Jackson celebrates Thriller anniversary with expanded remix version
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 | 12:31 PM ET
CBC News
Michael Jackson has marked the 25th anniversary of his album Thriller by releasing an expanded edition of his groundbreaking release featuring popular contemporary pop artists.
"There is still much more to come for Michael Jackson," the 49-year-old singer said in a video message released on Monday by his record company, Sony-BMG.
Michael Jackson, seen here in London in late 2006, is said to be working on a new studio album with producer-performer will.i.am.
(Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press)
"My passion for music has never stopped," Jackson added. "It's my hope that Thriller continues to live on for each new generation to discover."
The 25th-anniversary edition of Thriller is bolstered by several new remixes, including a Kanye West version of Billie Jean, Akon performing Wanna Be Starting Something, Beat It featuring Fergie and several songs given a new production by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
The revamped album will also include a previously unreleased track Jackson had recorded but didn't include on the original.
Jackson released his landmark album Thriller in late 1982. A blockbuster from the start, it went on to sell more than 100 million copies around the world and spawned seven chart-topping hit songs. Jackson also won seven Grammy Awards for the album, its tracks and videos.
"To be able to say that Thriller still holds the record as the biggest-selling album of all time is just mind blowing. I have you, my fans, throughout the world to thank for this achievement," Jackson said.
Jackson followed Thriller with the also successful studio albums Bad in 1987 and Dangerous in 1991. However, in recent years, his most recent efforts, including 2001's Invincible, failed to reach the same heights or win the critical acclaim of his past albums.
Controversies in the singer's personal life have also overshadowed his musical efforts of late, including his acquittal in a high-profile child molestation case in 2005, his changing appearance and strange behaviour, as well as the slew of financial and legal battles involving him in recent years.
However, the singer is said to be working on a new studio album with will.i.am.
With files from the Associated PressShare Tools
- Spider-Man trailer: fresh take or more of the same?by Arts Online Feb. 7, 2012 5:15 PM Spider-Man? Yes. Amazing? Maybe. The first full-length trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man -- the reboot of the comic-turned-movie trilogy -- has been released. But considering the previous movie franchise ended a mere five years ago and that we've been bombarded with stories about the troubled Broadway musical adaptation since then, this reboot does beg the question: Do we really need to revisit Spider-Man?
Top News Headlines
- Online surveillance bill tabled in House
- A bill that is expected to give police and intelligence agencies new powers to access Canadians' electronic communications, sometimes without a warrant, has been tabled in the House of Commons. more »
- Fantino says Canada's F-35 jet purchase 'evolving'
- Canada's minister responsible for military procurement now appears open to adjusting the Defence Department's order for F-35 fighter jets, citing an economic environment "we may not have any control over." more »
- What to get your special someone on Valentine's Day
- For those looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift, here are some ideas — from the traditional to the outlandish. more »
- Sperm donor anonymity case moves to B.C. Appeal Court
- The B.C. government hopes to retain the anonymity of sperm donors as it launches a high-court appeal of a ruling last year won by a woman who wanted to know the identity of her father. more »
Latest Arts & Entertainment News Headlines
- Famed romance began with exchange of letters
- The 573 love letters exchanged between Elizabeth Barrett and her future husband, fellow poet Robert Browning, are now viewable online. more »
- Amend copyright bill to end radio 'subsidy,' groups urge
- Musicians and record labels want the federal government to amend its copyright reform act to end a break for commercial radio stations that reduces royalty payments to artists. more »
- Tree-planting memoir wins $40K lit prize
- Charlotte Gill's vivid memoir of her 17 years as a tree-planter, which weaves her experiences into an examination of logging and its environment impact, has won the B.C. National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction. more »
- Golden Collar Awards name The Artist's Uggie top dog
- Even dog actors can get awards in Tinseltown, and six pooches collected prizes at the inaugural Golden Collar Awards. more »
Q Blog
Colm Feore guest hosts Q Feb. 14, 2012 11:21 AM The acclaimed Canadian actor sits in for Jian this Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 6th & 7th, as the guest host on Q! Click through for more details.
CBC Books
Exploring black Canadian literature Feb. 14, 2012 10:42 AM Throughout February, literary journalist Donna Bailey Nurse will be blogging about black Canadian writers and their important works. In her first post, she explains how she came to love reading and mentions some of the writers who have inspired her most.
- Online surveillance critics accused of supporting child porn
- HMCS Corner Brook collision damage extensive
- Whitney Houston's funeral to be held Saturday
- Mandatory gun sentence struck down by Ontario judge
- Mooning Queen proves costly for Australian man
- Stanley Cup rioter seen in brick attack on cop
- Whitney Houston estate value set to soar
- Man pleads guilty to murder of stepdaughter, 17
- Teen's Facebook post prompts dad to shoot computer
