I just wanted to wish Michael Jackson's Thriller -- released on Epic Records December 1, 1982 -- a happy 25th. Given this was the favorite album of my youth*, not to mention possibly one of the best pop records of the 80s (and maybe even of all time??), this is my shout-out. You've turned into one weird dude, Jacko, but you have made some really great music.
*A favorite story of mine is how, when I was about 4 years old, I insisted on listening to Thriller in its entirety before going to bed each night excluding, of course, "Thriller" because it scared the crap out of my toddler self. I would lie in bed and make my brother or sister turn the tape over to Side B.Watch (sorry; YouTube user "michaeljackson" has disabled embedding for these vids): Billie Jean Beat It Thriller
I was totally tempted to go to the "Thrill the World" thing they had at Holocene in PDX (see http://www.thrilltheworld.com/):
"Thrill The World is a worldwide event that will set a NEW record for Largest Simultaneous Thriller Dance with the "Record Holders Republic" (RHR). Thousands of people in cities around the world will learn the “Thriller” dance and perform it at the exact same time on October 27/ 28, 2007. If you’ve ever seen the music video and thought, “I wish I could do that!” – this year, you will."
Unfortunately, I missed it; but it would have been truly awesome.
I remember having a Michael Jackson costume complete with the sparkly glove that I feel like I wanted to wear everyday. I need to find out if my mom made that for me or if she bought it. it seems weird that they would mass produce a child size Michael Jackson costume. I also had a pin collection and I have no idea how a 4 year old found MJ pins in a small town in Wisconsin.