That’s not really the point though. VMP’s MO has never been pressing what may be considered the “best” album of an artists/groups disco. It’s always been the underrated classic for lack of better words.
Everyone knows the best records from every artist. That would make for insanely boring curation.
I guess I disagree that their MO is underrated classics with any consistency. It seems like they have pressed plenty of the most popular or well regarded albums. Nina, Alice, Al, etc. Many more. A few are underrated, like Veedon. Some aren't underrated, just properly rated as an artists first album that they improved upon, like TVZ and Tidal. I don't see any consistency on that front.
Whether or not something has been reissued recently or pressed before is sometimes considered, but often it seems just so they can use it for marketing and sometimes they don't care and put one out that is readily available, like Phoenix and Tical. In this case, this one hasn't been reissued but originals are available for dirt cheap.
I'm a bad person to rate this album because I've never liked the Isleys as much as PFunk, Curtis, Sly, or the Meters. But, I don't agree that this is a lost classic like Experience Unlimited or even Baby Huey. It's a record that is still in bargain bins with some good music on it.
If you think it's a stone cold classic that's cool and I'm genuinely happy for you this month, but I don't see why you are surprised that others aren't feeling it and wish it was either an Isleys album they prefer or something else. I disagree with your assertion that everyone knows the best Isley Bros albums, especially considering how underappreciated and maligned funk is as a whole.
I'll listen to it a few more times and who knows, I might come around (or I might take a chance on eBay and try to get an OG for <$10).
Edit: Oops, I forgot to say that I really would love to read why you think it is a classic album if you want to write it out. I mean that genuinely.
