Along with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic, Sly & the Family Stone virtually invented 1970's funk. Their fusion of R&B rhythms, infectious melodies, and psychedelia created a new pop/soul/rock hybrid. The impact of Sly's music has proven widespread and long-lasting. For instance, Motown producer Norman Whitfield patterned the label's forays into harder-driving, socially relevant material (such as The Temptations' “Runaway Child” and “Ball of Confusion”) based on their sound.
The pioneering Stone had a major influence in the 1980's on artists such as Prince and Rick James. Legions of artists from the 1990's forward - including Public Enemy, Fatboy Slim, Arrested Development, Beck and many others - mined Stone's back catalogue for samples.
For those not familiar with Sly this 2LP set is a great introduction and an invitation to dig deeper into Sly & The Family Stone's catalogue. This 20 track compilation covers all the hits & fan favourites from the 1968-1974 period.
The Best Of Sly and The Family Stone is now available as a limited edition of 2000 numbered copies on transparent pink vinyl.
Track list:
SIDE A
1. DANCE TO THE MUSIC
2. I WANT TO TAKE YOU HIGHER
3. FAMILY AFFAIR
4. THANK YOU (FALETTINME BE MICE ELF AGIN)
5. I GET HIGH ON YOU
SIDE B
1. STAND!
2. M'LADY
3. SKIN I'M IN
4. EVERYDAY PEOPLE
5. SING A SIMPLE SONG
SIDE C
1. HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME
2. DON'T CALL ME NIGGER, WHITEY
3. BRAVE & STRONG
4. LIFE
5. EVERYBODY IS A STAR
SIDE D
1. IF YOU WANT ME TO STAY
2. (YOU CAUGHT ME) SMILIN'
3. QUE SERA, SERA (WHATEVER WILL BE, WILL BE)
4. RUNNIN' AWAY
5. FAMILY AFFAIR (REMIX)