1984 Greg Phillinganes :: Behind the Mask @ 432 Hz

[@JoseTwitterFan]

R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto, original composer of "Behind The Mask" who initially composed it for a 1978 Seiko watch ad in Japan.

[@wintoby]

Totally underated it's a crime, what a voice, The best version IMO.

[@Bustygirl-dz1wi]

song is so amazing

[@ptownfreddy]

Agreed, which saya much, considering how good Yellow Magic Orchestra's original and MJ's cover were. By the end of Greg's version, he sounds not just bitter but unhinged, his keyboards backing h up the nastiness all the way!

[@JauriaTop]

Better than Michael's version? in don't think so, but is so fine too

[@wintoby]

@@JauriaTop I did say, in my opinion. We all have our preferences.

[@michaelbaby3322]

Michael's version is better

[@mariont4081]

wow! this guy is awesome!!!! this is my first time hearing this song and hearing of Greg phillinganes.

[@Ich1go5lover]

Obsessed hearing Greg's, YMO, Michael's and Eric's version, haha. Daily fix 💘

[@mesapraquatrojazz1496]

I'm doing the same and comparing it all the time, that's funny

[@mesapraquatrojazz1496]

There's also the YMO recent live versions that are completely different... There's also an Eric's version with Phil Collins on the drums, very obscure stuff

[@yedduzzo]

gosh, so I'm no the only one doing the whole tour? shall we call a doctor?!

[@rjjcms1]

I heard Greg's version first in early 1985 and then Eric's (which was a chart hit in the UK) two years later. I didn't know it was originally by the Yellow Magic Orchestra but that totally fits,I thought it had that kind of vibe to it.

[@kenmurray1600]

@@yedduzzo me too. we are all afflicted. what is the cure.?

[@Twothirteenbrad]

This is the greatest 80’s song I’ve never heard until right now.

[@stevepstivelord]

Unbelievable. Found this chirpy grand performance after nearly 35 years. I love the web !!!

[@popneo2007]

He respects YMO. Because he is using a synth bass and vocoder.

[@pabloscope]

Respect has nothing to do with the instruments used, Señor Coconut's version is proof of it.

[@kathycrowhurst1106]

I feel so blessed to have grown up with this music on my playlist. It's as good today as back then ❤

[@marcprimo1471]

Clapton's was a huge hit back in the 80's .on the radio all the time. Michaels version was unreleased till after his death.

[@im.mariusz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5OynIqKpdecnMk

[@KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved]

And now we will hear the demo of it soon

[@参河屋喜三郎]

"Behind the Mask" was a 1979 song by Japanese synth-pop group Yellow Magic Orchestra. Initially an instrumental written by band member Ryuichi Sakamoto for a 1978 Seiko commercial, the song was elaborated upon with bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi and lyricist Chris Mosdell for inclusion on Solid State Survivor the following year. The song was later featured on the US release of X∞Multiplies in 1980, which combined tracks from the Japanese version and Solid State Survivor, and was released as a single in the US and UK to promote the album.

[@pinikaiho148]

カバーだとこの人のが一番好きなのは僕だけ？

[@k-yone0527]

オケが原曲にいちばん近いってのもあって私も同意見です！ クラプトンバージョンは好みの問題だと思いますがあまり好きでは無いです^^;

[@dashmatsu5654]

素直に、カッコいいと思います。 教授の12inchで出したバーナード　ファーラーさんボーカルのやつよりもボーカルは好き。 原曲の要素が残ってるからですかね？

[@Silentskip001]

The best cover!

[@しのぴ一-l8j]

私も激同です

[@miiityann]

御意

[@bhd4477]

Love the Clapton version, first time I’ve heard this one... Hot damn that was good!

[@mariahardy1201]

I never heard Clapton's, Philligaines' is the first one I ever heard. It's 🔥🔥🔥 80s music @its finest!

[@80ssynthfan48]

@@mariahardy1201 strictly speaking it's a 70s song (1979, YMO). Michael Jackson added the verses.

[@mrmaxxx94]

Gregg and Michael Jackson connected here,dig this version

[@loverofthe80s43]

Beautiful song that 80s sound is to die for!

[@laurenjohnston3390]

love lMO, love this version and, if I'm honest, it's my favourite thing Clapton ever did

[@cowlico]

Been a while since I heard this one and saw the vid for it!! Love it!!

[@Wonderouz]

Here from Greg's mjone interview

[@mickypoo4622]

I bought the vinyl single of this in 1985 while away on a course in London. It is still just so good and definitely the best version.

[@marcushadley6606]

Saw this on an English program called "No Limits" in 1985. Loved it then, great to rediscover it now.

[@asobiyama2836]

いまさら聴いてなんか新鮮。

[@gavinsmith9022]

Loved this song back in the day, i know clapton did it, but i only remember this version as a 14yr old kid of the eighties.

[@synthvault]

Such an awesome 80's track. Funk, pop and new wave meet for a torrid threesome. Melodic as f*ck. Greg has a great voice.

[@stephenruff157]

You GOT that right

[@luhudbinsarpanjaitan7094]

This song created by Ryuichi Sakamoto (The original one) ymo yellow magic orchestra This song recreated again by Michael Jackson Eric Clapton And Greg philinganes

[@rendermindlabs2809]

And Señor Coconut

[@jihadthegeneral]

The beat & robot voice was created by Sakamoto. The actual song lyrics & arrangements were written by Michael Jackson. Greg & Clapton both sang Michael’s version.

[@sonjaevans3858]

This song takes on an entirely new meaning in 2020

[@gmhguagetuqaqghr]

I remember, synth pop and R&B has been walking together.always.

[@sbrute66]

An instrument of this song was recently used on a show called Interior Chinatown.

[@MsDezB1]

Damn, I loved this tune back inna day! Still sounds great!!!

[@LeBurgerVegan]

One of the best versions of this masterpiece made in Japan.

[@bo2oservice]

Yes, by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

[@rudy6884]

Every version is great!

[@batgirlp5561]

This song was supposed to be on Michael Jackson's Thriller album but it got cut for some reason.

[@paulwaymondo7568]

YMO wanted too much money for the use of the sample so QJ cut it from Thriller apparently

[@listeningtowhateva4340]

@@paulwaymondo7568 no bro, MJ peeps wanted the full credit to the song writing (tried to buy the whole song off them) and YMO didn't want that since Behind The Mask was already a hit in Japan.

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1985 {April 27th} Greg Phillinganes performed "Behind the Mask" on the ABC-TV Saturday-afternoon program, 'American Bandsatand'... At the time the song was at #6 on Billboard's Dance/Club Play Songs chart, the following week it would peak at #4... It reached #77 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart... Gregory Arthur Phillinganes will celebrate his 63rd birthday next month on May 12th, 2019...

[@jaanavallius3031]

From this song I like Philliganes´s version best: huge voice, lovely instruments and the vocoder is used well. But, must remember, without original version and Michael Jackson this version wouldn´t be here for us.

[@jeremylpeters8997]

got put on game from Fired on Mars on HBO....this song gets me activated -- its as if Lucas from Stranger Things made a top 40 hit!

[@darrensedge1651]

I love this version. IMO it's deffo the best out of the 4.

[@laurenjohnston3390]

WORD

[@Milkers777]

Nah MJ’s👑

[@michaeljacksongeneration9429]

@@Milkers777 Everbody has their own opinion and I love this version than Michaels version too

[@Milkers777]

@@michaeljacksongeneration9429 Nah! This version is not it

[@michaeljacksongeneration9429]

@@Milkers777 okay, but the point still stands. Everybody has their own opinion

[@velonaut303]

One music video and nearly every Keytar from the era present. Minus points for missing Simmons drum kit in background. Greg is an amazing keyboardist definitely one of my all time favorites.

[@jjtcorsair]

The mix is incredible.

[@NeglectedField]

Goldie Lookin' Chain reappropriated this quite amusingly

[@jindre7547]

Tidy

[@NOTLIM214]

I love the looks Greg gives this female in the beginning.

[@Informationstation-gw8wx]

Pure shade!

[@dxfoolrf227]

Holy mackerel, I taped this in high school! 😆

[@TheYhonashi]

R.I.P. Yukihiro Takahashi 原曲に忠実なアレンジ イントロのドタタタドタタタがちゃんと入っている

[@klove4537]

アメリカで人気ですねこの曲。マイケル　ジャクソンやエリック　クラプトンもカバーしてたし。

[@robindieterle5778]

Here's to Greg, Michael, and the extra at 2:36!

[@philatelian]

Along with the original YMO song, the arrangement as a work is superior. I think he is this song by Greg Phillinganes.

[@potatotatotatotatoes]

damn can’t believe I just found this song. Wonder what other oldies I haven’t discovered yet

[@RhythmAddictedState]

This version is like a mix between YMO's original and MJ's version. Perfect. I always thought MJ's version deserved to have YMO's instrumental, rather than the newer one from the 2000's.

[@ChillBell]

why?

[@JoseSala04]

Well, it's happening now. The original demo will be released in the second CD of Thriller 40.

[@RhythmAddictedState]

@@JoseSala04 Really?! Omg thank you for telling me! This is a dream (almost) come true

[@jameskennedy552]

He added lyrics and melody to the original. So all these covers are covers of the MJ version

[@RhythmAddictedState]

@@jameskennedy552 Yeah, but not every MJ "cover" has an instrumental similar to YMO's. The instrumental of this "cover" is the only one that sounds like YMO's instrumental. I was referring to getting the best of both worlds with Greg Phillinganes' vocals (that sound like MJ's) and Greg's instrumental/synth playing (that sounds like YMO'S).

[@bo2oservice]

Former bartender from Little Tokyo, hit me up!

[@prophetbillmartin6262]

All along, had to talk about it, Like a two-edged sword, he touched you and it stabs me All along, knew you were a phony girl, Sit behind the mask where you control your world Yesterday he had you in his arms When I'm holding you, I feel his bitter charms I can't judge what you do to me Camoflage the truth, indulge your fantasy Who do you love? Is it me now, is it him babe? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me babe, is it him now? I don't know There is nothing in your eyes that's the way you cry All is grand, all is bright You're just studying my mind There is nothing in your eyes that's the way you cry All is grand, all is bright You're just studying my mind Was I invited to your masquerade? Well the party's over so now take off your face You say you love, but it's hard to see When you're in his arms, throwing rocks at me I walk around suffering in my doom When I come to you, you're sitting in your room The truth is news, I have longed to trace So take off the mask so I can see your face Who do you love? Is it me baby, is it him now? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me babe, is it him baby? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me babe, is it him now? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me now, is it him baby? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me baby, is it him now? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me baby, is it him now? I don't know Who do you love? Is it me baby, is it him? I want to know Who do you love? Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Chris Mosdell / Ryuichi Sakamoto Behind the Mask lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

[@stephenruff157]

Thankyou for the lyrics. Been guessing for a long time. But thats the fun. ;)

[@80ssynthfan48]

Michael Jackson wrote much of the lyrics in this version.

[@tobor58]

Jeff Skunk Baxter - Dancing in Disco pants. Just goes to show you what a major dude wont do for a friend. Don't lose my number Rikki...

[@rpotts330]

That's what I was looking for. Figured it had to be Skunk. Look for Skunk's Rikki version at the 2016 TEC Awards. I love great covers.

[@nightsampler]

Actually, it's Michael Sembello

[@yama-chan3110]

1985にこの曲がこういうアレンジになっていたんやね・・・。当時はネットなんてないしね。

[@oholm09]

All digital world

[@troyarrington5485]

Great song!!

[@danieldeldaniel3919]

this version is better than the recent MJ's version. I'm not saying that Greg has a better voice than MJ but damn, this 80's instrumental would have fit so much better on the Michael Jackson's version. That was a great song

[@ebonix33]

Mj wrote this song…and gave it to Greg because it didn’t make thriller

[@googlebotkiller7118]

This is the best cover , backing track is closest to the original.

[@charlyreyvan8695]

Exellent Song

[@lawrencedavis5459]

Great song. Loved Clapton's too

[@gocubsgo4272]

Love this version because love Grey. Clapton was better but Grey was in Claptons band so he was on both! Greg you are amazing!

[@grahamt33]

Awesome opening synth riff to a great great song [All due respect to YMO] and absolutely the best version with outstanding vocals and arrangement. Nobody did it better or even came close to it...

[@stephennoble2647]

Would have to disagree I'm afraid. Eric Clapton's version was the best in my opinion, it had everything..

[@gamingwithcallum6087]

@@stephennoble2647 fun fact. Eric Clapton’s version is a direct result of Michael Jackson writing lyrics for his own version (because the YMO one has no lyrics) and then he decided not to put it on thriller so he gave it to Greg instead

[@zbigniewbogusawski1714]

Unforgettable 80's

[@breakfastplan4518]

Ryuichi Sakamoto is present in this recording...

[@浅田悦司]

マイケルのデモテープ版に寄せてますね❓流石👍マイケルのバックミュージシャンキーボード奏者💫

[@高野人覽]

これが一番好き。

[@adolfomendonca]

The best version

[@RandomGuy-il8ec]

Adolfo Mendonça Nah Michael version is on another level

[@junky5422]

Its a great version but its not Clapton...

[@mirandatripop]

Neh , MJ version is the best

[@sonjaevans3858]

This song takes on a whole new meaning in 2020 lol

[@WewbaccaTheChookie]

This video wins my award for most gratuitous use of Keytars….

[@bo2oservice]

LOL!

[@robrigler2903]

I like the music of this version best obviously with michaels vocals

[@justynajoachimiak3225]

A ja myślałam, że Greg jest jednym z najlepszych klawiszowców na świecie, a tutaj taki głos ....Super...I podoba mi się końcówka teledysku...

[@MrEightiesvintage]

I discover i love it

[@シトラス幸平]

Yellow Magic Orchnstra from Japan

Una joya compuesta para quien fuera músico (durante el Bad Tour) y amigo de Michael Jackson. En el primer álbum póstumo de MJ titulado "Michael" aparece la versión que el Rey del Pop hizo de ésta canción. Saludos!

[@80ssynthfan48]

Esto no fue compuesto para Greg. Fue adaptado por Michael Jackson del original por YMO.

[@alecruz10]

@@80ssynthfan48 Correcto!

[@Qd322]

Bonafide underrated Legend!

[@boogiehound]

MC hammer sampled everyone in this video. Music from Rick James and the pants from the guitar player in Greg Phillinganes - behind the mask video

[@mandude83]

Why can't they make music like this anymore??

[@michaeldentico]

Don’t worry, I’m working on it …

[@oholm09]

I'm with you buddy

[@patienceisavirtue]

Still 🔥! ❤

[@TheDive25]

Such a jam.. Skunk and those pants!! haha.

[@ナーシサス次元から来た人-d8u]

最高

[@bpabustan]

Jeff Baxter on guitar!

[@janepilling4294]

Always loved this remember Charlotte lending me the 12" wow

[@lloydmiller5217]

DETROIT IN THE HOUSE

[@genestacoleman2754]

Lloyd Miller I love them both outstanding songs

[@TOTO-hx5gv]

もう一枚はTOTOのアルバムに参加してほしかったなぁ。

[@gorgeousfreeman1576]

Definitely sounds like Mike's demo, more so than the remixed version on the MICHAEL album(which is my favourite)

[@しのぴ一-l8j]

クラプトンよりこっちの方がいいね

[@kristinachavdarova7072]

@bo2oservice you should post more songs from him, this is amazing

[@limbm54]

I hate to say it but this (to me} beats Claptons &YMA hands down thought Claptons was magical until hearing this !!!

[@adityapandit1.o738]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@beautythalita3426]

Me fascina esta música en la voz angelical de Michael Jackson, su vocecilla es riquísima para los oídos.

[@GabeWilliams]

Why was no one going to tell me this isn’t a Michael Jackson song?? Had no idea it was a cover

[@immortaloshun]

This song's so dope. Still sounds good in 2019. Didn't know MJ wrote this but it makes sense.

[@vinnygillies]

immortaloshun "Behind the Mask" is an instrumental composed by Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto for a 1978 Seiko commercial. One year later, a rerecorded version by his band Yellow Magic Orchestra was released in 1979 as part of their album Solid State Survivor, with English lyrics added by Chris Mosdell.

[@bo2oservice]

MJ wrote the lyrics for this version... Ryuichi Sakamoto is the composer.

[@laurenjohnston3390]

he didn't

[@sandralowe4991]

2:50 Keyboard Player

[@danalee2747]

💃🏿🎯💯💃🏿🎯💯

[@pascalinoeyaa8435]

Is that guy not the man who used to be with Michael Jackson on scene???

[@bluemonkjd]

Double keytar!

[@blakiez]

I have decided this is the best version sorry eric clapton :)

[@hectorvalencia1947]

Michael Jackson redid this song and this is Michael Jackson piano player that went on tour with Michael Jackson and wrote songs for Michael Jackson. FUN FUN Facts 🙂

[@enrikegarcia5014]

Este video y este cantante(al menos con esta canción) si es verdad que está subestimado , debería haberse oído más, yo que por esa época y siempre oía de todo no vi este vídeo en ningún programa;pero la versión de Michael es la mejor , es inmejorable, con el equilibrio justo entre música y voz , él la perfeccionó como todo lo que hacía llevándola a su máxima evolución y resultando también la versión más comercial

[@princesslovesthe80s80]

Loved this song was just 12 the beat is Sick love it !

[@bo2oservice]

Da serious cheese but awesome vid.

[@a34rwl]

Sonny and Ricardo walked in seconds after they stopped playing asking questions about 'Eric'.

[@lawrencedavis5459]

The perfect narcissist song

[@b0b5m1th]

Goldie lookin chain brought me here...

[@luigimoonwalker2810]

Quien más viene de moonwalkerTV?

[@Nico630x]

yo

[@brttmartin9]

I have never seen this before i know now whos best

[@benmeltzer]

Is this how Greg got into Clapton's band?

[@guardiaschb2245]

michael jackson is best