Yesterday, August 29th, Michael Jackson would have celebrated his 53rd birthday. It has been over two years since the "King of Pop" passed away on June 25, 2009.
My favorite memories of the music of Michael Jackson are from my childhood years of the early 1980s. Wall Township, NJ, my hometown, had a roller-skating rink called the "Rollerdrome." A cool guy named Mike with dark, bushy hair ran the place, served as both DJ and referee! Some of my favorite tunes to skate to were from Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" album, released in 1979. In particular, the tracks "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough," "Rock With You," and "Off the Wall." While Thriller (1982) is Michael Jackson's most successful album, Off the Wall will always be my sentimental favorite.
 |
 |
| I strongly recommend the Special Edition of Off the Wall that contains bonus footage with interviews with Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton, and the wonderful original demo version of "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" with its driving rhythm section complete with a cowbell and glass bottles. |
A lesser known, but one of my favorite tracks from Off the Wall is "I Can't Help It" (written by Stevie Wonder and Susaye Green of the Supremes):
Enjoy these tracks as you remember the King of Pop on his birthday!
