“Lookin’ Through The Windows (Live at the Forum)”...

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“Lookin’ Through The Windows (Live at the Forum)” – Jackson 5

Excerpt from Live at the Forum – Disc 2 (1972)

Today’s Forum story:

“Ben” was the Jackson story of summer 1972 – for a solo Michael. Jermaine also had his solo debut, with “That’s The Way Love Goes,” taken from his self-titled LP, which was promoted ahead of the group and Michael on Soul Train in October. (Look for the clip – check the huge sign hanging over the bandstand.) The “other” single was this one, released June 23, 1972, and, while seemingly forgotten now, it was a top 5 Soul chart and top 20 Pop chart hit. The J5 performed “Windows” on TV in July, then again about two weeks after the Forum show they appeared on the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.

Clifton Davis, who had previously delivered “Never Can Say Goodbye,” wrote “Windows.” The original recording had an unusual arrangement – complete with a percussive riff subconsciously lifted from Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” that the J5 rhythm section had no trouble recreating onstage. The brothers also brilliantly handled the sophisticated vocal arrangement laid out on the original by John Bahler. John and his brother Tom, who later wrote MJ’s “She’s Out Of My Life,” often helped out with vocal arrangements in the group’s latter Motown days.

Suzee Ikeda, A&R assistant to producer Hal Davis, remembered how Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Jackie enjoyed recording the studio vocals, even cutting the lead and backgrounds in the same afternoon. “They were so happy and inspired, they finished it in one of the fastest vocal sessions I can recall,” she said.

Friday: MJ does JB