Sly & the Family Stone – “Remember Who You Are” (1979)
Taken from Sly’s 1979 album Back on the Right Track – this was probably the best song on there. This was during the time when Sly was trying to win back his audience. The album probably wasn’t strong enough to do that but it was still a very good album and didn’t deserve to be ignored, despite the fact that the cover was amateurish and looked kind of like a bootleg.
Sly & the Family Stone – “Trip to Your Heart” (1967)
From Sly’s debut album, A Whole New Thing, this song will be instantly recognizable to alot of people, as it was sampled by LL Cool J on his most well-known song “Mama Said Knock You Out.”
Sly’s first album is much better than most critics give it credit for. This is one of the highlights: a psychedelic track with a great beat to it. This was one of the first songs to start heading in the direction that later became known as funk and is one of the reasons why Sly, along with James Brown of course, is considered one of the founders of funk music.
Sly Stone – “If You Want Me to Stay” (Live TV – 1974)
The 3rd and final part to this Mike Douglas interview of Sly from 1974…
Sly performs ‘If You Want Me to Stay”
Sly Stone – “I Get High on You” (1975)
The title track (sort of) to his 1975 solo album High on You. This was a great song but it’s kind of forgotten about these days. Unfairly though. Proves that Sly wasn’t washed up like had been reported at the time.
Sly & the Family Stone – “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (Live – 1974)
Taken from “The Midnight Special” TV show…
Little Sister – “Somebody’s Watching You” (1970)
Another long-lost funk gem from Vet Stone’s short-lived band. Brother Sly produced & wrote this song (an earlier version appeared on the Family Stone’s 1969 chart-topper Stand!
I believe this is the first song recorded that used a rhythm box (later to be known as a drum machine). It would feature more prominently on Sly’s next album, the immortal There’s a Riot Goin’ On – Sly was a master at getting that hissing, rubbery funk sound, that became so influential in the years to come.
Be sure to check out the other Little Sister songs I have posted here (under the Sly Stone category)
(Note: this is audio only)
Little Sister – “Stanga” (1970)
More of Sly Stone’s sister Vet’s short-lived band. This was produced by Sly Stone. I think it might have also been written & performed by him. Definitely has the same feel as his then-current There’s a Riot Goin’ On album.
This is a must-hear funk gem – unfortunately this song didn’t get much recognition at the time.
More of Little Sister to come…
(Note: this is audio only)
Little Sister – “You’re the One – Part 1” (1970)
This is Sly Stone’s sister Vet’s short-lived band. This now-forgotten single was an R&B Top Ten hit back in 1970. Sly produced the song, and I’m assuming probably had a hand in writing & performing it as well.
Definitely has a Sly-feel to it.
More to come from Little Sister…
(Note: This is audio only)
Sly & the Family Stone – “Life” (TV – 1968)
From what I can tell, this must be 1968. Not sure of the TV show – but Ed McMahon is hosting.
Note: Video quality is just average on this one…but good performance though.
The Beat Patrol 