10 Bizarre Recording Techniques Used On Famous Records

Controversies aside, Michael Jackson's legacy in popular music remains formidable. In terms of impact and lasting influence, the singer's sixth album, 1982's Thriller, is a particular standout. Produced by legendary band-leader, composer, and musician Quincy Jones, with this record Jackson set out to create an album of wall-to-wall 'killers'.

Working closely with renowned audio engineer Bruce Swedien, Jones employed a number of novel and experimental techniques to ensure that the finished results sounded not only memorable, but unlike anything which had come before. On the track Billie Jean, Jones had Jackson sing his overdubs through a six-foot-long cardboard tube, while Swedien built a custom drum platform, altering the kit with make-shift covers and planks of wood for a distinctive sound.

Elsewhere, Jackson recorded the same vocals at varying distances from the mix, and in some cases in a shower stall, to achieve subtle nuances in the finished product. The wolf-howls heard on the record are also provided by Jackson, altered by Swedien post-recording. Once again, this is a fine example of seemingly straight-forward music which is in reality the culmination of hours of hard work, invention and polish.