First, I would like to acknowledge Sly Stone, the man who changed the sound of music in the 1960-70's, creating albums that were constantly different and challenging. The man who had the vision of bridging rock, funk, and soul. Remember it was Sly and Jimi that influenced Miles to go into a complete metamorphosis which led to classic albums like "Bitches Brew", and it was also Sly and The Family Stone's brilliant set at Woodstock had the other top acts at the festival unwanting to follow them on stage. With that said I would like to take the time to say thank you to the genius of Sly Stone and his sound that spawned a classic like the song "If You Want Me To Stay". When Sly recorded this song there was nothing else like it in the music landscape. This song shows his genius as a muscian (he played organs, bass, and piano) on this track and his prowess as a song writer were in full force as well. He states the title of the song in the first line and never says it again. After opening with a classic bassline, and an accompanying beat machine, the song kicks of with drums, Sly's vocals, and powerful organ playing. Horns are sprinkled throught the song and all the while Sly sings nonstop until the musical interlude 3/4ths of the way through the track. After a refrain and adlibs he plays the keys and the track dissolves into the bass, beat machine and piano that opened the track. What amazes me is the fact that he had the nerve to close the track with the line "I'm threw man". This song shows Sly's creative genius and it definitely influenced generations of song makers. At times I feel that Prince's "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" is an homage to Sly Stone. Prince uses similar techniques, he opens with an excellent beat on the Linn Drum Machine, and uses synthesizers and the bass guitar to perfection. Prince sings non-stop with no chorus until the music interlude/break 3/4ths of the way through the song and he doesn't state the name of the track until the last line of the song. This is classic Prince and it was obviously inspired by Sly. So to Sly Stone I want to say thank you and I really appreciate your genius, and although mainstream music never gives you the credit you deserve, great musicians and music appreciators hold you in high regard.

Hey, I'll say thanX to Sly Stone. His influence on Prince is undeniable. Unfortunately, so is Larry Graham's non-musical influence but HEY...Sly Stone's music is some of the best ever created. A great boxed set celebrating his music is way overdue.

I love "Sing a Simple Song" and Sly Stones version of "Que Sera Sera" makes Doris Day's version look sick. LOL!

Other homages musically are "Make Your Mother Happy" and "Family Name".

Lyrical nods on "Anotherloverholenyohead" and "Everlasting Now".

Much Props to SLy Stone a Genius that has been Ignored far too Long by the Powers that Be.His Impact on Many of the Bands of the 70's&His Imprint on Music through the 80's through Now.Etta James in Her Book Said that He was the Best Musician in the Studio Ever She has worked with.George Clinton Calls Him the Best Artist,Arranger&His All-time Favorite.that is Something else coming from Brother Clinton when you consider all the Baddd Cats he has in His Parliament Family through the Years.He Changed the Game of Music.

Sly Stone discussion Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/g...milystone/

mistermaxxx said:

Too bad he ddin't try to build a better rep as a performing musician. Sly
was often too burnt out on drugs to perform and would simply refuse
to play and hang backstage. His obscurity is his own device

PFunkjazz said: