Michael Jackson Blooper On "The Girl Is Mine"

Unheard Michael Jackson Blooper on "The Girl Is Mine"

"The Girl Is Mine" is a song written by Michael Jackson released as the third track from the Thriller album. It was released as a single on October 18, 1982, serving as the lead single from the album and the only song to be released as a single in the same year as the album's release. It features Paul McCartney on guest vocals.

The track was produced by Quincy Jones and recorded between April 14-16, 1982 at Westlake Recording Studios. It was the fourth and final collaboration between McCartney and Jackson.

#POPOLOGY #MichaelJackson #PaulMcCartney #TheGirlIsMine #80sMusic #POPOLOGIST #archives

Tank Girl and Gorillaz: Jamie Hewlett’s Pop Culture Masterpieces

The Beginning: A Budding Talent

Jamie Hewlett was born on April 3, 1968, in Horsham, England. From an early age, his artistic talent and love for comic books were evident. He attended Northbrook College, where he studied illustration and design. It was during this time that his unique style began to take shape—bold, edgy, and brimming with countercultural energy.

Hewlett’s big break came when he co-created Tank Girl in 1988 with writer Alan Martin. Published in the British magazine Deadline, Tank Girl was an anarchic, punk-infused comic series that centered on a rebellious, foul-mouthed anti-heroine who drove a tank and lived in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Hewlett’s wild, chaotic artwork perfectly complemented the irreverent storytelling, making Tank Girl a cult sensation. It was raw, unapologetic, and unlike anything in mainstream comics at the time.

The success of Tank Girl turned Hewlett into a rising star in the comic world. The series' punk aesthetic and feminist undertones resonated with a generation of readers disillusioned with societal norms. By the early 1990s, Tank Girl had grown into a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring a feature film in 1995.

A New Collaboration: The Birth of Gorillaz

In the late 1990s, Hewlett’s life took a pivotal turn. He became roommates with Damon Albarn, the frontman of the Britpop band Blur, after Hewlett’s separation from his partner. The two bonded over a shared love of music, pop culture, and satire. It was during one of their conversations that the idea for Gorillaz was born—a virtual band that would be a commentary on the manufactured nature of pop music.

In 1998, Hewlett and Albarn co-created Gorillaz, with Albarn handling the music and Hewlett crafting the visuals. Hewlett designed the band’s four animated members: 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. Each character had a distinct personality and backstory, brought to life through Hewlett’s vibrant and unconventional artwork.

The debut Gorillaz album in 2001 was a groundbreaking fusion of music and visual art. Hewlett’s animations and videos became the face of the band, allowing the virtual members to transcend traditional band dynamics and become cultural icons in their own right. The concept of a virtual band was revolutionary, and Hewlett’s innovative designs played a crucial role in its success.

Artistic Style and Influence

Jamie Hewlett’s art is instantly recognizable—sharp lines, bold colors, and a chaotic yet controlled aesthetic. His work draws from a wide array of influences, including punk rock, Japanese manga, graffiti, and pop art. His ability to blend high art with street culture made his style both accessible and sophisticated.

Hewlett’s influence extends far beyond Tank Girl and Gorillaz. He redefined how visual storytelling could complement and elevate music. The animated videos for songs like "Clint Eastwood" and "Feel Good Inc." set a new standard for music video artistry, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Through Tank Girl, Hewlett challenged traditional gender roles and aesthetics in comics, inspiring a new generation of artists and storytellers to break the mold. With Gorillaz, he pioneered the concept of multimedia storytelling, integrating animation, music, and narrative into a cohesive whole.

Legacy and Continued Impact

In 2006, Jamie Hewlett’s contributions to art and culture were recognized when he won the Designer of the Year Award from the Design Museum in London. The award highlighted his groundbreaking work on Gorillaz and his continued innovation in the visual arts.

Hewlett didn’t stop there. In 2015, he exhibited a series of original works at the Saatchi Gallery in London, showcasing his range as an artist beyond his iconic projects. The same year, he collaborated with Damon Albarn on the opera Monkey: Journey to the West, blending Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

Today, Jamie Hewlett remains a towering figure in the art world. His ability to blend visual storytelling with music and culture has influenced countless artists and animators. From comic books to virtual bands, his work continues to push the boundaries of what visual art can achieve.

Impact on the Visual Art World

Hewlett’s work has left an indelible mark on the world of visual art:

• He proved that comics could be a platform for countercultural expression with Tank Girl.

• He revolutionized the music industry by seamlessly merging animation and music with Gorillaz.

• He inspired a generation of artists to embrace bold, unapologetic creativity, blending high art with pop culture.

Jamie Hewlett’s legacy is one of defiance, innovation, and artistry. From the punk chaos of Tank Girl to the virtual brilliance of Gorillaz, he has cemented his place as one of the most influential visual artists of our time.

Tank Girl: Anarchic Punk Aesthetic and Social Commentary

Hewlett’s first major conceptual triumph came with Tank Girl, a character co-created with Alan Martin. The comic was more than just a chaotic adventure story—it was a bold statement against societal norms and a showcase for counterculture aesthetics.

• Conceptual Approach:

• Hewlett’s vision for Tank Girl was unapologetically punk. The character was an anti-heroine who defied traditional gender roles, embracing a rebellious, chaotic energy. Her world was equally anarchic, blending post-apocalyptic wastelands with absurd humor and vibrant, graffiti-like visuals.

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• Cultural Impact:

• Tank Girl became a countercultural icon, resonating with readers who felt alienated by mainstream media. Hewlett’s design work—bold, frenetic, and full of subversive detail—laid the foundation for his future projects by proving his ability to merge storytelling with visual innovation.

Gorillaz: A Virtual Band Concept Like No Other

The creation of Gorillaz in collaboration with Damon Albarn was Hewlett’s most ambitious conceptual work. It was more than a band—it was a multimedia phenomenon that blended music, animation, and storytelling.

• Character Design:

• Hewlett designed the band’s four animated members—2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—with distinct personalities, backstories, and aesthetics. Each character embodied a different facet of the music industry and pop culture, from Murdoc’s cynical edge to Noodle’s mysterious charm.

• World-Building:

  Hewlett didn’t just create characters; he crafted an entire universe. Gorillaz music videos, live performances, and promotional materials offered glimpses into the dystopian, hyper-stylized world the band inhabited. This world felt alive, with its own mythology and evolving narrative.

• Visual Integration with Music:

  Hewlett’s artwork elevated Gorillaz beyond a typical musical act. Music videos like “Clint Eastwood,” “Feel Good Inc.,” and “On Melancholy Hill” were not just accompaniments to songs—they were visual masterpieces that expanded the band’s story and deepened the audience’s connection to the characters.

• Technological Experimentation:

  Hewlett pushed boundaries by incorporating cutting-edge technology into Gorillaz performances. Holographic versions of the band members appeared on stage, blurring the line between reality and animation. This innovative use of tech became a hallmark of the Gorillaz brand.

Monkey: Journey to the West: East Meets West in Conceptual Art

In 2007, Hewlett and Albarn collaborated on Monkey: Journey to the West, a stage adaptation of the classic Chinese tale. This opera blended music, visual art, and performance to create a uniquely immersive experience.

• Visual Language:Hewlett reimagined traditional Chinese art with his signature bold, modern style. His designs for the characters and sets combined Eastern influences with his distinct aesthetic, creating a fusion that felt both timeless and contemporary

  
  

• Multimedia Approach:Hewlett’s work extended beyond illustration to include costumes, stage design, and animation, making Monkey: Journey to the West a fully realized artistic experience.

4. Solo and Exhibition Work

In addition to his collaborative projects, Hewlett’s solo work showcases his ability to conceptualize art across different mediums.

• The Saatchi Gallery Exhibition (2015):Hewlett debuted a series of large-scale paintings and illustrations that explored themes of culture, mythology, and identity. The pieces demonstrated his ability to move beyond the commercial and into the fine art realm while maintaining his signature style.

• Exploration of New Themes:His exhibition pieces often focused on mythical and surreal themes, blending storytelling with visual art in ways that challenged traditional formats.

5. Broader Conceptual Influence

Hewlett’s work has influenced a wide range of disciplines and inspired countless artists to experiment with multimedia storytelling.

• Redefining Animation in Music:By creating a virtual band, Hewlett redefined how animation and music could intersect. His work with Gorillaz has inspired other artists to explore multimedia projects that blur the line between visual and auditory art.

• Championing Counterculture Aesthetics:From Tank Girl to Gorillaz, Hewlett’s work celebrates the rebellious, the unconventional, and the misunderstood. This ethos has resonated deeply with younger generations, fostering a love for individuality and experimentation in art.

• Expanding Narrative Boundaries:Hewlett’s projects consistently push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. By integrating art, music, and performance, he has paved the way for immersive, transmedia storytelling experiences.

  
  

Feel Good Inc.

Jamie Hewlett’s conceptual genius lies in his ability to merge art with narrative, creating worlds that are as visually stunning as they are thematically rich. From the anarchic energy of Tank Girl to the groundbreaking multimedia innovation of Gorillaz, his work has redefined how art can intersect with culture. Hewlett’s legacy continues to inspire, proving that bold creativity and fearless experimentation can reshape the way we experience art and storytelling.

I GOT SUNSHINE IN A BAG

Jamie Hewlett's involvement in Gorillaz began with an unexpected friendship and a shared desire to disrupt the norms of the music and art worlds. Here’s the story of how it all came together:

The Meeting of Minds

In the early 1990s, Jamie Hewlett was already a rising star in the world of comics thanks to his work on Tank Girl. At the same time, Damon Albarn was gaining fame as the frontman of the Britpop band Blur. The two initially met when Hewlett interviewed Albarn for Deadline magazine, where Tank Girl was being published. The meeting was brief, but they kept in touch.

Years later, Hewlett and Albarn became housemates in London after Hewlett’s breakup with his partner. Living together allowed them to bond over their shared interests in music, art, and pop culture. Their conversations often revolved around the artificiality of modern pop music and how it could be both celebrated and critiqued through a new artistic lens.

The Spark of an Idea

The concept for Gorillaz was born during one of these late-night discussions in their shared flat. They were watching MTV and lamenting the lack of substance in mainstream pop music. Hewlett later described the moment:

"If you watch MTV for too long, it’s a bit like hell—there’s nothing of substance there. So we got this idea for a cartoon band, something that would be a comment on that."

The idea of a virtual band—a group that didn’t physically exist but could still produce music, videos, and performances—appealed to both of them. It was an opportunity to create something fresh and satirical, blending Hewlett’s vibrant visual style with Albarn’s musical experimentation.

Clint Eastwood

Hewlett took charge of designing the band’s members, bringing his unique artistic vision to the project. He created four distinct characters:

• 2-D: The wide-eyed, blue-haired lead singer.

• Murdoc Niccals: The sinister bassist and self-proclaimed leader of the band.

• Noodle: The mysterious, guitar-playing prodigy from Japan.

• Russel Hobbs: The drummer with a rich backstory involving hip-hop culture and a connection to the spiritual world.

Each character was given a detailed personality, history, and aesthetic, making them feel like real individuals. Hewlett’s designs were quirky, bold, and instantly iconic, combining elements of punk, hip-hop, and surrealism.

CAPTIVATED

Hewlett didn’t stop at creating the band members. He developed an entire world for Gorillaz to inhabit. This included Kong Studios, the fictional headquarters of the band, which featured prominently in the group’s music videos and website. Hewlett’s attention to detail brought this world to life, giving fans a place to explore beyond the music.

Future is coming on...

The debut Gorillaz album, released in 2001, was an immediate success. Tracks like “Clint Eastwood” and “19-2000” captivated audiences, but it was the visual elements—music videos, promotional art, and interviews with the animated band members—that truly set the project apart. Hewlett’s art gave the band its identity, and his work helped redefine how music and visual storytelling could intersect.

Humanz

Over the years, Gorillaz has continued to evolve, with Hewlett playing a central role in shaping the band’s visual identity. From the dystopian landscapes of “Feel Good Inc.” to the colorful, futuristic vibes of “Humanz,” Hewlett’s artwork has remained a cornerstone of the band’s success.

The project has become a multimedia phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Hewlett’s collaboration with Albarn proved that music and art could be seamlessly integrated to create something truly innovative.

PLAstic beach

Jamie Hewlett’s involvement in Gorillaz came from a combination of serendipity, shared creative vision, and a willingness to push boundaries. By merging his artistic talents with Albarn’s musical genius, Hewlett helped create a virtual band that not only redefined music but also set a new standard for visual storytelling in popular culture.

What a Wonderful World: How Louis Armstrong Captured Our Hearts

When The Saints Go Marching in

As a teenager, Louis began playing on the streets and in the dance halls of New Orleans. His undeniable talent caught the attention of Joe "King" Oliver, a prominent jazz musician who became Louis's mentor. In 1922, when King Oliver invited him to join his Creole Jazz Band in Chicago, Louis didn’t hesitate.

In Chicago, Louis's brilliance shone. Audiences marveled at his ability to bring life and soul to every note. His growing confidence and skill soon led him to New York City, where he joined Fletcher Henderson’s Orchestra in 1924. It was in New York that Louis began to innovate, turning jazz into something new.

He wasn’t just playing music—he was creating it. His groundbreaking trumpet solos captivated listeners, and his joyful energy made him unforgettable. Then came the recordings with his Hot Five and Hot Seven bands in the late 1920s. Tracks like "West End Blues" and "Heebie Jeebies" showcased his genius, revolutionizing the art of improvisation and bringing scat singing into the spotlight.

What a wonderful world

Louis Armstrong wasn’t just a musician; he was a force of nature. His music transcended boundaries, speaking to people across cultures and continents. Before Armstrong, jazz was often seen as a collective effort—a conversation among instruments. Louis changed that by elevating the soloist, giving individual expression a central place in jazz.

His rhythmic innovations laid the foundation for swing music, paving the way for the jazz revolution of the 1930s and 1940s. His voice, with its gravelly warmth, and his trumpet, which seemed to channel pure joy, became synonymous with the soul of jazz.

bare neccesities

Louis’s influence spread far and wide. Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald all credited him as a trailblazer who shaped their artistry. Even pop stars like Frank Sinatra admired Louis’s emotional delivery and charisma. Beyond America, Louis’s music introduced jazz to the world.

When he toured Africa, Europe, and Asia in the 1950s and 1960s, he became not just a performer but a cultural ambassador. His music spoke a universal language, bringing people together during a time when the world often felt divided.

let the good times roll

In 1964, during the height of Beatlemania, Louis Armstrong achieved something extraordinary: his rendition of "Hello, Dolly!" soared to the top of the charts, knocking The Beatles off their perch. It was a testament to his timeless appeal and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

Even as he faced health challenges later in life, Louis never lost his passion for music. He continued to perform, bringing joy to audiences until his final days. On July 6, 1971, the world said goodbye to Louis Armstrong, but his legacy was immortal.

black and blue

Today, we can’t imagine jazz—or music in general—without Louis Armstrong. He transformed jazz into an art form that celebrated individual creativity, laying the groundwork for generations of musicians to follow. He broke barriers, both musical and societal, and his infectious joy reminded the world of the power of music to heal and unite.

Louis Armstrong didn’t just play music—he changed it forever. And as his voice and trumpet echo through time, we’re reminded of a simple truth: the world truly is a wonderful place when we listen to the music of a legend like Satchmo.

Louis Armstrong's influence on music and culture was monumental, reaching across generations, genres, and even national boundaries. Here's a breakdown of who he influenced and why his impact was so profound:

Who Louis Armstrong Influenced

Jazz Musicians

1. Miles Davis

   • Why: Davis admired Armstrong's technical mastery and his ability to create emotionally resonant music. Armstrong's pioneering solos laid the groundwork for modern jazz improvisation.

2. Dizzy Gillespie

   • Why: Gillespie, one of the architects of bebop, built on Armstrong's innovations in rhythm and harmonic structure, taking jazz into uncharted territory.

3. Ella Fitzgerald

   • Why: Armstrong’s playful and inventive scat singing directly inspired Fitzgerald’s vocal improvisations, earning her the title of "First Lady of Song."

4. Benny Goodman

   • Why: Known as the “King of Swing,” Goodman drew on Armstrong’s swing-style phrasing and rhythmic innovations to develop his big band sound.

5. Wynton Marsalis

   • Why: A modern jazz icon, Marsalis cites Armstrong as a key influence in his focus on technical excellence and emotional depth in performance.

   
   

Pop and Rock Musicians

1. Frank Sinatra

   • Why: Sinatra often credited Armstrong with teaching him how to phrase a song and deliver lyrics with feeling, creating an emotional connection with the audience.

2. The Beatles

   • Why: Though not directly in the jazz sphere, The Beatles admired Armstrong's ability to innovate and connect with audiences globally.

3. Bing Crosby

   • Why: Crosby incorporated Armstrong’s vocal style into his crooning, helping to popularize jazz-influenced singing in mainstream music.

Global Artists

1. Hugh Masekela (South Africa)

   • Why: Armstrong's tours in Africa inspired Masekela, a trumpeter and activist, to blend jazz with African rhythms, creating a unique musical identity.

2. György Ligeti (Hungary)

   • Why: The avant-garde composer referenced Armstrong as a musical genius whose improvisation and rhythmic freedom influenced his approach to classical music.

     
     

Why Louis Armstrong Influenced So Many

1. A Revolutionary Soloist

• Armstrong shifted jazz from collective improvisation to focus on the soloist, making the individual voice central to the genre. This opened the door for creative self-expression in music, influencing countless instrumentalists and vocalists.

Pioneered Scat Singing

• His playful, rhythmic scat singing introduced a new way for vocalists to interact with music. This inspired not only jazz singers but also artists across other genres to experiment with their vocal delivery.

Mastery of Swing

• Armstrong’s innovative use of rhythm and timing helped define the swing era. His phrasing, syncopation, and ability to “swing” even the simplest melody became a blueprint for jazz and pop musicians alike.

Emotion and Charisma

• His gravelly voice and joyful performances showed that music wasn’t just about technique—it was about connecting with people on a deeply emotional level. This emphasis on emotional storytelling became a hallmark of great performers.

Breaking Racial Barriers

• In a segregated America, Armstrong’s crossover appeal helped bridge racial divides. He demonstrated that music could be a unifying force, influencing artists of all backgrounds to use their art to connect with audiences.

A Global Ambassador

• Armstrong’s international tours introduced jazz to the world, inspiring musicians in Africa, Europe, and Asia. His music became a universal language that transcended cultural boundaries.

Lasting Legacy in Innovation

• Armstrong’s constant evolution—from New Orleans jazz to big band swing to pop classics like "What a Wonderful World"—showed artists that reinvention was key to staying relevant and impactful.

dixie land forever

Louis Armstrong’s influence stretches far beyond his era. He didn’t just inspire musicians—he changed the way music was created and experienced. His ability to innovate, connect, and elevate music turned him into a guiding light for artists across the world, ensuring his legacy lives on in every note of jazz, pop, and beyond.