Harvesting sweet soul sound of youth

Returning this week to my other love '“ music '“ I have been remembering the heady days of the 1970s with quite some nostalgia.
The Isley Brothers still sound great todayThe Isley Brothers still sound great today
The Isley Brothers still sound great today

Back then people seemed to belong to one musical camp or another. Were you into rock or soul, for example?

There was even a kind of snobbery attached to it where people were embarrassed to admit their liking for another genre.

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I had eclectic tastes and either liked or disliked what I heard, however, one of my favourite genres back then was soul music. As the word ‘soul’ suggests, the music really did seem to touch the parts other music could not reach.

One of my favourite bands of all time is The Isley Brothers and I have had occasion to want to shout from the rooftops just how awesome and amazing they were.

Not only did their lead singer have an appealing and powerful voice, which could convey different emotional states with ease, the band also produced some gorgeous melodies which still affect to this day.

Given that they were so good, it is surprising we do not hear more of them on those radio nostalgia programmes.

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And, even though their name is rarely mentioned, enough musicians out there have been covering their finest.

It has to be said, as well, that the thing which defines them as vastly superior, within their genre, is ‘that’ guitar, all Jimi Hendrix. What! It’s amazing, to this day.

Listen to ‘Summer Breeze’ again and tell me I’m wrong.

I do believe, in fact, that Jimi H had some prior link with the band.

Another fab track is ‘Who Loves You Better’ which also showcases the most amazing guitar work.

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Along with ‘Summer Breeze’, ‘Who’s That Lady’ shines, super cool, as a great summer song, even on a sullen day it cannot fail to lift your mood.

And then, my all time favourite Isley’s song, ‘Harvest for the World’ – a sweet sentiment and a sweeter sound.

I still listen to these songs and find them just so much better than the stuff being churned out in the 21st century.

I sincerely hope those radio channels are listening and give this band the re-airing they deserve.

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