Xscape Presseberichte Keine Diskussion

Danke an @Shiribure das sie Einen Unterthread zu Xscape eröffnet hat, da es zu diesem Thema bestimmt viele Möglichkeiten gibt Themen aufzumachen und es schade, wenn in einem Thread alles "verloren geht".
Hinweis bitte aber in Xscape ändern anstatt Escape.

Ich mache jetzt mal hier auch einen Thread zu Presseberichten und News auf auf. Zur Diksussion dann in den anderen Thread gehen. Zum Start nur noch mal die Albumankündigung.
Mache mal einen Thread zu Presseberichten rund ums Album auf, die hier gesammelt werden. Hier dann bitte nur Info und keine Diskussion. Dazu bitte in den Diskussion-Thread wechseln.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...253182181.html
NEW YORK, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 13, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release Xscape, an album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience, Xscape will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The Xscape standard and Deluxe Edition'sare available for pre-order beginning April 1 on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.
Das Projekt beinhaltet 8 neue Tracks, die die Welt erstmals mit dem neuen Album hört. Für das ultiamitve Fan-Erlebnis wird Xscape auf einer Deluxe-Edtion erhältlich sein, die alle Michael Jackson-Tracks in der original unbearbeiteten Form enthält.Xscape is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson's archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.
Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson's essence and integrity. It's a process Reid calls "contemporizing." The album's lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "Jroc" Harmon and John McClain.
Reid kuratierte die endgültige Liste der Aufnahmen zu den Produzenten, die die Produktion bearbeitet haben um einen frische, modernen Sound, der Jacksons Wesen und Integrität behält hinzufügen. Es ist ein Prozess den Reid als "contemporizing." bezeichnet. Der Album Lead Producer Timbaland war einer von einer Handvoll Produzenten wo Reid geglaubt hatte das er die Würde, Tiefe und Reichweite hat um sich kreativ mit Jacksons Arbeit zu engagieren. Weitere Produzenten sind Rodney Jerkins globalen Rocker, Stargate, Jerome "JROC" Harmon und John McClain.
"Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world," remarked L.A. Reid. "Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world."
"Moderne Musik und Artistik würde ohne die talentierten, bahnbrechenden Beiträge von Michael Jackson völlig anders auf die Welt aussehen und völlig anders klingen", bemerkte LA Reid. "Michael hinterließ einige musikalischen Darbietungen, die wir sehr stolz sind mit der Vision von Musikproduzenten zu präsentiere mit denen er entweder direkt arbeitete oder den starken Wunsch geäußert hat mit zu arbeiten. Wir sind sehr stolz und geehrt, diese Musik der Welt zu präsentieren."The title of this album honors Michael's album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project. Written by Michael Jackson and Jerkins, and produced by Jackson and Jerkins, "Xscape" has further significance in that it is the one track on the album that was 'contemporized' by the producer who recorded it originally in the studio with Michael.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said,
"Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision."

Der Titel dieses Albums ehrt Michael Vorgehen der Albumsnamensgebung . Er wählte immer ein Lied aus dem Album , um seine Projekte zu benennen und , beginnend mit THRILLER , verwendet er nur ein Wort als Titel , jeweils mit einem kantigen Qualität zu ihnen . Das gilt auch für das neue Projekt. Geschrieben von Michael Jackson und Jerkins , und von Jackson und Jerkins produziert hat " Xscape" weiter die Bedeutung , dass es weiter auf dem Album, " zeitgemäß " durch den Produzenten weiterentwickelt wurde, der es ursprünglich im Studio mit Michael aufgezeichnet hat .
John Branca und John McClain , Co- Vollstrecker des Estate of Michael Jackson sagten:
"Michael war immer auf dem neuesten Stand und schaute sich ständig um, um um neue Produzenten zu erreichen auf der Suche nach neuen Klängen . Er war immer relevant und aktuell. Diese Tracks verfolgen in vielerlei Hinsicht, diesem Geist. Wir danken LA Reid für seine Vision . "

Xscape is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world's most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time. In conjunction with the release of Xscape, Epic / Sony Music will launch an unprecedented global campaign with the One Sony sister companies, Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Network Entertainment International drawing from all of Sony's strengths and consumer reach.
"Michael has long been a treasured member of the larger Sony family," said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Starting with the release of 'Off The Wall' in 1979, Sony Music Entertainment has since released all of Michael's recordings. We are thrilled and privileged to be collaborating as One Sony to celebrate Michael's latest legacy, and bringing his fans an exclusive experience through our upcoming initiatives with our products and services."

Album-Teaser
[video=youtube;N7_iLMq8REo]

[/video]

Es gab ja auch bereits eine Menge Berichte, die im Diskussionsthread auch weitgehend vorhanden sind, stelle ich jetzt nicht mehr hier ein.
Wer will hier gibt es eine Sammlung in Post 2 bis 15.
http://www.mjackson.net/forum/…berichte-Keine-Diskussion

Ich mache jetzt weiter mit der ersten Pre-Listining-Review aus den USA von gestern:
http://www.complex.com/music/2…lbum-xscape-does-not-suck

The New Michael Jackson Album "Xscape" Does Not Suck
Das neue Michael Jackson Album "Xscape" enttäsucht nicht
Forget what you heard; we actually heard the music.
Last night a select group of music execs, press, radio, TV, and representatives of the Michael Jackson estate gathered at the Top of the Rock in NYC for a chance to hear Xscape, the second Michael Jackson album to be released since his tragic death in June 2009. During the ride to the top of Rockefeller Center, a ghostly image of Michael Jackson peered the down through the elevator’s glass ceiling. “Michael would approve,” quipped Fab 5 Freddy, one of the invited guests on the way up.

Upstairs there were magnificent views of Manhattan, signature cocktails, and elegant hors d'oeuvres. But first the guests were compelled to checked their phones (and submit to a metal detector sweep) all in an attempt to prevent digital piracy of the precious audio assets being unveiled that evening. But despite Epic Records’ best efforts, the album's poppin' title track leaked this morning. Normally this would be bad news for the album roll-out, but in this case the music provides a powerful retort to all the cynical criticism that has dogged this project since it was first announced.

“Xscape” was written by MJ and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, most likely for the Invincible sessions. The track was recently “contemporized” by Jerkins—making it the only one of Xscape's eight cuts to be reworked by its original producer. The rest of the album's creative team includes Timbaland, Stargate, and longtime Jackson family friends Jerome “JRoc” Hamilton and John McClain—who were responsible for updating eight never-before-heard songs from the Jackson vaults, with the aim of giving them "a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity," as the press release put it. Based on an informal poll of guests at the party, the prevailing attitude in the room was somewhere between curious and cautiously optimistic.

Sylvia Rhone, the newly appointed President of Epic Records, kicked things off by recalling her own favorite Michael Jackson moment—when she was “the hottest chick on campus” at Penn University and got the chance to see The Jackson 5 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. She then introduced her boss, Epic Records Chairman/CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who assured her that she was still the hottest chick in the place before calling up representatives of the Jackson estate and presenting them with a plaque so enormous it required two strong men to lug it onstage, commemorating over 100 million copies (and counting) sold of Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time.

Despite the fact that it's named after an awesome So So Def girl group, advance press on Xscape, which is due to drop May 13, had been overwhelmingly negative. As with the posthumous 2010 album Michael, knee-jerk news reports (written without hearing any of the music) characterized the songs as cutting-room-floor rejects polished up for purely financial motives—a notion that Antonio “L.A.” Reid wasted no time rebutting. “This is not about record company greed,” he said defiantly. “I knew Michael. I had the chance to spend time with him and I knew how he felt about his work, about breaking new ground and not repeating himself.” The estate reps pointed out that “Michael would not put a vocal down on a song if he didn’t love it,” and that the song “Wanna Be Starting Something” was originally recorded for the album Off The Wall and released later, ditto for “Earth Song,” which was originally written for Dangerous.

Then it was time to let the music play, and suddenly the only words that mattered were the ones Michael was singing. L.A. kicked things off with a sureshot dance-floor filler called “Love Never Felt Like This Before.” There were songs about cheating and double lives, and even darker cuts like "Slave To The Rhythm" a song about the trials of an unappreciated woman, and the “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” which tells the tale of a 12-year-old runaway and features a haunting refrain of MJ singing “Save Me” over and over. Happily, the “contemporized” production on Xscape not so over-the-top that it distracts from the main attraction here, Michael’s superior songwriting and one-of-a-kind vocals.

Dann war es Zeit die Musik spielen zu lassen , und plötzlich waren die einzigen Worte , die zählten was Michael sang . LA gab einen Dancefloor- Füller namens " Love Never Felt Like This Before" frei . " Es waren Lieder über Betrug und Doppelleben , und noch dunklere Seiten wie " Slave To The Rhythm ", ein Lied über die Schwierigekeiten einer unbeacheten Frau , und " Do You Know Where Your Children Are? ", die die Geschichte einer 12 -jährigen Ausreißerin erzählt und bietet eine eindringlichen Refrain wo MJ singt " Save Me" immer und immer wieder. Glücklicherweise ist die " zeitgemäß " Produktion auf Xscape nicht over-the -top , so dass es nicht ablenkt von der Hauptattraktion , Michaels überlegenen Songwriting- und einzigartigen Gesangsqualtitäten.

Up high on one of the windows was a quote in bold letters that speaks to MJ's creative process. "It's about the thrill of adventure. They love going somewhere they've never been. And we love taking them there." How many recording artists today are even aspiring to do that for their listeners? Contrary to what Kanye West said on "All of the Lights," MJ isn't exactly dead—not as long as he still can make your pulse race by hitting a note with just the right touch of grit in his voice. Almost five years after his outrageously untimely death, the King of Pop's ability to move the crowd endures. He's still a thrilla.

Hoch oben auf einem der Fenster war ein Zitat in fetten Buchstaben , die den kreativen Prozess MJ wiedergeben . "Es geht um den Reiz des Abenteuers. Sie lieben es irgendwo hinzugehen wo sie noch nie gewesen sind . Und wir lieben es sie dort hinzubringen . " Wie viele Künstler sind heute noch bestrebt das für ihre Zuhörer zu tun? Entgegen dem, was Kanye West auf "All of the Lights " sagte, MJ ist nicht gerade tot , nicht solange er noch Deinen Puls erhöhen kann , indem er eine Note mit genau dem richtigen Hauch in seiner Stimme macht. Knapp fünf Jahre nach seinem unglücklich frühen Tod ist der der King of Pop weiterhin in der Lage die Menge zu bewegen. Er ist immer noch ein Thriller.

Offensichtlich wird es noch ein weitere Version von Xscape geben mit Vocals von Tupac intergriert. Ich nehme an als Zusatz auf der Xscape-Single.

http://www.vibe.com/article/wh…ref&utm_campaign=MJackson
What Happens When Michael Jackson And 2Pac Mashup? (Plus: 4 Other Things We Learned At MJ’s 'Xscape' Listening Event)
John Kennedy Posted April 10, 2014

As you’re ascending to the penthouse 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, the elevator shaft illuminates with a red and blue mini light show, with Michael Jackson’s face looking down on you from the elevator’s transparent roof, as if inviting you upward to the musical heavens. Yes, Tuesday’s (April listening event for Michael Jackson’s second posthumous album, Xscape, pulled out every stop, from the majestic view of Manhattan’s skyline to speeches by Epic Records President Sylvia Rhone, Chairman/CEO L.A. Reid and a representative from the Jackson estate.
Wenn Sie zum Penthouse 65. Stock des Rockefeller Center aufsteigen, leuchtet im Aufzugsschacht eine roten und blaue Mini-Lichtshow, mit Michael Jacksons Gesicht auf die Sie schauend vom transparenten Dach des Aufzugs, als ob es sie nach oben in den musikalischen Himmel einlädt . Ja, am Dienstag (8. April) bei der Veranstaltung für Michael Jacksons zweites posthume Album Xscape, zogen sie alle Register, von dem majestätischen Blick auf die Skyline von Manhattan, über Reden von Epic Records Präsident Sylvia Rhone, Chairman / CEO LA Reid und einem Vertreter der Jackson-Estates.

As is the case with many posthumous projects, there’s been a cloud of cynicism hovering over Xscape (out May 13), which oddly shares its title with Kandi Burress’ ’90s R&B group. But this is no Biggie Duets affiar—you won’t hear Future babbling nonsensical adlibs or Drake crooning choruses. The tunes sound organic—simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary, without annoying of-the-moment stars hitching a ride. Timbaland’s, Rodney Jerkins’ and Stargate’s instrumentals don’t overpower Michael’s unique vocals.
And from the moment the first track plays, you remember how much you miss Michael.
Und vom ersten Moment wo Du den 1. Track hörst erinnerst Du Dich daran wie sehr Du Michael vermisst.

Here are five takeaways after a first listen of Michael Jackson’s contemporized collection of outtakes from the Dangerous and Invincible sessions. —John Kennedy

5 Dinge, die wir lernten nach Michaels Jackson überarbeiteten Outtakes-Anhörung von der Dangerous und Invincible-Session.
Thriller Was Born Out Of Dissatisfaction
Thriller wurde aus der Enttäuschung heraus geboren
After being presented with the largest plaque I’ve ever seen (it required two men to lift it by it’s thick, black frame), celebrating Thriller’s 100 million album sales worldwide, a member of Jackson’s estate spoke about the drive behind the holy grail of pop music. He says Michael felt snubbed when his Off The Wall album won only one Grammy: Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” That disappointment was the thug motivation that fueled Thriller.
Vertreter vom Estate bekamen eine Auszeichnung für MJ überreicht mit der Bestätigung, dass Thriller 100 Millionen Alben verkaufte. Mitglied des Estates sagte, das Michael enttäuscht war als er nur einen Grammy für die Off The Wall erhielt. Das war die Motivation dem Thriller folgte.

You Will Two-Step To “Love Never Felt So Good”
This opening track from the album has an old-school, ‘80s feel that’s simply irresistible. Don’t fight it. Move those feet.
Der Eröffnungstrack vermittelt eine alte Schule 80er-Gefühl. Kämpfe nicht dagegen, bewege Dich.
Michael Sings About Being Boyfriend #2
On “Chicago (She Was Lovin' Me),” MJ sings about being blindsided by a woman he’s dating. Turns out, o’girl has a husband and kids! Michael reportedly co-wrote pieces of the track. Go ahead and sip your tea.
Auf Chicago (She WAS LOVIN ME) singt MJ über eine Täuschung einer Frau, die er datete. Es stellte sich heraus das Mädchen hat Mann und Kinder! Michael war Co-Writer auf Teilen des Stückes.
MJ Found Inspiration In Televisions PSAs
Everyone remembers that old public service announcement that preceded the nighttime news: "It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your children are?" In a similar fashion, Michael tells the story of a runaway kid on “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” over a galactic synth loop that’s still stuck in my head, two days later.
Jeder einnert sich an die Ansagen, die den Nachtnachrichten vorausgingen. "Es ist 10 p.m. Do you know where your children are?" In gleicher Art erzählt Michael die Story über ein Ausreißerkind auf “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” über einen galaktische Loop der auch nach 2 Tagen noch in meinem Kopf schwirrt.2Pac And Michael Jackson Would’ve Made Great Music Together

On the second playback of Xscape, after many of the attendees were already retrieving phones and bags from coat check, L.A. Reid unearthed a version of the title track with vocals from Tupac Shakur’s “Changes.” And believe it or not, it was epic. You can only imagine Mike and Makaveli dapping each other in upstairs in Thugz Mansion.

Auf einer 2. Anhöurung von Xscape als viele Zuhörer bereits Ihre Phones und Taschen zurückerhielten, enthüllte L.A. Read eine unirdische Version vom Titel Track mit Vocals von Tupac Shakur`s "Changes".Und glaube es oder glaube es nicht. Es war epic.

Damien Shields nahm Kontakt zum Verfasser des Vibe-Artikels (siehe Post 19) auf:

Tupac will not feature on new Michael Jackson album ‘XSCAPE’

Speculation began circulating the internet yesterday that rap legend Tupac Shakur would make a surprise posthumous appearance on the title track of the new Michael Jackson album ‘XSCAPE’.
After attending the exclusive VIP listening session hosted by Epic Records in NYC on April 8, VIBE Magazine Music Editor John Kennedy published an article detailing some fun facts he learned at the event. One of those facts was that L.A. Reid had revealed an alternate version of the song “Xscape” featuring a rap verse from Tupac.
Click here to check out Kennedy’s short but sweet VIBE article – one of the better pieces on ‘XSCAPE’ that I’ve read to date.
“On the second playback of Xscape, after many of the attendees were already retrieving phones and bags from coat check, L.A. Reid unearthed a version of the title track with vocals from Tupac Shakur’s Changes,” reports Kennedy in the article. “And believe it or not, it was epic.”
This sparked widespread discussion and debate online, particularly on Jackson fan sites, regarding the pros and cons of the posthumously-crafted collaboration.
I reached out to Mr. Kennedy today for clarification regarding the track, asking him whether or not he knew if there were plans to include it on the album.
“According to Epic’s PR, Pac’s verse will not appear on ‘Xscape’,” he told me. “No word on whether it’ll ever come out.”
Ich nahm Kontakt zu Mr. Kennedy auf für Klärung bezüglich des Tracks, fragend ob er weiß oder nicht weiß ob es Planungen gibt, dass der Track ins Album integriert wird. "Bezugnehmend auf Repräsentanten von Epic, wird Pac`s Strophe nicht auf Xscape erscheinen. "Kein Wort darüber ob es jemals veröffentlicht werden wird."

Updates will be provided should there be any.

http://www.damienshields.com/tupac-w...-album-xscape/

Ein Journalist (dürfte UK sein) der ebenfalls auf der Pre-Listining-Party war.

Sehr begeistert vom Album. War zunächst skeptisch, da man nie weiß was mit nicht veröffentlichten Songs ist. Waren sie einfach nicht gut genug. Aber es ist unglaublich. Eine der meist erwartesten Alben der letzten Jahrzehnte. Du hörst überall Michael, jeder Sound, es es ist eine Celebration von Michael Jackson. Michaels Signatur überall spürbar in einem 2014 Sound. "Do you know where your childreen are?" sein Favorit. Weiß nicht wann der Song geschrieben wurde, vor oder nach den Anschuldigungen.

Am Donnerstag fand auch ein Pre-Listening für 10 Vertreter von Fanseiten aus der ganze Welt statt, die vom MJ-Estate und Epic eingeladen worden sind. Von Deutschland muss auch jemand dagewesen sein. Legendary Michael Jackson aus den den Niederlanden war z.B. ebenfalls vertreten.

Es gibt mittlerweile auf den verschieden Seiten bereits Berichte darüber. Alle teilen ihre große Begeisterung darüber mit. Das Pre-Listening fand im "We are world" -Studio in L.A. statt. Vor Ort dabei waren u.a. John Branca, Karen langford, L.A-Reid.
L.A. Reid berichtet über seine 20-jährigen Erfahrungen, die er mit Michael hatte, bei Geschäftstreffen, bei privaten Treffen und er erzählte auch über einige Begegnungen mit Michael und seinen Kindern. Zuletzt traf er mit ihm Anfang 2009 zusammen.
Über die Songs-Auswahl. Branca berichtete darüber, dass Michael oft Songs liegen ließ und sie wieder aufgriff und erst später veröffentlichte. So Wanna be starting somethin entstand zum Off The Wall-Album, veröffentlicht auf Thriller, Earth song und They don`t care about us entstand zum Dangerous-Album auf History veröffentlicht. L.A. Reid erklärt für das Album wurden nur Songs ausgewählt , die Michael komplett aufgenommen hat und mehrfach. Wirklich ein Indikator das Michael die Songs mochte. Die Teilnehmer scheinen auch zu wissen was die 1. Single sein wird. Sie ist so Michael-like. Zudem wird in den Berichten auch erwähnt, dass es viele Überraschungen zur Promotion geben wird, aber nichts konkretes wird verraten.

http://www.mjworld.net/news/20…-listening-like-no-other/
Xscape – An Album Listening Like No Other

MJWN’s Matt Blank has listened to the ‘Xscape’ album, and there’s a lot of excitement he wants to share with you:

The experience I had on Thursday was like no other. Myself, along with around 10 other fans who represent fantastic Fan Clubs all over the world, were invited to LA in California by the Estate of Michael Jackson and Epic Records. We all attended somewhat blindly, without any knowledge of what we were going for. However, with the new album ‘Xscape’ already announced, it was a fairly safe bet that we were going to get a chance to listen to the album. Excitement was running through all of us as we met that morning, though it reached a new level when our car arrived at the Jim Henson Recording Studios.

This studio used to be known as the A&M Studios and it was where Michael co-wrote ‘We Are The World’ and recorded it with many other high profile artists. There wasn’t a more fitting location to listen to Michael’s voice again than in that room. Little has changed to the studio in nearly 30 years. With the wooden floor and ceiling, it was instantly recognisable from what we’ve seen in the video of the hit charity single of 1985.

As I looked around, reflecting on the history that was made in the room, we sat down in a semi-circle and John Branca, co-executor of Michael’s Estate, greeted us all and explained Why we were there. Then L.A. Reid, Chairman of Epic Records and Executive Producer of the ‘Xscape’ album walked in. He was ready to personally play us the eight new tracks on the album. He explained that in line with his style of production work, the eight tracks selected are the best tracks he could have found in the vault of Michael’s archives. He said he disregarded any recordings that didn’t have full vocals, noting that if Michael recorded a whole song (compared to just a chorus for example) then it meant that Michael liked it. And true to form this is something we can see as we look back on Michael’s career. John Branca pointed out that ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” was originally recorded for ‘Off The Wall’ but used three years later on ‘Thriller’. ‘Earth Song’ and ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ was originally recorded for ‘Dangerous’, but eventually used four years later on ‘HIStory’. The songs left over, recorded in full, aren’t finished articles. But nor are they necessarily songs Michael had disregarded and thrown into the trash. Also interestingly, Reid told us later on that he was unaware that six out of the eight tracks had previously been leaked, and that the song list had already been chosen when this information was brought to his attention.

Before hitting play, Reid delighted us with stories from his past; the moment he met Michael, the moment he had an official meeting with Michael, and other stories including touching moments he witnessed between Michael and his children. The stories spanned two decades, as Michael and Reid grew close and desired to work together. Unfortunately this was never meant to be during Michael’s lifetime, nevertheless Reid’s appreciation, love and respect for Michael is evident.

My original intention was to review each song and scribble down notes to report what each track sounded like. However, with every song that passed, my pen was used less and less. As the album continued, we were getting up, starting to dance, move, feel the music and experience Michael in a new way. I stared around the historic ‘We Are The World’ room, with L.A. Reid jumping around to the grooves, John Branca and the rest of the Estate team dancing and Michael’s vocals ringing through my ears, and writing notes on every song was not what I wanted to do. It wasn’t a place to write. It was a place to listen. The music dictated this more than being a conscious decision. I was overwhelmed by the music and soon enough you will find out Why when it’s released. It’s not for me to ruin that experience and surprise for you. So instead, let me give you the quickest of overviews:

Tracklisting:

1) Love Never Felt So Good
2) Chicago
3) Lovin’ You
4) A Place With No Name
5) Slave To The Rhythm
6) Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7) Blue Gangsta
Xscape

Overview:
Each song could be a dance floor filler. They all have very strong beats that rumble through your body. The opening song put an immediate smile on my face and raised the hair on my arms. With powerful vocals delivered by Michael throughout, his passion, his anger and his love is constantly there.

The album was played twice back-to-back. Smiles all around, the excitement was so different to anything I’ve experienced before. Branca would go and talk to different people in the room. He said to me “this will fill dance floors across the world”. And it just might!

The next month will prove to have lots of surprises for the fans and public alike. I’m not going to tell you what they are, but what I will say is that as I walked out of the studio, I was left with the knowledge that Michael’s legacy is in great hands. Michael worked harder than any other artist throughout his career. He would want that legacy continued. Creating the record breaking Cirque Du Soleil tour, releasing a movie, producing a video game among other things such as anniversary albums and DVD releases, is just part of what the Estate have done to help further and retain Michael’s legacy. Bringing together producers to release unheard material; producers that knew Michael or worked with Michael or it was a known fact that Michael admired, is just right. The album feels contemporary in every way and it’s thrilling to hear Michael again. You think you’ve heard some of these songs before…but you haven’t. Not like this!

It is a delicate situation, but the Estate have continued Michael’s legacy with dignity and introduced millions of new people to Michael’s unique talents.

Long may it continue.

Bild von den Teilnehmern:

Hier hat Maike bereits einen Bericht einer anderen Fan-Seite eingestellt.
Neues MJ-Album XSCAPE erscheint am 13. Mai 2014

Hier ist eine weitere, allerdings sehr lange Preview einer der Fans, die am Pre-Listening teilnahm:

Ich picke da mal 2 Sachen raus:

Karen shares with us a gem was found in Michael’s own notes as they discovered Michael's inspiration behind “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” In the '60s through the '90s there was a TV campaign for child safety that would come on TV each evening asking parents everywhere this very question. Only Michael could take a TV safety campaign and turn it into genius, rhythmic music and song writing. Soooo Michael... soooo freaking amazing!

Karen (Langford) teilt mit uns einen Edelstein der in Michaels eigenen Notizen gefunden wurde , wo Michael die Inspiration für " Do you know where your childreen are? " gefunden hat,. In den 60er Jahren und durch die 90er Jahre gab es eine TV-Kampagne für die Sicherheit von Kindern , die im Fernsehen kam und jeden Abend den Eltern überall diese Frage stellte . Nur Michael konnte eine TV- Kampagne nehmen und es in eine geniale, rhythmische Musik und Songwriting verwandeln . Soooo ... Michael soooo verdammt fantastisch!
...

Zum Ersteller des Covers:
The subject of Mr. Brainwash comes up and John shares that as he drives to work everyday there is a liquor store he passes. He must have driven by it literally 1,000s of times and never really noticed anything special about it but this one day he sees a painting of Marilyn Monroe in the window and thinks, “That is really different.” Each day after he continues to notice that painting... it seems to jump out at him. Then on a subsequent day he passes a billboard on the same route and there is the most interesting painting which he is very drawn to. Finally he stops at the liquor store to inquire who did the painting... he researches the billboard for the same answer and learns the same artist did them both... Mr. Brainwash. They contact Mr. Brainwash to come in for a meeting asking him to bring samples of his work. He begins to tell Mr. Branca that he is so thrilled because Michael Jackson was one of his first clients. John is totally taken aback... he asks him, “What? What do you mean Michael Jackson was one of your first customers?” Mr. Brainwash relays the story of Michael approaching him and buying many of his paintings. John shaking his head at what he has heard as he remembers and relays the story needed not to verbally complete the connection for me... as I sat there with 'Michael chills' all over my body. Clearly Michael was in charge of connecting Mr. Branca with Mr. Brainwash for the promo Xscape artwork... for me there are no coincidences. Once again Michael has reached out from the heavenly spheres to put his touch, his final nod, guidance on this... his own album. 

Das Thema Mr. Brainwash kommt und John (Branca) teilt mit , dass er jeden Tag zur Arbeit an einem Spirituosengeschäft vorbeikommt. Er muss zum 1.000 s Mal dran vorbeigefahren sein und ihm ist nie was Besonderes aufgefallen, aber an diesem Tag sieht er ein Gemälde von Marilyn Monroe in dem Fenster und denkt: " Das ist wirklich anders. ", Nachdem er weiter jeden Tag die Malerei sieht...scheint es ihn anzuspringen . Dann an einem weiteren Tag gibt er eine Plakatwand auf der gleichen Strecke und es die interessanteste Malerei, die ihn anzieht . Schließlich hält er an dem Schnapsladen um zu fragen wer die Malerei gemacht hat ...die Werbetafel wurde von dem gleichen Künstler gemacht ... Mr. Brainwash machte sie beide . Sie nahmen Kontakt mit Mr. Brainwash auf und baten für ein Treffen, und das er Proben seiner Arbeit bringt. Er fängt an, Mr. Branca zu erzählen, dass er so begeistert war, denn Michael Jackson war einer seiner ersten Kunden. John ist völlig verblüfft ... er fragt ihn : "Was? Was meinst du mit Michael Jackson war einer der ersten Kunden? "Mr. Brainwash erzählt die Geschichte das Michael mit ihm Kontakt aufnahm und vielen seiner Gemälde kaufte.
John schüttelte den Kopf , was er gehört hat, wie er sich erinnert, und ein Fortführen der Geschichte ist nicht erforderlich.....

Komplette lesenswerter Bericht hier:
http://mjbliss.blogspot.ie/201…e-la-listening-party.html

Bernie Grundmann wurde mit dem Mastering des Albums beauftragt. Grundmann hat die meisten Masterings von Michaels Alben übernommen, oft zusammen mit Bruce Swedien, darunter z.B. auch das Thriller-Album

Pictured (L-R) in session at Bernie Grundman Mastering are executive producer L.A. Reid and mastering engineer Bernie Grundman. Photo by David Goggin.

L.A. REID MASTERS MICHAEL JACKSON'S "Xscape" AT BERNIE GRUNDMAN'S
http://www.emusician.com/thewire.aspx?entryid=1413&add=view

Eight Previously Unreleased Michael Jackson Songs

Epic Records Chairman/CEO L.A. Reid was in session recently at Bernie Grundman's for the mastering of Michael Jackson's "Xscape." The collection of eight previously unreleased Jackson songs was curated by Reid, who also decided on the final tracklist.

"Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world," Reid said.

Grundman mastered most of Michael Jackson's albums, many times with recording engineer Bruce Swedien, including "Thriller," the most successful album of all time with more than 40 million in sales. L.A. Reid recalled that his very first mastering session was with Bernie Grundman in 1983.

Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson's essence and integrity. It's a process Reid calls "contemporizing." The album's lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "Jroc" Harmon and John McClain.

For the ultimate fan experience, "Xscape" will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The "Xscape" standard and Deluxe Edition's are available for pre-order iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.

Learn More about Bernie Grundman Mastering at:
http://berniegrundmanmastering.com

http://www.emusician.com/thewire.asp...=1413&add=view

Bisher bekannte weltweite Veröffentlichungstermine:

Germany
May 9, 2014
France, Spain and UK
May 12, 2014
US, Canada and Italy
May 13, 2014
Japan
May 14, 2014
US (Vinyl LP)
May 27, 2014
India
May 29, 2014
Source: Amazon & MJWN

http://www.mjworld.net/news/20…-release-dates-for-xscape

In Canada fand gestern offensichtlich ebenso ein Pre-Listening für Journalisten statt
https://twitter.com/MrLanceChung
Lance Chung ‏@MrLanceChung 17 Std.

Just finished at the #MichaelJackson #Xscape VIP listening session. Tons of summer anthems on the way! https://twitter.com/MrLanceChu…55858088277340160/photo/1
Gerade fertig mit dem #MichaelJackson #Xscape VIP listening. Tonnen von Sommerhymnen auf dem Weg!

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Lance Chung ‏@MrLanceChung 21 Std.

SO PUMPED for tonight's VIP listening party of #MichaelJackson's new album, #Xscape w @Sony_Music & @SonyXperiaCA. https://twitter.com/MrLanceChu…55798722598023169/photo/1
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Heute fand in Brasilien ein weiteres Pre-Listening statt. Mit Journalisten und auch 2 Repräsentanten vom Fanclub MJ-Beats. Hier Teil 1 ihrer Review:

| HEARING the ALBUM #XSCAPE in BRAZIL-PART 1/2 |

The mjBeats was there!

Yesterday (day 28) was a rush for administrators of mjBeats! Just like in other countries, the Brazilian #XSCAPE album hearing was marked by surprise ... and for the next day!

The event happened today in São Paulo, at the Museum of image and Sound in São Paulo (MIS) at 12:40-there was a delay of 40 min-, with the presence of international marketing representative from Sony, the Vice President of Sony Music II, the President of Sony Music Brazil (Alexandre Schiavo), as well as journalists of the leading Brazilian media vehicles, such as Globe, UOL, Terra, sheet and associated press. We, the Beats, we had two representatives there.

The security procedure is very strong! All phones, smartphones, electronics etc. were retained in the entry, all to avoid any possibility of leak of the album (note that there are only 2 weeks for the release and didn't leak anything till now! o/).

To give an idea, not even the President of Sony Music Brazil had access to the album. He came in a pre-recorded XPERIA Z2 in the hands of the Vice President of Sony Music worldwide.

The presentation of the album happened associated to the smartphone XPERIA Z2, Sony Mobile. And, at any given time, the company representative spoke about the advantages of this launch, in the sense of having attached all sectors of Sony (Pictures, Music, Mobile, etc.) to the disclosure of the record.

It was revealed that the XPERIA Z2 will come with "Slave To The Rhythm" pre-recorded (but the rest of the album need to be downloaded by an application, for free). Also confirmed that the release of the album in Brazil will be on May 13 (physical and digital editions).

The album was presented on standard Edition (i.e. 8 songs) and just start "Love Never Felt So Good" that the excitement was left clear on the faces of everyone present. Many even risked a few steps on different tracks, highlighting that the 8 tracks unanimously pleased.

The songs ... hmm, WE LOVE! We are sure that the other Brazilian fans will be so excited about! The feeling of nostalgia that this album features from the first chord of "Love Never Felt So Good" and lasts until the last second of the "Xscape"-and, in the end, what persists is the overwhelming need for more and more of that voice that we love so much.

Die Songs ... hmm , wir lieben sie! Wir sind sicher , dass die anderen brasilianischen Fans auch so begeistert sein werden ! Das Gefühl der Nostalgie , dass dieses Album bietet vom ersten Akkord von " Love Never Felt So Good " und dauert bis zur letzten Sekunde von" Xscape " - und , am Ende , ist das, was bleibt der überwiegende Bedarf an mehr und mehr von dem Stimme, die wir so sehr lieben

"Xscape" does not seem a common album, is as a collection of hits! All songs are real bombs, restless and ideal for the dance floor. The 8 (Yes, all!) are potential hits.
" Xscape " ist kein gewöhnliches Album , es ist eine Sammlung von Hits! Alle Songs sind echte Bomben, unruhig und ideal für die Tanzfläche. Die 8 (Ja, alle!) Sind potentielle Hits.

Everything seems to have been planned by millimeters to please the fans. The dedication of LA Reid (Executive producer) and the other involved is such that makes us feel the presence of Michael. Its essence is there, like the albums released during his lifetime.

It shows the attention that was given to the vocals, especially by several moments when the songs are a cappella or with just the featured voice.
Es zeigt die Aufmerksamkeit, die dem Gesang gegeben wurde vor allem bei mehreren Momente, wenn die Songs a cappella oder nur mit der vorgestellten Stimme wiedergegeben werden.

In short, our ' #XSCAPE ' experience could be summed up in one word: Catharsis. Listen to "Xscape" is to undergo eight times to a boom of emotions and, although such beauties remind us how much MJ do, the feelings of pride and joy go far beyond! Michael continues to live in each of us and the ' new music ' just reaffirm that certainty.

We're already making the part 2 of the review, with the music in music analysis. For that, we are crossing the impressions of our representatives about each one of them.
Source : https://www.facebook.com/mjbeats

Steht zwar schon im Diskusionsthread, aber nun auch hier:

http://www.pressebox.de/inakti…lbums-XSCAPE/boxid/675242

Sony Mobile und Deutsche Telekom kooperieren zum Launch des Michael Jackson Albums 'XSCAPE'
Pre-Listenings ab Mai bundesweit in Telekom Shops / Highlight Konzert mit Special Guest zur IFA / Michael Jackson Album plus 1 Bonustrack exklusiv bei Telekom / verfügbar exklusiv auf Sony Xperia Z1 Compact sowie auf den Sony-Geräten Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2
(PresseBox) (Darmstadt, 30.04.2014) Am 9. Mai 2014 erscheint das Michael Jackson Album 'XSCAPE' mit neuen, unveröffentlichten Songs des King of Pop. Weltweit sind Fans des legendären Weltstars in gespannter Erwartung. Im Rahmen der Veröffentlichung dieses Sensationsalbums schaffen die Deutsche Telekom und Sony Mobile ein attraktives Marken- und Musikerlebnis. Die Telekom Shops werden ab 5. Mai exklusiv vor Album-Launch zu Hörstationen der neuen Songs, und das Sony Xperia Z1 Compact inklusive Album mit Bonustrack gibt es ab 13. Mai nur bei der Deutschen Telekom. Zum Finale der Zusammenarbeit auf der IFA 2014 in Berlin können sich die Fans des King of Pop auf ein grandioses Showkonzert mit einem Special Guest freuen, der auch bekannte Songs des Künstlers interpretieren wird.

"Musikhören über das beste Netz, Pre-Listenings in den Telekom Shops bis hin zu einem packenden Live Event zeigen die Produkt- und Erlebnisvielfalt der Deutschen Telekom", freut sich Michael Schuld, Leiter Kommunikation und Vertriebsmarketing Telekom Deutschland.

Bereits vor Veröffentlichung des Albums können Fans ab 5. Mai exklusiv in den Telekom Shops Songs aus dem neuen Album hören. Telekom-Kunden, die ein neues Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z2 oder Xperia Z2 Tablet im Telekom Shop erwerben, erhalten das Album inkl. einem exklusiven Bonustrack ab 13. Mai bis zum 30. September 2014 kostenlos.

'XSCAPE', das bei Epic Records/Sony Music erscheint, präsentiert acht neue und bisher unveröffentlichte Songs. Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid engagierte Produzenten wie Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate und Jerome "Jroc" Harmon, um die Songs zeitgemäß zu interpretieren.
Über die Deutsche Telekom AG

Die Deutsche Telekom ist mit über 142 Millionen Mobilfunkkunden sowie 31 Millionen Festnetz- und mehr als 17 Millionen Breitbandanschlüssen eines der führenden integrierten Telekommunikationsunternehmen weltweit (Stand 31. Dezember 2013). Der Konzern bietet Produkte und Dienstleistungen aus den Bereichen Festnetz, Mobilfunk, Internet und IPTV für Privatkunden sowie ICT-Lösungen für Groß- und Geschäftskunden. Die Deutsche Telekom ist in rund 50 Ländern vertreten und beschäftigt weltweit rund 229.000 Mitarbeiter. Im Geschäftsjahr 2013 erzielte der Konzern einen Umsatz von 60,1 Milliarden Euro, davon wurde mehr als die Hälfte außerhalb Deutschlands erwirtschaftet.

https://www.facebook.com/photo…9691681472&type=1&theater

Justin Timberlake und Mary. J. Blige laut Artikel und Aussage des Sohnes von L.A. Reid Gast-Stars auf dem Album.

http://pagesix.com/2014/04/30/michae...-mary-j-blige/

Michael Jackson album guests Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige
By Richard Johnson
April 30, 2014 | 9:54pm

Justin Timberlake, Questlove, D’Angelo and Mary J. Blige all guest-star on the new Michael Jackson album, “Xscape,” according to Aaron Reid, who did A&R on the posthumous project.

The album, pieced together with unused music from various recording sessions, will be released May 13. The first single, “Love Never Felt So Good,” drops Thursday.

As for where the songs came from, “Michael Jackson didn’t trust anyone with his music. He stopped finishing songs,” said Aaron, “He had a whole bunch of material stored away. He had hooks. He had verses. Then we put it together.”

Aaron is the 24-year-old son of Epic Records mogul L.A. Reid and R&B singer/music manager Perri “Pebbles” Reid (who, as I reported last week, has filed suit against Viacom over the “defamatory” portrayal of her in a 2013 VH1 movie about girl group TLC, who she once represented). For the Jackson album, he worked closely with his father and executive producer Timbaland, and hired StarGate,

Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and Rodney Jerkins to produce the eight songs. Guitarist Jesse Johnson, best known as a member of the Time, plays on the album.

Critics say Jackson, who died nearly five years ago, didn’t finish the songs because he didn’t think they were good enough. They say the lawyers running Jackson’s estate are just trying to cash in
on his enduring fans.

But Aaron said making the album was “an amazing process. Michael Jackson is my favorite artist of all time. With this project, I got to carry on his legacy and even to contribute to it. There’s nothing like it.”

Ab dem 5. Mai um Mitternacht wird auf Sony Music Unlimited jeweils täglich ein Song des Albums und die begleitende Artwork als Stream enthüllt werden.

Michael Jackson new Xscape songs to debut on Sony's Music Unlimited
By Lewis Corner
Thursday, May 1 2014, 16:45 BST

A second posthumous Michael Jackson album will be released later this month, but fans will be able to hear five of the tracks first on Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service.

The star's new collection Xscape will be available worldwide from May 12, but fans will be able to stream a new track from the album every day from May 5 to May 9 on the platform.

Each track and accompanying artwork will be unveiled on the Sony Entertainment Network blog starting at midnight on May 5.

Jackson's Xscape will feature eight previously unheard tracks that have been "contemporised" by producers including Timbland, Rodney Jerkins and Stargate.

The first official cut to be lifted from Xscape will be 'Love Never Felt So Good', which gets its official premiere later on today (May 1).

Further tracks on Xscape include 'Slave to the Rhythm', 'Blue Gangsta' and 'Do You Know Where Your Children Are?'.

Meanwhile, Sony Xperia customers, who already receive a 30-day free trial of Music Unlimited, will also receive a free download of the album at its digital release if they purchase select new smartphones and tablets, including the new Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1S devices.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/mu…onys-music-unlimited.html

Die Deluxe-Trackliste ist auf MJ.com enthüllt

Deluxe Edition Contents:
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Loving You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
9. Love Never Felt So Good (Original Version)
10. Chicago (Original Version)
11. You (Original Version)
12. A Place With No Name (Original Version)
13. Slave To The Rhythm (Original Version)
14. Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Original Version)
15. Blue Gangsta (Original Version)
16. Xscape (Original Version)
17. Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake

DVD:

Xscape Documentary (L.A. Reid and the producers discuss their experiences on this project)
Xscape Documentary Outtakes
Poster:

Exclusive Mr. Brainwash poster – Michael Jackson was an early admirer of Mr. Brainwash and they became friends. Now he has created an original piece of art which has been included as a poster with the CD version.
http://www.michaeljackson.com/…cklist-contents-announced