| Revision as of 13:35, 24 August 2008 editRealist2 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers43,285 edits it is a rock song, i know he's black but it can happen← Previous edit | Revision as of 09:35, 25 August 2008 edit undoTony1 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Template editors276,249 edits Script-assisted dates; see MOSNUMNext edit → | ||
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| ==Background== | ==Background== | ||
| ], the district attorney of ] investigated ] accusations against Michael Jackson twice, in 1993 and 2003. In 1993, ].<ref name = "1993 allegations"/> Jackson agreed to a ] of his body at ]; the strip search was order by Sneddon. The order stated that officers expected to examine, photograph and videotape Jackson's entire body, "including his penis, anus, hips, buttocks and any other part of his body".<ref name = "campbell 16">Campbell (1995), p. 16</ref><ref name = "tara 534-540>Taraborrelli, p. 534–540</ref> The warrant stated that refusal to comply would be used in court as a possible indication of guilt. Police were looking to see if a description Jordan Chandler gave them earlier was accurate. He gave a detailed description of what he alleges were Jackson's genitals, also giving details on patches of ] on the singer's body, an illness Jackson was diagnosed with in the mid 1980s.<ref name = "campbell 16"/><ref name = "tara 534-540/> The attorneys and Sneddon agreed to leave the room when the examination took place. In an emotional state, Jackson stood on a platform in the middle of the room, took off all his clothes and was examined for approximately twenty-five minutes; he was never physically touched.<ref name = "tara 534-540/><ref name = "CNN D.S."/> Jackson was not charged with a crime, the police closed their criminal investigation citing lack of evidence.<ref name = "1993 allegations">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm |title=1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse |date= |
], the district attorney of ] investigated ] accusations against Michael Jackson twice, in 1993 and 2003. In 1993, ].<ref name = "1993 allegations"/> Jackson agreed to a ] of his body at ]; the strip search was order by Sneddon. The order stated that officers expected to examine, photograph and videotape Jackson's entire body, "including his penis, anus, hips, buttocks and any other part of his body".<ref name = "campbell 16">Campbell (1995), p. 16</ref><ref name = "tara 534-540>Taraborrelli, p. 534–540</ref> The warrant stated that refusal to comply would be used in court as a possible indication of guilt. Police were looking to see if a description Jordan Chandler gave them earlier was accurate. He gave a detailed description of what he alleges were Jackson's genitals, also giving details on patches of ] on the singer's body, an illness Jackson was diagnosed with in the mid 1980s.<ref name = "campbell 16"/><ref name = "tara 534-540/> The attorneys and Sneddon agreed to leave the room when the examination took place. In an emotional state, Jackson stood on a platform in the middle of the room, took off all his clothes and was examined for approximately twenty-five minutes; he was never physically touched.<ref name = "tara 534-540/><ref name = "CNN D.S."/> Jackson was not charged with a crime, the police closed their criminal investigation citing lack of evidence.<ref name = "1993 allegations">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/24/newsid_2512000/2512077.stm |title=1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse |date=February 8, 2003|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2006-11-11|}}</ref><ref name = "tara 540-545">Taraborrelli, p. 540–545</ref><ref name = "BBC past catches up with MJ">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4387247.stm | ||
| |title=Jackson's 'past' allowed in court |publisher=BBC |date=] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> Jackson then began work on a new album called '']'', it would include the track "D.S.". | |title=Jackson's 'past' allowed in court |publisher=BBC |date=] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> Jackson then began work on a new album called '']'', it would include the track "D.S.". | ||
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| |title=Michael Jackson HIStory |work=] |date=] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> In the introspective ballad "]", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace".<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/> | |title=Michael Jackson HIStory |work=] |date=] |accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> In the introspective ballad "]", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace".<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/> | ||
| ] and ] express the opinion that the "cold man" of this song's lyrics is Sneddon, as when sung, "Dom S. Sheldon" sounds very close to "Thomas Sneddon".<ref name="lyrics"> from FOXNews.com. Published |
] and ] express the opinion that the "cold man" of this song's lyrics is Sneddon, as when sung, "Dom S. Sheldon" sounds very close to "Thomas Sneddon".<ref name="lyrics"> from FOXNews.com. Published November 19, 2003, accessed November 5, 2006.</ref><ref name = "CNN D.S.">{{cite web|title=Michael Jackson sings of D.A. on previous album|publisher=]|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/19/jackson.prosecutor.reut/index.html|date=]|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> The BBC allege that the lyrics reference a "B.S.T.A.", which sounds similar to "S.B.D.A." or "Santa Barbara District Attorney". Jackson describes the subject of the song as a man who wants him "dead or alive" and "really tried to take me down/By surprise."<ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Sneddon: Dogged prosecutor |publisher=]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4216779.stm|date=]|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> '']'' and '']'' express the opinion that Jackson suggests "Sheldon" has links to the ] and the ] and he just "wants your vote".<ref>{{cite web|author=Campbell, Duncan|title='Mad Dog' believes he finally has his quarry on the run|publisher=]|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/nov/22/usa.michaeljacksontrial|date=]|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes">{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Pareles |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE0DD123DF93BA25755C0A963958260&scp=4&sq=HIStory+album+michael+jackson+review&st=nyt |title=POP VIEW; Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand? |accessdate=2008-03-24 |date=] |work=] }}</ref> The track ends with the sound of a gunshot. Sneddon's own work website indicates that he believes he is the subject of the song, stating, "He's the only DA in the nation to have an angry song written about him by pop megastar Michael Jackson". Of the song, he said, "I have not—shall we say—done him the honor of listening to it."<ref>{{cite web|title=In Profile:Thomas W. (Tom) Sneddon, Jr.|publisher=]|url=http://www.ndaa.org/ndaa/profile/tom_sneddon_jan_feb_2003.html|date=February 2003|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref> "D.S." contains an excerpt from "]" by ], which was composed by ], ], ] and ].<ref name="HIStory Booklet p50">Jackson, Michael. ''HIStory'' booklet. Sony BMG. p 50</ref> | ||
| The song has a distinct rock feel to it, with a guitar solo performed by former ] guitarist ], who had previously worked with Jackson on his '']'' album.<ref name="HIStory Booklet p50"/> Before the guitar solo in the song, Jackson screams the name "Slash!" - leading to Slash's part in the song. Jackson had already made a number of successful rock songs, including; "]", "]", "]" and "Scream".<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/><ref name="NYT Bad">{{cite news|first=Jon |last=Pareles |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE1DC1F38F930A3575AC0A961948260&scp=5&sq=Michael+Jackson+Bad+review&st=nyt | The song has a distinct rock feel to it, with a guitar solo performed by former ] guitarist ], who had previously worked with Jackson on his '']'' album.<ref name="HIStory Booklet p50"/> Before the guitar solo in the song, Jackson screams the name "Slash!" - leading to Slash's part in the song. Jackson had already made a number of successful rock songs, including; "]", "]", "]" and "Scream".<ref name="ALG HIStory"/><ref name="RS HIStory"/><ref name="NYT Bad">{{cite news|first=Jon |last=Pareles |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE1DC1F38F930A3575AC0A961948260&scp=5&sq=Michael+Jackson+Bad+review&st=nyt | ||
Revision as of 09:35, 25 August 2008
| "D.S." | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"D.S." is an album track by Michael Jackson from his 1995 double disc record HIStory. It is track six on the second disc, one of the three songs from that disc whose lyrics are printed in the album booklet, and is four minutes and forty-nine seconds in length. In 1993, Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse, the investigation was controlled by District Attorney, Tom Sneddon, who also ordered that Jackson be strip searched. Jackson was never charged with a crime. Jackson and his supporters allege that Sneddon was motivated by his person feelings about the singer.
Shortly afterward, Jackson began work on his album HIStory, which included the track "D.S.". The song is often cited as a derogatory reference to the District Attorney. The track is written, composed and produced by Jackson and includes a guitar solo by Slash. It is a rock song that conveys themes such as bitterness, isolation and paranoia much like the rest of the album. There was no major critical analysis of the song from mainstream reviews when HIStory was issued. Jackson was involved in several projects that made subliminal references to Sneddon and the 1993 investigation.
In 2003, Jackson was the subject of more child sexual abuse allegation, the investigation and 2005 trial prosecution was again lead by Sneddon. These repeated investigations and derogatory comments made against Jackson have lead to allegations that Sneddon has, or appears to have, a "vendetta" against the singer. Fans of the entertainer sang "D.S." outside the court house of Jackson's 2005 trial every day.
Background
Tom Sneddon, the district attorney of Santa Barbara County, California investigated child sexual abuse accusations against Michael Jackson twice, in 1993 and 2003. In 1993, Evan Chandler and his son Jordan Chandler accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. Jackson agreed to a strip searched of his body at Neverland Ranch; the strip search was order by Sneddon. The order stated that officers expected to examine, photograph and videotape Jackson's entire body, "including his penis, anus, hips, buttocks and any other part of his body". The warrant stated that refusal to comply would be used in court as a possible indication of guilt. Police were looking to see if a description Jordan Chandler gave them earlier was accurate. He gave a detailed description of what he alleges were Jackson's genitals, also giving details on patches of vitiligo on the singer's body, an illness Jackson was diagnosed with in the mid 1980s. The attorneys and Sneddon agreed to leave the room when the examination took place. In an emotional state, Jackson stood on a platform in the middle of the room, took off all his clothes and was examined for approximately twenty-five minutes; he was never physically touched. Jackson was not charged with a crime, the police closed their criminal investigation citing lack of evidence. Jackson then began work on a new album called HIStory, it would include the track "D.S.".
Theme, genre and lyrics
"D.S." has very similar themes and genres to the rest of the album. HIStory creates an atmosphere of paranoia. Its content focuses on the hardships and public struggles Jackson went through just prior to its production. In the new jack swing-funk-rock efforts "Scream" and "Tabloid Junkie", along with the R&B ballad "You Are Not Alone", Jackson retaliates against the injustice and isolation he feels, and directs much of his anger at the media. In the introspective ballad "Stranger in Moscow", Jackson laments over his "fall from grace".
Fox News Channel and CNN express the opinion that the "cold man" of this song's lyrics is Sneddon, as when sung, "Dom S. Sheldon" sounds very close to "Thomas Sneddon". The BBC allege that the lyrics reference a "B.S.T.A.", which sounds similar to "S.B.D.A." or "Santa Barbara District Attorney". Jackson describes the subject of the song as a man who wants him "dead or alive" and "really tried to take me down/By surprise." The Guardian and The New York Times express the opinion that Jackson suggests "Sheldon" has links to the CIA and the Ku Klux Klan and he just "wants your vote". The track ends with the sound of a gunshot. Sneddon's own work website indicates that he believes he is the subject of the song, stating, "He's the only DA in the nation to have an angry song written about him by pop megastar Michael Jackson". Of the song, he said, "I have not—shall we say—done him the honor of listening to it." "D.S." contains an excerpt from "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes, which was composed by Trevor Rabin, Jon Anderson, Chris Squire and Trevor Horn.
The song has a distinct rock feel to it, with a guitar solo performed by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who had previously worked with Jackson on his Dangerous album. Before the guitar solo in the song, Jackson screams the name "Slash!" - leading to Slash's part in the song. Jackson had already made a number of successful rock songs, including; "Beat It", "Dirty Diana", "Give In to Me" and "Scream".
Critical reaction
The vast majority of mainstream reviewers did not provide a critical analysis of the track in their reviews of HIStory; Any analysis only covered the connection to Tom Sneddon and the songs genre. This can be seen in reviews by TIME, Allmusic, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.
Other works and aftermath
Although there was no music video made for "D.S", the song's subject was referenced in the short film Ghosts. Released in 1997 and premiering at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival, it was written by Jackson and Stephen King and directed by Stan Winston. The story was based loosely on the events and isolation Jackson felt after he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993. In the plot, the Maestro (played by Jackson) is nearly chased out of his town by the residents and the mayor (who deliberately looks very similar to Sneddon) because they believe him to be a "freak". It features many special effects and dance moves choreographed to original music, which Jackson himself authored. The film includes several songs and music videos from the albums HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. The video for Ghosts is over thirty-eight minutes long and holds the Guinness World Record as the world's longest music video.
The second allegations of 2003 resulted in a long trial two years later, which ended in Jackson being acquitted. These prosecutions have led to complaints that Sneddon was motivated by a "vendetta" against Jackson. Evidence to support these claims include Sneddon joking about Jackson's greatest hits album being released on the same day as his arrest and saying, "Like the sheriff and I really are into that kind of music". He then preceded to call Jackson "Wacko Jacko" and shouting "we got him, we finally got him" to the media when he had only just began an investigation and had gathered limited information or evidence. The song was sung outside the courtroom by a group of Jackson's fans every day the trial took place.
Credits
- The song was written, composed and produced by Jackson.
- Lead and Background Vocals: Michael Jackson
- Arrangements by Michael Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Dallas Austin.
- Vocal arrangements by Michael Jackson
- Keyboards and synthesizers: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis
- Guitars: Slash
References
- Campbell, Lisa (1995). Michael Jackson: The King of Pops Darkest Hour. Branden. ISBN 0828320039.
- George, Nelson (2004). Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection booklet. Sony BMG.
- Lewis, Jel (2005). Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture : the Music! the Man! the Legend! the Interviews!. Amber Books Publishing. ISBN 0-974977-90-X.
- Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2004). The Magic and the Madness. Terra Alta, WV: Headline. ISBN 0-330-42005-4.
Notes
- ^ "1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse". BBC. February 8, 2003. Retrieved 2006-11-11.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Campbell (1995), p. 16
- ^ Taraborrelli, p. 534–540
- ^ "Michael Jackson sings of D.A. on previous album". CNN. 2003-11-20. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Taraborrelli, p. 540–545
- "Jackson's 'past' allowed in court". BBC. 2005-03-25. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Erlewine, Stephen. "Michael Jackson HIStory Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
- ^ Hunter, James (1995-08-10). "Michael Jackson HIStory". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Jacko Song About D.A. May Haunt Him from FOXNews.com. Published November 19, 2003, accessed November 5, 2006.
- "Tom Sneddon: Dogged prosecutor". BBC News. 2005-01-31. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Campbell, Duncan (2003-11-22). "'Mad Dog' believes he finally has his quarry on the run". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Pareles, Jon (1995-06-25). "POP VIEW; Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand?". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - "In Profile:Thomas W. (Tom) Sneddon, Jr". National District Attorneys Association. February 2003. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
- ^ Jackson, Michael. HIStory booklet. Sony BMG. p 50
- Pareles, Jon (1987-09-03). "How good is Jackson's Bad?". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Pareles, Jon (1991-11-24). "Michael Jackson in the Electronic Wilderness". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Farley, Christopher (1995-06-19). "History and Hubris". TIME. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - Taraborrelli, p. 610–611
- Lewis, p. 125–126
- Guinness World Records 2004
- George, p. 48–50
- ^ "Who Is Tom Sneddon?". CBS. 2003-12-18. Retrieved 2007-05-29.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Moss, Corey (2003-11-20). "Why Is The DA In The Michael Jackson Case Smiling?". MTV. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Glasister, Dan (2005-06-13). "Driving force who was 'motivated by grudge'". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)
