Da Brakes Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 I thought this was an April's Fools but maybe not! New Michael Jackson album to be released in May http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26824983 A new Michael Jackson album, featuring eight new tracks from the late artist's archive, will be released on 13 May. Titled Xscape, the track listing was chosen by Epic Records chairman LA Reid, who trawled through four decades of Jackson's demos and off-cuts. The tracks were then updated by the likes of Timbaland, who works with Justin Timberlake, and Stargate, who have produced Rihanna and Beyonce. Reid called the process of reworking the songs "contemporizing". "Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with," said Reid. "We are extremely proud and honoured to present this music to the world." A deluxe edition of the album will also feature the eight tracks in their original form alongside the remixed versions. Xscape is the only track on the album to be updated by its original producer - Rodney Jerkins, who worked on the sessions for Jackson's final studio album, Invincible, in 2001. John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Jackson's estate said: "Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. "He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank LA Reid for his vision." 'Lumpy' Other producers involved in the project include McClain and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon. Jackson died on 25 June, 2009, at the age of 50 from an overdose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol. He had been out of the public eye for several years but was preparing for a series of comeback performances at the O2 arena in London. Jackson, who was nicknamed The King of Pop, had dozens of hits during a career that began in childhood with the Jackson 5. His biggest solo hits included Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Bad and Man in the Mirror. One previous album of unreleased material, titled Michael, was issued in 2010. Among its better tracks were Hold My Hand, a duet with R&B singer Akon which was almost complete at the time of his death, and a cover of Yellow Magic Orchestra's Behind the Mask, which dated from the 1980s. But critics were not keen - with The Guardian calling the album "lumpy" and "schlocky". Rolling Stone magazine noted: "He would not have released anything like this compilation". However, the album sold relatively well (although well below the 51m he achieved with Thriller) paving the way for future compilations. Ydfer3jjaj 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Brakes Posted April 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 Teaser video Ydfer3jjaj 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpinJack AJ Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I previously posted this on my Facebook. I'm so happy something new is coming out! I'm also really happy they are releasing the remixed/re-polished versions along with the originals. Nearly every 2Pac original was better than the doctored versions...especially as more albums were released. I would kill to have the chance to have mastered versions of his originals. I have a feeling that both the originals and remixed songs are going to be great. I got Xscape (which was originally spelled correctly) yeeeeeears ago. The leaked version was great quality, so I'm glad to see it getting a proper release. I liked the Micheal album, but it definitely didn't feel like an album when you listened to it straight though. Hopefully this one flows a little better. This is my first time hearing of the project, so I love that the wait isn't too long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Julie Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Yeah i'm really excited, i mean its never gonna be a bad or a thriller but anything Mike touches is gold so i'm sure its gonna be a good one. I hope it gets some radio play, these kids need to hear what decent music sounds like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpinJack AJ Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 Okay, this is throwing me off a bit. "Xscape" is available for streaming and this polished version isn't as good as the original. That's not really surprising. The thing is the point of remixing it should be to make it better...at least make it sound fresh. The original sounds very 1999ish and this version sounds just as dated, but not as good. I'm looking forward to getting the deluxe version with the origionals. Check it the remixed version of "Xscape" here. http://www.okayplayer.com/news/michael-jackson-xscape-mp3.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilsJim89 Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Thanks for posting that AJ - I really like that alot. I'm not sure how that is the remix version though or I'm just missing something? Sounds like ti def. could've been on Invincible for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpinJack AJ Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 I haven't listed to "Escape" (the version that leaded 10 years ago, or so), in a long time. It's on my parents computer and I just haven't been able to get my music off it yet. I remember sounding more slick and even more like some of the stuff on Invincible. I'm pretty sure this is remixed with a vintage MJ feel incorporated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
analogue Posted April 11, 2014 Report Share Posted April 11, 2014 Apparently Michael and FP worked on a track together back in 2001. I hope that track will see the light of day one day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpinJack AJ Posted April 12, 2014 Report Share Posted April 12, 2014 I think it was recorded in 1999. I believe Tim believes they might have done two songs together. It's been awhile since we discussed it, so my memory is a little foggy. It would have been great if they released a proper MIIB soundtrack...it would have been the perfect way to release the song. MJ also did a song with LL Cool J after Bad but before Dangerous. I have it on the mixtape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigted Posted April 24, 2014 Report Share Posted April 24, 2014 Looking forward to this album, I liked "Michael" but I have a feeling this'll be better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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