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Michel Gondry Picks 25 Classic Music Videos. 26-06-'08
French-born director Michel Gondry is famous for directing acclaimed offbeat movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He has also directed numerous groundbreaking videos for the likes of Björk and the White Stripes. Now, on EW.com (Entertainment Weekly) he offers his picks for the best videos of the last 25 years, in no particular order. Michael's Billie Jean and Leave Me Alone are both on his list.
Of Billie Jean he says,
Michael Jackson on this glowing floor — it was quite magical."
He had this to say about Leave Me Alone:
It was really interesting: Michael Jackson in an [amusement] park, in a little boat. That was the good thing about MTV in the beginning: It was a place where you could see animation other than Walt Disney. I always liked animation and creative images.'
Source: EW.com / Billie Jean
Michael Jackson Catalog Now Available for MP3 Download. 26-06-'08
For the first time ever, Michael Jackson's back catalog of released studio albums and singles (primarily from his adult solo years) are legally available for purchase and download in CD-quality (320kb/s) from a division of his official Web site. You can stream previews of each track, or purchase them for $0.99 at http://michaeljacksonstore.myplaydigital.com/.
Currently, 143 individual tracks spread across 10 individual albums are available for immediate download. The quality of these tracks is considerably greater than those purchased on iTunes (128kb/s to 192kb/s) and since it is an entirely separate entity (from Sony BMG) you do not need iTunes to preview or purchase any of these tracks.
Source: Sony BMG / Billie Jean
Audigier Plans Clothing Line With Michael. 25-06-'08
In an interview to PEOPLE, designer Christian Audigier (Ed Hardy) said that he is planning to launch anew fahsio line together with Michael Jackson this fall. He said that the two have teamed up to collaborate on this project:
“It’s the merging of the King of Pop with the king of fashion. Something explosive is going to happen.”
Fraser Ross, the owner of Kitson, a trend fashion shop on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles (USA) which is also represented on the web, has already agreed to carry the line exclusively:
“Michael Jackson is an international pop icon who has had a huge following throughout his career. I think people will think it’s hip to wear his line. Through all his ups and downs people still love him. He still has a huge fan base.”
Source: People / Billie Jean
Sony Australia To Release Fan-Voted Album. 20-06-'08
Sony BMG in Australia is inviting Michael Jackson fans to compile 'King Of Pop', a 50th birthday album for Michael Jackson.
Starting June 21, 2008, you have 3 weeks to vote for your 5 favourite songs on the specially created website mj50.com.au. The album 'King Of Pop' will feature the top 30 songs picked by the fans, plus a new megamix from Jason Nevins. It will be released in Australia on Michael`s 50th birthday - August 29, 2008.
While submitting your vote online you can also add a birthday message for Michael. The most creative wishes will make it as part of the artwork for the album.
Fans are also invited to join the official Australian album launch party at Club Swans, Potts Point, Sydney, Australia. The party start on August 29 at 7.30pm. Limited tickets to this can be booked by phone (80612300) or through Ticketek.
Source: Sony BMG Australia / Billie Jean
Stan Winston Dies. 19-06-'08
On Sunday, Oscar winner Stan Winston, who was famous for his special effects ('Jurassic Park', 'Aliens', 'Terminator', 'Edward Sciussorhands'), died at the age of only 62. He died at his home in Malibu surrounded by family after a seven-year struggle with multiple myeloma (a form of cancer).
Working with the very best directors, such as Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, and Tim Burton, in a career spanning four decades, Winston created some of the most memorable visual effects in cinematic history and was a pioneer in merging real-world effects with computer imaging. He also worked with Michael Jackson as director and co-producer on the movie 'Ghosts'.
Stan Winston is survived by his wife, Karen, a son, daughter, brother, and four grandchildren.
Source: AP / Billie Jean
WBSS2008 Released In UK. 16-06-'08
You can download ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008′, the new Michael Jackson track featuring Akon, taken from ‘Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition′, one of the biggest selling albums of the year so far.
The digital release of the single in the UK is available through iTunes at only 79p a track. The EP single has three versions:
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 (Johnny Vicious Club-Radio Remix)
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 (Johnny Vicious Full Club Remix)
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 (Album Version)
To purchase your copy, click here
Source: Billie Jean
Michael Jackson's Acquittal: Three Year Anniversary. 13-06-'08
Three years ago today, after a gruelling three month trial and one week of deliberations, a jury of 12 unanimously agreed that Michael Jackson was not guilty of all charges leveraged against him. The trial generated unmatched media interest at every corner of the globe, with several thousand regional and international reporters covering the trial and verdict (with varying degrees of accuracy).
Millions of dollars were spent by Tom Sneddon and his crew in attempts of putting together a case that many legal experts agreed did not exist. Michael Jackson's acquittal made immediate front-page headlines around the world--Brazil, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Italy, Israel, Iceland, Spain, Peru, and countless others. June 13th of 2005 signified the abrupt ending to the long-running "cash cow" that many heavily invested pundits were banking on...
Source: Billie Jean
New Michael Jackson and Christian Audigier Clothing Line? 12-06-'08
Last month, after Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at Christian Audigier's 50th birthday celebration in Los Angeles, Audigier commented briefly in a post-party interview that they were looking into the possibility of launching a new clothing line together.
Now, new reports have surfaced in Life & Style magazine and elsewhere which indicate that this planned partnership between Jackson and Audigier is indeed moving forward. X17 exclusively reports that the two will launch a new $14 million clothing venture at the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas on July 4th, with Audigier and Jackson acting as co-designers for the new products.
According to X17, the new shop (which will be replacing the Tangerine night club) will feature "clothing inspired by glitzy, glamorous Las Vegas shows."
Source: X17 / Billie Jean
Thriller 25 Sells Over Two Million. 12-06-'08
Worldwidealbums.net have listed the biggest selling albums of 2008 and Michael’s classic ‘Thriller’ album, which was updated to include remixes with some of today’s hottest artists, and a DVD of some of Michael’s most memorable performances, has entered this list at number 2, with sales over two million. This is certainly a wonderful achievement for a 25 year old album.
We offer our congratulations to everyone involved.
Source: worldwidealbums.net / Billie Jean
Michael Jackson Surprises Fans In Devon. 09-06-'08
On June 8, 2008, Michael Jackson made a surprise live phone call to the "Michael Jackson and the Jacksons: A Celebration" party held in Devon, England.
The party, organized by Matt Fiddes, served as a welcoming celebration for the Jacksons--numerous Jackson family members were also in attendance. During the brief phone call, as the crowd roared with cheers and chants, Michael Jackson stated that he was currently in Las Vegas "running around today and having fun" and that he was "going to be doing some studio work today."
After speaking for a brief period longer, Jackson concluded the call by saying "I love you more, and God bless you." You can listen to the audio of this phone message by way of YouTube.
Source: MadPudd / Billie Jean
Birthday Greeting Project. 08-06-'08
JAM / MJFC Germany is calling fans worldwide to participate in their new project: Make your own video with a birthday greeting for Michael Jackson.
On August 29, 2008, Michael will celebrate his 50th birthday. For this occasion JAM is asking all fans to participate in their project.
Record your personal greeting message for Michael Jackson on video. It can either be a few words addressed at the King of Pop or you can sing or dance.
The videos shall not contain any kind of racist, sexual or otherwise offensive content. All videos will be checked before publication on the special birthday page.
Michael Jackson will be the first to get the posiibility to view the videos. All other fans will get a chance to view them starting September 1, 2008.
You can upload your videos at the popular video portals (e.g. YouTube, MyVideo, Clipfish). Then send the link of your video to JAM. They will check the video and - if applicable - publish it on the special web page.
JAM does not take over any guarantee that Michael Jackson will view the videos.
Deadline is August 17, 2008
You can send the link of your video to JAM via their contact form.
Source: JAM / MJFC Germany / Billie Jean
MJ Painting By Warhol On Auction. 04-06-'08
On July 2, 2008, Sotheby's in London (UK) is going to auction a painting by famous American artist Andy Warhol (1928-87) which is featuring Michael Jackson. Warhol was a central figure in the pop art movement.
The painting sized 76.2 by 66cm was executed in 1984.
For more details please visit the web site of Sotheby's. However, if you consider bidding for this painting and to hang it into your living room...the estimated price is a whooping amount of 250,000—350,000 GBP (about 490,000-684,000 US$). That's quite some money...
Source: Sotheby's / Billie Jean
Vote For Michael! 04-06-'08
MSNBC.com is conducting a poll asking whether you would be interested to see Michael Jackson perform in a show in Las Vegas (USA).
Would you pay to see Michael Jackson in concert in Las Vegas?
- Absolutely! I love Michael and would pay top dollar.
- If tickets weren't too expensive, yes.
- I might. I'm curious to see how weird he is in real life.
- Not a chance.
To vote, please click here.
Source: World Entertainment News Network / Billie Jean
Janet Would Open For Michael. 03-06-'08
Appearing on the BET network TV show 106 & Park in New York (USA) earlier this week, Michael`s younger sister Janet was also asked what she thinks about rumours of Michael doing a show in Las Vegas. Janet responded that she has no idea if he will go ahead with the show but was extending an offer to be his opening act:
"I've heard that (story) for a while, but I don't know.
I would love to (open up for him)."
Source: World Entertainment News Network / Billie Jean
'Signature': Jackson Family Wished Us Good Luck. 02-06-'08
Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh from dance group 'Signature', who won 2nd place in `Britain`s Got Talent', reported on GMTV that they received a surprise phone call from some Jackson Family members just before the show. Suleman said:
"I couldn't believe it. It happened about an hour or two before the show. I got a call from the security manager saying, 'Hi, I'm here with the Jackson family - Michael's mother and the two brothers are here - I think it 's Jackie and Tito - they're sitting down, they wish you all the best and they'll be voting for you.'
And then I got a call back on Sunday saying that apparently Michael's aware of our act and he's a big fan and he'll be contacting us soon. I don't know if that's quite true, but we'll see what happens."
Source: Coventry Telegraph / Billie Jean
'The Jacksons Original Album Classics' Set. 01-06-'08
Esprit International Limited (Eil.com) have announced the UK release of 'The Jacksons Original Album Classics' (Sony BMG; catalogue number: 88697304722) for June 16, 2008.
This is a 5-CD album set comprising of the album releases 'Jacksons', 'Goin Places', 'Destiny', 'Triumph', and 'Victory'. Each album is housed in a mini-LP style card picture sleeve with the complete set presented in a card slipcase.
Source: eil.com / Billie Jean
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