Thrifted Find- Michael Jackson "Off The Wall" Record...Case

On the same day I uncovered these vintage 70s items I spied a Michael Jackson Off The Wall record case sitting by the cash register. Unfortunately it was merely the case but for $4 it was a bargain.

I love how the record case is unlawful and forbidden. "For Promotion Only, Ownership Reserved by CBS Sale is Unlawful". Too bad, it's mine now, suckers. I was going to wait to write about this blog post after I finished my Michael Jackson Shrine hanging my tiny collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia (1984 Thriller Tops Cards, A Moonwalker Poster, and eight Jackson 5 Records) but who knows when that will happen? 

Close friends and others who've read this blog since it's inception know I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan. When writing about a song that sums up my personal style I chose "Off The Wall". I wrote a quick blurb after he died and even had a bit of an epiphany when The Jackson's "Show You The Way to Go" played on the radio. 

Off the Wall is my favorite Micheal Jackson record. His first solo record has a lot of heart and occupies a jazzy R&B late-disco-funky realm that suits his vocals. Thriller was legendary but Off The Wall was a sleek and sophisticated package, there's not a dud song on the roster.

(Okay, I'll admit "She's Out of My Life" is cloyingly saccharine and "Girlfriend" is slightly mediocre but MJ sings both to perfection, damn you!)

Off The Wall has my favorite Michael Jackson Song (I could almost choose Show You The Way To Go but that's a song by The Jacksons, not Michael Jackson) which is the effortlessly smooth Jazz piece I Can't Help It. Written by another favorite singer and legend the untouchable Stevie Wonder, I can't imagine anyone other than Michael Jackson singing this piece. The soft, drifting bass line (frequently sampled) blends together with Michael's smooth voice perfectly.

Ah, listening to this song is a beautiful way to start the day. Every time I peer through records at thrift stores I hope to uncover a hidden and forgotten Off The Wall record to cherish.

This post linked at:  New Nostalgia / Today's Creative Blog / Review Retreat / Craft Edition / Tuesday Tagalong