#JCsMusicology John Cameron

In this edition of #JCsMusicology, we explore the real story behind the creation of Michael Jackson's Bad album.


It explores the extensive recording sessions at Jackson's home studio, Havenhurst, shedding light on the significant contributions of John Barnes and Bill Bottrell, often overshadowed by the narrative of Jackson's collaboration with Quincy Jones and his "A-Team".


Interview Credits: Diane Collins, "The Unauthorised Interview", Ebony/ Hulu, MBC ("Arabic interview"), Bad: Special Edition, Bad 25 (Spike Lee), Private Home Movies, Kingvention, Oceanachine and The MJ Cast.


Special Thanks: Damien Shields, Lucas Cava, Adez and The MJ Cast.


Please note: The audio quality of this episode has been comprimised, due to it's runtime.

In this edition of #JCsMusicology, we explore Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope album, track by track.


Following a three-year world tour and the release of a greatest hits album, Janet Jackson began writing her most personal and introspective songs. Detailing depression, domestic violence and early incarnations of social media, this collection of songs would be configured into what many regard as her greatest work, The Velvet Rope.


Interview Credits: Access Hollywood, BBC, Electric Circus, Kelly Alexander Show, Lady of Soul Awards, Larry King Live, Le Mag, Hey Hey It's Saturday, MTV, Much Music, Musique Plus, NBC, O-Zone, Oprah, RAI Uno, Sen Kvaall, TMF, Witness and Z100 Radio.

In our Season 3 return of #JCsMusicology, we take a trip through the making of Prince's Lovesexy album.


1987 was a big year for Prince, with the release of Sign O The Times, opening Paisley Park and establishing a new band, he was set to cap the year off with the release of The Black Album. After a drug-induced epiphany and a new acquaintance, Prince cancelled the release, sending thousands of copies for destruction. He then commences work on its rebuttal and replacement, Lovesexy.


Using rarely heard early versions and unheard session tapes, we explore the makings of Prince's spiritual declaration.


Interview Credits: 07.5 WBLS, MTV Presents Prince, The Electrifying Mojo, Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, VH-1 To 1, CNN Cover Version, BET Talkback, Fast Forward, Larry King, MTV News, NBC Today Show, The View, TROS, BET - Words and Music, CBS Early Show, CNBC, Much More Music, Tavis Smiley and The Biz.


Special Thanks: The heavens above.

In this episode of #JCsMusicology, we deconstruct each song from Michael Jackson's first solo album as an adult artist - Off The Wall.


Once The Jackson's gained more independence with the group work, allowing the to write and produce the vast majority of their albums going forward, Michael also began to plot his own emancipation. By staring in The Wiz and meeting up with Quincy Jones, a significant musical partnership was formed and a team was assembled.


Using demos and multitrack tapes, we learn how one of the greatest albums in history was crafted.


Interview Credits: Roundtable, Sylvia Chase, WBLS Frankie Crocker, Countdown, John Pigeon, Robbie Vincent Show, Steve Rosen, Diane Collins, Spotlight Special, Mexico Deposition, 2001 Special Edition, Make it Funky, BBC, Ebony, NVLP, Joy, Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, Red Bull Music, Artist Series and Sweetwater.


Special Thanks: Chris Cadman, Brice Nijar and Andy Healy.

In this episode of #JCsMusicology, we analyse the early works of Erykah Badu. Also known as Badulla Oblongata. Also known as Sara Bellum. Also known as Analogue Girl in a Digital World.


As part of the holy trinity of Neo-soul albums in the late 90's, Erykah Badu realeased "Baduizm" to critical acclaim, generating four singles and two Grammy Awards. Her follow up, "Mama's Gun" would meet similar sucess with it's accolades and critical reception. Before taking a five year hiatus, her third studio album "Worldwide Underground" would be yet another progression in her artistic expression, accentuating live instrumentation and varying vocal styles.


Interview Credits: Jools Holland, Planet Groove, Hamburg, Suite903, ASSR Studio Stories, Out Of The Box, Red Bull Music Academy, Editor, The Breakfast Club, BET, HOT 97, Lord Sear Special, New York Times, Rap Radar, Work Reel and NPR.


Special Thanks: Lucas Cava, Pat McCaffrie, Daniel Aspén

In this episode of #JCsMusicology, we explore the enigmatic Kate Bush's work before her first hiatus.


After the release of "Hounds of Love", which is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, Kate Bush would continue to develop as an artist with her follow-up album, "The Sensual World". After a four year gap, "The Red Shoes" would follow. In 2011, selections from each album would be re-recorded to create "Directors Cut", a cohesive album, that stands on it's own.


Only a genius like Kate Bush could so sucessfully execute such an exentric project.


Interview Credits: Roger Scott, The Sensual World Documentary, X-Ray, Aspel and Company, NPR, BBC Radio 6, Jamie Cullum, Larry Flick, Mark Radcliffe, Radio 2 and Radio 4.


Special Thanks: Jake Clement Antill, Kate Finkelstein


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