PTT偶像團體區 / KingofPop (麥可傑克森 - Michael Jackson)

[情報] 新專輯MICHAEL的樂評

看板KingofPop (麥可傑克森 - Michael Jackson)作者ChesterB (很難想)時間15年前 (2010/12/13 14:35)推噓18(18推 0噓 6→)

留言24則, 20人參與討論串1/1

http://tinyurl.com/29a9vo6 Is michael really michael? 無敵長樂評是之前寫hold my hand樂評的那個人寫的翻個大意可能有錯 This past Friday I listened to Michael Jackson's highly-anticipated posthumous album, Michael (Epic), which is expected to hit stores in the U.S. on December 14th. I had many questions going in, not only about the music itself, but the process. How were the tracks selected? How much were they altered or embellished? And what was the end result? 上週五聽了MJ的最新專輯我有許多的問題不只對於音樂本身還有像是歌曲怎麼選的還有他們是怎麼被改過和潤色的還有成果是什麼 Posthumous works are notoriously tricky. There are essentially two philosophical approaches: 1) present the material basically as it was found; or, 2) try to complete the artist's vision based on instructions and/or intuition. Either way comes with its own unique challenges and complications. 死後專輯的處理是很微妙的通常有兩種作法 1保持原樣 2盡量以歌手可能的想法來完成但兩種方法導致的結果都會是個挑戰 For the 2009 documentary, This Is It, the Estate of Michael Jackson opted for the first approach. Audiences around the world witnessed the raw rehearsals of what would have been an unprecedented concert spectacle. At the time, some complained that Jackson wouldn't have wanted people to see anything but the final, finished result. He was a perfectionist who gave everything to a performance; in the footage, however, he was often conserving his voice, marking his dance steps, and correcting mistakes. Yet there was something undeniably riveting and enlightening about watching the artist at work. It was tragic, of course, that his full vision was never realized. But for many viewers it humanized the singer, even as it showcased his extraordinary talent. TII電影就是採用第一種作法全世界的人見到了最原始的彩排畫面當時很多人認為 MJ不會想要大家看到他未完成的作品他是個完美主義者在影片中他並沒有全力歌唱還在研究他的舞步校正錯誤但是看到這個藝術家工作的情形是很令人震驚和神奇的雖然他的最終想法從來沒有真的實現過但觀眾看到了他人性的一面和他驚人的才華 With this first posthumous album, however, a different approach was taken. All of the songs were completed within the past year by various collaborators and caretakers--ranging from Teddy Riley to Neff-U to Estate co-executor John McClain. Michael, his Estate said, left a "roadmap" behind, and they felt an obligation to finish what he had started. It was a risky decision that has caused a severe backlash amongst many of Jackson's core fans. A similar controversy resulted in 1995, when Paul, George and Ringo "finished" two John Lennon tracks ("Free as a Bird" and "Real Love") under the banner of the Beatles. For some fans, it could never be an "authentic" Beatles track without Lennon's full participation. Similarly, no matter how closely Akon, Lenny Kravitz and others worked with Jackson, could they ever fully intuit what he would have wanted on a given track? 這張新專輯卻採用了另一種方法所有的歌是靠過去幾年MJ的合作者來完成MJ開始的作品遺產公司表示 MJ留下了地圖而他們完成了他起始的作品這是一個非常冒險的決定而且導致了很多歌迷的反對 95年也有類似的事情發生當時披頭四的其他團員完成了兩首約翰藍儂的歌曲並且以披頭四的名義發行對很多歌迷沒有約翰藍儂參與的歌曲就不會是真的披頭四歌曲了同樣的不論阿肯等人曾經和MJ多親密的工作他們真的可以完全了解 MJ想要的是什麼? In some cases, Jackson did indeed leave very specific notes and instructions. It is also well-known to those familiar with his artistic process that he frequently returned to tracks from previous album sessions and updated them. Versions of "Blood on the Dance Floor," "They Don't Care About Us," and "Earth Song," for example, were all originally recorded during the Dangerous sessions; but Jackson continued to tinker with each of these songs for years until he felt they were ready. A Michael Jackson song was never final until it made an official studio album. 對於某些歌曲 MJ的確留下了很多確切的指令和訊息對於熟悉他工作程序的人都知道他總是會不停的回到過去寫過的歌然後改進像是血濺舞池和They don't care about us earth song等歌曲都是在dangerous時期錄製的但是MJ會花數年不停改正他的歌曲直到他覺得滿意了為止 MJ的歌曲除非是真的出現在最終發行版才算真的完成 This return-treatment is essentially what his collaborators have attempted on Michael. They wanted to make these tracks as fresh, vibrant and relevant as possible, believing that this is what Jackson would have wanted as well. Of course, in the end, since none of them are Michael Jackson, the best they could do is approximate. The album, then, is a hybrid creation. At times it feels truly inspired and very close to what Michael himself would have done; at other times, it feels a bit more like a tribute, similar to the remixes on Thriller 25. 而MJ的合作者現在就嘗試要完成他他們想要讓這些歌曲盡可能的聽起來很新穎希望能做出MJ想要做出的歌曲當然最終他們沒有一個人是MJ 他們能做的只是大概這張專輯是混種的結果在某些地方的確很像MJ自己會想做的音樂但更多的這比較像戰慄25的混音作品這張專輯更像是個致敬的產物 Much of this probably won't even register to the average listener, who will simply listen to the music and decide whether they like it or not. 但對於一般聽眾來說這些他們可能根本不在乎他們只是單純的去聽音樂來決定他們喜歡與否 But because Michael Jackson is one of the most important artists of the past century the question of how much to modify the work he left behind is a very serious one. As amazing as the new version of "Behind the Mask" sounds, for example, it isn't the version Michael last worked on in the early 1980s. If for no other reason than documenting history, then, it would seem worthwhile to release the originals/demos as well (perhaps as bonus tracks or a supplementary album), even if they aren't perfectly polished or updated. 但是因為MJ是這一個世紀最重要的藝人所以這些作品經過了多少加工就是嚴重的問題以最新版本的behind the mask舉例這不是MJ80年代初期所錄的版本站在紀錄歷史的角度同時放出原始DEMO版本作為bonus將會是非常好的選擇就算是這些歌曲不是完美和經過精雕細琢的 With that preface in place, I proceed to my review of the actual album, which, on the whole, really is an exciting and enjoyable listening experience. Indeed, for all the controversy about its authenticity, going through the album song by song, Jackson's presence is undeniable. His habits, his obsessions, his versatility, and his genius are on display at every turn. 即使有這麼多關於歌真假的爭議我還是必須說聽完整張專輯是很享受和興奮的 MJ在每首歌都是有強烈的存在感他的習慣他的天才都在每一首歌中 Who else could move so seamlessly from social anthem to floor burner, fleet hip hop to cosmic rock, vintage funk to poignant folk ballad? Who besides Michael Jackson would follow a tender love song with a trenchant critique of the media? An uplifting gospel tune with a ferocious polemic on the monstrosity of Hollywood culture? 誰能夠像他一樣從勸世歌曲到舞曲嘻哈到搖滾放克到一般情歌都遊刃有餘除了MJ誰能唱出這樣優美的情歌又接著唱出尖銳對媒體批判的歌曲一下是振奮人心的福音歌曲又能接著唱出好萊屋瘋狂的文化 This, ultimately, is the most important quality of Michael: it feels like Michael. 這就是MJ最重要的特質 The Estate and Sony should be given credit for retaining much of Jackson's edginess and eclecticism where they could have easily opted for a more traditional lineup. (For all the uproar over "Breaking News," I thought it was a pretty bold statement out of the gate in terms of its lyrical target.) 遺產公司和索尼應該要因為保留了MJ的尖銳性而得到讚賞他們原本可以選擇更傳統的歌曲我認為在一切爭議下選擇Breaking News是個大膽的聲明他歌詞中所針對的對象 The album also contains some nice, natural touches, including Jackson's incredibly dynamic beatboxing (displayed most prominently on "Hollywood Tonight"), and a phone message introduction to "(I Like) The Way You Love Me," in which Jackson explains the composition of the song to longtime collaborator, Brad Buxer. The point of these examples is that Jackson the artist and person doesn't get swallowed in "over-production," as some have feared. In spite of its limitations, from opening line ("This life don't last forever...") to closing ("I guess I learned my lesson much too soon") a very intimate, authentic, humanizing picture evolves. 這張專輯同時也保留了MJ一些最原始的東西像是他不可思議的beatbox 還有電話留言在留言中MJ向他長期的合作對象解釋了歌曲的組成很多人擔心MJ會淹沒於過度的加工中而這些例子證明了他並沒有 Below, is my song-by-song breakdown of the album: 下面是每首歌的樂評 Hold My Hand Simple, but powerful love song turned social anthem. Since I already reviewed this, I will just point to the link. I'm actually stunned this isn't charting better in the U.S., but maybe that will change when the video premiers and the holidays draw closer. 簡單但有力的一首愛的歌曲轉變為勸世歌曲我之前已經評過這首歌了本版#1CuK0U21 我很訝異這首在美國的排行居然只有這樣或許在mv放出後會改變 Hollywood Tonight Definitely an album highlight. The song begins with a haunting Gothic church choir, before transforming into an energetic dance stomper. I'm not too keen on the spoken parts (performed by nephew, Taryll Jackson), but clearly there were places in the song Michael hadn't filled yet. The track features Michael in a notably deeper voice, and concludes with military-style whistling. As Ellen displayed on her show last week, the song will get people up and moving. 專輯中的高潮歌曲的開頭是歌德式的教堂合唱然後轉變為有力的舞曲節奏我不是特別喜歡講話的部份 (是由MJ的姪子Taryll Jackson參與) 但很明顯這首歌還有些地方是MJ 還沒填補完成的這首歌包含了MJ較低的歌聲還有他軍人式的口哨就像Ellen秀上週撥出這首歌時一樣這首歌會讓人跳上跳下 Keep Your Head Up Narrates the life of an ordinary woman "looking for the hope in the empty promises." The song is well-suited to the current economic climate and will likely resonate with many listeners. The back half of the song offers a classic MJ crescendo, with the gospel choir providing the lift and communal strength the woman needs to keep going. (Fans will be happy to know the "Earth Song" ad libs heard on a leaked version of the track were removed.) 敘述了一個平凡女子想要在空洞的承諾中尋求希望這首歌非常符合現在的經濟狀況會引起很多聽眾的共鳴這首歌後半有MJ最標誌性用福音合唱的漸強提供了女子繼續前進的力量(歌迷會很高興洩漏版本中 earth song的取樣被移除了) (I Like) The Way You Love Me Great new production by Neff-U that was being actively discussed and transformed with Michael in Los Angeles (the original demo appeared on the 2004 boxed set, Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection). The new version retains all of the charm of the original while injecting some fresh elements, including new piano, bass, strings, and vocal effects. Neff-U很棒的製作最原始的版本發行於2004年的Ultimate Collection 這個版本保有了所有原始版本的優點還有注入了一些新的元素包括新的鋼琴貝斯管絃樂和歌聲效果 Monster A blistering rhythm track that probably hits harder than any song on the album. Features a rap solo by 50 Cent, guitar work by Orianthi, and excellent production by Teddy Riley. As Jackson holds a mirror up to society, asking us to observe the distorted reflection, I couldn't help but picture the horrifying scene of paparazzi shoving their cameras up against the ambulance carrying him to the hospital. "Everywhere you seem to turn there's a monster," he sings. "Paparazzi got you scared like a monster." Some reviewers continue to dismiss songs like this as petty "ranting" and "paranoia," but this is some deft social criticism for those who look beyond the surface. It has all the makings of a hit single. 非常棒的有節奏歌曲可能比所有歌曲更有衝擊力有五角的參與吉他是由Orianthi演奏 Teddy Riley非常棒的製作 MJ對社會拿出了一面鏡子要我們好好自問其中扭曲的反射我不由自主的在腦海中出現畫面瘋狂的狗仔隊拿出他們的相機對準載著他去醫院的救護車他唱著每一個轉角都會有一個怪獸狗仔隊像怪獸一樣讓你害怕很多評論者忽略這首歌認為這首是咆嘯發洩和偏執之作但是對不只看表面的人來說這其實是對社會批判的靈巧之作這首歌有所有會成為暢銷歌曲的元素 Best of Joy A breezy mid-tempo ballad, Jackson's falsetto is as effortless as ever as he sings promises to a loved one. Recorded in Los Angeles in 2009, this was one of his final recordings, and he still sounds fantastic. 中板活潑的芭辣歌 MJ的假音對所愛的人唱著這首歌是在2009年在洛杉磯所錄這是他最後所錄的幾首歌曲中的一首而他聽起來依舊棒呆了 Breaking News The song will likely be forever-linked to the controversy surrounding its vocals. Yet in spite of the backlash, the content of the song is classic Michael Jackson, following in the tradition of anti-media tracks like "Leave Me Alone, "Tabloid Junkie," and "Privacy." The repeated use of the name, "Michael Jackson," highlights the way his name has been objectified--it is simply a media construct, a "boogieman," that the real Michael feels detached from. The exaggerated way the name is uttered humorously mocks the way the media exploits him for sensational effect. While the strength and clarity of the vocals clearly aren't up to Jackson's standards, the song itself is quite good. The harmonized chorus is catchy and memorable. Teddy Riley gives the song a fresh but faithful sheen. One can easily imagine the song as an outtake from the Dangerous or HIStory sessions. 這首歌大概會永遠和歌聲真假爭議所聯結姑且不談這些的話這首歌的內容是典型的MJ 就像他之前最著名的反媒體歌曲leave me alone, Tabloid Junkie和Privacy 在歌曲中不停的重複Michael Jackson這個名字突出了他的名字已經成為因為媒體的打造而成為了一個代名詞一個怪人而MJ自己感覺跟這個怪人形象是分離的這個名字以誇張的次數出現在歌曲中幽默的嘲笑了媒體多愛利用他的名字來造成轟動的效果但這首歌裡MJ歌聲的強度和清楚度沒有達到MJ的標準這首歌其實本身很棒副歌非常的朗朗上口 Teddy Riley給了這首歌新鮮感和光澤很像是dangerous或是HIStory時期的落選作 (I Can't Make It) Another Day Originally recorded by Jackson and Lenny Kravitz in 1999 at the legendary Marvin's Room Studio, the track has Michael summoning a cosmic power over a rugged, industrial funk beat and a soaring chorus. This is an example, however, of the new version sounding more like a Kravitz tribute to Jackson, rather than a Jackson track. In the original, Jackson's vocals are less overwhelmed by the drums and guitar, allowing him to convey the full mystery and wonder of the lyrics. Kravitz's update isn't too different, but enough to change the feel of the song. It still rocks, but in a different way than the original. 是在1999年由MJ和Lenny Kravitz一起錄製的歌曲中MJ不停的招喚著還包含了放克節奏和有力的合唱這首歌是非常好的例子那就是新的版本比較像是Kravitz對MJ 的致敬歌曲而不像是MJ自己的歌曲在原始版本中 MJ的歌聲比較沒有被鼓聲和吉他聲淹蓋 MJ的聲音比較能夠讓他傳達歌詞中的意涵 Kravitz的版本沒有太大的改動但是卻足以改變了整首歌的感覺這首歌依舊很好但是以另一種不像原始版本的方式 Behind the Mask "Behind the Mask" was originally intended for Thriller, but left off reportedly because of a song credit dispute. It was later covered by Jackson's keyboardist Greg Phillinganes as well as Eric Clapton. Had Jackson released it in 1982, the quirky Yellow Magic Orchestra adaptation likely would have been a big hit. Estate executor John McClain updates it skillfully in this new version, making it sound brand new and retro at the same time. It is definitely one of the highlights of the album. Still, many fans will likely be anxious to hear those classic sheets of synth and 80s production on the original demo. Modernizing the production does make it fit better with the album, though it's unclear if Jackson himself planned to update the track. 這首歌原來是要放入戰慄專輯中但最後因為歌曲一些版權的爭論而沒被放入後來有被MJ的鍵盤手Greg Phillinganes翻唱還有Eric Clapton也同樣翻唱過如果MJ在1982 年就發行這首從Yellow Magic Orchestra唱過而改編的歌曲或許就會成為暢銷單曲遺產執行人John McClain製作了新的版本讓這首歌聽起來更新這首歌也是專輯中的亮點當然很多歌迷絕對想要聽80年代最原始的版本比較現代的製作的確讓這首歌比較能合於這張專輯但我們不能確定MJ是否自己會打算更新這首歌 Much Too Soon An excellent choice to end the album, "Much Too Soon" showcases Jackson's ability as a singer-songwriter to magnificent effect. An exquisite expression of loss and yearning, it stands should-to-shoulder with some of the best folk ballads of The Carpenters and The Beatles. The lyrics almost read like a W.B. Yeats poem. 這張專輯結尾選這首歌是非常棒的決定這首歌顯示了MJ作為一個歌手創作人的功力完美的表達了失去和懷念這首歌可比肩卡本特兄妹和披頭四最好的芭樂歌曲歌詞念起來就像是葉慈的詩 The track was first written by Jackson in 1981 and revisited multiple times over the years. The vocal on this version was recorded in 1994 at The Hit Factory during the HIStory sessions. It was originally engineered and mixed by Bruce Swedien (this version leaked online a couple weeks ago); the album version, featuring more prominent accordion and strings, was re-produced for the Michael album by estate co-executor John McClain. MJ1981年時所寫的多年來曾經經過多次改動這個版本的歌聲是錄製於1994年 HIStory專輯錄製時期網路上洩漏的版本是由Bruce Swedien錄製混音專輯的版本有包含更多的絃樂和手風琴是由John McClain製作的最新版 In the song, a forlorn Jackson, accompanied by the subtle acoustic guitar work of Tommy Emmanuel, sings about being separated from a loved one "much too soon." The bridge features a harmonica solo that highlights the song's folk-blues essence, before Jackson returns with a final verse about "never letting fate control [his] soul." It is a beautiful, bittersweet song that perfectly balances hope and regret, loneliness and the desire for reconciliation. For all Jackson's superstardom, "Much Too Soon" reminds that behind the media construct was a human being. 吉他是由Tommy Emmanuel演奏歌曲訴說太快遠離了他的愛人在中間有一段口琴的獨奏加重了這首歌民謠藍調的本質最後MJ唱到永遠不要讓命運掌握了他的靈魂這是一首美麗苦甜的歌曲平衡了希望和懊悔孤單和渴望和解這首歌提醒了大家在MJ 的巨星光環下媒體所塑造的一切之後他其實只是個一般人類 Conclusion: 結論 Call it a collage, an approximation, or a tribute. Or call it, as many of Michael's collaborators have: "a labor of love." That sentiment certainly shines through on the record. Yet obviously, this is not the exact album Jackson would have created. For a variety of reasons, many tracks that Jackson was working on during his final years aren't on the tracklist (including those with will.i.am). In addition, the vocals, particularly on a couple of the "Cascio tracks," don't always measure up to Jackson's typical strength and vitality, leading some to label them as "fake." Until a forensic analysis or some other concrete evidence proves otherwise that conspiracy theory doesn't hold up for me--especially after hearing the final album versions on very good speakers. But occasionally, the creative liberties taken do seem questionable, or at the very least, unexplained. For the purists (myself included), it would be nice, in addition to the current album versions, to have some of these songs as they were last heard by Michael--just as it was nice to see Michael un-mediated in This Is It. 你可以稱他是個拼貼之作或是一個致敬之作或是很多MJ的合作者所說的為了"愛"而做的作品這樣的情緒的確貫穿了整張專輯很顯然的這不會是MJ會創作出的專輯這是有很多原因的像是MJ最後幾年創作的無數歌曲包含和will I am合作的並沒有包含在其中幾首歌的歌聲部份特別是幾首卡西歐家族的歌曲並沒有完全達到MJ以往的強度和活力這導致有些人把這些歌稱為是假的除非有法醫鑑定分析或是其他絕對的證據證明這些陰謀論的說法我不認同特別是在我是從非常好的喇叭音效系統之下聽過了最後的版本但是有些時候創作的自由度的確是有質疑點或許該說有的地方無法解釋對於很多人來說包括我如果在專輯最終版本之外還能聽到MJ當時所做的最終版會更好就像如果我們能看到TII一樣 But the bottom line is this: Michael contains some very impressive new material. One job of Jackson's Estate is to extend his legacy to new generations of listeners and this album will likely accomplish that. At ten songs, it is a tight, diverse, almost 80s-esque LP--which also means fans have many more songs in the vaults to look forward to. In the meantime, songs like "Hollywood Tonight," "Monster," "Behind the Mask," and "Much Too Soon" make excellent additions to an already legendary catalog. 但最重要的是 MJ有一些非常令人印象深刻的新題材 MJ遺產公司的其中一項工作是要讓他的遺產持續給新一代聽眾而這張專輯應該能達到這個目標這張專輯非常嚴謹多元而這也表示歌迷對於歌曲庫中還未發行的歌曲有更多的期待同時Hollywood Tonight, Monster, Behind the Mask和Much Too Soon為MJ的傳奇歌曲條目又增添了許多首 c Joseph Vogel Joe Vogel is the author of the forthcoming book, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson (Sterling 2011). -- In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. In a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe. ~~~~By Michael Jackson -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 111.254.127. ※ 編輯: ChesterB 來自: 111.254.127.198 (12/13 14:49)

推

duke30230

12/13 15:56, , 1^F

12/13 15:56, 1^F

推

Eva0413

12/13 16:17, , 2^F

12/13 16:17, 2^F

推

kindamark

12/13 19:09, , 3^F

12/13 19:09, 3^F