Spyder's Random Things: Michael Jackson's new version The Girl Is Mine feat. Will.i.am

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Michael Jackson's new version The Girl Is Mine feat. Will.i.am

Click here to listen to Michael Jackson's new version The Girl Is Mine

After a long and frequently dramatic time away from the music industry, Michael Jackson is releasing his first new music in seven years.

To mark the 25th anniversary of his record-breaking album Thriller, the man once known as the King of Pop is releasing a new version of the hit The Girl Is Mine.

Originally a duet with Sir Paul McCartney, Jackson has re-recorded the song with The Black Eyed Pea’s Will.i.am.

The single’s digital release today marks the beginning of a comeback attempt by Jackson, whose reputation was battered when he was tried on molestation charges in 2005.

Although the pop star was acquitted, his first attempt to re-enter the music industry was a disaster. Jackson was booked to perform at the World Music Awards in London but managed only a few faltering notes.

His latest comeback attempt is more ambitious. The Girl Is Mine will be on shop shelves on January 28, followed by a new edition of Thriller, featuring remixes by hip-hop heavyweights Akon and Kanye West, on February 11. Then in March the singer starts a three-month-long UK tour.

Source [TimesOnline]

In 2007, a demo version of the song (with no participation by Paul McCartney at that time) was remixed with added new lyrics rapped by hip-hop vocalist and producer will.i.am, for Thriller 25 (a 25th anniversary special edition of Thriller). The mix is very different from the Thriller album recording and is significantly shorter - conforming to the modern trend for shorter songs being more popular as singles. Hip-hop beats have been layered over the remixed song, creating a very different sound and vibe though Jackson's original vocal recordings were retained. The song includes never before heard different and additional vocals by Jackson, taken from the original demo which is also included on the physical 5" CD single.

The song is Jackson's first single release for Thriller 25, officially released as a digital download on iTunes on January 14th 2008 and two weeks later as a physical CD single on January 28th, shortly before the album's February release.

The Girl Is Mine 2008 (Featuring Will.I.Am) [SINGLE] [IMPORT]
This title will be released on January 29, 2008.
The Girl Is Mine 2008 – will.i.am Album version 3:10
The Girl Is Mine 2008 – will.i.am Club Remix 3:25
The Girl Is Mine - Original Demo 3:13

The Girl Is Mine 2008 (Featuring Will.I.Am) [SINGLE] [IMPORT]
This title will be released on February 5, 2008.
The Girl Is Mine 2008 – will.i.am Album version 3:10
The Girl Is Mine 2008 – will.i.am Club Remix 3:25

Michael Jackson - Thriller - The Girl Is Mine (With Paul McCartney) (USA)
(original version off Thriller album)