These days, Sly Stone is famous for being eccentric and reclusive. There was
a time, however, in the late 60s and early 70s when the lanky, afro-haired musician
was everywhere, especially on the radio. Releasing seven seminal albums between
1967 and 1974, Sly & the Family Stone was the first interracial, mixed-gender
rock and soul band to reign in the Top 40. Chart activity was especially lively
up through 1970 when the band set up camp on the Billboard Hot 100 with nearly
a dozen hit singles. When Sly locked himself in the studio for the next year
and half, Epic Records slapped together a compilation and cashed in on the holiday
rush. What Epic or anyone else could not have predicted was that Greatest
Hits, recently remastered and repackaged, would somehow take on a life
of its own.
Truly living up to its name, Greatest Hits has been called
one of the greatest party records of all time. The festivities start the minute
you drop the needle (or the laser beam) on “I Want To Take You Higher,”
with Larry Graham’s driving bass and drummer Gregg Errico gunning the
rhythm. Sly and brother Fred on guitars, sister Rosie on piano, Cynthia Robinson
on trumpet, and saxophonist Jerry Martini each pipe in on their respective parts,
but everyone seemingly contributes to the chorus: “Boom shaka-laka-laka
Boom shaka-laka-laka…” Things get comfortably mellow for the ultra
positive vibe of “Everybody Is A Star” before “Stand!”
wakes you up in its call for action. Even songs that weren’t released
as singles like “Fun” and “You Can Make It If You Try”
maintain the momentum, while the radio-friendly hits “Dance To The Music,”
“Everyday People,” “Hot Fun In The Summertime” and “Thank
You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” keep the party going well into the
night.
In the aftermath of Woodstock, the multi-platinum Greatest Hits
was instrumental in keeping Sly & The Family Stone on the map as their leader
figured out his next move. 1972’s There’s A Riot Goin’
On was a darker departure, yet it helped cement the group’s reputation
as the premiere rock and funk band before the entire thing imploded under the
weight of drug problems, among other internal difficulties. Eventually, Sly
Stone surrendered to the idea of insignificance, and got stuck in a narcotic
haze that would land him behind bars and practically forgotten. It’s only
been in the last couple of years, highlighted by a short, impromptu appearance
at the Grammys, that Sly Stone has come to terms with his legend. Today, The
Family Stone is a functional, working band on the road with various original
and family members, including, on rare occasion, Sly Stone himself. Who knows
— maybe a second Greatest Hits is in the works as we
speak.
~ Shawn Perry
