Ron Isley, Chris Jasper and the whole Isley Brothers contingent have had a glorious run with both cult and commercial mainstream success on the sincere soul music circuit for in excess of 40 years now. Needless to say, DAZZ is more than a devoted fan -- he is a Fanatic.
Their catalog of funk and soul would be impossible to cover within the span of an article, so I've chosen two songs which hit both ends of their vast, broad musical spectrum.
The first, "Who's That Lady?" was a massive hit. You've got to love that crazy distorted "fruit fly guitar riffing" and the insanely passionate, pleading and pushy vocal. It's a masterwork of raw soul, with a Jimi Hendrix undertone. In fact, the Isleys gave Jimi his first major break in music.
The second, "(Living) For The Love Of You," is slow, harmonious, seductive, hypnotic and written for every man who can't stop thinking about the woman of his dreams who somehow wandered into his life. It is impassioned, plaintive and both the lead vocal and the fabulous harmony (not to mention the Gamble and Huff flavor of chord progressions and the signature flute-synth riff that captivates every listener. Others, such as the late, great Whitney Houston have done delicious covers of this song, but the original is, well... the original.
Enjoy both of these fabulous songs -- mere samples of the magic confluence of talent and teamwork that was and continues to be the Isleys. Click and serve chilled.
WHO'S THAT LADY?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1DDgNCLD84
LIVING FOR THE LOVE OF YOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMdBs7uTLHw&feature=related
Forward. Retweet. Repeat!
