Japanese reissue of 1981 compilation that's deleted domestically features 20 songs selected from nine original full-length albums. 20 tracks. Sony. 2004.

Average Customer Review: ( 26 customer reviews )
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Epic/Legacy supposedly has a Sly box set planned for next fall, to be followed (hopefully) by an overhaul of the Family's CD catalog. Until then, this will be the definitive compilation by default.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

Great CD intro to Sly's musicJul 13, 2000
By J. Powell
This CD is much more essential than the first "greatest hits" album because a Sly collection is not complete without two of the greatest funk/soul songs ever written - "Family Affair" (a wonderfully poetic song that you won't get out of your head) and "Runnin' Away" (with its unforgettable trumpet melody). While there is a lot missing from this anthology, there is enough great material to make it a perfect introduction to Sly's beautiful contributions to soul music. Sly's music is a combination of multi-layered horns, bass lines, vocals (almost all the band members sang), and addictive melodies. He was also one of the first musicians to combine the hippie optimism of the 1960's with soul and funk music. Sly was almost more of a musical director than a performer, getting the most out of his tremendous musicians, especially the funkiest bass player around, Larry Graham. Sly's influence on soul music is immeasurable.

This is a way to introduce yourself to his music. It is a highly recommended addition to a music collection.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

Everyday People.Mar 22, 2000
By Jason Stein
If you're looking for some of the roots to r&b music, Sly and the Family Stone is where you need to listen. This anthology is excellent for the casual buyer. It has 20 tracks covering all their hits and well known songs. Like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, George Clinton, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, Sly and the Family Stone are a must have for any rock collector.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:

essential musicJul 13, 2001

I've got to give this five stars, because it is the most complete anthology of this great band. It has 8 more songs than Greatest Hits. There is no doubt that this band was one of the most visionary, groundbreaking, genre-breaking and best to come out of THE classic era of pop music. The music here speaks for itself. The solid pop song structures, the unusual ensemble singing, the tight, funky bass lines, the incredible musicianship, the visionary lyrics. Sly was a genius, and he assembled a unique supporting cast that realized his lofty ambition.

I want to mention the following resverations about this collection. The overall sound quality is mediocre. They were meticulously produced and recorded, and the digital mastering here does not do the music full justice. There is a fine new stereo mix of Hot Fun in the Summertime on Sony's 'Artifacts' series that was released in the early '90s, the subpar mono mix shows up here. Also, Family Affair is dismally flat, lacking any high end at all. Overall, this collection does not impress, sonically.

That said, this is some of the most essential and groundbreaking music made in a decade of amazing musicmaking that will never again be approached. An essential in any pop/rock/R&B/Soul catalog...at least, until Sony gives this music its full due with a finely remastered, at least 2 disc set.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:

Great Collection,terrible mastering; Sly deserves betterDec 29, 2000
By erictheb "erictheb"
Sly is one of the last great neglected megastars and legends of popular music. A true pioneer of integrated music, and thus integrated society, until drugs and self-abuse did him in. Great beats, great lyrics, always with that little wink that makes you think.

I can't figure out why there has not been a proper boxed set released or even a remaster of this compilation put out. For some reason, no one can get around to remastering this thing from the original tapes, in stereo. All these tracks are wonderful, and for a one-disc compilation, it is the best thing out there. But the sound quaility is, simply put, poor. Tons of hiss and noise, tinny and muffled sound, and inferior mono versions of some of his best stuff--"Thank you Fallettinme" and "Hot Fun", for example....If the record company is listening...Please get Sly off the black list and clean up his music the way it deserves!

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