Friday, September 28, 2007

Monumental Soundbyte - 62


Michael Jackson - Beat It
One of my favorite songs by MJ and the second song from this flawed genius to make this list.
Where do i begin:
  • This song won 2 grammys in 1983 or 1984. One for record of the year and the second for male vocal performance of the year
  • The song features a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. He is rumoured to have nailed this in one take. Actually not a rumour.
  • Van Halen recorded his part while Jackson was in another nearby studio recording overdubs on "Billie Jean". According to one story, a technician who was unaware Van Halen was beginning a take knocked on the studio door, entered and quickly closed it when he realized his error. Afterwards, it was jointly decided to leave this mistake in; the knock on the door is clearly audible just prior to the launch of Van Halen's guitar solo.
  • The video - with the rival dancing gangs. There are a few famous faces in there (well they werent famous then) - Stoney Jackson and Michael DeLorenzo (of NY Undercover with Malik Yoba)
  • The multi-zippered red jacket worn by Jackson throughout the video would become iconic in its own right, and children and teenagers across the country of all races sported copies of the design

Let me stop there since this song like most Michael Jackson songs has effects on so many artists and other genres.

This song is all about avoiding violence at all costs....But i am sure you all know that...

Enjoyh!

10 comments:

DiAmOnD hawk said...

interesting fact re:knock on the door.. never knew that... listened again just to hear it... have a great wknd! :-)

soul said...

the first time I heard the knock was actually a few months ago whilst jogging. It scared the liing daylights out off e.its not subtle at all..it's very obvious.
Same thing on damien Marley's album (I forget the song).

anyway, Michael Jackson is the ish. The man can move and I respect his game maaan.
Beat was the best. remember the glasses that went with the jacket?. I had those as well.
too cool man. too cool

SET said...

I LOVE MICHAEL, SO SAD HE HAS BEEN THE MOST SCRUTINIZED PERSON IN THE MEDIA EVER. SO SAD THAT HIS TALENT IS STAGNANT FOR THE RUMOURS AROUND HIM.

Daddy's Girl said...

Great song by a great artist. Your musical knowledge is so impressive...

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

Girl ur music thingy is not working, and Ive listening to it all week long. D you know what the problem may be?? loving this.

Onada - Fashion and Photography said...

i dont care what anyone says. I love MICHAEL!!!

Naijadude said...

Just beat it!

Anonymous said...

lol... i never knew about the knock... i love this mannnnnnnnnnn... I still cant believe he hasnt replied my letters...

laspapi said...

"flawed genius"- an apt decription. I'll concentrate on his work here, he was the best the world had to offer in his time. A career that lasted many decades. I love "Billie Jean", "Human Nature" too. Great memories, Uzo, thank you.

shhhh said...

in all my years of living i have never known a genius that is not flawed, be it drugs, self hate or deprecation , thats life. michael jackson was ahead of his time and made timeless music. 25 yrs after thriller still hasnt been broken and no one today has the influence he did back then.

nuff said