Prince was so good it was ridiculous. The kind of beyond where decades later, you can find room and play in what he was trying to get across -- as it hits you after repeat listens, or not necessarily looking for it, whether in his guitar phrasing or keyboard arrangements. And vocally, he presented avenues and platforms which gave so many of his influences their justice and due.

Thanks for the reminder on the Gap Band, as well. Man, you weren't kidding: Early In The Morning has the kind of inescapable infectious grip that's like a good massage -- like the Isleys' unbeatable smoothness you can't help but savor. Early/Morning from now on will find regular replays happening here on my system.

One of my longtime Isleys pets (among others) is Livin' In The Life.