BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1984
“Thriller” is a song recorded by American singer Michael Jackson, composed by English songwriter Rod Temperton, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the seventh and final single released by Epic Records from his 1982 studio album Thriller. A 14-minute video showing Jackson in a Halloween-themed performance premiered on November 14, 1983. It was first shown on MTV on December 2, 1983. The song was not released as a single until January 23, 1984.
The song features a rap by actor Vincent Price.
In the song, sound effects such as a creaking door, thunder, feet walking on wooden planks, winds and howling dogs can be heard, and the lyrics contain frightening themes and elements. “Thriller” received positive reviews from critics and became Jackson’s seventh top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart from the album, while reaching the top of the charts in France and Belgium and the top ten in many other countries.
Sadly on 5 October 2016, songwriter Rod Temperton’s death was announced after what was described by his music publisher as “a brief aggressive battle with cancer”. Temperton had died in London the previous week and his funeral had already taken place. The exact date of his death was not announced. He was 68 years old.
The European 12″ included a “special edit” which omitted the Vincent Price rap. I have included it here as a bonus cut.
SIDE A:
Thriller (Special Long Mix Version) 5:57
SIDE B:
Thriller (Instrumental) 5:57
BONUS CUT:
Thriller (Special Edit) 4:09
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Thriller | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #4 |
| 1983 | Thriller | U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary | #24 |
| 1983 | Thriller | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #3 |
| 1983 | Thriller | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 12・3P-492
Series: Michael Jackson Jumbo Single Series 3
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Japan
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Co-producer – Michael Jackson
Producer – Quincy Jones
Written-By – R. Temperton*
NOTES:
Special versions from the LP “THRILLER”
Find the 12″ on DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Tung-Sol 12AX7ECC803-S Gold Electron Tube
Soundcard: ESI Juli@
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
