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From the Vault...
03/26/2000
#674 |
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info
Isley Brothers
"The Isley Brothers Story
Volume 1:
Rockin' Soul
(1959-68)"
© Rhino Records
Year of Release: 1991
Rating:
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track listing
Shout - Pts. 1 & 2
Respectable
Rock Around
The Clock
Open Up Your Heart
Your Old Lady
Twist And Shout
Twistin' With Linda
Nobody But Me
She's Gone
You'll Never Leave Him
Who's That Lady
Testify - Pts. 1 & 2
The Last Girl
Move Over And
Let Me Dance
This Old Heart Of Mine
(Is Weak For You)
Take Some Time Out
For Love
I Guess I'll
Always Love You
Got To Have You Back
Take Me In Your Arms
(Rock Me A
Little While)
Behind A Painted Smile
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Isley Brothers
"The Isley Brothers Story-Volume 1: Rockin' Soul (1959-68)"
When you think of the Isley Brothers, most people remember their songs
from the 1970s, such as "Who's That Lady," and "It's Your Thing."
What most people may not know about them, is that they've been around since
the late 1950s. Rhino's Volume 1: Rockin' Soul (1959-68) features
the beginning years of the Isleys, where their music truly does define black
rhythm & blues/soul music.
The album opens with "Shout - Pts. 1 & 2", where most people may not
remember that the Isleys version. Most people remember this song from the
movie Animal House, by Otis Day & The Knights. "Respectable" is
another song that many 1960s bands had covered, (most famous later by The
Outsiders). And even though Bill Haley had the original, what act hasn't
recorded their version of "Rock Around The Clock?" "Twist And Shout,"
where most people remember The Beatles' version, is also here by the Isleys.
"Open Up Your Heart" has the common 1950s doo-wop sound.
"Your Old Lady" is more rhythm & blues, and it has some pure grit to it.
Other grit-R&B songs: "Twistin' With Linda," and "Testify Pts. 1
& 2," which is in the same style as "Shout," having a James Brown
and/or Little Richard style.
"Nobody But Me" is on this collection, as this song is most remembered
by the band The Human Beinz. The Isleys' version is more upbeat, and most
definitely, defines rhythm & blues.
"She's Gone" truly defines soul with this ballad. "You'll Never
Leave Him" has a pop sound, and it's a song that could easily have been
recorded by the likes of Harry Belafonte.
Back in this time period, the Isleys recorded "Who's That Lady,"
which would be later covered by them in the heyday of 1970s soul/funk. Their
version here is a bit more jazzy.
"The Last Girl" is another soul ballad, as in the style of Smokey
early Robinson & The Miracles. Another typical R&B number, like their version
of "Twist And Shout," "Shout" and "Testify," the song "Move
Over And Let Me Dance" gets the R&B juices flowing.
One of the most popular early Isley songs is "This Old Heart Of Mine
(Is Weak For You)" is here, and it's truly a great song, which in later
decades (1990) would feature Ronald Isley with Rod Stewart. "Take Some Time
Out For Love" is another R&B number, as heard in many other songs from
this collection. "I Guess I'll Always Love You" is a bit more pop,
"Got To Have You Back" has a Smokey Robinson-Motown sound.
And another one of those "I didn't know they did that song:"
In the 1970s The Doobie Brothers recorded "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A
Little While)." And the Isleys recorded this song too; it's just as great
as the Doobies' version. Closing out the album is "Behind A Painted
Smile," another Motown sound-alike.
Defining true-grit rhythm and blues and a small touch of soul, best defines
the early years of The Isley Brothers. Ronald, Rudolph and O'Kelly Isley
put more "oomph" in their early years, than the common doo-wop sound of most
early 1950s acts. The music style they performed could easily be seen in the
likes of Little Richard, James Brown, and early Motown. All in all, it's pure
black rhythm & blues. Some of these songs you have heard on oldies stations,
and maybe surprised that the Isleys recorded these songs, like "Shout"
and "Twist And Shout." Even songs that would much later be covered,
like "Take Me In Your Arms," and "Nobody But Me." And then
there's the original version of what would later become one of their signature
songs, "Who's That Lady," and the unforgettable "This Old Heart Of
Mine." It's a true fine collection of songs by the Isleys, and a great
listen in discovering their early recordings.
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959-68)"< Records
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