#464: 3+3 [The Isley Brothers, 1973]

Did you ever see that video where David Bowie challenges an MTV presenter on their officially unofficial no-Black-musicians policy? The presenter claims that Black musicians just aren't important today (in the ‘80s), that artists like the Isley Brothers may have mattered to him and Bowie, but not to white teenagers in the Midwest. Bowie points out that the Isley Brothers are still important to millions of Black teenagers, who surely count as much as white, Midwestern teens. Anyway, the Isley Brothers were initially a vocal trio, but had expanded to become a full band by their 11th album, where they blend soulful singing, funk instrumentals and rock guitar solos. The guitar playing is what really piqued my interest, especially the absurd, beautiful solos which close out That Lady and their livened-up cover of Summer Breeze. The remaining songs are passable soul-funk songs, but What It Comes Down To is probably the only lyrically interesting song. I wonder what MTV thought disqualified Black artists like the Isley Brothers from being on their TV station: their soulful harmonies, their undulating bass lines or their killer guitar solos? While MTV withers, this album stays great. 4/5.