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1. By Rebecca Rockwell (Carpinteria, CA, USA)
As a passionately devoted Michael Jackson fan (I was blessed enough to have been able to attend his memorial at the Staples Center), and as a musician and fellow published writer, there are many things I could say about this book. But I think the main thing that needs to be said is that in writing a book that focuses on Michael's work rather than attempting to dissect his personal life, Joseph Vogel has, I feel, more accurately and honestly captured who Michael was than any tawdry or dirt-dishing biography ever has or could. Michael WAS his music, and the music was Michael. It's time we all took a minute to give the man's unquestionable musical genius some credit without picking apart every scandalized lie he was beaten down with in the press. This book makes the reader remember just WHY Michael was the one and only King of Pop; unfortunately it also makes his loss all the more painful and deeply felt. We as fans lost a genius songwriter, musician and dancer; the associates interviewed in this book lost a mentor, teacher and FRIEND. Thank you, Mr. Vogel, for writing a well-written, well-crafted and thorough book that should have been written years ago, and for presenting it in a way that makes it easier for people to understand a man who was so greatly misunderstood in life. I wish Michael were still alive to appreciate the gesture. He would have loved this book!
2. By happyforever (USA)
There are so many books talking about Michael Jackson but very few are focusing fully on his music. Michael Jackson is an artist which people tend to forget. This book reminds people about this fact and focus only on his music and creating process. The pictures and printing are all nice. Most important, it gives lots of information about MJ's records as solo artist. For all time, I always wanted to find a book that will analyze MJ's songs. This is the book I was looking for for so long. I just wish that MJ actually can saw this published when he was alive. People should really go back an relive MJ's music and cherish his genius. For MJ fans, this is a must buy. For general public, it tell you the Michael Jackson as a professional artist.
3.By trudy
I love this book, it takes you through a journey that allows you to see the creative process that Micheal goes through to write his music.
It is an intellectual book about the mans music.
4.By Constance (NY USA)
Scholars, fans, and even on-the-fence doubters will find Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson by Huffington Post writer Joseph Vogel, not only an enthralling read, but a gateway into a revised perception of one of the most mysterious and massively influential artists of our time. This is definitely not another run of the mill sensationalist work.
Vogel skillfully guides the reader through the remarkable chapters of Jackson's professional career, fully capturing the cultural vibe of the `80s and `90s, while analyzing the particularities of Jackson's creative process from inception to aesthetic fulfillment. It seems the author desires to move beyond exclusively "preaching to the choir" of Jackson's loyal fan base, and has an even more expansive and restorative intention in mind.
Vogel's narrative unfolds in a unique album-by-album mode, so Jackson's career is revealed through intricately woven stories that are chronologically linked with the creation of his music. This odyssey reminds one of a mythic "hero's journey," as it evokes the visceral emotion of artistic conquest. Throughout the process, Vogel explicates Jackson's music, performance art, cinematic short films, and aesthetic incarnations, as well as exploring Jackson's myriad eclectic influences.
The book's success is due, in large part, to a trilogy of strengths the author possesses as an academic scholar and also a writer on popular culture. Vogel manages to fuse a penchant for research with an engaging gift of journalistic storytelling. Rare, however, is the sense of spiritual exegesis he also provides. This literary alchemy gives the reader an entirely fresh and valuable comprehension of Jackson as a culturally transformative artist. Vogel's book also illuminates the voluminous breadth, depth and influence of his artistic oeuvre.
The reader experiences firsthand the gentle singer-songwriter's coming of age, his groundbreaking musical prowess, and his emergence as a humanitarian emissary for the disadvantaged and alienated. We are reminded that Jackson (a voracious reader of Emerson) was a transcendental visionary who called for healing the world through compassion, community, and environmental stewardship.
The author offers a Joycean sensibility as he paints his archetypal "portrait of the artist as a young man" with a discerning eye. Vogel irrevocably raises the bar for future critical analysis of Jackson's art and cultural import, as he portrays his subject as an artist of stature amidst a constituency of the most influential and prescient artists of all time. One hopes the sincerity of Vogel's efforts will prompt inchoate scholarship on this subject to burgeon.
Vogel's personal interviews document the rich and sundry details offered by a plethora of Jackson's musical collaborators, technical producers, and artistic associates. These remembrances add surprise and synchronicity to the more familiar aspects of Jackson's complex life history. Included among the recollections are those of musical giants Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, Teddy Riley, Bruce Swedien, Rodney Jerkins, Buz Kohan, Brad Buxer and many others.
Vogel, a Huffington Post writer on politics and popular culture, is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester where his scholarship focuses on 18th century poets Blake and Wordsworth. Since he emerges out of an academic perspective on the history of literature and the arts, he is able to credibly position Jackson amidst a much broader contextual background than the many apocryphal works by authors who leapt too eagerly onto the greed-bandwagon following the artist's untimely death.
It is interesting to note that Vogel began research for this book almost six years ago. This was during a time when Jackson was often treated by publishers and much of the public as a social leper. Vogel wanted to correct what he perceived as a terrible injustice and return the conversation to the genius of Jackson's art and his global transformative cultural import.
Vogel later made a conscious choice to refrain from publishing his material immediately following Jackson's death. Hence, his biography includes analysis of Jackson's posthumously released works, as well as reflections on the nature of the artist's ultimate legacy. Vogel's insight and impeccable research do much to relieve the ignominy this artist suffered in life from a rapacious media.
Vogel utilizes a Picasso-like construct in his ability to see his subject from multiple angles simultaneously, thereby rendering a multidimensional portrait. Formulaic tabloid stereotyping and long-standing racial binaries are finally exploded and cast aside. Vogel's readers will experience Jackson anew as a fine artist, cultural troubadour, and shamanic performer, because he is perceived through a lens that clarifies instead of mystifies.
Perceptive, metaphoric, and humane, Vogel's Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson is certainly the defining biographical work to date regarding this artist. The revelatory nature of Jackson's art, and Jackson's under reported international initiatives for social justice, surely deserve this long over due literary retrospective.
The book's stunning photographs make this volume attractive to appreciators of all art genres. It is especially meaningful to note the author has dedicated his book to Jackson's three children. One imagines they will be grateful, for Vogel offers respect and appreciation to the father they loved.
5. By Bruce Aguilar (Hollywood, CA)
Michael Jackson is on record as saying he attempted to fuse his soul to his music in an effort to escape death. What better way then to understand the man than through his music? Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson does just that, focuses on the inspiration, creation, reaction and historical context of Michael Jacksons considerable library of music. I think this is the first time that anyone has shone such a finely tuned light on the subject that made the world fascinated with Michael Jackson in the first place.
Whether you're a dyed in the wool fan, a musician, or just someone curious about music this will make fascinating reading. Joseph Vogel walks readers chronologically through Michael Jackson's albums first covering the album as a whole before discussing each song individually. Mr. Vogel's research includes interviews with technicians and musicians who worked with Jackson who provide insightful glimpses into the creative process. The work even includes information on a number of unreleased songs from Jackson as well as his posthumously released material.
Undoubtedly this is the definitive book on Michael Jackson's music and therefore of the man as well. It's easy to imagine perceptions being changed and reassessed from the analysis and discussion in this comprehensive and respectful work. A treasure trove that should not be missed. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
6. By Kris Heywood "friendinneed" (Oregon)
just finished the much-awaited book Man In The Music. It was a pleasure to read. Mr. Vogel did a fantastic job of interpreting Michael's albums and his musical career. I believe this will long be a reference work, and hope its success will encourage other music critics to join the discussion about Michael's genius. With Mr. Vogel's help I happily revisited most of MJ's songs. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is ready to hear the truth about the King of Pop's astounding work.
If I have one criticism, it is that even with his best intentions Mr. Vogel sometimes gets caught up in tabloid speculations masquerading as facts. I wish he hadn't included Taraborrelli's interpretation of events, but even so, I'd say 98 percent of Vogel's opinions and critiques are right on. It can't get much better than that
7. By Stephanie (Sacto, CA)
Finally an academic, comprehensive book about Michael Jackson's music and artistry. This book focuses big time on the music, providing a chapter for each solo album. It reviews the process for making each album, and each individual song as well. Vogel's book is a great academic achievement. Michael was very dedicated to his work and craft, and this is the first book that really goes behind the scenes and provides some insight into how he developed each song. There are a few books that analyze his music, but they usually stop with Bad or Thriller. However, Michael's music from 1990 and later was quite different, and in many ways broke barriers in content and social messaging. This is the first book to really delve into those later years. I can see this becoming a textbook for future Michael Jackson "degrees".
http://www.amazon.com/Man-Music-Cre...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
As a passionately devoted Michael Jackson fan (I was blessed enough to have been able to attend his memorial at the Staples Center), and as a musician and fellow published writer, there are many things I could say about this book. But I think the main thing that needs to be said is that in writing a book that focuses on Michael's work rather than attempting to dissect his personal life, Joseph Vogel has, I feel, more accurately and honestly captured who Michael was than any tawdry or dirt-dishing biography ever has or could. Michael WAS his music, and the music was Michael. It's time we all took a minute to give the man's unquestionable musical genius some credit without picking apart every scandalized lie he was beaten down with in the press. This book makes the reader remember just WHY Michael was the one and only King of Pop; unfortunately it also makes his loss all the more painful and deeply felt. We as fans lost a genius songwriter, musician and dancer; the associates interviewed in this book lost a mentor, teacher and FRIEND. Thank you, Mr. Vogel, for writing a well-written, well-crafted and thorough book that should have been written years ago, and for presenting it in a way that makes it easier for people to understand a man who was so greatly misunderstood in life. I wish Michael were still alive to appreciate the gesture. He would have loved this book!
2. By happyforever (USA)
There are so many books talking about Michael Jackson but very few are focusing fully on his music. Michael Jackson is an artist which people tend to forget. This book reminds people about this fact and focus only on his music and creating process. The pictures and printing are all nice. Most important, it gives lots of information about MJ's records as solo artist. For all time, I always wanted to find a book that will analyze MJ's songs. This is the book I was looking for for so long. I just wish that MJ actually can saw this published when he was alive. People should really go back an relive MJ's music and cherish his genius. For MJ fans, this is a must buy. For general public, it tell you the Michael Jackson as a professional artist.
3.By trudy
I love this book, it takes you through a journey that allows you to see the creative process that Micheal goes through to write his music.
It is an intellectual book about the mans music.
4.By Constance (NY USA)
Scholars, fans, and even on-the-fence doubters will find Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson by Huffington Post writer Joseph Vogel, not only an enthralling read, but a gateway into a revised perception of one of the most mysterious and massively influential artists of our time. This is definitely not another run of the mill sensationalist work.
Vogel skillfully guides the reader through the remarkable chapters of Jackson's professional career, fully capturing the cultural vibe of the `80s and `90s, while analyzing the particularities of Jackson's creative process from inception to aesthetic fulfillment. It seems the author desires to move beyond exclusively "preaching to the choir" of Jackson's loyal fan base, and has an even more expansive and restorative intention in mind.
Vogel's narrative unfolds in a unique album-by-album mode, so Jackson's career is revealed through intricately woven stories that are chronologically linked with the creation of his music. This odyssey reminds one of a mythic "hero's journey," as it evokes the visceral emotion of artistic conquest. Throughout the process, Vogel explicates Jackson's music, performance art, cinematic short films, and aesthetic incarnations, as well as exploring Jackson's myriad eclectic influences.
The book's success is due, in large part, to a trilogy of strengths the author possesses as an academic scholar and also a writer on popular culture. Vogel manages to fuse a penchant for research with an engaging gift of journalistic storytelling. Rare, however, is the sense of spiritual exegesis he also provides. This literary alchemy gives the reader an entirely fresh and valuable comprehension of Jackson as a culturally transformative artist. Vogel's book also illuminates the voluminous breadth, depth and influence of his artistic oeuvre.
The reader experiences firsthand the gentle singer-songwriter's coming of age, his groundbreaking musical prowess, and his emergence as a humanitarian emissary for the disadvantaged and alienated. We are reminded that Jackson (a voracious reader of Emerson) was a transcendental visionary who called for healing the world through compassion, community, and environmental stewardship.
The author offers a Joycean sensibility as he paints his archetypal "portrait of the artist as a young man" with a discerning eye. Vogel irrevocably raises the bar for future critical analysis of Jackson's art and cultural import, as he portrays his subject as an artist of stature amidst a constituency of the most influential and prescient artists of all time. One hopes the sincerity of Vogel's efforts will prompt inchoate scholarship on this subject to burgeon.
Vogel's personal interviews document the rich and sundry details offered by a plethora of Jackson's musical collaborators, technical producers, and artistic associates. These remembrances add surprise and synchronicity to the more familiar aspects of Jackson's complex life history. Included among the recollections are those of musical giants Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, Teddy Riley, Bruce Swedien, Rodney Jerkins, Buz Kohan, Brad Buxer and many others.
Vogel, a Huffington Post writer on politics and popular culture, is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester where his scholarship focuses on 18th century poets Blake and Wordsworth. Since he emerges out of an academic perspective on the history of literature and the arts, he is able to credibly position Jackson amidst a much broader contextual background than the many apocryphal works by authors who leapt too eagerly onto the greed-bandwagon following the artist's untimely death.
It is interesting to note that Vogel began research for this book almost six years ago. This was during a time when Jackson was often treated by publishers and much of the public as a social leper. Vogel wanted to correct what he perceived as a terrible injustice and return the conversation to the genius of Jackson's art and his global transformative cultural import.
Vogel later made a conscious choice to refrain from publishing his material immediately following Jackson's death. Hence, his biography includes analysis of Jackson's posthumously released works, as well as reflections on the nature of the artist's ultimate legacy. Vogel's insight and impeccable research do much to relieve the ignominy this artist suffered in life from a rapacious media.
Vogel utilizes a Picasso-like construct in his ability to see his subject from multiple angles simultaneously, thereby rendering a multidimensional portrait. Formulaic tabloid stereotyping and long-standing racial binaries are finally exploded and cast aside. Vogel's readers will experience Jackson anew as a fine artist, cultural troubadour, and shamanic performer, because he is perceived through a lens that clarifies instead of mystifies.
Perceptive, metaphoric, and humane, Vogel's Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson is certainly the defining biographical work to date regarding this artist. The revelatory nature of Jackson's art, and Jackson's under reported international initiatives for social justice, surely deserve this long over due literary retrospective.
The book's stunning photographs make this volume attractive to appreciators of all art genres. It is especially meaningful to note the author has dedicated his book to Jackson's three children. One imagines they will be grateful, for Vogel offers respect and appreciation to the father they loved.
5. By Bruce Aguilar (Hollywood, CA)
Michael Jackson is on record as saying he attempted to fuse his soul to his music in an effort to escape death. What better way then to understand the man than through his music? Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson does just that, focuses on the inspiration, creation, reaction and historical context of Michael Jacksons considerable library of music. I think this is the first time that anyone has shone such a finely tuned light on the subject that made the world fascinated with Michael Jackson in the first place.
Whether you're a dyed in the wool fan, a musician, or just someone curious about music this will make fascinating reading. Joseph Vogel walks readers chronologically through Michael Jackson's albums first covering the album as a whole before discussing each song individually. Mr. Vogel's research includes interviews with technicians and musicians who worked with Jackson who provide insightful glimpses into the creative process. The work even includes information on a number of unreleased songs from Jackson as well as his posthumously released material.
Undoubtedly this is the definitive book on Michael Jackson's music and therefore of the man as well. It's easy to imagine perceptions being changed and reassessed from the analysis and discussion in this comprehensive and respectful work. A treasure trove that should not be missed. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
6. By Kris Heywood "friendinneed" (Oregon)
just finished the much-awaited book Man In The Music. It was a pleasure to read. Mr. Vogel did a fantastic job of interpreting Michael's albums and his musical career. I believe this will long be a reference work, and hope its success will encourage other music critics to join the discussion about Michael's genius. With Mr. Vogel's help I happily revisited most of MJ's songs. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is ready to hear the truth about the King of Pop's astounding work.
If I have one criticism, it is that even with his best intentions Mr. Vogel sometimes gets caught up in tabloid speculations masquerading as facts. I wish he hadn't included Taraborrelli's interpretation of events, but even so, I'd say 98 percent of Vogel's opinions and critiques are right on. It can't get much better than that
7. By Stephanie (Sacto, CA)
Finally an academic, comprehensive book about Michael Jackson's music and artistry. This book focuses big time on the music, providing a chapter for each solo album. It reviews the process for making each album, and each individual song as well. Vogel's book is a great academic achievement. Michael was very dedicated to his work and craft, and this is the first book that really goes behind the scenes and provides some insight into how he developed each song. There are a few books that analyze his music, but they usually stop with Bad or Thriller. However, Michael's music from 1990 and later was quite different, and in many ways broke barriers in content and social messaging. This is the first book to really delve into those later years. I can see this becoming a textbook for future Michael Jackson "degrees".
http://www.amazon.com/Man-Music-Cre...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
