Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5/ABC [Bonus Tracks]

Performer: The Jackson 5
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: 2 LPs on 1 CD: DIANA ROSS PRESENTS THE JACKSON 5 (1969)/ABC (1970). The Jackson 5: Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson (vocals). Producers: Bobby Taylor, The Corporation, Hal Davis. Reissue producer: Harry Weinger. DIANA ROSS PRESENTS THE JACKSON 5 originally released on Motown (700). ABC originally released on Motown (709). Includes liner notes by Brian Chin. Digitally remastered by Jeff Willens (Universal Mastering Studios-East). Liner Note Author: Brian Chin. Photographer: George Rodriguez . Arrangers: Paul Riser; David Van De Pitte. This CD contains their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 and the follow-up disc, ABC. In terms of sheer performance talent, the Jackson 5 are unquestionably among the best. The sibling-tight harmonies as well as youthful soul and funk exuberance sent these albums not only to the top of the R&B, but also the pop album charts in 1969 and 1970, respectively. It is not hard to understand why. Musically, both albums are propelled by the same exceedingly funky grooves previously sported by the likes of James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone -- an obvious influence, as their cover of "Stand" is among the highlights of the debut long-player. The same can be said of the George Clinton-penned "I Bet You," which arguably eclipses the Funkadelic version featured on their eponymously titled release. Their pursuit of fresh soul sounds also inevitably led to the sophisticated arrangements of Philly soul mavericks Thom Bell and William Hart, who provide "Can You Remember" on Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, as well as "La La (Means I Love You)" on ABC. The Corporation -- a self-contained Motown contingent of writers, producers, and musicians -- provide material from within. Their contributions include "I Want You Back" from the first album, as well as "The Love You Save" and the title track from ABC, each of which were crossover chart-toppers on the pop as well as R&B surveys. ~ Lindsay Planer Less than two weeks before the 1960s were left to be deciphered in the history books, Motown unleashed Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 (1969) and in doing so fittingly marked the beginning of a new era in crossover pop and soul. For all intents and purposes, this dozen-song disc introduced the world to the sibling talents of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and most significantly of all, a prepubescent powerhouse named Michael Jackson. The brothers' inextricably tight vocal harmonies were fueled by the ebullience of youth and inexperience while the flames of their collective success were stoked with the funkified vibe of urban America. Immediately evident is the influence that Sly & the Family Stone (whose "Stand!" is an unmitigated zenith in the Jackson 5's care), James Brown, and even Funkadelic had on the J5. In fact, the quintet would actually cover George Clinton's "I Bet You" on their sophomore effort, ABC (1970). The burgeoning sounds coming out of Philly were having a similarly sizable impact, as evidenced by the addition of the Thom Bell/William Hart track "Can You Remember," which is one of the album's highlights. Another discernibly affective force was found closer to home, as they also drew on the considerable Motown back catalog with "My Cherie Amour," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," and a powerful reading of "(I Know) I'm Losing You." Under the moniker of "the Corporation," Motown staffers and artists including Bobby Taylor, instrumentalists Deke Richards (guitar), Freddie Perren (keyboard) , and Fonce Mizell (keyboards), and the label's co-founder, Berry Gordy, came up with a handful of dominant originals. Prominent among them are the midtempo "Nobody" and their double-sided chart-topping single "I Want You Back" b/w the Smokey Robinson-penned "Who's Lovin' You." [The 2001 CD reissue of Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 is coupled with their subsequent collection, ABC, and includes the supplementary "Oh, I've Been Blessed" from the very first J5 session at Motown.] ~ Lindsay Planer Now that the entire Jackson 5 Motown Records catalogue has been renovated, each single disc contains two long-players, as well as chronologically applicable bonus tracks. This CD contains their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5; the follow-up disc, ABC; as well as "Oh, I've Been Blessed," a track from the quintet's earliest-known recording sessions for Motown. In terms of sheer performance talent, the Jackson 5 are unquestionably among the best. The sibling-tight harmonies as well as youthful soul and funk exuberance sent these albums not only to the top of the R&B, but also the pop album charts in 1969 and 1970, respectively. It is not hard to understand why. Musically, both albums are propelled by the same exceedingly funky grooves previously sported by the likes of James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone -- an obvious influence, as their cover of "Stand" is among the highlights of the debut long-player. The same can be said of the George Clinton-penned "I Bet You," which arguably eclipses the Funkadelic version featured on their eponymously titled release. Their pursuit of fresh soul sounds also inevitably led to the sophisticated arrangements of Philly soul mavericks Thomas Bell and William Hart, who provide "Can You Remember" on Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, as well as "La La (Means I Love You)" on ABC. The Corporation -- a self-contained Motown contingent of writers, producers, and musicians -- provide material from within. Their contributions include "I Want You Back" from the first album, as well as "The Love You Save" and the title track from "ABC," each of which were crossover chart-toppers on the pop as well as R&B surveys. This two-fer disc boasts 24-bit remastered sound as well as a 16-page liner-notes booklet complete with a historical essay, previously unpublished photos, and pertinent discographical information. ~ Lindsay Planer

Q (10/99, p.161) - Included in Q Magazine's Best Motown Records Of All Time.

Gary, Indiana brothers Tito, Jermaine, Randy, Michael, and Marlon Jackson were the Jackson 5 (later known simply as the Jacksons). One of the most influential and successful vocal groups of all time, they became worldwide superstars before they hit their teens. The Jackson 5's music was a highly accessible mix of R&B and straight pop with enormous crossover appeal. The group's focus was on the prodigious talents of its lead singer, Michael, who even at nine years old sang with the authentic soul feel of a grown man. Michael's subsequent solo career made him one of the biggest-selling artists in history, but the work of the Jackson 5 remains a vital part of pop and R&B history.

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