Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal REACTION! A rock version of MJ!?

#alienantfarm #smoothcriminal #reaction
Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal REACTION!
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[@Chamomileable]

My understanding is that MJ gave the track his seal of approval. The whole video is packed with references to MJ and his career.

[@loristone9242]

He did, and I love that!! RIP MJ

[@AyeItsGabo]

He was also at the shoot the first day

[@wesdoobner7521]

it also got his monkey of approval

[@johnc.hammersticks]

He did, all the guys got to meet him. Back when MTV was music they told the whole story. MJ was never shy about sharing his song especially something this fun.

[@user-jd5ls1ro9o]

Of course MJ had to approve this. Obviously. U can’t just use other artists songs without their consent first

[@JKM395]

This isn't just a cover. It's a celebration of MJs music. THAT is why it was so successful.

[@thundacracka77]

It's so fantastic how MJ influenced so many different genres.

[@Kristian179]

yes to which no other band & artist can dare come close to covering a MJ song as this cover tops the list

[@EffUpAgain]

@@Kristian179 Weird Al Yankovic "Eat It" and "Fat" parodies of MJ's "Beat It" and "Bad" were very good fun to watch too.

[@kimmccutchen1326]

The band paid tribute to MJ by incorporating things that MJ did like wearing a mask 😊

[@jonathanbouthillette753]

there was a ton of MJ references in the video

[@ScottLovenberg]

MJ loved this cover. That's why it's allowed to exist.

[@matheya]

MJ was a rock star ! He always had guitars and a leather jacket. :) Not Bon Jovi type of rock but a lot of rock elements in his music !!

[@CorePathway]

Kinda like DEVO’s version of Satisfaction by the Stones. The story of it, when Jagger heard it and started dancing around is epic 😂

[@paulshaw9953]

I mean... it exists regardless but its nice that MJ was a fan

[@michaelplano6941]

Same with the Weird Al covers.

[@capatheist]

​​@@paulshaw9953no it doesn't... Copyright exists and Michael Jackson's one of the biggest commercial artists on the planet... If he didn't want it to exist it doesn't. Same with Kasey Chambers cover of Eminem. Entitled people seem to think you can't protect intellectual property. Must be Chinese

[@RB-jf5ww]

It’s actually not cords. It’s in the shoes. MJ actually created and patented the tech. It’s pretty cool. And they were the only rock artist to play MJs tribute after his death. MJ actually personally approved this cover and loved it.

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

Yep. There is a "post" on the floor, and a small "hook" on the bottom of the shoe's heel that attaches to the post. Step up to the post, lock your heel on it, lean forward. Slide your heel back to pop your shoe off of the post and dance away.

[@RB-jf5ww]

@@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer exactly, I couldn’t remember where I read it but there is an NPR article on it called “Michael Jackson's Gravity-Defying Lean Continues To Fascinate” that explains it and has diagrams. MJ was a weirdo BUT he mad some great music and was an amazing performer.

[@BrettShadow]

It's more or less a securely anchored nail with a flat wide head and a V shape cut into the shoe that catches the nail like a claw hammer to make a sorta tongue and groove joint. That doesn't make it less impressive but more as the unbelievable shin and calve strength needed to pull off that move is absurd. Edit: If I remember correctly. I could be mistaken

[@rowanmayfair9249]

@@BrettShadow All I think is damn good core strength.

[@BrettShadow]

@rowanmayfair9249 Their legs are straight. So unless there is a brace that is incorporated to the heel where it locks in extending up to at least the knee, which there could be but I would think pro dancers wouldn't want that as it would have to be worn for the entire performance, then the center of gravity would be lower. Don't get me wrong, strong core would certainly help in that and all the other acrobatics they do, but the calve and tibialis (shin) muscles would be what allows them to lean and return upright in such a controlled way. Try to stick your toes under the edge of the sofa and lean backwards without bending the knee. It takes a hell of a core as well and I think we can agree... it's friggin nuts. I can't speak for you but if I tried that every muscle from my traps down would violently explode almost instamtly...

[@TehZombish]

The kid is wearing a mask I always assumed because at the time, Michael Jackson wore masks all the time. That kid gots some moves, though

[@etc7070]

This. Michael wore masks in public. I remember all the tabloid rumors about whatever reasons he might have had for wearing one.

[@aliselynch]

I heard that Michael originally didn't like the kid wearing the mask, so they reshot the whole bit without the mask, and when MJ saw it, he decided the mask was the right way to go. So thats what we got

[@jamesgreer9366]

Kid was only wearing the mask because his parents wouldn't clear his face to be in the video... He was actually down the street from where they shot the video, and just started dancing!! Lol

[@whopperman3118]

@@jamesgreer9366 there are 2 versions of the video. One with the mask, one without. They are both on KZbin.

[@andrebrodbeck3883]

​@@jamesgreer9366 the older the cover becomes, the more rumors starting about it. As about everything, i guess.

[@edchandler5842]

I assume humans on Earth are the “Ant Farm” for the amusement of the Aliens.

[@emerje0]

Pretty much. It's the whole theory that aliens put humans on Earth to observe the same way kids put ants in an ant farm.

[@ShawnRavenfire]

Reminds me of that Twilight Zone episode "Stopover in a Quiet Town," where a couple finds themselves inside a giant toy model of a town so a giant alien child can watch them.

[@katscully]

This is what you call an “homage”. Nothing but love & respect.

[@joeabraham8390]

Thanks for my 50 cent word of the day !

[@paigegee5921]

Mj loved this version and video. The kid dancing is in front of MJs childhood home..MJs family also invited them to play this song at the tribute concert. The mask is in reference when MJ was constantly getting plastic surgery and wore them all the time. Everything is in reference to MJ and his videos.

[@timothymatthews1054]

The drummer is wearing One Glitter Glove. The chair is Also his Single Glove

[@NeCoruption]

Nobody ever talks about how the drummer KILLED it in thos track

[@aliselynch]

MJ loved this, gave approval and had say in the video. They were asked to play at his funeral. This is old lol.

[@karenglenn6707]

I read only this week that MJ even had his people help with the props needed for the leaning forward part in the video, and that this was filmed in front of his childhood home. They were even invited to his funeral by his family.

[@kevinmarshall854]

Michael Jackson loved hard rock and that is what he was going for when he made his song "BAD". He told Eddie Van Halen when he did the guitar solo in the song and he said that he thought that Eddie's fast playing was like nothing that he had ever heard before and he could not get enough.

[@rogerdaly6326]

Eddie's solo was in the song "Beat It" not in the song "Bad".

[@PrincessBunhead]

Slash played in one of his songs and even showed up on stage during a tour, but I can't for the life of me remember which song that was.

[@rogerdaly6326]

@@PrincessBunhead The song with Slash was "Give Into Me". Theres also a live video of Billy Idol's guitarist Steve Stevens doing "Dirty Diana"

[@GregorysBrain]

Man, I still remember when this came out. I was a Sophmore in high-school, and this cover was lit! It even recieved MJ's seal of approval.

[@johncarpenter3751]

I opened up for Alien Ant Farm back in 2011. Those dude were humble and fun to be around. Never forget the small guy they kept saying! I guess they felt the need to pay it forward

[@heatheral-hammadi3046]

Well shit who are you??!!

[@ErizotDread]

Hey, I did too, same year! It didn't happen to be Dirt Fest 2011 did it? My favorite memory was getting to stand behind main stage about 7 feet away from the drummer, just marveling at how good he is!

[@christinesimmonds3553]

You didn't mention how everyone there was having a great time. Young, old, different hairdos and colors. Just pure fun. This is what we are missing today. Just pure fun. I do wish the people today could have this.

[@leanngash4510]

MJ loved it & gave his approval. Even had Bubbles the Chimp ( I think that was name of MJ's Chimp) don't quote me. MJ always wore a mask & had his kids wear mask too 💜

[@rowanmayfair9249]

He got rid of Bubbles quite a long time before this video.

[@Sacred_Silence]

This is in the Top 10 cover/tribute songs of all time. Even MJ loved this version.

[@davidd3948]

Michael Jackson was alive when this was made and gave his consent with a few changes. For one he didn't want the kid to wear a mask but when he saw the boy without the mask he changed his mind and had them put the mask back on the him.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

Ok, here we go. All references if you're watching original video with time stamps. 0:12 Kid dancing like Michael Jackson, using a mask that he usually wore. 0:30 The lean he did in Smooth Criminal with Gravity Boots. 0:34 Japanese girls. In Asia, girls lost their collective shit over him. 0:52 The wolf in video of Thriller. 1:20 One of the more iconic moves from MJ, also hard left turn but King Of The Hill? 1:38 Silver glove chair, and Bubbles, his pet chimpanzee. 1:48 Sidewalks glowing a la Billy Jean video. 2:12 Car windows blowing out with lead singer doing the iconic crotch grab and scream "Ohhhhh! while on top of the car. In the background, there's a flag of MJ. 2:19 The thriller iconic zombie move. Two guys are wearing a silver glove. 2:23 Another thing that MJ usually did in his shows. Smoke and wind coming from under him. 2:37 Sidewalk glowing again, and the screen splitting like in Billy Jean clip. (My personal fave is the mailbox) 3:12 Pulling up pants to look like MJ's iconic socks, they were white because your eye naturally go to light and away from dark. He wanted his feet to be highlighted. 3:16 Jesus F'ing Christ, this kid can dance... 3:28 Elizabeth Taylor tattoo, someone that was very close to him. 3:30 The end of Thriller video. Misc: Drummers sticks, one is silver. Also, white glove. If I missed any, let me know?

[@_Common_Logic_]

You might want to add the part where he jumps on the car, screams, and dances on the roof... Most will remember it as the poor decision made by Jackson to dance on a car hood in front of the courthouse at his trial, but it actually mimics the scene from a video he did to fight racism. Here's the scene. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJqkdZ6gpd6kfKs&ab_channel=cheetahtree

[@rowanmayfair9249]

@_Common_Logic_ It's at 2:12. I need to use my words. I skipped a few.

[@LiesThatBind]

2:12 is a scene from the longer version video of Black or White.

[@protojager]

Movies is their only other "big" song, it was recorded and released before their smooth criminal cover and the studio thought it was their strongest song and pushed really hard for it with a music video and a re-release. It probably deserved to be their second hit. Features a really cool Cameo from an '80s film icon and tons of references to '80s and '90s Cinema.

[@AustinDpOwers89]

I think they had some songs featured on Tony Hawk Pro Skater too that were pretty good. Not sure how successful those were.

[@The_Gary_Douglas]

Seriously one of the best covers ever made! And the amount of tributes they pay to Michael is crazy!!

[@cozzsiecooper296]

Bomfunk MC's - Freestyler was an amazing song back in the day im glad its on the recommended nostalgia overload.

[@emogirl4230]

I'm 41 and I remember when this hit radio.Fallout Boy covers 'Beat It'.both have the same vibe.

[@zzasboa]

Bomfunk MC's - Freestyler is A MUST!!!

[@andrewt836]

Rock the microphone

[@markpotter8280]

@@andrewt836 in stereo

[@MoyeBoy420]

Came out in the early 2000's I believe, think American Pie movies era. MJ even had his input in on the video.

[@izasol8756]

Absolutely fantastic!!! A tribute to a genius Michael Jackson.

[@erickamorillo7164]

‘Smooth Criminal’ is their biggest hit. ‘Movies’ is their second.

[@zoixdark]

Movies was definitely their other big song but that whole album is a banger.

[@jimcampbell4410]

Love calico also.

[@CMSnyder80]

I do love Movies...I love the whole album but for originals Movies moves me most. I was going to mention this myself but am instead approving of your mentioning it.

[@JaneWalters-ni7se]

I really dig this!! The fact that they respect Michael enough to do this and even reference the video is awesome. Love it!! ❤️

[@horrorbizness2043]

MJ used to wear a mask back in the day, so it was a throw back to him

[@mikepiccione886]

You got to hear (bread) now it's time for some cake❤😂 short skirt long jacket

[@skaughtmc6591]

If I remember correctly, they always played a few covers at concerts. People would go so nuts over Smooth Criminal, that they asked MJ if they could record a cover. He loved it and gave it his blessing.

[@arturnienartowicz7213]

Thing is - while MJ started as a disco era artist and many of his songs are well to be danced to (well, you know - he did, and how) - so many of his compositions are rock in their nature. To me "Thriller" has always been a rock album, and songs like "dirty diana" "give in to me" "who is it" are rock ballads. Drop into this "the way you make me feel" "earth song" "black or white" and you've got a dancing rock composer. Cooporation with best rock/metal guitarists was no fluke but a conscious choice of an artist who understands where his appeals lie but knows what sounds he likes. Lots of his songs just beg for instrumentation with less electronics and more electrics; "Smooth criminal" is just one of them. Check out how The Baits did "Billy Jean". With one of my bands we would play "Beat it" and "Bad" with another.

[@CraziFuzzy]

This is the master class in covering a song - and I can think of none who have done it better.

[@tomstessl7919]

Alien Ant Farm, to me at least, is referring to aliens seeing Earth/humans the same way we do an ant farm. Check out Movies from them (their other big hit) and they just had a new song come out recently that is really good. If you want another excellent MJ cover check out Dirty Loops doing their version of Thriller.

[@Kierron85]

I was sixteen when this came out. I was a huge MJ fan and saw him twice in concert and Smooth Criminal was my favourite song. This cover blew us all away, it was THE vibe of 2001 when the alternative scene was really kicking off in the mainstream. This song will always be close to my heart. Loved seeing you react to it, and generally just love to hear it! Thanks dude!

[@tampabayj]

I cant believe it took you this long to hear this. Saw them preform it live and it was crazy energy from the band and crowd.

[@skjoldr481]

Top-5 all-time cover, no question. Paid a beautiful homage to the artist, a fantastic re-imagining of the song as a rock track, crazy fun video, just tremendous. This is exactly what a cover should be.

[@karlsmith2570]

0:51 "That Kid Is Dancing With A Mask On, Did He Know About 2020?" Actually, Pegasus, Micheal Jackson, was known for going out in public wearing a mask. It was one of his more eccentric traits

[@Cakemajor]

this is one of those times where an artist gets overshadowed by their most popular work cuz these guys just dont miss

[@Autibots_troll_out]

That alien ant farm album was my first album I ever bought when I was 13. One of the other more well-known songs was called 'Movies' and the music video for that song had. Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi) in it.

[@shawnadams1460]

One of the greatest covers EVER done IMO. And trust me man, GO DOWN THAT RABBIT HOLE....you wont be disappointed....lol

[@PrincessBunhead]

I remember when this came out, MJ was working on a career comeback with the album Invincible. My brother just bought this album and had the hardcore MJ fan listen to the song, not long after I saw the video on MTV. I've always seen this as a tribute to the artist and his career.

[@tiffanyabell9070]

The white house behind the boy in yellow shirt that is dancing is MJ's childhood home in gary indiana. Ive lived 20 min away from there most of my life. I have seen it many times. It has a large white metal fence surrounding the house now. There is also a statue/monument there too.

[@amandaashcraft5034]

This is the cover of all covers and can never be covered again XD Loved this so much when it came out.

[@DarkAngel1985Mike]

Love this, since I’m actually named after MJ in tribute to my oldest sister who died 3 months before I was born, which is an event that shaped my whole life because of the trauma that I went through and my mom because the last 3 months in womb my mom was having nightmares every night as my brain was being formed which affected me and knowing that lost since I was born made different than other people , and so Michael Jackson always held a special place in my heart and this cover came out when I was a freshman in high school

[@TonySalazar933]

I've loved this version of the song since it came out. I wanted Alien Ant Farm to cover all of MJ's songs.

[@fishtigua]

Ooh, ooh, you just showed the thumbnail of Justin from The Darkness, A Thing called Love. Funny as heck British band in the same vain as Spinal Tap. Good music too.

[@mitchchartrand]

Also does reactions on his channel Justin Hawkins Rides Again

[@shane3350]

As a life long hip hop purist and jazz instrumentalist, this is one of the many songs that helped me appreciate good metal/rock.

[@kevinmarshall854]

I saw where Michael Jackson saw this cover and he absolutely loved the hard rock fee that they did.

[@krista8920]

I miss this goofy type of humor that is also respectful. This came out when I was senior in high school. Amazing.

[@DanFromHali]

Bro, I know you say that the things you react to are videos and songs you've never seen/heard before, but I can't believe that you have never heard this one. This is easily my favorite cover ever made. Good reaction!

[@S.A.M.O.]

MJ absolutely loved this cover bro

[@kevinwilder9859]

'Movies' is an iconic song by them. Fit in perfectly with that era

[@TanyaQueen182]

oh I'm surprised you haven't done this one before now. It's AMAZING.

[@MastinoNapoletano420]

I saw them live on Van's Warped tour in 2001. I wanted to ask the bassist what kind of bass he was playing and he told me he built it. They are really down to earth guys. Their whole first album was fire!

[@bubsmomma]

One of the greatest covers I've ever heard!!!!

[@landonw7099]

“Movies” was always my favorite song by them 💯

[@naomifarley6731]

MJ totally approved the cover he loved it

[@anthonyzbikowski529]

8:35 Yes, the writer gets paid a "mecanical royalty" by the covering artist for the song in a tangible form (disc, records, tapes, mp3 file). It's usually done on the backend and handled by the lable. There are also "performance royalties" for performing it live or if a recording is played (cover bands at a bar, radio broadcast). There are also "synch royalties" (when a song is used in a commercial, TV show, or a movie) and Print music royalties (sheet music, guitar tab, etc). Many live venues pay a flat licensing rate to ASCAP, BMI etc for cover bands and live or recorded music (as the venue is on the hook for the royalties, not the performers).

[@blakerh]

This might be the be cover/tribute song ever made. I have watch their video a million times.

[@cferguson37]

the band gets its name, Alien Ant Farm, from one of the band members thinking about how Aliens came to Earth and seeded it with life...the Earth is an alien ant farm.

[@arielcordero]

MJ approved and absolutely loved this cover and video.

[@squirlygeorge]

Looking at the suggested videos at the end of the video was my entire High School right there!! 💥 Dope videos man

[@asgerhyer5325]

Alien Ant Farm has also done a music video called movies (as i recall) but this is their ultimate hit. Story is that they tried to play a few riffs at a party, and people went bananas (in a good way) when they heard the metal version, so they realised that they were on to something and made this with the approval of MJ :)

[@chrisnoah7868]

Best cover of ANY song I’ve ever heard

[@Shinigammi420666]

Even when Weird Al did Eat It and Fat, he talked with MJ about his idea before hand, for both he basically did a "shot by shot" parody of the original music videos with his own twists here and there thus giving his personal flair. AAF not only discussed this idea with MJ before hand, he even offered tips here and there and gave his complete seal of approval on the end result!

[@xheralt]

AAF seems to have (ironically) released a "Greatest Hits" album in 1999, when they were still unknowns. "Movies" got some airplay on MTV as I recall, and then they went with this cover. Never tremendously active, they haven't charted since 2003; the wiki article implies a hiatus from 2007-2014. They're actually still active, released new material this year!

[@RustiKBeatS]

This was their biggest song. They had a few others like movies but this was pretty much the only song that broke through and not many in the world could name too many of their songs.

[@dustinharshbarger]

This song has been on my playlist for a hot minute

[@kevinm3428]

The King of the Hill dudes always make me smile.

[@MavenCree]

You forget that Michael used to go around in public with a mask on. (Something he learned from touring in Asia.)

[@joshpatzer2]

Alien Ant Farm got arrested for renting the building across the street from the BET Music Awards. They set up on the roof and started playing during the red carpet filming. 😮

[@danielwibbels5070]

Was so excited when I found out they are putting out a new album.

[@1killeragogo]

This is a great cover ❤, one of the best!

[@Shiby23]

I've tried to get tons of people to react to the song "These Days" from Alien Ant Farm for years. They set up on top of a roof accross from the BET awards and filmed it. They do a song called Movies as well. This and those 2 songs are the only ones i think had radio time. damnnn. i feel old saying radio time!!!!!

[@The-One_And_Only_Station]

This song was also featured in American Pie. When Jim super glues himself to his junk!

[@ruhalfoyls]

I beleave they did this as a goof. But one of there team send it to mj's team and mj got to listen to it and loved. Gave his seal of approval and they worked out the version we got now.

[@librarylady13]

Love It! Homage to MJ! There are so many tributes to other MJ songs and his personal life!

[@matthewgilfus1640]

We're the ants in the ant farm. So it's the alien's and farm. Also, every cutaway from the band is a reference to other songs and music videos from MJ

[@Chardonneh]

Sounds right, 2021 my son was 10, this video was playing all the time. So the night before school picture day my son gave himself an inverted Mohawk. He is a very blonde blue eyed kid, his pictures came back hilariously perfect.

[@brianz6906]

for alien ant farm i would suggest movies, attitude and glow...Also Alien Ant Farm derived their name from a combination of various influences and ideas. The band's name is said to have originated from a daydream the band's guitarist, Terry Corso, had in high school. According to Corso, he envisioned aliens traveling to Earth and studying human behavior, particularly observing ants as a representation of humanity. The concept fascinated him, and he combined the words "alien" and "ant farm" to create the band's name.

[@70trooperr]

Somehow listening to this song again led me down a path of listening to other songs I have heard in years. One song came up that immediately took me back to you. Considering you military upbringing you may be familiar with the Sullivan family. If you have never heard the song Sullivan by Caroline's Spine, I would love to see a reaction on it. Love your work and have a blessed day!

[@Jayrock253]

A part of me wanted you to go down that rabbit hole at the end haha

[@RaysGarage-dl4bq]

Dude it's a classic can't believe that you haven't heard of this before even better than the original ❤❤❤❤

[@twistedtragedy]

This is the version of smooth criminal that i knew as a kid. For the longest time i didnt know it was a cover because MJ wasnt the type of music as a kid. But somehow this is my first time seeing the video

[@Cvillain626]

They actually recently just started putting out new music too :D I recommend Fade or Last dAntz, great new stuff and his voice hasn't changed at all

[@glennquagmire835]

Just a superb cover and a homage to MJ. I agree, they killed it.

[@girs666]

Great cover, great band! Also huge in Europe at the Time. So was MJ and Jackon five before!!

[@timhall7939]

MJ gave his approval and liked the song and video. 🤘

[@andrewparsons7876]

Mike Cosgrove, the drummer is wearing the single white glove, everyone always misses that MJ nod.

[@forestsleeperdellacroix5587]

See that smile on your face....thats the why of it all ;)

[@iamsquatty]

Nostalgiaaaaaaaaa 😊 so much nostalgia here for me 😂💜 2001 was the year i graduated high school so this type of music is my jam 😂

[@niceguyj1984]

These Days by Alien Ant Farm is fire. They were outside the BET Awards and got arrested for trespassing.

[@DockingChamp]

i was just thinking the other day that i'd like to see you react to AAF lmao so glad the universe agreed

[@juggaloflip3402]

They used to play this at their consert. word got out and enogh people loved it they asked if theuy could release it

[@TheMiddaydreamers]

The way that they do the leaning trick isn't with cords. They actually have a piece of metal sticking up from the floor and a catch built into their shoes. They hook the metal into the catch of their shoes to anchor them to the ground, letting them lean like that.

[@KingRam5891]

I love that song. Dang good saw them in El Paso when they came. They are awesome❤❤❤

[@bostons_departed3631]

Also, this was like, come in with the boys from skateboarding and slamming Mountain Dew and Xbox 😂.