The Isley Brothers (pronounced “eyes-ly”) had existed as a vocal doo-wop trio since the late 50’s, playing live with the pre-fame likes of Jimi Hendrix and Elton John. But in 1973 they collaborated with their two much younger brothers (and a controversial cousin) to update their sound from classic R&B to ultra-crisp funky soul. Their kid brother Ernie Isley joins the dots between Maggot Brain and Purple Rain with a laser-phaser guitar sound that rejuvenated old Isley standards and added an edge to cover versions of then-recent ‘plastic soul’ hits. 

It’s also the 463rd Greatest Album of All Time, according to Rolling Stone magazine. Christopher Macarthur-Boyd and Liam Withnail listened to it, then talked about everything from the identity of the lady in “That Lady” to the inappropriate narration of the So So Madam Show, as well as the Doobie Brothers, rolling r’s, Radiohead, car accidents, Wikipedia, and maths. All that and more, plus an underwhelming edition of Secret Posho, on episode 37 of Enjoy An Album. Enjoy!