The king has returned. If you have no idea what “Thriller” is, heard of Anthology, or know of a monkey named Bubbles, then you could not care less that Michael Jackson is releasing a new CD, but he is. However, you will probably be hearing about it anyway.

On Oct. 30, Invisible, the newest album from Michael Jackson will be released. His new hip-pop sounding single, “You Rock My World” is already getting heavy radio play. However, his absence has never really been felt. The fastest feet in the industry has carried on his legacy vicariously through others.

This was not by design, of course, but Jackson’s style, moves, and music have been copied, satirized and worshiped by his fans, pundits and musicians all over the world.

Michael mania is what happens whenever the musician steps onto any stage. He does not even have to do anything these days, and a crowd can be reduced to a screaming bunch of teen-agers.

All the crotch-grabbing, feet-shuffling and great vocals seem to be a recipe for success, and is probably a reason why other singer and performers use his music and moves.

The highest form of flattery was paid to him by some of the most unlikely sources. Jay Z used some of MJ’s beats in his music, Usher is stealing some of his “Off the Wall” moves, and Destiny’s Child did a little “Thriller” action in their “Bootylicious” video.

The greatest tribute, to date, comes from an alternative rock band named Alien Ant Farm, whose album, ANThology, remakes the song, “Smooth Criminal” and in the video almost every Jacksonism and classic act is done in the most “white, urban, middle-class, house-party” way.

Not only is Jackson coming out with another CD, but the hallowed Jackson 5 returned for a Tribute concert! Jackie, Mikie, Marlon, Jermanie, Randy, and everyone’s favorite, Tito, came together for two concerts to perform their old favorites.

It was a grand time for those that could afford the 1,000 dollar tickets, but monkey food is not cheap. It is a Michael Millennium; Snoop Dogg even credits the King of Pop as being a major influence.

Throw in Chris Tucker’s impression of “Don’t Stop till you get Enough,” from Rush Hour 2, and all this music and fun is enough to get that evil guy from the “Moonwalker” video to dance.

Don’t expect Jackson to disappear anytime soon.