Genre: soul
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Centipede
Company: Columbia
Catalog: BFE-39238
Year: 1984
Country/State: Gary, Indiana
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: includes original inner sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4451
Price: $8.00
Cost: $66.00
For a brief period in the mid 1980s Michael Jackson had the magic touch. Musically anything he was even remotely associated with seemed to go gold. As such, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the rest of the Jackson clan was eager to jump aboard the fame and fortune band wagon.
Older sister Rebbie was no exception, debuting as a recording act with 1984's "Centipede". First the good news. Written and produced by Michael, the title track is simply a killer song. One of the best tracks he's ever penned for someone other than himself, if literally glistens. Released as a single (Columbia catalog number 38-04547 ) the song also provided Rebbie with a well deserved top-40 pop and R&B hit. (Note, I've sold my copy, but the 45 seemed to have a tougher mix, so it's the version to look for.) Now the bad news. Produced by Crusader member Wayne Henderson, the rest of the album is good, but just doesn't match up to the title track. To my ears Rebbie's voice is kind of narrow and fragile, though most of her performances are every bit as good as Janet and are far better than anything LaToya ever did (check out 'Open Up My Love'). With the exception of a couple of the slower numbers such as 'A Fork In the Road' and the goofy 'Play Me (I'm a Jukebox)' producer Henderson did a pretty good job of covering up those limitations with a nice selection of material and smart production moves. Not exactly groundbreaking, but better than Janet's earlier efforts (though nowhere is good as Janet's later work).
"Centipede" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Centipede (Michael Jackson) -
2.) Come Alive It's Saturday Night (Tito Jackson - Jackie Jackson - Marion Jackson - Randy Jackson) -
3.) Hey Boy (Tito Jackson - DeeDee Jackson - Mike McKinney) -
4.) Open Up My Love (Jon Springer - Don Danians - Mary Stewart) -
(side 2)
1.) Play Me (I'm a Jukebox) (Jan Buckingham - Pam Tillis) -
2.) I Feel For You (Prince) -
3.) A Fork In the Road (William Robinson Jr. - Warren Moore - Ronald White) -
4.) Ready for Love (Frank Hamilton III) -