This week sees the reissue of Michael Jackson’s Thriller LP. Now, there have been remasters and reissues over the years, so quite why the world needs another reissue is a bit of a puzzle. Maybe it’s because he’s a bit broke? Maybe it’s because the album, now more than ever, demands reappraisal? Whatever the reasons, you could argue that Thriller is being rammed down our throats… but you may not have noticed how.
The conspiracy theorists in the My Chemical Toilet offices have noticed a spike in MJ activity. There’s been a lot of “co-incidental” marketing. Getouutahere! You’re talkin’ crazy! Is that right? Apart from the horrific retouch of “The Girl Is Mine” (featuring will.i.am) there’s been a lot of MJ in other people’s tunes. Is someone getting paid to make Michael Jackson common currency again, or is it just testament to his influence?

All of a sudden, by complete accident, honest, Rhymefest just so happens to release a Man in the Mirror mixtape. Now, MJ is normally a bit choosy when it comes to letting his tracks out for use by others. Still, one release proves nada eh?
Well, anyone who has got down to the marvelous “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” will have punched the air with glee at the “ma ma say ma ma sah” bit. And why not? It’s ace! Ace enough for Rihanna to use in “Don’t Stop The Music”. Oh! Hang fire! His music is about a lot at the minute eh? Yeah. And what’s this all about? That’d be Mary J. Blige doing her best Michael Jackson impression.
You have to wonder what the huge push is for. Well, if the rumours are to be believed, Michael Jackson has got to fill a certain Labour party white elephant – the O2 arena - with people for some gigs. That’s probably why there’s so many people on YouTube doing Thriller dances. Yeah, whatever man… those people would have danced anyway… You may be right, but Michael Jackson’s team would have normally took ‘em down. So why the leniency?
This could be one of the most elaborate marketing ploys in the history of music. It could also show just how hugely influential Michael Jackson really is. Okay, I’ll rephrase that… Just how influential MJ was up to the Bad LP. Either way, it’s time for MJ fans to get their cards out… there’s an anniversary album that needs buying!

Possibly related:

1. Remix Hell: Michael Jackson featuring Kanye West: “Billie Jean 2008″

2. Hip-Hop Isn’t Dead: Mark Ronson + Rhymefest + Michael Jackson = mixtape of the year?

3. Michael Jackson “Wacko Jacko” Halloween Mask - almost as scary as real-life version

4. Michael Jackson: Bad meaning the best

5. Would you pay a fortune to see Michael Jackson at London’s O2?

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Posted by Stuart Waterman on Tuesday February 12th, 2008 at 6:56 am