The Jackson 5 Ultimate Christmas Collection

 Just recently, The Estate authorized a re-release of The Jackson 5 Christmas Album with six bonus tracks plus four specials messages from Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, and Michael Jackson himself!

 These 6 stocking stuffers include:

• Little Christmas Tree(A very fine Michael Jackson outtake)
• A DJ Spinnare-Edit of "Up On The Housetop"
• Stripped mixes of their interpretations of "Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Someday At Christmas".
• An outstanding acappella studio performance of "Give Love On Christmas Day"!
• And a wonderful J5 Christmas Medley to wrap it all up!

Critique

  I really still the stripped mixes with a never before heard J5 Medley to spice-up the albums resolution. I was ecstatic to hear a group acappella version of "Give Love On Christmas Day". A Season's Greeting is invoked inbetween eack bonus track(to add a personal touch)!

 The only track I thought unnecessary was DJ Spinna's Re-Edit of "Up On The Housetop"(you really can't tell the original from this edition apart). "Little Christmas Tree" and messages from Mick, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie are nice. But these have already been leaked onto the internet(well before Michael Jackson died). I wished they also added more unreleased masters(if they do exist).

 But unlike Thriller 25, you will not find any bad interpretations that beg the question why?! To wrap it all up, The Jackson 5 Ultimate Christmas Collection is a wonderful gift to give during the holiday and an addition to your collectors items!

 I offer these songs for free on my blog. However, if you want hear them in top quality(and in the comfort of your own living-room), then I strongly suggest you get yourself a copy over Here!

Little Christmas Tree

 "Little Christmas Tree" was an outtake of The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. Leaving this gold nugget off the record is beyond me. I strongly believed this would've been a #1 hit instantly! Becoming their forth album with a track to do so(then again, it's unnecessary since they've already scored a record 4 #1 hits in a row).
"Little Christmas Tree" was added as a bonus track in 2003's reissue as well as "A Motown's Christmas" in 1973.

 Michael's vocals on here are just genius and purely raw and crisp! Why does every outtake with Michael Jackson have to be better then the official tracklists(sigh).



- Michael Jackson Lyrics

J5 "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

little Jimmy Boyton is credited for the original 1952 classic. Who was blacklisted for associating Christmas with what they deemed to be inappropriate sexual connotations(go figure). You can listen to it over Here.

 The J5 spiced it up with a little Soul and Jazz. Ascribing their own signature spoken words and fresh vocals. Listen below...



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Jackson 5 "Someday At Christmas"

 This version can be found on The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. First released by Stevie Wonder around the Christmas of 1967(listen right Here). While his was more of a Romantic pondering, The Jackson 5 gave it an upgrade to Soul. Sandwiched in between "White Christmas". Perfectly stacked together to give you warm aspirations for the holidays.



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Give Love On Christmas Day

 A beautiful solo by Michael Jackson from The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. This was re-released as a U.S. single in the 80's for it's initial translation into compact disk. Formerly, the single was only available in "The Philippines".

 This is my favorite off of this album. Michael's crisp and earnest vocals reminds me a lot of I'll Be There-Their best accomplishment yet!



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year

 A Michael Jackson solo from The Jackson 5 Christmas Album-Issued in October of 1970.

 One of only three originals from the LP penned and produced by "The Corporation". I wasn't really feeling this as a Christmas sing-a-long. But that's just me. It's certainly supersedes a lot of today's so-called Christmas tunes. After all, it does have a jingle.



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

J5 "Rudolph The Red Nosed Raindeer"

 Primitively, this was a children's bedtime story conceived by Robert A. May in 1939 while employed by Montgomery Ward. A pioneer in direct marketing.

 Years later, Johnny Marks waived "Rudolph" into a song which Gene Autry recorded in 1949(Take a listen Here). Instantly becoming a Christmas favorite! Many other big names followed suit with their own tastes including "The Jackson 5".

 The introduction reminds me a bit of "Goin' Back To Indiana". Followed by the rest(which has a hint of "Carpenter" from The Four Tops).



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

Jackson 5 "Little Drummer Boy"

 The Jackson 5 recorded a remake for "The Little Drummer Boy' on their Jackson 5 Christmas Album.

 Originally the carol is from an old traditional Czech song and later translated into English by Katherine and Davis. In 1957 The Jack Halloran Singers introduced this "Carol Of The Drums" to the masses. However, Simeon a year later was credited for making this Christmas tune popular(you can listen over Here).

 "The Corporation" gave these boys a snappy remake. Maybe not the best. But nonetheless, very Funky for a pre-teen band(do I sense a slight pubescent crack in MJ's vocals wink).



Lyrics | The Little Drummer Boy lyrics

Jackson Five "Frosty The Snowman"

 This remake is from the Jackson 5 Christmas Album.

 I bet you didn't know Frosty wasn't meant for Christmas(lean somethin' knew everyday). It was composed to ease off nuclear winter scares and dream of a time without wars. However, Gene Autry sculpted this carol to give it a more jolly tune for the holidays(Listen over Here).

 The Jackson 5 give it a more Soulful Funky attitude on this rendition! Listen below...



Lyrics | Frosty The Snowman lyrics

J5 "Up On The Housetop"

From their 1970 Jackson 5 Christmas Album comes "UP On The Housetop". Mingled with little clips of "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Rudolph" to the tune of ABC.

 This goes way back to 1860! When album charts never even existed. To a United Brethren Church way deep in the backwoods.

 But in 1953, this traditional sing-a-long transcended into a Country record by Gene Autry( listen Here). During the 60's, Motown used this carol for a handful of recording artists to render unique interpretations. "The Jackson Five" happen to be on the caboose.



Lyrics | Up On The Housetop lyrics

The Christmas Song

 "The Christmas Song" was covered on The Jackson 5 Christmas Album in late 1970.

 One blistering hot Summer Afternoon. Torme earnestly longed for the bitterly-cold days of Christmas. Where he could cuddle up near a cozy fireplace to keep warm. That's when these words popped out of his head. In no time did he compose a new Christmas carol in 1944.

 The lyrics were distributed to Nat King Cole who first performed this song in 1946. Of course many others followed suit as each new Christmas came and went. And who else but The Jackson Five would transform the tune into a Bubblegum carol.

The Christmas Song - Jackson 5

The Christmas Song Lyrics

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to...You
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
Hes bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mothers child is on the spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Though it has been said many times, many ways

Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas)
Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas)
Merry Christmas to...You

J5 "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town"

 From their fourth LP The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. The very fist edition was by "George Hall and the Hotel Taft Orchestra" in 1934. And has been parodied ever since by numerous recording artists. Including "The Crystals" of whom "The Jackson 5" got the inspiration for their rendition. Where they kick it up just a notch.



Lyrics | Santa Claus Is Coming To Town lyrics

Spend Christmas With The Jackson 5

 After reviewing "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5", "Abc", and "The Third Album", it's now time to critique "The Jackson 5 Christmas Album".

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 We start off with 7 ultra classic Christmas carols updated on a more Soulful early seventies parody. The J5 tried a shot at mimicking Diana Ross's "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town". Even borrowing a few loops from "The Love You Save" on Up On The Housetop". The Funkilisious "Frosty The Snowman" together with "Rudolph's" ab-libs and the hybrid Standard/Soul "Merry Little Christmas" makes this album a great reinterpretation on age-old Christmas Carols.

 Now for the originality, "Give Love On Christmas Day" blossoms with raw vocals from Little Michael. But I thought "Someday At Christmas" was unnecessary(since Stevie did such a wonderful job). Add to that the filler "Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year". However "Little Christmas Tree" more then makes up for those frills. Michael's raw, passionate, sincerely rangeful vocal harmonies could've sour this puppy to number one(had they included the tune as a single)!

 In closing up, The Jackson 5 Christmas Album is worth listening to occasionally when the holidays come about!

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

3. The Christmas Song

4. Up On The Housetop

5. Frosty the Snowman

6. The Little Drummer Boy

7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

8. Christmas Won't Be the Same This Year

9. Give Love On Christmas Day

10. Someday At Christmas

11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

12. Little Christmas Tree

 I hope you enjoyed having a little Christmas with The Jackson Five. Our next post lands us in 1971 with Maybe Tomorrow!

Jackson 5 "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

 A Christmas Carol covered on The Jackson Five Christmas Album. Formerly sung by Judy Garland(The original "Wizard of Oz" lady) from the Broadway film "Meet Me In Saint Louis". The tune was based on a sadistic family split after Christmas. Hence, the words...

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
This might be your last.
Next year we may be living in the past

Here's the Original.

 Some time later, Hugh Martin garnished the carol(for Sinatra) with a more optimistic appeal. Stressing Christmas as a time of joy and harmony.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
May Your Hearts be light.
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.

Listen to Sinatra's Version

 As with most remakes, The Jackson 5 did a stupendous job interpreting the carol for a new generation.

 Towards the final stage, there's an anti-climatic breakthrough with Michael mimicking signatures from "The Love You Save" on a round of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Frank Sinatra pulled a similar feat on his take(a swingin' guitar lick of Jingle Bells).



- Jackson 5 Lyrics

More Outtakes From Michael Jackson's Beginnings

 And now, here are some underground tracks from the J5 and/or Michael Jackson. Between 1971-75. For those of you who are new, read up on their outtakes spanning from 1966-70 on my prier posting "Outtakes From The Jackson 5 Era".

1)Papa Was A Rollin' Stone

2)A Fool For You

3)Ask The Lonely

4)We Can Have Fun

5)Guess Who's Making Whoopie With Your Girlfriend-A demo version to their #2 hit "Mama's Pearle" for the "Third Album". The lyrics were substantially changed due to efforts to keep the kids squeaky clean. Listen to the un-altered version Here.

6)You Ain't Giving Me What I Want(So I'm Taking It All Back)

7)Can't Get Ready For Losing You

8)Your The Only One
Jackie Jackson leads the other four on the outtake eventually chosen for his debut solo album. Listen to a sneak peek right here.


Your The Only One

9)Coming Home

10)Everybody Is A Star

11)I Hear A Symphony-It was little Michael who actually suggested they do a male counterpart to "I Hear A Symphony" By "The Supremes". Although it was rejected both for "The Jackson 5" and his solo career. Nevertheless, he gave it a shot. Motown eventually wound up using this gem as a filler on the Soulstation compilation.

12)I'm Glad It Rained

13)Jamie

14)Just A Little Misunderstanding

15)Let's Have A Party

16)Love Scenes

17)Money Honey

18)25 Miles

And here is a series of unleaked material(some possibly performed live).

19)You Haven't Done Nothin'(A cover to Stevie Wonder's hit. Was scheduled to land on their next shelved album right after Moving Violation)

20)What's Your Life(A duet between Michael and Jermaine Jackson. An outtake of Forever Michael)

21)Killing Me Softly With His Song

22)Danny Boy(Song originally a Celtic nursery rhyme eventually evolved into an Anglo/Saxon tradition. By 1918, "Danny Boy" became an Irish anthem. By the time the British Invasion was established, numerous artists created their own covers-Including The Jackson Five. See them perform on my sister blog Post)

23)By The Time I Get To Phoenix(Formerly sung by Johnny Rivers in 1965. Glen Campbell made it famous later on. The Jackson 5 only performed it live. Watch it Here)

24)Lulu

25)Would Ya Would Ya(Written by Freddie Perren and Christine Yarian)

ButtercupA cover to Stevie Wonder's hit and a title track to an unreleased J5 album. Originally scheduled to hit the market after "Moving Violation")

 Well, I hoped you've enjoyed our little chat as we journey through The Jackson Five Era-Michael Jackson's very beginnings. Next we'll look into his next chapter with "The Jacksons".

Outtakes From The Jackson 5 Era

 Today, I want to guide you through some rare outtakes. Spanning the recordings between 1966-70. Jointly known as Michael's "Jackson Five Era".

1)I've Gotta Be Me

2)Lavender Blue

3)You Can't Hurry Love

4)It's Your Thing

5)Reach Out(I'll Be There)

6)Sunny Boy

7)To Sir With Love

8)After The Storm

9)Come And Get It

10)If I Can't(Nobody Can)

11)If You Want Heaven

12)Paper Doll

13)That's How Love Is

14)She Say She Want

15)Keep Off The Grass

I Can't Get You Off My Mind(1968)
 Join me next time for the remaining Jackson Five outtakes from 1971-75.

Jackson 5 "A Fool For You"

 A remake to a Ray Charles classic from 1958. It featured as a single from his record "Ray Charles At New Port" in 1958(listen to his version Here).

 O.K. comparing the two, I'd have to say Michael infuses a lot more soul. However, Ray Charles is still a classic.
This was meant to feature on a Michael Jackson solo.

A Fool For You Lyrics

I know you told me
Such a long time ago
Well, you didn't, you didn't want me around, baby yeah, hey, hey
You didn't love me no more
But I know something, yeah
That makes me be
I just want to say, yeah
I just want to say, yeah
I've been a fool for you, baby (I've been a fool so long)
I've been a fool for you, baby, yeah
Oh. it's not your clothes
It's not your, it's not your walk
It's not your easy, yeah, yeah,yeah, yeah, yeah
It's not your, it's not your easy baby talk,yeah, yeah, oh
I know something, it must be something, yeah
Ooh, oh, that makes me feel
Oh, that makes me feel
That I've been a fool for you, baby, yeah (A fool for you so long)
I've been a, I've been a fool for you baby, yeah
Did ya ever wake up in the morning
Just about the, just about the break of day
You reach over, you reach over and feel the pillow, yeah, yeah, yeah
Where your baby, where your baby used to lay, yeah, yeah, yeah
Then you put, then you, then you put on your crying, yeah
Like you never, like you never cried before, yeah, yeah
I said, I said, I said you ever, you ever cry so loud, yeah
You give the blues, you give the blues to the neighbor next door
Ever since, ever since you were one, two, three, four, five years old
I've been a, I've been a fool for you baby, yeah
Way down in my, way down in my soul, yeah, yeah
I know it must be, I know it must be something, yeah, something, yeah
That makes me feel, that makes me feel
I've been a fool for you, baby, yeah (A fool for you so long)
Oh, oh, I've been a fool for you, baby
Ooh, oh, oh I've been a fool for you, yeah (A fool for you so long)
'Cause it's, 'cause it's, 'cause it's in my soul

MJ "To Make My Father Proud"

 We conclude "Farewell My Summer Love" with another Motown-manufactured Bubblegum Soul piece. Not real at all. What I mean is his father was harsh on Michael. So I highly doubt pleasing Joseph was his highest ambition. Or maybe it was out of compulsion(*Note* I'm not saying he didn't respect his father).

This song was originally sung by Frankie Valli(which you can listen to Here).



- Michael Jackson Lyrics

Call On Me

 Written by the Mizell Brothers and given to Michael Jackson on his then shelved 1975 album Farewell My Summer Love. An album Motown later released during Michael's heyday.



Call On Me

MJ "Here I Am Come And Take Me"

 Originally Al Green composed this tune in 1973 for his album "Call Me". As was so often in those days, Motown asked teen-aged Michael Jackson to do his own remake. He agreed. Yet the Farewell My Summer Love project was abandoned until the Summer of 1985. When Michael Jackson shot up into the stratosphere with Thriller!
To listen to the original, Click Here.

MICHAEL JACKSON lyrics