Rockwell wanted MJ to do the backup vocals so that his song would get airplay and popularity. I believe that’s how he secured a record deal without his dad knowing.
Our culture’s real “art” has been in marketing and self-promotion these last 40 some years. So, who can blame Rockwell?
Rockwell’s tune wasn’t so bad. Certainly no more or less original than any number of tech-funk combos.
I like the video, too.
If you watch the set-up as he is coming into the kitchen, you can see the bird handler reflected in the glass just before he releases the crow.
Typical of the early 80’s MTV couture; you can actually do a lot with an hour and a half of creative concepting and a $2,000 budget of one camera, rubber horror store gags and a couple friends.
That video put the cheese in cheesey and I’m giving it 4 and a half cheeseballs.