[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="349" caption="May 3, 1969 (Stand!)"]
[/caption]
Okay, we all know at least a few songs by Sly and the Family Stone, even if we don't really realize it. Like "Everyday People", as an example. Now, this album was a big deal when it was released. It was the fourth studio album for the group. Previously, their albums didn't do as well (despite several singles), but this album sold over 500 000 copies in its first year of release, which is pretty impressive.
Still, I have to say, I'm not a huge fan. Its alright, but I wouldn't say it has that instant wow factor. It doesn't really pop out to my ears. If you don't know, the album is definitely a funk album with lots of groovy beats and groovy bass lines. It just doesn't have a really tight cohesive sound that allows it to rock out, in my opinion. That said, I feel like the album would be awesome if you heard it live, just based on the style of music it is. I feel like it would have a bit more feeling to it. And I guess that's what I don't love (to be more specific), the fact that its just a bit stagnant sounding.
Oh, right, but there's also that (bizarrely placed) track, "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey", which is a clear discussion about racism, although there really isn't much literal substance to the track...since there aren't many lyrics. You still get the idea.
Stand! is unlike a lot of the other albums I've listened to on the list so far. And its worth a listen. Maybe I'm just being super critical, I don't know. What do you think?
Track Listing
Side One
[/caption]
Okay, we all know at least a few songs by Sly and the Family Stone, even if we don't really realize it. Like "Everyday People", as an example. Now, this album was a big deal when it was released. It was the fourth studio album for the group. Previously, their albums didn't do as well (despite several singles), but this album sold over 500 000 copies in its first year of release, which is pretty impressive.
Still, I have to say, I'm not a huge fan. Its alright, but I wouldn't say it has that instant wow factor. It doesn't really pop out to my ears. If you don't know, the album is definitely a funk album with lots of groovy beats and groovy bass lines. It just doesn't have a really tight cohesive sound that allows it to rock out, in my opinion. That said, I feel like the album would be awesome if you heard it live, just based on the style of music it is. I feel like it would have a bit more feeling to it. And I guess that's what I don't love (to be more specific), the fact that its just a bit stagnant sounding.
Oh, right, but there's also that (bizarrely placed) track, "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey", which is a clear discussion about racism, although there really isn't much literal substance to the track...since there aren't many lyrics. You still get the idea.
Stand! is unlike a lot of the other albums I've listened to on the list so far. And its worth a listen. Maybe I'm just being super critical, I don't know. What do you think?
Track Listing
Side One
- Stand!
- Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey
- I Want To Take You Higher
- Somebody's Watching You
- Sing a Simply Song
Side Two
- Everyday People
- Sex Machine
- You Can Make It If You Try
Comments (0)
Back to RS150