Michael Jackson debuts "A Place With No Name"

Five years after his death, Michael Jackson, who revolutionized the music video in his lifetime, is back with another posthumous video for "A Place With No Name" that breaks new ground with its premiere exclusively on Twitter, the first time for the social media site with the whole clip featured in tweet form. One might think that new footage of Jackson would eventually run out, but for fans, his vault of never-before-seen footage is the gift that won't stop giving.
The late King of Pop had written the song "A Place With No Name" with loose inspiration both melody and lyrics from the 1972 folk rock classic "A Horse With No Name" by the band America. The song, co-written by former Jackson collaborator Dr. Freeze, marks the second single and the centerpiece on Jackson's posthumous album "XSCAPE," released in May, tells the story of a motorist whose Jeep suffers a flat tire on the highway, where he meets a woman who takes him to an utopia where "no people have pain."
But in classic Jackson fashion, there's still tension - the woman who takes him there offers sexual fulfillment, but he ends the song by pulling out his wallet and looking at pictures of his family, who aren't with him. In Jackson's words, explains, "Don't you worry, my friend, I'll take care." The pop singer sings, "Take me to a place without no name," rhythmically if ungrammatically, to a heavy bass line. He explains the couple's onward journey and discovery of a "beautiful city" where "kids are playing and people are laughing and smiling, and no one's in fear."
Crafted by award-winning director Samuel Bayer, the seksi music video starts off in black and white, and features archival footage of a mid-career Jackson, dancing in a tight tank top against a black and white backdrop, along with a couple - a Jeep driver's encounter in the desert with the woman in the fog sensuously intertwining that Jackson sings about, before switching to vibrant color about halfway in, including some previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage from the late pop star's 1992 video "In The Closet."

Michael Jackson debut 'Love Never Felt So Good'

The music video for the Michael Jackson posthumous duet with Justin Timberlake "Love Never Felt So Good," debuted on Wednesday morning, and it's a careful visual tribute of the late pop singer's lasting legacy on future generations. The classy disco-soul number is on Jackson's just-released second posthumous album "Xscape," features eight songs originally recorded between 1983 and 1999, and showcases why Jackson remains an indelible influence on contemporary artists today. The track was debuted during the iHeartRadio Music Awards live on May 1 with Usher shows off his cool dance moves while performing a tribute to Jackson's brand new dance number.
Jackson originally wrote this disco confection in 1983 in a session with Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka around the time they recorded "This Is It." Jackson's demo was leaked in 2006 and a higher quality version leaked four years later. The contemporized recording is a magic combination of the new and the original production that retains the track's analog, early 80s feel, while also sounding right at home with the disco-soul inflected music of today. USA Today wrote, "old school snap and tingle with warm leaping strings that recall the melodic and rhythmic punch of Jackson's work." TIME called song as "an opulent, warm disco-soul number, which evokes Off the Wall as much as dead-on 2014."
The single edit was also reworked as a duet with Timberlake and this remix was released as a digital download on May 2, a day after Jackson's solo version was debuted on the iHeartRadio Music Awards. It was Jackson who initially encouraged Timberlake to go solo during his 'N Sync days. "I think it's the first idea that I ever got about doing something on my own because it was the first time I ever really felt the confidence to do it," Timberlake explained in an episode of Oprah's Master Class.
The posthumous "Xscape" duet nostalgic video for "Love Never Felt So Good" carefully cuts archival footage with crowds of young hip-hop dancers breakdancing to the song and attempting the late pop singer's most memorable inspired routines while fans lip-sync along to the new jam, as the vintage footage of Jackson busting his signature moves in various old-schooled sets are shown in a wall behind. The 'Sexy Back' star Timberlake also appears in the visual, getting close-up shots whenever the director thought it was required.

Michael Jackson Dreams Of "Hollywood Tonight"

A new dance-infused video for Michael Jackson's current single "Hollywood Tonight" has debuted via the pop star's official website. The Teddy Riley produced song is the second official single taken from the late King of Pop's posthumous release "Michael," and one of its standout tracks. The storyline of "Hollywood Tonight" charts the journey of a young woman arriving in Hollywood from small town America as she follows her dream to be a star; though her ambition is to be a dancer, her story represents the struggle for every artist or musician struggling to make it in the world.
Originally written during the recording of 2001's "Invincible" album, this song warns about the dangers of chasing your dream in Tinseltown. It received its television debut on last December when talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres premiered the tune on The Ellen DeGeneres Show while dancing throughout the audience. Riley told Billboard magazine that he had Jackson's more danceable hits in mind when concocting its sound. "I was looking at just doing the next level of 'Billie Jean' meets 'Dangerous' or 'Doggin' Me Around,'" said the producer." "It's like one of those driving bass lines that you will remember."
The Wayne Isham-directed video was filmed last month on the sidewalk of the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood and over 60 dancers were on the set as they joined the female lead in an MJ-inspired dance routine. Flashdance, Showgirls, Burlesque...all these things have one thing in common. The video is a sweet story, follows the journey of a young and feisty woman, who idolizes Jackson, played by Algeria-born hip hop dancer Sofia Boutella, arrives in Hollywood on a bus to pursue her dream in hope to become a professional dancer.
The French dancer steps off a charter bus, suitcase in tow, ready to take on the big city. She moonlights as a waitress by day, a stripper by night, hits the audition circuit to no avail. She incorporates many of Jackson's signature dance moves into her own style and wears costumes similar to those worn by the late King of Pop. And she eventually has an emotional moment next to Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and recaptures her passion for dancing. "Her story represents the struggle for every artist or musician struggling to make it in the world," so Sony Music explains about the video. Jackson will long be remembered for his groundbreaking music videos and "Hollywood Tonight" is hoped to once again offer an innovative visual pairing to the erstwhile King of Pop's music.

Michael Jackson Feat. Akon For "Hold My Hand"

The video for Michael Jackson's posthumous stirring ballad single "Hold My Hand" has finally hit airwaves, is heavy on moody lighting, fairly light of images of MJ. "Hold My Hand," recorded by Michael Jackson with the help of Senegelese rapper Akon, is the first of what is sure to be a Tupak-level quantity of post-mortem music from the deceased pop star. The record debuted as the first single from the late great King of Pop's upcoming 10-unheard-song posthumous CD, "Michael," the first album released under a seven-year, come out on December 14.
"Hold My Hand" is a Jackson's classic love ballads, which is a heart-stirring call to unity with a touch of a Caribbean lilt. It sways along with its gentle piano line, and is punctuated by light synthesizer effects as the inspirational verses blossom into the track's singalong chorus. The from-beyond-the-grave duet with Akon was recorded in 2007 and, as a message on Jackson's site points out, "a handwritten note from Jackson belonging to his estate indicated his desire that 'Hold My Hand' be the first single on his next project." After an unfinished version leaked in 2008, Akon recently went back into the studio to complete production on the track. While the "Thriller" singer dominates the first verse, the remaining three quarters of the anthemic song are carried by Akon.
The legacy of Jackson is celebrated by his fans in this Akon-featuring music video directed by veteran video helmer Mark Pellington, who said in a statement, "The video is a tribute to all that Michael stands for -- life, in all its permutations...love, and its power. A video of memory, healing and joy." The clip opens with a crowd of people standing in front of a large airplane hangar and unleashing a flood of white balloons as they say "Thank you, Michael" and "We love you, Michael," while a gigantic image of the singer in silhouette appears on the side of the structure. As Jackson begins to sing the first verse, we see a variety of different hands — old, young, holding babies, reaching up to the sky, down into a bathtub... all intended to pull heartstrings and stir emotion.
But while Akon does play a major role in the crisply shot video, the visual product is undoubtedly a tribute to the King of Pop, who passed away in June 2009. Instead of the eye-popping special effects and intricate choreography of the past, the "Hold My Hand" video goes for a simpler, more predictable sentimentality. Without Jackson around anymore to call the shots and push the video envelope, it also signals a quiet, uneventful end to a career of constant reinvention and visual ambition via music video. Michael Jackson left behind a huge catalog of unreleased music, some completely mixed and some diamonds in the rough. So you can expect to be hearing new Michael Jackson music for years to come.

Michael Jackson Debuts 'One More Chance' Clip

A long awaited new Michael Jackson video for the late King Of Pop's "One More Chance," debuted on the his official website Friday and it's blowing away Michael Jackson fans. The official website announced on October 13, that the music video will be released in a deluxe DVD boxed set "Michael Jackson's Vision" on November 22, so it will be not make the cut for "Michael," the forthcoming album of unreleased material that's been busy generating controversy lately, due in stores December 15.
Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, made an indelible imprint on popular music and culture. He had already done two other completely different songs called "One More Chance" with "The Jackson 5" on the "ABC" album, and with "The Jacksons" on the "Victory" album. The Victory album's "One More Chance" was written and performed (lead vocals) by younger brother Randy Jackson. Janet Jackson also covered the Victory album song on her single for "If," as a B-side. The 2003 song was the last original single released during Jackson's lifetime.
The R. Kelly penned single "One More Chance" is one of Jackson's most soulful singles that really grows on you as you listen to it. It popped up on Jackson's "Number Ones" compilation album, and was released as a single seven year ago. The track is described by the TMZ showbiz website as "the real deal". This is in contrast to Breaking News, a posthumously published song whose authenticity has been questioned by Jackson's nephew TJ. As with the song being the last brand new single released during his lifetime, the video is also Jackson's last music video, and the first with new footage to be released posthumously. The single was instead promoted using a montage video of highlights from Jackson's career to date.
The previously unreleased material was shot primarily in Las Vegas in 2003, but production on the clip was halted when Jackson's "Neverland Ranch" was raided by authorities due to new allegations of child molestation against Jackson which resulted in the 2005 trial that many believe marked the beginning of the rapid downward spiral in Jackson's life. Prior to the video being shelved, Jackson approved this cut and stored the original source materials in his personal archive. The newest video features Jackson dancing and lip-synching in a theater, showcases Jackson performing on tabletops as a choir sings onstage while the audience stands on the stage. The song's mellow tempo keeps his dance moves calm until around the three-minute mark, when he cuts loose, bounding on tables, kicking over lamps and pulling some trademark spins and arms-outstretched gestures.

Michael Jackson Debuts Single "This Is It" Online

Michael Jackson may be gone, but he isn't finished releasing new music. The star's first new track "This Is It" from the upcoming his music documentary was to make its debut at midnight Sunday at Jackson’s official Web Site, nearly four months after the King of Pop's death. The site says it is "a brand new song" that "marks yet another exciting moment in music history for one of the world's most revered artists; featuring backing vocals by Michael's brothers." The song is being be delivered to radio stations amid tight security.
The first drop in what might be a flood of unheard Jackson material is a song called "This Is It", which Sony had scheduled to send to radio stations on Sunday night. Based on a tape Mr. Jackson left behind containing only his piano and vocals, a full arrangement was built, complete with swelling strings and his brothers' backup vocals. The song is to run during the closing credits of the new Jackson film, perhaps not coincidentally called "This Is It."
The song is a mid-tempo ballad punctuated by light guitar riffs and rich orchestration. The track has the same name as Jackson's 50-date comeback concerts, which had been due to kick off in London over the summer, although the synergy is unclear. If "This Is It" is any guide, the provenance of leftover Jackson songs might be difficult to establish. It is not clear when the song was written or recorded, and Sony originally believed that the tape was made around the time of Mr.Jackson's 1991 album "Dangerous", but it could have been much earlier, perhaps even as early as the album "Off the Wall" from 1979. "I really have no idea what the origins of the song are," said Rob Stringer, chairman of the Columbia/Epic Label Group.
The song trails a two-disc album of the same name that will be available internationally on October 26, and North America on October 27 through Sony’s Columbia/Epic Label Group. The album will boast a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Jackson from his last rehearsal. The album also contains music from a documentary film about Jacko's planned comeback, called "Michael Jackson's This Is It", which will have a limited two-week run in theaters from October 28 and will also be on DVD and Blu-ray.

Michael Jackson's memorial underway in LA (Live Blog)

I watched full event through MSNBC TV Live coverage today, and here are the highlights:

A few hours before fans gathered at the Staples Center for the public tribute, Michael Jackson's family and close friends said a private goodbye to the pop icon at an early morning ceremony at Forest Lawn cemetery. A hearse carrying Michael Jackson’s golden casket has left and now apparently heading to a public memorial in downtown Los Angeles.

The memorial service for Michael Jackson has begun with readings from veteran singer Smokey Robinson at 10:12a.m. at the Staples Center. He reading comments from Nelson Mandela, Diana Ross and other friends of the “King of Pop.” Following a long silent period inside the venue, piano music and a gospel choir kicked things off with a stained-glass motif in the background.

"There's nothing that can't be done if we raise out voice as one." A lot of friends have taken to the stage to spoke or perform, such as Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Stevie Wonder, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields, and Al Sharpton, and others.

Social networking site Twitter has been bombarded with messages from people attending the Jackson memorial service.

I was trying to attend the event, but unfortunately, I got an email Monday morning from "The Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service at STAPLES Center" that "Thank you for your registration. Sorry, we regret to inform you that your registration to attend the Public Memorial Service for Michael Jackson was not selected. Hundreds of thousands registered, but only a few can be in attendance."(8,750 memorial tickets chosen from 1.6 million online applicants.)

"Pop Legend" Michael Jackson Dies At 50...... 'Still Can't Believe It'

What a day! I just got another sad news here. The "King of Pop" was not breathing when LAFD paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home, and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died at 12:15 p.m. after falling into a deep coma.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana to a working-class family on August 29, 1958. Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

The first time I watched Jackson's performance was "Captain Eo" with 3D glasses at Tokyo Disneyland with my family during the summer of 1993, and I was totally shocked his performance since I have never seen such excited thing before! This is how we should remember Michael Jackson -- in his prime of singing and dancing -- great entertainment. I think the "Captain Eo" was one of my favorite attractions at Disneyland.

I've just heard from Madonna on Jackson's death: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever!"

I've also sent a message to pay my respect over MJ's death through Twitter...