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HALLOWEEN NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Michael Jackson - "Thriller"





Michael Jackson - "Thriller" (1984)

How can any Saturday Night Jukebox be complete without MJ and my personal favourite, Thriller?! Its cool, funky, timeless and has the best dance routine ever. Not to mention a bit of Vincent Price to top it all off! You have to be lying if you haven't found yourself swinging your arms from side to side with zombie clawed hands at some point in your life! Haven't got time to indulge in the full 14 minute video? Make time!!


Michael hanging with his zomboys

My friends and I would play a stupid game if we went to parties whilst it was early on in the evening. The dance floor would be deserted and the host disappointed no one was dancing. Feeling sorry for them, we would all choose a song each to request the DJ to play. You could call it a dangerous game of Dance Roulette. You'd never know which song would come on first, but that person had to venture up ALONE, dance in front of everyone and usually sober too. My choice was Thriller, tactically thinking the DJ would never in his right mind or DJing career play a massive crowd pleasing hit like that in the early stages of a party. Sadly, I obviously misjudged the quality of DJ at this particular venue and... Surprise! Surprise! Suddenly I hear the music go quiet and the loudest door creak ever! The realisation hit me with a cold sweat, exactly like the love interest in the music video when Michael spins around zombiefied! I had no choice but to go with it. I decided to act out the dance as best as I could remember adding some of my own Michael Jackson moves. Needless to say, no one joined in(defeating the whole purpose of the exercise) but instead chose to watch. Happy ending though, I got a massive round of applause and didn't have any trouble getting my glass refilled at the bar. I felt like a celebrity for a night, shame it was just a friend's parents 30th wedding anniversary!



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London Scouser said…
I remember going to a drama lesson at school (not a fave lesson) expecting the usual. But far from it, the class came in and the room was dark. The teacher told us to sit down in from of the TV and be quiet. We were kids so of course we weren't... Until we heard the crickets and then for the next 13 minutes we were all sat there dumbstruck. The quality was ropey as it was a dodgy VHS copy, but it was BRILLIANT, a few of us stayed in to watch it again on our breaks.
Thanks Shell, it brought back a good school memory
6 August 2011 at 09:30
Old Pa's Corner said…
Had just arrived in Jeddah and had a session with the local Hootch...it was the almightiest hangover in living or any memory, a friend invited me round to watch the latest sensation from MJ. He just got a copy sent in from the U.K.(dodgy quality) I think in my zombie like state I could identify and appreciate what was going on. I was one of them, I was there, I was with Michael Jackson and my new friends.
6 August 2011 at 09:57
flycasual said…
I don't think any artist had/has the power to get the whole family together, buy a tape to record it especially and watch it transfixed. It was the same for every bloody Michael Jackson video binge.

I remember a friend of mine scaring the bejesus out of me after watching the video. I had to go home and he said the zombies would be outside to get me. I think I got a row for being a couple hours late as I negotiated my way home through the undergrowth.
6 August 2011 at 11:11
Jon said…
I remember hearing this for the first time on the radio on a coach going to a school camp. Even without the video the entire coach was silent for the duration.
6 August 2011 at 11:17
Old Pa's Corner said…
Dance Roulette......you could do some variations....with playlists....stick in a 'shifter' on a dance compilation, spoil the party
6 August 2011 at 14:23
Shell Hunter said…
It really is a mega iconic dance tune isn't it! So much so, it's obvious to me, unless you have been living on another planet(the same one that hasn't heard of Jurassic Park the film), everyone can remember where they heard or saw Thriller for the first time! I want more memories, keep 'em coming!
6 August 2011 at 18:25
Shell Hunter said…
Old Pa, you must have already been playing your own "spoil the party" dance roulette in the past with those "shifters" you love so much. Hmm, wasn't one Waltzing Matilda by Tom Waits?!
6 August 2011 at 18:28
Old Pa's Corner said…
I like the concept....'where were you' for iconic songs....my age group 'hey Jude' 90's 'smells like teen spirit' etc and for your mums age group 'how much was that doggy in the window'
6 August 2011 at 18:42
flycasual said…
what about a best 'shifter' post?
8 August 2011 at 12:10
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