JACKSONS A WINNER FOR LOSER'S!

I caught the early show of the Loser's Lounge tribute to The Jacksons last night and enjoyed it all. There was a sense of playfulness as well as real enthusiasm for the music—my favorite kind of mix when it comes to these shows.

My favorites: Sean Altman and the Losertones harmonizing on Ben (from the loving sound of it, I don't think Connie Petruk was the only one who had an imaginary pet rat as a child), the regulars performing the obscure Goin' Places (which sounded a lot like material performed by Bloodstone in Last Train to Hollywood), Jana Peri's Benataresque Beat It, Nick Danger's Dirty Diana (over the years he's really grown as an interpreter), Tammy Faye Starlite's Nasty (which probably would have been better if she'd had a cordless mike and a wardrobe malfunction), Tricia Scotti's little Michael vocals over the course of the whole evening (Altman was also very good throughout as a second lead), Michal the Girl's seemingly effortless I Want You Back, and the closing set of Somebody's Watching Me/Thriller/State of Shock featuring the singing and acting talents of Victoria Liedtke and Wilder Selzer. The experience didn't change my preference for the bubblegum funk and soul of The Jackson 5 over the family's disco-transformed productions, but it enhanced my appreciation of both styles.

Here's Goin' Places.



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And here's a chance to hear Jackson and Mick Jagger on State of Shock.



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And here's a very memorable version teaming Jagger with another partner.



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Illustration: Cliff Mott