Photo Slideshow: Who's Bad
30 Jun 2009, Posted by Chase Olivieri in Music, Playground, 0 Comments
BerryPhotos : Michael Jackson Tribute Concert (Washington, DC) -Images by Chase Olivieri
Pop Psychology Honors Michael: "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough"
30 Jun 2009, Posted by Jordan Axt in Music, Playground, Pop Psychology, 1 Comments
Courtesy musiqueonly.com
Today, Pop Psychology tackles “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” as Part Two in its’ five-part series on the King of Pop. Part One, on “Man In the Mirror,” can be found here.
“Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” is probably Jackson’s first big hit as a solo artist. “Don’t Stop,” a favorite to dance floors across the world, is the lead single from Off the Wall, the first Jackson album produced by Quincy Jones. It was also the debut single Michael released on Epic Records. When it topped the US singles chart in 1979, it was the first Jackson track to do so in over seven years.
Pop Psychology Honors Michael: "Man In The Mirror"
29 Jun 2009, Posted by Jordan Axt in Music, Playground, Pop Psychology, 4 Comments
Courtesy about.com
Call it a few slow work days. Or just call it Durham in the summer. Either way, this week brings a very special 5-part Pop Psychology series investigating the relevant scientific research behind some of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits. First off is my second most beloved Jackson track, 1987’s “Man In The Mirror,” from the album Bad.
Remembering Michael Jackson
27 Jun 2009, Posted by Jordan Axt in Music, Playground, 0 Comments
Courtesy stereogum.com
As is evidenced, here, here and, incredibly, here, I am a gigantic Michael Jackson fan. His sudden death on Thursday at the age of 50 is incredibly saddening. He was a musical genius with unrivaled charisma, talent and dedication to his craft. Below are a few self-indulgent, perhaps rambling thoughts on his career and legacy.
Who's Bad, Duke University, 4/16/09
17 Apr 2009, Posted by Jordan Axt in Concert, Playground, Review, 1 Comments
Who’s Bad, a Michael Jackson cover band from Chapel Hill, played last night to a moderately interested crowd on Duke’s Bryan Center Plaza. It was apparent that the concert was not best suited for an outdoor stage with an audience consisting mainly of Duke students on their way to Panda Express. Showgoers were mainly of a rotating selection of people all stopping with a look on their faces that read, “Wow. A Michael Jackson cover band. Isn’t that neat?” Unfortunately, many did not stay for more than one or two songs.
However, it’s hard to blame “Michael” (Joseph Bell) for the low energy. For well over an hour, Bell impressed all with this dance moves, impeccable vocals and thorough knowledge of Michael’s catalogue. He also made a point of doing his best to personally engage his most passionate fans. Bell continuously wandered into the crowd to dance with the show’s PYTs (okay, maybe a couple were Duke employees), even dragging two Round Table ladies on stage with him. Even the well-represented recess staff wasn’t left out of the love. At one point, Bell wandered into the crowd to single out a certain arts editor for her infectious dance moves, natural exuberance and voluminous hair. Even I got a nod, as Bell once pointed at me to announce, “I see you dancing!”* In general, for those brave enough to get down, it was hard not to have fun.
Although the band did not play all of MJ’s hits, they did an excellent job of making sure each era of Michael’s storied career was represented. From the smoother Dangerous Michael (“Remember the Time” or “Black or White”) to the rougher Thriller sound (“Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller”) and even the afro’d days of Michael’s work in the Jackson Five, concertgoers could not complain about a lack of diversity. What strikes me every time I see Who’s Bad is their attention to detail, as is evident in their impressive dance routines and spot-on replication of Michael’s many looks.
Duke students saw a good but not great show yesterday. On a sunny afternoon at the Plaza in front of a mediocre crowd, Who’s Bad is entertaining. During a homecoming show in a packed Cat’s Cradle, they are unforgettable.
*This makes me wonder that since I now have a real shoutout from a fake Michael Jackson, would I rather have a fake shoutout from the real Michael Jackson? Probably.
Check after the jump for a set list. (more…)