Search - Sly & Family Stone :: Masters

Oldies but Goodies

11/03/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those of you expecting this album to be another compilation of Sly & the Family Stone's funky hits such as "Dance To the Music" and "Take You Higher", stop right there. Simply put, this album contains nothing even comparable to the music that made Sly Stone a star and a music legend. What it does contain is 27 jewels from Sly Stones early career, back when he was still a DJ and record Producer in San Francisco. Missing are the psychadelic sounds, or Larry Grahams thumping bass. Instead, this album is filled with tunes much more reminiscent of the early days of Rock & Roll. It starts with the most Straight ahead version of "In the Still of the Night", complete with a full choir. Next comes "Searchin", a full blown old fashioned blues tune. The album itself includes a number of covers, including the Johhny River's tune "seventh Son" as well as Otis Redding's "I Can't Turn you loose". This is not to say that the album lacks any of the creativity that made Sly Stone so great. On the contrary, it's a great look into what made him so hip. The advanced Sly listener will here early versions of his less popular tunes such as "take my advice", "every dog has his day", and "nerves", all off the Whole New Thang album. While listening to the tracks, take a second to hear what is happening: every few seconds you'll hear something that is trademark Sly Stone, and it just makes you want to sit back and say "Yeah...Thats hip." The only thing keeping this album from 5 stars is that it took me by surprise. I thought i had bought an extended greatest hits, but instead I found the exact opposite. All in all, its a great album for all Sly buffs, as well as anyone who wants to see what makes an artist what he is."

Don't get excited

Norman Hathaway | brooklyn | 03/29/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This collection has been repackaged and retitled so many times it's scary. It's all early stuff, mostly done in a doo-wop style. Most run of the mill SFS fans wouldn't be interested, as it lacks the rythmic power and funk of the later recordings. That said, if you're a die-hard fan. it's very interesting in an historical context."