Is No 'Michael' Preferable to a Flawed Version?

The cover of Michael Jackson's latest album, the posthumous "Michael," above, features a crown in its proper place. Photo from michaeljackson.com.

HEAD’S UP: December again already. It’s the gifting season, which means more things to do with less time to do them in. Don’t despair. At VEVLYN’S PEN, we are here to help. For the next week or so — 12 days before Christmas ending on 22 Dec. — each day we will introduce a product/item, brand or nifty shop that we believe is worthy of consideration for those very special gifts.

Gift Idea No. 12 - the finale:

THE world, of course, loves and is still mourning Michael Jackson. Is it any wonder, then that the posthumous record, “Michael,” is the word’s No. 1 album at the moment. It was released on 14 Dec.

Last week a few hundred lucky New Yorkers were invited to the Roseland Ballroom where DJ Cassidy played MJ hits, dating to the Jackson 5. The actual reason for the gathering, however, was a listening party to celebrate the worldwide release of “Michael,” the next day.

The release has been the source of controversy because MJ died before it was finished. Critics, including the legendary Quincy Jones and MJ uber-collaborator, believe the record should not have been released for this reason. Many in favor of the release, except for fans, stand to gain financially from its release. Understandably, their sanctioning its release would be questioned by some.

Opinions, notwithstanding, the record is out. To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Surely, millions who haven’t heard it are curious, that includes the more than 25 million who stopped by the MJ Web site (http://www.michaeljackson.com/) where before its release they could listen to the whole album, then preorder it.

Yours Truly has listened and listened and listened to the CD that she came into possession of at a certain listening party. Below are my thoughts – track by track – of the 10 songs, featuring three guest artists:

Photo from www.fanpix.net.

TRACK 1. HOLD MY HAND (DUET WITH AKON) – Akon reminds fans in the liner notes that parts of this track were leaked before it was finished. He assures fans that they can now “hear it the way it was meant to be heard.” The lyrics are simple, uncomplicated and intelligible. MJ and Akon harmonize well together. It’s a good song in the spirit of “Rock with You.” Not a bad start. (Listen: http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/news/listen-entire-michael-album; See/hear: http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/hold-my-hand-video)

TRACK 2. HOLLYWOOD TONIGHT – Included in the liner notes are what are supposed to be personal notes written by MJ. About “Hollywood Tonight,” he scribbles, “… Runaway age 15 she dreams of fame riches … Her mission is to make it in Hollywood … the obstacles … are unbearable but she makes against her parents will = a true … based on a true story.”

The song starts off with chanting. Then scat-like sounds. A note from one instrument – a guitar perhaps – followed by too many to count. Danny Ray McDonald, Jr. and Michael Durham Prince should take a bow for some extra fine whistling. It sounds like a horn making a whistling sound rather than humans. The spoken word in the bridge by Taryll Jackson (no relation) heightens the drama as he recounts the pitfalls facing those seeking Hollywood fame. The arrangement is fantastic. “Hollywood Tonight” is catchy, engaging and thoroughly danceable. It will be huge in the clubs and on radio. All within earshot will be singing the hook: She’s going Hollywood/She’s going Hollywood tonight/She’s going Hollywood/She’s going Hollywood tonight/She’s going Hollywood/She’s going Hollywood tonight/It’s true, that you, may never ever have that chance again.

TRACK 3. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP – Though it is an inspirational anthem, "Keep Your Head Up" is terribly disjointed. It starts off recounting the travails of a jobless, single mother; from there man is destroying the environment, then all the world needs is love, and finally it is important to make every moment count, as the days are not promised. A mix of MJ’s velvety pop alto and a church choir give it a slight gospel tint as it nears the end, which is the best part of the song. It’s tight and goosebump-inducing with Michael and the chorus overlapping the hook and the last verse: Keeping your head up to the sky/Keeping your mind up stay alive/Gimme your wings so we can fly/ … I need your love/ I need you now/I need your light right here today/I need you now.

TRACK 4. (I LIKE) THE WAY YOU LOVE ME – A perfect companion for “She’s Out of My Life.” Think of “(I Like) The Way You Love Me” as the before and the former as the after. Vintage MJ in ballad mode. One of the best tracks on the record; it sounds finished, too.

Photo from Getty Pictures.

TRACK 5. MONSTER (FEATURING 50 CENT) – This one might have been on “Thriller" or "Bad.” “Monster (Featuring 50 Cent)” would be a perfectly fine funk/soul ditty, but for two poor marks: 50 Cent, whose rapping adds nothing to the track. Nothing! Elsewhere, one lyric in the hook, He’s an animal, sounds cringy-worthy odd with the others, He’s a monster/He’s a monster ... Back to the drawing board.

TRACK 6 BEST OF JOY – This is the track on every CD that is serviceable. It doesn’t stir emotions too much one way or the other. It’s squarely middle of the pack. “Best of Joy” will probably be on Side B of the album.

TRACK 7. BREAKING NEWS – Apparently, MJ didn’t completely have his say with “Leave Me Alone.” Here’s another screed against the media for its intense scrutiny of him. On “Leave Me Alone” he was angry, and rightfully so. With “Breaking News,” he is resigned. He’s rolling with the go. The main instruments, which lend the song a whimsical, teasing quality are the cymbals and the strings of The Benjamin Wright Orchestra. MJ is both amused and perturbed by the media elements that have a beef with him: Everybody watching the news on/Michael Jackson/They wanna see that I fall cause I’m/Michael Jackson/You write the words to destroy like/it’s a weapon. He is aware, too, of how technology has given birth to the 24-hour news cycle, No matter what/You wanna read it again/No matter what/You just wanna feed it again.

Photo from www.fanpix.net.

TRACK 8. (I CAN MAKE IT) ANOTHER DAY (FEATURING LENNY KRAVITZ) – I walked away but I was wrong/I can’t make it another day/You’re the one that makes me strong/I can’t make it another day/ You’re the fire that keeps me warm/I can’t make it another day/How did I get through this storm/I can’t live another day without your love … MJ’s vocals. LK’s electric guitar, lyrics and background vocals. The cymbals. LENNY’S ELECTRIC GUITAR. ROCK it ooouuut! The best vocal collaboration on the record and one of the best of MJ’s career … (See/hear: http://idolator.com/5346722/supposed-michael-jackson-song-another-day-leaks)

TRACK 9. BEHIND THE MASK – Most of the songs on the record have a prelude. One of the most arresting is courtesy of Mike Phillips' sexy, sultry, seductive saxophone (with cheers laid underneath) on rocking, pulsing “Behind the Mask” about a woman who may or may not be deceiving a man besotted with her. MP brings the sax sexy back several times, including at the bridge before MJ picks up again with one of the most muscular vocals on the record. Listen for this one, too, in the clubs and on radio ... Who do you love?/Is it me? Well?/I don’t know/Who do you love?/You know me … LOVE it.

TRACK 10. MUCH TOO SOON – The tempo, understandably is downbeat on this ballad, about the loss of love. Speckled with harmonica and accordion, “Much to Soon” is the record’s sole country-pop track. It is engaging, and the lyrics are tender. A stronger closer, however, would have been something like “(I Can Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)” or “Behind the Mask.”

Doubtless, MJ would have made some tweaks to “Michael” because he is a perfectionist. The record is not “MJ perfect” but it is good – far and away better than many finished records on the market. Does that mean that fans should not buy it? That is for each individual to decide for him/herself.

Millions the world over have already spoken ... Who do you love? Is it he? Well?

”Michael” is available wherever CDS are sold and also various places on line, including the official Michael Jackson store run by distributor, Sony, http://www.sonymusicdigital.com/michael-jackson/pages/5709473/; Amazon http://www.amazon.com/MICHAEL-Michael-Jackson/dp/B00192IV9U and Target, http://www.target.com, Search: Michael.

In Mood for Roasting Chestnuts/Hot Sequins

The rocking bling long tank, left, is the favorite of Yours Truly in The Limited 2010 Holiday collection. She also likes the kaleidoscope shawl placket sweater in Mill Multi, below. Photos courtesy of The Limited.

INSIDE cool, darkened space that has white, leather sofas sprinkled about. Immediately forget heat and humidity outside. Walking over to deejay stand to holler at dj kiss. Tell her once again how hard she rocked house a few weeks ago for Farragamo’s Attimo party on roof of Standard Hotel. Also impart choice words about how great she is and all that she deserves because of it. Kiss her goodbye.

Thirsty. To bar for water first, wine second. Oh, there’s buddy and WWD photog, Steve Eichner. Give hug and again apologize profusely for missing his July 4th party on beach. Promise to visit before summer is over ... About that drink – one for SE, too.

Why am I here? Oh, yes. The Limited Holiday 2010 Collection Preview. Lots of such views ongoing now – lots of Christmas in July. Esprit has one ce soir. Puts Yours Truly in mood for holiday music and carols. Thinking about "Crescent City Christmas Card" (Wynton Marsalis), "Home for Christmas" (Amy Grant) and my fav, “A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Vince Guaraldi).

Like The Limited party. The Limited, I grew up wearing, say I to marketing people. Declare love for brand and name all clothes still have that I bought as long ago as the early 90s. Swear that I am not just sucking up to them because I am drinking their Sauvignon Blanc and pocketing their spiced almonds.

Holiday collection is fetching. Bunch of pretty, little dresses. Some with sparkle, some without. A lovely peacoat in taupe – looks very expensive. But it’s The Limited, so everybody can afford it. Taupe pants, too, have swagger. That black-belted red shell is going to turn some heads. The green plaid skirt with that black (faux?) leather jacket is such a flirt – but it’s all in good fun.

See those jeans? Not my cup of drink. Too much wear and tear for my tastebuds. Yeah, I get it: they ain’t for everybody, and I am one of those bodies.

Keepin' it movin’ …

What I Love/LOve/LOVe/LOVE: That burgundy/brown-creme v-neck sweater with elbow-length sleeves ($59.90/in stores come October). Plaid scarf in like colors is icing on cake.

Pièce de ré·sis·tance is sequinned tank ($49.90). One I see is aqua; The Limited calls it teal (also comes in other colors, including black). But won’t quibble over semantics. On living model it is paired with cropped black jacket & cropped pants. Pops like a firecracker. Look at Me: Staring. Coveting. Salivating. Gorgeous – more gorgeous than beautiful Nigerian model/server.

In November, will own it. Will rock it with red. With pink. With burgundy. With silver, gold …

The Limited Holiday 2010 Collection will start arriving in stores and online in October.

A Throwdown (and Beatdown) Atop a Boss Roof
A view of a section of the Manhattan skyline from the Hugo Boss roof at 26th street. Below, Robin Thicke and Janelle Monae sang into the night at the Hugo Boss Beat the Heat rooftop party. Photos from wireimages.com.

IN deep winter when Yours Truly is shivering from cold and windchill, I will think of the days of summer. My most fond memory will be the night I spent on high at the Hugo Boss Beat the Heat rooftop party.

HB, y'all, gave the heat a beatdown ...

I stroll onto the patio around 7:30. The sun is red-orange and is staring right at me. Luis, the security guard, strongly recommends sunglasses. I comply; he approves and sends me on my way.

Behold, a sea of beautiful people (Miss America Rima Fakih, Tyson Beckford), beautiful-people-in-the-making and wanna-be-beautiful-people. In double-quick fashion, I meet DM, a smartly dressed HB intern. “You look like you’re by yourself,” I declare. He is and so am I. It’s ON! Throughout the evening we gather/scatter and share a taxi to our UES n’hood. I grab a drink and join DM who already has a beer in progress.

Meanwhile, DJ Cassidy. Boyfriend is so baaaddd that he’s spun records for the president. He is tearing up the turntable, producing dancing/swaying/weaving/bobbing. All night long he does this. The humidity is lower up here, around 11 stories. Do I even need utter anything about THE VIEW? A breeze is hovering and delivering its agreeable blow.

Once it’s dark the mic is taken over by Janelle Monae. Her high-energy set starts off mysteriously as if something is about to happen along the lines of a King of Pop performance. What follows is not all that but lil Miss has her moments. Love the get-up and the hair – definitely channeling James Brown.

His turn at the mic Robin Thicke is smooth like silk. His sweet lollibies harmonize with this increasingly breezy evening. I’m feelin’ it but he’s too laidback for JR, an NBC cameraman I’m jawing with. JM is JR’s speed. We decide it might be a Mars/Venus thing and call it a draw. And we’re dancing. No, we’re putting down some Chicago-style step once DJ Cassidy is back on his game. And that’s the way we take out the night.

Night ... It’s around 8:30, maybe. Day is going off duty, and dusk is en route: Breathtaking! The most beautiful thing here. Purple/forest green/indigo/orange-red/gray sky. An artistic masterpiece. A sight for sore eyes. Tears are understandable.