Rare CD of the J5 Live!
Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 05/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the "Holy Grails" of Jacksonmania (along with the Steeltown Records and the lost album with Stevie Wonder). Recorded in the Spring of 1973, this live CD is a treat for J5 fans.
Mike's voice begins to change on this one (he was about to turn 15) so one small minus here is hearing him awkwardly adpating to sing in lower keys. That asisde, its loads of fun. Check out "Cousin" Johnny Jackson's (wonder whatever happened to him?) drum solo that counts everything off in the beginning and don't be surprised to hear this sample on a future rap tune. Their rapport with the crowd and joy in what they're doing is infectious, and it's a nice change of pace to hear them do some other people's tunes (such as Superstition, Aint That peculiar, and Papa Was a Rolling Stone).
It's also good to hear the J5 actuially playing their own instruments (with the aforementioned "Cousin" Johnny Jackson on drums and Randy Rancifer on keyboards as well as Tito and Jermaine on guitar and bass-Motown didn't usually let them play on their studio albums).
So this is a real treat for the ears that will make you want to get up and have a good time. Get this along with their other live CD GOING BACK TO INDIANA (1971) and it will be impossible to be in a bad mood."
One of the few times Mike didn't blow me away
Maurice Taylor | Gilbert, Arizona | 11/04/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am very happy that this lost gem, has finally been released since I am a HUGE J5/Michael Jackson fan. Musically very tight by '73 these boys pros at their craft. The only disappointment was my boy Michael. Michael Jackson without any question is top 5 greatest live performers of ALL-TIME!!! Everytime he's performed from age 8 to probably 35, he absolutely blew me away. This time because his voice was changing he couldn't hit the upper registers of the songs that he made just 3 years prior. Mike's adlibs are average (thats usually where he shines)and he is fighting the notes. I'm guessing as his voice is changing by the day Mike probably doesn't know what notes he can hit from one day to the next. Mike is professional, he sounds good but he wasn't his normal mind-blowing."
The J5 turned Japan out
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 08/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is a Classic Concert by the Jackson 5. I have had this on tape for many,many years. Michael sounded very soulful and was on fire. Jermaine was Grooving as was Tito. the harmony and pacing is tight. the Jackson 5 didn't miss a beat on this live collection. you can tell that though they were very young, they were also very polished and had there thing down pat. the energy on stage was felt through the Audience. a mustg have for any J5 fan."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1