Just dropping in here to congratulate you on levelling up yet again. This is just a masterfully produced video - storytelling, presentation, even a great special guest - just beautiful work. I appreciate the work and time that must go in to creating such engaging, informative and thoroughly entertaining videos and thank you for making and sharing them with us 🙌🏾
I was just a child when I got my copy of Thriller, so I had NO idea that Thriller was its 7th and final single, and released after disappointing sales? What the hell? Billie Jean? Beat It? And it had slow sales? That blows my mind!
It had been selling well, but it seemed to be past the peak, and Michael was obsessed with sales - this song is the thing that reignited it and solidified it as the best selling album in history. Great story about it linked under the sources in the description of this vid!
Plus - "Thirller" - the album - was already in the marketplace for a full year before "Thriller" - the single - was released. That album was so great. It ended up being the best-selling album for 1983 and 1984.
Best videoclip not always match the best Song, and Micheal knew well how make weaker song very strong with their videoclip. Thriller, Bad, Smoot Criminal had a way better videoclip than masterpieces like Billie Jean, Beat It and Man in the Mirror
During a press conference, Michael admitted on having over 100 unreleased songs. Plenty of alternate lyrics to some of his popular songs. Hearing a few alternate version of Thriller (not from the anniversary versions) it's amazing that they kept trying and trying to find a reasonable or final version. You have to wonder if the other songs (that are completely unreleased) would have turned out if they were determined to finish it. Hearing the acoustic demo of Say Say Say (with Paul) was a really good alternate version.
I think the somber version of "Born in the USA" that eventually came out on 18 Tracks is much better than the one that was actually released in 1984, and its definitely more true to the lyrics, but it wouldn't have been a huge hit, and it wouldn't have leveled Bruce up to superstardom like the exultant version did. I wish more artists regularly released alternate versions of songs that they know are also quite good, but in different ways than the first one, kind of like when people cover songs, I don't see the point in just trying to imitate the original... I'd rather hear a fresh new take on it that adds to our appreciation of the songwriting, and how it can be adapted by different performers.
This was fucking awesome dude. I love how you continue to keep your content fresh while keeping the core format familiar. Great to see you having so much fun and experimenting
The background vocal arrangements on this song is reminiscent of a highly underrated R&B singer, Johnnie Wilder, Jr. of Heatwave, and why not? Rod Temperton was also a member of that esteemed funk outfit.
Your videos are absolutely fantastic, and the addition of the new news correspondent angle is just the icing on the cake! The humorous exchanges and informative content make it even more enjoyable!
Your videos are totally amazing, so easy to follow, and full of interesting content, thank you for all the love and effort that you put into it. Also it was a nice surprise seeing Trey on the video, im glad Digging The Greats is in constant expansion. Congratulations.
LOL... this song "Starlight" made me think of what I learned about that hack Lee Greenwood of "God Bless the USA" fame on Last Week Tonight, which (among other things) is that he made a song called "God Bless Canada" that is the EXACT SAME SONG, with the substitution of a few lyrics relevant to The Great White North.
Another awesome video! Loved the collab parts. We're also lucky to be in an era where guys like Anthony Marinelli share some of the creative things they did to improve the track. Great job!
This was fun! 😂 Thanks for dissecting my childhood and showing more love for the cowbell, and Trey 😊 I never realized how many layers were in that track.
I was 5 when the video was released, and you know it was a big deal.We(my family gathered around to watch it at my aunt's house. I ran out after the first 30-45 seconds because I was so scared. I didn't see the video until I was 18. I played that and Moster Mash at a gig I had last night.
I always thought that the disclaimer in the beginning of the Thriller video was a part of the creativity process, to add to the horror theme of the video. I didn't know it was a genuine disclaimer.
As a St.Louisan, the St. Louis connection with the Thriller song/ video is quite strong. You got the legendary Vincent Price and his voice and then you have the lovely Ola Rae as MJ's love interest. Both born and raised St.Louisans. St Louis Standup!!!
There are three versions out there. Bruce's is the only one most have heard, but Michael had recorded two other versions first before Quincy made him rerecord it with Bruce. Michael had his own versions recorded in his own studio with his own hired session players. Quincy hated that.
R.I.P to Quincy Jones. I recently watched his documentary titled "Quincy" and was amazed at how versatile he was in his career. Could you please do an analysis on one of his songs/albums/projects.
Good morning! I don't know if it fits into the format of your channel but I think a deep dive into the Prince "Black" album could be a good companion piece to this video. If you don't know the story, Prince recorded a collection of songs and was going to release them as an album but at the very last second scrapped the whole release. He was afraid it was too dark and feared it might be his last work and didn't want to be judged on its themes. Some got out and became a legendary bootleg classic. Prince did eventually release the album in a very "Prince" way... Interesting music stuff.
Everyone is born a genius, Albert Einstein... some may be gifted in speaking, some may be good at math, some may be good at motivating others, some may be good at composing music, some may be good or better at the martial arts...you guys get the point.
I do not agree the statement that everyone is born a genius… if that was the case we wouldn’t need a word like genius to differentiate people with average intelligence or skills from people who are far beyond the average level of intelligence or skills. It’s a nice thought, but unfortunately not supported by facts
Genius in term of IQ I think is an important distinction. If you have a low iq you may well be a great person in some way, but you will lack the experience, conviction and motivation to be an actual genius or gifted… Genius is part gift, part work = excel.
Please do 1 on "Genesis" by Justice. They sampled Pharaoh Monch "Simon Says" God Zilla Theme, Prince "Kiss" Guitars & the claps from 50 cents "in the club" all on that 1 song & they said it was inspired by Thriller🔥🔥🔥
@@QEsposito510Errrrrr?! I don't know what your point is here ... I was just pointing out how young Temperton was during the 'Thriller' era ... He would have been in his mid-twenties during his 'Heatwave' Boogie Nights era. He packed so much into his life & passed relatively young.
It’s funny because just yesterday I was listening to a youtube video that had a bunch of the stems for Thriller separated out, and I was thinking to myself “There’s so much great, bold stuff going on here, they had to have been giddy with hype for how big a hit this would be”. Apparently not!
It's a fascinating story, one of the best songs of all time, and the amazing production value we're used to on this channel. Don't get me wrong, I notice and appreciate all of that. I'm just distracted by Trey's smile. Not his face. Just the smile. Which is somehow the exact midpoint between Tom Cruise and Adam Scott.
My ears thank Rod Temperton every time I hear this song. Would love to hear your take on the Isley Brothers' sound specifically their 70's era. Was listening to a song the other day and thought "we don't talk enough about them, their influence and that SOUND!" Thanks for the content :D
hey man i love your videos and i know you usually cover more mainstream stuff and idk if youd even have enough material for a full video about this but i'd love if you could cover pinata by freddie gibbs and madlib sometime in the future its one of my favorite albums
I remember hearing a tape off the radio back in the mid-80s, that lacked the Vincent Price part. I was like...why? Also, Public Enemy used Price's laugh at the end in a loop in "911 Is A Joke" on their landmark "Fear of a Black Planet" album.
I wS in kindergarten when Thriller the album came out. I was almost in 2nd grade when Thriller the single blew up. I remember it clearly. The music video scared me back then.
Amazing video, who knew, that it had many released songs version, before the hit version Thriller, it all about trial and error, thank you for breaking it down,
If you want the 60 track multitrack, I have them... They aren't perfect as they are missing the bass track, and the Rhodes part is looped for some reason (the part played in the first verse plays all the way through). The rest of the tracks I'm pretty sure are fine. If you are interested I'll link a _totally unrelated_ G Drive folder in the replies..
I mean honestly I could see thriller being a throwaway / filler track. Like I'd imagine hearing " wanna be starting something " "billie jean" " beat it" " human nature " " p.y.t " and being like damn those tracks are 🔥 🔥 but hearing thriller and being like .. wtf is this? 😂😂😂
It's often the original idea that get you through it but it take lots of hard work any many song that get thrown away that no one ever sees before you get the great ones. It's like going fish, the hours and hours not catching fish before you land the big one
Unpopular opinion but the groove is actually the groove and the cow bell is like the cherry on top. How the two sounds interact create the groove but I would say the bass is the leading instrument there.
You can't have too much cowbell. John Landis shot the video, and on Dutch TV, it was played full length (almost 14 minutes) in Toppop (Ad Visser hosting) and even Michael Jackson haters (more into Joe Jackson at the time) were obliged to watch to be able to talk about it during lunch break, watching was not a punishment and in the end the yeh sayers prevailed. BTW, I later learned to love the song Beat It because of the 32 seconds long Eddie van Halen outburst on it. BTW, that solo is also worthy of an episode. Steve Lukather had a hand in that solo as well.
I remember when I got the 2001 special edition that had someone in the dark and carousel. It was such a big deal for MJ to let something out the vault that he initially deemed not good enough to put on an album. He used to be just as hard as Prince in keeping what he felt was junk locked away.
The Chanel Dead Wax recently posted an interview with the producer about the making of thriller! I think it'd be a great complimentary watch for people! Big recommend!
Speaking about Thriller 40, I ADORE those kind of releases, unreleased concert etc are cool but when the demos, outtakes etc are there it’s a whole another story. To me seeing and be able to enjoy the “working progress” material is as fun as listening to the final product. Great video!
Anyone who loves Rock With You is a friend in my book.
My favorite Michael Jackson song.
I am your friend, and you are mine too. that's my cut.
Hello friend :)
It's one of his classic songs.
Just dropping in here to congratulate you on levelling up yet again. This is just a masterfully produced video - storytelling, presentation, even a great special guest - just beautiful work. I appreciate the work and time that must go in to creating such engaging, informative and thoroughly entertaining videos and thank you for making and sharing them with us 🙌🏾
Thank you 🙏 love getting to make these and always trying to level up!
I was just a child when I got my copy of Thriller, so I had NO idea that Thriller was its 7th and final single, and released after disappointing sales? What the hell? Billie Jean? Beat It? And it had slow sales? That blows my mind!
It had been selling well, but it seemed to be past the peak, and Michael was obsessed with sales - this song is the thing that reignited it and solidified it as the best selling album in history. Great story about it linked under the sources in the description of this vid!
Plus - "Thirller" - the album - was already in the marketplace for a full year before "Thriller" - the single - was released. That album was so great. It ended up being the best-selling album for 1983 and 1984.
Best videoclip not always match the best Song, and Micheal knew well how make weaker song very strong with their videoclip. Thriller, Bad, Smoot Criminal had a way better videoclip than masterpieces like Billie Jean, Beat It and Man in the Mirror
@@alessandrobarone5413 Beat It?
@@paulgilbert5278 yes, way better than Thriller
I joked "Ghostbusters", not Monster Mash. Because bustin' makes me feeeel goooood!
😂😂😂
Thriller and Ghostbusters are the best answers
@@Juanthemtgill say this Monster Mash really swings from a musical standpoint.
collaboration with your friends always makes the videos more entertaining! Who knew that DTG needed a field correspondent 😂
During a press conference, Michael admitted on having over 100 unreleased songs. Plenty of alternate lyrics to some of his popular songs. Hearing a few alternate version of Thriller (not from the anniversary versions) it's amazing that they kept trying and trying to find a reasonable or final version. You have to wonder if the other songs (that are completely unreleased) would have turned out if they were determined to finish it. Hearing the acoustic demo of Say Say Say (with Paul) was a really good alternate version.
I think the somber version of "Born in the USA" that eventually came out on 18 Tracks is much better than the one that was actually released in 1984, and its definitely more true to the lyrics, but it wouldn't have been a huge hit, and it wouldn't have leveled Bruce up to superstardom like the exultant version did.
I wish more artists regularly released alternate versions of songs that they know are also quite good, but in different ways than the first one, kind of like when people cover songs, I don't see the point in just trying to imitate the original... I'd rather hear a fresh new take on it that adds to our appreciation of the songwriting, and how it can be adapted by different performers.
This was fucking awesome dude. I love how you continue to keep your content fresh while keeping the core format familiar. Great to see you having so much fun and experimenting
The background vocal arrangements on this song is reminiscent of a highly underrated R&B singer, Johnnie Wilder, Jr. of Heatwave, and why not? Rod Temperton was also a member of that esteemed funk outfit.
Anthony Marinelli was talking on the UA-cam channel Dead Wax about Thriller a few days ago with the Linn drum used.
Loved that you incorporated Anthony!
Love both channels, your as well as his.
Keep digging the interesting parts of music!❤
Oh man, that’s a thing now. 😂 Trey needs to be a regular!
4:33 This makes me wish (and I should look it up) Daft Punk had done a version.
Your videos are absolutely fantastic, and the addition of the new news correspondent angle is just the icing on the cake! The humorous exchanges and informative content make it even more enjoyable!
Your videos are totally amazing, so easy to follow, and full of interesting content, thank you for all the love and effort that you put into it. Also it was a nice surprise seeing Trey on the video, im glad Digging The Greats is in constant expansion. Congratulations.
Great video breaking down Thriller. I’m going to listen out for the cowbells now! 😎
LOL... this song "Starlight" made me think of what I learned about that hack Lee Greenwood of "God Bless the USA" fame on Last Week Tonight, which (among other things) is that he made a song called "God Bless Canada" that is the EXACT SAME SONG, with the substitution of a few lyrics relevant to The Great White North.
Another awesome video! Loved the collab parts. We're also lucky to be in an era where guys like Anthony Marinelli share some of the creative things they did to improve the track. Great job!
This was fun! 😂 Thanks for dissecting my childhood and showing more love for the cowbell, and Trey 😊 I never realized how many layers were in that track.
I was 5 when the video was released, and you know it was a big deal.We(my family gathered around to watch it at my aunt's house. I ran out after the first 30-45 seconds because I was so scared. I didn't see the video until I was 18. I played that and Moster Mash at a gig I had last night.
1 vote for more Trey 😂… DTG has a field correspondent ❤❤
Oh my friend - you got to get up on your Vincent Price. The man is an icon for good reason. I grew up with his movies - he was (and is) amazing!
PLEASE: check out Theatre of Blood starring Vincent Price and Diana Rigg
Thriller sold over 70M copies, not 67. And this is just album sales alone. Adding single sales pushes it over 100M sold and counting
Thanks for continuing to talk about the GOAT, Michael Jackson, on this channel, I love it
This video is an instant classic. 😂😂
Did the legacy of Thriller justice on this 🔥🔥🔥
When I first heard “Starlight” some years ago, I felt like I was in an alternate universe. Serious Mandala vibes!!!
Man, great video! Your music storytelling is top notch and I loved the comedic touches you put into this one!
Great video.. Awesome breakdown..
Monster Mash is the GOAT!
Thriller is great but it is not a bigger halloween song than the Monster Mash! Check out the Monster Swim as well, it is the jam!
Monster Mash MADE Halloween party songs a thing.
I personally like thriller better but Monster mash is the og Halloween song.
Thriller is the best pop song of all time and the monster mash is just stupid as fuck idk why y'all glazing it
@@tadknuf7979 IMO Thriller isn't even the best Michael Jackson song.
I always thought that the disclaimer in the beginning of the Thriller video was a part of the creativity process, to add to the horror theme of the video. I didn't know it was a genuine disclaimer.
Just watch all of the Bill Hader SNL Halloween Vincent Price sketches for all you need to know about him.
St. Louis Standup!!!
As a St.Louisan, the St. Louis connection with the Thriller song/ video is quite strong. You got the legendary Vincent Price and his voice and then you have the lovely Ola Rae as MJ's love interest. Both born and raised St.Louisans. St Louis Standup!!!
There are three versions out there. Bruce's is the only one most have heard, but Michael had recorded two other versions first before Quincy made him rerecord it with Bruce. Michael had his own versions recorded in his own studio with his own hired session players. Quincy hated that.
Can't believe you played that on bass. Very cool. Subscribed.
This video was awesome! Loved the collaboration segments.
Damn why is the host such a hater
The monster mash is probably number 2 behind Thriller 🧟♂️😁
I knew you couldn’t possibly walk over the drums like that
Make trey apart of digging the great every now and again, love how he just appears 😂
R.I.P to Quincy Jones. I recently watched his documentary titled "Quincy" and was amazed at how versatile he was in his career. Could you please do an analysis on one of his songs/albums/projects.
Right On Bassman, one of my favorite UA-cam channels B !! Stay Funky dude !!!
Absolutely cracking video and Trey's input was great! Really appreciate you doing these videos, I really enjoy them
Trey was a lot of fun! I hope you team up again.
5:26 You should lock your doors. 😂
Lesson learned 😂
Good morning! I don't know if it fits into the format of your channel but I think a deep dive into the Prince "Black" album could be a good companion piece to this video. If you don't know the story, Prince recorded a collection of songs and was going to release them as an album but at the very last second scrapped the whole release. He was afraid it was too dark and feared it might be his last work and didn't want to be judged on its themes. Some got out and became a legendary bootleg classic. Prince did eventually release the album in a very "Prince" way... Interesting music stuff.
Everyone is born a genius, Albert Einstein... some may be gifted in speaking, some may be good at math, some may be good at motivating others, some may be good at composing music, some may be good or better at the martial arts...you guys get the point.
my ALL-time favorite Music Composer is, Rod Temperton... followed by El Debarge and #3. Norman Whitfield.
I do not agree the statement that everyone is born a genius… if that was the case we wouldn’t need a word like genius to differentiate people with average intelligence or skills from people who are far beyond the average level of intelligence or skills. It’s a nice thought, but unfortunately not supported by facts
Genius in term of IQ I think is an important distinction. If you have a low iq you may well be a great person in some way, but you will lack the experience, conviction and motivation to be an actual genius or gifted… Genius is part gift, part work = excel.
Please do 1 on "Genesis" by Justice. They sampled Pharaoh Monch "Simon Says" God Zilla Theme, Prince "Kiss" Guitars & the claps from 50 cents "in the club" all on that 1 song & they said it was inspired by Thriller🔥🔥🔥
Top video guys, always informing and humourous. Thanks
Rod Temperton was 33 in 1982 ... and passed at 66 ...
Carry the 7, subtract 420 = Illuminati confirmed
@@QEsposito510Errrrrr?! I don't know what your point is here ... I was just pointing out how young Temperton was during the 'Thriller' era ... He would have been in his mid-twenties during his 'Heatwave' Boogie Nights era.
He packed so much into his life & passed relatively young.
It’s funny because just yesterday I was listening to a youtube video that had a bunch of the stems for Thriller separated out, and I was thinking to myself “There’s so much great, bold stuff going on here, they had to have been giddy with hype for how big a hit this would be”. Apparently not!
Listen "Exorcismo" by Luixy Toledo, a song written in 1966.
Great video as always, thanks for the content!
Shocking!
It's a fascinating story, one of the best songs of all time, and the amazing production value we're used to on this channel. Don't get me wrong, I notice and appreciate all of that.
I'm just distracted by Trey's smile. Not his face. Just the smile. Which is somehow the exact midpoint between Tom Cruise and Adam Scott.
I feel you DTG. EVERY October for the last four years my kid has to play Monster Mash immediately after playing Thriller. Always kills my vibe 🤦🏾♂️
My ears thank Rod Temperton every time I hear this song. Would love to hear your take on the Isley Brothers' sound specifically their 70's era. Was listening to a song the other day and thought "we don't talk enough about them, their influence and that SOUND!" Thanks for the content :D
The Isley's 1973 run up until 1983, is quite impressive.
hey man i love your videos and i know you usually cover more mainstream stuff and idk if youd even have enough material for a full video about this but i'd love if you could cover pinata by freddie gibbs and madlib sometime in the future its one of my favorite albums
Great video! I love it guys!
I remember hearing a tape off the radio back in the mid-80s, that lacked the Vincent Price part. I was like...why?
Also, Public Enemy used Price's laugh at the end in a loop in "911 Is A Joke" on their landmark "Fear of a Black Planet" album.
Great video again.
After 40 years owming this album I still KEEP hearing MJ say ‘filler’…….not thriller…. Is it just me or do more people have this? 😂
I wS in kindergarten when Thriller the album came out. I was almost in 2nd grade when Thriller the single blew up. I remember it clearly. The music video scared me back then.
Amazing video, who knew, that it had many released songs version, before the hit version Thriller, it all about trial and error, thank you for breaking it down,
LETS GO!!!!
Let us know how to help, you guys are going off!!!!!
If you want the 60 track multitrack, I have them... They aren't perfect as they are missing the bass track, and the Rhodes part is looped for some reason (the part played in the first verse plays all the way through). The rest of the tracks I'm pretty sure are fine. If you are interested I'll link a _totally unrelated_ G Drive folder in the replies..
I mean honestly I could see thriller being a throwaway / filler track. Like I'd imagine hearing " wanna be starting something " "billie jean" " beat it" " human nature " " p.y.t " and being like damn those tracks are 🔥 🔥 but hearing thriller and being like .. wtf is this? 😂😂😂
It's often the original idea that get you through it but it take lots of hard work any many song that get thrown away that no one ever sees before you get the great ones.
It's like going fish, the hours and hours not catching fish before you land the big one
You guys have so much fun. Bless you.
You and Trey have such great chemistry 😂
Good video/. Whats that piee of music at the end of this video? Groovy for sure!
Please I beg you to do a bass page teaching us bass…. Your amazing
More Tray. What a great double act
That was great. Thank you. RIP Michael ❤
This is just great cinematography man like this could be in a film fest
Can't wait for the MJ biopic
So Thriller was the Bandle the other day. I got it based on the drums and it was crazy.
The Thriller bass was NOT an ARP 2600!!!! It was a JUPITER-8!!!!
Great collab!
Trey is a fun addition! 😂
Unpopular opinion but the groove is actually the groove and the cow bell is like the cherry on top. How the two sounds interact create the groove but I would say the bass is the leading instrument there.
This is first time watching Digging The Greats 10/29/24
Lol! 😂 great video. Your videos continue to blow my mind about music history for my generation...fuck I'm getting old.
Again, I say Wow.
I don't know if it's just the camera angle but man, that action looks high af on that Fender 5 lmao
You can't have too much cowbell. John Landis shot the video, and on Dutch TV, it was played full length (almost 14 minutes) in Toppop (Ad Visser hosting) and even Michael Jackson haters (more into Joe Jackson at the time) were obliged to watch to be able to talk about it during lunch break, watching was not a punishment and in the end the yeh sayers prevailed. BTW, I later learned to love the song Beat It because of the 32 seconds long Eddie van Halen outburst on it. BTW, that solo is also worthy of an episode. Steve Lukather had a hand in that solo as well.
I remember when I got the 2001 special edition that had someone in the dark and carousel. It was such a big deal for MJ to let something out the vault that he initially deemed not good enough to put on an album. He used to be just as hard as Prince in keeping what he felt was junk locked away.
RIP Quincy Jones!
The Chanel Dead Wax recently posted an interview with the producer about the making of thriller! I think it'd be a great complimentary watch for people! Big recommend!
Monster Mash is the no.1 Helloween anthem every and also a Valentine day song
Speaking about Thriller 40, I ADORE those kind of releases, unreleased concert etc are cool but when the demos, outtakes etc are there it’s a whole another story. To me seeing and be able to enjoy the “working progress” material is as fun as listening to the final product. Great video!
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster, from his slab, began to rise
And suddenly, to my surprise
I'm with Brandon on Monster Mash; never liked it...not quitte hate it, but I always have a weird "i don't like it" feeling about it...
I love this show!
How can I appreciate Thriller more? Wow ❤
I'd kill for access to master tracks of so much music
Awesome break down
Crazy to think Quincy passed 10 days after this video came out.
It’s was funky at the end until dis😂🎶💯 14:47
That is a lot of slander to the supreme Halloween song. Monster mash stans for life!
You know it’s gonna be a good morning when Digging The Greats posts
FACT
I'd argue that the best Halloween song is Werewolf Bar Mitzvah. Thriller is still pretty good though....
This video is gold!
I love the song Monster Mash.
Genius musicians generally need genius producers to get genius work out of them.
😂 your boi messed up the groove thriller is a classic timeless hit 👌 sometimes mistakes are timeless masterpieces