The Essential Sly & the Family Stone (2002)

"There are two types of black music: black music before Sly Stone, and black music after Sly Stone" - Joel Selvin

I don't know what I can possibly add to that. So if you'll excuse me, I'm off for some hot fun. All the squares, go home.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: 35 of them, in chronological order thankyouverymuch. To be honest, I listen to disc 1 more than disc 2, but that doesn't mean that disc 2 is bad, just a little different. It's difficult picking favorites among these funk/rock classics, but I'd be hard-pressed to find a funkier groove than that found in Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). Go watch this video, you won't be disappointed.

• 2 from the 1967 album A Whole New Thing (did not chart)
• 2 from the 1968 album Dance To The Music (peaked on the album chart at #142)
• 4 from the 1968 album Life (#195)
• 7 from the 1969 album Stand! (#13)
• 3 single releases also found on the classic 1970 greatest hits compilation (#2)
• 8 from the 1971 album There's A Riot Goin' On (#1)
• 6 from the 1973 album Fresh (#7)
• 2 from the 1974 album Small Talk (#15)
• 1 from the 1975 Sly Stone solo album High On You (#45)

Note: "Special Limited Edition" continues to be readily available more than ten years after release. Hmmm... But they got it right when they claim the music is "Spectacularly Remastered" because these songs sound fantastic.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Purchased to replace my greatest hits compilation.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Different Strokes by Different Folks (2006)
Fresh (1973)