Earlier this week, I picked up a very worn vinyl copy of "Ben," Michael Jackson's second full-length solo record released on Motown Records back in 1972. There are bit of pops and crackles (no snaps, however), but otherwise, it plays beautifully. And it should too, because it's a beautiful song! Below is a young MJ from the Sonny & Cher show:

And for fun, here is a cover of the song by former ska/punk/rock band The Impossibles. It's how I was first introduced to the song, probably a decade ago during my major ska fandom.

I haven't decided which version I think is superior. Michael captures the sweetness of the message, while the Impossibles voice the devotion. Either way, both lend perhaps far too much emotion for a song about a rat.

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Powerful words from a powerful group. I'm pretty sure this is my favorite song off of Bayani -- it certainly has the most memorable hook.

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