Yeah, it adds an air of tragedy to some damn cute and cheery pop songs from those pre-teen years in the Jackson Five.
I reckon (the nigh identical) 'ABC' and 'I Want You Back' are awesome, also went through a period of major Quincy Jones obsession in my mid-20s and got hooked on 'Off The Wall'. 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough' and 'Rock With You' are two of my favourite dance tracks ever and the Stevie Wonder-written 'I Can't Help It' is beeeeauuutiful.
I'm not much of a fan of the 80s business, although I still can't fathom how I'm not completely sick of 'Billy Jean'. It's had little resurgences in the dance community (or communities I've been part of) so many times, comes out at any kind of retro / kitchen sink / mash-up night, etc. been sampled by everyone from Losoul to THE MOTHERUCKING RESIDENTS!?, been obsessed over and dissected to death by all my music-loving friends and it's still awesome.
Right there with you.
I grew up with the Jackson 5ive (yes, I'm that old) and watched Michael Jackson evolve from a talented kid lead singer to a really talented singer and dancer. But somewhere along the way, he lost his mind and seemed to want to become Diana Ross. Then he wanted to become The White Diana Ross. A skin condition, right, uh-huh.
True story: We were watching a thing on TV one time, back when Michael was still immensely popular, and he was receiving some kind of award (probably MTV). They showed clips from all throughout his career, from the Jackson 5ive onward. My son, then four or five years old, turns and asks
"Michael Jackson... used to be... black?"
It's a joke now, but I'm sure my son had never heard it. He was honestly confused trying to resolve the images of early Michael Jackson with the later freakshow.
