Search - Jackson 5 :: Live at the Forum

Buy this cd. It's amazing!.

A. Brown | Toledo, OH. | 07/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally! The J5 "Live at the Forum". What I love most about these performances is that they were recorded when the Jackson 5 were in their prime. The electricity and energy leaps right off of the first song. You almost feel that you are right there with them on stage. Something that impressed me alot was the musicianship of the band. Think about it, Tito & Jermaine were ages 16 and 15 at the 1970 concert. They, along with Johnny (drums), Ronnie (keyboards) and even Jackie (tambourine) were tight! Compared to the studio versions of the songs they sang, this was very good for a group of teenagers to replicate those sounds. What struck me the most was by the time they returned to The Forum in 1972, you can tell that their skills had tremendously improved. Jermaine (bass) was killing it the entire 1972 show. OMG! And Tito was holding it all together on Lead Guitar. I absolutely loved the transition out of "Brand New Thing" (pause 3 seconds) straight into "I Want You Back". It was perfect. The audience didn't have time to catch their breathe before they hit you again with hit after hit after hit. I also loved the songs (B-sides, album tracks) that they performed during the '72 show. All of Michael & Jermaine's solo stuff was great. Marlon & Jackie have incredible stage pressence.The group as a whole was phenomenal. You can tell by my review that I'm a huge J5 fan. I always will be. I grew up to their music, tv appearances, Saturday morning cartoon show, etc. etc. Simply put, they were the definition of "Musical Legends". When I think about the artists & performers of today's generation, I think about how lucky I was to be a kid growing up listening to and watching the Jackson 5. And what more can you say that hasn't already been said about Michael. People seem to forget that long before "Thriller", he was the baddest frontman to ever hold a microphone. Still is in my opinion. And to many of us kids growing up in the 1970s, they were simply the baddest group, period. 'Nuff said. Buy this cd. It's amazing!"

Simply Wonderful

Stephanie | Sacto, CA | 07/03/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so glad I bought this CD. These two concerts are like a snapshot in time. The first one, from June 1970 shows an energetic and excited group, just releasing The Love You Save. There are several covers, which the J5 pull off like seasoned musicians. Michael commands the stage, a clear leader. He is so charming. I was laughing and smiling during the whole thing.



The second concert is from 1972, just 3 days before Michael's 14th birthday. His voice is changing, but he nails Ben, Ain't No Sunshine and I Wanna Be Where You Are. Jermaine's voice too is smooth and romantic.



The CD includes a booklet with some great photos and an essay. There is also a pull-out with a photo of each of the brothers and some personal tidbits about each one.



I hope that J5 and MJ fans are aware of this CD - it's a must have. I was in love with J5 before and now I am madly in love!"

Hip-O-Select does it again

A. Gift For You | 07/08/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, let me get out one thing out of the way: this set is not cheap. Even amidst a recession, spending over $30 for a CD may seem crazy. But with past Hip-O-Select reissues such as Diana Ross' Touch Me In the Morning (Expanded Edition), Meet the Supremes (Expanded Edition) and The Miracles "Depend on Me: The Early Albums", you know you're getting something special. And this is a special package, and definitely worth the price.



Featuring two performances from the early '70s, this album captures the Jackson 5 at their peak. LIke other reviewers have noted, the electric energy from these performances bounce off the speakers as if you're transported back to the early '70s. Listening to Michael Jackson in his early days is a revelation - onstage, he was charming, outgoing, funny and confident, unlike the reticent stage performer he became late in his life. What's most impressive is how tight a band the Jackson 5 was. When they cover soul classics such as "Feelin' Alright" and "It's Your Thing", they do not come off as cheesy or trying too hard; they are actually funky and soulful.



It's hard to believe these performances have been sitting around for so long waiting to be released. It makes me wonder what other undiscovered treasures lay waiting in the Motown vaults.



If you're a fan of Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5 or Motown, you must buy this set."