Xscape General Discussion

[ChrisC]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I'm having to go back and sort out Michael. I made my own version on CD and iTunes that ignored the Cascio songs and replaced with leaked tracks, This Is It etc.

It's giving me a bit of thought in the sense that I could make one full album from Michael and Xscape...

 

[Bubs]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Michael Jackson's XSCAPE Set To Be Biggest Selling Album of 2014
by Michael West | 01 April 2014

Michael Jackson's XSCAPE is likely to sell over a million copies this year.
Michael Jackson's new album XSCAPE is the odds-on favorite to become the biggest selling album of 2014 in the UK. The record - co-produced by Timbaland - is set for release on May 13, via Epic Records.

Bookmakers William Hill are offering odds of 1/10 to sell a million by the end of 2014 and 1/4 that it will become the biggest selling album of the year. One area that it could fall down is in generating the year's biggest selling single of the year - with Pharrell Williams' Happy looking set to bag that accolade with odds of 2/1. Any song from Xscape can be backed at 5/1.
"This will undoubtedly be the most hotly anticipated release of the year and we fully expect it to be the biggest selling album of 2014," said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.

According to a statement, the combination of Jackson's material with revamped contemporary production adds a "fresh sound" that retains Jackson's essence and integrity. Epic Records Chairman L.A Reid was reportedly granted unlimited access to the four decades of Jackson's vocal only material. He then teamed up with Timbaland and other producers to "contemporize" the songs
"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," Reid said in a statement.

"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," said John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.
Since his death in 2009, Epic Records has continually released Jackson's material, including a reissue of Bad, a remix album titled Immortal and several posthumous compilations, including This Is It.
A post on Michael Jackson's official Twitter page read: "New @MichaelJackson album! XSCAPE, comprised of previously unreleased songs, out May 13th! More at http://www.michaeljackson.com #MJXSCAPE"

http://www.contactmusic.com/article/michael-jackson-xscape-new-album_4134654

:yes::tease::wild::clapping::woohoo::bounce

 

[lilseanb]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I cant get these to play

 

[Metin Jackson]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Longer STTR snippet !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwkBjjgibXI

WOW love the beginning!

 

[Vogue]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I've noticed all the reviewers are assuming none of the work is from 90's/2000's MJ. I bet you that most haven't heard Dangerous, HIStory or Invincible too.

 

[vilangelo]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I wonder where people get the idea there are like 200 finished Michael Jackson tracks sitting to be released LOL Anyway, I also wonder if these people were around the last 10 years of MJ's life, where we all struggled to support the King and rarely was there any space for new material (Invincible, Ultimate Collection, some tracks here and there, etc.), to complain so much about new material being released LOL If you don't agree with it, simply don't buy it. Nobody is forcing you to buy it. Sony + The Estate won't be less rich without your 13 dollars lol What I really don't get is the lack of perspective. Why the hell release 16 tracks now, if we know there aren't many finished tracks and we also know some of them are not strong for a chart-topping CD (People Of The World, honestly)? Of course the Estate and Sony will choose to release 8 great tracks, market them and let good part of them stand on their own as singles. We are facing what MAY BE MJ's most successful release in years! We are witnessing what can be, if well strategized, a new MJ mania. But oh, that's not good, right? Sometimes I wish MJ had done what Hitchcock did. Buy the rights to his own work and TAKE IT OUT from the public's eye for 20 years!

 

[Spyce]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I know MJJC have so many creative geniuses . so here is a request for you.

Can you make a great COVER PICTURE for Facebook? - The long picture above your timeline.

Would be great to be able to promote the album on facebook.

I had every plan of doing that today anyway Check my "Custom MJ Graphics" thread for an update. Or, well, I'll send you a PM, too. But everyone else, keep checking the thread!

 

[WildStyle]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I've noticed all the reviewers are assuming none of the work is from 90's/2000's MJ. I bet you that most haven't heard Dangerous, HIStory or Invincible too.

Yep. His post Bad work has always been unfairly overlooked and dismissed. I can imagine them there at the listening party thinking "Hey, this is actually pretty good. Must be from the 80's before he lost all of his talent." It's a narrative that needs to change.

 

[ivy]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I think it was Always There that said it, that when the Estate were putting this together they needed to be thinking about the number of tracks that leaked.

sorry to say but that is unrealistic expectation. No one is going to do that. Also as I said before it is expecting to be rewarded for unacceptable behavior and punishing others for your behavior.

We can't be blamed for being desperate to hear anything new and I do think the argument of Sony not securing the material the way they should have is valid.

That's just an excuse. everyone can make excuses for their behavior or justify it but it doesn't necessarily make it right or acceptable. for example a poor person could steal money and say they did it because they needed the money. It doesn't change the fact despite the conditions it is still a theft and it's still unacceptable and illegal. Similarly "we are fans we want to hear as much songs as we can" doesn't justify the means to do it.

It also irks me that people are throwing the word 'illegal' around so readily.

We can sugarcoat is as much we want it but it's illegal. At minimum it's copyright infringement which RIAA successfully sues in USA for $100 to $10,000 per song - and these are all for sharing released songs. Unreleased songs depending on how they are acquired could be a lot more problematic.

Many of those people would have downloaded them too

And some people didn't. And this is not really a matter of if you or anyone downloaded them or not. Yes being realistic I totally expect fans not to see problem with leaks and yes many would download them. So no one here is questioning why anyone downloaded or listened to the leaks.

The issue here is the latest statements. It's getting some songs for free when you shouldn't have but then demanding other songs on top of it.It's kinda saying "hey Estate we have already got these songs when we shouldn't have so give us the ones we weren't able to get". Like I said it's doing something wrong and then expecting to be rewarded for it. and the additional intention of not to buy the album but again continue to get the songs in wrong manner (torrent download) without paying for them.

I thought we were Michael Jackson fans and we support the man and his music. But all I see is posts about getting the songs without paying for them. surely that's not acceptable?

It's okay if people don't like the album, it's okay if they criticize it, it's okay if they don't buy it. But let's spare the hypocrisy. Let's not advocate for illegally downloading the songs and/or not paying for our favorite artist.

I downloaded them too and when I reminded him that he illegally downloaded those songs not bought them I also added that I did too and my issue is not that fans give in to temptation and are curious and download leaks. I do that too. But then to complain that this release "is not worth my money" and "I am going to torrent it" is hypocritical on so many levels. One is that just bacause you illegally downloaded it you did NOT buy it! So it's not like you are required to buy the same thing twice. You did NOT buy it even once, yet it's on your computer and presumably you listen to it from time to time. So don't you think it would be fair to pay the price? Especially when you are talking about your favourite artist. Then the "I'm gonna torrent it" thing. If you torrent it that means you want to have it. Then why don't you buy it? Or if you do not care then do not buy it but then do not torrent it either.

Just wanted to give a quick clarification regarding my personal opinion on this point. What has bothered me most about AlwaysThere (and some others') attitude towards the album is:

1. The incredible hypocrisy in their conviction that listening to illegally leaked and illegally downloaded songs -- which they were never meant to have access to in the first place -- gives them some kind of claim on the material and a right to criticize and be upset about the decision by Epic / the estate to release it to the rest of the world as an official product.

2. The assumption that just because they have heard the leaked versions, it shouldn't be considered "new" material be anyone else either, even though most of the rest of the world have probably never even heard of these tracks.

3. The way they are blatantly announcing that they will just pirate the album because there is "barely any new material on it", while the only reason the material isn't new to them is due to their own choices and illegal activity. So, basically, because they chose to partake in illegal downloading of leaked songs they have to right to just illegally download those same songs all over again when they are released as an official product? Please...

ditto to above

 

[bad25]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

1million isn't a lot. what's the best selling album of 2013 worldwide and how many copies it sold?

 

[Hess]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Longer STTR snippet !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwkBjjgibXI

WOW - is that the begining of the song? - Sounds cool. Very electro and futuristic. - Much better that the version we have with "hoo, HOoOOo" and so on. - This start sounds great. - I am really looking forward to hear the entire song!

I had every plan of doing that today anyway Check my "Custom MJ Graphics" thread for an update. Or, well, I'll send you a PM, too. But everyone else, keep checking the thread!

I will check the thread now!

 

[Vogue]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Yep. His post Bad work has always been unfairly overlooked and dismissed. I can imagine them there at the listening party thinking "Hey, this is actually pretty good. Must be from the 80's before he lost all of his talent." It's a narrative that needs to change.

Its actually hilarious.

I see them giving pieces like Blue Gangsta, Xscape and DYKWYCA rave reviews and in the same breath they're continuously dissing his latter day releases. I can't wait until the the actual song titles and recording dates swirl within the public sphere.

People forget how much the Bad album used to be disrespected and now they want to act brand new. This is why I believe anniversary celebrations like Bad25 are necessary.

Anyways, the reviews are looking fabulous. Listening party reviews are usually piss poor but many seem to be startled at the stunning quality of Michael's voice and the tasteful mixing. Even if they sneak in a diss every now and then, its clear they're having trouble finding bad things to say. I'm blown away by the acclaim DYKWYCA seems to be receiving.

 

[Hess]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

not supporting this..I don't trust the MJ estate or LA Reid.. where were these folks when MJ needed love and support the last years of his life? all of these folks are fake and money grubbers.. they didn't love or care about Michael. They are using his fans for $$$ because they know we and love miss so much.

Then why are you in this thread. - Very clearly this is not the place for you to be... - This is about a new album being released not only to please the fans - but of course to make money - the same reason MJ released music and allowed all the greatest hits albums....

I bet you will listen to the album anyway despite all youre hate - and if not all then at least I bet you will enjoy the demos... - Why so negative? Why not admit you will enjoy the new release (2 videos and 8 demos at least!)

 

[Hess]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Anyways, the reviews are looking fabulous. Listening party reviews are usually piss poor but many seem to be startled at the stunning quality of Michael's voice and the tasteful mixing. Even if they sneak in a diss every now and then, its clear they're having trouble finding bad things to say. I'm blown away by the acclaim DYKWYCA seems to be receiving.

I am very happy about the positive reviews too - AND especially I am thrillede about the positive words about DYKWYCA - That one song seems to be perfect. - I can't wait to hear how they mixed it.

 

[Zakk]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I can't wait for the CD & DVD Deluxe Edition to be available for Pre-order at Amazon UK!!!! they also don't list a release date, Confuddled

 

[AlwaysThere]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

1million isn't a lot. what's the best selling album of 2013 worldwide and how many copies it sold?

Biggest selling album of 2013 was JT's 20/20 Experience. Sold about three million copies by years end.

But one million is substantial, especially for a deceased artist.

 

[Vogue]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

It seems that it has been confirmed that the album is being paired with the Sony Xperia. If counted towards Billboard, I wonder how it'll effect first week units worldwide. The last Sony phone shifted 4.6 million within 40 days.

 

[Dangerous1991]

As much as I am super excited about this, and I am, I cant help but feel if Sony didn’t rush the first ‘Michael’ album then this one could have been EVEN better as below, but still, not taking anything away from this, looks like it could be amazing, loving the artwork

1/ Love Never Felt So Good
2/ Hollywood Tonight
3/ She Was Loving Me
4/ Chicago
5/ A Place With No Name
6/ Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7/ Best Of Joy
8/ Slave To The Rhythm
9 / Hold My Hand Feat. Akon
10/ Blue Gangster
11/ The Way You Love Me
12/ We’ve Had Enough (I know this was on TUC but this needs more recognition)
13/ Xscape

Again, not knocking the Estate or Sony, just wish they had waited on the initial release and presented something like this (basically I am just daydreaming and wishing this was the release originally lol)

Cant wait for Xscape anyway, looks amazing and like a album cover that Michael himself would have loved IMO

 

[InvincibleMJ]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Wonder if the first single is STTR or Xscape... or Chicago? :wild:

 

[Vogue]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Biggest selling album of 2013 was JT's 20/20 Experience. Sold about three million copies by years end.

But one million is substantial, especially for a deceased artist.

The 20/20 Experience was the lowest selling best seller since Soundscan began its work. Not a good comparison. Also, deceased artists actually fair very well in the market. The 'Michael' album managed to go platinum in the US alone despite the thick controversy, poor promotion and awful reviews.

 

[dam2040]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Odds to become the biggest album of the year! Yeah baby!

 

[HIStory]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

1million isn't a lot. what's the best selling album of 2013 worldwide and how many copies it sold?

1 million copies is a lot today. With that amount you could be among the top 10 best selling albums of the year on the Billboard in 2013. Of course, that's just US sales, but I'd be happy to see it sell 1 million copies and go Platinum in the US. It would be quiet a great number for a posthumus album.

 

[twinklEE]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I for one, refuse to be negative about every single thing. Michael is gone, he can not work and complete his music as he would intend to. I believe those involved are trying their best to do justice - with Michael not being here anymore it's unfair to judge as harshly and compare it to Michael's level of genius.
I am here to enjoy and support Michael's legacy I want to see it flourish again. I want the name Michael Jackson to be in the news again for all the right reasons i.e his music. Not because of trials, accusations and tabloids.
You can either b**** and moan about this and every other thing, or support his legacy and see his musical legacy flourish again, with Michael not being here anymore things are never going to be how they would have been if he were still alive.

I choose to support the man I admire and love since 2001, rather than complain about things that can not be changed.

 

[ivy]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

It seems that it has been confirmed that the album is being paired with the Sony Xperia. If counted towards Billboard, I wonder how it'll effect first week units worldwide. The last Sony phone shifted 4.6 million within 40 days.

I believe they did not count Jay Z's deal with Samsung in determining total sales numbers. It definitely brings in money to the artist/Estate but it might not affect sales numbers.

 

[Billyjeanplxiv]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Michael sold 2.5 Million+

Surely we can beat that out now?

 

[SmoothMJ]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

1million isn't a lot. what's the best selling album of 2013 worldwide and how many copies it sold?

William Hill are a UK betting outlet. I think they are talking about UK sales.

1 million in the UK would be amazing. I think they are being a little optimistic though - unless we have one or two big hit singles! :clap:

 

[HIStory]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

The 20/20 Experience was the lowest selling best seller since Soundscan began its work. Not a good comparison.

It's a good comparation because it shows the current state of the music market. People do not really buy albums any more with downloads and Spotify and everything. Even if they buy they mostly buy singles. Selling 1 million copies in the US would be great from this album.

 

[athina_livadi]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

People who don't like the album and don't support it, don't buy it, simple and clear!!!
We have the songs but this isn't the case. We long to hear Michael, we long to see him sell well and to show the world that great music is timeless!!!
So, please let us be happy about Michael first and foremost and leave the rest to be judged!!!

 

[ChrisC]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

sorry to say but that is unrealistic expectation. No one is going to do that. Also as I said before it is expecting to be rewarded for unacceptable behavior and punishing others for your behavior.

That's just an excuse. everyone can make excuses for their behavior or justify it but it doesn't necessarily make it right or acceptable. for example a poor person could steal money and say they did it because they needed the money. It doesn't change the fact despite the conditions it is still a theft and it's still unacceptable and illegal. Similarly "we are fans we want to hear as much songs as we can" doesn't justify the means to do it.

We can sugarcoat is as much we want it but it's illegal. At minimum it's copyright infringement which RIAA successfully sues in USA for $100 to $10,000 per song - and these are all for sharing released songs. Unreleased songs depending on how they are acquired could be a lot more problematic.

Then why do you and your staff allow them to be shared here? I don't have an issue with it, and I'm glad this resource is here. It's this soapbox attitude I've an issue with.

The issue here is the latest statements. It's getting some songs for free when you shouldn't have but then demanding other songs on top of it.It's kinda saying "hey Estate we have already got these songs when we shouldn't have so give us the ones we weren't able to get". Like I said it's doing something wrong and then expecting to be rewarded for it. and the additional intention of not to buy the album but again continue to get the songs in wrong manner (torrent download) without paying for them.

Okay I see what you're saying. So if Always There chose not to buy the product you'd not have a problem with it? It's just the legal aspect you're taking exception to? I certainly hope you've never downloaded anything copyrighted for free, if you haven't then you are entitled to express your views in that way. I certainly wouldn't be comfortable.

The Estate, as I said initially, could have avoided this type of situation from arising - certainly minimised it - by swapping the ratio of leaked and unleaked around. You've said 'no one' is going to do that - although gave no reasons as to why. Even though many people have stated they have no intention of buying the album if there's not a decent number of unheard songs on it - people have been saying this for weeks on here. So the Estate have lost a part of the die hard fan base already. Of course, you cannot please all of the people all of the time - alls I'm saying is, steps could have been taken to minimise that alienation. Those steps weren't taken.

I understand the argument that if you illegally download something, and when given the option years later to 'retrospectively' pay for it then morally speaking you should - but if anything to me that is unrealistic.

 

[HIStory]

Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Michael sold 2.5 Million+

Surely we can beat that out now?

Worldwide? Maybe. Would be awesome, but that was four years ago and even since then general album sales went down significantly.