most underrated MJ song – You Were There

Finds of the Week

Additional Links

Music Breaks & Ads

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

Episode 022 – Moonwalk Talks Simulcast

Episode 022 - Moonwalk Talks Simulcast YouTube ArtOn this first ‘simulcast’ release for The MJCast and Moonwalk Talks, Jamon and Q are joined by hip hop producer, rapper, podcast host and all ’round MJ fan extraordinaire, Jankins! The boys kick things off this week with an in depth discussion on the recently announced Spike Lee documentary Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off the Wall followed by an exploration into the dozens of MJ leaks that have happened over the past week. Next, Chris Cadman’s new website, Michael Jackson Masterworks is discussed just in time for a quick ‘Skype in’ from The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent, Charles Thomson. Charles fills us in on the latest developments in the Serova Vs. Sony/Cascio/Porte/Estate lawsuit. Lastly, the recently released and controversial Greg Gorman photograph of Michael that’s on display in the Berlin Museum of Photography is analysed. We hope you enjoy this final episode before The MJCast’s first Christmas Special later in December.

News
The long awaited follow up documentary to Bad 25 by Spike Lee will premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival…and it’s called Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall.
A plethora of Michael Jackson material has been made available to the public through co-ordinated leaks over the past week, including…

  • Dangerous rehearsal footage from the Dangerous World Tour.
  • The Way You Make Me Feel rehearsal footage from the Dangerous World Tour…with Michael delivering lyrics in spoken word.
  • Behind the scenes footage of the 1993 Oprah Winfrey interview.
  • You Are Not Alone (A Cappella).
  • Best of Joy (A Cappella).
  • The HIStory World Tour live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • The HIStory World Tour live in Auckland, New Zealand).
  • The Bad World Tour live in Rome, Italy.
  • The Bad World Tour live in Tokyo, Japan.
  • The Victory Tour live in Toronto, Canada.
  • Ghosts film outtakes.
  • The 1993 version of the video for Is It Scary.
  • An alternate video version of the short film, Give in to Me.
  • An extended version of the Dangerous era Pepsi ad video featuring the song Who Is It.
  • An alternate cut of the short film, They Don’t Care About Us (Prison Version).
  • Man in the Mirror (A Cappella).
  • Seeing Voices (A Cappella).
  • Jam short film (alternate cut with previously unseen footage).

Author Chris Cadman has launched a new website entitled Michael Jackson Masterworks.
UK Journalist and The MJCast Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson unpacks the latest court documents regarding the Serova Vs. Sony/Branca/Cascio/Porte/MJJ Productions/Angelikson case. The relevant court documents can be accessed as a PDF here.
A new Michael Jackson photograph is on display at the Berlin Museum of Photography courtesy of photographer, Greg Gorman.

Discussion Topic
Our favourite MJ songs

Our favourite MJ albums…

Our favourite MJ short films…

Our favourite MJ look/style…

  • Q – Napoleonic, 18th/19th century military inspired clothing (with special mention going to the gold HIStory World Tour opening costume)
  • Jamon – As above (as exemplified by Michael’s 1990 appearance at The White House with George Bush Sr.)
  • Jankins – The sequinned costumes on The Victory Tour

Our favourite MJ concert tour…

Our favourite Mj appearance/performance…

Finds of the Week
Jamon – The Jackson 5’s Christmas Album
Q – At the 1988 Bad concert…well the car park of Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
Jankins – Baby Be Mine cover by Bella

Additional Links
Charles Thomson’s official websiteTwitter and Facebook pages
Jankins’ official website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud and YouTube pages
Moonwalk Talks website and iTunes page – subscribe today!
Michael Jackson’s Suzuki ad series
I Can’t Help It [The Reflex Edit]
Damien Shields’ website
Images from the Arno Bani photoshoot
Spike Lee’s Bad 25 documentary film
J Randy Taraborelli’s Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker on Blu-ray
Michael Jackson’s Number Ones on DVD
Michael Jackson’s HIStory on Film: Vol II on DVD
Michael Jackson’s You Rock My World video clip
Roberto Cavalli’s concept art sketches and blog post on designing for Michael
Jankins feat. Michael Jackson – Cheater music video
The MJCast and Moonwalk Talks MEGA FAN Verna Gold!
MJBeats, The Bad Tour Archive and The Michael Jackson Archives

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!