mjscarousal said:

FUCK PRINCE.ORG THIS IS A DUMBASS THEAD that they will question a genius but have pop tart threads running rapid crazy

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

silverchild said:

mjscarousal said:

FUCK PRINCE.ORG THIS IS A DUMBASS THEAD that they will question a genius but have pop tart threads running rapid crazy

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

The other option is....

One could start a website were you ask and respond to your own questions, then you'll never have to be outraged by an opposing viewpoint.

===========================================================

[Edited 6/18/11 12:50pm]

TD3 said:

silverchild said:

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

The other option is....

One could start a website were you ask and respond to your on questions, then you'll never have to be outraged by an opposing viewpoint.

TD3 said:

silverchild said:

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

The other option is....

One could start a website were you ask and respond to your on questions, then you'll never have to be outraged by an opposing viewpoint.

Hmmm....

Great idea!

silverchild said:

TD3 said:

The other option is....

One could start a website were you ask and respond to your on questions, then you'll never have to be outraged by an opposing viewpoint.

Hmmm....

Great idea!

There's no doubt the man (Sly Stone) changed the landscape of music. Believe me everyone knew what they were hearing and experiencing was ver different, revolutionary. Still, Sly & the Stones weren't the only game in town and people waited for a bit then shrugged and kept movin' on. Just a different time....

TD3 said:

silverchild said:

Hmmm....

Great idea!

There's no doubt the man (Sly Stone) changed the landscape of music. Believe me everyone knew what they were hearing and experiencing was ver different, revolutionary. Still, Sly & the Stones weren't the only game in town and people waited for a bit then shrugged and kept movin' on. Just a different time....

Exactly. Well said!

TD3 said:

silverchild said:

Hmmm....

Great idea!

There's no doubt the man (Sly Stone) changed the landscape of music. Believe me everyone knew what they were hearing and experiencing was ver different, revolutionary. Still, Sly & the Stones weren't the only game in town and people waited for a bit then shrugged and kept movin' on. Just a different time....

Right.

silverchild said:

TD3 said:

There's no doubt the man (Sly Stone) changed the landscape of music. Believe me everyone knew what they were hearing and experiencing was ver different, revolutionary. Still, Sly & the Stones weren't the only game in town and people waited for a bit then shrugged and kept movin' on. Just a different time....

Exactly. Well said!

Like Rose said, "Different strokes, for different folks!"

I guess drug addiction knows no boundaries when it comes to social classes, wealth, ethnicity or status. Addiction is a part of every group of people everywhere. Most of the people listed here were geniuses in one way or another.

So as far as Sly Stone goes, he's no worse or better than the ones listed here. Sad part is that

his family and close friends don't seem to care. They seem to be tagging along under an umbrella of Sly's past fame instead of doing a "major" intervention by refusing to perform with him until he's totally straight.

Sigmond Frued - cocaine

Andy Warhol - obetrol

Miles Davis - heroin

Lewis Carroll - opium

Eminem - ecstacy (at one time)

Stephen King - cocaine

Judy Garland - amphetamines

Robert Downey Jr- heroin

Eddy Van Halen - cocaine

Robert L. Stevenson - cocaine (writer of "Dr. Jeykell and Mr. Hyde")

Kate Moss - heroin

River Phoenix - heroin and cocaine

Kurt Cobaine - heroin

Janis Joplin - heroin

silverchild said:

Karen71 said:

But I think the man (and the band) HAVE gotten their props. That's evident by the fact that most (of you) believe him to be a musical genius and acknowledge his innovation and contribution to music. The induction into the RNR Hall of Fame solidifies his mark on the music world.

And we have to be fair to the man (AND music lovers), even if his demons had not taken over, his reign would've been long over by now. No one stays at their peak. Some artists and big bands like Aretha & the Rolling Stones may have a huge following, but when's the last time they've had a #1? It's all about Justin Beiber, Beyonce & Rihanna now. (shudder)

Sly fanatics have deluded themselves into thinking that if he got his act together yesterday and put out an album today it would be quadruple plantinum tomorrow. Truth is he wouldn't be the Sly of '70 even without the drugs. (He might, however, look better. ) Something happened to Lauryn Hill and she hasn't been able to recapture the magic of The Miseducation just 10 or so years out. Here we're expecting Sly to do what he did more 40 years later.

Even though Sly & The Family Stone has gotten their props from the industry and many music admirers, I still don't think that their recogniton is wide-reaching. I mean, I think alot of people know hits such as "Dance To The Music," "Everyday People" and "Family Affair", but there is so much more to Sly's legacy and contribution to both American popular music and Black popular music. Sure hip-hop heads have sampled their stuff endlessly and folks use their songs to advertise products in commercials, but that doesn't even scratch the surface to his nor the Family Stone's enduring legacy. I mean the stuff he was doing from '67 to around '74 was just irresistible. Their run from 1967-1974 completely changed the landscape of music, period! Like someone once said, there was music before Sly & The Family Stone and after Sly & The Family Stone.

Now regarding Sly today...I don't think people would buy into it much. If he was to put out that highly-anticipated album today, it would be similar to Aretha of now. People would buy it, but it would just be any other release, nothing too spectacular. So I agree with you there Karen71, but I honestly don't think Sly will ever put out an album's worth of new material ever again. I think Sly knows what would happen. How many people were actually impressed by the diaster of a Grammy tribute back in 2007? It was a ploy to promote a highly-anticipated reissue campaign that was coming out later.

But I would like to ask a question Karen71. I still don't understand the point of this thread you created. If you know that Sly had a musically-commanding and engrossing run and has been in a decline musically and career-wise since the mid-70s, why are you bringing up his demons and considering that he must be a "dumbass drug addict"? I find it crazy that you're making a bigger deal on his personal life in the past and present, but at the same time, you're stating that you don't understand what makes him a genius. Sure, Sly has been a wreck since the 70s, but does that take away from his musical legacy? Sure life invokes art in some way, but tragedy and mishaps do happen. Sly put himself through some hardships that have made him the person he is today. He can't get mad with anyone but himself on that, but he has made his mark on music. I think that is what I will personally remember him for the most. Even the stuff he made post-Small Talk has a remarkable place in his catalog of work. So, maybe you can elaborate what your point is in this thread????

[Edited 6/13/11 20:07pm]

I wasn't even in utero when Sly was a chart topper. And Sly Stone was ABSENT from my upbringing--and my father was a former DJ. I remember hearing The Ohio Players blaring from our speakers into my teens. My sister was an J5/MJ fan and my brother was ALL OVER Bootsy. I'd heard "Thank You" on the radio over the years--but it was nothing more than an Oldie But Goodie. Other songs like Everyday People & Family Affair (which I'd probably only heard 2x)=the same.

When I checked this guy out on youtube recently, I noted 2 things:

1. His music sounded OLD and DATED. Sure some songs were funky--but it was 70s funk. Besides, The Ohio Players, James Brown, KC the Sunshine Band and TONS of others were funky back then too. Jimi Hendrixs music, on the other hand, completely ignored the boundaries of time. I could then understand why so many held him in such great esteem. Sly and Family Stone? Not so much.

2. I watched videos of his drug-induced interviews (Dick Cavett comes to mind). Many commented that his "musical genius" status was to blame for his weird behavior. And I'm thinking, "Genuis? Why can't the guy just be a drugged up azzhole?" They made it sound that he was sooooo GENUIS with his music that it altered his social skills--or vice versa. I wasn't so sure b/c the music I'd heard was good but I wasn't sure it was genius. It also seemed that he was a non-issue when he was "playing" an instrument. He was able to walk away or not strum a note on a guitar he was holding and the band didn't miss a beat. So I couldn't get that part either. Appeared to me that he was simply propped up by a very good band. Hell, it's not even as if he was lead singer like Axel Rose. The band very well could have gone on w/o him all those times he didn't show up.

Thought I'd come onto a board with real music lovers to see what insight I could get into what made him so great.

[Edited 6/18/11 20:38pm]

TD3 said:

silverchild said:

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

The other option is....

One could start a website were you ask and respond to your own questions, then you'll never have to be outraged by an opposing viewpoint.

===========================================================

[Edited 6/18/11 12:50pm]

silverchild said:

mjscarousal said:

FUCK PRINCE.ORG THIS IS A DUMBASS THEAD that they will question a genius but have pop tart threads running rapid crazy

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

You seem to forget that everyone's experiences are different. I wasn't there to see this great landscape change.

PS: That gif proves my point. This guy's up there dance, acting the fool, and hasn't touched one key. BUT the music still sounded great. The band obviously didn't need him to play an instrument.

Karen - At this point, you might want to consider that your lack of appreciation and understanding might be a lack of sophistication on your own part. I mean, you're on a Prince forum, aren't you? It's like going on a Bluegrass forum to say the Banjo is overrated.

Firstly.... a lot of great artists are bad people.

Secondly... it's up to you if you want to let a musicians personal life overshadow their music, but keep in mind, dysfunctional as he is/was, his band and family still want to play with him, and still love him, including his ex.

How he lived his life isn't going to help you understand the brilliance of his music either way.

Sly started performing as a child. The guy turned his family, and some misfits from different walks of life, and races into one of the funkiest, soulful bands ever. What he brought to the forefront was the streets, and a swagger that was flashy, and raw, with a sense of humor. He was jamming off big top circus music, using puns and word play to make serious statements, and making music about empowerment, love, and just keeping it together. When his baby momma shouts "stand up, and dance to the music" few moments in music evoke that much emotion, and capture that period in time nearly the same way. So much so, that Obama using The Family Stone during campaigns was borderline exploitive and almost a cheap shot.

Still not getting it? It's about the personality and the jam, not about musicianship. It's about fluctuating between so many styles, and being loose. He took elements that don't work, and was the ring leader to make them grooves. He was a visionary. You might not get it, but I promise you, anyone you mention, like a Slash, or an O'Jays...they get it. Nobody thinks he's likely to do it again, but nobody wants to shut the door on the possibility we don't know what he knows, and he can spit out some next level madness that speaks to our times again.

Karen71 said:

silverchild said:

Even though Sly & The Family Stone has gotten their props from the industry and many music admirers, I still don't think that their recogniton is wide-reaching. I mean, I think alot of people know hits such as "Dance To The Music," "Everyday People" and "Family Affair", but there is so much more to Sly's legacy and contribution to both American popular music and Black popular music. Sure hip-hop heads have sampled their stuff endlessly and folks use their songs to advertise products in commercials, but that doesn't even scratch the surface to his nor the Family Stone's enduring legacy. I mean the stuff he was doing from '67 to around '74 was just irresistible. Their run from 1967-1974 completely changed the landscape of music, period! Like someone once said, there was music before Sly & The Family Stone and after Sly & The Family Stone.

Now regarding Sly today...I don't think people would buy into it much. If he was to put out that highly-anticipated album today, it would be similar to Aretha of now. People would buy it, but it would just be any other release, nothing too spectacular. So I agree with you there Karen71, but I honestly don't think Sly will ever put out an album's worth of new material ever again. I think Sly knows what would happen. How many people were actually impressed by the diaster of a Grammy tribute back in 2007? It was a ploy to promote a highly-anticipated reissue campaign that was coming out later.

But I would like to ask a question Karen71. I still don't understand the point of this thread you created. If you know that Sly had a musically-commanding and engrossing run and has been in a decline musically and career-wise since the mid-70s, why are you bringing up his demons and considering that he must be a "dumbass drug addict"? I find it crazy that you're making a bigger deal on his personal life in the past and present, but at the same time, you're stating that you don't understand what makes him a genius. Sure, Sly has been a wreck since the 70s, but does that take away from his musical legacy? Sure life invokes art in some way, but tragedy and mishaps do happen. Sly put himself through some hardships that have made him the person he is today. He can't get mad with anyone but himself on that, but he has made his mark on music. I think that is what I will personally remember him for the most. Even the stuff he made post-Small Talk has a remarkable place in his catalog of work. So, maybe you can elaborate what your point is in this thread????

[Edited 6/13/11 20:07pm]

I wasn't even in utero when Sly was a chart topper. And Sly Stone was ABSENT from my upbringing--and my father was a former DJ. I remember hearing The Ohio Players blaring from our speakers into my teens. My sister was an J5/MJ fan and my brother was ALL OVER Bootsy. I'd heard "Thank You" on the radio over the years--but it was nothing more than an Oldie But Goodie. Other songs like Everyday People & Family Affair (which I'd probably only heard 2x)=the same.

When I checked this guy out on youtube recently, I noted 2 things:

1. His music sounded OLD and DATED. Sure some songs were funky--but it was 70s funk. Besides, The Ohio Players, James Brown, KC the Sunshine Band and TONS of others were funky back then too. Jimi Hendrixs music, on the other hand, completely ignored the boundaries of time. I could then understand why so many held him in such great esteem. Sly and Family Stone? Not so much.

2. I watched videos of his drug-induced interviews (Dick Cavett comes to mind). Many commented that his "musical genius" status was to blame for his weird behavior. And I'm thinking, "Genuis? Why can't the guy just be a drugged up azzhole?" They made it sound that he was sooooo GENUIS with his music that it altered his social skills--or vice versa. I wasn't so sure b/c the music I'd heard was good but I wasn't sure it was genius. It also seemed that he was a non-issue when he was "playing" an instrument. He was able to walk away or not strum a note on a guitar he was holding and the band didn't miss a beat. So I couldn't get that part either. Appeared to me that he was simply propped up by a very good band. Hell, it's not even as if he was lead singer like Axel Rose. The band very well could have gone on w/o him all those times he didn't show up.

Thought I'd come onto a board with real music lovers to see what insight I could get into what made him so great.

[Edited 6/18/11 20:38pm]

This is what I want you to do Karen! Take a close and careful listen to the first 7 albums that Sly made from '67 to '74:

No interruptions or anything. If it still doesn't make sense to you, that's fine! It just won't make sense to you...

treehouse said:

Karen - At this point, you might want to consider that your lack of appreciation and understanding might be a lack of sophistication on your own part. I mean, you're on a Prince forum, aren't you? It's like going on a Bluegrass forum to say the Banjo is overrated.

Firstly.... a lot of great artists are bad people.

Secondly... it's up to you if you want to let a musicians personal life overshadow their music, but keep in mind, dysfunctional as he is/was, his band and family still want to play with him, and still love him, including his ex.

How he lived his life isn't going to help you understand the brilliance of his music either way.

Sly started performing as a child. The guy turned his family, and some misfits from different walks of life, and races into one of the funkiest, soulful bands ever. What he brought to the forefront was the streets, and a swagger that was flashy, and raw, with a sense of humor. He was jamming off big top circus music, using puns and word play to make serious statements, and making music about empowerment, love, and just keeping it together. When his baby momma shouts "stand up, and dance to the music" few moments in music evoke that much emotion, and capture that period in time nearly the same way. So much so, that Obama using The Family Stone during campaigns was borderline exploitive and almost a cheap shot.

Still not getting it? It's about the personality and the jam, not about musicianship. It's about fluctuating between so many styles, and being loose. He took elements that don't work, and was the ring leader to make them grooves. He was a visionary. You might not get it, but I promise you, anyone you mention, like a Slash, or an O'Jays...they get it. Nobody thinks he's likely to do it again, but nobody wants to shut the door on the possibility we don't know what he knows, and he can spit out some next level madness that speaks to our times again.

Actually, I WOULD go to a bluegrass site to ask why the banjo's so overrated. Who would you propose I ask about the banjo---a HIP HOP site? (Looking for an eye roll emoticon to insert here.) Don't think they'd be able to answer---or care.

Seems some of you are more focused on the personal aspect than I am. I think we can all agree that he screwed up his personal--and professional life--with drugs. And that he probably wasn't the most ethical person to deal with...SO, I moved on from that part. It still baffles me why you're still there...ON PAGE 3. I thought the discussion'd moved onto his contributions to MUSIC. Keep up!

Obama using his music while campaigning as an "exploitative" cheap shot? Well, I went to one of his rallies and remember hearing Bono & many others. Is that cheap and exploitative too?

And no comment on band members still relying on him for income. Maybe they still want to play with him b/c they know he's a draw. A show with Sly on the bill clearly brings in more money. DUH! A better point would've been made if you were able to say he severed all ties with them b/c they'd pushed too hard to get him the help he clearly and desperately needs.

treehouse said:

Karen - At this point, you might want to consider that your lack of appreciation and understanding might be a lack of sophistication on your own part. I mean, you're on a Prince forum, aren't you? It's like going on a Bluegrass forum to say the Banjo is overrated.

Firstly.... a lot of great artists are bad people.

Secondly... it's up to you if you want to let a musicians personal life overshadow their music, but keep in mind, dysfunctional as he is/was, his band and family still want to play with him, and still love him, including his ex.

How he lived his life isn't going to help you understand the brilliance of his music either way.

Sly started performing as a child. The guy turned his family, and some misfits from different walks of life, and races into one of the funkiest, soulful bands ever. What he brought to the forefront was the streets, and a swagger that was flashy, and raw, with a sense of humor. He was jamming off big top circus music, using puns and word play to make serious statements, and making music about empowerment, love, and just keeping it together. When his baby momma shouts "stand up, and dance to the music" few moments in music evoke that much emotion, and capture that period in time nearly the same way. So much so, that Obama using The Family Stone during campaigns was borderline exploitive and almost a cheap shot.

Still not getting it? It's about the personality and the jam, not about musicianship. It's about fluctuating between so many styles, and being loose. He took elements that don't work, and was the ring leader to make them grooves. He was a visionary. You might not get it, but I promise you, anyone you mention, like a Slash, or an O'Jays...they get it. Nobody thinks he's likely to do it again, but nobody wants to shut the door on the possibility we don't know what he knows, and he can spit out some next level madness that speaks to our times again.

Agreed! Sly made the impossible possible when it came to recording and laying down grooves that audiences and musicians wouldn't even touch and made them work. It wasn't about duplicating anything, but bringing the unknown to the conciousness of people and making it cool, dope, funky and fresh. Sure, there were people who didn't understand or grasp what he was doing back in the day when he was at his prime, but he was more about doing what he knew was groovy. Sly and his band were truly groundbreaking for that aspect alone in their music and message.

[Edited 6/18/11 21:37pm]

Karen71 said:

silverchild said:

THIS IS THE GREATEST MUTHAF**KING POST EVER!

How dare someone question the genius of one of the few individuals who changed the landscape of music?

You seem to forget that everyone's experiences are different. I wasn't there to see this great landscape change.

PS: That gif proves my point. This guy's up there dance, acting the fool, and hasn't touched one key. BUT the music still sounded great. The band obviously didn't need him to play an instrument.

That's like saying all the bands that played on Soul Train and American Bandstand who lip-sync and "air played" their instruments were imposters. It's obvious you aren't impressed with Sly Stone and you don't have to be, your ear knows what sounds good to you.

Just so we are very clear, everybody in the band was strung out on drugs. Believe me, when they were high (which was most of the time) none of them could play or sing anything.

==========================================

[Edited 6/18/11 21:52pm]

^ Exactly.

Karen71 said:

It still baffles me why you're still there...ON PAGE 3. I thought the discussion'd moved onto his contributions to MUSIC. Keep up!

Obama using his music while campaigning as an "exploitative" cheap shot? Well, I went to one of his rallies and remember hearing Bono & many others. Is that cheap and exploitative too?

Okay so you're a troll. We're clear on that. Reread my comments explaining the MUSICAL importance a few more times, and just how he transcended singing a simple song, and dancing to the music. I'm sure that one went past you too.

Oh, and the band is called U2 not "Bono", and there's a difference between "It's a beautiful day" and "Everyday People"....

Sly And The Family Stone
Everyday People lyrics

Sometimes I'm right then I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my songs
A butcher, a banker, a drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I'm in
I am everyday people

There is a blue one who can't accept
The green one for living with
a black ones tryin' to be a skinny one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha
We gotta live together

I am no better and neither are you
We're all the same whatever we do
You love me you hate me
You know me and then
Still can't figure out the bag I'm in
I am everyday people

There is a new man
That doesn't like the short man
For being such a rich one
That will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha
We got to live together

There is a yellow one that won't
Accept the black one
That won't accept the red one
That won't accept the white one

Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and
Scooby dooby dooby
Ooh sha sha
I am everyday people

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Aren't most of the best drugies?

This reminds me of something a friend paraphrased "Arent the best drunks writers?" so true. While it can destroy and usually does, theres a window when creativity and substances combine for sheer brilliance.

silverchild said:

Karen71 said:

By the way, let me clarify my initial post:

The question about being a "dumb a** druggie" was not in relation to his music but to his BEHAVIOR.

It was his erratic BEHAVIOR that was blamed on his 'genius".

I completely understand that a person can be gifted in their art...but an a**hole in their personal lives.

Ok Karen71, hold up...

I agree with mostly everything people have stated regarding your dilemma with the legacy and personal life with Sly Stone. I don't understand how his erratic behavior was blamed on his genius. I personally think that Sly & The Family Stone had their enduring run, where they ruled, innovated and changed the landscape of popular music. But at the same time, his personal life and demons took over, even as Sly reached his mighty peak and things started to decline from there. Let's not overlook that the drama of a polarized record label (Epic Records), the straining events of the Civil Rights Movement, the pressures of the Black Panther Party, the end of the utopian dreams of the 1960s, and the realization of the tragic realities of 1970s decadence were all associated with Sly's failure to actually keep himself afloat and not letting his demons take over. The one thing that remains unfortunate about Sly Stone is that he probably will never be taken seriously again, as he seems more like a novelty now more than ever. Years of drug abuse, depression and hard living have definitely deteriorated him, but he remains both a legend and living testimony. Like he once sang in "If You Want Me To Stay": "I wish I could get the message over to you now." His message remains solidified in the totality of his musical legacy, but it is blurred as it pertains to the man he has become today. As much as I have to admit it, he will never get his true props until the day he leaves this earth and that is as devastating as a heart attack!

Great post.

As for the last sentence, sadly there're MANY great living artists who will be lumped in that category. And when they hit the grave, you'll suddenly see people singing their praises when they didn't even have use for them while they were alive.

Karen71 said:

1. His music sounded OLD and DATED. Sure some songs were funky--but it was 70s funk. Besides, The Ohio Players, James Brown, KC the Sunshine Band and TONS of others were funky back then too. Jimi Hendrixs music, on the other hand, completely ignored the boundaries of time. I could then understand why so many held him in such great esteem. Sly and Family Stone? Not so much.

[Edited 6/18/11 20:38pm]

I think your love of Hendrix is blinding you to the fact that his music also sounds old and dated. That doesn't mean that it's bad but Jimi very much relied on, what were at that time, modern production tricks. When I listen to Hendrix it is very apparent that I am listening to something that was recorded in the late '60s which is true of many artists from that era. Lyrically his music is very much a product of it's time.

Karen71 said:

PS: That gif proves my point. This guy's up there dance, acting the fool, and hasn't touched one key. BUT the music still sounded great. The band obviously didn't need him to play an instrument.

Have you ever watched a Prince concert? He often goes long stretches of his shows without touching an instrument. You could put Prince's band on the stage and take him out of the equation and they would still sound great. Why is that? Rehearsals! Prince is in charge of rehearsing his band just like Sly was in charge of rehearsing his.

Another thing you may want to consider. You may believe that the band didn't need Sly to sound great but if that is true why didn't they just kick him out when his addictions became a problem? The answer is that the band did need him because he wrote all of the songs!

He was a musicial genius and a drug addict at the same time. But now he's just a has been.

802 said:

He was a musicial genius and a drug addict at the same time. But now he's just a has been.

[img:$uid]http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/7781-has-been.jpg[/img:$uid]

TD3 said:

Karen71 said:

You seem to forget that everyone's experiences are different. I wasn't there to see this great landscape change.

PS: That gif proves my point. This guy's up there dance, acting the fool, and hasn't touched one key. BUT the music still sounded great. The band obviously didn't need him to play an instrument.

That's like saying all the bands that played on Soul Train and American Bandstand who lip-sync and "air played" their instruments were imposters. It's obvious you aren't impressed with Sly Stone and you don't have to be, your ear knows what sounds good to you.

Just so we are very clear, everybody in the band was strung out on drugs. Believe me, when they were high (which was most of the time) none of them could play or sing anything.

==========================================

[Edited 6/18/11 21:52pm]

Yeah, but those band members aren't being called genuises.

treehouse said:

Karen71 said:

It still baffles me why you're still there...ON PAGE 3. I thought the discussion'd moved onto his contributions to MUSIC. Keep up!

Obama using his music while campaigning as an "exploitative" cheap shot? Well, I went to one of his rallies and remember hearing Bono & many others. Is that cheap and exploitative too?

Okay so you're a troll. We're clear on that. Reread my comments explaining the MUSICAL importance a few more times, and just how he transcended singing a simple song, and dancing to the music. I'm sure that one went past you too.

Oh, and the band is called U2 not "Bono", and there's a difference between "It's a beautiful day" and "Everyday People"....

Sly And The Family Stone
Everyday People lyrics

Sometimes I'm right then I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my songs
A butcher, a banker, a drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I'm in
I am everyday people

There is a blue one who can't accept
The green one for living with
a black ones tryin' to be a skinny one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha
We gotta live together

I am no better and neither are you
We're all the same whatever we do
You love me you hate me
You know me and then
Still can't figure out the bag I'm in
I am everyday people

There is a new man
That doesn't like the short man
For being such a rich one
That will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on scooby dooby dooby

Ooh sha sha
We got to live together

There is a yellow one that won't
Accept the black one
That won't accept the red one
That won't accept the white one

Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and
Scooby dooby dooby
Ooh sha sha
I am everyday people

So I'M a troll just because your posts make NO SENSE whatsoever?

Like this response, for example. Are you really telling me that it's the lyrics of Everyday People that make choosing that song exploitative and that if the lyrics of Beautiful Day had been different it would have been a 'cheap shot' too? For some reason, I suspect Sly was honored that Obama chose his song.

You know what, don't even bother answering...You're just....ugh!

rialb said:

Karen71 said:

PS: That gif proves my point. This guy's up there dance, acting the fool, and hasn't touched one key. BUT the music still sounded great. The band obviously didn't need him to play an instrument.

Have you ever watched a Prince concert? He often goes long stretches of his shows without touching an instrument. You could put Prince's band on the stage and take him out of the equation and they would still sound great. Why is that? Rehearsals! Prince is in charge of rehearsing his band just like Sly was in charge of rehearsing his.

Another thing you may want to consider. You may believe that the band didn't need Sly to sound great but if that is true why didn't they just kick him out when his addictions became a problem? The answer is that the band did need him because he wrote all of the songs!

How many albums do you think Sly & the Family Stone would have sold without a Sly? It's all about what's going to make the money, honey.

And didn't some just QUIT? Kinda hard to kick out the one who got the band started in the first place.

That's not to say I don't think he made instrumental contributions to the band. I'm sure he did. It just doesn't seem anyone would've noticed if he hit the wrong key--or that the song would've faltered if he just didn't play. In fact, a few band members have said that there were times they were ready to perform when Sly was AWOL. They considered going on w/o him (obviously b/c they could have done it w/o him) but the shows didn't want them to.

That said, I do realize there's much to be said for his songwriting and arrangements.

Karen71 said:

Let's face it, he was propped up by a funky band. The guy barely played a note. His music was good for his times but were the lyrics to songs like Hot Fun in the Summertime (Hi Hi Hi Hiiiii there) and Family Affair deep enough to brand him a musical genius?

The band played music that he wrote, if anything Sly propped them up by giving them something to sing and play.

Hmm, there's more to be a musical genius than lyrics. Just look at the term "musical genius" it's right there in the phrase. Is he a lyrical genius? Maybe not but that does not necessarily preclude him from being a musical genius.

I'm not sure if we are doing a good job of persuading you. Are there any arguments that you have heard that have at all changed your mind? Are there things that we haven't touched on that you would like to know? I think we've made a pretty good case in his favour but it doesn't appear that we are reaching you.