Unsong: We are the World by U.S.A. for Africa (Side B) - 352

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Well, here we are again, back in the trenches of musical altruism, digging through the chaos and cocaine fumes of We Are the World. In our final part of this double header, we examine the actual recording process—a night filled with megastars, massive egos, and the creeping existential dread of Bob Dylan.

We cover:

  • Lionel Richie’s unexpected side hustle as a musical firefighter, putting out diva-induced blazes.

  • Quincy Jones' increasing exasperation as some of the greatest voices in music fail to hit their notes.

  • Michael Jackson going off the deep end with Sheyla-Sheyla (which is absolutely, 100% real).

  • Stevie Wonder offering to guide Ray Charles to the loo, leading to perhaps the only acceptable "blind leading the blind" joke in history.

  • Prince skipping the whole thing to eat Mexican food down the road.

  • Cindy Lauper causing technical difficulties by jingling like a Christmas tree made entirely of cheap jewellery.

  • Diana Ross possibly being the most accidentally terrifying sweetheart of all time.

Also: did this song actually make a difference? Or was it just the moment that finally convinced Michael Jackson he was the second coming? We get into all of that, while trying to decide whether the song is a masterpiece or just a very elaborate Pepsi advert.

00:00 Podcast Introduction and Banter

01:12 Podcast Admin and Patreon Promotion

04:42 Recording 'We Are the World': Setting the Scene

04:47 Quincy Jones and the Ensemble Choruses

07:03 Challenges and Tensions in the Studio

13:49 Prince's Absence and Sheila E's Disappointment

17:23 Final Takes and Notable Moments

25:14 Reflections and Aftermath

30:27 Michael Jackson's Missionary Phase

31:37 The Concept of an Artist's Imperial Moment

32:45 The Role of MTV and Charity Singles

34:09 Critiques and Controversies of Charity Campaigns

35:20 Bandaid vs. USA for Africa: Distribution and Impact

37:56 Political Complexities of Ethiopian Famine

44:08 Mismanagement and Consequences of Aid

47:02 USA for Africa's Long-Term Development Approach

49:53 Cultural Impact and Legacy of Charity Singles

52:39 Conclusion: Achievements and Lessons Learned

 
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