As you've doubtlessly heard from the entire music-consuming portion of the Internet, Epic is releasing what is sure to be the first of many posthumous albums by Michael Jackson on December 14. Titled simply Michael, it's looking like the disc will feature mostly tracks recorded after the release of 2001's Invincible. Obviously, that's not as exciting a period to cover as, say, the Thriller or Bad years, but those outtakes will probably come packed with another reissue of those albums. (That's not so much a gripe as it is a statement of probable fact; I'd happily buy a box set devoted to Thriller or a proper reissue of Bad with the original LP mixes restored.)
A track list has not been released - heck, it may not even be finalized yet - but the cover art has been released, and a single, "Breaking News," will stream on MJ's official site starting Monday. Join us at The Second Disc in hoping the set has got some worthy material on it - I'm sure something will escape the vaults that turns out to be a winner, but who knows when? - and, of course, more info as it arrives.
SoCalDrew says
That cover...OMG. The only image missing is the KOP on the cross.
Tom says
While I definitely welcome hearing unreleased MJ music, I feel a bit queasy about buying what is sure to be an endless stream of collections of previously compiled material with a few outtakes. They will milk this for all its worth.
I think Hip-O-Select did a wonderful job earlier this year with the release of the Jackson 5 Live at the Forum two-disc set. I mean, it was a whole album of unreleased live recordings made with love and care.
I doubt the same effort will be made for MJ's solo efforts lying in the vaults.
Rick says
Agree about the cover, it's atrocious! What's with the angels and the crown??? Please!