Catching up, hardcore.

To start, CD releases.

Last Tuesday (Feb. 12th) marked the 25th anniversary of Micheal Jackson's Thriller and the release of the special 25th anniversary edition. Thriller is possibly the only Jackson album which doesn't scare me to my core--it was made in a time before wide spread scandals, before he "mysteriously" lost pigment in his skin, and while he still had the majority of his nose.

The 25th Anniversary Edition features many new spins on classics, including a version of "Billie Jean," though it seems that the spunk and charisma of the original Thriller left with the curly hair, tight leather coats, and eerie dance moves. The CD runs nearly 50 dollars (ekk!) and features artists such as will.i.am and Fergie, the price and artists alone could cause anyone to think twice before purchasing the album.

On the plus side, an anticipated CD was released this week with great reviews, Cinnamon Girl: Women Artists Cover Neil Young for Charity. Featuring Tanya Donelly, Britta Phillips, Lori McKenna, Jill Sobule with John Doe, Elk City, Veruca Salt, Kristin Hersh, Josie Cotton, The Watson Twins, Julie Peel and more on this incredible two disc album.

And it gets better, all of the proceeds from the album go to Casting for Recovery, which provides fly fishing for women with breast cancer among other benefits. There isn't much else to say about this album, it's great all around.

The reason behind the album, the singers, the words. Plus, it involves Neil Young, does it need anymore encouraging?