POP MUSIC

ALBUM WATCH: If Michael Jackson’s new studio album doesn’t come out this year, put the blame on his pal Elizabeth Taylor. According to sources, Jackson was so busy with her wedding, which was held at his ranch, that he hasn’t been able to finish the new package, “Dangerous,” which is d-a-n-g-e-r-o-u-sl-y close to deadline.

Jackson’s label, Epic Records, is hoping the singer will finish in time to market it by Thanksgiving--the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It normally takes four weeks after receiving the finished master to get the album in the stores.