Category Archives: The MJCast

045: Dangerous 25 Roundtable (Part 1)

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Twenty-five years ago today Michael Jackson released perhaps his most important album… Dangerous. Sonically groundbreaking, spiritually profound, sexually provocative and socially conscious, Dangerous exploded onto the music market on November 26th, 1991, taking Michael to new global audiences and cementing his position not only as the King of Pop, but an artist willing to illuminate and challenge some of the world’s most important issues. In many ways, the album is relevant now more than ever. To celebrate twenty-five years of this masterpiece, The MJCast has brought together a roundtable panel of authors, academics and researchers – all mega fans.

Q, Elizabeth, Mike, James, Andy & Samar begin the show by giving brief introductions as to who they are and their early experiences with the Dangerous album, followed by an exploration into the album’s groundbreaking sound. Next, the panel delves into the album’s masterpiece cover art by Mark Ryden, an analysis of the song and video Black Or White and the lyrical messages within Dangerous. The show finishes up with a discussion around the short films for the album. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this Roundtable as we continue our celebrations of Dangerous 25!

Participants
• Q, Co-Host of The MJCast.
• Elizabeth Amisu, author of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife.
• Mike Smallcombe, author of Making Michael: Inside the Career of Michael Jackson.
• James Alay
• Andy Healy, author of the MJ 101 series.
• Samar Habib, creator of The Michael Jackson Academia Project.

Topics
• The sound of Dangerous
• The Dangerous album cover
• Black Or White
• The lyrical messages of Dangerous
• Dangerous’ short films

Music Breaks & Ads
• Michael Jackson – Remember The Time (New Jack Main Mix)
• Michael Jackson – In The Closet (The Newark Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Black Or White (Immortal Version)
• Michael Jackson – Dangerous (Live From A Night at the Apollo, 2002)
• Jackson Source

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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.com. Michael on!

Episode 044 – World Music Awards 2006 10th Anniversary Special

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When I realised that the 10th anniversary of Michael’s appearance at the 2006 World Music Awards was fast approaching, I contacted Jamon and Q to suggest they include a segment about it in an upcoming episode. They replied suggesting I should make my own stand-alone episode, over which I would have complete creative control. It was a scary prospect – I am far from being the techno-whizz Jamon is, and it’s fair to say my attempts to record and edit his episode have been haphazard. Two interviews had to be completely re-recorded due to technical failures, the causes of which I have yet to discern and doubt I ever shall.

But despite the technological trauma, this has been an exciting project. The awards ceremony – and its aftermath – have troubled me ever since they occurred. A few years ago I told my own story in a blog entry, so with this show I knew immediately what I wanted to do; interview others who attended the ceremony and let them tell their own stories.

For too long, the dominant story about the World Music Awards has been one which was simply not true. The lie that Michael was booed off stage has been immortalised in at least one substantial biography. My hope is that this show might become a reference point for those wishing to write about or investigate the event in the future.

This show retraces my blog entry to some extent, but includes brand new research, as well as excerpts from four exclusive interviews I have conducted in the last month. My interviewees for this show were Michael’s former manager Raymone Bain, his long-time photographer Harrison Funk, and two long-time UK fans, Angela Kande and Greg Spinks.

Each was incredibly candid and generous with their time, for which I am extremely grateful. Some of their revelations and observations are really very poignant – particularly Raymone’s story about trying to find somebody who would present Michael with his award, which paints a truly sad picture of Michael’s post-acquittal existence. A lot of these stories are ones I have never heard told anywhere else. The interviewees do not all share the same recollections on certain matters, but where they contradict one another I have ensured both points of view are reflected.

All four contributors were incredibly engaging and any one of their interviews could have been released in full on its own merit (but for the extensive damage inflicted on the audio by my ham-fisted recording efforts). Some brilliant stories and observations were sadly left on the proverbial cutting room floor, purely because they diverted from the trajectory of the episode (or because I didn’t record them properly).

Perhaps on the 20th anniversary of the ceremony I will release a director’s cut. Or perhaps, as a homage to Sony, I’ll wait and release the 20th anniversary re-release on the 23rd anniversary, with no new content at all, and in inferior audio quality, with all the best bits of Raymone’s interview remixed by Pitbull so they don’t make sense anymore.

I hope you all enjoy the episode. Let’s spread some truth.

Huge thanks to Jamon and Q for this amazing and exhausting opportunity.

Charles Thomson.

Links

Harrison Funk is releasing a 10th anniversary World Music Awards photo box set, containing several exclusive images he took at the ceremony. Anybody wishing to contact him about purchasing one can do so via the email form at www.harrisonfunk.com.

Angela Kande is the author of ‘Legacy’, a spoken word poem about the Michael Jackson fan community, which can be found here.

Charles Thomson’s original blog about the World Music Awards can be read here.

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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

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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.com. Michael on!

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Episode 042 – Michael Jackson & Prince Roundtable (Part 2)

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Welcome to part two of our Michael Jackson & Prince roundtable discussion, a new format for The MJCast which a panel of expert participants discuss a particular topic in depth. For this second and concluding episode, returning guest Paul Black continues moderating our discussion around the two legendary entertainers, Prince and Michael Jackson. Participants again include Samar of The Michael Jackson Academia Project, Casey Rain and Kim Camilia of The Violet Reality, Charles Thomson, Jamon Bull of The MJCast and of course, Paul Black. Beginning with an exploration into the participants personal experiences with Michael Jackson and Prince, Paul then leads us in a comparative discussion around the unfortunate deaths of both artists, their commitment to challenging expectations in a corrupt entertainment industry and finally their impacts on culture, style and fashion.

Participants

Topics

  • Our personal experiences with Michael Jackson and Prince
  • The deaths of Prince and Michael Jackson
  • Artistic independence (challenging the industry)
  • Cultural impact
  • Michael and Prince as style/fashion icons

Links

The Violet Reality on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!

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Episode 041 – Michael Jackson & Prince Roundtable (Part 1)

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Welcome to the first roundtable episode of The MJCast, a format in which a panel of expert participants discuss a particular topic in depth. For this debut roundtable, returning guest Paul Black moderates a discussion around two legendary entertainers, Prince and Michael Jackson. Participants include Samar of The Michael Jackson Academia Project, Casey Rain and Kim Camilia of The Violet Reality, Charles Thomson, Jamon Bull of The MJCast and as mentioned, Paul Black. Beginning with an exploration into the participants own experiences and views on both artists, Paul then takes the conversation in the direction of Prince and Michael’s individual strengths as recording artists and live performers, all while exploring their similarities, differences and awareness of each other.

Participants

Topics

  • Our own views and experiences around Michael Jackson and Prince
  • Sexuality
  • Studio musicianship
  • Live performance

Links

The Violet Reality on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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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.com. Michael 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

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 039 – A Kind of Deflated Pepsi Logo

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On Episode 039 of The MJCast, Charles Thomson joins Jamon as a guest host in Q’s absence along with Samar of The Michael Jackson Academia Project. The guys begin the show with a follow-up discussion around meaningful music, especially in regards to the new Black Eyed Peas song #WHEREStheLOVE before delving into news items including the imminent Michael Jackson documentary The Last Photoshoots, Orianthi‘s possible involvement in a new posthumous project, an MJ costume exhibition at the African American History Museum and Paris Jackson’s new Facebook page. Following this, the global release of 3T’s new album Chapter III and their two upcoming Amsterdam shows are discussed before detailing the latest developments in the Cascio Case. The main discussion topic for this episode is Charles’ and Samar’s fan stories, and the current and future work of The Michael Jackson Academia Project.

Follow Up

News

  • Craig Williams hints that The Last Photoshoots documentary is imminent.
  • This Is It guitarist Orianthi says she’s involved in a new posthumous MJ project.
  • Michael Jackson costumes are to be included in an inaugural exhibition at the African American History Museum in Washington.
  • Paris Jackson has launched her new Facebook page.
  • 3T are to release their new album Chapter III globally on September 10th and perform at a recently announced once off concert The Celebration of Chapter III on the 17th of September.
  • Cascio Case update – Angelikson defendants file a demurrer to the fraud cause of action and Sony and the Estate are trying to make Judge Jones rule on the anti-SLAPP motion through the court of appeals.

Main Discussion Topic 

Finds of the Week

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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.com. Michael On!

Episode 038 – Michael It’s Your Birthday, Happy Birthday Michael

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Happy Birthday, Michael Jackson! On this special birthday episode of The MJCast, we are joined by dear friend James Alay. Aside from also being a Michael Jackson megafan, James has worked with us over the past couple of years in making The MJCast a reality by contributing his technical expertise. Thank-you, James! In Episode 038 we kick things off by discussing Quincy Jones recently being honoured by the BBC during Proms, Spike Lee’s 6th annual Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson event, a never-before-heard MJ song called Family Thing and Taryll Jackson’s new website, music and upcoming podcast. We then discuss the new 2017 official Michael Jackson calendar, 3T’s first Power of Love radio show, Paris Jackson’s thoughts on Kanye West breaking one of Michael’s records and Rihanna receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient at this year’s MTV awards. Our main discussion topic this week is all around James’ fan story and his favourite MJ products. We hope you enjoy this episode of the internet’s premiere podcast on all things Michael Jackson and the Jackson family.

News

  • Quincy Jones has been honoured in England this year by BBC’s Proms.
  • Spike Lee honours Michael Jackson with the 6th annual Michael Jackson block party Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson.
  • Brad Sundberg releases a promo video for In the Studio With MJ feature the never-before-heard song Family Thing as background audio.
  • Taryll Jackson launches his new website, debut’s new music and has a podcast on the way.
  • Michael Jackson’s official 2017 calendar gets Dangerous!
  • Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson of 3T host their first Power of Love radio show on LA Talk Radio, sponsored by their Dee Dee Jackson Foundation.
  • Paris Jackson responds to an MJ fan on social media around Kanye west beating one of her father’s records.
  • Rihanna is set to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

Main Discussion Topic 

Finds of the Week

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Episode 037 – The Land of the Piñata

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Join The MJCast crew on Episode 037 as they launch their new sister show The MJCast en Español. Sandra De la Vega joins Jamon and Q along with returning guests Jason Garcia and Ale Huerta to introduce the world to their brand new show, a version of The MJCast for Spanish speaking listeners. To begin the show, Charles Thomson calls in to discuss Michael Jackson’s nephews filing a lawsuit against Radar Online and his experiences at the recent MJ On The Wall art exhibition in London. Following this, the team discusses a never-before-seen but recently leaked fourteen and a half minute version of Michael’s short film The Way You Make me Feel, new footage from Ghosts, new Dangerous era footage of Michael, an update on the Sony/ATV catalogue sale, Diana Walczak‘s HIStory statue being unveiled at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and finally Taryll Jackson‘s imminent solo music project. The main discussion topic for this episode is Sandra’s fan story and of course discussion around the new podcast from The MJCast, The MJCast en Español.

News

  • Michael Jackson’s nephews file a libel lawsuit against Radar Online. Read the complaint here.
  • A never-before-seen 14:28 version of Michael Jackson’s short film for The Way You Make Me Feel has leaked.
  • New footage from Ghosts has leaked.
  • New Dangerous era Michael Jackson footage has leaked.
  • Sony wins unconditional approval for Sony/ATV sale.
  • Diana Walczak‘s HIStory statue unveiling at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
  • Taryll Jackson‘s new solo music project is launching on his Birthday, August 8th.

Main Discussion Topic 

Finds of the Week

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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.com. Michael On!

Episode 036 – The Other Bernie Sanders

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Episode 036 of The MJCast is dedicated to Scott Devlin who recently passed away after a brave battle with cancer. We hope you are at peace now, Scott. Our thoughts are with your family. Michael-on forever, our MJ brother…

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Ale and her friend Marisa with Michael Jackson collaborators Brad Buxer, Michael Prince, Brian Vibberts and Brad Sundberg at the recent MJU experience.

Jamon and Q are joined by Mexican mega-fan Ale Huerta to cover all the latest MJ news. Jamon, Q & Ale kick things off by talking about The MJCast’s recent interview with The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, Sean Lennon’s bizarre new song  which references Michael Jackson’s relationship with Bubbles the chimp and Janet Jackson’s new photoshoot for Emirates Woman. Following this, the group discusses Susan Fast’s book Michael Jackson’s Dangerous (33 1/3) winning a major literary award, the new Omer Bhatti and Prince Jackson music video for Automatic and new music by Taryll Jackson of 3T. Next, Sony Music Japan’s re-release of Michael Jackson and The Jackson’s music catalogue on Blu-Spec CD 2, the Cascio family are back at it again with unreleased MJ music being auctioned off and blockbuster developments in the case that Eddie Cascio is named in. The group also discuss a range of new seminars and conventions coming featuring Michael Jackson collaborators such as LaVelle Smith Jr., Bruce Swedien and Vincent Patterson before moving into talking about a range of new photo, music and video leaks featuring Michael Jackson. The major discussion topic for this week is all around Ale’s recent trip to Brad Sundberg‘s MJU seminars, Michael’s final resting place at Forrest Lawn and Neverland Valley Ranch.

News

Main Discussion Topic 

  • Ale’s recent trip to Brad Sundberg‘s MJU experience, Michael’s final resting place at Forrest Lawn and Neverland Valley Ranch. You can also see video from the trip here and here.

Finds of the Week

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