I reread your chapter on Sly from "Mystery Train" at least once a year, sometimes more. Earlier this year, right after the inauguration and instant onslaught of attacks on anything that would benefit anyone but rich, straight white men, I found myself listening to Sly's back a catalog all the way back to the Family Stone's debut. It actually helped somewhat. Whether or not he came to view it as a lie, as a cop-out, the music he and the original Family Stone made together was just about the only thing that could have made January and February of this year bearable. He was a huge influence on me as a person and as a musician. Thank you for sharing the original review, it was fascinating to see paragraphs that I've memorized in their original form.
I think you captured this with much insight. It aligns with how I experienced him back then but couldn’t really articulate it. Your observation about the balance between the integrity of each individual band member’s voice and Sly’s overall aesthetic and messaging feels particular on the mark. Thanks!
As important and One target as when you wrote it . As one born in early60s, who was fortunate to see Sly & The Family Stone and Sly Stone himself on TV a number of times (and on Top40 radio in late 60s early 70s), mid70s rock radio couldn't be bothered to play Sly & Family on the radio (or any black artist - 'kept Hendrix), it wouldn't be until I read MYSTERY TRAIN as a freshman in college (1980) that I sought out the records (eventually all of them) - Thank-you; for that I am forever in your rock'n'roll debt.
A terrific piece, Greil, made even more impressive because, though you wrote it all the way back in 1972, it still stands absolutely relevant today.
As does, of course, Sly Stone.
It's rare that a review meets the moment of a momentous album as well as this one does. Thank you, Greil. Thank you, Sly.
I suppose it was inevitable that he would die on a day when, in fact, there's a riot goin' on.
A giant.
You and he stand the test of time. Thank you.
I reread your chapter on Sly from "Mystery Train" at least once a year, sometimes more. Earlier this year, right after the inauguration and instant onslaught of attacks on anything that would benefit anyone but rich, straight white men, I found myself listening to Sly's back a catalog all the way back to the Family Stone's debut. It actually helped somewhat. Whether or not he came to view it as a lie, as a cop-out, the music he and the original Family Stone made together was just about the only thing that could have made January and February of this year bearable. He was a huge influence on me as a person and as a musician. Thank you for sharing the original review, it was fascinating to see paragraphs that I've memorized in their original form.
I think you captured this with much insight. It aligns with how I experienced him back then but couldn’t really articulate it. Your observation about the balance between the integrity of each individual band member’s voice and Sly’s overall aesthetic and messaging feels particular on the mark. Thanks!
As important and One target as when you wrote it . As one born in early60s, who was fortunate to see Sly & The Family Stone and Sly Stone himself on TV a number of times (and on Top40 radio in late 60s early 70s), mid70s rock radio couldn't be bothered to play Sly & Family on the radio (or any black artist - 'kept Hendrix), it wouldn't be until I read MYSTERY TRAIN as a freshman in college (1980) that I sought out the records (eventually all of them) - Thank-you; for that I am forever in your rock'n'roll debt.
I would give a leg to be able to write like this.
"Everyday People" is the true national anthem.
Brilliant…all around. Many thanks
Beautiful. Piercing the veil as Sly does with that album. Thank you.
" on target"
All the squares, go home.