John Morrison joins host Raina Douris

Forty-five years ago this month, Michael Jackson released the album that set up his eventual domination of pop culture as an adult. Off the Wall was Jackson’s first release where he had complete creative autonomy — having left the Jackson 5 and Motown environment he had grown up in. On the World Cafe, commentator John Morrison shares the story of this groundbreaking album.

Listen to the session here.

Today’s Playlist
The Chi-Lites “Have You Seen Her” (For God’s Sake) Give More Power To The People
Michael Jackson “Don’t Stop Until You Get Enough” Off The Wall
Michael Jackson “Off The Wall” Off The Wall
Michael Jackson “I Can’t Help It” Off The Wall
Sister Sledge “We Are Family” We Are Family”
AC/DC “Highway To Hell” Highway To Hell
Joy Division “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (single)

Hour Two
Gary Numan “Cars” The Pleasure Principle
B-52’s “Rock Lobster” The B-52’s
The Police “Message In A Bottle” Regatta De Blanc
Bruce Cockburn “If I Had A Rocket Launcher” Stealing Fire
Billy Strings “Leadfoot” Highway Prayers
Natalie Merchant “Wonder” Tigerlily
Erykah Badu “On & On” Baduizm
Clairo “Sexy To Someone” Charm
Bangles “Manic Monday” Recorded Live for World Cafe
David Gilmour “On An Island” WC Recording
Dave Matthews Band “Don’t Drink The Water
Vampire Weekend “Capricorn” Only God Was Above Us
Dehd “Dog Days” Poetry
Shovels & Rope “Piranhanana” Something Is Working Above My Head
The Fabulous Thunderbirds “Tuff Enuff” Tuff Enuff
Radiohead “The National Anthem” Kid A