Customer Reviews

Go for Your Guns

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This history-making family, even with all the success it's had, the critical acclaim, and the adoration of its loyal fans, is still probably the most under-rated act of the "rock era." It sounds like a pretty bold statement, but think about it. How influential were songs like "Shout," "Twist And Shout," "This Old Heart Of Mine," and "It's Your Thing"? And that was before phase II of the Isleys story began. Now add to the list "That Lady," "Fight The Power," and "For The Love Of You." This was a living legend of a group at the time "Go For Your Guns" was released in 1977. Yes, 1975's "The Heat is On" topped the pop chart, but for my money, "Go For Your Guns" is the ultimate Isleys experience. While there were still plenty of hit singles and fine albums to come, I think the team got a bit mired in the formula in subsequent releases, especially in the apparent need to make every song a part 1 and part 2. This album featured a #1 R&B hit ("The Pride"), two indispensible concert items ("Footsteps In The Dark" and "Voyage To Atlantis"), and a rockin', raucous two-part single. "Livin' In The Life" is hard to find on CD. It made #4 R&B. The b-side, "Go For Your Guns," is an instrumental of "Livin' In The Life," with lead guitarist Ernie Isley given free rein. Two tracks remain: "Tell Me When You Need It Again" features the group in a stripped-down funk groove. "Climbing Up The Ladder" is a pretty clear manifesto for the group at that time. The brothers were undeniably popular, selling millions of albums each time out. But the ladder of respect is a fickle one. For as much as the Isleys have done for rock and roll (and plain rock) music, you never hear them played on so-called "Classic Rock" stations. Not even on acid-hot rock performances like "Climbing Up The Ladder" or "Hope You Feel Better Love." Or on across-the-board hits like "That Lady" and "Fight The Power." The Isley Brothers have been too good, in terms of expanding the parameters of music for ALL musicians. They don't deserve to have such a lack of respect for their music.

This album is a great example of the great music made in the 70's that never made it to the radio. The Isley brothers have always been makers of great music. They have always been colorblind in making their music, it wasn't disco, it wasn't even funk in the way that many people think of the genre'. This album like the rest of the work they did in the late seventies was a rocked up funk, suitable for clubs, parties and dances, that is if you could find a club, dance, or party that didn't play the tripe that was on the radio at the time. I love this album! Livin in the Life was my mantra during those years and I remind myself of it from time to time rattling the windows of my car. Too bad that this innovative work didn't have the influence that it should have at the time, music today would have been enormously better off.

driving funk and "beautiful ballards." "Go For Your Guns" could be looked upon as a signature Isley Bros. album. Standard, reliable funk from one of the best R&B bands of the decade, if not all time. The Isley's made some great albums during the '70's and this is one of them. What sets this album apart is the beautiful ballards contained in this collection: "Footsteps in the Dark" and "Voyage to Atlantis," one of the best slow jams ever. Ronnie Isley's vocals are yearning and sexy on these two classic slow jams. It is these two tunes, and the slow jams on other Isley Bros. albums of the '70's, that would set the Isley Bros. apart from their contemporaries. "The Pride," "Tell Me When You Need It Again," "Climbin' Up the Ladder" and "Livin'In the Life" are examples of party music at its best; driving funk that makes you move. But what tunes do you usually remember from this album when you talk about puttin' this one on the player? One of the best.

*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE UK-ISSUED 2011 REMASTER ***

UK released 24 October 2011 - this expanded CD reissue of The Isley Brothers "Go For Your Guns" album is part of Big Break Records huge reissue catalogue which focuses entirely on quality versions of Seventies and Eighties Soul/Funk/Disco/Fusion albums (see detailed list below). While not all of these 85+ BBR titles would be my cup of Darjeeling I'd have to admit - I've purchased and reviewed 6 of them to date and each has been a revelation in terms of sound quality, presentation and bonuses - all top class. And this overlooked funky gem of an album from 1977 is no exception.

Here are the details for Big Break Records CDBBR 0086 (47:13 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "Go For Your Guns" released March 1977 in the USA on T-Neck Records PZ 34432 and April 1977 in the UK on Epic Records EPC 86027. It reached Number 1 on the US R'n'B charts (Number 6 on Pop) and hit Number 46 in the UK albums charts too. 8 to 10 are bonuses...

Track 8 is "Voyage To Atlantis (Alternate Version)"

Tracks 9 and 10 are EDITED SINGLE VERSIONS of "The Pride (Part 1)" and "Voyage To Atlantis"

The album produced 3 singles in the USA (2 in the UK) at the time of release and this CD (along with its predecessor "Harvest For The World") will allow fans to sequence those tracks as follows:

1. The Pride (Part I) b/w The Pride (Part II)

(USA - February 1977, T-Neck ZS8 2262

UK - May 1977, Epic S EPC 5105)

2. Livin' In The Life b/w Go For Your Guns

(USA - May 1977, T-Neck ZS8 2267

UK - March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2178)

3. Voyage To Atlantis b/w So You Wanna Stay Down

(UK - July 1977, Epic S EPC 5443

USA - October 1977, T-Neck ZS8 2270

Note: USA B-side is "So You Wanna Stay Down" from the "Harvest For The World" album (1976), but the UK B-side is "Tell Me When You Need It Again (Part 1 & 2)" which is on the "Go For Your Guns" album)

The 12-page booklet has an informative interview conducted by SHELLEY NICOLE with Ernie and Ronald Isley featuring recollections by the late Marvin Isley. There is a track-by-track breakdown and the text is peppered with pictures of US 45's on T-Neck, colour photos of the band and a discography/credits section at the rear. It's very well done and the jewel case is one of those new rounded-corner affairs - very tasty. But the really great news is the SOUND...

As with other BBR releases - this remaster uses the 'original tapes' and has been carried out by WAYNE A. DICKSON at the BBR Studios with STUART WEST assisting in the Audio Research. The results are wonderful. Everything on here sounds amazing.

To the album itself... Its predecessor "Harvest For The World" from 1976 was all mellow and Soulful and even Gospel in its overall feel - "Go For Your Guns" basically wants to boogie - party a bit - and then make its way back to your shagpad afterwards for a serious session between the sheets. So as a long-playing record "Go For Your Guns" has everything fans love about the band - great loverman ballads combined with funky floor fillers.

It opens with the Rock-Soul bass-slapping Funk of "The Pride" and it's irresistible (topped the R&B charts in the USA). Having had your dancing shoes scuffed, they then hit with the real deal - the nugget on this album - the gorgeous slow groove of "Footsteps In The Dark" (lyrics above). "The Pride" opener sounds huge - but its on "Footsteps" that you begin to really notice how good the remaster is - everything so clear - warm and properly soulful. It amazes me to this day that T-Neck didn't release it as a single at the time - surely a Top 5 if not Number 1 contender? It finally turned up in 45-form in the US and UK - but as a B-side to "Groove With You" in 1978. Speaking of 45s...

As with so many of these expanded BBR editions - the inclusion of the 7" single edits are a genuine bonus. I often feel that too many Seventies Soul LPs had songs on them they knew to be winners - so they'd stretch them to seven, eight, nine, ten minutes...often overstaying their welcome. The single edits gave you the concise version - and delivered a far better punch. Though in honesty with both "The Pride" and "Voyage To Atlantis" - BOTH the album versions and single cuts are superb. You can also hear why the 'Alternate Version' of "Voyage To Atlantis" was canned - it's very good - but the released cut is far better - especially with Ernie's stunning guitar intro more pronounced.

To sum up - this is a superlative release and I can only hope that BBR tackle more on the T-Neck, Philly and CBS labels output - especially when they add on those 7" edits for collectors (exclusive to Big Break Records releases).

Great stuff - now if we can just get The Isleys to (a) shave those hairy chests and (b) eBay those funky 70ts stage outfits...perhaps some Bellbottoms...some suede tassels...yum yum...

PS: for info purposes, I've tagged over 85 of the BBR releases to December 2011 (for a pictorial of them, click on the Tag called 'big break records bbr' highlighted above). Below is a printed list of most (some REVIEWED):

1. Street Opera - ASHFORD & SIMPSON (1982, 1st LP on Capitol)

2. High Rise - ASHFORD & SIMPSON (1983, 2nd on Capitol)

3. Brooklyn Dreams - BROOKLYN DREAMS (1977 - features Donna Summer)

4. Sleepless Nights - BROOKLYN DREAMS (1979 - features Donna Summer)

5. Winners - THE BROTHERS JOHNSON (1981)

6. Love Approach - TOM BROWNE (1980 - features "Funkin' For Jamaica")

7. Cerrone's Paradise - CERRONE (1977)

8. Cerrone 3 - Supernature - CERRONE (1977)

9. Cerrone IV - The Golden Touch - CERRONE (1978)

10. Love In `C' Minor - CERRONE (1979)

11. Sharing Your Love - CHANGE (1982)

12. This Is Your Time - CHANGE (1983)

13. Change Of Heart - CHANGE (1984)

14. Turn On Your Radio - CHANGE (1985)

15. Action Speaks Louder Than Words - CHOCOLATE MILK (1975 on RCA)

16. A.C. (Expanded Edition) - ANDRE CYMONE (1985 on Columbia)

17. Faces - EARTH, WIND & FIRE (1980 2LP set on 1CD with bonuses)

18. Don't Look Any Further - DENNIS EDWARDS (1984 - Dennis Lambert production)

19. F.B.I. (Expanded Edition) - F.B.I. [featuring Root Jackson] (1976)

20. Pennye - PENNYE FORD (1984)

21. Gap Band VI - THE GAP BAND (1984)

22. The Gap Band 8 - THE GAP BAND (1986)

23. Never Can Say Goodbye - GLORIA GAYNOR (1975)

24. Experience Gloria Gaynor - GLORIA GAYNOR (1975)

25. New Horizon (Expanded Edition) - ISAAC HAYES (1977 on Polydor)

26. Don't Let Go - ISAAC HAYES (1979 on Polydor) (Jan 2012)

27. Hot Property - HEATWAVE (1979)

28. Candles - HEATWAVE (1980) [see REVIEW]

29. Current - HEATWAVE (1982)

30. Harvest For The World (Expanded Edition) - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1976 on T-Neck) [see REVIEW]

31. Go For Your Guns - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1977 on T-Neck) [see REVIEW]

32. Fire Night Dance (Expanded Edition) - PETER JACQUES BAND (1978 on Prelude)

33. Like Gangbusters - JOBOXERS (1983 on RCA) (Jan 2012)

34. The Joneses (Expanded Edition) - THE JONESES (1977 on Epic)

35. Smooth Talk - EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING (1977 debut)

36. I'm In Love - EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING (1981)

37. Get Loose - EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING (1982)

38. Face To Face - EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING (1983) (Jan 2012)

39. About Love - GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS (1980)

40. Open Sesame - KOOL & THE GANG (1976)

41. Patti LaBelle - PATTI LaBELLE (1977 debut solo LP)

42. It's Alright With Me - PATTI LaBELLE (1979)

43. Lark - LINDA LEWIS (1972 on Reprise)

44. Not A Little Girl Anymore - LINDA LEWIS (1975 on Arista)

45. Intuition - LINX (March 1981 1st LP on Chrysalis)

46. Go Ahead - LINX (Oct 1981 2nd LP on Chrysalis) (Jan 2012)

47. Loose Change - LOOSE CHANGE (1979 on Casablanca)

48. I Am Now - JON LUCIEN (1970 debut LP on RCA)

49. Rashida - JON LUCIEN (1973 2nd LP on RCA)

50. Premonition - JON LUCIEN (1976 on Columbia)

51. I Miss You [aka "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes"] - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1972 USA debut on Philadelphia International) [see REVIEW]

52. Black & Blue - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1973, 2nd LP for Philadelphia International - features Gamble & Huff and Teddy Pendergrass) [see REVIEW]

53. Melba - MELBA MOORE (1978 - features McFadden & Whitehead)

54. TJM - TOM MOULTON (1979)

55. I Can See Clearly Now [Expanded Edition] - JOHNNY NASH. (1972 on CBS) [see REVIEW]

56. Back Stabbers - O'JAYS (1972) [see REVIEW]

57. Nights (Feel Like Getting Down) - BILLY OCEAN (1981)

58. Inner Feelings - BILLY OCEAN (1982)

59. Odyssey - ODYSSEY (1977)

60. California Sunset - THE ORIGINALS (1975 Motown - Lamont Dozier production)

61. Bonnie Pointer - BONNIE POINTER (1976 Debut LP) (Jan 2012)

62. Baby Sister - JUNE POINTER (of The Pointer Sisters) (1983 debut)

63. Special Things - THE POINTER SISTERS (1980)

64. So Excited - THE POINTER SISTERS (1982, features members of Toto)

65. Break Out - THE POINTER SISTERS (1983 on Planet)

66. Contact - THE POINTER SISTERS (1985, 1st LP on RCA)

67. Flying High - PRIME TIME (1984 on Total Experience)

68. The Garden Of Love - DON RAY (1978)

69. Sweet Beginnings - MARLENA SHAW (1977)

70. Acting Up - MARLENA SHAW (1978)

71. Clean - EDWIN STARR (1978, 2nd LP on 20th Century)

72. Am I Still Your Boyfriend? - SWITCH (1984 on Total Experience)

73. A Taste Of Honey - A TASTE OF HONEY (1978 debut)

74. Another Taste - A TASTE OF HONEY (1979 2nd LP - both debut and this feature Larry and Fonce Mizell)

75. Twice As Sweet - A TASTE OF HONEY (1980 on Capitol)

76. New Directions - TAVARES (1982 Debut)

77. The Three Degrees - THE THREE DEGREES (1974, 1st LP for Philadelphia International - features MFSB)]

78. International - THE THREE DEGREES (1975, 2nd LP for Philadelphia International)

79. New Dimensions - THE THREE DEGREES (1979, 1st LP for Ariola)

80. 3D - THE THREE DEGREES (1979, 2nd LP for Ariola)

81. Song Bird - DENIECE WILLIAMS (1977 - 2nd LP features Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire)

82. When Love Comes Calling - DENIECE WILLIAMS (1979 - 3rd LP)

83. My Melody - DENIECE WILLIAMS (1981 - Thom Bell Production)

84. Let's Hear It For The Boy - DENIECE WILLIAMS (1984 on CBS)

85. Be A Winner - YARBROUGH & PEOPLES (1984 on RCA)

86. Guilty - YARBROUGH & PEOPLES (1985 on Total Experience)

87. Love Conquers All - MICHAEL WYCOFF (1982 on RCA)

Percolating Funk-Rock!!!Can there be any doubt that the Isley Brothers sustained one of the greatest runs in music history during the seventies?!? Remember when all bands worth their salt distinguished themselves with unique sounds and songs? Earth,Wind & Fire, the Ohio Players, Brick, Maze and the magnificent Parliament-Funkadelic army just to name a few."Go For Your Guns" was so fresh and cutting-edge until it was a MUST at any house party or club!The album/compact disc has been restored to its' original thumping majesty. Back in the day, the flimsy speakers I had could not handle the bass! Marvin Isley's superb bass-line is vastly under appreciated! As revealed in the excellent, new liner notes, Chris Jasper assisted with some of the bass playing. The contributions of Ernie Isley on this sterling set cannot be praised enough! The vein-melting "Climbin'Up The Ladder" is scintillating! It is arguably Ernie's finest guitar work despite the searing performances from previous albums such as "The Heat Is On: Featuring Fight The Power". Another aspect of Ernie's talents that are overlooked is the rock solid work he performed on the drums! The younger trio certainly asserted themselves on this album crafting and cementing a sound that propelled the group to the top of the charts! What makes this album worth buying again is not only the remastering, but also the alternate version of "Voyage To Atlantis"! The song was already a classic in its original album form. The alternate reveals a bluesier, more raw version, although Ernie's guitar is in a more muted form. What makes up for the absence of Ernie's soaring guitar is Ronald Isley's masterful vocals! It is a true nugget, previously unreleased to my knowledge. In closing, the first five albums from the Isley Brothers during the decade of the Seventies are matchless! The remaining albums from the remainder of the decade rate from very good to excellent in my opinion. Make no mistake,"Go For Your Guns" is rated superb!! You cannot miss this re-issue!

This album/CD is a classic in the true sense of the word, 'of the first or highest quality'. The funk jams funk out, the slow jams groove and when Ernie Isley jams, he can play guitar with the best of them!

'Pride' and 'Livin' In The Life' have a great funk groove/rhythm. 'Footsteps In The Dark' is nice, slow jam.

My favorites are 'Climbin' Up The Ladder', 'Voyage To Atlantis' and 'Go For Your Guns'.

"Climbin...' starts with a nice heavy rhythm/beat, then in the middle Ernie rips a jammin' solo, comes back to the main rhythm and to finish it off, Ernie goes to town and rips through two additional solos. "Voyage...' is a beautiful slow jam with a beautiful set of guitar solos throughout the song. Last but not least is 'Go For Your Guns' and Ernie does. It starts right after 'Livin' In The Life' and follows the rhythm for about 30 seconds and then Ernie goes off!

I cannot recommend this enough! Pick it up and you will be very glad you did...

Released in 1977 The Isley Brother's " Go For Your Guns" album is the most underrated project the Isley Brothers ever made. IMO, this album was the precursor to the "Go All The Way" album in 1980. One can hear the similarities, the smooth fusion of funk and rock in both uptempo and ballads. It is hard for me to have a fave song here,because they are all great songs..but if I had to pick, I would go against the grain and pick "Livin In The Life" a monster cut with smoking synth and guitar work!

It is hard for me to pick a "best" ballad on this album too. Both "Footsteps In The Dark" and Voyage To Atlantis" are classic. If the is one thing I would change on this project, I would have made "Living In The Life" and "Go For Your Guns" one song, one GREAT song! in closing, "Go For Your Guns" is a great album, but is not mentioned in the same breath as " The Heat Is On" and it should be. My Fave Isley Brothers project is "Go All The Way", but you cannot go wrong to buy this CD....a seemless funky, rock out, cool out journey..Enjoy!

The Isley Brothers are one of the greatest bands ever put together and it's a shame that they don't get their due. This band has been laying down music of all kinds since the 1950's and a part of every major musically movement from that decade as well as the 60's, 70's, 80's 90's and beyond. But it was their string of albums from 1973 to 1982 that would forever define them as a classic band of Hall of Fame credentials. This album, released in 1977, would be the 5th of the 11 they would release in that time period, not counting live albums.

It is an absolutely wonderful display of musical knowledge, this was the time period of the Mighty Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Parliament & Funkadelic who were all in their hey days. And you had the Isley's laying down such deep and profound grooves such as is found on this LP. It kicks off with one of the tightest, funkiest and most relevant of their songs in "The Pride Part 1 & ", then you have "Footsteps in the Dark" haunting and sensual as only the Isley's could be. This was a band who had incredible musicianship combined with great songwriting and it shows up wonderfully on the next track "Tell Me When You Need It Again" and the best song on the Album in my opinion "Climbin Up The Ladder" which is a wonderful platform for Ernie Isley's INCREDIBLE guitar work.

He is truly one of the most gifted and under appreciated musician and this is a tour de force of a song! After that is one of their best and most complete lyrical offerings in the "Voyage To Atlantis". It's mystical undertones is so reminicient of Earth, Wind and Fire and one of my favorite songs of theirs. "Living In The Life" which is pure, unadulterated, down home, kick butt FUNK and the title track "Go For Your Guns" round out the album and are both great examples of what this band truly was and is, one of the greatest musical forces the world has ever seen. I highly recommend this album and it's one that anyone whose ever heard the Isley Brothers played on radio will recognize as many of the songs on this one found there way to FM radio playlists.

My step father use to blast this group twenty-four seven.

One thing I always liked about the Isley Brothers sound (which is missing in today's so-called music), they had a rock and funk appeal. For example the cut "Livin In The Life" the intro just drops this funky bass on you like DAMN!!! I have to reply that again!!! Then the precussion guitar kicks off with the beat just rockin and rollin away, I mean this was a baddass jam.

But I always liked this rare up tempo track (was never played on the radio) by the Isley Brothers, which was the b-side to the

12 inch version of "I Want To Be With You" called "Rockin with Fire." So question people, WHICH ALBUM (OOPS! CD NOW) CAN I FIND THIS OTHER BADDASS RARE TRACK BY THEM? HELP!!!!

Go For Your Guns is probably the best album the Isleys ever put out (I can't decide between it and Harvest For The World). It opens with the funkdafied "The Pride". When they say they gon break it on down, they break it down! "Footsteps in the Dark" is a mellow funk number and will have you groovin'. "Tell Me When You Need It Again" is one hell of a groove and is my favorite song to listen to while I drive. "Climbin' Up The Ladder" is my least fav but it's still great and let's Ernie tear it up on guitar. "Voyage To Atlantis" was the first song I heard from the Isleys that was a slow jam. Before that I knew of "It's Your Thing", "That Lady" and "Fight The Power" but "Atlantis" served notice, at least to me, that they could slow it down. "Livin' In The Life" and it's extension "Go For Your Guns" are some bad ass funk jams that let ya know no one has an easy life no matter how it may seem. I was born 10 years after this album was made and I absolutely love it. GO OUT AND GET IT!