Review

Jermaine Jackson: Dynamite Videos (Wienerworld)

Jermaine – the gentle Jackson with the quiet voice – has his first video collection released by Wienerworld this month. Maybe not with the most exciting of music, but certainly long overdue in tribute to his talent.

The 'Dynamite' album, released in 1984, was his first for Arista, after leaving Motown and reuniting with his brothers. 'Do What You Do' is the only British hit included in this collection, and here we get to see the making of the video, and it in its entirety. Jermaine plays a black godfather – really looks the business in a tux too - with super model Iman as his co-star. There’s plenty of romance and smooching as Jermaine sings, whispers and gently seduces his way through this ballad. But Iman betrays him, tries to shoot him and is whisked away by his henchman. Her fate remains undetermined: never mind, it’s a super song.

By contrast there’s the fast tempo-ed 'Dynamite' which opens the dvd. Playing a convict this time, Jermaine - dressed in a luminous orange and blue striped track suit of sorts - dances and runs with loads of prison officers. The choreography really is a watered down 'Thriller', but there’s a wonderful interaction with an overlarge prison officer-ess throughout. Jermaine doesn’t escape, of course, but his lovely smile at the close of the song makes up for any wrongs he might have committed!

The two-gang inspired video to support 'When The Rain Begins To Fall' shows Jermaine on one side and Pia Zadora on the other. An attractive, high energy, frenetic track which I’ve always liked, accompanied by an interesting but twee storyline. Jermaine and Pia have a short time together before she returns from whence she came. 'Sweetest Sweetest', on the other hand, chugs along at a steady pace. This time, Jermaine looks dapper, showing off his skills as a hotel steward whose room service is too off-beat for words. It’s fun and the video suits the song perfectly. This was directed by Mike Brady while all the others were credited to Bob Giraldi. Greatly enjoyed this, but do wish there were dvd notes to accompany the disc.
Words SHARON DAVIS