Friday, November 30, 2012

Rockin' Friday: Thriller


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.  

File:Michaeljacksonthrilleralbum.jpg

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?

3 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. Holy shit I'm old. 30 years, huh? Well, still a classic and Wanna Be Startin Something does rock. Great choice.

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  3. 30 years- man I remember it like it was yesterday. Got the vinyl copy too.

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