Along with James Brown, Parliament and Funkadelic, Sly & the Family Stone virtually invented 1970's funk. Their fusion of R&B rhythms, infectious melodies, and psychedelia created a new pop/soul/rock hybrid. The impact of Sly's music has proven widespread and long-lasting. For instance, Motown producer Norman Whitfield patterned the label's forays into harder- driving, socially relevant material (such as The Temptations' 'Runaway Child' and 'Ball of Confusion') based on their sound.

The pioneering precedent of Stone's racial, sexual, and stylistic mix, had a major influence in the 1980's on artists such as Prince and Rick James. Legions of artists from the 1990's forward - including Public Enemy, Fatboy Slim, Arrested Devellopment, Beck and many others - mined Stone's back catalogue for samples. This 20 track compilation covers all the hits & fan favourites from the 1968-1974 period. For those not familiar with Sly this 2LP set on 180 grams audiophile vinyl is a great introduction and an invitation to dig deeper into Sly & The Family Stone's catalogue.

Track Listing:

• A1 Dance To The Music 3:00
• A2 I Want To Take You Higher 5:22
• A3 Family Affair 3:09
• A4 Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again) 4:53
• A5 I Get High On You 5:55
• B1 Stand 3:05
• B2 M' Lady 2:45
• B3 Skin I'm In 2:46
• B4 Everyday People 2:20
• B5 Sing A Simple Song 3:55
• C1 Hot Fun In The Summertime 2:37
• C2 Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey 6:02
• C3 Brave & Strong 3:30
• C4 Life 2:58
• C5 Everybody Is A Star 3:00
• D1 If You Want Me To Stay 3:06
• D2 (You Caught Me) Smilin' 3:00
• D3 Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) 5:15
• D4 Runnin' Away 2:58
• D5 Family Affair (Remix) 3:53