David Berthy Posts

I love some of the slower-paced early Michael Jackson numbers. Because
the smiling, “ABC” Michael dominates the collective memory of the
young star, it’s easy to forget that he could bring a preturnatural
soulfulness to slower numbers. Included here are “Maria (You Were The
Only One)” and a cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine.” It’s tempting to point
out Jackson’s despair is a little out of scale for a thirteen-year-
old, especially when he goes into a Barry White-style address in Maria
(“...sweet little sunflower.”) Or how disturbing these expressions of
anguish are given what we no know about Jackson’s life. But ultimately
I prefer to throw all that out the window and enjoy the sheer
craziness of the performances

Michael Jackson Numbers