The Jackson 5 - Goin' Back to Indiana/LookingThrough the Windows (CD)

All Music Guide

This single disc contains the CD debut of Goin' Back to Indiana -- the Jackson 5's hour-long television variety special -- as well as their subsequent studio album, Lookin' Through the Windows. Either could qualify as unique by any standard, however, together they provide transition -- chronologically as well as creatively -- to the next and decidedly more independent phase of the Jackson 5. Although many of the visual gags are lost in the medium, this soundtrack to the hour-long ABC network special Goin' Back to Indiana remains at the very least a time capsule. The show provided the context for some stellar live performances from the quartet's homecoming concert in Gary, IN. "The Day Basketball Was Saved" is a memorable fantasy sketch featuring a dream team consisting of Bill Russell, Elvin Hayes, Elgin Baylor, and Ben Davison going up against the Jackson 5. Musically, the nucleus of the album is the May 29, 1971, Gary homecoming concert. Highlights include a cover of Dave Mason's "Fe...elin' Alright" as well as a maniacally funky reading of the title track. Also from this performance is "Who's Lovin' You," one of the two bonus tracks on the disc. Although the Corporation -- a handpicked quartet of Motown producers, arrangers, and musicians whose prime directive was to oversee the Jackson 5 -- had more or less disbanded, there was enough excess material to develop the album. Ironically, tracks such as "Don't Let Your Baby Catch You" and "If I Have to Move a Mountain" are among the best non-hits from the Corporation. Likewise, the album gathers some memorable cover versions as well. Chief among them are brilliant readings of Jackson Browne's "Doctor My Eyes," the Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson composition "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," and "Little Bitty Pretty One," which was chosen as a single. The final bonus track is "Love Song," a non-LP B-side. - Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide Read more Less