Thirty years ago today something happened that changed the
course of rock history. Michael Jackson’s Thriller
was released on November 30, 1982 and neither music nor skin-tight red leather
jackets covered with zippers have been the same since.
Though the album was released when I was just 7, my older
siblings must have exposed me to this masterpiece early on. Full of amazing
songs, I picked one for this week’s Rockin’ Friday tune and it’s probably not
the one you’d expect.
Though Beat It is
a gem, due in part to Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work, I chose the first track
from Thriller: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.
Though as a writer I should find the
title’s horrible grammar abhorrent, the killer opening bass line takes care of
business. It’s the perfect launching
point for this rock masterpiece.
Even though I’ll likely never understand what “Mama
say Mama sah Mama Kusa” means, this is an epic song that is nearly impossible
to resist tapping along with the beat to.
Check out this great live version (but you don't have to look at the dancers who look like rejects from Cats):
What's your favorite track from Thriller?
I love this entire album! And, you can tell I'm old b/c I said "album." I was a senior in HS when it came out and it was a big part of college too!
ReplyDeleteHoly shit I'm old. 30 years, huh? Well, still a classic and Wanna Be Startin Something does rock. Great choice.
ReplyDelete30 years- man I remember it like it was yesterday. Got the vinyl copy too.
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