Michael Jackson/First Recordings Demos and Unreleased Tracks

This is a collection of recordings from the Jackson Five (or The Jacksons) era, including their very first recordings, unreleased songs, demos, and alternate versions. The Jackson Five began their musical career in their hometown of Gary, Indiana, and after winning a talent contest, they signed with a small local record company, Steeltown Records, and released their true debut song, “Big Boy,” in 1967. This was a year before they signed with Motown Records. In addition to “Big Boy,” “The Lover” and “Stormy Monday” are also valuable recordings from before their time at Motown. The collection also includes numerous unreleased songs and alternate versions that were recorded during their time at Motown but were never released. Listening to these songs, you’ll be surprised to hear the voices of boys around 10 years old, while also discovering new things and feeling moved. Perhaps because they were marketed as “idols” at the time, many of the unreleased (shelved) songs feel rather “mature” or “connoisseur-pleasing,” with a sophisticated and refined sound. And I can only take my hat off to young Michael, who (presumably) intuitively understood those songs and sang them brilliantly with emotion. In addition to unreleased tracks, it also includes demo versions of their signature songs such as “ABC,” “Shake Your Body,” and “Mama’s Pearl.” “ABC” has different lyrics in the song, and “Shake Your Body” still has a raw, “live” feel to it, which is very interesting. The bonus tracks include two live performances of “Rock With You” from Diana Ross’s show, which was Michael Jackson’s first appearance as a “solo artist” after the release of “Off the Wall,” and the lighthearted duet with Diana Ross from the movie “The Wiz,” “Ease On Down the Road.” It also includes the “ABC/I Want You Back Mix.” Listening to his voice from this era, this album makes you realize once again that Michael was indeed an unparalleled “genius” in music history. 1. Big Boy (Steeltown Session) 2. The Lover (Steeltown Session) 3. Stormy Monday (Steeltown Session) 4. The Jackson 5 Medley (Live at “Diana! Show”) 5. ABC (Demo) 6. You’ve Got A Friend (Unreleased) 7. Mama’s Pearl (Demo) 8. Ain’t No Sunshine (Unreleased Version) 9. The Tracks Of My Tears (Rehearsal Demo) 10. She Say What (Unreleased) 11. I Want You Back (Unreleased Version) 12. After The Storm (Unreleased) 13. If You Want Heaven (Unreleased) 14. Keep Off The Grass (Unreleased) 15. Shake Your Body (Demo) 16. You Ain’t Givin’ Me What I Want (Unreleased) Bonus Tracks: 17. Rock With You First Solo TV Appearance) (Live) 18. Ease On Down The Road (Duet with Diana Ross) (Live) 19. ABC / I Want You Back Mix 7.04