A isn't my favorite era of Isleys - I much prefer 'the funk years' - but it's far from overplayed in my world, and those voices make even the most ordinary song into something, usually.
The Isleys track has a very similar arrangement to 'Behind A Painted Smile' and 'This Ol' Heart Of Mine' - fuzz guitar and stompin Motown beat, straining vocal. But the song ain't doing much for me at all, it's like they're making the fucking thing up as they go along
The Necessaries tune is more interesting, especially as this is another cup that's (so far) been dominated by groovy Motown and soul tunes, as good as some of them are. It's mildly odd, totters along appealingly, nice vocal - that'll do for me
Post by Half Machine Lipschitz on Feb 12, 2021 1:40:45 GMT
The best part of the Isley's track is that middle-east-flavoured part of the verses - more of that would've really set it apart, but instead it just kinda adopts time-worn Motown tropes and settles for that.
I really dig the Necessaries tune! That burbling keyboard in the intro that coalesces into the verse structure is very cool sounding and the double vocals in bits sound great, too. I love the way it goes - great tune. Excellent choice!
A is one of Motown's most out there productions. A fantastically busy concoction of fuzz guitar, sitar and even harpsichord! It all makes for a really unique single. It was a ballsy move for The Isleys to release this as it's them anticipating Psych Soul 18 months ahead of everyone else. The chorus is an absolute winner and Ronnie is on fire with the pleading urgency of his vocal, as good as anything he delivered. I'm a little surprised by the muted reaction to it so far but maybe this is one for those who want a little more from their Motown than the usual dozen or so big hits. I quite liked B which reminded me a little of (early) Cure or The Chills. The jazzy keyboard gives it an unexpected element, even if it sounds like its come from a different record. The song isn't very memorable or distinctive, but its a good sounding thing.
Post by bungo the mungo on Feb 12, 2021 12:21:22 GMT
i love the earlier isleys and prefer this period to their funk incarnation. while i'm not as enthusiastic about it as G, i still really like it and i'm surprised by some of the negativity shown towards it.
the necessaries track is harmless enough, nothing special.
Another fairly generic Motown track, competently played as usual, but with an unfortunate emphasis on the ugly fuzzy guitar. The harpsichord at the end livens it up a little, but it's a bit extraneous, and too little too late for me.
I don't know how I've never encountered The Necessaries before, I've got a ton of Arthur Russell stuff, and there always seems to be some more out there I haven't delved into yet. This is definitely towards the less-interesting end of his catalogue, it should perhaps have some credit for being ahead of the game for US mainstream/indie sound, but it's a fairly boring sound, even with the unusual jazzy keyboard.
B, in a fairly even contest, just for not being Motown.
If you'd rather listen to rhythm n' blues, rock n' roll, 12 bars, learn the notes, you're quite welcome. But if I get the chance to shoot you in the guts later, I'll do it.
wow, I like both of these a lot. I think I'll go with the Isleys but it took some considering. the Neccessaries track has some real "intertia" going - like Pylon or something. it feels like the track won't be capable of stopping. outstanding. I love a track with that "runaway train" sort of feel. if it weren't for the general good-naturedness & fuzzy guitar on A this probably would have aced another pair up.