Universal Masters Collection [Remastered] - Isley Brothers (The)

Advantages: good lyrics
Disadvantages: silly album title

...With Christmas illuminating hearts around the world, what could be more satisfying than having the Isley Brothers sing to you right in your very own home. Their new yuletide offering, The Isley Brothers: I'll Be Home For Christmas, will stay in your CD player for many years to come, guaranteed. The Isley Brothers first holiday album features ten classic hits, including "Winter Wonderland," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Silent Night." So, what's so special about this album compared to many other holiday albums out there? Take a guess -- Ron Isley. With his soothing voice on top of these timeless holiday tracks, it is very much a present for all to enjoy. If there are lovers out there during this Holiday season, Mr. Smooth hasn't forgotten about you. They may not be your traditional Christmas songs, but "I'm In Love With You... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: inteligent varied original
Disadvantages: their last record as a group

...and mastered them as well ,the ice rink organ on the sad and lonely "Do Nothing "and mod based funk of "Sock it to em JB"provide testament to their growing repitoire of sounds and style,s but all the while still sounding like The Specials . A fact most apparent on the cheeky knowing wink of"Pearls Cafe" Terry Halls dour delivery telling the pitfalls of getting old and lonely and ugly and poor while watching your life lapse into a gin soaked tragedy ,so no happy endings at the end of side one , though anyone who had got this far almost certainly stayed for the duration. The massive leap forward became almost blindingly apparent on the opening track of side 2,"Stereotype",not the radio friendly version already tried on a sleeping public,but the dark,menacing out of control ,rambling ,dubbed out nightmare ,8 minutes of stark teenage... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: interesting very very interesting
Disadvantages: too "interesting" in places

...production, and is mostly of its time ,but its influential blueprint echoed for many a year on the likes of Depeche Mode and The Pet Shop Boys ,that small production i mentioned couldnt be better suited for a truly epic rendition of "Youve lost that Loving Feeling ",the song is stripped to its ragged underwear as the songs sentiments become all too apparent ,leaving it to shiver in the cold and despair of a love gone bad ,for a second it might be that Mr Oakey,s joking ,but no, he,s feeling it for real ,a masterstoke of song choice and possibly the best version ever . As far as the re-mastering goes its a case of gaps being filled for fans and collectors ,but very well presented and chosen,especially the long losr early single "The Dignity of Labour "in all its 4 part glory ,at time ,s sounding like a synthesiser in the microwave... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful