Middle Age Jackson Turns to 18th Century

Middle Age Jackson Turns to 18th Century

 

 

(Aug. 28) - Turning 50 has put Michael Jackson in a strangely poetic mood.

The pop singer is recording a new album (sounds good so far, right?) ... but, instead of original lyrics, he's using the writings of 18th century Scottish poet Robert "Rabbie" Burns. This, according to Jackson's longtime buddy and all-around normal guy, David Gest.

 

We haven't changed the lyrics but the music is now modern and brought up to date," Gest said of the project. "Michael and I had fun. It's something we have always wanted to do … because he is our favorite poet."

Gest explained that he and Jackson originally wanted to develop a musical about Burns, Scotland's national poet who died in 1796, but instead settled for a collection of show tune-esque songs. Poems featured on the album include "Ae Fond Kiss" and "Tam O'Shanter," one of Burns' longest and revered works that tells the story of a man who has a satanic vision after staying too long at a bar.

Not surprisingly, fans of Scotland's master of romantic prose aren't exactly thrilled by the pairing.

"The idea of turning Burns's tunes and songs, which he carefully collected, into 'show tunes' just kind of grates a wee bit," Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association president David Baird told BBC News.

Gest doesn't hint at a release date for the album. Jackson turns 50 on Friday. Gest, a TV producer and concert promoter, was briefly married to Liza Minelli.

(What do you think? Is this just a case of David Gest fooling the media to get Jackson in the news around his birthday? Chime in below.)

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2008-08-28 12:20:32