#SoundOfTheWeek: XSCAPE - MICHAEL JACKSON

Since the untimely passing of Michael Jackson, music buyers have become firmly rooted in one of two camps. Either you believe that his decades of unreleased material should remain locked up and enshrined in his memory, knowing how particular he was about what the public got to hear, without his stamp of approval (making their release a desecration of his creative integrity). Or, you just want to hear the magic; even if that means the art is compromised by allowing others to finish the vision that MJ had started. You feel he did the basics and others can finish what he started, in fact you fail to see what the big fuss is even about!

Personally, I'm barely a step away from the former. When you have someone so intrinsically linked to everything that they create, you cannot have any old producer – no matter how talented, come in, and finish it with Michael's ear – no-one else is that gifted. Will I listen to it? Absolutely, it is the Greatest Entertainer of ALL Time, after all! Would I buy it, however? Not a chance – I will not support Sony's ongoing attempts to loot a deadman's vault, and steal his children's legacy to line their own pockets, it's shameful, and unconscionable.

Now that we've got the ethical issues out the way, let's talk tracks shall we?

Once you take the fact that as excellent a producer is, he will never produce the project to Michael's stellar level of skill out of the equation, you can judge the work on a more even footing. The standard version of the album consists of 8 'reworked' tracks, with the deluxe containing each in their original state, plus one bonus remix featuring Justin Timberlake. More about that mess later...

Lead single 'Love Never Felt So Good' kicks off the compilation set. A feel good, modern day Disco track, the opening strings are very 'typically Michael' in their slow, artful start. Taking you back to the days of 'Off The Wall', it’s an excellent open that sets the tone for the rest of the project in a big way. As the title suggests, the song is a thank you to a cherished partner, in recognition of the love that she makes him feel, and the happiness that comes along with it. The live original - one of the bonus tracks - is as poignant as it is natural, with just Michael, the piano, some handclaps and fingersnaps. The greatest moment however, comes at the end, when you hear Michael’s voice, giving his ok on the studio take. The first time you hear it brings startled surprise, chills, nostalgia, and a touch of wistful sadness, as you remember that the great man behind the talent is no longer with us. 

'Chicago' sounds like something that could have made the 'Invincible' album infinitely better. Michael's lower register dominates the moment in the best of ways in this semi-apology to the husband of his girl, as he recounts how she duped them both through the story of how they met. This is a healthy Michael, doing what he did best – singing his heart out with compelling emotion. 

'Loving You' is a stellar, standout track. Although it is distinctly 90s RnB / Soul, the modern day tinge means that it's competing with absolutely nothing on the radio right now. As suggested by the title, this one is a love letter with his typically beautiful harmonies, taking the whole five minutes and thirty-five seconds to an entirely new level.

'A Place With No Name' takes its bones from America's 'A Horse With No Name'. But the original songwriter's involvement notwithstanding, the similarities end there. This is a takeover club track, just begging to rule a dancefloor. Michael's lyrics and delivery catch you up in the dreamworld that he describes in infinite detail. Even the production by Jackson himself, songwriter Dewey Bunnel, and Dr. Freeze, sounds surreal. A mystery woman shows up in the middle of nowhere, and walks him through a mist into an unnamed Utopia where human, and environmental life coexist happily to a level of imaginary perfection, and attempts to use her wiles to keep him there. She almost succeeds, until he pulls out a picture of his family and girlfriend, which succeeds in reminding him that the dreamworld he stands in, does not compare to what he has waiting at home.

'Slave to the Rhythm' begins dramatically with the slow, clinking sound of manacles dragging on the ground, backed by equally intense strings setting a vivid scene for the next chapter. The victim of the story dances to every beat of it. Sounding like something you expect to watch crews battle to. A wife and mother works herself to the bone to keep both her tyrant husband and her merciless boss happy.

'Do You Know Where Your Children Are' seems like a ridiculous addition to me. Not because I believe any of the accusations, nor because the song is bad (far from it); but since this is supposedly a compilation in his honour, it seems completely mercenary and disrespectful to throw in a track that will invite personal controversy. Keep it about the music, I say. On that note…With production that wouldn't have been out of place on Chaka Khan's 'I Feel For You' album from 1984, Jackson plays out a variety of scenarios in which children pay the ultimate price for an adults lack of responsibility and supervision. The message is a viable one, it would just carry more weight coming from someone that half the world didn’t believe the wrong things about.

'Blue Gangsta' doesn’t quite wash with me message-wise. First of all, love Michael as I do, you cannot justifiably claim to be a gangsta and mention crying as early as the intro of the song. It's just against the rules of Gangstafied Living! Am I right, or am I right? Anywhoo, a rather mean and unchaste female who, at one time, had promised to marry him, has been exposed as a liar, and a cheat, and he's understandably upset. About as 'hard' as he gets, is 'watch me light the fuse'. Not much 'gangsta talk' beyond that. Solange Knowles in a hotel lift – Gangsta. MJ – the most Gansta of all-round performers throughout history. Apart from that? Not so much…

'Xscape' is the Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins big finish that sees the late, great one go out with a bang. The injustices of a world that treated him so callously are called to mind, as his haunting words echo being hounded to seek real life escapism…

'why is it I can't do whatever want to /

when it's my personal life, and I don't live for you...'

Now that's Gangsta!

The bonus remix of 'Love Never Felt So Good' featuring Justin Timberlake was far more of a sombre addition than I'm sure was intended. We didn't get the usual cocky ex-boyband member with the boyish, and sometimes flirty charm. Instead, a nervous sounding boy fan provided a nervous sounding verse, that should have been a cinch for him at the worst of times. Considering the tall order however, I suppose it's hard to condemn his nerves, but at the same time, don't try so hard not to make a mistake, that you overcompensate by under-delivering to the fullest potential as we all know that you are capable of doing.

And there you have it - all 9 parts of Sony’s latest money-making venture. Is it a good compilation? Yes, very much so. However, you cannot get away from the fact that this was not how the King of Pop would have wanted this music to be heard. These songs belonged to his children, and it was up to them, how the material should have been released – if at all - not some conglomerate wanting to clear the entertainer's hotel bill.

'Xscape' is available now from all major music retailers.

You know what time it is - share you thoughts below, let's talk!

Until the next...

ES ;)

#FindOutFriday with Musician and Producer, S.I.P!

The late, great Ms. Whitney said "the children are our future". Whether you're 'Nasty' or not, Ms. Jackson didn't lie when she reminded us that "we are a part of a Rhythm Nation". That's why this week, we're going back to the music, so I can tell you about a very talented teen that I met awhile back.

Shannon Punter is a musician over-brimming with eager potential. I could give you a lengthy intro, but that would detract from his spotlight so, introducing himself - meet a strong candidate for the future of UK music...

1. Welcome Shannon, to the #FindOutFriday hotseat! I believe it was last Spring when you impressed me with your skills, live in the 'Bush Bash Recordings' studio. Introduce yourself to my readers and tell them what you do:

Shannon Punter AKA S.I.P...

Hello Erica, thank you for having me on the #FindOutFriday hotseat. My Name is Shannon Punter, I'm now 19 years old since August. My stage name is 'S.I.P' which are my initials minus one letter (because it just doesn't roll off the tongue the same way)...

I'm a Singer-Songwriter, I also produce, rap and can play many musical instruments. I see myself as a complete musician. I also teach music to 8-13 year-old's in Shoreditch, London.

2. What made an 8-year-old from North London want to learn the Classical Piano?

One word - Parents! I think it started off as the classic parental idea of "I'll live one of my experiences that I didn't finish through you." However, I started to enjoy the creativity of experimenting with chord patterns and different notes. I started to get told that because of this, I was way more accomplished for my age than a lot of other young amateur players that hadn't taken any grades. Shortly after, I was recommended to a teacher who entered me into grade tests with Trinity music each year. Getting Distinctions all the way through to Grade 5; I've now completed Grade 7 and  I look forward to completing the last - Grade 8 in due time.

3. You got into Music Production 4 years ago – how did that come about and what was the first thing you produced?

It was kind of a branch from the Piano. I always used to learn songs off of the radio and I liked singing, it just wouldn't go farther than that. Then a studio got built in my secondary school and I knew I had found the next level of creativity when it came to music. The recording was just a plus at the time. But all of this triggered my imagination and I knew that was my forum for art.

The first thing I actually produced was at a studio in my youth arts club. I made a grime remix to 'Chopsticks', with the help of  Ghanian artist and producer Mensah, who engineered for me at the time. It was so hard I couldn't stop skanking all the way home!

4. You mentioned some Heavy Hitters as influences when we talked; can you name your three favourite Producers and ONE lesson that each have taught you through their work?

My three favourite Producers are Quincy Jones, Timbaland, and Labrinth.

Lesson from Quincy: Making something with human feeling and capturing it within an orchestral score to accompany your lead riff makes your music sound so much more captivating...

Lesson From Timbo: Be influenced by every sound you can find. Music is everything so let your imagination and creativity take you away and be experimental with things you don't find repulsive (a prime example of being influenced by every sound would be the baby sounds in Aaliyah's 'Are You That Somebody')

Lesson from Lab: Everything that influences you from the current day to your cultural musical roots - incorporate it and see how brilliant you can make it sound. Also, you can make it as a Producer and as an Artist - not just one or the other...

5. In terms of musical influences, you cite some legends that date back to before even I was born (which I commend you for)! As a young 19-year-old, what are you finding in the music produced between the 60s and 90s that isn’t there, in that of your own peers?

I think the sincerity is absent from the music these days. Sadly, that's because sex and fashion sell and those aren't emotions. What people fail to realise is that yes those things may sell, but how did they get there in the first place?

Sex was described by Love and Romance in the 'Yester-Era'. When you had artists saying "Turn off the lights and light a candle" it was true feelings that were expressed. Some artists, you just heard it in their voice and all they were saying was "oh, oh, oh, oh, Baby" about 10 times. The truth in feelings showed the humanity of it all and if a man couldn't sing out his feelings or say them, he damn sure would put on a track that spoke for him. I don't think you have that from hardly any English artists these days, because they don't know how to blend and adapt the two, without dropping one out.

Stress Free - S.I.P productions by SIPeezy

Fashion is displayed through confidence and creativity, not arrogance. And it seems that you have to have that almost arrogant persona these days to be accepted. Once you take that on, it's naturally going to be difficult to maintain your humility. You're not supposed to gloat about what you have in my eyes, words don't need to speak much for you because people have eyes and those who gloat are mostly in the public eye already. To me whether you have swagger or class it's your creativity and confidence that'll make it likeable.

6. And how do you think you’re replacing what’s missing today with your own music?

I'm bringing back the humanity in music; the feeling in music, I'm making music for everyday people. Music that will touch people’s souls. Music that doesn't rely on the 'bling image' to look or sound good.

7. Now you don’t just play and produce, you also write. I got an insight into the ‘Artist’s’ side of what you’re embarking on in the studio. What would you say you’re mainly trying to express lyrically and how does it differ from your production works?

With writing, I focus on the reality of the scenario, mixing  present feelings with elements of fantasy if needed. This is to connect with the imagination of the audience. I wanna make them think "yeah I felt / want to feel like that" or "haha that bar reminds me of what happened to…" So everyone can relate.

My production accompanies the words. It's like Ying and Yang. There has to be some differences but ultimately, they have to coincide. It's either the words produce the music, or the music produces the words with me.

8. In terms of discipline, what’s the fundamental difference between what you've learned through your Classical training and the Music Technology that you’re studying at College?

I think it takes more discipline to be Classically-trained because it’s more structured and you're playing something specific to the set standard. With Producing, it can be done at your preference, at your own leisure. There are guidelines to this too, but it’s more about creativity. However the principle to become one of the best Producers is the same as being Classically-trained and that principle is to practice and research to no end.

S.I.P Productions- U know the deal instrumental by SIPeezy

9. You have an edge that most aspiring artists your age do not; in that you've grown up with the privilege of watching and learning how the Music Industry works from the inside. What’s the most valuable lesson that you've picked up so far?

It's imperative that you stay relevant; whether it be in performing, making songs, mixtapes, albums, etc. People's memories and attention spans are shortening as we speak.

Also, try and adapt what you think is the norm. Everyone likes something that's slightly different but still relevant.

Lastly, be consistent. Even people with a lack of talent can succeed because of consistency. So if you have both - a lot of talent and you're consistent then your winning, no ifs, buts or maybes.

10. So what can we expect from you musically in 2013?

More S.I.P Productions - whether the artist on the track is me or another (possibly from the collective I'm creating called R U Listening) or maybe someone a little more well-known (if my peoples can talk to their peoples and we can do lunch)... More S.I.P Mixes - aka Remixes of songs with S.I.P being one of, or the artist(s) on the track. More frequent uploads to Soundcloud and YouTube. 2 Mixtapes / EP's - hopefully by the end of the year...

Nobodies Perfect SIPmix by SIPeezy 

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Thanks Shannon! I for one, found the infusion of Classical training  into today's popular scene really interesting to watch in a live setting; so I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what comes from this Young One in the future. You can do the same by connecting with S.I.P via his Social Media Catalogue:

Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud

What do you think of Shannon's talents? Got any constructive advice for a budding musician? Feedback in the comment box below and don't forget - To Share is to Care!

See you soon...

ES ;)