Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Extended Version)
I think that this song represents so much more on an outer level rather the than the actual composition of the song itself!
It’s been land marked as being the first music video by an African American to be shown on MTV, a video that I for one was always thrilled about when it came on the TV. I mean how cool was that where every place he stepped the ground would light up! That was pretty awesome 80′s stuff right there!!
But it’s real crowning achievement was the now legendary solo performance on the Motown 25 television special where Michael, complete with hat and sequined glove, introduced the world to the moonwalk in an amazingly awesome display of showmanship that would cement his place in the pop music world as the crowning “King Of Pop”.
Released as the second single off Thriller, “Billie Jean” would become the biggest selling single of the year 1983. A song who’s subject matter is still disputed between fact or fiction (if Michael had fathered children among the “Billie Jean” groupies of the world).. one piece of truth that Michael did openly admit to was lifting the bass line for this now classic track from another famous 80′s tune, that of “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” by Hall & Oates! (Michael would get a taste of his own medicine a few years later when Billy Ocean would pinch the chorus groove from “Billie Jean” for “Caribbean Queen!” .. ha-ha served you right Mike!)
This is the very awesome “extended version” from the original 12″ vinyl. Gives you a little more time for you to get that moonwalk routine down for yourself :)
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The more “Billie Jean” the better is my motto. Thanks again for the rare extended 12″ version Chris. I’m surprised it has not surfaced yet on all the different reissues of the Thriller album on CD.
If I could go back in time to attend a concert, the Motown 25 concert might be the one. That or Beatles at Shea.
@ Santi – I know what you mean. This is THE mix to go with in my opinion :)
@ Jen – I’m with you all the way on both accounts! :)
I love how the opening notes of this just draaaaaw you in. I’ve been on a Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 kick of late. I’ve decided from now on, I will always Blame it on the Boogie.
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