remembering jackson's 'soul makossa' moment

New Yorker magazine staff writer (and former New York Times pop critic) Kelefa Sanneh makes a keen connection between Michael Jackson and core, 1970s dance music, noting the king of pop's liberal use of Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa" on his "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin,'" especially heard in the chant, "Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa." In fact, Dibango, who was not origially credited on the Jackson track, ended up getting some compensation.

Released in 1972 as a b-side, "Soul Makossa" was perhaps the most-influential proto-disco track of the early '70s -- a staple at such pre-house happenings as David Mancuso's Loft parties. It's great to see Sanneh making the connection between the cradle of modern club culture and the world's best-selling studio album (Thriller).

dance music news: holiday updates

-Rapster Records digs into Massive Attack's source material for Massive Samples, a compilation due in February. It includes Al Green's "I'm Glad You're Mine," James Brown's "Never Can Say Goodbye," and Isaac Hayes' "Ike's Mood." (Above: Massive Attack).

-"Soul Makossa" is a 1972 track that really solidified the underground disco sound heard at places such as David Mancuso's groundbreaking Loft parties. Strut Records celebrates the act behind the track (originally Manu Dibango) with Darkest Light: The Best of the Laffayette Afro-Rock Band, a retrospective compilation due in February. And yes, it includes ma-ma-ma/ma-ma-ma/ma-ma-makossa.

-Liz Ohanesian checks out the electronic en Espanol of L.A.'s Automatico parties in LA Weekly.

-Also in LA Weekly, nightlife columnist Lina Lecaro reflects on the year in club-land in the City of Angels.