Anthology

Sly & The Family Stone

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1981
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025LF
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,753 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

For a time, it seemed as if Sly Stone would change the world, and it's only because his music was so ambitious that we forget, sometimes, that he did just that. His integrated band played funk-based jams, but always with touches of soul, blues, rock, and lots and lots of pop, a synthesis that spoke to its time even as it predicted the future. Comprising some of the most accomplished and inspirational music ever created, this 20-song set contains all but the last of his hits as well as a few hard-edged album tracks. Until a proper box set is put together, this will have to do. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great collection needs an upgrade., December 11, 1999

By A Customer

This is the best Sly compilation currently available; it's basically the Greatest Hits album fleshed out with more album cuts and early-'70s material. While the music itself is, naturally, wonderful, and the song selection is generous, the CD's sound and packaging leave much to be desired. There's too little bass presence, three single sides ("Hot Fun", "Thank You", and "Everybody Is A Star") are in Godawful pseudo-stereo, and the booklet has skimpy liner notes and mediocre graphics.

Epic/Legacy supposedly has a Sly box set planned for next fall, to be followed (hopefully) by an overhaul of the Family's CD catalog. Until then, this will be the definitive compilation by default.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great CD intro to Sly's music, July 13, 2000

By	J. Powell (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD is much more essential than the first "greatest hits" album because a Sly collection is not complete without two of the greatest funk/soul songs ever written - "Family Affair" (a wonderfully poetic song that you won't get out of your head) and "Runnin' Away" (with its unforgettable trumpet melody). While there is a lot missing from this anthology, there is enough great material to make it a perfect introduction to Sly's beautiful contributions to soul music. Sly's music is a combination of multi-layered horns, bass lines, vocals (almost all the band members sang), and addictive melodies. He was also one of the first musicians to combine the hippie optimism of the 1960's with soul and funk music. Sly was almost more of a musical director than a performer, getting the most out of his tremendous musicians, especially the funkiest bass player around, Larry Graham. Sly's influence on soul music is immeasurable.

This is a way to introduce yourself to his music. It is a highly recommended addition to a music collection.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyday People., March 21, 2000

By	Jason Stein (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If you're looking for some of the roots to r&b music, Sly and the Family Stone is where you need to listen. This anthology is excellent for the casual buyer. It has 20 tracks covering all their hits and well known songs. Like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, George Clinton, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, Sly and the Family Stone are a must have for any rock collector.