Live It Up/The Heat Is On

Q (p.116) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Mixing baby-smooth ballads with driving funk workouts and Ernie's Hendrix-soaked guitar, this two-for-one mid-'70s pairing convincingly restates their case."|

Live It Up and Heat Is On were the second and third albums in the Isley's enhanced 3 + 3 lineup, issued in 1974 and 1975 respectively. This BGO compilation contains beautifully remastered versions of both recordings, liner notes, and a slipcase for a modest price tag. These two recordings are virtually flawless, and seamlessly flow one into the other. The former contained three two-part numbers such as the title cut, "Midnight Sky," and "Ain't I Been Good to You," in addition to the stellar cover of Todd Rundgren's "Hello, It's Me." The meld of rock, soul, and funk had come together on this set and would be completely perfected by the release of Heat Is On, which contains some serious pillars in the Isley's catalog: "Fight the Power," the title cut, and one of the greatest soul ballads of the '70s, "For the Love of You." What's more, each of the album's six tunes were two-parters, making for one of the most expansive albums of the Isley's long career. This is essential listening for anyone interested in the group or the stunning number of aesthetic advancements made in soul in the '70s. ~ Thom Jurek|