DEFENCE MACHINE

James Brown, damn, has added his weight to the Jackson trial clamour, suggesting that Michael was set up:

"I think he's been set up like most entertainers. They've been trying to do that to me all my life, trying to get something for nothing."

Yes, it was all part of an elaborate sting that involved persuading Jackson to chirrup away to Martin Bashir about how great it is having wee kiddies in your bedroom at night. If it does turn out that Jackson has (apparently repeatedly) been the victim of a massive con trick, he might want to ponder if his own behaviour left him exposed.

Meanwhile, James Brown has insisted that he is music, and he writes the songs:

"All the music playing the last part of the 20th century was all James Brown," he said. "The 21st century is just James Brown period," he said.

"Whether it's rap, hip hop, gospel, or country doesn't make no difference. They are all using my stuff and I'm glad because I've been able to bring something to music," he added.

We've played the third Oasis album back to front, and we can't see any James Brown in it all.

music michael jackson james brown